Those Seeds You Plant Will Eventually Sprout

Those Seeds You Plant Will Eventually Sprout

One of the concepts I often use with those with whom I work who are in job search is the concept of “planting seeds.” While individuals will often hope their job search is a short one, where they learn of a job opening, apply for it, are interviewed, and are hired immediately thereafter, that is usually not the case. Frankly what often happens is the searcher will apply to numerous possible roles, not hear back from many of them, and quickly get frustrated that they will never find a job again. And, while the “planting seeds” concept is not a recipe for a quick solution to opening yourself up to an opportunity to use your talents and skillsets, it often can provide opportunities when you least expect them.

October 2021 was a very busy and transitional month for me. I had known from a couple of months earlier that I had some items already posted on the calendar for that time period. One was a Career Fair that I have done on a twice a year basis for the last 5 years, where I helped career attendees review their resumes’ and discuss strategies for moving their job search forward. There were two conferences that I had signed up for which I could attend virtually. The conferences also gave me the extra added benefit if I could not attend sessions live, that recorded versions of them would be available to me to enhance my coaching and business development education for months to come. And, additionally, there would be client activity. Some of it would come from subcontractors I help support. Admittedly, those opportunities come in cycles, and I knew that a couple of those subcontracting opportunities were shrinking in volume.

However, as September started making its way forward, two opportunities, both of which the seeds were planted for long ago, started to blossom. And, while each of these opportunities were ones that I in some respects had put back in the recesses of my mind, I was ready to address them when they came to fruition. That is because I had laid the groundwork for them when seeing how my skill sets aligned with what these organizations needed.

One opportunity was to provide career and vocational coaching guidance to a Youth Development Program. This was an organization that I had been introduced to earlier in 2021 when they were considering running sessions for a youth summer employment program. That opportunity did not come to fruition. However, in the world of non-profits, often at the mercy of when they receive grants for which they apply, an application earlier in the year led to the funding for the Youth Development Program. The program is introducing Life, Career, Presentation and Mentoring skills to youth 15 to 19 in a community near where I live. I was asked if I would be willing to direct the Career Planning portion of the program. The earlier meetings that I had with the organization in early 2021 led them to get to know me, be confident in me and my abilities, and to ask me back to be part of this program. I have already done 3 sessions for the program in October and will continue to work with it until mid-December 2021.

The roots of another opportunity go back even a lot longer than that. I had a 30-year corporate career before my current years as a coach. However, I have stayed in touch with many of my fellow former colleagues, whether it be through LinkedIn connections, recreational activities, holiday cards, etc. In early 2020, just about the time of the start of the COVID outbreak, I had contact from two former co-workers. They were involved with an organization that looks to help provide settlement resources for refugee families. While the organization had been successful in providing living space and necessities for the refugees, finding permanent employment was proving difficult. While we had a few email connections with each other, and I was more than willing to help at the time, which was going to need to be virtual, given the conditions of lockdown with the pandemic, nothing much materialized.

In 2021, the organization of which my friends were a part, took on a Project Manager to coordinate efforts. Additionally, the recent Afghanistan refugee situation has provided the group a new focus. They are sponsoring a family that is coming to my home area. The group has asked if I would be part of their employment search team process. I am looking forward to doing so as the family arrives in the month of November.

One never knows when “seeds” they plant will sprout. However, if they do not take the steps to plant the seeds, network with others, make others aware of their skillsets and how they can help, their desire to help, others will never know they are there when the opportunity arises. Although you may be looking for a quick fix or an immediate answer, be open to “planting those seeds.” You never know when they may come back and become a part of your life or be the answer to the question “What will I be doing next with my life?”