What to do When you Decide your Current Job is not for You

Transitioning between jobs can be tough. The feelings are quite bittersweet...many times, you are excited for the new experiences and opportunities, but likely sad to leave the familiarity and friends made at the old job.

That was the case for me a week ago. Last Saturday was my last day at Children and Families of Iowa (CFI). I loved working for a company that made families the center of their mission. I also loved working with the co-workers I had at CFI and I made lifelong friends with some of those people. Talk about blessed. 

But I realized, not even two months into working at CFI, that my position wasn't the place for me. And that's okay. It is okay to find out that wherever you are working isn't where you belong. That happens all of the time. I needed to get out and I knew I still wanted to work with people. After speaking with my mentor, I found that working in Human Resources would be a better, more reliable career path for me. 

Just on my fifth day at my new job, a co-worker of mine got fired. Why? Because she tried to convince me to quit on just my third day there, without realizing how her negativity was effecting the team. That is huge. 

In honor of my new job, I wanted to share a list of tips on what you should do when you decide your current job is not the one for you. These are in no particular order, besides the order they popped into my brain. Here they are:

• Tell your current boss that you aren't happy. Although this is likely going to be difficult, it is important to be specific on what aspects you are not happy with (the hours, the pay, the workload, co-workers...you get the picture). You don't want to approach this like a pity party because it's possible you knew of these complaints when you started, but they may be more severe than you expected. Just approach it as a coaching moment for your boss, and hopefully they will appreciate the feedback. It is possible they may be able to change what is keeping you from loving your job
• Actively search and apply for other jobs. With social media, there are limitless places to look for jobs these days. I began looking at CareerBuilder, Indeed, and Monster. These websites became my best friend because between the three, they listed a large portion of the jobs in my ideal career field. It is also important to utilize social media, such as LinkedIn and Twitter. I will talk about LinkedIn later, but on Twitter, you can follow job boards, follow companies you are interested in working at, and reach out to hiring managers. This article on Mashable is a great resource for those wanting to use Twitter to find jobs. 
• Utilize your network. In college, I felt like "networking" became a 4-letter word. I heard it in every business class I took and many professors incorporated networking into projects. Needless to say, I didn't realize how beneficial a good network would be until I graduated college. Find someone in your network who has the job you want and pick their brain. Find out how they got there and what they can do to help you get there. She became my mentor and helped me every step of the way to find my current job. Also, reach out to people on LinkedIn in your network who work at the company you want to work at or who have the job you want. LinkedIn is just as professional as face-to-face interactions if you can't meet someone in person for whatever reason. 
• If possible, inform your boss that you are looking elsewhere for a new job. This is something I have done with most jobs, but I didn't do with my last job. Sometimes, telling your current boss that you are leaving, as unfair as it may seem, may result in loss of hours, harder projects, or simply unfair treatment. If you have an understanding boss and your position isn't easily replaceable, then it is always a good idea to inform your boss that you are applying for other positions. This way, you can use your boss as a reference for your most current working traits. However, if you don't have a good relationship with your boss, it is still good to inform them you are looking, but only allow future employers to contact them if you feel they would benefit you in obtaining a new position. If not, don't put them down and cut your losses. Sure, some employers may look over your application, but many employers are understanding and will consider you anyway. 
• Be patient. From the moment I knew CFI wasn't for me to the moment I got a new job offer, I had applied for 30-something jobs and waited 4 months. It is important to get the ideal job for you, not a temporary fix that you may possibly kind of like. You need a job where you are almost certain you will be happy. Don't settle. The perfect match will come into your life when God means for it to come. Until then, work on building your interviewing skills, perfecting your resume, and cleaning up any social media accounts that have things you aren't proud of. Eventually, the job will come knocking on your door.

I am no expert, but I can offer advice on taking the next step in your career. I am now at a place I love, working in Human Resources, and using my strengths to better myself and my company. What could be better?

23

Yesterday, I turned 23. I am very blessed to have so many supportive people in my life who celebrated my birthday. When I walked into work yesterday (my new job!) I was greeted with all of my co-workers and the treats they brought to celebrate. I have known these people for only five days and they were eager to celebrate my birthday. They even signed a card and left it at my desk for me. What a blessing of a job.

It is funny how age is relative to some people based on their own age. For instance, my co-workers asked me how old I was turning and I replied with a confident, "23." Reactions varied from "Oh, what a baby!" to "Sheesh, I hardly remember 23!" As you can probably gather, I am the youngest at my new job. I was the youngest at my old job, too. In fact, I have typically been the youngest in my all of my previous jobs. I personally love it because I can learn from others who have more experience than I do in the workforce, but that's another blog for another day.

My birthday started off on Thursday when Matt decided to take me out to see the 8:00 PM premiere of Hunger Games: Catching Fire (we are old, I know). It was very, very good. Matt knows me so well and that was the perfect present for me. But he decided that wasn't enough and wanted to take me out to dinner of any place of my choosing on Friday night (my actual birthday).

I chose Bang Bang Mongolian Grill in West Des Moines. It is similar to HuHot, where they serve fresh Mongolian grill-style food. You choose exactly what goes in your dish, choose your sauces, and they grill it up for you in front of your eyes. This was the second time I had ever been and it definitely did not disappoint. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a change that isn't too pricey.

It isn't the pricey gifts or the fancy dinners that makes me blessed. It is the people who cared enough to show me that I mean something to them. They cared enough to go out of their way to do simple things for someone else. To me, that is what God wanted us to do, as Christians. Show others that unconditional, unrequited love. (See 1 Corinthians 13: 4-13). As humans, isn't that all we can really hope for?

I Don't Know About You, But I'm Feeling...18?

A recent trend at work has occurred. This trend is the exact opposite of what I have experienced in my life before.

I work with high school girls in a group home, providing them trauma-informed care. I chose this position because of my age and because I love the high transition years. Part of my position requires me to transport my clients (10 high school girls) around the community. We may go to doctor's appointments, social gatherings, baseball games, or the library. Although it is enjoyable taking clients out in the community (at times), I have found a new enjoyment in doing so.

Let me digress for a second. Since I was young, I have always been told I look older than I actually am. I was typically one of the tallest people in my class throughout elementary and middle school, so I attributed it to my height. However, after I stopped growing, the comments continued. In fact, when I was in high school, many people thought I was in college. Even still, when I was in college, many people assumed I was a career professional.

Back to my current position. I was hit on by a high school boy last night while taking girls to a social gathering. When one of my clients responded, "ew! She's a staff!" he didn't respond with anything but a smile and walking away.

This has happened repeatedly in my job. I took a client to the doctor's office about a month ago and the doctor wanted to see her staff member. He asked her if she could call a staff member because a friend wouldn't do. This "friend" was me. I politely told the doctor that I am a staff member and that I am six years older than the client. He stared at me for a brief moment, then nodded and proceeded with the information.

This backwards thinking is very odd to me. I haven't started looking any younger in the past three months and I sure hope I haven't started acting less mature. I honestly wish I could pinpoint why this phenomenon is happening, but until then, I will bask in the thought of people thinking I am in high school. :)

To Wed, or Not to Wed

I recently stumbled upon a blog about the life of a young married couple. As much as I could say, years ago, that I was going to wait until 25 or older to get married, that is the exact opposite of what I want today. At 22, I feel my time ticking.

Helping Eryn with her wedding has changed my perspective on what is "too young" to get married. As long as the two people are in God's word, then they should decide what age is most God-honoring. I believe that some people can be ready to be married at 19 if they are financially stable and mature. While others could never be married before 30 for the opposite reason.

I have always been interested in the institution of marriage. Since my parents divorced when I was 9, I developed a false sense of what marriage should be. Although I have always persisted on the idea of marriage lasting forever, I assumed marriage happened between two people who could tolerate one another. I never thought about the love and friendship aspects of marriage.

Majoring in psychology has only fueled my interest in the institution of marriage. Although I continually change my ideal career, I know that there are many things I could do in life and be completely happy. One thing would be to become a marriage and family counselor. The family unit is such an important object in the world today. Without it, there would be no future generations.

I cannot wait to get my Master's and begin my career in wherever God leads me. And I sure hope by that time I will have a wedding ring on my finger!

Home is Where the Heart Is

Life constantly changes. One minute we are headed toward our dreams and madly in love, the next minute we are single and our world comes crashing down before us. We must rely on God in order to make it through these tough times.

Matt moved to Iowa on Saturday and I am still trying to get used to the feeling of a long distance relationship once again. This keeps happening to us. We keep flip flopping from Iowa to Missouri in order to fulfill our dreams, leaving the other one by the wayside.

Matt has moved on to a great job and training that will hopefully prepare him for school when he starts in August. Iowa is the best place for him right now.

For me, I have never felt more alone. I no longer have Eryn and of course Matt just left. I am living with my mom and her cat while working a part time job that pays nothing. Talk about unfulfilling. I made this realization that I am going nowhere fast about two months ago. I honestly didn't know what the best solution would be. I just knew that I needed to find something different in life.

I was accepted to Evangel University graduate program that I thought would be great for me. I quickly found out that the program did not challenge me. Rather, it caused me to spend money on a course that I learned nothing from. I have to make a change.

This fall, I will take a course in Drake's grad program until I can be fully accepted in the spring. I plan to move to Iowa when I can get a full time job and a place to live lined up. I will attend the church that I know and love, while seeing the people that I miss the most.

This ping pong stage in my life right now is not ideal, but it took me moving back to Missouri to realize there is nothing down here for me anymore. Iowa is where my new home is and that is the place I miss the most.

http://heartsticker.com

Sharing Secrets

While reading PostSecret on Sunday, I found this secret in honor of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week. This is another example of how mental illness controls one's life.

Every once in awhile (on days I feel fat) I share this same view. On days where I am weak, I wish I could have that control and feeling of power in my life that I had back then. It seems unreasonable that a person could want to fall back into her mental illness, but we all have guilty pleasures. Mine is the feeling of control I get from looking great.

When I saw this secret, I felt like I could have posted it myself. It is so nice to have a community where many can share their secrets. It helps us realize that we are more alike as humans than we probably thought beforehand.

Don't get the idea that I am suddenly going to stop eating, because I am recovered and that will NEVER be me again. I suppose maybe it is the time of my life that I miss. Regardless, I hope that sharing my story will help other girls see that they are not the only ones who feel a certain way. With God's strength, those girls too can get over the urge to starve.

Ice Cream is the Best Medicine

Today was one of those days when I came home and thought "I could definitely use some ice cream." That is indeed what I did.

I volunteered to judge for the FBLA district competition today. It was interesting to see the talent across different schools in the district. The competition was called digital production and design because it involved elements of designing items for a company and presenting their findings.

Today, I only judged the presentation portion, but I gave my fair share of opinions on the design elements. I realized I do not tolerate spelling errors, poor presentation skills, and horrible color schemes.

I then went to work shortly after and ran my first closing shift. Although the only change in my shift was after the store closed, my focus shifted to other things that I didn't notice before. I am determined to do better at my job in order to get a potential raise as First Assistant Manager in August. During close, it took me twice as long as I wanted it to, but Mallory helped me figure out what went wrong. Luckily, she had personally closed the store before so she was very helpful.

So I came home after a long day, got a bowl of ice cream, and relaxed. That is exactly what I needed after a day like today.