Below is Patricia’s story in her own words about her recent job search experience. Thanks, Patricia, for sharing!
When I lost my job in July of 2009, I thought it would be easy to find another one. Thus far, jobs in my career just kind of “came to me.” I never had to actually look for a job. This was totally different. The economy was bad. There weren’t a lot of new jobs and people were holding on to the jobs they had for dear life. One of the most valuable things I learned from my coaching with Neal was to find a place that I wanted to work and work to create a position. While I could not find full time work, I had an opportunity to work part time at Penn State Greater Allegheny. I found that the culture there felt right to me. I liked the people and the pace at the campus. It did take almost two years, but I was hired for a full time position. I am very happy. I look back on my time of unemployment and underemployment as significant because I learned a lot about myself. I kept moving my life forward in spite of not having the security of a steady job.
In the time that I was laid off, I bought an a home that was in forclosure and got my elderly parents settled into it. I began mentoring a teen mom.
I’ve gotten into the best shape of my life. (I told myself that if I was working a part time job and only making a little bit of money that I would take full advantage of everything else that Penn State may have to offer…including the fitness center.) I have learned to appreciate EVERYTHING I have. When I had to evaluate every purchase, I bought only what I needed and appreciated it more. I began shopping at thrift stores.
I tuned into “abundance.” I don’t have as much money as I have ever had, but I have never had so much. Hang in there if you are unemployed. Keep the faith. It will happen for you.