By CAREEREALISM-Approved Expert, Joshua Waldman
I recently had an interesting conversation with a small business owner, who I met via LinkedIn. I had put out some feelers to see if laid-off people would be willing to share their stories with me.
Will Martin wrote me back with his story. It is a story of finding your dream and of turning a bad situation into a good one. And I’d like to share it with you.
Started Out On A Fast-track
Will was an architect for a company that was getting ready to grow. The owners were grooming him to take a management position, and perhaps even one day, take over.
So despite the intensity of their current school construction project, Will put himself through an MBA program at night.
Then Walls Caved In...Right After Paid Big Money For An MBA
Shortly after finishing the degree, the construction project ended with a financial hit to the firm. His career prospects soon evaporated and Will was left jobless and over-qualified for most openings in the market. Though he was consequently employed at various firms over the next few years, his ideas for growth and innovation were squandered and his clear leadership ability, left untapped.
One company refused to listen to his ideas about building a website. Another turned down millions of dollars worth of contracts he had uncovered during a business development campaign. He was baffled.
Now He Swings A Hammer With A Smile!
When I called Will, he had just put down his hammer. He is now running his own construction firm, from head to foot. He gets the contracts, then he builds them. I could hear the smile in his voice.
What struck me most about his story was the fact that getting laid off had been a real blessing for him. It took him a month to get a website, where at his past company, it had taken 5 years. He is going after business he enjoys, at his past company, most of his contracts were overlooked.
And the most amazing thing he shared with me was even though he struggles to find business every month, and they have to cut costs like crazy, he is happier than ever.
Can You Relate?
If you were laid off, what has that experience taught you about yourself? What hidden talent or aspirations were suddenly revealed when you went to bed knowing you didn’t have a job anymore?
If you live in Washington State and have some construction or renovation work, look up Will Martin. He’ll greet you with a smile.
Joshua Waldman is a Social Media Career Consultant, lecturer and blogger for www.CareerEnlightenment.net. He has an MBA from Boston University and over 4 years experience working with Project Managers and Engineers in IT. He can be emailed at Joshua@careerenlightenment.net.
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Everyone has heard of New Year's resolutions. You know, those promises we make to ourselves about things we'll do better in the year ahead. Sometimes these resolutions work, while other times we end up with gym memberships we never use! But have you ever heard of a career resolution? It's actually the same thing as a New Year's resolution, only career-focused.
However, with something as important as a career, you don't want to break these resolutions. That's why it's important to keep these goals manageable.
Here are four simple career resolutions that are easy to stick to and achieve.
Be Self-Aware Of Where You Stand In Your Career
BigstockBeing honest and self-aware of where you are in your career is the most important step in making strong career resolutions. If your career is going nowhere and you're unhappy, then it may be time to consider a career change, which will take you down a different path entirely.
But if you're happy and in good standing with your career, it's a lot easier to set goals for the year and build out a long-term career plan.
Find A Way To Grow Your Career
BigstockCareer growth is a very broad spectrum that means something different to everyone. It could be something as simple as improving on a weakness or building on a strength. It could also be learning a new skill or taking on additional responsibilities at work.
On a larger level, it could be seeking a promotion or moving into a leadership role.
Whatever the goal is, make sure it includes growing professionally. The worst thing you can do is stay the same! If you're not growing your career, you're dying—and becoming a lot less valuable to your employer. There are always ways to upskill!
Better Serve Your Professional Network
With current colleagues, former colleagues, and other professional acquaintances, you've probably built a solid professional network through the years. A strong professional network can come in handy if you lose your job or are looking to make a career change. However, you shouldn't just rely on your network when you're in need!
It's important to find ways to offer value to your network. This could include checking in with members of your network from time to time. Exchange messages on LinkedIn to see how they're doing or share relevant content of interest. If you can help someone in your network going through a career challenge, you should!
Maintaining a strong professional network is like an investment. If you want it to pay off, you have to put some time into it and be consistent.
Take Care Of Yourself
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Working on your career is hard work! It's okay to be selfish sometimes. Whether you're working to grow your career or looking for a new job, it's important to find balance.
Your family and health always come first, so make sure your career goals don't interfere with that. If you want to set aside time during the week to work on your career that's fine, but don't miss important family events or milestones.
Don't let your career goals get in the way of your health goals. Go to the gym, take a walk, or go for a jog. Balance is key to maintaining healthy career and life goals. Sometimes you just need to adjust that balance as you go.
Need help sticking to your career resolutions?
Become a member to learn how to UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!
This article was originally published at an earlier date.
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