Hi Heather.  I loved reading your goal and think it's great that you've posted it up here too.  If you were to pick your 'Dream Job,' what would you see yourself doing?  What do you love to do?

And the search continues...I have had a few interviews and some "its between you and another candidate...", but I am usually the bridesmaid.  I am excited about a couple of new prospects that have just come forward, so we will put the feelers out and see what happens.

Andrea - so many ideas floating around in my brain to pinpoint that dream job...so, it would have to be one filled with variety!  As a child, I was always the helper, the volunteer, the organizer, the explorer, the doer, the teacher...all of which are a part of my job today.

My dream job would have to incorporate many of these traits. One thing that I have noticed in my work with young adults is that they do not necessarily have the drive and determination that we had when we were their age. I know that it is a different time, and that things have changed, but I feel that there is a lot of pressure, a lot to choose from, and no real direction. I am a supporter of the Me to We campaign, Dove Beautiful campaign and the Plan Canada - Because I am a Girl campaign...great initiatives and campaigns, but I also feel that some of these monies could also be used in Canada, to engage our youth to discover who they are, what they can acheive, and may educate the newly arrived immigrants (and their families) of what Canada is all about and the opportunities that are available to them. To create a speaking series/mentorship program for youth to look up to those around them - role models from within their country (similar to Me to We...but with an emphasis on different careers that people can have; unique stories; passionate andecotes on the ups and downs of their successes).

just an idea...something that I am working to get down on paper and figure out how it can work!

Hi Heather, Wow - you're involved with some incredible projects.  How fantastic is that? I've noticed the same things about many young people today (I have a bunch of teenaged nieces and nephews who amaze me each time I see them) and it really saddens me actually.   I have a difficult time understanding the lack of motivation when there is so much to explore and discover - about themselves, the world around us and where we're headed as a culture.  It seems there's just a lack of curiosity sometimes.   What an amazing time to truly make a difference - a significant contribution to our society, become part of the solutions to the many ailments we face currently.  Seeing as you have some real experience working with young adults and varied experience too, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the topic.  Sounds like you're considering creating your own dream job and going into business for yourself?  It also looks like you've already nailed down your niche too. Nice job.  I  truly believe there's a serious need for the kind of programs you're already contemplating.  Have you considered setting up leadership workshops affiliated with high schools and after school programs?  Girl Guides, martial arts schools...   it might be a great way to utilize all those experiences and the skills you've developed.  Let me know more of your thoughts.  Happy to be your sounding board.   

Thanks for the encouragement Andrea...lots of ideas in the brain, just need to get it down on paper and into the hands of those who can help in making it work...oh, and having the confidence to know that I can succeed and make a living with this initiative. It is a matter of making the time, and facing the fear...I know that I can make it happen...and now I hear the BUT...! Crazy how the mind works when it comes to all of this...that sabutour! I will take your suggestions as well...and will be sure to let you know how things come together.

Brrahhahahah - that's the sabutour mind with the evil laugh.  Looking forward to your updates and thank you kindly for the nice message you left for me on my current saga goal to beat this thing.  Bruuuhahaha - that's my own evil laugh.

so the search continues...

I interviewed for a great opportunity...made it to the final round, and just found out that they have given the position to one of their loyal volunteers. The hiring manager sounds so deflated on the phone, almost apologizing, and really emphasizing that I would be such a great fit. Alas...these things happen.

I am in the running for another position that I am excited (and a little scared) about. They have been stringing me along for about 5 month now...proposing the idea, and then trying to figure out how they can make it work. they contacted me again this past month, with further details, and that they would like to fill the position for the New Year. I had a 3rd interview last monday, and am now playing the waiting game. I have sent an thank you email following the interview, along with thank you cards (yes, I am old school...but really believe that it is a nice touch)...and am now waiting on pins and needles. They had said that it would take a bit of time to confirm and (fingers crossed) make an offer...and to just sit tight. But I am tired of just sitting.I have also purchased the book "The First 90 days" so that I can wrap my head around how to bring myself into a new organization...what to prepare for, etc. This position that they would be (fingers crossed) offering me is a hybrid of a number of positions...taking things off of people's plate (that really should not being doing it) and centralizing it. The book has some great exercises to determine how I can make the first 90 days a success...so that I am not stepping on toes, but am also creating a welcome envirnoment for a great success going forward. I love the challenge of a new job...one that no one has had before...you can create and mold it into your own.

In the meantime, I have been scowering the internet for opportunities, and have applied to a couple of other positions that interest me...along with setting up informational interviews with friends and acquaintenances to see what may be out there.

I am also (slowly) working on my mini projects...how to take some great ideas and put them into practice...we will see what comes about.

and...curses to that damn sabouteur who keeps doubting my abilities and my successes that I have acheived over the past 15 + years.  I am a smart women with so many skills, atributes and abilities to apply to so many great jobs!

Sounds like you're being so proactive with this process! You have a lot to be proud of and a lot to look forward to. It's challenging, trying to fit yourself into existing jobs when you have so much experience to draw from, but you will land where you belong and because you've put so much effort into the preparation process, it will pay off for sure.

When you talk about inspiring young people to spark that curiosity, that ambition ... I know exactly what you're referring to. We are developing a secure app off the My Life List platform that we can use in schools for just that reason. Without that a-ha moment occurring naturally as it did for us, these next generations are going to lack a lot of what has made previous generations so successful. But beyond success, we want them also to find happiness and fulfillment. We are trying to tap into their inherent technology skills (did you know the average age children are fully capable of using computers, cellphones and tablets now is 3 and a half??) to reach them and give them the sense of control over their futures, to make them aware of what "be anything" actually means, to counter the long-lasting effects of negativity that linger with war and global economic crisis. Our goal is to give kids direction, vision and excitement about what is possible again.

I appreciate the thought you've put into what would make a difference. That ALWAYS makes for a valuable employee! 

Hi Heather, you've done so much and I LOVE the handwritten 'Thank You' note too.  A nice touch and anytime I've used it and nailed the position, it's been indicated that that one gesture set me apart from other applicants.  Sounds like you're continuing to actively search for the right place for yourself and undoubtedly, the perfect position will come your way.  When it does, you'll blow them all away with the value you'll add to the organization you join for sure - especially with all the preparation you're currently doing.  Never mind that damn sabouteur.  Just keep cursing that noisy pest.  Stay focused and keep a positive attitude - if it's not this opportunity, it's only because the perfect opportunity hasn't presented itself to you yet and it's just around the corner.   Any organizaiton would be fortunate to add you to their team.

It has been a challenging couple of days...I received an offer at 5:20 on Friday...talk about a terrible time to provide an offer! your mind is questioning everything; there is no one to discuss the contract with b/c its the weekend; you want to do a counter offer, but are not sure how to put it in writing...and how to ask for what you really want, and not look as though you are being greedy; your support group (parents/friends) are supportive, but not always...as they do not realize how their words can sting, and give u that self doubt; you send your email and wait for a reply; you hope that they will agree to your counter offer, or at least compromise; and then....finally, you ACCEPT the offer! You are elated, and excited, and terrified about what it is come. The fear of CHANGE that we all have when it comes to making taking the jump.
And now that you have accepted the position, you have to write that dreaded letter, and speak to that (in my case) mentor, manager, and friend...and let them know that you will be leaving in 2 wks time. there is never a good time to resign from a position...I recommend doing it in the morning...so that you can then break the ice, and get on with your day. Now, for me...the night before was full of emotions...I had a terrible sleep and then my stomach was doing the cartwheels leading up to me going into my manager's office to hand in that piece of paper. Thankfully, she was very supportive and offered congratulations...and then I could see her wheels turning..."oh crap! what are we going to do? who will take over all of her duties and responsibilities?"

All in all...a great couple of days...lots of emotions, great feedback from friends and family, and a general satisfaction that I am wanted!

That is right...I will be changing careers, and will be heading into a new direction and new position...one that has not existed before, which is always exciting. There will be elements of HR, Operations, a little Accounting (oh god!), some training and other projects. I am looking forward to the new challenge for sure!  Woohoo!!!

I will change this goal to complete in a couple of weeks...once i have started.

thanks everyone for your support and encouraging words! Very much appreciated!

Heather... CONGRATULATIONS!  Great news.  I'm so thrilled to read that you are beginning your next chapter with a change in your career and a new path.  The new position you've outlined sounds diverse and exciting.  I'm sure you'll be fantastic and I can't wait to see your success story here and read how your first days go.  I hope you'll keep us posted and once again... congrats. 

WOW...it has been a whirlwind of a week! I have survived over a week at my new job...woohoo! And the joke around the office is "you came back!"

Now...you are probably wondering why they would make such a comment...but I did walk into an unknown. And not only an unknown...and unknown in which two layoffs happened the week prior...and now people are panicking trying to figure out, not only where I fit in, but also what they are to do with the information that they used to pass along to these former employees.

My role is ever evolving...as one of the former employees did a lot of administrative things that many did not realize, and nothing seems to have been documented. Alas...

But...even with all of the unknowns, I am very excited about this opportunity, really like my boss and colleagues, and know that I will provide the office with some great support and knowledge from my past experiences!

Congratulations again Heather... for the job and surviving the initial first few days too.  So happy to read that you like your boss and colleagues - that is sooo important.  Hope things continue to go well for you as you find your stride there.  I'm sure you'll be amazing. : )

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