The current economic climate has affected many of us across the nation. Due to budget cuts and business shortfalls, many find themselves out placed from the workforce for the first time. Minnesota's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 8.1 percent in July, down three-tenths of a percentage point from June. The total number of unemployed fell by 8,700 and the number of employed rose by 17,418 compared to June (Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development).
This has had the greatest impact on women, fifty and older, many who at some point in their careers may have left the workforce to raise their families, returned to their career path only to find themselves at the starting line once again. Many of the homes of the suburbs that appear to be stable and well taken care of from the curb are harboring families struggling to make ends meet in these tough times. Families who never thought they would be on the rolls of government assistance now find themselves in the lines at county offices seeking food support, medical assistance and work force counseling.
With staggering figures such as these, many find the necessity for reinvention. Unless you were trained as a CPA, attorney, or Doctor, you may find it difficult to reenter the workforce in the same industry you left. This requires the development of different job seeking strategies and a comprehensive assessment of your skill sets in an effort to develop a new approach to the saturated job market. Many find themselves seeking the guidance of career counselors and life coaches to chart the path to a new source of livelihood. These experts help clients look at significant skill sets and group them in new silos to consider alternative positions and industry channels. Looking at attributes that can be transitioned into new career options may make the playing field a little less crowded and may open new doors for these individuals. Clients may find hidden skills and interests through the process creating options in entrepreneurial endeavors never considered before. They may also find a need to consider continuing education while they are looking for openings in the market whether through degree advancement or vocational and trade training.
The take away is that in the darkest times, the light that comes can be from the new opportunities that prevail from adversity. Perseverance versus submission to one’s circumstances can be the solution to rising from what may seem to be insurmountable circumstances. This is the perfect time to see the glass as half full and to seize the opportunity to create your second act in life. Take a keen inventory of your core values, skill sets and passions and channel them in the direction of life balance, independence and security. Summons all your resources and prior professional contacts and build your success team. Don’t hesitate to ask for help, schedule informative meetings and even consider volunteering for organizations of interest. The more visibility you have the better chance you will open new doors to your professional future. The greatest pitfall of being out of work is the since of isolation and the slow development of distance from the next opportunity. Stay active, involved and engaged and before you know it, you will discover your next calling. Remember, reinvention may just be the key to your future.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Social networking, seriously, that’s for kids or people without lives…
Have you been bitten by the social networking bug? Are you addicted to Facebook, finding yourself “tweeting” or linking on Linkedin? I must admit, when I first heard about all of this I was not interested in the least bit. I thought Facebook, MySpace, and the likes were for kids or predators. Furthermore, when told of the connections to people from my past, I would have responded, “If I have not seen or heard from someone in all these years, it obviously wasn’t meant to be.” In terms of Twitter, REALLY??? Why would anyone care what I was doing if they weren’t doing it with me? And Linkedin, why would I be interested in building a pyramid of business connections? I’d rather stick to the old-fashioned face-to-face version of business networking.
Well…months later, most every day begins with checking in on Facebook. Curiosity has me wondering who has discovered me out there amongst the millions of profiles and sea of alphabets that make up a plethora of user names. What are my “friends” talking about today? I admit, I created my profile for business purposes so that I could hang my shingle out in yet another place on the “world wide web” and lasso in new coaching clients and speaking engagements. To my surprise, I found a dear friend from 31 years ago who I had searched for years ago with no success. I later connected with lost high school friends and learned of their career paths, marriages, children, and other great life transitions. I found (and they found me) friends from college that I had often wondered what had become of them. Therefore, what started as a business marketing effort has opened doors to people that I am glad to be back in touch with. This portal has lead to hour-long conversations and the making of plans to get together.
I now Tweet on Twitter. Who would have thunk? It’s not so much about telling people what I am doing at this very moment, but more about what I have to offer, providing links to other ways to connect with me, access to the services I provide, and a way to find out what I am working on to grow my practice. This is like a virtual billboard where travelers catch a glimpse as they go about their journey. Now, if I could only figure out how those people who have thousands following them collected them all…
An Finally, Linkedin though initially seen as a place to network to either find the next stop on the career path or make connections to grow my business, in this economic market, it has become a place that has served more as a reality check. Sadly, it is filled with people just like me. People who built strong careers as a result of years of hard work and dues payments only to find themselves one in millions waving resumes and pleading for someone to take notice and give them a chance. The positive side of this is that it lets jobseekers who may feel as if they have taken a wrong turn somewhere know that they are not alone and many share their frustration and sometimes, desperation in the journey. It is true in some cases, misery does love company.
So to tie it all together, the world of social networking can seem trite, a waste of time to some and cliché in some ways. However, what I have learned is that there are many just like me. Through what was perceived as an impersonal medium, real human connections are made and sincere emotions flow. From the comfort of my home, I smile as I hear stories of old friends and what life has brought them. I shed a tear for some of their losses and the compassion they have shown for mine. I laugh when I realize I am not alone in what patience and perseverance it takes to raise a teen-age child and take solace in the fact that I am not alone in this thing called reinvention as it relates to making a livelihood in tough economic times. So the next time someone tells you they don’t have time for Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, MySpace or the likes, smile and let them know that its like opening the front door to your house only to find a surprise party that was planned in your honor. There is much to be said about this crazy computer based world in the hectic and disconnected lives we live. Don’t knock it till you have tried it. Just remember, everything in moderation!
In the spirit of connection,
Angel
Well…months later, most every day begins with checking in on Facebook. Curiosity has me wondering who has discovered me out there amongst the millions of profiles and sea of alphabets that make up a plethora of user names. What are my “friends” talking about today? I admit, I created my profile for business purposes so that I could hang my shingle out in yet another place on the “world wide web” and lasso in new coaching clients and speaking engagements. To my surprise, I found a dear friend from 31 years ago who I had searched for years ago with no success. I later connected with lost high school friends and learned of their career paths, marriages, children, and other great life transitions. I found (and they found me) friends from college that I had often wondered what had become of them. Therefore, what started as a business marketing effort has opened doors to people that I am glad to be back in touch with. This portal has lead to hour-long conversations and the making of plans to get together.
I now Tweet on Twitter. Who would have thunk? It’s not so much about telling people what I am doing at this very moment, but more about what I have to offer, providing links to other ways to connect with me, access to the services I provide, and a way to find out what I am working on to grow my practice. This is like a virtual billboard where travelers catch a glimpse as they go about their journey. Now, if I could only figure out how those people who have thousands following them collected them all…
An Finally, Linkedin though initially seen as a place to network to either find the next stop on the career path or make connections to grow my business, in this economic market, it has become a place that has served more as a reality check. Sadly, it is filled with people just like me. People who built strong careers as a result of years of hard work and dues payments only to find themselves one in millions waving resumes and pleading for someone to take notice and give them a chance. The positive side of this is that it lets jobseekers who may feel as if they have taken a wrong turn somewhere know that they are not alone and many share their frustration and sometimes, desperation in the journey. It is true in some cases, misery does love company.
So to tie it all together, the world of social networking can seem trite, a waste of time to some and cliché in some ways. However, what I have learned is that there are many just like me. Through what was perceived as an impersonal medium, real human connections are made and sincere emotions flow. From the comfort of my home, I smile as I hear stories of old friends and what life has brought them. I shed a tear for some of their losses and the compassion they have shown for mine. I laugh when I realize I am not alone in what patience and perseverance it takes to raise a teen-age child and take solace in the fact that I am not alone in this thing called reinvention as it relates to making a livelihood in tough economic times. So the next time someone tells you they don’t have time for Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, MySpace or the likes, smile and let them know that its like opening the front door to your house only to find a surprise party that was planned in your honor. There is much to be said about this crazy computer based world in the hectic and disconnected lives we live. Don’t knock it till you have tried it. Just remember, everything in moderation!
In the spirit of connection,
Angel
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Living life to the fullest
A while back, I took offence to being called "middle-aged." That seemed like a term for old people and certainly I did not qualify as an old person to anyone but my child who thinks anyone over 25 is old. I have prided myself on remaining youthful in appearance, attitude and interests. Most have no idea I am approaching my 50 birthday in just months. So how did I become middle-aged? The fact of the matter is that I AM!! Let me now say it with pride and conviction, I AM MIDDLE-AGED and there is nothing wrong with that.
The reality is that age is a physical reality but a mental choice. Yes I am almost 50, yes I have a few more pounds than I would like to carry around, yes, thank God for Garnier Neutriese #866 that hides those pesky grey hairs, and yes I do remember the 45 and 33 vinyl records, telephone party lines, S&H Green stamps, 8 track and cassette tapes, Ed Sullivan on Sunday nights in front of the old black and white TV and countless other relics from my past. However, the good news is that I REMEMBER!! Yes, I remember with a smile on my face and whenever some one sends one of those viral emails around that start with "remember when..." I admittedly read with great memories, smiles and occasionally audible laughter.
With this age comes confidence, expereince, insight, long time friendships, clarity, and a sense of purpose and of where I have come from. As much as we would like to frown on the actual number, label or even those grey strands, what we have gained is greater than what we have lost. Even in times of hardship, I can look back on my journey and know that better days are right around the corner because time, experience, and faith have taught me that. When I think I have nothing to show for how far I have come and the years, I look back on my dear friends who have shared laughter, tears, loss and celebrations with me for whom I would give the world and them for me. I cherish the young people, though nerve racking at times, who are part of my family and friend circle because there is a little piece of me and all who have been apart of their lives glimmering in their eyes and hearts.
My daughter chastises me whenever there is too much cleavage showing, when the hair is too bright or big, when the skirts are too short or the jeans too tight. God bless her for being my barometer. However, I am still kicking, sexy, and loving life so as long as I am doing it all with grace, sophistication and self-respect, that is all that matters. Bring on my animal print!! Besides, she may think I'm too much at times but her friends think I'm cool (and much younger than I am and most of their parents are).
The bottom-line is this, life is what you make it. If you see age as a limitation or the approach to the end of something, pull up your rocking hair and watch the sunset. If you're like me, live it, love it, dance while you can, laugh as loud as you want and celebrate you!
Inviting 50 with arms wide open...
Angel
The reality is that age is a physical reality but a mental choice. Yes I am almost 50, yes I have a few more pounds than I would like to carry around, yes, thank God for Garnier Neutriese #866 that hides those pesky grey hairs, and yes I do remember the 45 and 33 vinyl records, telephone party lines, S&H Green stamps, 8 track and cassette tapes, Ed Sullivan on Sunday nights in front of the old black and white TV and countless other relics from my past. However, the good news is that I REMEMBER!! Yes, I remember with a smile on my face and whenever some one sends one of those viral emails around that start with "remember when..." I admittedly read with great memories, smiles and occasionally audible laughter.
With this age comes confidence, expereince, insight, long time friendships, clarity, and a sense of purpose and of where I have come from. As much as we would like to frown on the actual number, label or even those grey strands, what we have gained is greater than what we have lost. Even in times of hardship, I can look back on my journey and know that better days are right around the corner because time, experience, and faith have taught me that. When I think I have nothing to show for how far I have come and the years, I look back on my dear friends who have shared laughter, tears, loss and celebrations with me for whom I would give the world and them for me. I cherish the young people, though nerve racking at times, who are part of my family and friend circle because there is a little piece of me and all who have been apart of their lives glimmering in their eyes and hearts.
My daughter chastises me whenever there is too much cleavage showing, when the hair is too bright or big, when the skirts are too short or the jeans too tight. God bless her for being my barometer. However, I am still kicking, sexy, and loving life so as long as I am doing it all with grace, sophistication and self-respect, that is all that matters. Bring on my animal print!! Besides, she may think I'm too much at times but her friends think I'm cool (and much younger than I am and most of their parents are).
The bottom-line is this, life is what you make it. If you see age as a limitation or the approach to the end of something, pull up your rocking hair and watch the sunset. If you're like me, live it, love it, dance while you can, laugh as loud as you want and celebrate you!
Inviting 50 with arms wide open...
Angel
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Have you met the "meanager"?
As I have mentioned before, I am the mother of a teen age girl. For that I should be given an award for the tolerance, patience, control/restraint, and overall maintenance of what little sanity I still possess.
There are many days that I question my parenting skills and even the basic communication skills I once prided myself for. After all, I used to run a global business comprised of people of all ethnicities, ages, social economic backgrounds, and education levels and was proficient in communicating the needs of the organization as well as our client's expectations to keep that well oiled machine in profitable forward motion. Why then is it so difficult to communicate with a 15 year old girl? She was taught English and understands sign language when necessary. So why does she look at me as if I am speaking an ancient Mayan language or some form of Sanskrit. On the rare occasion that her translators are in sync with mine, she pulls out the claws and the fangs appear and the venom begins to spew. Its as if a reenactment of the spinning head from the Exorcist takes place right before my very eyes.
In the past, I tried to do battle with the monster but at the peak of the screaming tantrum that we engaged in to see who could become the victor in a win-less battle, I could hear the insanity that prevailed. I decided to take a new approach and simply not accept the invitation to battle. I walk away now or simply state my disinterest in the discussion at that moment. What a liberating experience. Truth be told, I simply decided to be the adult I am and stop stooping to the teenager we had both become.
Once I rose above the crazy state of being, I discovered there were others who had been to this battlefield on the other side of Alice's looking glass. Other mothers that had been seduced by the need to control the uncontrollable in an uncontrollable moment. They shared their stories with me and then out of the insanity rose a phrase we all understood..."MEANAGER". It was all clear now. Boys are TEENAGERS and girls are MEANAGERS. It is an unfortunate journey they feel the need to take in seeking their independence and adulthood. The single greatest threat to their survival in this journey is their mothers. From their perspective, we stand in the way of their grabbing the golden ring. Our rules, curfews, judgement of their friends, and overall protective measures instigate and solicit the rearing of the monsters head.
If we can make it through this barren wasteland known as female adolescence, avoiding all the hormonal land mines, we will one day have sweet revenge when they first of all admit (at the age of 30 of course) that we were right and only did what we did because we loved them and they are better off as a result, but more importantly, when they have daughters of their own and are later subjected to the meanager of their very own. Karma, Karma!
In sanity,
Angel
There are many days that I question my parenting skills and even the basic communication skills I once prided myself for. After all, I used to run a global business comprised of people of all ethnicities, ages, social economic backgrounds, and education levels and was proficient in communicating the needs of the organization as well as our client's expectations to keep that well oiled machine in profitable forward motion. Why then is it so difficult to communicate with a 15 year old girl? She was taught English and understands sign language when necessary. So why does she look at me as if I am speaking an ancient Mayan language or some form of Sanskrit. On the rare occasion that her translators are in sync with mine, she pulls out the claws and the fangs appear and the venom begins to spew. Its as if a reenactment of the spinning head from the Exorcist takes place right before my very eyes.
In the past, I tried to do battle with the monster but at the peak of the screaming tantrum that we engaged in to see who could become the victor in a win-less battle, I could hear the insanity that prevailed. I decided to take a new approach and simply not accept the invitation to battle. I walk away now or simply state my disinterest in the discussion at that moment. What a liberating experience. Truth be told, I simply decided to be the adult I am and stop stooping to the teenager we had both become.
Once I rose above the crazy state of being, I discovered there were others who had been to this battlefield on the other side of Alice's looking glass. Other mothers that had been seduced by the need to control the uncontrollable in an uncontrollable moment. They shared their stories with me and then out of the insanity rose a phrase we all understood..."MEANAGER". It was all clear now. Boys are TEENAGERS and girls are MEANAGERS. It is an unfortunate journey they feel the need to take in seeking their independence and adulthood. The single greatest threat to their survival in this journey is their mothers. From their perspective, we stand in the way of their grabbing the golden ring. Our rules, curfews, judgement of their friends, and overall protective measures instigate and solicit the rearing of the monsters head.
If we can make it through this barren wasteland known as female adolescence, avoiding all the hormonal land mines, we will one day have sweet revenge when they first of all admit (at the age of 30 of course) that we were right and only did what we did because we loved them and they are better off as a result, but more importantly, when they have daughters of their own and are later subjected to the meanager of their very own. Karma, Karma!
In sanity,
Angel
Insecurity
It these times of loss, difficulty making ends meet and professional stagnation, one can find it hard to keep his or her head up. Self doubt creeps into every crevasse of your existence. Areas that you prided yourself on, where confidence was in abundance, you may now find yourself questioning "am I good enough".
It's at these times that you need to put the judger in his or her cage and lock the door. Stop looking at yourself through the distorted eyes of what you think others see and see yourself in the purest vision. See your inner beauty and the gifts that you have been given. Though you may have lost your job due to layoffs or cut backs, you may have to watch your pennies a little closer, you may have difficulty finding a new career path due to the tight job market, you may be beset with countless other set backs, you are still the person you were when all was in line with the universe. You still offer the wisdom you may have been known for to your friends. You still have great insight into the areas of professional expertise you were once praised for by your colleagues. You probably aren't as far from the proverbial "corner" where everyone tells you that next opportunity is awaiting ("something better is just around the corner").
Though you may find yourself down and living in what feels like a place of hopelessness and perpetual stagnation, take a deep breathe, start to list your strengths and positive attributes, read letters, cards, or emails that others have written about your greatness to remind yourself from where you have come, look yourself in the mirror and invite that strong, confident person you have lost somewhere along the way back into your existence. Know that you are still the bright shining star you have always been. Your vision has simply been blurred by the clouds of tough times. Furthermore, he or she is the person that will make you stronger for the journey, will guide you out of the clouds and is the strength that is always inside of you. Simply call your true self to the table and get to work. You'll be surprised who you might find there with you!
With confidence,
Angel
It's at these times that you need to put the judger in his or her cage and lock the door. Stop looking at yourself through the distorted eyes of what you think others see and see yourself in the purest vision. See your inner beauty and the gifts that you have been given. Though you may have lost your job due to layoffs or cut backs, you may have to watch your pennies a little closer, you may have difficulty finding a new career path due to the tight job market, you may be beset with countless other set backs, you are still the person you were when all was in line with the universe. You still offer the wisdom you may have been known for to your friends. You still have great insight into the areas of professional expertise you were once praised for by your colleagues. You probably aren't as far from the proverbial "corner" where everyone tells you that next opportunity is awaiting ("something better is just around the corner").
Though you may find yourself down and living in what feels like a place of hopelessness and perpetual stagnation, take a deep breathe, start to list your strengths and positive attributes, read letters, cards, or emails that others have written about your greatness to remind yourself from where you have come, look yourself in the mirror and invite that strong, confident person you have lost somewhere along the way back into your existence. Know that you are still the bright shining star you have always been. Your vision has simply been blurred by the clouds of tough times. Furthermore, he or she is the person that will make you stronger for the journey, will guide you out of the clouds and is the strength that is always inside of you. Simply call your true self to the table and get to work. You'll be surprised who you might find there with you!
With confidence,
Angel
Monday, June 29, 2009
What are your truths?
If someone said something bad, insulting, or untrue about you, does simply saying it make it true? Do you rush to rebut it and offer evidence to the contrary? What drives either to respond? I have pondered this question for a while recently. I have been a spectator in a war of words between two individuals recently, accusations have been hurled, and the defender has felt the need to do exactly that, jump to the defense. The two questions that are forefront is why do people knowingly speak untruths and why do we take such offense when we know there is no substance to the poisonous words?
Here's my take on the issue. The one throwing the hatred does so to somehow lift him or her up at the expense of the one they are attacking. In some sad way, it makes that individual feel better and in some cases superior as the judger. It is as if they have decided they are above scrutiny themselves. They hold the morality yardstick and have been anointed with the authority to belittle another. The recipient of the accusations feels the immediate need to justify or defend him or herself even when they know the words are hollow and self-serving.
How about this perspective, if the accuser legitimately asked himself or herself what motivates me to say these things (usually emotion, hurt, lack of self-esteem, need for control, or revenge) and can I support the accusations with REAL evidence versus circumstantial or emotional rhetoric, why am I saying them? Furthermore, is there a better use of my time and energy or should I simply let it go because I know it not to be true. Focus on the "why" and work on that issue versus throwing hurtful words around. Remember, Karma!
Similarly, the accused should stop, take a deep breath and a personal inventory and ask, "is this or could it be true?" If there is even the smallest piece of truth, one might reflect on what he or she could do to rectify or improve the issue and consider the words, though painful, a catalyst to seek improvement. If after such a personal assessment it is found to be nothing more than a lie, it is time to let it go like balloons released in the air and move on. Know that at that point, it is not yours to own and those who know you best know that as well.
Sometimes it is he who speaks the loudest that has the most to protect and kept hidden. The person solid in his or her own truths sleeps well at night.
This I know to be true,
Angel
Here's my take on the issue. The one throwing the hatred does so to somehow lift him or her up at the expense of the one they are attacking. In some sad way, it makes that individual feel better and in some cases superior as the judger. It is as if they have decided they are above scrutiny themselves. They hold the morality yardstick and have been anointed with the authority to belittle another. The recipient of the accusations feels the immediate need to justify or defend him or herself even when they know the words are hollow and self-serving.
How about this perspective, if the accuser legitimately asked himself or herself what motivates me to say these things (usually emotion, hurt, lack of self-esteem, need for control, or revenge) and can I support the accusations with REAL evidence versus circumstantial or emotional rhetoric, why am I saying them? Furthermore, is there a better use of my time and energy or should I simply let it go because I know it not to be true. Focus on the "why" and work on that issue versus throwing hurtful words around. Remember, Karma!
Similarly, the accused should stop, take a deep breath and a personal inventory and ask, "is this or could it be true?" If there is even the smallest piece of truth, one might reflect on what he or she could do to rectify or improve the issue and consider the words, though painful, a catalyst to seek improvement. If after such a personal assessment it is found to be nothing more than a lie, it is time to let it go like balloons released in the air and move on. Know that at that point, it is not yours to own and those who know you best know that as well.
Sometimes it is he who speaks the loudest that has the most to protect and kept hidden. The person solid in his or her own truths sleeps well at night.
This I know to be true,
Angel
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
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