I've followed the writings of Alain de Botton for over a decade now, having serendipitously purchased his early philosophically blended work, "On Love: A Novel." With his latest work, "The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work," which happens to follow a recent life theme of mine, he writes a wonderfully philosophical book about how we occupy half of our waking lives, if not more. The work we do, either by choice or by circumstance, is unmistakably intertwined with our modern identify.
I've been fixated on this them of work for many years now, trying to figure out whether or not work ought to be a calling, and if it ought, then how I can possibly merge this calling with today's economy.
In Botton's book, we are taken on a journey through various work environments (or unemployment, as one chapter explores). Logistics, international fisheries from sea to plate, entrepreneurs, are three of the many explorations into contemporary work environments. As always, we see not merely the what, the who and the how, but insightful arguments and explorations into the why of work.
Botton's work is wonderfully articulate: thoughtful, reflective, personal as well as profound, it will not disappoint those who know Botton's expansive body of work.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Book Recommendation: The Solitude of Prime Numbers
The Solitude of Prime Numbers by Italian author Paolo Giordano offers an elegant and intensely depicted narrative of how childhood traumas can affect our adult lives. The story follows the lives of a boy and girl who have experienced deep emotional and physical scars early in their lives. Their lives intersect during their adolescence, and then diverge upon university and post-graduate phases of their lives.
I absolutely loved the title and its meaning: prime numbers are solitary, indivisible except by themselves; twin prime numbers are prime numbers that are near to each other in numerical sequence, but still have another number in between them to limit their intimacy.
This theme of loneliness, of isolation, of hurt, are artfully written. Powerful fiction that took me completely by surprise, and I found myself wholly mesmerized by the narrative, so much so that I stopped my work and read for hours. I can't remember reading a book cover to cover in a day--actually, in a morning--which isn't to say that the book is an easy read. Rather, it's praise for the way Giordano has impeccably captured the lives of broken, solitary and suffering people.
I absolutely loved the title and its meaning: prime numbers are solitary, indivisible except by themselves; twin prime numbers are prime numbers that are near to each other in numerical sequence, but still have another number in between them to limit their intimacy.
This theme of loneliness, of isolation, of hurt, are artfully written. Powerful fiction that took me completely by surprise, and I found myself wholly mesmerized by the narrative, so much so that I stopped my work and read for hours. I can't remember reading a book cover to cover in a day--actually, in a morning--which isn't to say that the book is an easy read. Rather, it's praise for the way Giordano has impeccably captured the lives of broken, solitary and suffering people.
Second Phone Interview/Screening
I felt a little more prepared this time around, having read and re-read the job description, the corporate website information, and what I imagined the job to be like. The phone interviewer didn't use as much HR jargon, which in some ways disarmed the process. It felt like my textbook responses were being jotted down methodically into her notes, and I felt I needed to charm her over the phone.
I felt good about this interview and the suitability with my past experience. I can't say for certain that I'll get a second interview, but any contact is better than nothing.
The most typical question came up: How do you deal with a difficult client/person? What steps do you take?
I answered: Listen attentively and actively to the concerns, and confirm the situation by repeating the information as you understand it. Offer a solution based on your experience. If the problem is beyond my capabilities, then pursue other solutions through colleagues or escalate it to management. Always, always follow up.
I felt good about this interview and the suitability with my past experience. I can't say for certain that I'll get a second interview, but any contact is better than nothing.
The most typical question came up: How do you deal with a difficult client/person? What steps do you take?
I answered: Listen attentively and actively to the concerns, and confirm the situation by repeating the information as you understand it. Offer a solution based on your experience. If the problem is beyond my capabilities, then pursue other solutions through colleagues or escalate it to management. Always, always follow up.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Video: Incredible Free Falling
This is a viral video off the MSN network. I was mesmerized by the flight, fall, velocity and the lyrical quality of a human being free falling. Shot in HD.
Check it out here: Free Falling Video
http://en.video.sympatico.ca/index.php/en/video/entertainment/3/viral-videos/108/jokeroo/525/incredible-cliff-base-jumping/615436616001
Check it out here: Free Falling Video
http://en.video.sympatico.ca/index.php/en/video/entertainment/3/viral-videos/108/jokeroo/525/incredible-cliff-base-jumping/615436616001
The Phone Interview
I finally made some contact yesterday, after waiting through about two weeks of silence. I've been steadily applying for jobs as they come up, but there really aren't that many to apply to. I get through maybe three applications a day, five if it's a good day.
I had two phone calls today from companies I had applied to nearly two weeks ago. Both calls came almost at the same time, and both were interested in doing a phone interview/screening. If the screening goes well, then they bring me in to meet the managers and executives.
One of the strangest part of today's interview was that I felt totally revved up but unprepared. I had a cup of tea pulsing through my veins, probably at the most inopportune time, and I was just excited because I hadn't had a phone call in weeks.
The typical questions were there, much of it masked in HR-speak:
Where do you see yourself with this company?
Please describe a situation where you helped a client/co-worker through a situation. What did you do, and were you effective?
Salary expectations (seemed quite early, but I suppose they needed to know)
If there's a book I'd recommend about interviewing, it's Monster Careers: Interviewing: Mastering the Moment that Gets You the Job, by Jeffry Taylor and Greg Hardy. Excellent resource to navigate through those tricky interview situations. I think most job interviews are fairly predictable, so knowing where they're expecting things to go is part of the solution. The face-to-face interview is probably the key: being presentable, friendly, professional, and intelligent, all adds up to tip the scales, so to speak.
I have another phone interview/screening tomorrow afternoon. I'll be sure to blog about it then.
I had two phone calls today from companies I had applied to nearly two weeks ago. Both calls came almost at the same time, and both were interested in doing a phone interview/screening. If the screening goes well, then they bring me in to meet the managers and executives.
One of the strangest part of today's interview was that I felt totally revved up but unprepared. I had a cup of tea pulsing through my veins, probably at the most inopportune time, and I was just excited because I hadn't had a phone call in weeks.
The typical questions were there, much of it masked in HR-speak:
Where do you see yourself with this company?
Please describe a situation where you helped a client/co-worker through a situation. What did you do, and were you effective?
Salary expectations (seemed quite early, but I suppose they needed to know)
If there's a book I'd recommend about interviewing, it's Monster Careers: Interviewing: Mastering the Moment that Gets You the Job, by Jeffry Taylor and Greg Hardy. Excellent resource to navigate through those tricky interview situations. I think most job interviews are fairly predictable, so knowing where they're expecting things to go is part of the solution. The face-to-face interview is probably the key: being presentable, friendly, professional, and intelligent, all adds up to tip the scales, so to speak.
I have another phone interview/screening tomorrow afternoon. I'll be sure to blog about it then.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
One Week
I watched a wonderful Canadian movie last night called, "One Week." Aside from being a great human drama narrative, it was an ode to all things Canadian: Kalendar cafe, downtown Toronto, Sudbury's Giant Nickel, whales in B.C., Tim Horton's cups. The list could go on and on.
Quick summary: A man in his early thirties (?), engaged to be married, is diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. Upon hearing the diagnosis, his next few days of life roll before our eyes in a serendipitous, karmic, divine, comedic and tragic paths. I loved the sense of journey, the sense of discovery, and the time for reflection that the protagonist is afforded. Buy a motorbike, hop on the road and keep going. There's nothing like a good dose of wanderlust to get the creative life juices flowing.
If you had only one week to live, what would you do? Where would you go? Who would you see? Who would you spend it with?
Quick summary: A man in his early thirties (?), engaged to be married, is diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. Upon hearing the diagnosis, his next few days of life roll before our eyes in a serendipitous, karmic, divine, comedic and tragic paths. I loved the sense of journey, the sense of discovery, and the time for reflection that the protagonist is afforded. Buy a motorbike, hop on the road and keep going. There's nothing like a good dose of wanderlust to get the creative life juices flowing.
If you had only one week to live, what would you do? Where would you go? Who would you see? Who would you spend it with?
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Stuff Unemployed People Like
Sitting in a cafe this afternoon, I did a quick blog search and found a hilarious blog called "Stuff Unemployed People Like."
Walk into an employed person's house and realize that furniture can be a colour other than birch veneer. Hahahahahahaah. At least it brought a smile to my day.
http://stuffunemployedpeoplelike.com/
Walk into an employed person's house and realize that furniture can be a colour other than birch veneer. Hahahahahahaah. At least it brought a smile to my day.
http://stuffunemployedpeoplelike.com/
World Golf Tour (www.wgt.com)
If you like golf and you've played computer simulated golf games before, I think you'll really enjoy this FREE online golf game: World Golf Tour.
This free site, open to anyone with an e-mail address, offers the player free access to three impeccably rendered high definition golf courses. Play alone or with a group. Achieve goals and credits to purchase new clubs, balls, or rounds at other courses. Join an international tournament. Join a country club.
The thing I like most about the game is that it's so beautiful to look at. The way the game plays is remarkably easy, but the skills required for some aspects of the game (putting, for example) make it a hardy challenge.
Check it out for yourselves! It's worth it.
http://www.wgt.com/
This free site, open to anyone with an e-mail address, offers the player free access to three impeccably rendered high definition golf courses. Play alone or with a group. Achieve goals and credits to purchase new clubs, balls, or rounds at other courses. Join an international tournament. Join a country club.
The thing I like most about the game is that it's so beautiful to look at. The way the game plays is remarkably easy, but the skills required for some aspects of the game (putting, for example) make it a hardy challenge.
Check it out for yourselves! It's worth it.
http://www.wgt.com/
Gold nearing $1300
Since I started my first blog, the price of gold hovered around the $800 to $900 range. Now with my second and newest blog, gold has rapidly approached $1300. Is it a bubble? Is it justified? I can still recall all the media articles written last year about gold: which way will it run? Now we know, and it makes sense. The US spending spree, the relative weakness in equity markets, puts gold at an all-time attractive price. We'll see where it moves.
And you're wondering about the relevance of the price of gold to my blog? If this blog is to be about directions, then the direction of gold is certainly relevant, as is the price of oil (which is in the $75-$76 dollar range right now).
And you're wondering about the relevance of the price of gold to my blog? If this blog is to be about directions, then the direction of gold is certainly relevant, as is the price of oil (which is in the $75-$76 dollar range right now).
Keep going!
There are days when the struggle seems endless, and instead of hitting the waves full on, you'd much rather let yourself be swept away. Unable to see an end to employment--or, rather, unable to see employment--it's a battle of our will to give the job search 110% consistently.
There will be days when I've achieved nothing, sometimes because there are simply no jobs to apply for, or sometimes because I've not put the effort into it. One thing is to not beat yourself up each day thinking that you'll never be employed again. Of course you will find work. It's only a matter of when.
Stay positive and remember that you're not alone. Millions of people around the world are doing the same thing you're doing. I'm sitting at the library right now and looking at a few people job searching, the same way I'm doing it. So keep hitting those waves!
There will be days when I've achieved nothing, sometimes because there are simply no jobs to apply for, or sometimes because I've not put the effort into it. One thing is to not beat yourself up each day thinking that you'll never be employed again. Of course you will find work. It's only a matter of when.
Stay positive and remember that you're not alone. Millions of people around the world are doing the same thing you're doing. I'm sitting at the library right now and looking at a few people job searching, the same way I'm doing it. So keep hitting those waves!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
5 Things to Do When You're Unemployed
Here's advice from a professional writer/blogger:
http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2009/03/06/5-things-to-do-when-youre-unemployed-hint-its-not-job-hunting/
I think the advice is upbeat and realistic.
http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2009/03/06/5-things-to-do-when-youre-unemployed-hint-its-not-job-hunting/
I think the advice is upbeat and realistic.
Practical Things To Do Daily When You're Unemployed
Treat unemployment like a full time job!
Get organized with your job search. Here are some things to consider:
Wake up in the mornings with purpose
Pray and be still.
Have a healthy breakfast
Get started on your job search by a set time, just as you would arrive at your office at a pre-determined time. Don’t be late.
Take a break, stretch.
Eat healthy, home-prepared lunches.
Get out of the house to exercise and get some fresh air.
Set a time at the end of the day when you will stop your job search. Don’tcontinue looking all night. The work of job searching will be there tomorrow, so take the time to refresh and rejuvenate.
Read a good book or watch a movie with a positive message.
Spend time talking to your family and friends. They know you best, and they're the best source of encouragement.
Get a good night’s sleep at a regular time.
Things to do when you're unemployed
I simply typed the title sentence into my Google search bar and the first hit that I found useful was the following:
http://jeffreyholton.blogspot.com/2010/02/six-things-to-do-while-youre-unemployed.html
I loved how he had found closure, happily, and looked back on his unemployment with a good sense of perspective. There is absolutely nothing easy about being unemployed, and although we can always recommend things to do, getting out and doing it is always harder than it looks on paper.
http://jeffreyholton.blogspot.com/2010/02/six-things-to-do-while-youre-unemployed.html
I loved how he had found closure, happily, and looked back on his unemployment with a good sense of perspective. There is absolutely nothing easy about being unemployed, and although we can always recommend things to do, getting out and doing it is always harder than it looks on paper.
Making Internet Explorer Window Maximize
I had forgotten this handy trick, and somehow my Internet Explorer always resized itself to a smaller window (forcing me to click on the maximize button).
If you would like to make Internet Explorer always resize itself upon opening, simply do the following:
1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. Click on the Maximize button.
3. Press CTRL and hold it down.
4. Close Internet Explorer.
5. Voila!
Hope that helps!
If you would like to make Internet Explorer always resize itself upon opening, simply do the following:
1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. Click on the Maximize button.
3. Press CTRL and hold it down.
4. Close Internet Explorer.
5. Voila!
Hope that helps!
Following my own advice
I decided to follow my own advice today and headed out the door with purpose in my mind and a slight bounce in my steps. I refused to make the same lazy error I had made yesterday (letting the productive part of the morning slip away), so I ventured out of the neighbourhood to a new library. If you're in Toronto and you're a fan of libraries or public spaces, you must check out Gladstone Public Library, near the corner of Dufferen Street and Bloor Street. It's been newly renovated, retaining its beautiful historic ambiance, but mixed in with contemporary architecture and decor.
Sitting here and looking around, I've noticed how much space there is for people. There is simply no need to bump elbows with anyone, and there are plenty of comfy one-seat lounge chairs with wooden laptop rests. Lots of power outlets for computers, and even more public computer terminals.
I've got a long list of favorite libraries in Toronto, and this has got to rank up there with the best.
Sitting here and looking around, I've noticed how much space there is for people. There is simply no need to bump elbows with anyone, and there are plenty of comfy one-seat lounge chairs with wooden laptop rests. Lots of power outlets for computers, and even more public computer terminals.
I've got a long list of favorite libraries in Toronto, and this has got to rank up there with the best.
The Party Moment Spiel
Getting ready to publicly admit that you’re unemployed is a task that needs to be done. Mind you, it’s not always the easiest thing to do. There are social fears and anxieties lurking around while you're unemployed, and social interactions can exacerbate those fears.
How would you introduce yourself at a party when that ubiquitous question pops up: “So, what do you do?”
The best way to give your spiel is to formulate it, practice it, and then deliver it without pause or reluctance.
- Start with “I” to describe what you do best—“I’m an elementary teacher who loves to teach, enrich, develop and foster education for all youths.” This sentence speaks to what you do best professionally, as well as sheds light on who you are as a person.
- For your second sentence, follow up with a professional accomplishment or recognition— “Just last year I was nominated for the prestigious Schulich Award in Education by my teaching faculty, and I won an award for Literacy and Education.”
- The third sentence spins you for the transition you’re in right now: “Right now I’m looking for an opportunity to work in Special Education for elementary school students.”
- The last sentence re-directs the conversation flow: “Would you happen to know anyone in working in special education, say, a teacher or principal at a school?”
Getting the party spiel is down will probably help you network with your peer group. More importantly, it will help you prepare for those awkward moments when you feel depressed about being unemployed, and you have nothing to say other than, “Well, I’m unemployed right now.”
Having a party spiel will enable you to be proactive and positive about your life transition. It would show and develop a sense of purpose and confidence, something that can help feed you during a prolonged jobless phase.
Monday, September 20, 2010
This, too, shall pass
This too shall pass!
It feels like an eternity sometimes, especially during those long nights battling insomnia, but eventually you will find a job. The season that you go through will change, you will transition, blossom, and be fruitful once again.
Flag Counter
I've added a flag counter as a gadget/widget on the side panel. I love this addition, just to see where in the world visitors are clicking from. As a lover of world travel, I can now only fantasize about going to the far-flung places that this blog will appear.
How to get a Flag Counter for your own blog? Simply visit www.flagcounter.com and follow the directions. It will take you literally less than a minute. Once you've got the code, copy and paste the code into a gadget/widget as html. Your blog should automatically display the flag counter. Happy counting!
How to get a Flag Counter for your own blog? Simply visit www.flagcounter.com and follow the directions. It will take you literally less than a minute. Once you've got the code, copy and paste the code into a gadget/widget as html. Your blog should automatically display the flag counter. Happy counting!
Are you waiting?
Waiting has got to be one of the most difficult things to do in life. Our modern selves are seemingly hardwired for immediate action, gratification, or fulfillment of goals, and when we aren't able to move in the direction we wish, our wires start to smoke. Going through a state of unemployment is perhaps the most difficult of waiting periods. I can think of other anxious lengths of time when waiting is hard (e.g., birth of a child, test results, etc...) but waiting for a job, regardless of how active your job search is going, can be excruciating.
Reflecting on my previous post, I couldn't help but think about how precious a commodity time is for me. Waking up this morning, sitting on the sofa to read a book with my son, I noticed that the precious minutes of the morning were spent doing something I truly enjoyed. In this case, I didn't have to wait to do something that made me happy.
The realistic side of waiting for work is that financial resources decrease, emotional pitfalls are many, and personal feelings of self-worth diminish. Statements about ourselves are so tied with what we do for work, so during a period of joblessness, we no longer have a definition of who we are. That, of course, is our primary mistake: we are so much more than what we do for eight hours of paid work.
Reflecting on my previous post, I couldn't help but think about how precious a commodity time is for me. Waking up this morning, sitting on the sofa to read a book with my son, I noticed that the precious minutes of the morning were spent doing something I truly enjoyed. In this case, I didn't have to wait to do something that made me happy.
The realistic side of waiting for work is that financial resources decrease, emotional pitfalls are many, and personal feelings of self-worth diminish. Statements about ourselves are so tied with what we do for work, so during a period of joblessness, we no longer have a definition of who we are. That, of course, is our primary mistake: we are so much more than what we do for eight hours of paid work.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
My Profile
I just entered my profile, but I then thought I should include it in the main blog for readers.
As a matter of both personal and public interest, though more likely the former, I decided to start a blog about my journey through unemployment. Not enough personal narratives exist about unemployment, so I imagined my blog being helpful to others going through similar life transitions.
The blog title is an extension of the first question someone asks you, "So, what do you do?" Once you've declared your present state of joblessness and lack of direction, the next logical question is, "So what are you going to do now?"
I think the blog title is also marvelous at prompting me to realize that our lives are made up of a seemingly infinite (yet finite) moments that we can make decisions on: what we do next is a matter of personal choice and decision. If we choose not to be positive, that's a choice. If we choose to get depressed over the lack of jobs, we've made a choice. If we choose to sit on our hands and not do anything, we've made a decision.
I've chosen to do something creative, something personal, something enriching, and hopefuly something helpful. If I've achieved anything at all in these past seven minutes of blog-life, it's that I've made a decision. Here's hoping you're making good decisions this moment onwards.
As a matter of both personal and public interest, though more likely the former, I decided to start a blog about my journey through unemployment. Not enough personal narratives exist about unemployment, so I imagined my blog being helpful to others going through similar life transitions.
The blog title is an extension of the first question someone asks you, "So, what do you do?" Once you've declared your present state of joblessness and lack of direction, the next logical question is, "So what are you going to do now?"
I think the blog title is also marvelous at prompting me to realize that our lives are made up of a seemingly infinite (yet finite) moments that we can make decisions on: what we do next is a matter of personal choice and decision. If we choose not to be positive, that's a choice. If we choose to get depressed over the lack of jobs, we've made a choice. If we choose to sit on our hands and not do anything, we've made a decision.
I've chosen to do something creative, something personal, something enriching, and hopefuly something helpful. If I've achieved anything at all in these past seven minutes of blog-life, it's that I've made a decision. Here's hoping you're making good decisions this moment onwards.
First Post: Welcome to the World
It's 8:25 on a Sunday night. We've had a beautiful autumn Sunday, with plenty of sunshine and cool weather.
I spent the afternoon riding around on my bike with my son, and I couldn't recall a better three hour block of time in recent months. The time re-focused my perspective, a perspective that's been continually focused on finding work and the sorrows of not having work. I realized today that although I don't have the answer to the title of my blog (so what are YOU going to do now?), I know that tomorrow is a new day, and that new horizones open up as soon as I open my eyelids. Well, maybe after the first cup of coffee.
Here's hoping that this blog makes an impact in both your life and mine.
I spent the afternoon riding around on my bike with my son, and I couldn't recall a better three hour block of time in recent months. The time re-focused my perspective, a perspective that's been continually focused on finding work and the sorrows of not having work. I realized today that although I don't have the answer to the title of my blog (so what are YOU going to do now?), I know that tomorrow is a new day, and that new horizones open up as soon as I open my eyelids. Well, maybe after the first cup of coffee.
Here's hoping that this blog makes an impact in both your life and mine.
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