Comments on: Job Transition Part One: Awareness, Discomfort & Red Flags http://www.lifeaftercollege.org/blog/2009/09/08/job-transition-part-1/ Sat, 13 Mar 2010 19:34:53 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Monique http://www.lifeaftercollege.org/blog/2009/09/08/job-transition-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-2500 Monique Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:37:47 +0000 http://www.lifeaftercollege.org/blog/?p=949#comment-2500 Hi Jenny!! You really hit home with this particular subject! For some reason (and don't ask me why) but I felt as though I was the only one who felt these things! I didn't think anyone could fully grasp this no matter how I tried to vent to them. Up until this point of reading your blog today.... I've been really trying to figure out what the heck is the matter with me!!!... Stressing all the time and YES I have been crying as well! You have truly made my day and as soon as I submit this comment, I am going to read Part Deux (can't wait)! Hi Jenny!!

You really hit home with this particular subject! For some reason (and don’t ask me why) but I felt as though I was the only one who felt these things! I didn’t think anyone could fully grasp this no matter how I tried to vent to them. Up until this point of reading your blog today…. I’ve been really trying to figure out what the heck is the matter with me!!!… Stressing all the time and YES I have been crying as well! You have truly made my day and as soon as I submit this comment, I am going to read Part Deux (can’t wait)!

]]> By: Chinarut http://www.lifeaftercollege.org/blog/2009/09/08/job-transition-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-2284 Chinarut Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:38:41 +0000 http://www.lifeaftercollege.org/blog/?p=949#comment-2284 want to share after much deliberation, it was a fun journey completing my professional development strategy! I sure went through lots of ups & downs in the process and thought I'd share a few more tips that helped me follow through: 1) having an accountability partner 2) putting my word on the line in my above comment (thanks to each and every one of you!) 3) being in communication with my folks even when the going gets rough and u feel like sh*t! 4) attending an open house for continuing education to toss ideas around (at UCLA too! :) 5) doing a full project review and completing my life checklist (<a href="http://www.lifeaftercollege.org/blog/2009/09/11/life-checklist-template/" rel="nofollow">template</a> 6) getting feedback from friends & family around your life aspirations 7) doing yoga - get in your body - be present to your feelings around this whole matter! 8) staying off the Internet - yes, guilty as charged - I tend to lurk on the Internet 24/7! (though Google Docs and poking around this site seems to be ok :) all that said, I still feel I have some connecting the dots between where I *really* am today to the benchmarks I've written down. what I can honestly say is I'm another step closer that before! ok - hope this gives a bit of a nudge for those of you who still have it on your backburner - we're cheerin 4 ya! :) want to share after much deliberation, it was a fun journey completing my professional development strategy! I sure went through lots of ups & downs in the process and thought I’d share a few more tips that helped me follow through:

1) having an accountability partner
2) putting my word on the line in my above comment (thanks to each and every one of you!)
3) being in communication with my folks even when the going gets rough and u feel like sh*t!
4) attending an open house for continuing education to toss ideas around (at UCLA too! :)
5) doing a full project review and completing my life checklist (template
6) getting feedback from friends & family around your life aspirations
7) doing yoga – get in your body – be present to your feelings around this whole matter!
8) staying off the Internet – yes, guilty as charged – I tend to lurk on the Internet 24/7! (though Google Docs and poking around this site seems to be ok :)

all that said, I still feel I have some connecting the dots between where I *really* am today to the benchmarks I’ve written down. what I can honestly say is I’m another step closer that before!

ok – hope this gives a bit of a nudge for those of you who still have it on your backburner – we’re cheerin 4 ya! :)

]]> By: Jenny http://www.lifeaftercollege.org/blog/2009/09/08/job-transition-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-2254 Jenny Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:11:09 +0000 http://www.lifeaftercollege.org/blog/?p=949#comment-2254 <strong>JD</strong> - Thanks for your comment - glad you liked the quotes. So true that we are our own meaning makers, although I did have a hard time with that before getting my new job. I berated myself for feeling negatively toward my job, getting emotional, not seeing the positive side of things, until I finally realized that sometimes you physically have to make a change, and that sometimes (per the Beck quotes) it's not all in our heads... <strong>Jun</strong> - I can completely relate. It's interesting to see what "rules" we create for ourselves. For example: I can either pursue a career path I like and make lots of money OR do something I'm passionate about and live in a van by the river. I'm exaggerating of course, but I have all those same fears too. And I really admire your ability to keep your life (and work) moving so quickly, constantly adjusting to what feels right and what excites you. For a great read on this topic, check out Jonathan Mead's <a href="http://www.illuminatedmind.net/2009/09/08/the-zero-hour-workweek/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Zero Hour Workweek</a> e-book (if you haven't already. Can't wait to see you in two weeks! <strong>Matt</strong> - Thank you so much for the kind words - that really means a lot to me. I'm just thrilled that what I do can provide even a little scoop of value for people on a given day, so it really lights me up to hear that! As for being Godin-esque, sometimes I just have too much to say...appreciate you digging in! :D <strong>Akirah</strong> - It is amazing how sometimes life changes things for you. Even though you didn't take action on the red flags, getting fired (in retrospect) might have been the best thing that could have happened to you. I realize it may sting and hurt, and have very scary, real consequences (like wondering how you'll pay your bills) but I know that you deserve more than to be in a job that you hate! So true that happiness can't be forced... <strong>Marci</strong> - Thank you so much! I'm glad you liked the budget template...there's more where that came from :D JD – Thanks for your comment – glad you liked the quotes. So true that we are our own meaning makers, although I did have a hard time with that before getting my new job. I berated myself for feeling negatively toward my job, getting emotional, not seeing the positive side of things, until I finally realized that sometimes you physically have to make a change, and that sometimes (per the Beck quotes) it’s not all in our heads…

Jun – I can completely relate. It’s interesting to see what “rules” we create for ourselves. For example: I can either pursue a career path I like and make lots of money OR do something I’m passionate about and live in a van by the river. I’m exaggerating of course, but I have all those same fears too. And I really admire your ability to keep your life (and work) moving so quickly, constantly adjusting to what feels right and what excites you. For a great read on this topic, check out Jonathan Mead’s Zero Hour Workweek e-book (if you haven’t already. Can’t wait to see you in two weeks!

Matt – Thank you so much for the kind words – that really means a lot to me. I’m just thrilled that what I do can provide even a little scoop of value for people on a given day, so it really lights me up to hear that! As for being Godin-esque, sometimes I just have too much to say…appreciate you digging in! :D

Akirah – It is amazing how sometimes life changes things for you. Even though you didn’t take action on the red flags, getting fired (in retrospect) might have been the best thing that could have happened to you. I realize it may sting and hurt, and have very scary, real consequences (like wondering how you’ll pay your bills) but I know that you deserve more than to be in a job that you hate! So true that happiness can’t be forced…

Marci – Thank you so much! I’m glad you liked the budget template…there’s more where that came from :D

]]> By: marci http://www.lifeaftercollege.org/blog/2009/09/08/job-transition-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-2247 marci Thu, 10 Sep 2009 23:05:15 +0000 http://www.lifeaftercollege.org/blog/?p=949#comment-2247 Glad you share your Google docs with all of us! Thank you for your awesome wisdom and courage. I also needed a budget template so I'm glad I found yours! You deserve a great career path and a positive outlook on life. I look forward to learning more from your experiences. Glad you share your Google docs with all of us! Thank you for your awesome wisdom and courage. I also needed a budget template so I’m glad I found yours! You deserve a great career path and a positive outlook on life. I look forward to learning more from your experiences.

]]> By: Akirah http://www.lifeaftercollege.org/blog/2009/09/08/job-transition-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-2245 Akirah Thu, 10 Sep 2009 20:37:01 +0000 http://www.lifeaftercollege.org/blog/?p=949#comment-2245 You say some great things here. It's so important to take note of the flags, rather than ignoring them. I spent so much time trying to force happiness and it didn't work. Eventually, I was looking around, dumbfounded, wondering how in the world I ended up laid off from a job I hated. Looking forward to part 2. You say some great things here. It’s so important to take note of the flags, rather than ignoring them. I spent so much time trying to force happiness and it didn’t work. Eventually, I was looking around, dumbfounded, wondering how in the world I ended up laid off from a job I hated.

Looking forward to part 2.

]]> By: Matt Cheuvront http://www.lifeaftercollege.org/blog/2009/09/08/job-transition-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-2244 Matt Cheuvront Thu, 10 Sep 2009 19:25:56 +0000 http://www.lifeaftercollege.org/blog/?p=949#comment-2244 Jenny - you are honestly the epitome of organization and efficiency - I thought I had it all going on until you came around - you must teach me the ways of the Jedi. Another thing I love about your writing - You are extremely thorough - you aren't afraid to say everything and to explain in detail. It may not be 'easy to digest' like a Seth Godin type - but for those who take the time to read what you have to say - there is so much value here. Keep doing what you do, you are a positive influence on me and I'm sure I can speak for your other readers when I say the same applies to them. Can't wait for part two and everything else you have in store for the future. Jenny – you are honestly the epitome of organization and efficiency – I thought I had it all going on until you came around – you must teach me the ways of the Jedi. Another thing I love about your writing – You are extremely thorough – you aren’t afraid to say everything and to explain in detail. It may not be ‘easy to digest’ like a Seth Godin type – but for those who take the time to read what you have to say – there is so much value here. Keep doing what you do, you are a positive influence on me and I’m sure I can speak for your other readers when I say the same applies to them. Can’t wait for part two and everything else you have in store for the future.

]]> By: Jun Loayza http://www.lifeaftercollege.org/blog/2009/09/08/job-transition-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-2243 Jun Loayza Thu, 10 Sep 2009 17:48:52 +0000 http://www.lifeaftercollege.org/blog/?p=949#comment-2243 Wow, I had no idea you felt that torn inside about your job. I know the feeling and actually decided to leave my job as soon as I began to feel the first signs of it. I never really toughed it out like you did and created a dream position for myself. Nowadays I think I feel "ok." I feel happy because I know my career is progressing in the right direction and I'm making money; I feel "meh" because it's not what I'm truly passionate about. So I'm torn because if I keep on the path I'm going, I know I will be "successful" and make some good money. If I leave now because it's not what I "love", then I might just end up failing in other things. Isn't life fun! Can't wait for part 2 Wow, I had no idea you felt that torn inside about your job. I know the feeling and actually decided to leave my job as soon as I began to feel the first signs of it. I never really toughed it out like you did and created a dream position for myself.

Nowadays I think I feel “ok.” I feel happy because I know my career is progressing in the right direction and I’m making money; I feel “meh” because it’s not what I’m truly passionate about.

So I’m torn because if I keep on the path I’m going, I know I will be “successful” and make some good money. If I leave now because it’s not what I “love”, then I might just end up failing in other things.

Isn’t life fun! Can’t wait for part 2

]]> By: J.D. Meier http://www.lifeaftercollege.org/blog/2009/09/08/job-transition-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-2240 J.D. Meier Thu, 10 Sep 2009 06:07:49 +0000 http://www.lifeaftercollege.org/blog/?p=949#comment-2240 Beautiful rundown and I like your thoughtful injection of the right quotes. > Mostly because of my own mindset It's amazing how much perspective and mindset shape our experience ... we really are our most important meaning makers. Beautiful rundown and I like your thoughtful injection of the right quotes.

> Mostly because of my own mindset
It’s amazing how much perspective and mindset shape our experience … we really are our most important meaning makers.

]]> By: Jenny http://www.lifeaftercollege.org/blog/2009/09/08/job-transition-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-2239 Jenny Thu, 10 Sep 2009 04:20:01 +0000 http://www.lifeaftercollege.org/blog/?p=949#comment-2239 <strong>Dean</strong> - you are definitely not crazy, and a handful of us (above) can attest to that :D I found it really hard to be creative about getting "unstuck" when I felt so depleted and burnt out overall. It really does take that much MORE effort to move forward - almost feels like trying to jog when you're in quicksand. If you haven't read Martha Beck's "Finding Your Own North Star" I highly recommend it; it helped me get really clear on what I wanted. Thanks so much for your comment, and very impressive that you wrote it from your iPhone! Dean – you are definitely not crazy, and a handful of us (above) can attest to that :D

I found it really hard to be creative about getting “unstuck” when I felt so depleted and burnt out overall. It really does take that much MORE effort to move forward – almost feels like trying to jog when you’re in quicksand. If you haven’t read Martha Beck’s “Finding Your Own North Star” I highly recommend it; it helped me get really clear on what I wanted.

Thanks so much for your comment, and very impressive that you wrote it from your iPhone!

]]> By: Dean Soto http://www.lifeaftercollege.org/blog/2009/09/08/job-transition-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-2238 Dean Soto Thu, 10 Sep 2009 04:13:57 +0000 http://www.lifeaftercollege.org/blog/?p=949#comment-2238 I was initially hesitant to leave a comment because I wanted to hear the rest. But honestly, your post so far has helped me to realize that I'm not crazy. For the last few months I have been had feelings similar to what you shared. My performance at work took a nose dive compared to the level that I expect of myself, maily because I feel burned out, unchallenged, and stuck. I want something more (I have specific goals that I feel will meet my desires but I don't need to list them). At the same time I have the same feeling of being spoiled that you had, since I can't help but want to grow in my career even while so many others are jobless. Anyway, long comment short: thank you for helping to realize that I am not insane for not being content with the relatively great job that I currently have in hopes of reaching greater achievements. If something doesn't make sense, forgive me. I am writing this from my iPhone. I was initially hesitant to leave a comment because I wanted to hear the rest. But honestly, your post so far has helped me to realize that I’m not crazy. For the last few months I have been had feelings similar to what you shared. My performance at work took a nose dive compared to the level that I expect of myself, maily because I feel burned out, unchallenged, and stuck. I want something more (I have specific goals that I feel will meet my desires but I don’t need to list them). At the same time I have the same feeling of being spoiled that you had, since I can’t help but want to grow in my career even while so many others are jobless.

Anyway, long comment short: thank you for helping to realize that I am not insane for not being content with the relatively great job that I currently have in hopes of reaching greater achievements.

If something doesn’t make sense, forgive me. I am writing this from my iPhone.

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