Working With Purpose

Many changes can occur within a decade! Here is my career development story.

I enrolled at Franklin University in January 2014 at a time when my employer was undertaking a lengthy reorganization period. I was asked to participate in yet another round of interviews to learn if I would be kept or eliminated. I knew the combination of my associate degree and the 20 years of work experience was not enough for me to remain competitive in the job market and earn the salary I needed to achieve my financial goals.

I was on a self-reflection journey, asking myself, "What makes me different from the many friends, co-workers, and departments who have been eliminated or merged during the past 14 years?" It caused a shift from reactive to proactive; a period of pursuing my desired results rather than giving that control to all outside forces. I knew I needed to UPSKILL, developing new abilities and growing my competency in areas that would increase my competitiveness and advance my career opportunities.

Always one to find the positive in each situation or obstacle, when it was my turn in the November 2015 round of layoffs, I had only six months left until graduation. Faced with the choice of responding with negative doom and gloom or a positive attitude toward new opportunities, I chose the latter. What a blessing I gave myself! I was full of excitement to explore and learn where the next phase of my life would take me!

How did I land on positive? I connected with my values and the leader within to identify what I truly wanted out of my next career. Who did I want to be? How did I want to be treated by my next employer? How will this position align with my values? This mindset provided me with the power I needed to be the best candidate for my new role with Memorial Health.

Seven years later, I wake up every morning excited to embrace the day!

I GET TO be the servant leader to the many volunteers who give their most precious gift to our organization– THEIR TIME.

I GET TO be a co-worker to many gifted, talented, and extraordinary individuals throughout our organization - TEAMWORK.

I GET TO sharpen my saw (Stephen Covey's 7th Habit) as I continue developing and learning new skills - UPSKILLING.

I am currently working towards earning professional certifications through Co-Active Training Institute (CPCC) and the International Coaching Federation (ICF). What a blessing to have the opportunity to share my passion for servicing others in finding their purpose and going after the life they dream of living!

If you are searching to find your life purpose or to explore upskilling or reskilling within your career, I would love to connect with you!