I've had a good week so far. First, I took Monday completely off. From training, errands, chores, everything. I didn't even leave the house. Honestly I was feeling a little stressed and blah about the whole job situation, and I didn't fight it. I have had a couple days like that lately but otherwise generally feel really good! It comes and goes I guess.
Tuesday I woke up feeling great and couldn't wait to take on the day. I went out to Beaverton to run on this trail out there that I love and just for fun I ran 7 miles! Then I did my shopping (weird that going to Target or a real grocery store is a whole excursion here! Yay for urban living.) and a bunch of other chores. I also did strength training.
Tuesday: run
7.0 miles/1:01:38/8:49 average pace
Yesterday, (Wednesday) I got up and did a nice run along the waterfront. Then I spent the afternoon running around doing stuff like going to the library and meeting Emily at Powell's for a little wedding-dress research. I also did light strength training.
Wednesday: run
4.0 miles/34:37/8:39 average pace
Today is another "up" day for sure and I've been very busy again. The best part of the day, nay, of the WEEK, and the inspiration for my title today is this: I finally took my sweet ass road bike out for the first time in months and holy mother I love that bike!!! After riding my mountain bike exclusively I couldn't believe how light and fast the Trek is. How responsive the handling is. How agile the wee little tires. And how f-ing pretty. It was awesome! I felt great on it and kept a pretty good speed going. I only rode on the Springwater Corridor, which is a rails-to-trails type bike path, so not exactly "real" road riding and the surface is pretty shoddy in places, but I still rocked it. Very satisfied to see my average speed was about what I was doing last year in training for the HIM. It's going to be a fun year.
Thursday: bike
15.4 miles/1:01:45/15.0 MPH
A final thought which is on the job search front: On all of the days this week I've managed to find a few good job opportunities to apply for. And on Monday (my blah day) I did a big career brainstorm-type exercise where I listed out all my interests/strengths/options etc.. It basically ended up being a bunch of stuff I've already thought of but it was nice to see it all in one place and to identify themes and patterns. I also listed out all the resources (job sites and stuff) and the names of several specific organizations and companies I would love to work for and check regularly for openings. I even typed this brainstorm list up for my records. I know I haven't reached out to you all much in terms of this whole job search thing... but I would be happy to share this file with you in case anyone wants to offer advice or suggestions for my job search. I would be willing to share my resume too and also my soul is for sale (kidding!). Here's the one sentence summary: I worked in a location consulting firm helping retail chains analyze expansion opportunities and predicting sales for potential new stores. So most of my career ideas fall into the consulting/market research/real estate consulting/consumer analytics realm... if there is such a realm. Which there isn't. So, if anyone happens to have any insight into any of those fields, or you know.. like a 6 figure job to offer me ... hehe.. please feel free to email me at runningstories @ yahoo. com. I really would like to hear from you even if you just have general advice on the job search or unemployment or whatever. You've all already been so helpful and supportive, so thank you!! It is nice even just to have you all here to talk about running and other fun stuff when I just need to get my mind off of all that.
Ok this wasn't supposed to be a pity party post so let's end on a great note- a pic from my bike ride this afternoon! Notice that is SUN shining on my face! Sun!!!
22 comments:
Job hunting is not fun especially in this economy. Matt is in the same situation. But, if you are thinking of a possible career change, now is a good time to either go back to school or take calsses for a certificate program.
Good luck with it all.
yay for bike rides and happy jen!! great job on the runs too :)
i know the job situation is so hard. just keep hunting and you will find your job!!
I have NOTHING to offer in that realm of work. I wish I did though, sorry :(.
I just took my road bike out for the first time too in a while (been on the f'ing trainer) and it was heaven-I totally know how you felt today. And yay for the sun for you-was it warm too?
Good luck continuing the search.
Yay for the Portland SUN....although today was sort of a faux nice day out. Did your knuckles stay warm?
Now I'm nostalgic for the coffee shop in Powell's.
The job situation over there sounds tough. Over here you'd fall into a (6-figure) job with a resume and enthusiasm like that. All I can think of is find the companies you'd like to work for, do some research on them, then knock on doors. Ask to meet their recruiting officer in person - I'm sure they'll be impressed and sign you up straight away!
What trail did you run in the Beav?! I'm shocked - I have no idea where to run out here. If I'm not running at my house, I'm running laps around the Nike campus. Boring
Yeah, when I got my first road/tri bike, I couldn't believe how sweet it was compared to my old mtn bike (which I'd used for long rides, even a 70+miler!). Nice to see the sun on your face!
Best of luck on the job front. I do think reaching out to others on the net is a good idea. I'm always amazed what kind of unsolicited offers I get via my blog and wonder what I might get if I actually asked for something.
Hi Jen - great post. I'm glad things are coming together on the workout front and it seems like the work front will come together soon. You have a wonderful outlook on things. Try to stay positive!
PS- we visited Powell's when we were in Portland....love it.
I am also curious about your Beaverton trail - and wish I could help out with the job hunt.
However my employer has a complete hiring freeze right now, and no end in sight. Before this, I was a database administrator for non-profits....so completely different. I hope the job situation turns around soon!
(AND double-yay for the sunshine - which I have seen only through my office window this week.)
I've heard the job market up there is a tough one. Hang in there! It sounds like you are a good candidate and can work in a pretty variety of fields. Something WILL turn up, it just might take a little time.
I am so jealous of your outdoor road ride! I am really hoping the fog clears this weekend so I can get out on mine.
And you may remember that I work in a similar industry (and my job has changed a bit so its now closer to what yours was) and while it's obviously a different country, I would love to offer any thoughts/insights I could. Let me know.
Have a good weekend!
Okay I just really like the shadow of your bike in your photo. Great workouts too. Sorry about the job sitch. They say everything happens for a reason, but it's really hard to see what the reason is while it's happening. Best wishes!
hey! i keep meaning to try that trail and the route from willamette park. good luck with your job search, it will happen!
I love being on my bike on the road!!!!
emailing you now...
I guess you really like that bike. ;-)
I don't know what the job market is like in Portland, but I've found getting a job is a volume business. The more copies of your resume you can get out, the better the chance that it will connect with someone. I hire people all the time and the biggest mistake I see is that they think their resume is designed to get them a job. It isn't - it's supposed to get them an interview. The interview gets you the job. So keep the resume clean, short and to the point. I can't tell you how many resumes I've thrown in the trash because it was too long and took too much time to get to the point. Name, contact information, jobs and experience, education - done. Managers don't care about anything else when they are going through 500 resumes.
Good luck, and if you want me to take a look at your resume, I would be happy to read it over...just don't make it too long. ;-)
I am in Human Resources and I can tell you that the #1 way to kill an interview is a bad resume.
Make sure you use key action words such as: managed, developed, created, improved...
Also make sure there are no grammar mistakes or typos, many HR people will throw your resume out at the sight of them!
Also include that you enjoy running, it's always good to see that someone stays healthy and is active (especially for insurance purposes).
Also, once you get in the door for an interview, focus on the positives. An interviewer will form their opinion of you within the first 30 seconds, so make those seconds count! Be positive and don't talk about how you have been out of work. Sit up straight and on the edge of your chair and look your interviewer in the eye.
I find these to be the most successful, as I have never (ok, once...right out of college) not received an offer from a company I interviewed with.
Send me your resume if you would like and I can take a look :-)
Good Luck!
It sounds like you're trying to think laterally about your skills and abilities and I think that's going to be key to finding a job. Sadly I'm not in a position to give you one, or really even to advise you on CVs etc though some of the commenters seem to be very well-placed for this.
From my own experiences of your situation I know that you should definitely try to make the companies you're interested in take a look at you, even if they are not hiring. Ask them if there if there is anyone there who might be able to meet with you and maybe give you some general advice? I think interest and keenness cannot be overstated. You're clearly intelligent and present yourself well - you have so much to offer. If you keep at it you will find something.
In the meantime I LOVE that you're working hard at working out - good stuff Jen - keep it up.
Hey Jen, I just wanted to say thank you for your encouragement during my training and your support with my fitness goals. You've been such an inspiration to me and your advice has been priceless!
I've been blogging on a weekly basis too and that will probably be what will happen the rest of the year.
I love how you ran 7 miles (just for fun!).
Jobwise, keep looking and keep your eyes and ears open. Every opportunity will open new doors!
I know that you are having a tough time but believe me, with all you have to offer, a great job will definitely come along soon. The right job, too, as opposed to just any old job. You are worth more than that. :)
In the meantime, great job getting such great workouts in! I'm continuously jealous you and Emily get to hang out! I miss you!!!!
girl, i hear you on the job hunting! i'm in the same boat. best of luck to you!
and omg, i know i've fallen off the face of the planet, but i DID get your garmin and i DO have a check for you. email me and let me know how to get it to you. jenndumlao at gmail dot com.
You'll find something!
Awesome bike ride.
Post a Comment