the book continued….

chptr 4:  had me look at the (7) areas of importance in one’s life and rate how i was doing in them.  a bit unbalanced, but not horrible i must say.  it asks you to look at your skills/abilities, personality traits and values/dreams and passions.  this is a hard thing for me to do, i think mainly because i am so down and also because i don’t like telling myself what i am good at.  i don’t do that well, i sell myself short- dunno why but i do.  i created goals in the (7) areas of life too, and was able to share them with the mr.  that was a really great conversation.  it was like we were dreaming again but in terms of reality.  it was fantastic, probably one of the best conversations we’ve had in a while.  so here are the questions:

1.are you a goal setter? yes typically i am.  i stopped though so i would start to focus on what i have rather than what i don’t.  i realize now that i have to set goals if i want to get to where i am going, and i also have to think about where it is i want to go.

2.how would you describe your current focus on work?scattered and completly unsure.  everytime i think i get an idea of what i want to do or decide how i am going to move forward it seems like something else knocks me down.  i am starting to feel that my plans are of no consiquence and that i should just give up.

3.what hobbies do you have, or other skills or interests? organized, creative, resourseful, smart, dedicated, i have high values and standards, i’m willing to learn and to try new things (usually), i’m artisitic, can play the piano and cello, swim, take care of two wonderful children, run a household, color coordinating, interior planning, gardening, cooking, i’m freindly and genuinely care about others.

4.are you involved in your community?i am somewhat involved at church, i try to stay involved at daycare, i will be involved at squash’s new school, i’m trying to get back involved with an architectural enviornmental committee.

5.how has your mom or dad’s attitude toward work affected you?  my dad is stuck in a job he hates and hopes he gets fired from, and actually tries to get fired on somedays.  he won’t look at his other talents as a way to create income or take a risk in doing it.  maybe because the risks he’s taken in the past haven’t paid off- circuit city, and a more recent event- purchasing a home for the golden boy.  my mom used to love what she did, and to a degree she still does.  but her situation has changed and she is only going through the motions to secure a financial future for herself and my dad.  they are both in it for the $$$, and its not great money at that. 

Chptr 5:

1.what kinds of settings are you most comfortable?  organized, well managed, flexible, fun, respectful, productive

2.how do you respond to management? typically very well, when management has respect for me i have respect for them

3.how would you manage people? with honesty, respect adn value of that person

4.are you better working with people, things or ideas? people and ideas

5.are you more analytical, detailed and logical or do you see the big picture and respond with emotion and enthusiasm? i can be detailed, but i see the bigger picture first and yes i am an emotional and enthusiastic communicator.

6.are you steady and predictable? or do you seek new challenges? more steady and predictable, but i like to shake things up a bit every now and then.

7.are you more verbal or a better listener? i think it depends on the situation, i can be both very well i think.

Chptr 6: is all about the resume, which i think i have a very good one.  but will still take a step back and look at it again.

1.do you understand your areas of competence?  yes but its hard for me to list or quanitfy for some reason.

2.do you feel trapped b/c of work experiences? yes because i know that i am good at what i do/ or have done, but it doesn’t seem to ever get me to where i want to be at.

3.do you recognize how easily your abilities may transfer to a new industry or profession?  no i havent’ looked at this, but maybe i should.

4.can you see value in the things you do outside the workplace? yes and i list them on my resume

5.do you need new skills or training to achieve the work you love?  dunno, maybe more business information.

6.do you have abililites that do not match your desires?  i don’t think so….

 

 

48 days and an interview

first off i have to mention that my expanding post on “48 days” is just meant for me.  i’m not trying to re-publish this man’s book or sign myself up for any copywritting infringements, so know that you should get and read the book if you are at all interested in it.

i had an interview today, my first one since being laid off.  i walked out of the interview with an odd sort of feeling.  it wasn’t disappointment in the people, firm or work…it was more like disappointment that this is still what i am considering doing?  that this is really what i want?  i was keenly aware that they want a 40 week person, i don’t want that.  they have 7 vacation days the first year- that means no vacation in the first year because it will get eaten up from kids being sick and having days off from school.  and ya know what, it just doesn’t work for me.  i have to find something else….something better built for me.  and that realization is great and frightening at the same time.

48 days

okay book number two is supposed to outline a new perspective of sorts for me within 48 days, each chapter has questions at the end to ask yourself.  i’m posting mine…feel free to add in thoughts of your own.  each chapter will post as a comment to this post.