Thanks to Dave O'Farrell, who helps lead the Jobseekers of Peachtree City networking group, for today's message:
"1. Inspiration: Downcast People Are Always Welcome at JobSeekers
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." -- Philippians 4:4–7
As I talk to job seekers over the days, weeks and years, I learn about people who are going through a period of depression. The depressed people aren't telling me; it's someone else who tells me about them. Oftentimes, some of the most depressed people don't attend the JobSeeker meetings.
This concerns me for two reasons: first, if you are staying home on Friday mornings because you're down, you're making the problem worse. I'll say more about this in a minute. Second, I'm concerned because the meetings are so upbeat, you may feel out of place.
Friends, downcast people are always welcome at JobSeekers! I can tell you with 100% certainty that every JobSeeker in that room on Friday mornings has battled negative thoughts and feelings if they have been looking for a job for 30 days or more. The only difference between you and them is that they may be at a peak while you are in a valley. When you are in the valley looking up, it seems everyone is better off than you. Come to JobSeekers and we will lift you up.
Mood swings come with the territory. Job search is an emotional roller coaster. If you are down, find someone else at the bottom of his or her curve and lift him or her up. I spoke to a job seeker today who took another job seeker to lunch; both were in a funk before, and now both are in better spirits. Philippians 2:4 says, "Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." The best way to lift your own spirits is to pick someone else up.
If you get down and stay down, get help. God doesn't want you there; at least not for long. He will provide resources -- including other people -- to help you out of the dark hole you are in. Look at what you might be doing to make the problem worse. Examine yourself mentally, physically, socially and spiritually:
1. Mentally.
Read uplifting books. Listen to motivational tapes. Seek wise counsel, even professional help if necessary. Don't spend too much time on the computer. And when you work on the following three areas, mental health usually takes care of itself.
2. Physically.
Diet, rest and exercise form the three-legged stool of good health. Depressed people often make the problem worse by changing their habits in these areas for the worse. Eat and drink healthier foods and beverages, get the proper amount of rest, and exercise more often; you've got the time!
3. Socially.
Do not withdraw! Get out and about. Help someone else. You are making depression worse if you are staying home on Friday mornings -- and every other day of the week. Lethargy sets in and depression becomes more and more difficult to overcome.
4. Spiritually.
Admit it. Confess it. Write about it. Pray about it. You're in good company. David wrote more psalms of lament than anything else. Jeremiah was known as the weeping prophet. Old Job had more trouble than any of us will ever see. Yes, you are in good company; the person sitting next to you has been there too.
Depression is not the problem; it's a symptom of the problem. You've got to figure out what the root cause is. Some say they are having a run of bad luck. You can do a lot to change your luck; it starts by laying your problems at the foot of the cross. Trust in the Lord and work wholeheartedly as he directs you.
Chuck Hodges, former pastor at Peachtree City United Methodist, emphasizes that there's a difference between joy and happiness. As Christians we are called to be joyful all the time (see the "Rejoice in the Lord always" passage above). We are called to be joyful, but we don't necessarily have to happy. In fact, if you were happy about being out of work, we may need to talk!
When Paul wrote to the Philippians, he instructed them to rejoice in the Lord always; I know from personal experience that "always rejoicing" is tough to do when you are looking for a job. Friends, it is okay to be depressed while you are looking for a job; it is not okay to accept it as your fate. Decide today that, with God's help, you will not dwell on your present circumstances; you will hope for -- search for -- the abundant life God has planned for you.
Dwelling on the abundant life he has in store for you -- now that's something you can be joyful about, even when times are tough! My prayer for all of you is that when you hit the bottom of the joy curve, you will claim this verse -- and all of God's promises -- for yourself.
Come to JobSeekers tomorrow -- especially if you are weary and heavy-laden -- and He will lift you up! You will find rest for your souls, hope for your heart, and strength for the week ahead.
Copyright © 2009 / Dave O'Farrell / All Rights Reserved
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2. Success Story: Change of Strategy Leads to Success
Dave, I landed a job with a stable company.
I am a sales analyst with a company called Covente, which is located in the northwest Atlanta area. The position starts out as a contract position, which will eventually go to permanent in three months. My compensation is base salary plus commission. Covente is one of the fastest growing high tech sales companies and was voted one of the best companies to work for by Jezebel Magazine. They are swamped with work despite this economy.
Covente contracts with only larger hi-tech companies such as IBM and SAP. I will be working on the SAP account generating revenue in business-to-business sales. I will be doing software upgrades sales to current SAP customers. My team and supervisor are awesome. Everyone is very helpful in making sure that I am successful with this company.
Here's how I got the job:
I was laid off as a human resources associate from a local company. It was my dream job and probably one of the only few times that I can say that I had an awesome supervisor and team. However, due to the economy, I was laid off eight months ago.
For about six months, I have been networking diligently within the Atlanta area searching for an HR position. While networking, I came to a realization that there were too many HR professionals looking for work and very few job openings. However, I continued to make an effort to network and meet other human resources professionals.
I met more than 20 managers, directors and VPs of HR for one-on-one interviews, a cup of coffee or lunch. All of the human resources leaders were confident in the long term success of their companies, but many were uncertain about the short term success. I networked consistently and it yielded no human resources jobs.
After about five months of looking for an HR position and meeting way too many unemployed HR professionals, I decided to make a temporary career transition and look for other opportunities.
Two months ago I saw a posting on Ruthies List, which is a yahoo group for recruiters and human resources professionals. According to the posting, Covente was looking for a sales analyst. I applied for the position and got the interview! I was made an offer and started work a month ago.
Special thanks to all of you that shared job leads with me, prayed with me, gave me words of encouragement, sat down with me in an informational interview, had coffee with me, or even called to say "hi." I still have the ambition and desire to get back into human resources, but am very happy in finding this position until I get my dream job. I know that God will open many doors for me like he always has. So, I can only say that the best is yet to come!
If I can help any of you in anyway, please never hesitate to connect with me.
Sincerely,
Christian Neptune
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3. This Week's Meeting: How to Earn $8,920 Real Fast / Holiday Networking
Tomorrow we will share the secret to earning thousands of dollars during the holiday season. You will also learn strategies and practice skills that will help you leverage the contacts you make during this holiday season.
* * * * *
Hi, Billy Mays here for JobSeekers of Peachtree City. Come tomorrow to learn the amazing secrets of how to earn $8,920 during the holiday season! Yes, you can have it all by using the strategy, tools and skills taught at the exciting, fun-filled and action-packed meetings held every Friday morning at First Baptist Church of Peachtree City.
Don't delay! Set your alarm now! Yes, these methods work like magic when applied with a healthy dose of positive attitude and the power of prayer.
Who: All are welcome; the topics are targeted for professionals, managers and executives.
What: JobSeekers is a nondenominational career ministry.
When: Friday mornings from 7:30 to 10:00 am.
Where: First Baptist Church in Peachtree City; 208 Willow Bend Road.
Why: We work with you to find a job, and we walk with you on your journey of faith.
Attire: Business casual.
Agenda: 7:30 coffee / 7:45 welcome and devotional / 8:10 introductions and announcements / 8:45 job search training module / 10:00 adjourn to the Atlanta Bread Company
We look forward to seeing you on Friday!
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4. Networking
Atlanta Bread Company
After the JobSeekers meeting, we go to the ABC from 10:15 to 11:30 for an informal gathering. There's no agenda; we just have fellowship and help each other out.
Newnan First UMC Job Networking Ministry
Come join us at our next meeting on Tuesday 8 December 6:00 PM.
Meetings are always held the second Tuesday of each month in the Parish Hall of Newnan First United Methodist Church. The church is located at 33 Greenville Street in Newnan. You may reach them by telephone at 770-253-7400 or click here and select "Job Network" under "Resources" on the left side of the home page. We look forward to seeing you there.
College Park Job Seekers
Have a family member, friend or neighbor concerned that they may lose their job, and they cannot take time off to attend a job seekers group? Attend the College Park Job Seekers Group which meets the first Saturday in every month from 9:00 am – 11:30 am. The next meeting is Saturday 5 December. This is a community service of Living Hope Christian Fellowship, 5885 Mallory Road, College Park, Georgia 770-306-9922.
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5. Job Leads
For Employers
Our goal is to help our members find good jobs, close to home, in minimum time. Most of our members are salaried employees from the professional, technical and supervisory level all the way up to general managers and other senior executives. If you have a job lead with the three criteria below let us know.
Please send a brief position profile and tell us how you would like to be contacted. We run the lead for three weeks unless we hear from you to remove or extend the listing.
This service is FREE!
1. The position is salaried; or it is a higher-level hourly position
2. The job is located on this side of Atlanta, especially in Fayette or Coweta County
3. The compensation is not 100% commission-based; this includes MLM's
If your job lead meets these criteria, please submit it before noon on Wednesday.
For JobSeekers
Leads are updated each week, or when I get a chance! Please forgive me if they are a little out of date. Click on this link (or copy-and-paste the following one into your browser) to view this week's jobs:
http://jobseekers-ptc.org/js/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4
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