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We want to hear your stories!
Please share your stories on Starting Over or how you set
and met new goals so that others may learn from you!
Simply send us an email with your story by clicking here.
Please share your stories on Starting Over or how you set
and met new goals so that others may learn from you!
Simply send us an email with your story by clicking here.
FREE Resources
to help you:
1. United States of
America's primary source on
career info: www.onetcenter.
org
2. Wage Estimates Bureau
of Labor and Statistics
3. Organize Your Job
Search - Post a Question
etc.: www.cvtips.com
4. Starting Over After
Divorce: www.
womansdivorce.com
5. Starting Over for
Women: www.
makingbreadmagazine.com
6. Self Improvement: www.
selfgrowth.com.
7. Job Postings, Resume
Advice and Resources: www.
careerbuiler.com
8. Templates for: business
plans, competitive analysis,
start up costs and more:
www.score.
org/business_toolbox.html
9. Federal/Sate/Local
Government jobs: www.
USAJOBS.com
to help you:
1. United States of
America's primary source on
career info: www.onetcenter.
org
2. Wage Estimates Bureau
of Labor and Statistics
3. Organize Your Job
Search - Post a Question
etc.: www.cvtips.com
4. Starting Over After
Divorce: www.
womansdivorce.com
5. Starting Over for
Women: www.
makingbreadmagazine.com
6. Self Improvement: www.
selfgrowth.com.
7. Job Postings, Resume
Advice and Resources: www.
careerbuiler.com
8. Templates for: business
plans, competitive analysis,
start up costs and more:
www.score.
org/business_toolbox.html
9. Federal/Sate/Local
Government jobs: www.
USAJOBS.com
StartingOverNow.com
YOUR STORIES
Lisa's Comments
Hello,
My name is Lisa and I am a 42 year old mother of 2. I was divorced then
remarried, but I raised my children alone. I only completed 2 years of college
and really have no skills and I am not feeling so good about myself. How does
one start over when it seems that the world is closing in on you. I know you
have been there and have come out on top, but I am having trouble over coming
this. I want to go back to school, but right now we need a second income. I have
been reading your blogs and feel like anything is possible, but I don't know
where to start. What do you suggest? Lisa
Hi Lisa!
I have been where you are. You can most certainly can handle what is going
on. Contact Carlow University or CCAC which both have free "New Beginnings"
programs that teach computer and other classes to displaced
women/homemakers. They will do a personality profile on you to tell you what
fields you would be good at as well.
Also I am speaking at this organization which I know would welcome you:
Pennsylvania Professional Employment Network (PAPEN) meeting at Kings in
Crafton (I-79 & Rt 60 / Steubenville Pike) on the evening of Wed April 29th at 6:
00 p.m. You may get more information and RSVP by visiting www.papen.us
and going to the “Networking Meeting” page.
Keep in touch and let me know how you are doing. Start with the free collge
evening computer classes.
Mary Lee
Denise's Comments
Thanks Mary Lee ~ I absolutely love this newsletter. What a very interesting
concept of "moving in reverse" to change our internal culture (Blog of 3-30-09.) I
will be sharing this with my adult son who manages a hedge fund in London.
His work seems to have taken over his life which is affecting his young
marriage; I believe that some new behaviors are in line. Thanks! Denise
Marge's Story
Thank you for sharing your story and resources in the CCAC class, Starting
Over... Since learning my last day at my present job is April 3, I've been re-
evaluating the direction of my life. Through introspection, reading, and taking
classes such as yours, I'm moving forward with life in a more positive way.
Marge
Dick's Story
When I was out of work for an extended time a few years ago I wrote a list of
what I was looking for in an ideal job. It is sort of like your Success Sketch.
Here is the list:
1. Mix of technology and people skills – I have a technical / engineer
background but also like to work with people to get things done.
2. Challenge – need to stretch myself even fail occasionally
3. Stability – I don’t want to be hunting a new job every year if I can avoid it,
nothing is forever but 3-5 years is not an unreasonable expectation
4. Purpose – my employer’s should have a purpose other than to just make as
much money as possible.
5. Build on my past experiences – I now have 40 years experience, that should
give me an edge over people with only 10-20 years experience
6. Competitive salary and benefits – I don’t need lots of money, but I should be
reasonably compensated and not worry about my next meal
7. Like to win – I really enjoy winning so I want to be part of something that has
some short term, measurable, achievable goals
8. Big picture – I need to know how what I am doing fits into the big picture even
if I’m in a cube farm for now
After much time and energy, I did find a job that matched these items pretty well,
maybe 8.5 out of 10. I’ve also keep this list on the wall next to my desk and
review it often. It reminds me that while my current job isn’t perfect, it is a pretty
close match for what I was looking for.
I’m one of the people who attended the WorkQuest meeting at the Waterworks
last fall and recommended you as a speaker for our upcoming PAPEN dinner.
Glad you are available to inspire our PAPEN group. Dick
Megan's Story
For quite sometime, I wanted to take your "Starting Over Without Starting at the
Bottom" class. I finally got the courage to sign up at the end of last year. I
thoroughly enjoyed the class. You were/are so very generous with your time,
advice and sharing of your resources. Thank you.
I'm not as far along on this so-called "path" as I would like to be....but am
making progress. I've used many of the tools that you shared with us in class
and through your website.
In the time since I was in your class, I took the steps necessary to become a
group fitness instructor. I earned my CPR/AED and First Aid certifications
through the American Red Cross and passed an intense 2-day training and
examination through the National Exercise Trainers Association. I teach
several weekend and evening classes at a large club and am starting
something new this evening. I'm teaching 2 classes tonight through CCAC's
Lifelong Education Program and already have several scheduled for the next (2)
sessions! My motivation to do this was/is not about extra money. However, it
sure is helping - like so many folks today - I have had to take a significant cut in
pay and suspension in retirement benefits.
It is interesting that I received your email today.....I'm taking it as a good sign!
Again, many kudos on completing your book! Megan
Karen's Story
My children had all left for college and I was not sure if I wanted to go back to
school, take up Bridge or work for my husband’s business. I had been so used
to being active in the kid’s school that it was as if I didn't have a purpose any
more. Someone had recommended the book “What Color is Your Parachute?”
It really helped me decide what I wanted to do. I had always enjoyed antiques
and auctions. So I started a business arranging house and garage sales. My
clients are mostly out-of-town family members who do not have the time or
interest to price or sell their family heirlooms that they no longer want. It is the
best thing I have ever done! (Except for taking care of my family.) I never thought
I’d have a business of my own. The goal worksheets on this site have helped
me decide that I need to advertise and create a marketing plan. It feels great!
Thanks. Karen
Heather's Story
I was in a job where all I was feeling was stress. I wasn’t making the kind of
money I wanted to either. I couldn’t see myself doing this for the next several
years. One Sunday morning after I had read the Want-Ads I looked at the
circles I had drawn around all the jobs I might be interested in and realized they
were all so different. Before I called any of them, I jotted down what I really
wanted out of a job on the back of the coupons section. I kept that section
taped on my refrigerator. I realized that what I really wanted was a position
where I could use my accounting background to help businesses and not
individuals. I wanted to work for a large corporation and not a small one. That
meant that I needed to work downtown and would probably have to get an
apartment closer to town. A year later I had done all of these things and I am a
lot happier. Heather
Hello,
My name is Lisa and I am a 42 year old mother of 2. I was divorced then
remarried, but I raised my children alone. I only completed 2 years of college
and really have no skills and I am not feeling so good about myself. How does
one start over when it seems that the world is closing in on you. I know you
have been there and have come out on top, but I am having trouble over coming
this. I want to go back to school, but right now we need a second income. I have
been reading your blogs and feel like anything is possible, but I don't know
where to start. What do you suggest? Lisa
Hi Lisa!
I have been where you are. You can most certainly can handle what is going
on. Contact Carlow University or CCAC which both have free "New Beginnings"
programs that teach computer and other classes to displaced
women/homemakers. They will do a personality profile on you to tell you what
fields you would be good at as well.
Also I am speaking at this organization which I know would welcome you:
Pennsylvania Professional Employment Network (PAPEN) meeting at Kings in
Crafton (I-79 & Rt 60 / Steubenville Pike) on the evening of Wed April 29th at 6:
00 p.m. You may get more information and RSVP by visiting www.papen.us
and going to the “Networking Meeting” page.
Keep in touch and let me know how you are doing. Start with the free collge
evening computer classes.
Mary Lee
Denise's Comments
Thanks Mary Lee ~ I absolutely love this newsletter. What a very interesting
concept of "moving in reverse" to change our internal culture (Blog of 3-30-09.) I
will be sharing this with my adult son who manages a hedge fund in London.
His work seems to have taken over his life which is affecting his young
marriage; I believe that some new behaviors are in line. Thanks! Denise
Marge's Story
Thank you for sharing your story and resources in the CCAC class, Starting
Over... Since learning my last day at my present job is April 3, I've been re-
evaluating the direction of my life. Through introspection, reading, and taking
classes such as yours, I'm moving forward with life in a more positive way.
Marge
Dick's Story
When I was out of work for an extended time a few years ago I wrote a list of
what I was looking for in an ideal job. It is sort of like your Success Sketch.
Here is the list:
1. Mix of technology and people skills – I have a technical / engineer
background but also like to work with people to get things done.
2. Challenge – need to stretch myself even fail occasionally
3. Stability – I don’t want to be hunting a new job every year if I can avoid it,
nothing is forever but 3-5 years is not an unreasonable expectation
4. Purpose – my employer’s should have a purpose other than to just make as
much money as possible.
5. Build on my past experiences – I now have 40 years experience, that should
give me an edge over people with only 10-20 years experience
6. Competitive salary and benefits – I don’t need lots of money, but I should be
reasonably compensated and not worry about my next meal
7. Like to win – I really enjoy winning so I want to be part of something that has
some short term, measurable, achievable goals
8. Big picture – I need to know how what I am doing fits into the big picture even
if I’m in a cube farm for now
After much time and energy, I did find a job that matched these items pretty well,
maybe 8.5 out of 10. I’ve also keep this list on the wall next to my desk and
review it often. It reminds me that while my current job isn’t perfect, it is a pretty
close match for what I was looking for.
I’m one of the people who attended the WorkQuest meeting at the Waterworks
last fall and recommended you as a speaker for our upcoming PAPEN dinner.
Glad you are available to inspire our PAPEN group. Dick
Megan's Story
For quite sometime, I wanted to take your "Starting Over Without Starting at the
Bottom" class. I finally got the courage to sign up at the end of last year. I
thoroughly enjoyed the class. You were/are so very generous with your time,
advice and sharing of your resources. Thank you.
I'm not as far along on this so-called "path" as I would like to be....but am
making progress. I've used many of the tools that you shared with us in class
and through your website.
In the time since I was in your class, I took the steps necessary to become a
group fitness instructor. I earned my CPR/AED and First Aid certifications
through the American Red Cross and passed an intense 2-day training and
examination through the National Exercise Trainers Association. I teach
several weekend and evening classes at a large club and am starting
something new this evening. I'm teaching 2 classes tonight through CCAC's
Lifelong Education Program and already have several scheduled for the next (2)
sessions! My motivation to do this was/is not about extra money. However, it
sure is helping - like so many folks today - I have had to take a significant cut in
pay and suspension in retirement benefits.
It is interesting that I received your email today.....I'm taking it as a good sign!
Again, many kudos on completing your book! Megan
Karen's Story
My children had all left for college and I was not sure if I wanted to go back to
school, take up Bridge or work for my husband’s business. I had been so used
to being active in the kid’s school that it was as if I didn't have a purpose any
more. Someone had recommended the book “What Color is Your Parachute?”
It really helped me decide what I wanted to do. I had always enjoyed antiques
and auctions. So I started a business arranging house and garage sales. My
clients are mostly out-of-town family members who do not have the time or
interest to price or sell their family heirlooms that they no longer want. It is the
best thing I have ever done! (Except for taking care of my family.) I never thought
I’d have a business of my own. The goal worksheets on this site have helped
me decide that I need to advertise and create a marketing plan. It feels great!
Thanks. Karen
Heather's Story
I was in a job where all I was feeling was stress. I wasn’t making the kind of
money I wanted to either. I couldn’t see myself doing this for the next several
years. One Sunday morning after I had read the Want-Ads I looked at the
circles I had drawn around all the jobs I might be interested in and realized they
were all so different. Before I called any of them, I jotted down what I really
wanted out of a job on the back of the coupons section. I kept that section
taped on my refrigerator. I realized that what I really wanted was a position
where I could use my accounting background to help businesses and not
individuals. I wanted to work for a large corporation and not a small one. That
meant that I needed to work downtown and would probably have to get an
apartment closer to town. A year later I had done all of these things and I am a
lot happier. Heather
Mary Lee's
Book: Mary
Lee's book on
"Starting Over"
will be released
by New horizon
Press in
November.
Look for it in
bookstores then!
Book: Mary
Lee's book on
"Starting Over"
will be released
by New horizon
Press in
November.
Look for it in
bookstores then!
People who use the
FREE resources on
this site are:
* Starting over in
their career or
personal life
* Empty nesters
* Entrepreneurs
* Networking
* Job Seekers
* Starting all over
again
* Going through a
divorce
* Looking for career
opportunities
* Seeking FREE
career advice and
education
* Finding mentors
* Setting new life
goals
To chart your road
map to success
click here for FREE
"Worksheets and
Articles."
FREE resources on
this site are:
* Starting over in
their career or
personal life
* Empty nesters
* Entrepreneurs
* Networking
* Job Seekers
* Starting all over
again
* Going through a
divorce
* Looking for career
opportunities
* Seeking FREE
career advice and
education
* Finding mentors
* Setting new life
goals
To chart your road
map to success
click here for FREE
"Worksheets and
Articles."
FREE e-book. Get Mary Lee's FREE
e-book "Make Your Wheel of Fortune Spin
on Balance" by clicking here. Mary Lee
Gannon's work as a newspaper reporter, trade
association executive director, public relations
consultant, entrepreneur, and hospital
foundation president and CEO are the basis for
her free e-newsletter with tips on "Starting Over
Without Starting at the Bottom."
e-book "Make Your Wheel of Fortune Spin
on Balance" by clicking here. Mary Lee
Gannon's work as a newspaper reporter, trade
association executive director, public relations
consultant, entrepreneur, and hospital
foundation president and CEO are the basis for
her free e-newsletter with tips on "Starting Over
Without Starting at the Bottom."