Contract Work!!

Yea - I have some contract work starting this week. I am going to work with a company on some inbound marketing (blogging & social media stuff). I need to be better about posting on my own blog - but this was always meant to be a temporary blog. Here are some good ideas regarding blogging:
How to Blog Effectively for Business (GF101)

Wondering about consulting with people for increasing their Facebook presence

I see it has been a month since I have blogged. I need to be better - but finishing up bible study and taking on some part time jobs has kept me busy luckily. I have taken on doing Facebook posts for one of the companies that I used to work for. It is amazing how many people can be touched by a post. take a look at the insights we have from just a single post a day.

I am thinking that I will try to get a few companies I can do this for. I love being on the computer. This time off has also allowed me to rediscover my love of embroidery. I have done a few kits and right now and doing some pillowcases for a wedding present. I will post a picture when I get those complete.

Job Fair

I attended my first job fair since college today. There was only one employer there that I thought I might have a chance with - it was with a kitchen cabinet refinisher - the ones that only change the cabinet covers. The room was full of companies that seemed to have jobs - but there were so many people there they were parking on the street. I also started working with Right Management this week. They are an outplacement company that my company made available to me for one month. I figure I need to brush up my resume since the only feedback I ever get is "you are not qualified". They are also supposed to help you search more strategically. Another day and another day closer to that silver lining.

Etsy Site??

I have tried to keep myself busy with lots of needlework and other fun crafts. I am thinking that I might start making some things that I think might sell and do an Etsy site. Lot's of what I see on there I know I could make more my own than selling kits I have completed. Oh well - guess I need to pray on that one.

Major step today - I signed up for the one month service with the Right Management Program. They look like they help with resumes which I know I should do - but since I taught professional practice I know what a resume should be. They also say they have jobs that come to them before job boards - this is what I really hope happens. I don't want to be jobless too long.

Still looking

I haven't gotten any job leads yet - of course I am also not at that desperate point where I need to take anything. Not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing. I am looking at job sites every day - but have spent time on a few hobbies. Did I need some rest time? Am I just making excuses? How do you find a good head hunter that can help you find a really good job?

Do you know anyone laid off?

If you know anyone who gets laid off and don't know what to say - write a note. The phone calls are awkward; no one knows what to say. This is especially true from coworkers that kept their jobs.

I got a handwritten card from someone in my bible study. She wrote that she had been through a layoff and knew how I felt. It really meant a lot to me that someone took the time to send a card. I did the same for the other person who lost her job - I found a card that said "you are fantastic". She sent me a text that it was what she needed to hear.

I have found some jobs to apply for and received my first rejection letter so I am on the road to "the next thing".

More emotions

I was texting with a friend tonight. She was also laid off so we know what the other is going through. Luckily we are both strong in our faith and know that God has a different and better plan for us. That strong faith doesn't totally stop the feelings of "I am second best" and "Why me"

I don't tell many people about my situation yet. It is too embarrassing. I don't know why I am embarrassed.

I know I can rely on my faith to get me through this and will. I need to turn to more bible verses to focus on and lean on more friends.

Last Week it Happened

Like most people I never expected it to happen to me. I knew it was coming but I kept thinking that I had done all the things to ensure I wouldn't be one of the ones. We had been warned a few weeks in advance that it was coming - but much like any tragedy you know is coming you never really think it is going to affect you. I was laid off.

The week prior the administrative offices called us all to a conference call - they told us they expected to do layoffs and expected to be done by the end of the week. We all read the local papers for our headquarters and saw the reports of 70 people losing their jobs. It was scary - but still it couldn't happen to me.

I just had the best review of my career with the company. I participated in all of the committees they said they were going to look to. I was even Vice President of a national board for the certification exam for our students. I had done all the right things. I was still unsettled.

They did not finish by the end of the week - another week began and ended. Two stressful weeks. Then I got the email from HR requesting a phone call meeting. My boss got on the line and told me I was getting the call no one wanted to get. I was devastated. I loved my job - I was told from my first professional position that I should teach and I was finally doing it. I got emails from my students thanking me for pushing them to do better. It wasn't enough.

I get to work for another few weeks because they need me. I need the job and the package I will get if I stay. I have a major surgery schedule just 5 days after I lose my job.

I know that God has a plan for me. I know that I am not where He has my purpose. I know that I will find it. I think that writing my feelings down will help me to work through my emotions. I invite you to go through this with me.