Thursday, February 26, 2009

Hope springs eternal.

I have been in something of a funk lately. I would have thought with so many things going right, that the last thing I would have to deal with is being in a revolving blue mood. No, it's not the economy that bothers me, though it does impact me in some ways. It's not the stock market tanking worse than the Buffalo Bills did this season. It's just this odd feeling that I am not progressing as fast as I would like with my writing business, and in part that I need to get out of my current place of employment. Fast. Like, yesterday. Yes, I know I have expressed this opinion in the past, but the need to find a healthier work environment has never been more dire. It will mean giving up the nice, cushy environment of telecommuting every day, but at this point my mental health is of far greater importance. I'm just sick of my brain turning to goo every night that I log on to my work VPN and deal with the same stuff over, and over and over.

To that end, I have stepped up my job search efforts through relentless networking. I did get hooked up with a recruiter who was very supportive, and very impressed with my resume. They specialize in IT and healthcare, and this was the first recruiter that I have ever met that truly seemed personally interested in helping me. I need to follow-up with her today or tomorrow, but I am somewhat hopeful that she will be able to crack open some doors in places that I have not been able to get into in the past.

I also have needed to step up my business efforts. It's been a difficult transition to learn how to be a businessman, and I know a lot of it is my fault. I have been concentrating far more on the writing aspect, which is no less important, but I also need to concentrate on how to effectively market myself. I'm going to start next week by attending a local networking organization for small businesses to try and make more contacts and get better ideas.

I found some inspiration in my friend Sonia. She is a dynamic British transplant that has been living here in Rochester for many years, though she did a stint in Atlanta for a few years. She moved back here after deciding that two hour commutes was just not her thing anymore. Sonia was big in the PR community and film community here, as well as having an incredibly good outlook on life. We talked a lot about self-motivation, how we change and mature through different stages of life, and that she is going to use whatever contacts she has to try and help me out. We met at a local Starbucks, and between her and the cup of Sidamo, it was a much needed shot in the arm.

I have accomplished a great deal in the past year or so. I gained a great deal of traction in taking charge of my life again, like I used back in NYC. I lost a lot of that drive over the past few years, and worked like a dog to get it back.

I don't want to lose that momentum. I think it is time for a retread.

7 comments:

A said...

I like the feeling of hope and enthusiasm that your post conveyed.

You seem to know very well which direction you're headed, while taking all the steps to get you there.

The mood is slightly gloomier in rainy Belgium: we got the economic Tsunami with some delay, with the visible reminders in daily life really lowering the mood way below zero.

A.D. Sisson said...

You may already know about the page in the business section on Sundays in the D&C. That may be a place to also look for netwoking tips.

I know all about the need to find more drive. I need to "Get my motor runnin'".

Anonymous said...

I wish you the best of luck in your job search - and I agree. Your mental health has to be paramount. A job which is cushy and pays well does not compensate if you're going rapidly nuts.

Joanna Cake said...

As is always the case, it's not what you know but who. Just as Chris Gardener found out in The Pursuit of Happyness, sometimes it's the contacts you make when you think you're not being successful who later come back to prove their worth. Network, make friends, get contacts... Good Luck x

Mr. Nighttime said...

Peter - I'm sure the planned closing of Opel hasn't helped matters any.

Andy - I browse through there, but honestly, there are far better sources.

Jay - The home of Jell-O is nearby Rochester in the town of LeRoy. I think they came knocking on my door once seeking the source of mine. ;-) (meaning my brain)

Cake - Yeah, I am utilizing those to be sure. It's also time to call in some favors from friends that I have been holding off on.

neena maiya (guyana gyal) said...

I've been tackling / am dealing with similar issues...working from home, trying to market my skills, getting motivated, staying enthusiastic. Earning while waiting to get published.

I've started teaching English as a second language, doing private tutoring, it's a good way to earn while I try to get my craft sold, while polishing up my writing skills, and trying to my manuscript sold too.

I read [I know many people find him corny but he helps me] Norman Vincent Peale, he's got some good ol' fashioned advice about whipping up enthusiasm.

neena maiya (guyana gyal) said...

And glitzy Bollywood dances...I look at those. For some reason, they make me happy and give me zing and zest :-D