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.

Distractions...

Although I had every intention to keep diligent on the "Dan Miller Project" and find my dream HR job, my side business, Tot Totes by Tam, has launched off to a surprisingly good start. With more than a handful of, or two, totes to design, complete and deliver within 5 days, by no means am I complaining or making an excuse not to follow through. As those who know me well, I am one of those who's eager to start things and then, for lack of a better word, distract myself out of completing projects. So, here I am, promising myself, "I will pick up the "Dan Miller Project" next week!" And to be sure, let's give it a target start date of Wednesday, April 1st!

Until then...I'm off to finish up all of the totes! Happy SEWING! :)

The "Dan Miller" Project

Following Dan Miller's book 48 Days to the Job You Love, I will attempt to chronicle his process and my journey to finding and winning THE JOB that I'll love, as it is laid out by the career and life coach guru, Dan Miller... Starting with today, Monday March 22nd and to be completed on May 7th, 48 days from now. Good reading and good luck!

Applications, Resumes and Interviews...Oh My!

With my recruiting projects negatively impacted by the downturn of the financial industry, budget cuts and hiring freezes, I was forced to take action and aggressively position myself in the last 2 months to transition over to another means of recruiting work...

And there I left it, unfinished, the beginning of a blog almost 6 months ago. Fast forward to March 15th, 2010. In the last 6 months, I had interviewed, was offered and then accepted a position as a corporate recruiter for one of the largest automotive aftermarket supplier in the world. An exciting role within a dynamic company, positioned at the top of their game. Unfortunately, six months later, due to the lagging economy and lowered sales, that same position was cut. Although I consider myself a chronic optimist, to say I was a little bit disheartened, would be gracious.

We, my hubby and I, had already planned a weekend trip up to CT to visit my parents, so off we went. Little did I know that on that trip, I would find my inspiration. Typical of all family weekend visits are the movies Mom and Dad would rent for us to sit down and watch. One of the movies selected was Julie & Julia.

Julie & Julia is a great "feel good" movie. A movie based on two true stories, it's about a culinary legend, Julia Child, who provides and inspires a frustrated office worker, Julie Powell, with a new recipe for life. A mission, rather, to whip up 524 recipes in 365 days. Along the way, Julie finds herself and her joy.

Like Julie, "I can write a book. I have thoughts!... I can write a blog..." So here I am typing away...why not?

So I'll be creating a blog on what I am passionate about, my toddler and my tot, my Cornelius! Or rather, what inspires me to inspire him. If things succeed, I'll be able to launch a successful internet business and head off towards world domination, or if things steer the other direction, at least I will have a fun project to keep me blogging, networked with other moms and busy.

So in the words of Julia Child, "Bon Appetit!" Or rather, Good Reading! :)

Officially PHR certified!

I officially received my PHR certificate and PHR pin back on July 13th and should have updated my blog; but things have been crazy hectic here. With summer winding down and some of my other projects coming towards a close, I finally have the time to check in. So much to do, and still...so little time. I'm creating a new blog on my career transition activities, volunteer projects and networking campaigns. Please feel free to tune in! :)