How Will You Respond?
It has been a humbling couple of days for the old Job Search Strategy Coach. Two days ago, he was in the middle of completing a resume for a client, when his computer completely stopped working. I usually use my computer at my work desk in my home. It is always plugged in, so it is running on electrical power from an outlet, as opposed to relying on the computer’s battery itself. In the past I had noticed that sometimes the computer was at less than 100% battery strength. However, it was explained to me, that often to preserve the battery, the computer will go into “Performance Mode” to run on the battery alone, (even when plugged in).
As I was more and more engrossed in my work, I admit to seeing the battery power getting less and less. However, I figured somewhere along the line the battery would start recharging and all would be as normal. It was not to be. Just as I was ready to put the finishing touches on the resume on which I was working, the computer screen went dark. I tried another outlet in the house. There was no response. From there I brought the computer to my hardware repair person. They tested my power cord to the computer, and it did not work on any computer, not just mine. After calling the company technical support, I received the bad news. The computer would need a new “mother board,” and that I would be without my computer for a couple of business days. (As I write this over the weekend, the computer is fixed, and I will pick it up on Monday).
This month’s quote on the Absolute Transitions site says it all. We are all going to come to “bends in the road during our life journey.” I must admit to being both visibly and verbally upset when my computer stopped working. However, when I calmed down and started thinking things through, I realized I had my old computer, (the one I used previously to the one that had stopped working). The old computer would allow me to connect with my clients through my internet email sites. I was even able to conduct a couple of Zoom sessions with clients, and did others over the telephone. While I am writing this blog on different software, (and will need to convert it to the software I usually use when I get my current computer back), it is helping me get my monthly publications started for the month of February. I have found a way “to move forward” despite unexpected difficulties.
The clients I support through the job search process need to be able to anticipate unexpected turns in their search all the time. An opening for which they are applying and which they have been led to believe they are a perfect fit for filling, is given to an internal candidate, or another job searcher in the process. The budget for a position for which they have been pursuing has been pulled away by upper management. A former work colleague whom they felt would act as a reference to them at a different company, decides not to take their calls. The list goes on and on in term to coming to “bends in the road”. It is how we turn the corner, and move forward that ultimately determines if we are fully stymied.
So, when you are faced with that unexpected happening in your life, give yourself permission to first be upset, or even somewhat flustered. However, then take time to think what are approaches you can still use. For example, if I did not have my previous computer, I still could have gone to a library to use a computer there to connect to my internet sites. As I indicated, while I have gotten used to remotely connecting with clients by Zoom on my computer, I often have their telephone number and that technology at my disposal. Build a group of experts and go to people in your network so you have resources to fall back on when something unexpected happens.
Is it necessarily the ideal? Not all the time. Do I feel I am in some ways back to “operating a bicycle with training wheels” as opposed to moving a high speed with my usual equipment? Yes, I do! However, this too will pass. Also, realize that others around you and in your network will understand, as many of them have gone through before what you are experiencing now. Life is a series of experiences, some good and some bad. However, you have the choice on how to respond. Be open to having as many ways as possible at your disposal.
