The Unexpected Layoff (pt. 4): Figure Out How You Are Wired

We all become creatures of habit, and as a result, we sometimes forget our own dreams, ambitions, and strengths in the trenches of the day-to-day. One good thing about a layoff is it forces us to stop and examine ourselves.  In some cases, someone may already know what he enjoys and is good at. In that case, it's just a matter of finding a position in the same field of work.  In other cases, we need to get some fairly objective feedback on our strengths, weaknesses and other personality traits before we can embark on a new direction.

One such profile that was a benefit to me is called Your Unique Design .  This is a very thorough profile that costs $35 and requires a bit of effort to complete. The results, though, are well worth it.

The other day, I pulled out a part of the report that it provided.  I was reminded of my three areas of strength as they relate to work.  I am most satisfied with my work when I am 1) initiating 2) influencing and 3) teaching.  As I continue to assess opportunities and ponder the next step, I plan to keep these three abilities in mind.  

If you don't have a good idea of how you are wired, perhaps a tool like Your Unique Design would help.

The Unexpected Layoff (part 1) the Sequel: Trying to Avoid the Lloyd Dobler Effect

It seems that very few 18-year-olds really know what career they want to pursue.  That's expected.  When you're over forty; however, people think you should have it all figured out.  Granted, some people have found a great match between what they enjoy and how to earn a living doing it.  Others haven't.  It's very important not to lose sight of the fact that life is a journey, not an event.  Sure, there are events along the way, but they just lead to other events, as well as times of struggle and transitional periods.

One of the craziest paradoxes in life is our struggle against ourselves, primarily our pride.  My pride thinks it must be all together, all the time.  It tells me I must have all the answers to any questions; that I must be ahead of the curve in anything "cool" or "hip."   While our pride promises to protect us, the truth is that it becomes a shackle.  It becomes a facade that shields the real person inside.

So, the next time you find yourself getting the career question-- and you're not quite sure of what most people would consider an acceptable answer; don't try to fight the Lloyd Dobler Effect-- fearing what others might think.  Be like Lloyd.  Be real.  Be authentic.  Tell your pride to take a seat because the only way you will figure out a "good fit" is to be yourself.

The Unexpected Layoff (pt. 3)

Back to the question: So what do you want to do?
Quite often I find it is easier to define something by what it is not.
One of the things I must do is eliminate what could be the next step.

So, I have been praying for wisdom and seeking counsel from others.
Today, thanks to a couple of friends, I was able to dismiss something that I had held as a possibility.

Wisdom has spoken, and I no longer consider owning a coffee shop a viable option.

Give me a little while longer on the question.  I'm working on it.

The Unexpected Layoff (pt. 2)

About three weeks ago, I decided to run in a 5k Memorial Day weekend.  Little did I know then that I would be facing a season of transition and a time of processing through a variety of emotions.  It hit me just a couple of days ago that training for a race at this time could be one of the best possible things to do.  The exercise will only help with my mental state, and the challenge of the race itself is something to look forward to.

So, if you're going through a similar season of transition, find an event that will nurture you or at lease give you a positive outlet on which to focus.  This is the race I'll be running in: http://runforthechildrenbr.com/

Plus, it's for a good cause.

God is good!

The Unexpected Layoff (pt. 1)

When you've been in a "permanent" position with a state agency for 6 years, and your job performance consistently receives a high rating, receiving a layoff notice is quite a surprise.  I received a layoff notice about a week ago, and I thought it might be helpful to blog about it.

So far, I have found the big struggle is focused around two recurring things.  First, it's hard to shake the idea of personal worth and importance.  We all think that we make a difference, even in a bureaucracy.  And the truth is, we do make a difference-- every single one of us.  There is no single person on the face of the planet that has the skill set and unique abilities that you and I possess. We are truly one-of-a-kind.  Beautifully and wonderfully made.  That's the truth.  But when the notice arrives, the doubts are not far behind.  This is a mental, emotional and (at times) spiritual battle that must be won through renewing our minds with truth.

The second thing is a question that so many loving, well-meaning friends and acquaintances ask. You know the question:  "So, have you lined up something else?" or "So, what do you want to do?"  I truly think this is the question that 90% of Americans in the workforce don't want to answer honestly.  And, I guess the best thing about having a job is that only a really close friend will ask that.  But, when you get the notice, the question is not far behind.

So, before I answer the question, let me throw it back to you:  Do you know what you want to do?