Some of My Inspiration

“We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.” ~Dalai Lama

"If one is estranged from oneself, then one is estranged from others too. If one is out of touch with oneself, then one cannot touch others." ~Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Take care of yourself so that you can take care of others! ~unknown

Monday, March 15, 2010

Back to Work!

Well, the last couple of months have involved stressing about money. The stress and worry paralyzed me. I am certain the Winter weather and post-holiday blues didn't help. I did a lot of thinking and wishing and hoping. And, then one day I just decided to do something about it. I mean, I am responsible for two small children and two pets. I couldn't just worry and feel sorry for myself. I needed to take control of the situation.

I decided to very aggressively search for a new job. I used search engines, craigslist and contacted countless recruiters. I targeted local companies that I felt were strong and good work environments. I networked with everyone I knew. I wasn't ashamed to do so. I was actually proud of myself for keeping such strong contacts and having the reputation for a valuable and capable employee.

My belief in never burning bridges paid off! A position at ScanSource opened up and I emailed my contacts and people I had met/worked with while at IntelliTrack. (It is important to note that IntelliTrack sells its product through ScanSource so I had the opportunity to work with ScanSource employees for over 8 years.)

My former employer suggested I email at Director at ScanSource letting him know that I had applied for a position. Within 20 minutes he called me and the next day I had an interview scheduled for Tuesday. :)

Tuesday's interview went well. I actually interviewed with someone I had met in Baltimore at IntelliTrack. I was still nervous but the interview was easy and comfortable. (A good sign, in my opinion.)

By the time I got home and changed out of my suit, I was called/emailed to come back on Thursday for a 2nd interview. I was so excited! That had to be a good sign. I tried not to get my hopes up.

I went back Thursday wearing my power red blazer and black slacks. I felt good. I was excited. I was very nervous. However, the interview was great!!! Again, very easy and comfortable. I enjoyed every minute of it. Again, I left excited.

In the meantime, I had completed the personality test and signed a release for a background check. An offer had to come...right?

I left town that Friday for a long weekend. On Saturday, my husband called to let me know and offer had been written and mailed that Friday.  WOOHOO! I was wanted & needed again.

After clearing up a few questions, I accepted and started today! I felt confident albeit nervous going in. The new clothes I had purchased helped the confidence. At IntelliTrack, I wore mostly jeans. I hadn't really needed business casual clothes since before baby #1 and let's just say baby #2 made me a little wider. :)

It was so great to see the building and the people that I spent so much time talking to and working with during my time at IntelliTrack. And, the people there are all friendly and smile and say hello! How awesome is that?

It is a larger company (about 1100 people total) . I haven't worked for a large company since 2000/2001. The building is large yet very organized and clean. It doesn't feel like there are 500 people at this location. It feels more intimate. I like that.

The benefits are fantastic and they have an onsite cafe and a gym with a very reasonable personal trainer! WOOT! There are showers onsite so I can actually work out before work or during lunch. Now, I know at least one of my 'followers' that is excited for me. LOL

I was not happy about leaving my children but as one friend reminded me, "I am showing my children that woman can contribute to this world - and not just as a Mom". What an important lesson to teach them and I am happy to be doing it. Plus, they adapt so well and are so supportive of their Mom. I know they missed me. M, J and Morgan-Dog all stormed the garage as I parked the car. I am happy they miss me and so proud they let me go without too much drama. They never cease to amaze me. They are so strong and resilient.

Anyway, I am officially a Product Manager for ScanSource POS & Barcoding, Merchandising. YAY ME!