What I can say is that a sense of possibility and optimism–so, so hard to maintain in this economy–is necessary. The ability to still show up, still smile, and still put yourself out there in a way that entices people to want to interact/work with you is among the most important attributes of succeeding. I say this having seen lots of people who don’t let the grind of career transitions, financial worries, the arduous task of finding “work with meaning”, or even “settling” for a “survival job” succeed because they’re energy and optimism is noticeable. Alternately, I’ve seen many people grow angry and resentful and let that spill into all facets of their life; I suspect this is some of what you mean when you say your well-being has suffered. Sadly, I encounter more of the latter group than the former and, while I completely understand the tension created by today’s shifting, uncertain workplace, I can only say, “Don’t take it personally. We’re all hustling to survive.” (and, yes, I include myself in that crowd).

How then can you get up each day with a sense of hope instead of despair? I can only answer this from my own experience and that answer is twofold: 1) Celebrate the successes each day. For me, this is often in the form of a conversation, a connection, or a sense of sharing and generosity that I experience with someone (or something) else. When I worry about money (who doesn’t?) I remind myself of all the abundance I have in my life: my friends, family, pets, home, etc. 2) Seek out and intentionally engage with likeminded people. We’ve simultaneously lost a sense of community (in real time, in person) while expanding our community via the internet (we can now keep track of more people who touch our lives than ever before, no matter where they live). I am very intentional about who I spend time with and much of that mindfulness is making sure that I am with people who have a sense of hope (despite all the evidence to the contrary), a mostly positive outlook, and a willingness to help others. When you are surrounded by people who want to help, there is a flow of resources, support, and energy.

This may all sound a bit too esoteric but I concede that, given the massive socio-economic, international, and interconnected changes that the world is going through, there aren’t a lot of “take steps one, two, and three and you’ll succeed in the workplace” perspectives that are legit. Redefining work is but a part of redefining everything in our reality (no small task!).

Two final thoughts: 1) Shooting resumes off into cyberspace is a (very small) part of the process. Keep it up but I recommend a 3:1 approach. Three times as much time spent connecting with real people (emailing, informational interviewing, etc.) as time spent online in the cold reaches of cyberspace. 2) I will never stop suggesting volunteerism… but I won’t suggest it as a direct route to work. Volunteering gets you out there, improves your health, does wonders for your energy, and keeps you connected to the world of people. Plus, no two volunteer opportunities are going to be the same.

I don’t know if you’ve visited the worklife site I co-created called “The 21st Century Worklife“. If not, have a look. Finally, thank you for being out there trying to make a positive change in the world. It may feel like no one notices but that is not the case.

“Give today what is in your heart” Keys #24

I read The Idealist Guide to Nonprofit Careers for Sector Switchers when it first appeared on the Idealist.com website. I also attended two Encore Career summits in my quest to find employment with a nonprofit. I am older over 50. Fairly recent Masters in Gerontology. Two other Masters degrees.

I considered trying to develop my own job but after consulting several individuals abandoned that idea due to the poor economy. I am barely hanging in there. Just shooting resumes into cyberspace. I’ve applied to all local nonprofits but seem to be a mismatch for any position. Don’t suggest volunteering I’ve tried that – Program Director with a major nonprofit scheduled appointments with me then didn’t show twice and then didn’t even have my phone number available when I contacted her again. Another two individuals never returned my phone calls so I gave up. No Americorps position near me and I can’t afford to relocate for a postion. You are so right about how nonprofits hire. I applied for a position with a local nonprofit who hired someone who had some prior political connections. Her resume is also posted online with her seeking another job although she stil works for the nonprofit. It’s a shame she doesn’t have the passion for the job that I would.have brought to the position. Appears she just needed a job in the interim while looking for another. I now know that I should have had a contingency plan to fall back on because attempting a career change hasn’t worked. Combining passion with a paycheck and attempting to work for many more years to come hasn’t panned out. My well being at this point has definitely suffered. Trying the temp agency again to just get a job. Thanks for letting me comment.

Janice

I do understand the anger towards the corruption of crony capitalism and laws that reward those who learn to game the system, but I really believe that both Occupy Wall Street and Boston have become populated with way too many people who are using this as an excuse to hang out and nothing more.

The anger and disgust with political corruption is the common thread with Occupy XX and the Tea Party. The difference as I see it, is that Occupy wants to go after the rich while the Tea Party believes that the corruption begins with our lawmakers and is working to elect people they believe will confront the corruption.

The bottom line is that the world economy is a capitalist system because with all it’s imperfections, it is the only system that works. It provides the money that fuels our needs. We are watching the welfare state unravel in Europe and and here in the US we are borrowing 40% of our annual budget while instituting regulations and new entitlements that are unsustainable without deflating the value of the dollar.

We can’t penalize people who legally earn money – even amounts that boggle our sensibilities – but we can and should remove from office (during elections) lawmakers who ‘sell’ their votes and support for personal or professional gain. Personally, I love the fact that America is still a place where ANYONE can achieve whatever they want. If we become a country that penalizes success, there is no where go but down.

That said, I’m glad Bloomberg is letting the protesters ‘occupy’ Zucotti Park, but unless they come up with a clear agenda that the voters can understand, they will remain nothing but a media circus and distraction.

Of course, I didn’t identify with any of the matchbooks, unless maybe there was Marlboro Man in there somewhere. And matchbooks aren’t nearly as valuable as old comic books. So we’re comparing apples and PCs here.

Now, had I left my collection of vinyl albums at home and Dad threw them away, THAT would have pissed me off! Could I have forgiven him? I’m glad I’ll never have to find out.

Thanks for sharing the story Steven. Hope all is well in P-land!