MSEJ Autumn 2019 | Page 9

www.casy.us|www.msccn.org HOT JOBS 9

He had asked me, “Mom, does everything happen for a reason?”

I had replied, “I believe it does. I think things happen for us, not to us, and, yes, there is a reason.”

“Then mom,” he says, “why do you think I had to break my finger on our first game?”

“I don’t know” was my response.

I went on to inform him that you may never gain that perspective or, sometimes the dots may come together, and the reason will appear, but that’s later.

“The reason doesn’t matter,” I continued, “not as much as the attitude you choose to have about it.”

I know it sounds cliché, but I find myself recounting that same sentiment with Mary, “everything happens for a reason” and then the next cliché comes out, “when one door closes another opens.” I know those are not the answers she wants; her heart was set on a specific opportunity, just like my son was set on playing the season but won’t. I remind her the only thing you control is your attitude.

I launch into sharing how challenging finding a job can be and remind her that the process can be rewarding and positive. First, it gives you time to take a self-inventory, really assessing who you are and what you are good at - this gives you an opportunity to improve. We all have areas we can improve in and, while the interviewers might not share what those things are, you become aware of them as you apply for jobs and match your skills to certain positions.

Second, it is often during a job search that your network gives you the greatest support. Those colleagues, friends, and acquaintances that you have been building in your relational bank…guess what?!... the majority of them understand the challenge of job searching and will go out of their way to assist you and even refer you if they can.

Continued on Page 10