Out of work - the opportunities are endless

I have spent the last week looking for ways to earn money while I wait for my ideal position. I am still searching and talking with companies for the ideal position and during down time, researching in-home type of contract work. It is amazing to me to see this new way of working. There are legitimate ways to earn money working from home but there are so many more scams. I am fascinated by sites that offer "membership fees" to get in touch with companies that outsource data entry and such. Why do I have to pay the fee? Shouldn't the company that needs the work done pay the fee? YES. I will not sign up or register for anything that requires me to pay for it. Read the fine print, then continue to charge you and they do not have to ask, the responsibility is on you to cancel because of that fine print.

So, a word to the wise. Do not pay for access to this type of information. Elance and oDesk are two companies that provide access without charging you.

Just thought I would share a first hand experience.

Jesus suffered - so why should it be different for me

So, this week has been about trying to keep from throwing a 'pity party' for myself. Since leaving my job, I have encountered every emotion possible. Elation, fear, anxiety, anger, "duh" moments, etc. Why? Because it is a little like grieving. Suffering is hard, even when I knew it might be like this. It was absolutely the right thing to do - I don't regret it at all.

I have spent my time updating my resume, working with a headhunter firm, applying for many positions (all of which I truly want) and most of all, self-reflection. I have grown from this experience in ways that I would not have otherwise grown. I had always aspired to a "position". Now I aspire to do what I LOVE. Now the real trick, finding the job. I have to be patient. I know what I want and I know that there are jobs out there.

All this to say, it really is true that sometimes you have to let "stuff" go so you can do what you are suppose to do. This is how God's blessings work :-) ......it is the waiting that can unnerve me.

It is all in the timing

Well, I am 8 weeks into unemployment. It is truly a shift in my paradigm. I know that I made the right decision. There are quite a few jobs available, most of them would mean moving. I have a terrific home support system from my husband and my children. While moving would be stressful, we would make it work.

I have learned some things through this. 1) Always listen to your instincts 2) Work as a team, maintaining decision making authority 3) Believe in people 4) Be patient, don't find a position, find the right position 5) Always treat people with respect 6) God provides 7) Character and integrity are the most important traits - always be true to yourself 8) Play to your strengths 9) If you are given time, make the most of it - re-energize 10) Never give up

I have been finding things to keep me busy. I have read a lot of books on a multitude of topics. I have found validation in the pages. While I do not recommend this approach to a career change, it has also been a freeing experience for me.

Have you encountered something similar?