The time has come in my journey to begin seeking my next career opportunity. Because of what I've been going through over the past months I have unfortunately exhausted my allotment of FMLA time and, not unexpectedly, my current position could not be held for me and has been filled. Once medically cleared to return to work I will have an opportunity to post for another position based on current available openings at that time. I've been checking out what is available and feel there might be a couple roles that would be good fits for my skills and experience. I have to say that I'm also looking into the broader job market in general as well, which provides a greater range of possibilities. I'm beginning to feel more ready to return to a sense of normalcy soon and hope to be back to work by the end of April at the latest. It is somewhat daunting having to begin yet again with a new position but, as they say, it is what it is. I have to put my faith in God that the right door will be opened and I will find something that not only suits me but something I will excel at and grow even more from. I've learned that everything happens for a reason, though we may not always know what it might be at the time. Hindsight is, of course, 20/20 and I never would have dreamed I would be at this point again, but here I am trying to set my feet firmly upon a new and challenging path. The great thing now is that times are so different from what they were. I remember so vividly my father's view that you worked for one company all your life until retirement. Well, it seems there's just no such thing anymore and the concept of retirement at all seems unlikely for me at this point. I may have to work until I drop! It's because of this that I hope to find something I enjoy doing and feel passionate about since I'll likely be doing it for a while. Perhaps I'll be able to leverage my writing and communication skills into something like freelancing during my retirement period so I can earn supplemental income in my golden years.
I spoke in my last posting about finding one's passion and the fact that I've turned out to be a pretty late bloomer. I remain excited, however, at the prospects for starting the Master's program at Purdue. I have started the application process and have finished the first draft of my statement of purpose. I've also requested three professional letters of recommendation from prior leaders and gotten that process started. There is still a lot of time since I am not wanting to start until fall term, but it gives me a sense of accomplishment to complete the required steps. My FAFSA for 2015-2016 has been completed and sent to Purdue for financial aid review and I still have to make sure my transcripts are sent for my undergraduate studies. After everything is completed it will be up to the admissions committee to determine my acceptance into the program. I can't see why I wouldn't be, but I also know admission is competitive so I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed until I get the final word. It will be good for me to get back to school. I always enjoyed my academic work when I was pursuing my undergraduate degree and I'm confident that will continue into graduate studies as well. Plus it gives me something to work toward, which is also good for me. Having short and long term goals keeps me motivated and moving forward rather than just spinning my wheels. I think I got myself into a slump after I finished my Bachelor's program because I felt that let down once everything was over. I realize that I have to keep setting goals, both including and apart from work, so that I always have that forward motion that drives me to achievements that reinforce positive accomplishments. This is one of the more important ingredients that helps to build my self esteem and gives me milestones that I can look back on when I'm feeling down on myself and say "see? I did that!" I certainly have those kinds of achievements already but I'm still practicing that positive self talk in order to reinforce my sense of self worth and value. So, for now, my goals include securing a new position that provides room for career growth and development, and getting started with Purdue's Master's in Communication that will compliment the skills and abilities I already possess. I think these are good places to start, and I feel confident already that they are fueling a much more positive outlook! Things are definitely looking up more and more every day!
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