Considering new directions

Before diving into my next career direction, the time I took to list all of the aspects of my prior job and career that I enjoyed and those that detracted from my overall well-being was well spent. It was easy to move away from my prior career; however, moving in a new positive direction was what I struggled with most. The entire world seemed to be in an upheaval, uncertain of what our collective direction would be.

At first, I made a list of characteristics that I wanted in my career (intellectual challenge, changing circumstances, entreprenurial development, to name a few). Keeping it general, I then listed everything that sounded fun and interesting that I'd ever wanted to do. It included things that I told no one about as they might deem them insignificant; however, to me, ignoring these small things was what led me to what I was doing before. Then, I began some informational interviews to glean information from professionals in the areas that looked interesting.

Being laid off was an opportunity to change my perspective and how that perspective manifested itself on a daily basis. It's taken shape slowly and is still expanding.

Before the job search...

When I was first laid off, I wanted to throw my resume at every company, firm, and organization that I thought might hire me. I was seriously worried about whether or not I would be able to find work. For a few days, at least. Then, I began to think about how much volatility there was in the market and that, with the economic downturn and Obama only newly in office, that there might be a great deal more fluctuation, rendering any job that I took just as "safe" as the last.

Many people who have been laid off were working in their profession of choice, had found their calling, and to them, this likely does not apply. However, I thought that perhaps it was time to find something that I was a little more firmly rooted in, a career and profession that really spoke to me, rather than one I'd landed in without more recent serious consideration.

So, I did the counter-intuitive: I did nothing for a few days. I didn't apply for anything or make any sudden changes. I just sat with the change that was going on around me. Now, this was a true luxury, and I understand that many laid off Americans do not have the luxury of of time to consider the next career move or job. A paycheck is a paycheck and, without one, family members may not get fed and the house foreclosure may go through. If this is where you are, then these things are top priority and, of course, not to be discounted. However, even with a job search ongoing, it's important to ask ourselves why we are where we are as a society, as individuals, and more importantly, what we can do about it.

Take some time, whether it's five minutes, five days, five weeks, or five months, to reflect on what you want from this life, what you can offer those around you, and what you can do about it right now and in the near future. Reserving just that small amount of space and room in your life can change the direction you end up heading drastically.