What to do when you experience a career transition...read Produced by Faith
As of September 9th, it made 7 months of being out of work. I like to term my situation as "transition" opposed to "unemployed" because I am in transition of a new career. I must admit I get pretty down and hard on myself with this area. Over the past 4 years, I've been unemployed 3 times...not a good stat!
I approach each interview with positivity, great attitude and interest. I know that an interview is a 50/50 chance and when an employers view my resume, they interpret one thing opposed to reality. It was never my intentions to "job hop" as it has been mentioned to me, but my intentions were always to grow and prosper. If that's what most view as "job hopping" then I apologize. It's very hard for me to open up about my transition trials, but I know that I am not alone. I pray every day,all day that God make a move on my situation and in my favor.
I am single mother of one and I am her role model. I must continue to provide for her needs as well as mine. Today, it's an employer's market, not an employee's market. I thought about returning back to school to learn a new skill, but I have over $100K in school loans and it's not feasible for me to obtain another Master's degree. I am discounted from positions based on my education, so obtaining another degree would make it worse. I've had employers tell me that my experience is greater than what they are looking for...as a Marketing Coordinator and less than Director of Marketing. How do I process that information. I guess I became so immune to the excuses and results. Looking for work is a job, but I am in search of a career.
In the midst of the heartache and disappointment of not landing a job, I must continue to believe that this is all God's plan. Maybe I'm supposed to develop a new skill which I wouldn't be able to do while working...who knows. I want to work in order to be the provider for my child. She's an aspiring volleyball player- the next Destinee Hooker, Olympic Champion. It serves me heart good to see her participate in something she loves. Her passion inspires me to get up every morning and search, network, apply for jobs and follow up.
by Nadia Sweeting
September 13, 2012
Being unemployed is discouraging, having faith in God is ENCOURAGING!
As of September 9th, it made 7 months of being out of work. I like to term my situation as "transition" opposed to "unemployed" because I am in transition of a new career. I must admit I get pretty down and hard on myself with this area. Over the past 4 years, I've been unemployed 3 times...not a good stat!
After I apply for a position, I log it down on a Word document. I took a look at the amount of pages I have saved and it was starling. I have 97 pages worth of job postings that I've accumulated since July! I've applied to hundreds of jobs since being let go from my last position in February. This is so disappointing considering I am well-educated and experienced. I apply for positions within and outside of my field and I am either over qualified or under qualified. To be honest, I am so confused. I've done all that was "required" of me....attend school obtain an education; work to provide for your family, but somewhere down the line I feel that I've crossed over to the wrong path. This path has led me to unemployment, layoffs and failed commitments. I am unsure whether it's my location, South Florida or my experience.
I approach each interview with positivity, great attitude and interest. I know that an interview is a 50/50 chance and when an employers view my resume, they interpret one thing opposed to reality. It was never my intentions to "job hop" as it has been mentioned to me, but my intentions were always to grow and prosper. If that's what most view as "job hopping" then I apologize. It's very hard for me to open up about my transition trials, but I know that I am not alone. I pray every day,all day that God make a move on my situation and in my favor. I am single mother of one and I am her role model. I must continue to provide for her needs as well as mine. Today, it's an employer's market, not an employee's market. I thought about returning back to school to learn a new skill, but I have over $100K in school loans and it's not feasible for me to obtain another Master's degree. I am discounted from positions based on my education, so obtaining another degree would make it worse. I've had employers tell me that my experience is greater than what they are looking for...as a Marketing Coordinator and less than Director of Marketing. How do I process that information. I guess I became so immune to the excuses and results. Looking for work is a job, but I am in search of a career.
In the midst of the heartache and disappointment of not landing a job, I must continue to believe that this is all God's plan. Maybe I'm supposed to develop a new skill which I wouldn't be able to do while working...who knows. I want to work in order to be the provider for my child. She's an aspiring volleyball player- the next Destinee Hooker, Olympic Champion. It serves me heart good to see her participate in something she loves. Her passion inspires me to get up every morning and search, network, apply for jobs and follow up.
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| Produced By Faith DeVon Franklin |
During this transition period, I read a great book, Produced By Faith by DeVon Franklin. I highly recommend this book to everyone who's in "transition" between jobs. Franklin colorfully illustrates how your "spiritual career" journey parallels the steps involved in developing and producing a movie. "Career should be a spiritual pursuit, not just a physical or financial one." (page 15)
This book has opened my eyes to see that in spite of my setbacks and difficulties in my "spiritual career", God is ALWAYS in control when it seems as if we're out of control. As one receive the proverbial "pink slip", God is there to hand you favor. "The more you trust God to lead you to glory, even through layoffs and setbacks, conflicts and failed ideas, the more success and joy you will find." (page 18).
I pray daily that god continues to bless and guide me and my career. My sanctuary is the bathroom - this is one of the only places (besides the beach) where my connection to God is at its greatest. The bathroom is the place where I hear God speak to me as clear to my heart. Franklin mentions how "we should stop, quiet our minds and listen to God's voice speaking to us." God whispered to start a business, Nadashi Marketing, with my sister, Natasha. During my transition period, trusting God's plan to leap into a venture with his favor and blessings, is imperative. It's imperative that everyone take the time to read this book and your bible.
All of my fellow Career Transitioners listen up! During my transition period, God has been my rock. This book was my reassuring to me in respect that it's OK to be in "transition." Majority of successful people experienced "transitions" and bouts of unemployment. I wanted to share a few highlights from Produced By Faith. I am an avid highlighter when I read and I've taken the liberty of pointing out some pages for you to pay attention to:
Pages: 47, 99-101
Pages: 115-119, 148-149(I wrote all over those pages)
Pages: 177-8, 187, 212, 214
Pages: 115-119, 148-149(I wrote all over those pages)
Pages: 177-8, 187, 212, 214
CHAPTER 14 - You, The Sequel- is the most important and direct piece of writing.
JUST READ THE ENTIRE BOOK!!!
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