How did you get your last job? The one before it? Your first job?

It's worth reflecting on if you are seeking out your next gig now.

I share a few of the ways I got past jobs in this episode. Why? To show that each job came in a different way, and often from unexpected people.

This matters because only applying to specific job openings and waiting for someone to call, might take a while.

If you are not hitting the "apply" button because you don't fit all the criteria, think again. Someone behind the scenes may see one line in your resume that resonates and will give you a call.

That person that you don't think can help, might be the perfect contact... or know the perfect contact that can help you.

Your job right now is just to show up ready to learn and ready to help.

Available through all major podcast services and Youtube at https://youtu.be/cm-i_9Su5Gs

Over the past few weeks, I've had a chance to reflect on this past year as I process my recent layoff.

This episode includes four ideas to consider if you've recently gone through a layoff or if you are seeking to make a change in your work/life.

The four points include:

- Leverage your support group - the family and friends that reach out to help and provide accountability on the journey.

- Do more of what you love - you need to experience more of the positive emotions that serve your spirit.

- Take time to self-assess - what went well, what went wrong, how do you want to show up as you move forward, and what kind of company/work/people do you want to seek next.

- Take time to serve - identify ways to contribute to others lives, in whatever way makes sense for your specific situation.

Podcast Services available through https://pod.co/move-your-desk

#moveyourdesk #podcast #laidoff #layoffs #work #career #workremote #reflection #journaling

A few weeks ago, some of my brothers got online for a discussion about all things men - home, work, goals, frustrations, etc.

The conversation lasted over three hours. I've decided to break out parts of the conversation into separate podcast episodes, with a bit of delayed commentary from me. It's spurred thoughts for future conversations with them and with you.

In this episode, each of them share pieces and parts of their experiences of being laid off or fired.

Podcast Services: https://pod.co/move-your-desk

#laidoff

#career

#workperformance

#workplace

#moveyourdesk

It's been a minute, or a few months, since I've podcasted.

It isn't for lack of things to say. It's just been hard to say them.

But, it's time to return. It's time to stop hiding and start sharing again. Some of you have been in the behind the scenes conversations and know more of the pieces and parts of the journey. And, that's the way it goes most of the time - sharing some of it with the world and keeping some of it out of the public eye.

Still, I'm compelled to share because I promised to share the journey and not just fairytale endings. And, I'm glad some of you are listening and deciding to get sharing your stories and insights as well.

YouTube (Video Version) - https://youtu.be/gFxpAYZilhk

Have you heard of The Ugly Duckling story, published by Hans Christian Andersen in 1843?

It's about a duckling that looked different than the others, and was rejected by everyone in his close proximity - his mother, his siblings, and the people in the surrounding farm areas that tried to take him into their lives.

But, spring came and so did second chances.

He went out into the world ready to risk everything to find a way... to not be alone. In the process, the duckling finds out he has grown into a fully grown...swan. And, the other swans had no problem welcoming this bird into their flock. The recognized him as one of them in every way.

Notice, the swan was always a swan.

It's just the everyone around him didn't realize that's what he was, and expected him to be something else. So, he didn't measure up to the expectations of the crowd. In this case, a bunch of ducks.

Ducks and swans aren't the only living beings that deal with these misconceptions of value. 

Most of us experience it at one time or another in school, work, our neighborhoods, or in finding our true self. In the process, we can lose a sense of personal worth and value. We can wonder if we are on the right track as we question what we offer the world, how we offer it, and if there is really a person, a group, or a company that will recognize what we offer as valuable.

If you haven't found your people just yet, keep learning and building your knowledge base.

If you have, remember the experiences you had when your value wasn't recognized.

It can be a journey to figure it out. Embrace all parts of it because you take all of the experiences to whatever you offer next.

And, remember...

You will always be an ugly duckling in some ponds.

Go find your swans.

While you are building your dreams, the next best feeling is to help others build theirs, especially if they are a young dreamer.

Right now there is one dream that occupies the mind of a little boy I know. It's the dream to see his favorite building - the Empire State Building.

It's one of those lifelong dreams. The kind that started five weeks ago, but feels like it will never be fulfilled.

Except, it was fulfilled...just this week.

He got to see it, go up in it, and eat pizza outside of it. And, see the New York City skyline. It just took a little time and money (tolls and admission fees!).

It's amazing to track the interests of a young brain. What starts as a love for Mickey Mouse and Lightening McQueen, morphs into learning types of cars, and sizes of America's biggest cities.

Researching cities online led to comparing their sizes and noticing the buildings that filled their skylines. More questions came to mind during the searches - What's the biggest building in the world? How many skyscrapers are in each city? How do they all compare to each other? What's the difference between a skyscraper and a tower?

And, one question that Google has yet to answer - Do buildings have feelings?

Take a listen as this little guy wakes up one morning and shares his insights and questions, while I turn on an audio app and start recording. There's a lot more than he offers here. Notice the data, the math, the thoughts about architecture and engineering, the comparisons, and the history. Plus, a few thoughts about building emotions.

Our brains are amazing. We are born with this capacity. School doesn't do the capabilities we have justice. It's our job to create these learning opportunities for ourselves and those we coach, mentor, or raise up.

Listening to this episode (and other recordings I'm capturing from a tiny person brain) reminds me that no matter what we have going on in our lives, it is worth taking time to pursue something we love with intensity. It brings us joy and more knowledge. It also brings insights and joy to those that get to watch us learn and grow. And, some of the bystanders will be compelled to step up and help your dreams come true. Sometimes in faster time that you can imagine.

"Do Beautiful"

This is a phrase that I've been hearing a lot at work. It sounded good at first, and then it started to annoy me. Especially when it seemed to replace doing the hard work of creating solid content, sharing good data, and thoughtfully analyzing and providing solutions.

However, I've been having a change of heart. A change of heart that is coming about as I've discovered my personal pain related to this topic. And, through the discomfort I'm learning to make some changes to improve myself and show up better for those that I am here to serve.

This episode is for those that put taking care of their personal appearance and health a little lower on the personal priority list. And, think that is ok.

Attractiveness matters. Self care matters. Maybe the divas are on to something with making this part of life a priority.

For me, it's uncomfortable to talk about these topics. But, I'm stepping into the discomfort and hopeful that some of you will too.

The journey will take time. It will take money. It will take effort. The same level of effort that some of us put into our degrees, certifications, and other learning.

Some of us are lucky to have family and friends that help us on the journey - providing tips, insights, and sometimes gift certificates, to help us get a head start on taking care of this vessel that helps us offer up our best work.

It's hard to know when to speak up, especially when it involves sharing something you feel compelled to share to someone that has perceived, or very real, power above and beyond your own.

I've certainly had my fair share of mistakes in this area. Now, I'm learning the balance of speaking up and remaining silent. It's art, science, and a lot of self-monitoring.

Still, this past few weeks I witnessed people that were willing to speak truth to power. Some were confident as they took the chance. Others came to the experience with great anxiety, fear of consequences, and a trembling voice.

All made a difference in their own unique way. And, most importantly they took a risk to say what needed to be said at the right moment, to the right people, and in the right way.

Some of these risks will pay off. Some will be learning moments to prepare for future opportunities.

Keep following the nudges that come to your mind. You may be the one person that needs to deliver the message.

Have you ever driven through the night to Wyoming and sat at the entrance of Devil's Tower to welcome in the dawn?

I did. That was three years ago. The trip where I got to see the Badlands again and notice that they looked completely different than I had remembered. But, Crazy Horse and Mount Rushmore looked about the same.

Road trips are an important part of my life. Though we flew a lot when I was a young girl, my parents always made sure that there was time each year for a road trip.

Some years we went just a few hours a way for a few days, but most of the time we'd pack up and head out of town for a few weeks - traveling from east to west, from mid-west to east (often through Canada), and from west to east. And, everywhere in between.

This past year I went on a big road trip across the country, and several shorter trips within that trip. It spanned over a year.

Kolob Canyon, City of Rocks, Warm Springs Nevada, Yellowstone, White Sands, Lake Powell, Sun Valley, Brian's Head, Nebo Loop, The Grand Tetons, Squaw Peak, Liberty Jail in Missouri, Bedford Indiana (Limestone quarries), and the massive forest that is the east coast. Just a few adventures along the journey.

I chose to learn quite a few lessons from this experience. This episode captures some of them. Of course, I remembered more after I finished my ramble.

Part of me feels like I need to edit this further because it's over an hour. But, lately I've been asked to continue saying more in less time. So, I finally just allowed myself to bring this to you in it's long form.

Listen or not, I hope you take time for a road trip sometime in the next few months. If you live in the city, go through the country. If you live in the country, I hope you try out the city. We need to experience both right now. There's too much confusion and judgement going on from sources that don't have boots on the ground, yet have a lot to say about what they think is going on.

I'm back home, but wishing that I was out on the next adventure. The road trip changed me, and that's exactly why I will go again.

“I MAY NOT HAVE GONE WHERE I INTENDED TO GO, BUT I THINK I HAVE ENDED UP WHERE I INTENDED TO BE.” – DOUGLAS ADAMS

#podcast #moveyourdesk #kolobcanyon #cityofrocks #therockies #yellowstone #lakepowell #Brianshead #sunvalley #twinfalls #mtharrison #wasatchfront #neboloop #warmsprings #whitesands

Have you been there? In that place where your very identity is unclear to others and more importantly, not clear to you?

It's a weird place. A messy place. A place of self-doubt, questioning reality, and wondering what went wrong.

Ah, well. It happens sometimes.

Life throws you some curve balls and instead of using your wisdom and capabilities to move forward, you stand in stunned silence wondering what is happening and how you could be caught off guard in this way.

I let some thoughts flow today. Didn't plan for it or anything. No small bullet points on a piece of paper to reference. Just rumination, reflection, and realizing some things.

It's part of a painful process of figuring out the next level of personal growth. Part of it I chose for reasons. Part of it is placed upon me by external factors out of my control.

Either way, I've promised myself that I will continue to share as I go through the journey vs. waiting for successful outcomes.

It's worth it for me to go through this phase of experience, but the question is for how long?

Tune in to go on the journey with me.

Available through the Move Your Desk podcast - on all major podcast services.

#podcast #identitycrisis #personalvalue #perception #moveyourdesk #workperformance #performanceimprovement