I’ve recently been doing things I’ve always wanted to but haven’t. We all should be doing those things, whatever they are, whenever we can. That’s a topic for another time however.
I’ve learned it’s ok to hold your head up and optimistically say “I’m in a career transition”. In the past people would hang their heads and say “I’m looking for a job. I was laid off”, or “I was let go”. Some folks, feeling socially ashamed would (and still do) say “I’m in-between jobs”. Today however, being laid off and looking for a new gig is not unusual. And it’s not something to be ashamed of. Yes it may be a blow to the ego, but chin up, chest out, get over it…life goes on.
I don’t want to say the likelihood of being laid off at sometime in your “corporate America” career today is high, but I can’t avoid it. Coming from the Baby Boomer Shadow Generation (between the real post-WW2 Boomers and GenX’ers), I can state with verifiable experience, that the (old) idea of securing a job with a company after college or military service, or both, and staying with said company for 30-odd years then retiring with the symbolic gold watch is without a doubt an idea to be boxed up with the landline phone. Wrap it, bag it, and put it in the cart.
Back to doing things I’ve always wanted to be doing. I’ve realized after 90-some days of career transitioning that regardless of the specifics of what it is I’m doing, it boils down to learning and growing. The “doing” part is the result of the learning and growth. Period.
Many are familiar with Einstein’s quote, “Once you stop learning you start dying”. I’m not going for drama here, but I will say for myself that seeking and gaining new knowledge has inspired me – It’s given me optimism and confidence. Feelings I know I’ve had inside me forever, but have not always acted on. I’m changing that now. I recommend it for others also
I have grown from my recent learnings. It’s made me a better person. Will it make me a better employee? Absolutely. Will I be an employee of another employer soon? That is a good question. Probably. I may be an employee of myself. Yes I will be and I’ll be a better one. As a matter of fact, I look forward to seeking the possibilities of that situation occurring more permanently.
Who are the Top 10 people influencing me today?
See the list below (call me if you want the longer list):
Teena (my best friend)
P.S. If you counted the list, bless you for reading this far, the Top 10 is actually the Top 14…J
P.P.S. Did you want to know about Fire Hydrant, Balloon, Battery, etc.? I’ll keep it Twitter length here. After being introduced to the Periodic Table 40 years ago, I now can pull the 1st 10 elements from memory. http://jimkwik.com/kwik-brain-008/
Stay tuned, there will be more. I promise.
– Cary
+1 (214) 769-9522
Rock On, Cary! You inspire me!!