© 2001, Rosemary Augustine  -  Posted Summer  2001

      I shared the road with a tractor today.  I had to go slow.  It was different.  I didn’t realize how far away from the city I was.  Yet it was easily passed and in a moments flash, the tractor was gone as I sped away, accelerating my pace not to remind me of my rural crossing.

      I reflected on this moment for days.  What did it really mean?  Do we all drive too fast?  Move at a pace of jet speed?  Are we paying attention to what we pass along the roadside? 

      Sharing the road with a tractor gave me a lesson in observation.  What do you need to do in life to adjust your speed?  To enjoy, to cherish, to revel in your surroundings?  Pick an old cliché: “stop and smell the roses,” Or pick a newer one: “be in the moment.”  I want both.  I want to be in the moment of life even if it means stopping for a while along the roadside to smell roses or any other fragrance.

       As I journeyed 1800+ miles across this great land, I realized by day 2 it was going to take a while.  So I sat back in what little space I had set for myself in the car and viewed the great expanse each day.  Green, green and more green, and the further east I went, the greener it became.  I shared the road with many a travelers all going in my direction – at least that day.  I realized that whatever the transition, there is a space of time where we connect with an unknown entity, and that unknown entity moves us from place to place.

        Transition is not fun, unless you make it fun.  It is an awareness level that takes you to greater heights at moments when you think it can’t possibly be.  What’s easier?  A job change, a career change, a life change, moving cross-country?  I never envy my clients in their transition from job to job or career to career.  Although, many say I am a role model for walking the talk, it takes courage walking through fear, embracing it at times and traveling a darkened path only to light the way for others to pass.  In the end, you get where you want to go, as long as you are clear about what direction you’re headed. 

         So you see my transition is no different than anyone else.  We all experience change: fear of change, fear of the unknown and fear of rejection, just to name a few.  But it is in dealing with that fear that we embrace the unknown, facing change head on.  Dale Carnegie once said, “If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten.”  So whether you’re facing job change, career change or something greater like life changes, embracing your fear… change and shape your future, otherwise this is as good as it gets.

       Meanwhile, realize there will be others that you’ll share the road with, embrace their differences and revel in your surroundings.

 JOB SEARCH TIPS

For the summer months, I recommend the following tips for job seekers:

 Tip #1

Are you networking?  Whether you are in a job search or currently working and looking to make a change, who have you met lately?  Who do you want to meet?  During the summer heat and festivities, extend your network of people.  See if you can meet at least 2 or 3 new people per week

 Tip #2

What are the trends happening in your profession that indicate your need for advancing your skills, gaining additional training, or adding a new license or certification?  Take the time now to acquire what you need to add to your expertise.  Stay ahead of the curve in your profession.

 Tip #3

The summer is a perfect time to brush up your resume and identify new markets you are considering.  Many still job search throughout the summer months, even though a majority of the population back off for obvious reasons – kids out of school, vacations, summer fun, etc.  So if you’re in a job search, there is less competition during the summer months.  Put together your marketing plan in order to launch an effective job search when the time comes.

 New Virtual Office

Now that I’ve moved cross-country to my new location of South Jersey, I’m announcing the opening of my New Virtual Office as of July 2, 2001.  Career Coaching specialties include:

Ø      Career Transition

Getting Focused

Effective Job Search Strategy

Winning Interview Techniques

Successful Salary Negotiations

Ø      Finding Your Passion

Creating Work and Life Balance

Living and Working Your Passion

      Check out my Services section of my website: www.careeradvice.com to learn more about my career coaching services, pre-requisites in working with me as well as my fees.  Remember, I’m just a phone call away.

 NEW WEBSITE

Just to let you know, I’m working on a new website focused on my work as an author and publisher.  There will be sections on journaling and even a newsletter entitled: Journaling Gems!  Look for future announcements coming soon.

         Here’s wishing you a glorious summer of sunshine and cool breezes.  Hope you are living and working your passion – everyday!

 Warmest Regards,

 Rosemary Augustine