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Archive for the ‘Job Search’ Category

Five Realities of a New Job

Posted in Balance, Calling, Faith and Work, God, Job Search, Marriage, Relationships, Stress, tagged , , , , , on February 20, 2013 | 2 Comments »

How long has it been since you started a new job? Before you make that big move to the next thing you feel “called to”, let’s consider a few simple truths.

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I was reminded of this when a young professional friend who I co-lead a Leadership@Work Nehemiah Study with, started a new job on Tuesday. Josh Richardson moved from a global corporation serving Wal-Mart, to a super cool, high growth small company, also serving Wal-Mart. Talk about a 180. Here was his tweet yesterday: Day 1 at the new job was amazing – better than I could have ever imagined. Praise God for his sovereign timing, purpose, and design!

Josh’s experience reminded me of the sometimes bitter sweet experience of changing jobs. Here are a few simple ideas to consider:

  1. Commit to a six month increase in work life focus – before you say yes to the new gig that you are so excited about, make sure you deal with this reality. Your work life WILL need more focus and time. This is especially critical if you are married and/or have children.
  2. Finish strong where you are – in both execution and relationships.
  3. Enjoy powerful growth with God - because He makes things  ”brand new” (Isaiah 48:7) in a new job, fear and anxiety can be very real. It’s a perfect season to sit daily in His lap.
  4. Be hyper focused – focus with intensity to build new relationships, learn the business,  and find small opportunities to add value to the business.
  5. Enjoy the new adventure - it will be stressful, but it will also be an exciting adventure of personal, spiritual and relational growth!

Have fun,

David

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Are You Courageous at Home and Work?

Posted in Culture, Faith, Family, Friendship, Influence, Integrity, Jesus, Job Search, Marriage, Money, Parenting, Prayer, Trust, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 6, 2011 | 1 Comment »

Yesterday was the 20th anniversary of one of the most important days of my life. On October 5, 1991, Theresa and I said “I do and I will”!

In honor of that day 20 years ago, we spent the entire day together just having fun. We reflected on the past 20 years. We looked at old pictures, we told stories, we laughed, we questioned why on a few things that have happened in our lives. We shared two fabulous meals. We visited the site of the soon to open world renowned Crystal Bridges Museum.

And then we went to the movies. But this was not just any movie. This was a movie about life. About the very fabric of why we are here. About our marriages, our children, our work, and our faith. About being COURAGEOUS in living with great purpose in each of those arenas of life.

You may be familiar with the organization that also brought us the movies Fireproof and Facing the Giants. These are powerful examples of using media to impact our culture in positive ways.

For men and women, but especially Dad’s, take the time this weekend to see this movie. I find it impossible to believe that your life at home and at work will not be profoundly impacted.

Proverbs 22:6

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Career Decisions

Posted in Job Search on July 14, 2011 | 1 Comment »

Recently, our ENGAGE marketplace ministry for YP’s (Young Professionals) hosted our monthly Gathering. Chuck Hyde, CEO of The Soderquist Center was our featured “mentor” to share with these up and coming marketplace leaders.

Chuch shared a provocative message and answered questions on “Four Principles to Guide Career Decisions“. I encourage you to listen to it here on our website.

Chuck also showed a powerful video of an interview with Andy Murray, who is the Worldwide CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi X. He shared a powerful perspective that really grabbed me. He talked about when things come into your life or work, the question to ask is “how does this fit, NOT does it fit.” You can watch Andy Murray on “Life is a Mosaic” here.

If you are a “learning leader”, you can camp on this blog for a while, soaking in the wisdom and experience shared from these leaders on Career Decisions.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

1Corinthians 9:24-27

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Finishing Strong

Posted in Adversity, Job Search on June 10, 2011 | Leave a Comment »

Finishing strong is something all of us want to do. Finish strong each day. Finish strong in our job. Finish strong in our faith. As a valued partner of WorkMatters, we want you to be aware of a significant shift in our marketplace ministry. Wednesday morning we formally announced that the time has come to retire The Joseph Project.

We have been blessed to help alter the journey of literally hundreds of men and women between jobs as they’ve navigated those difficult waters over the past 2 ½ years. We’ve witnessed stories of pain and suffering turn into those of encouragement and enthusiasm as people transition to what God has next for them in their careers.  The decision to end “the Project” has been incredibly difficult, but our Board of Directors has made this decision (based on my recommendation) for all of the right reasons. The time has come for us to focus on our core vision.

Helping business people between jobs was never on our radar. It was never a part of our vision. But, it has been an incredible journey, one that we always assumed would eventually come to an end. We believe that time is now.

It has been an indescribable blessing for our WorkMatters Board of Directors, staff, TJP leadership team, volunteers and financial supporters to serve our Lord out in the marketplace for those between jobs. The stories of life change are inspirational. Every week new stories come. In some of the most difficult times in these people’s lives, God has shown himself powerful, merciful and loving

All of the details are online in the FAQ and Letter from the President.  I hope you will find time to read each of these so that you can fully understand and communicate why we are retiring The Joseph Project.

If you live in northwest Arkansas, it would be an honor if you would join us for our last two meetings of The Joseph Project.  On Wednesday, June 15, we will receive a truly inspirational story of job loss, understanding of God’s plan and the ensuing life change.   On Wednesday, June 22, we will conclude The Joseph Project with a celebration breakfast and unique Between Jobs panel.  EVERY leader who has spoken will be invited to participate and share their last notes of wisdom.  You can learn more about that here.

Thank you for the blessing of serving in this Joseph Project marketplace ministry.  If you have a story you would like to share with us about your experience at The Joseph Project, please email us.  We will continue to pray for those who are between jobs and need a place like The Joseph Project for help and support.

7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  2Timothy 4:7

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60 Days…Big Decisions?

Posted in Adversity, Encouragement, Job Search, Prayer, Relationships, Trust on December 22, 2010 | Leave a Comment »

A buddy stopped by today and had some interesting news about a couple of people we both knew.  It seems major decisions in one friends life had occurred that resulted in a downstream change of direction for the other person.  As a result, one friend seemed to now be taking on a much greater risk at this point in his life.  I was humbled by the degree of commitment, faith and belief shown by the friend taking such a huge risk to serve the other.  I don’t know all the specifics, but I am absolutely certain these career changing decisions were thoroughly covered in prayer.

I have thought about this on and off all day wondering I have would have that kind of faith to obediently go where God was leading with only the trust of his promise that he would provide as well as never leave or forsake me.  Sometimes we are asked to leave our comfort and security behind and walk into unfamiliar territory not  knowing why, but feeling certain of God’s calling.   More often these days, we find ourselves in this situation not by our own choosing.

Are you or someone you know facing some major directional decisions right now?  Maybe you are dealing with a job situation leading you to contemplate a major career change.  Many of our Joseph Project members are faced with big decisions about taking jobs that would require them to make major lifestyle changes.  Whatever the specific situation, it is becoming more and more the norm these days to be faced with major job and/or career upheaval requiring us to demonstrate a great deal of faith and trusting in the Lord’s promises and sovereignty.

If you are facing these kinds of decisions, please don’t carry that burden alone.  Reach out to someone who cares about you, seek their counsel and ask them pray with you about these weighty matters.  If you have a friend who might be facing these kinds of decisions, proactively reach out to them, invite them to lunch and tell them you lifting them up in prayer to our Father.  In this way, we share the load and bear each other’s burdens as brothers and sisters in Christ.

Blessings!

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60 Days…2010 Joseph Project

Posted in Economy, Encouragement, Job Search on December 15, 2010 | Leave a Comment »

For all of you that have joined us in this 60 Days of Prayer journey, you must read on.

One of the highlights of our 2010 was experienced yesterday at the 50th session of The Joseph Project in 2010! It was incredible. Over 80 people between jobs, their spouses, and alumni of The Joseph Project (TJP) attended this year-end Christmas finale.

Watch this 5News video.

2,310 people have attending the weekly Wednesday meetings in 2010! There were over 500 unique participants and 102 of those (that we know of) have secured a new job! We have had 36 different speakers (volunteer their time) in 2010 to equip and encourage those struggling between jobs.

But most important, WorkMatters has tried to show Christ to these hurting people. Hurting people who have lost homes, separated from their spouses, and worked part-time jobs they never imagined working. But through it all, The Joseph Project was there, week in and week out, to offer job resources, networking and encouragement. To deliver on our mission “ to alter the journey of business people between jobs”.

It was so moving to listen to person after person tell their stories of what The Joseph Project has meant to them.

So, as we pray today, will you pray for those still between jobs. For Butch Scruggs, our WorkMatters teammate, who so faithfully leads TJP. For the resources we need to keep this ministry running in 2011. And, for God’s will for The Joseph Project.

“Even in darkness, light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.” Psalms 112:4

Thank you and God bless,

David

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HR Heaven

Posted in Adversity, Economy, Job Search on October 11, 2010 | Leave a Comment »

Do you want to make a difference in someone’s life TODAY?

If you know someone who is between jobs, you can do just that.

I rarely (never?) promote something we are doing at WorkMatters on this Blog. But today, it’s imperative.

If you are located in northwest Arkansas, The Joseph Project is hosting FIVE HR leaders this Wednesday to answer the difficult, always wanted to ask questions of those looking for their next great job. The details are here and on our website. Make the effort to ensure that you or your friend attend this session!

Join us from 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

John Brown University Rogers Center

New Member Orientation:

If you are new to The Joseph Project, please join us for a 30 minute orientation from 8:30am-9:00am.  You’ll gain valuable information about our mission and vision from the leaders of our organization.

October 13, 2010
Panel Discussion: “Tricks of the HR Trade”


On the Panel:
Kris DeLano:  Human Resources Director for Marshalltown Company
Denise Cate:  Senior Vice President/Human Resources Manager, Arvest Bank
Rhonda Houser:  Human Resources Manager, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Carol Jones:   Personnel Manager of Employment Services, University of Arkansas
Debbie Wheeler:  HR Generalist, McKee Foods Corporation

Here’s a sneak peak at some questions that will be answered:
At what point will you need to explain a “gap” in your employment?

If you were “fired” from a job, should you avoid talking about it or should you mention it?

What are the best ways to respond when told that I am “overqualified?”

What is the secret for getting my resume noticed and searchable on line?  What can I do to get noticed by a potential employer?  How can I get my “foot in the door”?

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When God Closes a Door…

Posted in Bible, Job Search on February 19, 2010 | Leave a Comment »

It is amazing how a relatively obscure verse in the Bible can mean nothing one day, and then say something so specific and clear to you the next.

Such was the case with these two verses below from Acts:

Then coming to the borders of Mysia, they headed north for the province of Bithynia, but again the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to go there. So instead, they went on through Mysia to the seaport of Troas.   Acts 16:7-8

The message to me was this…the Holy Spirit guides us to the right places, but he also guides us away from the wrong places!

How many times do you think you have been guided away from the “wrong place” at work at not even known it?

Or, if you are between jobs, is it possible that the job you so badly wanted that did not come through was actually the Holy Spirit guiding you away from the wrong place?

Father, I have been praying for you to show me your will. For you to show me what TO do. Father, will you now please just as importantly guide me AWAY from the wrong things?  Amen…

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2010 ADVANCE Workshop–The Joseph Project

Posted in Adversity, Economy, Encouragement, Job Search, Relationships on February 8, 2010 | Leave a Comment »

What an incredible day it was last Wednesday, February 5th at the Joseph Project 2010 Advance Workshop!   There was great anticipation during the weeks leading up to this kickoff event.  Seems like what you hear is how the economy is recovering.  That may be true in some some quarters, but there are many others who are still trying to recover from the loss of their job.  Another 300 people in fact were released from Wal-Mart the day of our event.

The room was packed with close to 100 people participating in the event.  Lots of people came who had never been to a Joseph Project meeting before who hopefully have now found a welcoming environment that will provide helpful job search skills, networking opportunities, as well as hope and encouragement.

The program was very powerful. So much content was packed into these few hours that my head was about to explode by the end of all the sessions.  It was clear that the presenters came fully loaded with their best stuff in an all out effort to help in any way they could.  It is such an encouragement to see the heart of these people who only want to help and are willing to give so much.  Thank you to all the speakers and panelists who went all out to make our sessions rich with practical comments and real world advice.

Friends, we are really counting on you to help us get the word out about the Joseph Project. No doubt you know someone who would benefit from attending.  Please invite them and if at all possible, tell them you will come with them.  YOU are the most powerful marketing tool we possess.  Tell your church, community groups and any other organizations you are involved with about this opportunity to help so many that are traveling this difficult path of job loss. Please help us to get the word out that this is not a path you have to travel alone.  Do it today!

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Today is…

Posted in Economy, Job Search, Prayer, Wisdom on December 2, 2009 | 1 Comment »

Don’t you love talking with a man or a woman who seems to have great wisdom? They are dropping these pearls on you and they don’t even know it.

Such was the case Wednesday morning with Springdale, AR Mayor Doug Sprouse. He spoke to a room full of “between jobs” men and women at The Joseph Project.

Doug shared several gems like “God’s wisdom can overcome any lack of experience.” And, “it’s never too late to go a different direction.”

But, this is the one that stopped most of us in our tracks. “Today is preparation for tomorrow. Don’t quit on it!” He spoke about how God has a plan for our lives and that even the mundane, nothing good happened today, negative day…is preparation for what He has planned for tomorrow.

This resonates especially strongly with those suffering between jobs, when days begin to run together with seemingly nothing positive happening. But it applies to every one of us, doesn’t it?

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.   1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Lord, we are TAKING BACK DECEMBER from the enemy! We are praying for 31 days to make our home and our work about Jesus, not “want-based” commercialism and busyness. Thank you for helping me see the power in … today is preparation for tomorrow. Don’t quit on it!”  Amen

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