I have mentioned some of the new technology that has entered the world of work and networking, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and how they have helped make things easier for those of us looking for work. These are wonderful tools but in the end all they are is tools. They can only help you reach out to those you have helped in your past.
As I was going through my email this morning I found myself being followed on Twitter by Tom Ziglar, son of Zig Ziglar, someone I have gotten a lot of wisdom from. When I followed his page it led to one of my favorite quotes from his Dad - " You can have anything in life you want if you help enough other people get what they want." This is so true if you think about it. While I won't go down the deep discussion of how and who you help. The fact is that if you are some one who has helped a lot of other people, they will be willing to help you, especially when you need it.
This has never been more true than now. As I am going through my job search and networking it occurs to me that people from my past must think that have helped some people along the way. I never thought of it that way. I always thought I was just doing the right thing. It now seems more than that. The ability to pick up the phone and have people answer and be willing to offer any kind of help they can is priceless. It is one more reason to help anyone you can.
Regardless of how much technology we use to find our next job, the thing that never changes is that people are the most important asset we have and that when you help someone you are really helping yourself. So my joy today is the graciousness of those who feel I have helped them either personally or professionally.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
No Job Joy #25 Playing to my strengths
Some people know what they want to do with their lives from early on in their career. I am not one of those people. It is also the first thing people ask you as you are networking.
I just started reading the book Strength Finder 2.0. The main theme is to focus on what you do well and enjoy to be successful. This kind of makes sense that if you hate doing something you are going to suck at it. This falls right in line with being more than half full. It is a better place to start instead of just looking for a paycheck. I'm not saying you don't have to be able to pay the bills, which is why I am not going to start a new career as a sports photographer just because I love taking photos.
My focus is on what I do well because not only will it make me happy, but because I will do that job better. There are more than enough studies about people who do what they enjoy are better at what they do and typically make more money than if they were doing something they hate. The key thing for me right now is to focus in on the things I love to do like presenting, being involved with technology and making a difference in the world and I be successful.
So today's joy isn't that I have figured out what I want to do when I grow up but that I will make sure that I do something that plays to my strengths and that I enjoy doing.
I just started reading the book Strength Finder 2.0. The main theme is to focus on what you do well and enjoy to be successful. This kind of makes sense that if you hate doing something you are going to suck at it. This falls right in line with being more than half full. It is a better place to start instead of just looking for a paycheck. I'm not saying you don't have to be able to pay the bills, which is why I am not going to start a new career as a sports photographer just because I love taking photos.
My focus is on what I do well because not only will it make me happy, but because I will do that job better. There are more than enough studies about people who do what they enjoy are better at what they do and typically make more money than if they were doing something they hate. The key thing for me right now is to focus in on the things I love to do like presenting, being involved with technology and making a difference in the world and I be successful.
So today's joy isn't that I have figured out what I want to do when I grow up but that I will make sure that I do something that plays to my strengths and that I enjoy doing.
Friday, June 26, 2009
No Job Joy #24 Four Day Weekends
We are going to end this week on a light note which many of us need after the death of a co-worker which is much more important to me than the celebrities who passed this week.
One cool thing about not having a job is that once you have met your obligations to collect your unemployment you can take the rest of the week off. I am not saying you should just to the minimum but with any luck you will be working like a dog to make a good first impression and to get up to speed as fast as you can so take the time while you have it.
Plus you can take a four day weekend with out worrying about catching up on email or burning two days of vacation. Also now you have no one who will complain about covering for you while you are out.
Have a great weekend.
One cool thing about not having a job is that once you have met your obligations to collect your unemployment you can take the rest of the week off. I am not saying you should just to the minimum but with any luck you will be working like a dog to make a good first impression and to get up to speed as fast as you can so take the time while you have it.
Plus you can take a four day weekend with out worrying about catching up on email or burning two days of vacation. Also now you have no one who will complain about covering for you while you are out.
Have a great weekend.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
No job Joy # 23 Geting laid off
I know this probably sounds like a strange thing to be joyful about but hear me out.
This isn't the first time I have been here and with the way our business cycle works especially in the technology field it won't be the last. The last time I was here I learned a lot of things to help me be better prepared.
The great thing is that there are new things to learn. New ways to connect, new ways to write resumes and how people network. Even more fun is the chance to share them with other people.
I have been meeting, learning from and teaching new and interesting people, most of which are talented people who were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Of course I wish the circumstances were different but sometimes you can't pick how you learn.
This isn't the first time I have been here and with the way our business cycle works especially in the technology field it won't be the last. The last time I was here I learned a lot of things to help me be better prepared.
The great thing is that there are new things to learn. New ways to connect, new ways to write resumes and how people network. Even more fun is the chance to share them with other people.
I have been meeting, learning from and teaching new and interesting people, most of which are talented people who were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Of course I wish the circumstances were different but sometimes you can't pick how you learn.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
No Job Joy # 22 Life
Today is a sad one as a former coworker lost her battle with cancer today. Today's joy is short and sweet. Your job is not who you are. Don't be defined by it. Your health and your family are your most valuable resources.
Love life and live it with joy.
Love life and live it with joy.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
No Job Joy # 21 Rejection
You might say this is a "make lemonade when life gives you lemons" post but here it goes anyway.
Hearing that you are not the one may be tough, the reflection of how to move on can be a joy. No, I will not go through the stages of grieving.
First there is the realization that while you were not the final selection you have skills that someone is interested in. Second that you have the network to be able to break through the 400 other resumes and 10 others who bothered to follow up to get to the next step. Third you have the opportunity to learn what you can do better next time. Finally you can look forward and see the things you liked about that job/company and where to find others that may be an even better fit.
I am not saying don't be upset about not getting the job, especially if you were a great fit and you really wanted it. What I am saying is look for the lessons and move on. The quicker the better. Otherwise your disappointment will show up as lack of enthusiasm in your next interview or even your cover letter and possibly cost you another opportunity.
No one likes rejection but the more practice you get at dealing with it the faster you can be ready when the next opportunity presents its self.
Hearing that you are not the one may be tough, the reflection of how to move on can be a joy. No, I will not go through the stages of grieving.
First there is the realization that while you were not the final selection you have skills that someone is interested in. Second that you have the network to be able to break through the 400 other resumes and 10 others who bothered to follow up to get to the next step. Third you have the opportunity to learn what you can do better next time. Finally you can look forward and see the things you liked about that job/company and where to find others that may be an even better fit.
I am not saying don't be upset about not getting the job, especially if you were a great fit and you really wanted it. What I am saying is look for the lessons and move on. The quicker the better. Otherwise your disappointment will show up as lack of enthusiasm in your next interview or even your cover letter and possibly cost you another opportunity.
No one likes rejection but the more practice you get at dealing with it the faster you can be ready when the next opportunity presents its self.
Monday, June 22, 2009
No Job Joy # 20 Summer Heat
People who live in Texas will think that the heat has gone to my head when I say that the heat is a joy. Without the heat of summer we wouldn't have the recharging activities that come with it. We also wouldn't have an appreciation for hard work.
For most of us, sweating in the summer means sitting by the pool cleansing our selves of the stress of our day to day lives. My Grandpa Chester lived on a farm his entire life. When I think about how he spent his summers and how he sweat in the summer, putting up hay in the barn, cultivating crops, building fence, it makes me realize what a sense of accomplishment he must have felt at the end of each day. To be able to look back and see what he had accomplished that day.
Growing up on a farm until I went to college I can relate to some of what my Grandpa did but I really didn't appreciate it until after he was gone. The joy of the heat today is a joy that reminds me that we need to have time to recharge but also time to work hard and accomplish something every day.
For most of us, sweating in the summer means sitting by the pool cleansing our selves of the stress of our day to day lives. My Grandpa Chester lived on a farm his entire life. When I think about how he spent his summers and how he sweat in the summer, putting up hay in the barn, cultivating crops, building fence, it makes me realize what a sense of accomplishment he must have felt at the end of each day. To be able to look back and see what he had accomplished that day.
Growing up on a farm until I went to college I can relate to some of what my Grandpa did but I really didn't appreciate it until after he was gone. The joy of the heat today is a joy that reminds me that we need to have time to recharge but also time to work hard and accomplish something every day.
Time to catch up
Sorry for the gap in my posts. I was off at Webelos resident camp with my son and 5 other scouts. Had a blast getting them through the 95+ degree weather but now it is time to get back to work. I will be posting again this week as usual.
Also I am open to suggestions for No Job Joys. I am by no means the expert so any thoughts are welcome. Have a great week.
Also I am open to suggestions for No Job Joys. I am by no means the expert so any thoughts are welcome. Have a great week.
Monday, June 15, 2009
No Job Joy #19 Making sure I have something to say
One of the joys of being with out a job these days is that it introduces you to new ways to communicate especially those of us over 30. Between blogs, Facebook, Myspace, LinkedIn, Plaxo, twitter and others there are a lot of people saying a lot of stuff. The question is how much of it matters to any one but the person posting it?
Personally finding something important to say is really hard. For one thing there are so many "experts" out there saying what I am thinking so I have nothing really to add except to agree with them. This is compounded when you are unemployed because you feel like you aren't really doing any thing important.
Twitter brings a new dynamic to communicating, forcing you to say what you want in 140 characters or less, which can be a real challenge for some. Others have no problem saying what they want in that space. The real question is should they say it at all. I don't really care that any of my friends are doing laundry so why would I care that a total stranger is doing theirs?
So while new ways of communicating can be challenging, it can be fun to find out who is doing interesting things, connecting with them and learning more about the world and other people. For those who are watching paint dry and feel the need to tell the world about it good for you but don't expect me to pay attention. Thanks to all of you who are interesting and relevant. You are my No job joy for today.
Personally finding something important to say is really hard. For one thing there are so many "experts" out there saying what I am thinking so I have nothing really to add except to agree with them. This is compounded when you are unemployed because you feel like you aren't really doing any thing important.
Twitter brings a new dynamic to communicating, forcing you to say what you want in 140 characters or less, which can be a real challenge for some. Others have no problem saying what they want in that space. The real question is should they say it at all. I don't really care that any of my friends are doing laundry so why would I care that a total stranger is doing theirs?
So while new ways of communicating can be challenging, it can be fun to find out who is doing interesting things, connecting with them and learning more about the world and other people. For those who are watching paint dry and feel the need to tell the world about it good for you but don't expect me to pay attention. Thanks to all of you who are interesting and relevant. You are my No job joy for today.
Friday, June 12, 2009
No Job Joy #18 My Mom and Clippings
Last week I posted about my Dad. In the spirit of equal time I will make this week about my Mom. My Mom is great. She has always supported my brothers and I in all of our endeavors. Whether it was attending almost all of our football, basketball, wrestling or track meets, supporting our choice of college, or even supporting my rugby habit, Mom was always behind us.
Today now that my brothers and I have all flown the coop, we can still count on our Mom for support. Today she shows her support in different ways. It could be keeping our Dad off of our case for choices or opinions and always asking what we are up to.
My favorite way is the the newspaper clipping. No matter what we are up to my Mom always sends us newspaper clippings about it. I will never forget the first clipping she sent me after I moved to Dallas "Local shot in Oak Cliff Red Lobster" with a little note on it saying stay away from this part of town. For those who don't know Dallas, parts of Oak Cliff are not the safest place for a kid from Iowa and you didn't have to be in Dallas long to figure that out.
So my joy today is that my Mom cares enough to send me clippings. If nothing else it is something in the mail besides bills.
Today now that my brothers and I have all flown the coop, we can still count on our Mom for support. Today she shows her support in different ways. It could be keeping our Dad off of our case for choices or opinions and always asking what we are up to.
My favorite way is the the newspaper clipping. No matter what we are up to my Mom always sends us newspaper clippings about it. I will never forget the first clipping she sent me after I moved to Dallas "Local shot in Oak Cliff Red Lobster" with a little note on it saying stay away from this part of town. For those who don't know Dallas, parts of Oak Cliff are not the safest place for a kid from Iowa and you didn't have to be in Dallas long to figure that out.
So my joy today is that my Mom cares enough to send me clippings. If nothing else it is something in the mail besides bills.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
No Job Joy #17 Spending Time with Family
As I have met with people who are looking for work I have found a common joy among many of them. This is that although they are unemployed they are getting time with their family that they never would have gotten otherwise. Personally I have gone through the frustration and joys of spending more time with my boys. This includes all the conversations, fights and fun that go with them. Regardless these will be times they remember.
I will be spending most of next week sleeping on the ground, swimming and getting sunburned with a bunch of 10 year olds. I haven't missed a baseball game and shouldn't miss any swim meets this year. All because I will be here and not on an airplane.
More than one person I have met during my search has had a father or mother with health problems. While this may seem like they are getting a double shot of bad luck they all see this as a blessing in disguise that they have the ability to spend more time with their family. Others have enjoyed time they never would have had with young kids.
One of my new friends said when we will look back on this time in a year we won't remember the rejection letters or blown interviews, we will remember the good things that happened because of the time we have with family and the new friends we made.
I will be spending most of next week sleeping on the ground, swimming and getting sunburned with a bunch of 10 year olds. I haven't missed a baseball game and shouldn't miss any swim meets this year. All because I will be here and not on an airplane.
More than one person I have met during my search has had a father or mother with health problems. While this may seem like they are getting a double shot of bad luck they all see this as a blessing in disguise that they have the ability to spend more time with their family. Others have enjoyed time they never would have had with young kids.
One of my new friends said when we will look back on this time in a year we won't remember the rejection letters or blown interviews, we will remember the good things that happened because of the time we have with family and the new friends we made.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
No Job Joy # 16 Starbucks (and I don't even like coffee)
As I have mentioned getting re-acquainted with old friends or meeting new ones is a good thing about being in job search mode. As part of that I am doing a lot of face to face meetings where I need a neutral site that is convenient to both parties . The joy of Starbucks is they are everywhere, they are comfortable and no one hates going there.
At the rate I am going I will have been in most of the Starbucks or Panera's in Dallas very soon. I am just glad they are open to letting people meet there and hang out. I don't drink coffee so most of the attraction is lost on me. I do drink tea and fortunately the tea is cheaper than the coffee. Once in a while you come out one reaking of coffee which is not good if you have another meeting afterwards but it is the price one pays for an almost free place to meet.
So Starbucks and places like it is my joy of the day.
At the rate I am going I will have been in most of the Starbucks or Panera's in Dallas very soon. I am just glad they are open to letting people meet there and hang out. I don't drink coffee so most of the attraction is lost on me. I do drink tea and fortunately the tea is cheaper than the coffee. Once in a while you come out one reaking of coffee which is not good if you have another meeting afterwards but it is the price one pays for an almost free place to meet.
So Starbucks and places like it is my joy of the day.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
No Job Joy #15 Finishing projects
Before I get in to today's joy I didn't forget # 13 because I am superstitious. I basically lost track before I posted yesterday.
The joy I have today is getting things done. Yes this applies whether or not you are working but my projects are specifically around the house that I didn't have time for when I was working. Since being laid off I have built a fence, added a sprinkler head ( thanks Matt), floored the attic, cleaned the garage, taken better care of the lawn, and many other small things. Currently Robert and I are working on prepping a vegetable plot for Susan.
In this time of uncertainty, the ability to have control over something and complete a task is very therapeutic. The feeling of accomplishment is much more satisfying than when you have a job and are squeezing projects in when they fit and you are having other successes.
Enjoy the little victories of completing little tasks or large projects. If you own a house you will always have a list of things to fix or do. When you get a job you won't have the time you have now to complete the big projects that are challenging and satisfying.
The joy I have today is getting things done. Yes this applies whether or not you are working but my projects are specifically around the house that I didn't have time for when I was working. Since being laid off I have built a fence, added a sprinkler head ( thanks Matt), floored the attic, cleaned the garage, taken better care of the lawn, and many other small things. Currently Robert and I are working on prepping a vegetable plot for Susan.
In this time of uncertainty, the ability to have control over something and complete a task is very therapeutic. The feeling of accomplishment is much more satisfying than when you have a job and are squeezing projects in when they fit and you are having other successes.
Enjoy the little victories of completing little tasks or large projects. If you own a house you will always have a list of things to fix or do. When you get a job you won't have the time you have now to complete the big projects that are challenging and satisfying.
Monday, June 8, 2009
No Job Joy #14 Individuality
For anyone who thought I might have been a bit down on my last post, for the record, my brother's all have good lives but I wouldn't trade with any of them. With that said the joy for today is individuality.
Being unique is important. First I wouldn't want to be any one else and being unique is what makes life interesting. If we were alike my wife would hate air travel even more because there would be no reason to people watch.
The more relevant benefit of individuality is that when we decide which jobs we want and what we want from them there is something out there for everyone. We each bring our own unique views, talents and motivations to our lives and work. The tough part is convincing someone that OUR specific set of views, talents and motivations are the best ones for their job. Staying positive and focused will help you get there eventually.
I am glad I am different from you and my brothters. Especially because I am better looking than all of them. Just ask my wife. ;-)
Being unique is important. First I wouldn't want to be any one else and being unique is what makes life interesting. If we were alike my wife would hate air travel even more because there would be no reason to people watch.
The more relevant benefit of individuality is that when we decide which jobs we want and what we want from them there is something out there for everyone. We each bring our own unique views, talents and motivations to our lives and work. The tough part is convincing someone that OUR specific set of views, talents and motivations are the best ones for their job. Staying positive and focused will help you get there eventually.
I am glad I am different from you and my brothters. Especially because I am better looking than all of them. Just ask my wife. ;-)
Thursday, June 4, 2009
No Job Joy #12 My Dad
You know how they say that you don't appreciate your parents until you are older. This is one of those times. When I got laid off I was on a business trip but my parents were visiting us. When I got home my parents were there for a few days. Kind of uncomfortable because everyone wants to look successful and like we don't need our parents any more.
So we hung out for a few more days until it was time for them to go home. As they left my Dad some thing that stuck with me but I didn't realize why at the time. He said " I know you will do what you have to do if things get tough."
Now is when I go all psycho analytical. Initially I was hurt and saw this as him not having faith in me to get another good job and that I would have to settle for something less than what I had or want moving forward.
Looking at it now what he was really saying is that he knew that the years of physical labor on the farm combined with the education he and my Mom had encouraged me to get would prepare us for what ever came to be. If we had to live more frugally we could. If I had to take something just to get income he knew I would.
What he was really saying is that his job with me was done and that he felt he had done what he could do to prepare me to survive in good times and bad and that at some level he was acknowledging that I would be okay with out his help. This is important to me as I was the child voted least likely to succeed by my family. They aren't cruel about it but was just kind of one of those known things. Although I was a hard worker, I have to admit I gave them plenty of reasons to think that. I had the lowest grades. I was okay at a lot of things but didn't excel at anything.
Sorry this post is getting a bit long but the challenge of being with out a job right now has provided me with the perspective to appreciate what my father taught me and to realize that he knows he taught me what he needed to. So today I am joyful for my Dad.
So we hung out for a few more days until it was time for them to go home. As they left my Dad some thing that stuck with me but I didn't realize why at the time. He said " I know you will do what you have to do if things get tough."
Now is when I go all psycho analytical. Initially I was hurt and saw this as him not having faith in me to get another good job and that I would have to settle for something less than what I had or want moving forward.
Looking at it now what he was really saying is that he knew that the years of physical labor on the farm combined with the education he and my Mom had encouraged me to get would prepare us for what ever came to be. If we had to live more frugally we could. If I had to take something just to get income he knew I would.
What he was really saying is that his job with me was done and that he felt he had done what he could do to prepare me to survive in good times and bad and that at some level he was acknowledging that I would be okay with out his help. This is important to me as I was the child voted least likely to succeed by my family. They aren't cruel about it but was just kind of one of those known things. Although I was a hard worker, I have to admit I gave them plenty of reasons to think that. I had the lowest grades. I was okay at a lot of things but didn't excel at anything.
Sorry this post is getting a bit long but the challenge of being with out a job right now has provided me with the perspective to appreciate what my father taught me and to realize that he knows he taught me what he needed to. So today I am joyful for my Dad.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
No Job Joy #11 Old Friends
One of the first things people think about when they get laid off is "I wish I had stayed in touch with people in my network better. " I know I did. The past is the past so we have to move on.
My joy today is that old friends are still friends even if you haven't kept up. Friendship is a two way street so don't feel too bad about not keeping up. Your friends need to keep up with you as well because they could be in your shoes someday. Another reason not to feel guilty is that everyone is busy with work, family, kids, hobbies and just life. Most everyone can relate if you haven't had time to keep up. In a lot of cases they may be glad that you reached out. Many will feel guilt either for not keeping up or that you are now in your current situation.
As people looking for a job we need to take advantage of this time to re-connect with people. This effort can provide benefits in many ways. First you get to find out what your friends are up to. Second you may be able to connect to your next job. Finally, you may be able to help your friends which there is no better feeling than that.
The good thing is most people are willing to re-connect. My only recommendation is that you don't reconnect just to find a job. If they are your friend they will want to help but don't call up and expect them to give you your next job. In other words you have to be authentic in your desire to re-new your friendships.
As I said a few days ago the toughest part in most cases is picking up the phone. Just do it and you might be surprised.
My joy today is that old friends are still friends even if you haven't kept up. Friendship is a two way street so don't feel too bad about not keeping up. Your friends need to keep up with you as well because they could be in your shoes someday. Another reason not to feel guilty is that everyone is busy with work, family, kids, hobbies and just life. Most everyone can relate if you haven't had time to keep up. In a lot of cases they may be glad that you reached out. Many will feel guilt either for not keeping up or that you are now in your current situation.
As people looking for a job we need to take advantage of this time to re-connect with people. This effort can provide benefits in many ways. First you get to find out what your friends are up to. Second you may be able to connect to your next job. Finally, you may be able to help your friends which there is no better feeling than that.
The good thing is most people are willing to re-connect. My only recommendation is that you don't reconnect just to find a job. If they are your friend they will want to help but don't call up and expect them to give you your next job. In other words you have to be authentic in your desire to re-new your friendships.
As I said a few days ago the toughest part in most cases is picking up the phone. Just do it and you might be surprised.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
No Job Joy # 10 Going 100%
I had a football coach who said I don't care if you screw up as long as you are at full speed. Looking back on that it really applies well to life as well as football.
Say the worst thing happens and you are going the "wrong" direction. If you are at 100% you will know it sooner and be able to learn from and correct your course. You could also arrive at an unplanned yet enjoyable place. In other words you might accidentally get to a better place than where you started. And of course if you are going the "right" direction you will get there faster.
In life as in football even if are going 100% and screw up you might get yelled at by the coach but at least you know you tried your best.
Say the worst thing happens and you are going the "wrong" direction. If you are at 100% you will know it sooner and be able to learn from and correct your course. You could also arrive at an unplanned yet enjoyable place. In other words you might accidentally get to a better place than where you started. And of course if you are going the "right" direction you will get there faster.
In life as in football even if are going 100% and screw up you might get yelled at by the coach but at least you know you tried your best.
Monday, June 1, 2009
No Job Joy #9 Picking up the phone
One of the toughest thing for a lot of job seekers is picking up the phone, even people who supposedly like to talk and sell.
At a recent meeting of a networking group for sales people that I attend, the moderator asked, who is the person at your target companies that can help you the most? Most answered the VP of Sales. Next he asked how many had picked up the phone and called the VP of Sales at your target companies. Only three hands out of almost 40 went up.
Yes, rejection is hard on the ego but is it as bad as sitting at home wondering why you don't have a job? The thing I am learning and enjoying is hearing new people's stories, the opportunities that are out there and how willing they are to talk to total strangers. Today's joy is the new and exciting things that can happen when you pick up the phone.
At a recent meeting of a networking group for sales people that I attend, the moderator asked, who is the person at your target companies that can help you the most? Most answered the VP of Sales. Next he asked how many had picked up the phone and called the VP of Sales at your target companies. Only three hands out of almost 40 went up.
Yes, rejection is hard on the ego but is it as bad as sitting at home wondering why you don't have a job? The thing I am learning and enjoying is hearing new people's stories, the opportunities that are out there and how willing they are to talk to total strangers. Today's joy is the new and exciting things that can happen when you pick up the phone.
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