A Nod to Jenn and Her Lessons -

Gosh, this year was supposed to be the smell the roses year, but it's quickly becoming a rat race. Slow down - I want to get off. Yup, that's right. I really hate high speeds, and I've been able to recognize this thanks to almost 2 years filled with either turtle slow or rabbit fast. However, a blessing arrived on Friday, disguised as a "you are not eligible" letter.

I applied for, and received, Utah unemployment for about 3 months last summer. Then I started back teaching at UVU, and my compensation stopped, supposedly to pick up in May. As I started hunting for the required 4 job applications per week last week, I began to feel quite depressed. How do I put a lifetime's experience into a one page resume, and even more - how do I sell myself for $12.50 or less per hour? My friend, Jennifer, who is this amazing job coach has told me, time and again, to not demean myself by even applying for these types of positions, and I did not listen this time, and I dare say ksl.com/jobs and craigslist job listers haven't listened to Jenn's pep talk. So I'm going to give it here, in an attempt to slow down my crazy mind and my dip into job-search hell this past week - which has put me in the rabbit-paced race and then taken me right out.

• Capitalize on your life experiences. Don't knock yourself down. Rather, cut yourself some slack - life experiences are valuable in the job world, you just have to use the correct wording.
• Don't look in ksl, craigslist, unemployment job boards for jobs. If you want to find a "job" then go to one of these sites, and you won't be disappointed. If you want to find a career - even if it's 20 hours a week, network, network, network. Keep your ears and eyes open. Don't be afraid to ask friends for contacts or leads.
• Those job search tricks and tips that worked even 10 years ago no longer work. A 1-page resume with 3 references will not get you an interview. Neither will a song and dance and 3-piece suit. What will though is this - sincerity, experience, and connections.
• Picture yourself at every job you apply for - and take the rose-colored glasses off. Is this what you want? If the company wants you, then don't play games with them, but don't play games with yourself either.
• Decide what it is you want to do, then stay on that path and work toward your goals. Life is to live - make your career fit your life.
• Work with like-minded people. Volunteer. Network. Join professional organizations.
• Don't waste your time while looking for a job. Schedule time each day to become better educated and gain more experience that will best suit your career goals. If you don't, your days will be filled with busyness that isn't necessarily profitable.
•  Sometimes you have to make your job. So there isn't a 9-5 M-F job posting that you're looking for? Well make it happen! Write, edit, mow, cut, polish, create, apply for grants, let your friends know you're available for contract work. Find a need or niche and fill it. 

So, no unemployment for me, that means 4 months without any wages. Lovely - thanks Utah UI. But - moving forward without regrets is the best way for me to live. Yet I'm putting my wants out to you, out to the world, with the knowledge that goodness can happen, if I'm on the path, I will meet others who are doing similarly. I will mold the career that best fits me, without panic, without compromise, in the speed that best suits my needs, which right now is a healthy dose of s.l.o.w.l.y.

• I am a chaplain; I want to be a hospital chaplain. I am on that path by volunteering at the hospital as well as taking a Palliative Chaplaincy course.

• I love teaching. I will continue to teach at UVU; I have 3 classes for this fall.

• I want to continue writing and editing. I have 4 articles to finish up - from book reviews to articles for publications.

• I want time for my husband and my family.

• I want to keep my body healthy.

• I want to live respecting my journey, living in its lessons and its goodness.

• I will acknowledge my passions and live accordingly.