I woke up this morning a little apprehensively.  It’s one of my last days of “freedom” – before I return to the work force in society.  I got myself a little Part-time job over at the local Lane Bryant store.  Yep – what a cliche – the fat chic working at a fat chic clothing store.  GO ahead .. laugh at me all you want right now.  I actually happen to LOVE working retail and have often questioned my decision to pass on an Assistant Manager job all those years ago to complete my college degree.  You can see where that little piece of paper got me – unemployed!

And it’s funny … when my size didn’t matter … I was offered the job immediately.  Which lends itself to my whole theory that my weight was holding me back from landing another job in marketing.  Whatever.  You have no idea how great it felt to walk out of an interview FINALLY with the last words on the mangers lips “You’ll start on Sunday – if you want the job.”    I was seen as a valuable assesst  – someone who could contribute a great deal.  I was seen as a person.

Yet I have mixed feelings about work.  Not the job itself .. but work in general.  I know that it’s important for me to take these first steps back in to mainstream Americana.  Get myself involved with other people … actually hold real life conversations with others.  But I’m not sure 100% I’m ready for this.  I still want to pursue Life Coaching – because ultimately that will give me a higher earning potential than any other job I’ve ever held.  But for now I’ll settle for 15 hours a week at a little $7 an hour part time job so that I can remember how much fun working can be.  In a positive environment with people who care about ME and my work ethic.

My biggest concern I have to say is if my knee will hold up to standing for long periods of time.  I’ll take Advil in advance of my 4.5 hour shift this Sunday – to stave off any pain.  And we’ll just hope the knee holds out long enough to get the job done.  We’ll take it one day at a time.

So what should I do on one of my last days of Freedom?  Mom and Dad are going out to do a little bit of shopping.  I’m going to stay behind and bake Honey Wheat Bread.    And I’m going to do a small amount of cleaning – mostly just running the vacuum to take care of the cat hair situation.  Then .. I don’t know!  Catch up on recorded TV shows maybe?  A short afternoon nap?  I really don’t know.  Tomorrow I think we’re going to go see Angel’s & Demons.  But today … I think I’m just going to chill one last time.  Might be my last day in awhile to do that .. because on those days I’m not working I’ll have to cram in homework and housework and errands and chores.

Getting a job is a good thing.  I know so many OTHERS will be happy for me.  I guess I’m just not sure if I’m happy yet or not.  I guess time will tell.

Even though I’ve worked in Marketing the majority of my career – in one aspect or another – I’ve always had difficulty selling ME! I don’t like talking about myself … to put my self up there to be judged. What’s great about my Life Coaching class is it’s teaching me to break out of that shell and not worry so much about what others think.

Our assignment this week is to craft our elevator speeches. Here’s two I’ve come up with … let me know which one you like best. What would prompt you to say – OH! I need that too!

Jenny Client: What is it that you do?

Response #1 – Well, you know how busy moms can get at times. They often forget to make time for themselves! What I do is coach them on finding that perfect balance that allows them to eat better, exercise, and meditate. What’s so great about that is, they give themselves permission to be a little bit selfish and know that they are important too.

Response #2 – Well, you know how some people struggle with their healthy. They just can’t find the balance they need to make themselves a priority. What I do is coach them on time management and wellness. Which means that they’re better able to take care of themselves and lead a healthier and happier life.

So I took this cheesy Color-Career Test just now – and the results are so spot on! Here’s the results:

COLOR CAREER COUNSELOR PROFILE:

Introduction:

The Dewey Color System® is the world’s first and only validated, color-based personality career testing instrument. Based on our experience and your interests, your best suited occupations are listed below.

Best Occupational Category
You’re a CREATOR
Key Words:   Nonconforming, Impulsive, Expressive, Romantic, Intuitive, Sensitive, and Emotional

These original types place a high value on aesthetic qualities and have a great need for self-expression. They enjoy working independently, being creative, using their imagination, and constantly learning something new. Fields of interest are art, drama, music, and writing or places where they can express, assemble, or implement creative ideas.

CREATOR OCCUPATIONS
Suggested careers are Advertising Executive, Architect, Web Designer, Creative Director, Public Relations, Fine or Commercial Artist, Interior Decorator, Lawyer, Librarian, Musician, Reporter, Art Teacher, Broadcaster, Technical Writer, English Teacher, Architect, Photographer, Medical Illustrator, Corporate Trainer, Author, Editor, Landscape Architect, Exhibit Builder, and Package Designer.

CREATOR WORKPLACES
Consider workplaces where you can create and improve beauty and aesthetic qualities. Unstructured, flexible organizations that allow self-expression work best with your free-spirited nature.

Suggested Creator workplaces are advertising, public relations, and interior decorating firms; artistic studios, theaters and concert halls; institutions that teach crafts, universities, music, and dance schools. Other workplaces to consider are art institutes, museums, libraries, and galleries.

2nd Best Occupational Category
You’re a SOCIAL MANAGER
Key Words:  Tactful, Cooperative, Generous, Understanding, Insightful, Friendly, and Cheerful

This very social type enjoys working in groups, sharing responsibilities, and being the center of attention. Fields of interest are instructing, helping, nurturing, care giving and instructing-especially young people. They discuss and consider feelings in order to solve problems, lead, direct, persuade, guide, organize and enlighten others.

Oh my gosh … seriously … it’s like they took a peek in to my life and just KNEW me.  Here’s the link to the test so you can try it out:    Can Your FAvorite Color Determine Your Career?

Well … after much thought today … and really taking a look at where my own life is going .. I did it.  {technically I’ve been thinking about doing this for a few months now}

I sent away for Certification materials to become a Nutrition, Wellness and Weight Management Consultant.  I’ll be certified through the AFPA.

I’ll be reviewing Life Coach certification programs this week as well .. some are a little more shady than others.

This is me … starting MY OWN BUSINESS.  Oh my goodness.

I’m scared to death.

…. the most rejections one can get in a lifetime?  Yeah .. at this point in time with a career search you have to stop and ask yourself .. what am I doing wrong in the interview?  Am I over eager?  Do I not show enough interest?  Am I not answering the questions properly?  Am I really so far out of the loop marketing wise after 3 years away – that I’m just not ever going to be hireable?

Well .. that’s me out of the Marketing field now.  I have been looking on and off for over two years .. and it’s just not working out.  I don’t have it in me to keep on trying.  So now that I cross Marketing off my list .. I have to figure out what else is out there for me.  I have three months to figure it out … then I’m hitting the retail shops to see if they’ll hire me.

I didn’t want to work for Comcast anway … I kept hearing nightmare stories.   blah.