For those of you following my blog, I wanted to let you know...I am taking a short break from RecruiterGirl. I am looking at how I want to use this avenue in writing, and how it can be applied to my current work situation (in mortgage). In the meantime...if you just can't live without me...check me out on my other Blogger account: beckbee.blogspot.com
Thanks!
Friday, November 20, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Hermit?
Aside from the boon that is social media and networking via the internet, there is a glimmer of hope for the unemployed these days. Something I am sure that may sound crazy....possibly ground-breaking.
Get out. Meet people. Do stuff. :)
I know, I know...it sounds insane. But honestly...what are the chances you are gonna find a job just sitting behind your computer all day, drinking coffee, and never interacting with the real world? You tell me. I opt for in-person social networking!
Get out. Meet people. Do stuff. :)
I know, I know...it sounds insane. But honestly...what are the chances you are gonna find a job just sitting behind your computer all day, drinking coffee, and never interacting with the real world? You tell me. I opt for in-person social networking!
Friday, October 9, 2009
Friday Five: Quotes of the Day
President Obama was announced this morning as the winner of the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize. Already, there has been a tsunami of rhetoric and opinion inundating the web.
Things to consider: Nomination Process; Facts on the Nobel Peace Prize, No Nobel for Gandhi, additional interesting facts.
My personal opinion, and will be highlighted by some of my favorite quotes of the day, is that whether you agree with his politics or think he "earned it"...I think his win is important and indicative of the positive impact he is making here at home and abroad.
Things to consider: Nomination Process; Facts on the Nobel Peace Prize, No Nobel for Gandhi, additional interesting facts.
My personal opinion, and will be highlighted by some of my favorite quotes of the day, is that whether you agree with his politics or think he "earned it"...I think his win is important and indicative of the positive impact he is making here at home and abroad.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
The Voice Inside Your Head
Recently, I hit a snag. Changes in my work situation have prompted me to start a new search for a job. I wasn't ready for this again, but it is here regardless. Much of what happens in life happens whether we "OK" it or not, eh? What happened next was a sort of cascade of emotions over a week or so. The force of all these internal fears, worries and frustrations came to a head yesterday while I was out riding my bike around White Rock Lake with my boyfriend. As luck would have it, it was a misty, dreary day and it seemed appropriate for my mood. Every tiny incline in the road created another reminder of my lack of attention to my physical needs (i.e. no activity = out of shape). My mind coursed with fears about finding a new job in this economy. Snippets of conversations I overheard on a trail walk Saturday popped in my head and made me think about how I never pushed through to obtain my degree. Essentially, I had a pity party while riding my bike. Because I was focused on these things, rather than the simple joy of being able to ride my bike, I made a mistake. Something so tiny and should be so second-nature like clipping in/out of a pedal, is unfortunately NOT second-nature when you don't ride consistently. Long story short, I had some stopping-balancing-cornering issues and was unable to decide if I wanted to clip in or out, resulting in a nasty leg-twisty-shoe-hitting-tire-and-almost-crashing-incident. I already had a tweaked knee from a recent mountain biking excursion and this just aggravated the issue. The floodgates opened and I literally started crying buckets of tears. Now, I am a 30 year old woman and 99.95% of the time emotionally stable, but I was just beat-down and unwilling or unable to pull myself out of this mess. My boyfriend, who is incredibly patient and understanding, took incredible care of me when we got home. Not only did he make an ice pack for my knee, helped me elevate it, and got some Advil for me...he also made dinner and brought me some Golden Monkey beer...just cause he knows I like it. 
He is a rock star and I am terribly lucky to have him. What struck me though, as I lay on the couch pathetically with my dog curled up on my chest and my arm over my face, was that I had been witness to a horrible internal struggle. Even worse, I was a witness AND a participant. I knew, the whole time I was riding, that all the fears and issues were relatively minor. I knew, and know, that all of those are fixable. As I often hear in mountain biking, "you have to look where you want to go". If you look at the obstacle too long, you are gonna hit it...and not the way you want to. If you have to go through a creek crossing, look where you want to end up, not where you desperately don't want to fall. I gave myself a few hours of being a cry baby, which was really more than I should have, and then I pulled back and decided to let it go. Today I found an article by John Bingham...some of you may know him as the Penguin (writes for Runners World). This piece felt incredibly appropriate given my recent head games, and I wanted to share a snippet with you that really resonated with me.
He is a rock star and I am terribly lucky to have him. What struck me though, as I lay on the couch pathetically with my dog curled up on my chest and my arm over my face, was that I had been witness to a horrible internal struggle. Even worse, I was a witness AND a participant. I knew, the whole time I was riding, that all the fears and issues were relatively minor. I knew, and know, that all of those are fixable. As I often hear in mountain biking, "you have to look where you want to go". If you look at the obstacle too long, you are gonna hit it...and not the way you want to. If you have to go through a creek crossing, look where you want to end up, not where you desperately don't want to fall. I gave myself a few hours of being a cry baby, which was really more than I should have, and then I pulled back and decided to let it go. Today I found an article by John Bingham...some of you may know him as the Penguin (writes for Runners World). This piece felt incredibly appropriate given my recent head games, and I wanted to share a snippet with you that really resonated with me. This is the voice of the Gremlin. This is the voice that tells you whatever you're doing isn't good enough, that you should be able to run faster or farther, and that simply enjoying yourself is no reason to keep running. The Gremlin tells you that no matter how much you've improved your life or your running, you still have a long way to go.Whether the Gremlin is in your head messing with you about your sport of choice or even your job or family situation, you can deal with it on your own terms. I know what steps I have to take to get in better shape, find a decent job, and generally make my life more of what I want it to be. My own personal Gremlin was trying to keep my mind off of those goals and next steps. Sometimes, I guess it just takes a step-back to really gain clear focus of what you have accomplished so you can build on it and get where you want to be. I know where I am weakest and need to get stronger, and I know where my natural strengths lie and how to implement them. Now, I just have to keep my eyes focused on where I want to land and keep moving forward and eventually, I will get there.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Friday Five: Fall Essentials for the Work Place
I am not a fashion buff, by any stretch of the imagination, and I don't want to mislead you and make you think this entry will be about fashion. When I say Fall Essentials for the Work Place, I am leaning more toward ideas or attitudes that should be included in your arsenal of day-to-day tools for success in your job. I believe, and I would be surprised if you passionately disagree, that the following can bring great things to you over the fall and into the winter when included even in a small way.
1) The Golden Rule: Keep it in mind when you deal with anyone, whether it be your top client or the guy who brings you the mail in the afternoon. Thanks to a less-than-stellar economy, ongoing unpopular war, and frustrating political climate...everyone seems to be more on edge than in recent years. Treating others with the respect and consideration you expect will lighten the load for everyone.
2) Don't Pass Blame: While it is important to find out the cause of a problem, passing blame and pointing fingers won't effectively solve anything. If someone messed up an assignment or dropped the ball, look at how it can be fixed and/or how you can translate that into a positive challenge and an opportunity for growth and learning. That sounds all "rah rah rah", right? Sure, but how many people actually try to do this? Give it a shot, see what happens.
3) Work on your Follow-Up: Setting goals and meeting daily tasks with confidence is important, but how is your follow-up going? Are you checking on clients who you filled an order for? Are you calling colleagues to see what their business needs are, and even if you can't help them...take the time to work on that relationship? What is the extra step you can take to really build your value and take it to the next level? Is one call or email to "check-in" with someone the possible key to generating business or closing a deal?
4) Networking: Developing a strong network is important in any industry. The old adage of "It's not what you know, it's who you know" couldn't be more true, especially in this economy. Developing relationships through networking events, social media, and community clubs/events is a natural and effective means of enhancing your business prospects. Get involved and see what fruit comes from it.
5) Have Fun: Fun + work probably do not usually go together in the same sentence, and truthfully...it may be a stretch in your office, but give it a shot. If you are able to inject some lightness and positive energy into your daily routine, how will that translate into your relationships with your coworkers and clients? People say you can hear it when you speak on the phone and you are smiling, what if you were truly enjoying your day and it spread to others? Just something to think about.
Have a great weekend, and let me know what tools you are going to implement in your job to increase productivity and career-satisfaction!
1) The Golden Rule: Keep it in mind when you deal with anyone, whether it be your top client or the guy who brings you the mail in the afternoon. Thanks to a less-than-stellar economy, ongoing unpopular war, and frustrating political climate...everyone seems to be more on edge than in recent years. Treating others with the respect and consideration you expect will lighten the load for everyone.
2) Don't Pass Blame: While it is important to find out the cause of a problem, passing blame and pointing fingers won't effectively solve anything. If someone messed up an assignment or dropped the ball, look at how it can be fixed and/or how you can translate that into a positive challenge and an opportunity for growth and learning. That sounds all "rah rah rah", right? Sure, but how many people actually try to do this? Give it a shot, see what happens.
3) Work on your Follow-Up: Setting goals and meeting daily tasks with confidence is important, but how is your follow-up going? Are you checking on clients who you filled an order for? Are you calling colleagues to see what their business needs are, and even if you can't help them...take the time to work on that relationship? What is the extra step you can take to really build your value and take it to the next level? Is one call or email to "check-in" with someone the possible key to generating business or closing a deal?
4) Networking: Developing a strong network is important in any industry. The old adage of "It's not what you know, it's who you know" couldn't be more true, especially in this economy. Developing relationships through networking events, social media, and community clubs/events is a natural and effective means of enhancing your business prospects. Get involved and see what fruit comes from it.
5) Have Fun: Fun + work probably do not usually go together in the same sentence, and truthfully...it may be a stretch in your office, but give it a shot. If you are able to inject some lightness and positive energy into your daily routine, how will that translate into your relationships with your coworkers and clients? People say you can hear it when you speak on the phone and you are smiling, what if you were truly enjoying your day and it spread to others? Just something to think about.
Have a great weekend, and let me know what tools you are going to implement in your job to increase productivity and career-satisfaction!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Martha on Monday
I went home for lunch today to share some leftovers with my boyfriend. I briefly glanced at what was on TV. Midday options for quality programming are scarce, but today's episode of the Martha Stewart show actually inspired me to blog.
She had guest Michael Moore on to talk about his new movie, Capitalism: A Love Story. While I have never actually seen a Michael Moore movie, their discussion was the spark that brought me back to my laptop to write a new blog entry.
Working in health care staffing, I see a side to the economic down turn I certainly didn't expect. Nursing has been touted as a recession-proof industry, and yet I do see qualified nurses struggling to find roles that suit their needs. Layoffs are forcing many providers to work longer hours to cover shifts. Many doctors and nurses, who would normally prefer a permanent position, are turning to travel and locums roles because long-term solutions are unavailable, or simply unattractive comparatively. The level of care provided is being affected simply by the fact that some hospitals and clinics can't afford to staff properly, and when they can hire additional staff...in some locations (usually rural), they are having a hard time luring providers to work there. I realize this is not a new problem, but it seems to be intensified by the current economic climate.
There is validity to the shortage of family practice physicians seeing as how the current model doesn't provide much incentive for a trained physician to go into family medicine. There are a number of factors that indicate the growing need for more nurses for the future, as well. This makes me wonder how any new government reform might affect that shortage? What is being done NOW to insure that our providers are supported so that we, as a nation, can get the health care we need? Will any new education incentives be geared toward health care fields to help grow the next generation of providers? Why would our nation's best and brightest want to go into a field where they will be burdened with debt and struggle, for who knows how long, just to find a role where they can make a decent living? Will nurses, who are essentially on the front line in the health care field, be forced to choose between their desire to provide top-notch care and their need to find a role to pay the bills?
I am not going to be able to blog all about it today, but I am determined to do some additional research on how the economic downturn has affected the health care industry as a whole, and how the reform packages offered may help or hinder the growth and strength of it.
What do you think?
(disclaimer: I would prefer not to over-politicize this. Ideas, thoughts, etc welcome...but please don't bring heavy-handed party politics to the topic if possible...thanks!!)
She had guest Michael Moore on to talk about his new movie, Capitalism: A Love Story. While I have never actually seen a Michael Moore movie, their discussion was the spark that brought me back to my laptop to write a new blog entry.
Working in health care staffing, I see a side to the economic down turn I certainly didn't expect. Nursing has been touted as a recession-proof industry, and yet I do see qualified nurses struggling to find roles that suit their needs. Layoffs are forcing many providers to work longer hours to cover shifts. Many doctors and nurses, who would normally prefer a permanent position, are turning to travel and locums roles because long-term solutions are unavailable, or simply unattractive comparatively. The level of care provided is being affected simply by the fact that some hospitals and clinics can't afford to staff properly, and when they can hire additional staff...in some locations (usually rural), they are having a hard time luring providers to work there. I realize this is not a new problem, but it seems to be intensified by the current economic climate.
There is validity to the shortage of family practice physicians seeing as how the current model doesn't provide much incentive for a trained physician to go into family medicine. There are a number of factors that indicate the growing need for more nurses for the future, as well. This makes me wonder how any new government reform might affect that shortage? What is being done NOW to insure that our providers are supported so that we, as a nation, can get the health care we need? Will any new education incentives be geared toward health care fields to help grow the next generation of providers? Why would our nation's best and brightest want to go into a field where they will be burdened with debt and struggle, for who knows how long, just to find a role where they can make a decent living? Will nurses, who are essentially on the front line in the health care field, be forced to choose between their desire to provide top-notch care and their need to find a role to pay the bills?
I am not going to be able to blog all about it today, but I am determined to do some additional research on how the economic downturn has affected the health care industry as a whole, and how the reform packages offered may help or hinder the growth and strength of it.
What do you think?
(disclaimer: I would prefer not to over-politicize this. Ideas, thoughts, etc welcome...but please don't bring heavy-handed party politics to the topic if possible...thanks!!)
Weekend of Greatness
This past weekend was full of fabulousness. (yes, I realize that isn't a word...roll with me here!)
Saturday AM, Mike and I attempted to recreate a favorite breakfast we had while in Colorado. We stacked hash browns, eggs, sausage, and cheese on a plate...then poured Durango Diner Green Chile all over it. It was incredibly yummy.
A little later in the day, we met up with Kelly and Rhonda to go ride at Rowlett Creek Preserve. I haven't ridden trail in a while, so I was taking it a bit slow. We had a great ride! The only downside was that just when I was getting all used to the flow and stuff, I decided to fall. Not a biggie, but I tweaked my knee and ankle a bit...so I wussed out and rode the jeep trail back to the car. (I am fine, btw...it just felt sore for a while and is still a bit twingy). We then headed out and had a drink and a snack at Taco Cabana (always good post-riding stuff!). That evening, Mike made a killer dinner...pasta carbonara. YUM! We are going to have the leftovers for lunch today!!
Sunday AM, we kinda putzed around...then hopped on our bikes again and rode to the Greek Festival with Rhonda and Kelly. We didn't stay long, but I did get some great eats, some new recipes to try, and a Greek Beer. Opa! We rode back and then enjoyed the rest of the night at home. We made breakfast for dinner (tried the Durango Diner dealio again, this time with BACON) and it was YUMMMMMMY. All in all...we had a spectacular weekend. Makes me smile just to think about it.
How was yours????
Saturday AM, Mike and I attempted to recreate a favorite breakfast we had while in Colorado. We stacked hash browns, eggs, sausage, and cheese on a plate...then poured Durango Diner Green Chile all over it. It was incredibly yummy.
A little later in the day, we met up with Kelly and Rhonda to go ride at Rowlett Creek Preserve. I haven't ridden trail in a while, so I was taking it a bit slow. We had a great ride! The only downside was that just when I was getting all used to the flow and stuff, I decided to fall. Not a biggie, but I tweaked my knee and ankle a bit...so I wussed out and rode the jeep trail back to the car. (I am fine, btw...it just felt sore for a while and is still a bit twingy). We then headed out and had a drink and a snack at Taco Cabana (always good post-riding stuff!). That evening, Mike made a killer dinner...pasta carbonara. YUM! We are going to have the leftovers for lunch today!!
Sunday AM, we kinda putzed around...then hopped on our bikes again and rode to the Greek Festival with Rhonda and Kelly. We didn't stay long, but I did get some great eats, some new recipes to try, and a Greek Beer. Opa! We rode back and then enjoyed the rest of the night at home. We made breakfast for dinner (tried the Durango Diner dealio again, this time with BACON) and it was YUMMMMMMY. All in all...we had a spectacular weekend. Makes me smile just to think about it.
How was yours????
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