[jsfg_cinti] More good news

Hi All,
I have more good news. I'm excited to report I'm transitioning to a new job. As 
I mentioned in my previous email, I have been working in a temporary position 
with the U.S. Census, which provided me with valuable skills that helped me 
gain the new job I've accepted with a credit counseling agency.

Never before in my career have I had to engage in a "job search" and I wanted 
to share my thanks with all of you at JSFG for your support, insights and 
connections.

I wanted to share, too, my story, as I hope it will inspire those of you who 
may be frustrated with the job-hunting process. Early in my job search, one man 
told me that the key is to talk with people (networking) and tell them what I'm 
looking for in employment. "Tell everyone you know and everyone you don't 
know," he said, adding that the person at the checkout lane at Kroger may have 
just the lead you need.

Of course, because I wanted to stay in Cincinnati and knew I'd have to leave 
journalism to do so, I had to take a little time to figure out what I was 
looking for in a new job. JSFG speakers/members helped me hone in on my 
interests, skills and values. Indeed, when I considered why I went into 
journalism in the first place, it was because I wanted to educate and inform 
people based on my belief that "informed people make better decisions." 
Ultimately I decided I wanted to target my job search at non-profits whose 
missions were to educate, inform or otherwise assist people in making wise 
choices. I also wanted a company that would be "stable" over the long haul. To 
that end, I pursued hospitals, colleges, social agencies and such.

Now here's the fun part. Barb, my hair stylist, who saw me about every 6-8 
weeks, listened as I discussed my desires for a new role. In the meantime, 
another of her clients, who also visited about every 6 weeks, was discussing 
how his business was growing because demand was up. And, the government has 
licensed it for services in seven additional states in addition to the three it 
already serviced.

I'm here to say "networking works" even when you don't realize you're doing it. 
Barb told him about me and told me about him and introduced us. When we met, 
something just "clicked" and we began communicating. Our first contact was in 
October even though he didn't have an opening at the time, and we touched base 
every two-three weeks until he was ready for me to meet the senior staff -- 
each of whom has his own concerns.

Among them was the understanding of the importance and responsibility of 
handling confidential information. My "temporary" job with the U.S. Census gave 
me the credibility to address that very vital concern, as I handled very 
confidential material on a daily basis.

Things have fallen into place. Later this month, I start my new position with 
Advantage Debt Management, a non-profit agency in business since the '60s. Its 
mission is financial services education and assistance. I'll start on the 
ground floor learning the business itself and all the rules and regulations, 
eventually to become a certified credit counselor myself and to promote the 
company through networking with schools, businesses, civic groups and such.

All the ups and downs of the past year have led to the right job for me. Here's 
hoping everyone at JSFG finds the job that best suits his/her skills and 
interests. JSFG gives you tools to help. Take advantage of them.

Myra Calder,
fellow JSFG member
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