Perils in the 21st century - Journey of a Mature Job Seeker. It’s a Brave New World. (Remember to pack your steel-toed shoes)

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By Renee Sugar.

It has become clear to me that being an original thinker in a world that esteems “oneness” is a journey that requires courage, resourcefulness, resilience and creativity. How do you distinguish yourself when harmony, unity and focusing on the higher perspective takes precedence? Does being open-minded or curious with the attitude of the beginner open doors? Is it wiser to courageously shed the “ego” in lieu of collaborating, and building a co-creative partnership? When applying for potential positions, tailoring a resume to fit the template of the H.R. department seems to be the only way you might be noticed.

That first glance invites a chance of opening the door to a face to face meeting.

I have learned through the school of hard knocks that “fit” is not necessarily the only criterion to being selected. Having on more than one occasion entered a new potential doorway where I had no former background / training in an industry presented an opportunity to expand your perspective; develop new skills, meet a variety of different people. To develop the flexibility to adapt to different environments, and structures does require courage to release the old order in exchange for a journey of transformation, and change. Each day is a new beginning as we enter the door with a fresh perspective. We are no longer our history, and the document we craft to represent our most attractive qualities, and celebrate our accomplishments might not be the only route to navigate a new pathway.

It can be discouraging to continue to present these documents to the right people with the hope that they will recognize your value and invite you to the next stage of the process; but it doesn’t necessarily unfold that way. Reinvention calls for ingenuity, perseverance, and discomfort. Wisdom of the ages does not always work in your favor.

“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”

So when opportunity knocks; tie up the laces of your steel-toed shoes and enter a doorway that you might never have considered before. Although these new shoes might feel a bit awkward at first; and you might wonder WHY are you pursuing this opportunity? In time you will discover that you are a moremulti-faceted individual than your resume reflects; and that filling your shoes might ask for more patience than you thought possible. The journey is the road to the discovery of your strength, and ability to become someone you might have not met before. In time the new “weights” will become wing-tipped and you’ll bedancing before you know it.

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own and you KNOW what you know; And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go”.
~Dr. Seuss

© 2014 Renee Sugar

Renee Sugar is a highly creative, intuitive soul. After her career in sales spanning over 35 years; ended due to a company closure; Renee discovered other skills and talents which led her to explore and experiment with a historical printmaking process which she discovered serendipitously. Opening this new door created many opportunities to focus on her creative passion working with color, pattern, and design.