Back in November, and December, I announced a major change in my life: I'm Looking for a New Job, or a New Career Direction.
1. 50, Alone and Newly Unemployed in Ca., With the Rest of My Life Ahead of Me: Now What?
2. Venturing Forth into 2011, and a New, and Better Future
3. Hey, World Travelers! Man in Mid-Life Career Change Crisis Seeks Advice: Can you think of places to live with at least 10 of these 15 factors, or half, or just the to5? ;-D
I've increased my involvement in LinkedIN, and been reading some books, as well as taking some computer courses at a local adult school.
One website, of local origin, that I've come across, is called Tim's Strategy.
According to Tim Tyrell-Smith his site is about tools, and ideas, "to help job seekers identify and determine how best to use their network".
He's got e-books, a newsletter, videos, a Facebook Page, a LinkedIN Group, a Twitter Account, and is on the Speaking Circuit, too.
His efforts are only a few years old, and his concept is evolving, and growing, but it's quickly gathering an enthusiastic following.
When I checked out some posts on his blog, and checked out his Facebook, I liked what I was reading, and so decided to take up his offer of a free copy of his book to read, and comment on.
In fact, Elvira enjoyed the book so much it left her so happy, and excited, she stuck her tongue out! ;-D The book title: The book, clocking in at a hefty 116 pages, was such a quick, and absorbing, read that even young Elvira Mistress of Pussydom, and old, Arthritic, Nikita Cat, could read it in a single day! ;-D
30 Ideas: The Ideas of Successful Job Search (On Sale at Amazon)
The aim of the book is to give the reader advice on "creating a Job Search Strategy, maintaining a positive mindset, and building a career networking plan", among other things.
Tim divides his discussion into 3 areas: Job Search Strategy, Psychology of the Job Search, and Smart Networking, and while I'm not sure how much of what I learned here I can put to good use it all still gave me a lot to think about.
The more intellectual a Feline the closer an eye you need to keep on any of your reading materials that they can get their paws on. ;-D ( Nikita & Elvira can be found on Meowsings of an Opinionated Pussycat ) Anyway... The material in his book takes some of the best essays he has written on his blog, and puts them in one convenient collection. Some thoughts on what he has to share: Nikita found much to chew on, as well, or, um, he would have if I hadn't remembered to ask for the book back once he was done reading it.
1. Just because you ain't workin' doesn't mean you should change who you are! Use that stress you may be feeling as motivation:
Well, I've been feeling all kinds of stressful for months, and since I wasn't getting anywhere with the local Job Center I decided that curling up into a ball, and getting angry over their incompetence, wouldn't be prudent.
I decided to take a chance on learning some new computer skills, paying for 2 new Computer Programs, and begin to learn about using them in related classes at Adult School, and from some books I bought, all out of my own pocket (Word 2007, Excel 2007, Powerpoint 2007, and PhotoShop Elements 9).
I really love playing with Powerpoint, and PSE, and have made my first Powerpoint Presentation (In support of Nikita's Blog), and even cleaned up unwanted elements in the photos used in this post (A different colored blanket, seen in the originals, has gone "Poof!", and the photos have been cropped.)
Tim has an interesting perspective on preparing yourself for the job search by figuring out objectives, finding out your special qualities, and qualifications, and developing a way to market yourself, and then doing things to connect with those who can help you get to where you want to go.
On his website he offers downloadable materials to help you discover, and organize, diverent elements of what he discusses in the book.
2. Tell the world!
He talks about things you can do to let those you know, and those you come in contact with, that you are on the lookout for a job, or whole new career path.
This may be easy for some folks, but for others, like myself, it's not.
Networking? What's that? Maybe it's because I'm 50 and, while what friends I have are all online, I've never been as tech savvy as some, but I'm still learning how best to utilize Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIN, not just to promote myself in the job market, but promote the quality of my efforts as a writer, and blogger.
He has some ideas on all this that make for thoughtful reading.
3. Take time for you!
He reminds us of the value to mind, and body, of taking time for oneself, physically, and mentally amidst all the hustle, and bustle, of the job hunt, and/or career change.
I've taken up hiking with a local club and, just the other day, rode my bike 28 miles along roads, on the outskirts of Orange County, that I've never been on before.
I went to see True Grit at the theatre, and plan on attending more poetry readings.
4. He explains the many good reasons for reading Job Search Blogs, and not just his ownm either.
I like his reasons because they can apply to reading just about any blog.
5. His explanation of what he calls 2 different Job Search Strategies, Tortoise & Hare, will make you laugh while giving you food for thought as well.
6. When it comes to Networking, and sending Resumes Hither & Yon, among other things, don't do it just because you can.
He believes you should do things as part of a well thought out strategy to get you where you want to go.
He believes you need to have your own angle.
7. "Without a balance between relax/enjoy and purposeful action, there will be difficulty ahead."
In other words, relax, don't freak out, take time for yourself, your physical, and mental, well-being.
He lists 25 things you can do, and you, the reader, can no doubt come up with more on your own.
There are 10 on this list that apply to me, including 3, or 4, that I do, or have done to one degree or another.
8. Managing your search is as important as managing your fears, both non-productive, and productive.
He has some interesting things to say about this, and how to deal with the "Stigma" of being Unemployed.
I like his notions that you should not "identify yourself as unemployed", but "tell everyone that you are looking", and "act like someone worth knowing", while also being ready to "help others out".
I'm still sorting out what I'm "Looking" for, but have always believed I am someone worth knowing, and use my blogs as a way to continuously help others.
The trick about the last 2 is finding enough people out there who know about this side of me.
9. Music.
It's not just useful in "Soothing the Savage Beast". ;-D
10. About backward glances.
You can learn a lot by looking back at your past.
11. Networking, and should you do it.
He has a lot to say about what networking involves, and how best to do it:
11 keys to Success, and 9 to Failure, all give you food for thought.
He discusses various tips, and tools, as well as the positives, and negatives of attending Networking Events.
12. That's "Elevators", not "Escalators".
His discussion about how to be effective is more food for thought.
He ends the book with discussions about successful interviewing, and important tips on how to "Scare Employers Away".
Put that last (The Tips) into practice at your own risk. ;-D
Visit Tim's Strategy Website to learn more about what he has to offer, and connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIN.
My goal, as writer, and blogger, is to attract readers to what I have to offer on this, and my other, blog, and I hope this review not only does that, but helps readers looking for help in their own job search.
