Switching It Up

So I had an epiphany...well I have quite a few of those a day but this is a good one.  I think it's time for me to move on to a different career track.  First let me clarify...I am not giving up on what I originally obtained my degree in but I want to try something new.  I have been thinking a lot about the direction my life is going, my interests and just the places I want to be so I felt like it was time for something grand to happen.  I went to college and got the "acceptable" degree, did that route for a few years.  I am still very passionate about that aspect of my life but I need to put things into perspective.  I am 26yrs old already went down one career pathway so now it's time to start another I'm still young and have the opportunity to make a name for myself.  This time I am focusing on my interest purely, not what I think is acceptable for my mother or anyone else.  It's time for things to be about me and expressing myself.  My passion for children will still be there and I can fill that void with volunteer work once I get my new career jumped off.  With all of that said though I have decided that I would enroll in an Associates Program at the College of Southern Nevada...random right?!  I know but as much as I would love to have a Master's Degree I refuse to spend $90,000 on yet another degree to be in the same position once I graduate.  I want to be moving forward and being happy with my life and most of all being productive.  I have come to realize that I am smart and driven, there is nothing in this world that can stop me from being great so it's time to put my plan into motion.

Now the rational side of me comes out to give people a real view on things.  With today's economy I have come to realize that you have to be adaptable and your skillsets have to be transferable.  Employers are looking for people that can do the job and just that nothing more or less.  I think that is very bias however it makes sense when it comes to fiscal purposes.  Why pay someone more for a position that they are obviously over-qualified for.  Here's what I recommend or suggest for people who are looking for a new pathway.  

1. Look at the current trends in the job market and evaluate what seems to be the most stable direction for employment in your state, city or region.
2. Assess your skill set and determine if you have crossover appeal.
3. Consider your current and past interests and hobbies regardless of how whimsical they maybe, remember this is not the time to be politically correct or do the acceptable thing that your parents may want you to do.
4. Look at the resources in your community such as technical schools, community colleges, or even professional programs to see if there is something that sparks your interest.
5. Create a plan and then take the steps necessary to explore your findings.

By no means am I saying this is the plan for success but it is a start.  I have felt trapped for so long so to be stepping out on a new adventure is exciting me and making me want to do more.  So until next time...happy path-finding!

Rejection

The hardest part of being unemployed and applying for position after position is the generic rejection messages you get.  I think that throughout this process of looking for employment it hasn't been the task of looking and applying for positions it is the continuous feeling of not being good enough.  Rejection creates a lack of worth in a person and it really makes them doubt every aspect of who they are.  I would rather never get a call back then for someone to insert my name which is most often spelled incorrectly into a general letter or e-mail message telling me that my skills are impressive but no thanks.  

The most memorable rejection letter I ever received was from a local non-profit organization here in the Las Vegas Area.  I had an interview there, I followed up after my interview and then randomly I received a letter in the mail.  The envelope was addressed to me but when I open it up it is a rejection letter addressed to another individual.  When I call to make sure that this letter was indeed intended for me I never get a callback.  I mean really it is bad enough that you are not offering me a position but the least you could do is send the right rejection letter to me, that act alone made me seem irrelevant. 

I don't know the best way to deal with rejection besides to just remain optimistic but I know that is a lot to ask when one feels so beaten up.  I suppose that once I get over the feelings of worthlessness that tomorrow I will be back on the grind but for now I am sad in Las Vegas....so until next time!