Hi, I’m Clarissa and this is my brand new blog. I’m so happy that it’s finally launched and that YOU’RE HERE! Thank you!
A little bit about me…
I was laid off earlier this year. Unfortunately, it’s a common story these days with so many companies downsizing or going out of business. In my case, I worked 20 years for a corporation that will be closing its Los Angeles office by the end of this year. I was in the first group of lay-offs so I had two months to wrap up my projects and my position, and to train my replacement in Denver.
Even though I was laid off, I feel fortunate for all that I accomplished in the last two decades. During my tenure, I raised two kids, became a homeowner, and grew my 401(k). As my job responsibilities increased from recent downsizing, I adapted and had to be even more organized and efficient to take on new duties.
I got to know some amazing people who became friends. We ate lunch, we walked downtown, we had book clubs and support groups. Our conversations showed me that I’m not the only one seeking life balance and fulfillment. Their advice and words of encouragement were and are invaluable to me.
I was also grateful that my employer partnered with a career transition company that would provide assistance to everyone who was laid off. This company helped me update my resume (which I hadn’t seen in about 15 years) and offered seminars, webinars, and counseling to help with the job search. I took full advantage of the resources available to me.
I looked for positions similar to my most recent title, Executive Assistant and Report Coordinator, at companies similar in size, industry, and culture to my previous company. I scheduled a few phone and in-person interviews. I discovered that many corporations left Los Angeles and relocated to far-away places like Woodland Hills, a commute that would be about 60 miles for me.
The more I searched, the more I felt something tugging at me, trying to get my attention. A moment of clarity came when I realized I can redefine and reshape my career right now. But shape it how? I wasn’t sure which way to go.
In high school and college, I loved to write. However, as my work went from retail jobs to the music industry to financial services, I wrote less and less. I was inconsistent with my journal but I managed to embed a common theme: Longing for a writing career, or even just writing projects that would hopefully—someday—lead to a writing career.
So how did other people do it? How did they find their dream jobs, their calling? What inspired them? And how did they know what they wanted? Some find it at an early age. Or it might be a process of trying one career after another. And for others, fulfillment might be found away from work as a volunteer or as a little league coach. Everyone has a unique path…
…and here we are. Welcome to my blog!
This is where my writing and exploration come together. Of course, my blog will have my ramblings; I also intend to include interviews with dynamic people who forged their own way to a life they love. I’ll also review products or services that I come across along the way.
And, if you have any ideas or comments, please share! For example, if you know someone who LOVES their job or found their passion, and you think others might be inspired by them, please let me know.
If you would like to contribute your thoughts on future topics, please go to the YOU TELL ME tab. You’ll see a list of ideas for upcoming blog posts and your input might be included in the future. I look forward to hearing from you.
I’m so happy that you stopped by. Have a great day!
Clarissa Kemp