And on the 26th day…

Well, its officially official.  I have a Jay-Oh-Bee on the 26th day of my job search.  Although this post is now a week and a half over-due, its better late than never!  So, about the new job:

Who:  Nature’s Table Franchise Company

Where: Downtown Orlando

What Role: Franchise Sales Manager- responsible for all sales of new franchise restaurant/bistros/cafe’s internationally. I also oversee all corporate Marketing, PR, Advertising duties…

After this painstaking, yet exciting, journey through unemploymentville… I am happy to say that it was a wonderful experience personally and professionally.  My new place of employment has thus far, really made me appreciate the value of a good team of people and how they can truly make or break your work experience.  I think that I am coming to the realization that no matter what your job is or where, the people can be the most important component.

Question:

Shout outs to:

1.  Megan Hopkins at KForce Professional Staffing for referring me to my new wonderful company!

2.  Rain: for making me thankful for all the sunny florida day’s

3.  Paychex: for finally refilling my bank account after a drought

Two steps forward, one step back.

In life, people are looking to move their professional career and personal selves forward, not backward.  Greater successes, deeper knowledge, and valuable experiences make up the steps of forward movement through life.  Yet when asked to accept a position below our qualifications to align oneself for future positioning, it’s hard to keep long term benefits top of mind.  I find it to be really challenging to lower your standards on the front end of a deal, in order to reap the benefits on the back end.

Someone once said that you have to take two steps forward and one step back to achieve your goals.  Or, something along those lines…pre-american idol.

I think this idea may be an important strategy to realize and act on your professional career accordingly.  Sometimes sacrifice will make your long term experience worth while in the big picture.  In contrast, another relatively intelligent old guy also said:

"I walk slowly, but I never walk backwards."

Because of these contrasting views, I am having a bit of an internal struggle.  Recently I was offered a position that was below my qualifications, but had opportunity for exponential growth within the organization (and great perks too!).  I want to justify accepting the position because of these future opportunities.  I also realize that some of the forward movement may be momentarily put on hold.

Question:

Shout outs to:

1.  AT&T: I hate you; I wasted half my day in your store and had nothing resolved…enough said.

2.  Zycam Cold Remedy: I am begging you, please work.  I don’t wanna be sick.

3.  Thursday: for allowing Friday to follow you around.  I love it when you do that.

Waiting to accept a job, still an option?

I have always been told that a company will wait for you to accept a position, if you are truly the right candidate for the job.  Is this still true?  After a few carrots have been dangled for the taking, I am trying my best not to make a snap decision for the pure  sake of employment.  However, it is a very competitive job market out there!  I know others are chomping at the bit for opportunities that I have been offered… So, can you still afford to wait on accepting a position?

I want to choose the right direction for my next professional step in life.  I want to have the ability to grow with the position and the company.  However, this decision requires a fair amount of thought, research, and interviewing (which all take time!).

What happens when one of those cycles ends before another and you are stuck saying, “Mr. Employer, can I wait to respond to your offer?  I really like this job and company, but want to make sure I am weighing all my options.”  My hope is they respect your thoughtful consideration and will see this as a strength to be applied to your potential job.

This is only day 5 of my unemployment streak and I’m already antsy to get back out in the work force.  I don’t want to lose a good thing, but also don’t want to pass up checking out other potential opportunities. Yikes!  What to do…

Shout outs to:

1.  @mjsearcher: for the career search tips!

2.  My mom: for her constant support and encouragement.  She’s great.

3.  CNN news: for their ridiculous coverage of the tea parties.  They act like these things should be against the law because it’s FOX news supported. haha