Like So Many Times Before

When job hunting, one must create the right environment.  For me, I make sure I have everything I need.  A fire to keep me warm and alert… Chamomile tea to calm my nerves for when I apply for a ridiculously fabulous job, but know I probably won’t hear back from anyone because I am underqualified… Cupcakes (gluten-free) for when I submit my resume for a job I really want, but may be overqualified… Other snacks too, because this process is often long and tedious, and I might get bored… Prosecco for – okay, I really don’t need Prosecco, but drinking while searching for a job does seem pretty cool and hip – Don’t you think?!  (It’s not like I would actually be drinking on the job.  Would anyone ever do that?  No comment!)

This search has just begun, following the end of a two year research project.  A friend of mine recently said, "Paul, hang in there.  You’ll find something."  Needless to say, I was furious with her comment.  How dare she imply I’ll find something immediately.  That’s the worst thing that could happen to me.  I am in no rush, but I am no fool either, and would not pass up something with promise.

Meanwhile, I have books to read.  House projects to complete.  Day trips to plan.  New recipes to modify.  Trails to hike.  Television shows to binge.  More importantly, my sanity to find.  These are necessary tasks, people!  Don’t underestimate your needs.  They are their own priority.

On a more serious note, not that I wasn’t being serious before… Work life will happen again in its own time.  Like so many times before, things will fall into place.  And when it does happen, I will be ready, and I will be as I always am, excited by the challenge, curious about the people, eager to learn, careful in my steps, thoughtful with my questions, concise with my answers, and if I really play my cards right, people will like me, and I’ll be asked to stay.  (But after that six month probation ends… Look out!)

I’ve been fortunate in my career, working with people I genuinely cared about and enjoyed.  And it’s been a two-way street, with coworkers who are now friends.  It’s strange being the new kid on the block, thinking how will I fit in again, but then in a snap, months/years will pass and like so many times before,  I will find myself saying, how lucky am I.

I’ve been successful managing a few awesome teams who really knew how to work together and had each other’s back.  I’ve done a significant amount of work travel too, which has been its own blessing because that led to other opportunities.

My work life has taught me many things.  One of the most important is to be my authentic self.  You can’t expect others to like you when you don’t like yourself.  Always be true to your thoughts, feelings, words and actions.  Be mindful, practical, honest, sincere and above all else, passionate for learning, growing and understanding.

I often like to think I have all the answers, but just like that, when I start a new job, I end up adding more questions to my list, and with my new colleagues, answers are found, and the growing continues, thus moving me forward with happiness and delight. – paerki