I have found that opportunity comes in packages that I may not recognize at the time. I have also discovered that "Giving to Get" is more of a truism today than ever before.
This article is written to share some positive aspects of my personal experience in transition, which provided me an opportunity to get out of my box, think about what I want to do with my life and how I want to do it. Like many of you, I went to school, got a job, worked hard, and achieved financial success. But what I did not do is think about what I found fulfilling in and outside of my work. Looking back this was a mistake that I wish I had not made. For that reason, this article applies to people who are working as well as those who are in a job transition, or who are retiring.
How Self Aware Are You?
One of the first things that I did in transition was to think about what I really liked to do as a way to decide what kind of work I would like to do that might be different than what I have done in the past, and which I would enjoy more. I like working, I like working with people, and I like helping people. So I looked around for ways to do this.
I signed up for a volunteer organization called SCORE, the Senior Core of Retired Executives. This group is one of the largest business consulting organizations in the US, and its mission is to provide support to early stage businesses or people considering starting a business. My experience and expertise has proved valuable to my clients, and I feel good about that.
Based on my experience at SCORE, I realized that my involvement in SCORE is an example of how others can turn a job “transition” into an incredibly positive learning experience, while simultaneously creating some great networking opportunities.
Define Who you are to others:
First of all SCORE is a central part of my elevator speech: it helps define who I am.
It states what I am doing instead of saying I am “in Transition” or looking for a job.
It provides me with an identity in defining myself and my personal brand.
It shows that I am active, not waiting for a job to show up.
And most important, it puts me in situations to meet a lot of people in the business community.
Keep Your Professional Skills Sharp:
SCORE also provides me with professional benefits that keep me sharp and relevant.
I am in a structured organization that has goals and objectives, and directed activities. I am in a business environment functioning effectively to achieve results.
I am using my professional skills with demonstrable products and outputs.
I am learning new things and developing my skills in my profession.
I am improving my personal skills interacting with people in a business environment
Feel Good About Yourself:
Finally, SCORE is providing me with personal fulfillment doing something I feel is important, and which provides personal motivation.
I feel useful.
I have a place I have to go, a reason to get up and do something with purpose.
I feel good.
Helping other people makes me feel better about myself, and aware of my talents.
I feel appreciated.
My clients are grateful for my interest in their problems even if I can’t help them.
I feel more in control.
I don’t HAVE to do anything I really don’t want to do. I get to pick –
I feel grateful.
I better appreciate what I have in my life – family, talent, stability
How Does this Help Your Transition?
So what does this all mean to your transition efforts and how does it help?
You will feel more confident,
You will have more energy,
You will be more relevant in an organizational context.
You will network with people who value your contribution in a positive situation.
Finally, there are permanent jobs in most non-profit organizations.
Applicability to A Job Hunt:
IF you want this to be part of your job hunt, you need to do activities that contribute to your business skills and networking. Specific examples of networking opportunities that have happened with SCORE include the following: I make presentations explaining what SCORE is at meetings and workshops on business and planning. I talk to businessmen in numerous situation about what SCORE can do for them, or how they can support SCORE. I have been referred to possible employers by SCORE members based on their familiarity with my work and personality. I blog and start internet discussions about SCORE activities. And finally, I have developed a marketing campaign for a training program that demonstrates my capabilities.
Things to Watch Out For?
Like everything, there are two sides to this subject. First of all you should be committed to the cause you are volunteering for. After all you are there to contribute your time and talent, and need to absolutely support the mission of the group. There are also certain negatives in volunteering. Volunteering can be a time sink. I keep a time sheet to help me control the time I am spending on these activites. It can also be frustrating for Type A people because the culture of volunteer groups may not match your personality. Organizations can also be inefficient, and low energy. You may lose focus or be distracted in your job hunt. You need to avoid activities that could interfere with your job hunt.
What You Can Do:
This is only one example of what you can do by volunteering in an area you are personally motivated to participate in. There are literally thousands of things you can do, and the following list of internet links provide you with resources to help you find an activity that appeals to you. Areas to consider when volunteering are: professional or trade societies, spiritual or religious, animals, supporting kids, music, travel, politics, health care, and teaching. There are organizations in all these areas desperate for management and professional support
This activity can open up your life in a very positive way, and I think you will find that it contributes to leading a fulfilling and balanced life even after your transition has ended.
