[jsfg_cinti] Fw: Quite the Contrary November 2006

Quite the Contrary November 2006
----- Original Message ----- 
From: Janet White 
To: jsfg@xxxxxxxx 
Sent: Wednesday, November 15, 2006 9:04 AM
Subject: Quite the Contrary November 2006

   

      Greetings!

      Welcome to the November issue of Quite the Contrary, a very different 
kind of job advice column.

      Each monthly issue will contain one or more questions and answers about 
various aspects of job hunting. The questions are from real job seekers, and 
are first answered by Traditional System career advice columnists published in 
major newspapers or on the web. 

      This is followed by a response from the Contrarian System, which is 
designed to get you realizing that you have infinite possibilities, everything 
is possible if you believe it is, and your only limitation is your own 
imagination. 

      You see, the "secret" of the hidden job market is when you change your 
thinking, you change your life. 
     

      Over the Hill and Out of Luck? 
      Golden years? Try golden fears. A widow in my late 50s, I have been eking 
out a frugal living making and selling craft projects. I must get back to work 
doing something that pays better to cover retirement bills and get health 
insurance. I don't know where to turn. 

      Traditional System Response: Workers age 50 to 65 almost need a search 
warrant to find decent coverage because pre-existing conditions shut out the 
majority of applicants in that age group. 

      And even when you qualify, the cost is the size of your food budget. So 
good luck in finding an employer that offers health care benefits. 

      Contrarian System Response: I am sorry for the loss of your husband, but 
being in your late 50s means you're in the prime of your life. You don't 
mention the state of your physical health, which for the sake of this column we 
will assume to be good. 

      To answer your question, yes, you can get hired; the question is, "What 
can you get hired to do?" If you have no job skills, you'll probably have to 
take some classes at your local community college or trade school (they'll work 
with you on financing or you may be eligible for state educational grants). 

      The other option is, of course, minimum wage, but why should you settle 
for scraps when you can feast at the banquet table? You'll just need to get 
some marketable skills (please don't say you're too old to learn!) and you'll 
be on your way to a more abundant life. 

      As for the Traditional System's belief that you might as well forget 
getting a decent job with benefits when you're past 50, the fact is that there 
are numerous companies who treasure, support and WANT older employees. Go to 
www.aarp.org for information. 

      Now let's address your belief in lack and limitation. If you want the 
rest of your life to be joyous, full and rich in all senses of the word, you'll 
have to stop thinking in terms of getting by and instead think in terms of 
prosperity. 

      It's clear you've been satisfied for a long time simply to survive but 
now want something more. Okay, you can have it, but you have to allow it, and 
that may be difficult to do because you'll have to become aware of what you're 
thinking. 

      Jesus said, "Ask and it shall be given." This teaching is the Law of 
Attraction, and it means that you attract whatever you focus on. Well, you've 
been focusing on merely surviving, and so you have just enough to survive on. 

      So when you paint a picture of yourself of a helpless, poverty-stricken 
senior citizen who is subject to the whims of fate, that's exactly the 
experience you will have. If you want a different experience, think and talk 
about what you'd like that the new experience to be, and then take appropriate 
actions to make that experience a reality. 

      You might want to start reading some websites and books on abundance 
thinking, prosperity and the Law of Attraction. An excellent one is The Dynamic 
Laws of Prosperity by Catherine Ponder, which is filled with many affirmations 
and examples of people who have literally transformed their lives when they 
changed their thinking. 

      You can, too. 

     

      Looking (Discreetly) For That Next Job 
      My supervisor recently left the company for another job. He was my 
biggest champion and while I have been working to make a favorable impression 
on the department head, I've been advised by some outside the company to 
network a bit to see what other opportunities are out there. How do I do this 
without others finding out and the gossip mill reaching my department head? 
Most of my work contacts have a very close relationship with her. 

      Traditional System Response: Many people are concerned about corporate 
repercussions if they're discovered job hunting. But you've got to risk putting 
the word out if you want to find a new job, even if you're afraid that word 
might come back to bite you. 

      And even if you had no concerns about your new supervisor, it's always a 
good idea to keep an eye out for advancement opportunities by continually 
increasing your professional network. But it's also smart to consider some 
anticipatory damage control, just in case your boss catches wind of your 
search. So, assuming you're not under contract to your employer, let's look at 
ways you can test the workplace waters without unduly rocking the boat: 

      Cultivate a relationship with your new boss: Ask her to lunch, or 
whatever works for your workplace, and let her know you'd like to understand 
her expectations so you can exceed departmental goals. Even if you're job 
surfing, this needs to be genuine. After all, you should be meeting your 
department's goals as long as you're there, and you don't know how long that 
will be. 

      Talk to your former boss and get his read on the situation: He may be 
able to offer you inside information about where your company or team is 
headed. And of course, ask for a recommendation and referrals. 

      Make yourself visible to your peers:Circulate among your teammates and 
build support. Keep your ear to the office grapevine, so if change is afoot, 
you'll hear about it. 

      Meet with colleagues outside the company, but be cautious: Avoid people 
who are close to your boss and opt for those you know you can trust. Even then, 
be careful taking them into your confidence about your job search. Find out 
what they know about your shop and the industry. If it feels appropriate, let 
them know you might be considering a job change and ask for their thoughts. 

      If word gets back to the boss, be honest: Let her know you believe in 
know what's happening in your field, as well as planning for the future. You 
don't have to specify if that means three months or three years from now. 

      Contrarian System response: Does your company own you? No? Then how is it 
their business who you talk to, what your motives are in doing so or what your 
ambitions are, inside or outside the company? 

      You not only have the right to "network;" but as a professional, you are 
expected to do so. Not network for a job as the Traditional System suggests, 
but rather, network among peers in your industry so you can grow 
professionally. 

      The absolutely best thing you can do for yourself is to join the local 
chapter of your industry's trade group, regardless of your current position in 
your company and especially if you want to succeed. If such a group does not 
exist in your area, join the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary or Kiwanis Club where 
you will meet other business executives and professionals. 

      The contacts, friendships and associations you will make will be 
invaluable, and they'll get to know you as a peer - not as job seeker. When and 
if you decide to make a move, you'll be welcomed as a familiar colleague, not 
as an applicant off the street. 

      By the way, should you decide to speak to your ex-boss, ask him why he 
left the company. You may find his reasons to be very similar to the ones you 
give when you leave it. 

     


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