"Discover the work you'd love to do, that you'd be great at, feel proud of, and that will pay for all your stuff." — Lori Howard, Career Identity Specialist

Optimism for job seekers

By Lori, on May 8th, 2010

Author: Lori Howard

I’m cautiously optimistic. Actually, I’ve been harboring optimism about the job market for some time now – especially for those willing to do the work required to get hired. Only now I have concrete data to back me up! Check out this job market update in today’s WSJ!

WSJ_Careers – Job Gains Speed Up…

And here are some recent articles on what kinds of IT jobs are opening up –
IT_Jobs_Data_Center_Hiring_Turns_a_Corner

Health_IT_Funding_to_Create_50_000_Jobs

High_Tech_Employment_Grows

More reason to be perhaps a bit more than cautiously optimistic, and go for full-blown optimism!

What did you need at the time you hired Lori?

I wanted to work in my industry and didn't know how to progress any further than I was. I knew I had much experience that could be put in the industry of my choice but not how to parlay that experience. I needed guidance.

What did you and Lori do together?

Many, many things. Overall, to get clear in my mind what I offered and really what I wanted in a work environment. Every week was another epiphany after another. One of my favorites was the "knowing your core values". Having had some experience on this subject I was all ready to dive-in. Core Values is key. Knowing your core values.

Lori makes it so easy to pinpoint. One time we were speaking about something else and we both realized...OMG...that is a core value for me. I hadn't written it down before, but discovered later that if ever a core value fit me...it was the one I mentioned at that time. Knowing that piece of information also answered a long standing question in my head. One of the "why's" as to my constant upset with other places I had worked.

What were the results from working with Lori?

Many things. One is a great looking resume. I thought, wow, I look good and it was all from work I had already done elsewhere but didn't know how to say it or present it. Another is the clarity of knowing where I will feel good when I do work. What I really want and with the kind of people I really want to work with on a daily basis. This entire process is so valuable. The best money I ever spent and I am not kidding or exaggerating. I was only hoping it would be valuable and it really was valuable.< I know stuff and it has value and is marketable. Lori showed me those things and it gives me confidence.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Lori delivers above and beyond. The highest quality of exchange, 'more than you expected.' I told my friends this over and over: 'I wish I had her 10-20-even 30 years ago.' Every one, and I mean EVERYONE, needs a Lori. Her understanding,patience, how she problem solves, putting things in simple terms, was mind blowing. I wish I could that well. I present a problem and she could turn it around and yes...another epiphany.

Lori, is worth every penny. It isn't about a title. It is about enjoying everyday doing work you love with people you like and are like minded. You'll know what you are looking for when you interview. I never say this, but I will say it here. Lori is a major key into the rest of my life doing what I always wanted to do. That is: Being happy doing what I do, everyday. Something I have been saying for years. Allowing Sherlock...to be Sherlock. Finding my people. They are out there and now I know what I am looking for in that respect.

LORI ROCKS!!!!!!

Sherlock Ganz, Los Angeles, CA

Career Guide!

Subscribe to my newsletter to receive regular updates and tips to thrive in a career you love. And get instant access to this FREE GUIDE: What it really takes to land a job that you love!