In my experience with seeking paid employment, I have discovered by accident something that my parents drilled into my head from the time I can remember - your reputation is important to uphold and you are the one who has control over it. What I have quickly learned in this process is that your reputation provides the power to open doors and meet with influencers who genuinely want to work with you to help find you a job that is a great fit.
For me, this period of transition has been a blessing. It has provided me the time to connect with my network to share ideas and listen for advice. Because I have built a solid reputation in my past I now have at this critical stage many, many people who want to help, who are rooting for me, cheering me on, directing me and building my confidence. It is truly remarkable and quite a humbling experience.
As you continue on your life's journey, take time to honestly evaluate what you have done to build your brand, to establish your reputation. If your reputation is less than stellar, than start making changes now. Don't wait until you are most in need of people to support you. That's too late in the game and will make the job of looking for employment very tedious and painful.
Fortunately for me, I am actually really enjoying this period of time. I am connecting and reconnecting with so many people in my life who are genuinely interested in seeing me succeed. If I could figure out how to make a living by being in transition it would be a great gig!
"If I could figure out how to make a living by being in transition it would be a great gig!" Sooooooo very true!
ReplyDeleteI have been "transitioning" since April of 2008, however, my transition has led me to a place where I don't want to seek gainful employment, I simply want to CREATE it. So I have dug myself DEEP into the non-profit sector by volunteering full-time to get this new agency off the ground. It wasn't until I volunteered by default (because I didn't have anything else to do) that I realized how many people are rooting for me and cheering me on. I've done some things, made progress, and completed some goals that I never thought I could accomplish, all because I have this network of people who seem to think I'm Super Woman. Talk about building confidence! I will admit, it has been MORE than a struggle, but I wouldn't trade in my struggle for gainful employment...well maybe if it's the right job. lol.
What a blessing for you to have found yourself creating and doing such wonderful work. It is the power of being other centered rather than self centered that makes all the difference. Despite the hardships it is what we are called to do. I wish you continued success.
ReplyDeleteEverything you write is so true, reputation and integrity, the two most important traits when looking for employment and living your life!
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