The key to success is opening the right door.
- Jojo P. Alejar
Yeah! I finally sold something on E-bay! I didn't get rich from the sale, but at least I can feel some satisfaction knowing I reached that goal. After lisitng fees, and paypal fees, I ended up with less than $1.00 profit, but, it was an accomplishment!
I have been thinking a lot about the letter I posted Friday about the Chocolate Factory that closed in Fulton, New York. I was trying to think what could be done to help the townspeople that were affected by Nestle closing their factory. Realistically, even if enough people quit buying Nestle products to cause them to go out of business, (highly unlikely) how would that help the people in that town? It wouldn't... It seems like the only solution would be to get another chocolate maker to take over the factory. But, is there something that an individual like myself could do to help?
So, here I am, in a financial mess, with no job, with a husband that will be out of a job shortly, and I'm spending time trying to figure out how I can help other people. Something is wrong with this picture!
In my August 28th journal, I mentioned that I had taken an Enneagram Test. That test indicated that my personality type was that of the "The Helper". While there is nothing wrong with being a helper, I have at countless times helped others at my own expense. That has to stop. I need to take care of myself first, then my family, and, then, if I have anything left to give, I will be in a position to best help others. It's not that I've stopped caring for others, it's just a matter of common sense priorities.
I have been spending time researching what to do when you're laid off, the best companies to work for, industries and states that are experiencing growth, taking online tests to see what the best career is for me, what employers are looking for in a cover letter, etc. I stumbled across this cartoon, that gives a humorous, yet hard look at the jobless situation.
This is not the first time that I have been job searching, as I detailed in my January 17th journal. For the most part, I would always take the first job offered to me out of necessity. Over half the jobs I've had were not for me. Either the job was not challenging enough, did not pay enough, or I'd discover I worked for an unethical organization. Being in a position where my family depended on me for my income, I would stick it out until I found something that I thought was better.
This time around, I'm doing my homework first. I'm not jumping on the first job I see. I'll be turning 40 shortly (next week, in fact), and my next job is going to be right for me, in the right industry, and in the right location.
Thanks for reading!
Ann Marie
