Double Secret Sabbatical

Took a big step yesterday and hired a career outplacement firm. I've mentioned this sparingly before, but now its all systems go. While recruiters/staffers' clients are companies themselves, this firm's client is me, Mr. Utley. Rather than be molded into some company's job description, they will work with me to find the best fit for me. It makes sense, let's just hope it works. Things they will do for me include, but are not limited to: complete resume revamping, job/career assessment of strengths/weaknesses, access to the unadvertised job market, as well as coaching each step of the way. Could be the biggest mistake, could be the best move I have ever made. We will see now won't we...

And of course this new breakthrough will be beginning on Wednesday, May 13. Why wait until then, one may ask? Well, tomorrow I will be flying down to St. Croix for 2 weeks. A break from a break, if you will. Time off from time off. Double Sabbatical. Double Secret Sabbatical. That's what I'm going to call it: Double Secret Sabbatical. With the goal of this latest jaunt to completely re-clear the head, enjoy some fine living, relax, read, exercise, beach, etc; Than immediately upon my return, I hit the ground running. And I mean that, really I do. Rhymin' and stealin' baby, rhymin and stealin'.

My main weakness thus far during On Sabbatical has been lack of direction. Yes, I have been doing close to my best seeking out opportunities, networking, sending out resumes, but it has been, shall we say, less than fruitful thus far. Therefore, when something is unsuccessful you must refocus and try something new. Hence I will refocus down in St. Croix for two weeks and start fresh upon my return.

And yes I have to pay for these newfound services, however, I am viewing as an investment into my future. This whole sabbatical is for that matter. The same way people invest in school, degrees, etc; I am investing into an all out job hunt, a complete refurbishing of professional self image, in hopes of finding that dream job. Or at least a job that pays well, that I will enjoy. Another point is that with millions unemployed these days, companies are hesitant to shell out recruiter fees when its a buyers market, with employers being the buyers. So I will be coached in a more caring manner than recruiters and companies will not have to pay for my amazing talents. It makes sense. Almost everyone I've spoken to about paying for these services is skeptical, which is fine. But I am confident that this is the right move. F the naysayers, by jove! This is my world!

On that note, I leave you with an excerpt from a magazine I read at the gym this morning:

In order to be happy, you have to be willing to be disliked. In order to respect yourself, you have to be unafraid to disappoint others. You have to make tough decisions. That takes balls. The people who have made the greatest impressions on me in my life take care of themselves and don't always look for the most pleasing answer in any given moment. Happiness, like so many other things, is a choice. I know this only because I've worked with and spent time with so many people who don't choose it.

You may wonder who penned that exceptional prose. Or in laymen's terms, who said it. Well, it is none other than the legendary Van Wilder, actor Ryan Reynolds himself. Now I'm not a huge fan of this dude, but if that philosophy is good enough to get him Scarlett Johansson, than it's good enough for me...

And with that, I'll catch you on the flip. And I will attempt to throw up a blog or two while on Double Secret Sabbatical over the next 2 weeks...