Chapter 3: Creating a Life Plan

It's been almost a month since I was laid off. So with 4 weeks worth of researching different companies, filling out applications, revising and sending out resumes and cover letters and making follow up calls, I've received 1 phone interview and 13 "thanks but no thanks" emails or phone calls. I've applied to more than 40 companies, and counting, so hopefully I'll attract better interest at one of the other companies. Needless to say, being rejected is no fun. SOOO, for the weary and light of heart, if you can't work, then VOLUNTEER!! :)

So this past week, I've been catching up on some of my volunteering projects. One great benefit of volunteering is that it's great for the soul! Being able to help some one, some how, makes you feel awesome. So, my fellow unemployed friends, lift up another's spirit while lifting your own, go volunteer! And, in volunteering, you can also pick up some valuable experience or good references to add onto your resume as well. It's a win-win!

And so, I am working on creating a life plan... Onto the questions!

1. I believe it is realistic to expect a job to provide more than a paycheck. If work takes up the majority of your time, why not have it be able to pay your bills and be fun at the same time?

2. My sense of calling is to serve. Whatever capacity that is in, I was put on this earth to be of some type of service to help people, whether it be family, friends, colleagues or even strangers. It gives me a sense of purpose and that makes me happy.

3. God calls every one, whether they hear it or not, it's up to them to listen and act upon it.

4. It is reasonable to expect your work to be a part of the fulfillment of your calling. Knowing that will allow you to excel in the position your in. You're not just performing that function but you're glorifying your maker in that function. Attitude determines altitude.

5. Although I am currently non-employed, I was in Human Resources with specialty in Recruitment. Not to be boastful, but because I enjoy the work, I am quite good at it.

6. This year, success would mean a full-time HR Generalist position within a dynamic and growing company, relatively close to my home.

7. I was where I had imagined myself up until the point I got laid off. But, onward and upward.

8. A job is not the only defining purpose in my life. Being a good mother and wife also gives me a great sense of meaning, purpose and accomplishment every day.

9. Finding another job will allow our household a chance of accomplishing our financial goal - living debt free.

Chapter 2 : The Challenge of Change -- React, Respond, or Get Trampled

Affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. - Romans 5:3-4


This is one of the two verses introducing Dan Miller's 2nd chapter. This chapter was difficult for me to complete, not because of the distractions that I have going around the household, but more because of some of the content, one of which is "Dealing with Obstacles in Our Path". On one end, I am very certain I'd like to continue to pursue a career in HR, yet on the other, I've just launched a side business to foster my creative side, designing and making whimsical toddler totes. Although it does not make enough to gain me financial security, it is very fun to do. However, it does take time and focus away from doing Dan's 48 days and finding that ideal job that would provide financial security. Dilemmas, dilemmas. Another issue, as Dan addresses handling change, is knowing what is changeless in ourselves, "knowing what God has uniquely gifted you and what you value...Finding a job is a meaningless process until you develop a clear focus that is suited to you."

Dear Lord, please give me the wisdom of discernment. Amen.

"What is work?"

"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life." -Confucius

So I am just finishing up the first chapter in Dan Miller's book, 48 Days to the Work You Love. This is actually my second time reading through this book. The first time, I actually skimmed through the majority of the book and only delved into the parts that I thought pertained most intimately to me. This time, in hopes of finding that perfect job, I'm going to be better committed to his entire process and start by completing each of the questions at the end of the chapter, "Countdown to Work I Love".

The following are my answers to the questions asked:

1. Yang's Chinese Restaurant was my first place of employment. As a sophomore in high school, I was working each weekend as their take-out bagger and being paid $4.25/hr.

2. Although my positions have been from different industries; from food service, to optical/medical, to IT, to pharmaceutical, to finance, to sales, then automotive, they were all linked by the following traits, very people-oriented, with focus on customer/client service. Of the different positions, my last position, corporate/field recruiter, held the most value or worth to me. I was given the ownership of all recruiting responsibilities for my division, covering training to relationship building with each of the business units and hiring managers.

3. If my job changes, my sense of purpose does not change. I know in all that I do, I do for a greater purpose. There is a purpose in everything. And I have a strong sense of pride in doing a good job, no matter what it is.

4. My current job had been terminated by the company. Company has been known to bring similar positions back, whether it will be there five years from now, time can only tell.

5.Key characteristics of an ideal job/career for me would have to be people-oriented, dynamic, strategic focused, visible, with some level of management/mentoring responsibilities. I enjoy mentoring/training people and seeing levels of growth, whether it be professional or personal, is a great reward. I am seeking a job within a company that fosters my continued growth, professionally and personally, which is really important to me as well. To be in a company that recognizes/rewards it's people for "going the extra mile". Forward thinkers.

6. When I day dream, I see myself taking over the world. On a smaller scale, making a valuable and positive impact on my surroundings, whether it be family or work related. Most importantly, being a positive role model for my children; I must lead by example.

7. The most happiest, most fulfilling moment in my life was when I welcomed my first born into the world and become a mom.

8. If nothing changed in my life within the next 5 years, it would not be ok. I need to find financial security for my family.