JobSeekers of Peachtree City
Helping People Find Good Jobs, Close to Home, in Minimum Time
Get out and about. Come to JobSeekers this week. Bring a friend.
If you're not looking, forward this message to someone who needs it.
In This Issue
1. Inspiration: Downcast People Are Always Welcome at JobSeekers
2. Success Story: Zero Days in Job Search for Boggs
3. This Week's Meeting: Holiday Networking / How to Earn $7,500 in Six Weeks
4. Networking: ABC from 10:15 to 11:30
5. Job Leads: Leads and Links in South Metro Atlanta
6. Contact: Chaplain and Ship's Crew
7. Donate: You Could Help Save a Career, a Home or Even a Marriage
JobSeekers of PTC Website | JobSeekers of PTC on LinkedIn
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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 © 2010 / Dave O'Farrell / All Rights Reserved
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2. Success Story: Zero Days in Job Search for Boggs
We love to hear from you when you land a new position. Please write and let us know how you found your job, what you learned from the experience, and how JobSeekers helped you.
This was a good way to start my week. This came in at 5:57 on Monday morning. Congratulations Jeff!
- - - - -
Hey Dave, I got another job!
I wanted to give you an update on the latest with my job. As you recall, I started at XX in April in a contract position...Unfortunately, our customer had a problem ...
So, of course they now have to slow the project down, save cash, etc. (Translation – cut out all contract labor). My last day at XX Friday...
I was hoping that this contract position would transition to a permanent position ...Fortunately, I had been networking with a few contacts, and I had something in progress...This finally worked out, and with perfect timing. I will actually be starting at YY today...this will be a permanent pposition with benefits, in a field suited to my experience...
While I have certainly not implemented the networking ideas anywhere near 100%, the advice I learned at O'Farrell Career Management and JobSeekers helped me land this new opportunity. And one thing my current situation proves is that it is important to keep your network active and to keep aware of what is out there.
Thanks for your guidance........
(name withheld)
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3. This Week's Meeting: Holiday Networking / How to Earn $7,500 in Six Weeks
Hi, Billy Mays here for JobSeekers of Peachtree City. Come tomorrow to learn the amazing secrets of how to earn $7,000 in just six weeks! 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 a 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 14 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 4 December. This is a community service of Living Hope Christian Fellowship, 5885 Mallory Road, College Park, Georgia 770-306-9922.
Go to www.jobseekers-ptc.org and navigate to the job leads pages.
For more leads go to: JobSeekers of PTC on LinkedIn; go to the 'jobs' tab.
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7. Donate to the JobSeekers' Ministry
You could help save a career, a home or even a marriage.
Job loss puts stress on our health, our finances, our relationships, our churches, and our community. Ultimately is affects our walk with the Lord and the kingdom of God. Your donations have helped save marriages, health, homes, college educations, and cross-country relocations. You can help alleviate these challenges for someone else by donating to the ongoing ministry of JobSeekers. Please send your tax-deductible donation to:
JobSeekers of PTC
P.O. Box 2124
Peachtree City, GA 30269
There's another way to donate: with the generous gift of your time. We are seeking to add to our Ship's Crew. We need a group of dedicated men and women who can come to most of the meetings on Friday and establish relationships with our new and existing members. Let me know if you are interested.
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Published by:
Dave O'Farrell
O'Farrell Career Management
Career Coaching and Outplacement Consulting
21 Eastbrook Bend, Suite 217
Peachtree City, Georgia 30269
www.linkedin.com/in/daveofarrell
dave@ofarrell-cm.com
www.ofarrell-cm.com
770-486-6289 office
770-823-2710 cell
"Helping people put their lives back together and get their careers back on track."
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