Saturday, January 31, 2009

Being Yourself

I've shared in the past weeks, that I'm job hunting. For a person who has been mostly self-emplyed for almost 14 years--it's not an easy place to be.

Ideally, I'd love to make enough money writing so I didn't have to hit the pavement and want ads but alas, that's isn't possible.

I went on an interview last week and found myself analyzing the character of the interviewer more than the job. With a social service background, and being who I am, it's important that I connect with the person asking the questions.

It's also important that I apply to a job that fits my skills, personality and experience.

Sometimes I'll browse the Internet and find a new place to submit a story. Even though it might not be me, I'll try to write in a style that is totally foreign just to submit.

It rarely works.

As much as I try to change who I am through my writing, the real me keeps wanting to creep back out.

Much like finding a job that fits my needs and personality, I need to write by who I am.

Maybe you've recently tried writing out of your box--how did it work for you?

9 comments:

Robin Lambright said...

I remember the last interview I went on and it is always a bit nerve racking.

I hope you find something soon that fits your skills and your personality.

I watched my husband for many years work in a job that he was not happy in. Finally he made the decision to go back to school. It was a long hard struggle while he was in school at night, but now he is so much happier as he is doing a job that he enjoys and that feeds him instead of dragging him down. It is so very important to find a job that will bring some scene of fulfillment then the paycheck is an added bonus.
Good Luck in your continued job search.

Blessings
Robin

Kathleen said...

I totally understand! The challenge is multiplied by the current economy, and finding a "fit" can be daunting.

Some years ago I took a position I thought was meant for me. Within weeks I was sick to my stomach, and every drive home was a tearful trek. I thought I'd gotten it right.

After several months, the Lord began showing me WHY I was there (long story) ... and my thinking began to change. Then my heart. All along it had been a segue to something different, something new. I couldn't go where I wanted to got without that brief interlude (or, call it a "detour"). I actually came to love the the person that was my porcupine-boss. When I moved on, it was as difficult as it had been initially signing on.

God is good. All the time!

Kathleen

Angie Ledbetter said...

I write in many different genres, so it's not hard for me, but I agree 100% that it's vital to find a workplace where you fit in and are comfortable. Without that, life is one long dental appointment. eww. Prayers!

Jinksy said...

'Fraid I write out of my brainbox, and there's little chance of my trading that in for another - WYSIWYG - as some part of Google so aptly says.

Melissa Amateis said...

Hugs on the job hunting, Terri. I know it's difficult for you and I pray the Lord gives you strength to get through it.

I've tried a few different writing styles and must confess, it was fun to do, but it was also hard because it wasn't me.

I think it can be useful to try different styles since it will help you grow as a writer and make your "real" writing style even stronger.

Vickie said...

I've tried writing out of my style but it doesn't work, so I've made up my mind to stay with what I know work for me.

I know as you continue to knock, a door will open. God's word said it, so I believe it.

Praying for you
Vickie

Cheryl Wright said...

Come on over to my blog Terri; I have an award for you.

Dawn Bernstrom Fullerton said...

I've resurfaced! Left a plea on my blog for suggestions in marketing. Would appreciate your and anyone else's suggestions.

Obviously I'm not a prolific writer -- yet!?!?, but my heart says writing (or working, for that matter) outside of my heart is usually not worth the effort. It just doesn't come off well for me without the passion. I know there are times in our lives when we have to do what we have to do, but the older I get the less inclined I am to accept that philosophy.

The only time I have gotten a job because I pursued it was my first year of teaching just out of college. Every other time when I have gone looking, nothing has come of it, and I've been forced back into the "out of control" mode of "Lord, what is it you have in mind for me?" Naive as it may sound, that's when the opportunities that fueled my passions have appeared. Waiting for those opportunities has sometimes been anxiety ridden and sometimes presented themselves before I had time to become anxious.

My prayer for you is just that - that the Lord would present the opportunity that will fuel your passions, just as the "divine encounter" with you at ICRS has fueled mine.

Dawn

Jenni James said...

I'm so new to writing, that i don't think i've tried to write outside my box.. but I have realized that if I don't abosolutely love my characters (Or at least fully understand the bad ones) no one else will either. they won't buy it.