Networking Forum

Some days I think this whole life is an ‘aha’ moment! I thought I would be completely blind by this stage in my life – I’m now 49 – perhaps blindness is not in the cards for me. What I didn’t expect was how my disability would so adversely affect my career.

So, for the current ‘AHA’… I’ve been lurching around for more than a year searching for a home-based business. Yesterday I found something called a virtual assistant. The description sounds just like me! Without getting my hopes up (again), I may have found a way to make a good living working for myself, where I can contribute my skills and talents without my disability getting in the way.

Has anyone in this group ever heard of AssistU or anything about virtual assistants? Any feedback is greatly appreciated!

My most recent AHA moment was this week. First a little back ground. I was retired from the Army in 1998 after 19 years service. I have RP and really did not know what I was going to do. The VA said they would send me to college so I could become a productive member of society again. I started college in 2002 and received my BA in Communications in 2005. Still not knowing what I wanted to be when I grew up I applied and was accepted into a Masters program for Community Counseling. I decided I was going to get a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology. I attended a Communication Conference and presented a paper and got the communication bug again. Confused and dazed I did not know what I wanted to do. I talked to my wife and a few mentors and after three weeks I had my AHA!!!!! I am going to get a Ph.D. in Communications and use my skills to be an advocate for the disabled focusing on the blind and veterans.

Wish me luck

I think my aha moment, or at least one of them, came when I moved into my current apartment. Although I do have a little further to go, I am much more independent than I ever was. I have gained a few new skills and honed other ones.

I really like this nugget that came from M.H.’s Assessment 2006 submission:

"I have used the process of questioning a line manager in the following manner. It actually allows the issue to be tabled in a very incisive but non-aggressive manner. When I was faced with a system decision that discriminated against me based on my disability, I phoned my line manager, described the situation, and asked him, 'How should I feel about this?' The question had the desired effect by placing the other in the position I faced."

This approach stuck in my mind for a couple of days. I wished I had used a couple of times during my 40 some years in business.

In fact, during the last few weeks, I’ve had an opportunity to pass this strategy on to two other people who were facing some tough situations.

I like the way this plays out because it doesn’t put the person in authority on the defensive. Instead, it says, “Is there a creative way we can work this out together?”

That kind of assertive-but-not-aggressive approach will help me resolve any business (or personal) dilemma -- and establish myself as someone who knows how to be a team player.

I don't know who this quote is from, but I like it:

"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty body,
but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming, 'WOW, WHAT A RIDE!!!'"

I believe those of us with disabilities need to target, in our job searches, those hiring managers who demonstrate that kind of freedom.

During the last 40 years, my best luck in attracting friends, working with colleagues, getting jobs and hiring associates has been with those who live on the edge -- the non-conformists who are willing to take risks, savor the experience of living on the edge and do something that is "different."

I've also find it helpful to search out those who would like to "shake the system" but can't quite do it themselves because they're already too tied into that system. They may not want to rock the boat themselves but enjoy living vicariously through me in testig how far they could go in breaking from the crowd. They can be very helpful allies and mentors.

I don't know who this quote is from, but I like it:

"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming, 'WOW, WHAT A RIDE!!!'"

I believe those of us with disabilities need to target, in our job searches, those hiring managers who demonstrate that kind of freedom.

During the last 40 years, my best luck in attracting friends, working with colleagues, getting jobs and hiring associates has been with those who live on the edge -- the non-conformists who are willing to take risks, savor the experience of living on the edge and do something that is "different."

I've also find it helpful to search out those who would like to "shake the system" but can't quite do it themselves because they're already too tied into that system. They may not want to rock the boat themselves but enjoy living vicariously through me in testig how far they could go in breaking from the crowd. They can be very helpful allies and mentors.

Posted by Jim Hasse at October 26, 2006 11:33 AM
**********************************************

Jim,
Not only does your proverb "hit the nail on the head" the realization you came to from thinking about this you shared was so beautiful and hit such a chord with me it brought tears to my eyes! Now I get it too!

Growing up in a "bohemian household" I have always been told I was "different" by others on a daily basis. Living "on the edge" due to circumstances, disability, or fate I realize after reading your comment, ultimately, I have lived on the edge by choice.

Always having had strong values and ethics, I know that what is important to me may not be what is important to other types of people.

Having had to think creatively out of sheer necessity in lieu of some resources other people may have in order to succeed or merely survive, I have acomplished a lot.

I never noticed that throughout my struggles and throughout my career,people were watching - and not in a negative way! They admired my strength and creativity and positive resolution. They have seen me dig my way out of "avalanches" and have garnered a few admirers and friends just from being me.

Your posting for job seekers "Tell Me About Yourself" to me is a relevant tool to your remarks here and reaffirms what you say is true.

Thank you so much for your comments on H.M.'s contribution. It is very helpful.

Fleur

After reading the assigned reading for creating contacts on www.JibberJobber.com, I went back to the home page and found a great post which was dated today, Feb. 19. It asked a number of questions, including these two, which I found particularly useful in regard to the subject of our online course and its focus on blogs as a means of creating a personal brand, as both of the posts highlight that it isn't just your general skills which make you valuable as an employee, but your unique skills that help create your particular "brand." The blog not only provides an opportunity for you to highlight your unique insights into your area of expertise, but it also helps make you locatable within your particular geographical area, so there is this intersection on the general job requirements and the specific job requirements. As I pointed out in another post for this week, a blog also demonstrates some soft transferable skills, such as an ability to write and communicate clearly, an anthusiasm regarding new media, and the ability to facilitate online discourse. Here are the two points I liked:

4. How effectively do you network locally?
30 interviews is a ton, and now you know some important people in lots of companies. Do you go to any networking meetings? I’m not talking about the job seeker meetings, but industry or niche associations? These are smaller, tight-nit groups that focus on their specialty, but the relationships there are
usually really valuable. I never did this because I was too busy working, but now I’ll never NOT do it.
5. Do you work on personal branding?

My Aha! Moments in life are actually quite difficult for me to recall. When I remember a moment that seems like an 'Aha! Moment’, I find myself wondering if it really can be categorized as a classic Aha! Moment. I suppose I could include some mini-Ahas, such as ---
finally “getting it” and learning to read that first sentence in Braille, and thinking, “Hey, I could see how this could come in handy at work!”
Or,
The day I discovered e-Sights Career Network. Aha!, now that’s what an employment resource for people with disabilities should be all about!
On a more poignant level, however, would probably be when I came to the realization that I did not have to spend the rest of my days “working in a stressful” job”. Once I acted upon my decision to leave the undesirable work situation, I felt an incredible sense of freedom and renewed optimism!

Hello Alicia;
I have been thinking along similar lines recently. I have been doing a good amount of networking to try and cultivate contacts in my job search but even though I am a firm believer in cultivating as wide a network as possible I also feel that you have to hone the contacts to niche interests and focus your energy on reaching the hiring decision makers. It seems that with our achievements and work history we have a great deal to offer and focus and emphasis on our personal brand would be very useful. I also like what Jim eluded to in his post about his best luck in attracting friends, working with colleagues, getting jobs and hiring associates has been with those who live on the edge -- the non-conformists who are willing to take risks, savor the experience of living on the edge and do something that is "different."

Shanti

Shanti:

I felt your posting to be "on the verge" of something good. It would be helpful to me if you could give specifics. What is your field? Whhere have you gone at the "widest" ? What kind of close-knit associations can one get into regarding your chosen field?

By describing answers instead of being general, it helps us all to translate your findings to pertain to our own individual cases so that we can all benefit and action what we have learned from you.

Fleur

Hi Shanti. I think that your comments about Alicia and Jim’s entry are right on the money in terms of my own beliefs in finding niche interests, cultivation and ultimately an opportunity to demonstrate your unique skill set. If we are confident in what we can offer an organization, (as I believe, in my case), it is simply a matter of locating the area of greatest demand (in a chosen field) and being able to sit down and talk with that one person willing to give you a chance. Preferably, as mentioned, someone who “lives on the edge” because I believe it will take this kind of individual to not only hire us, but support us throughout our career development.

John

Hi Shanti. I think that your comments about Alicia and Jim’s entry are right on the money in terms of my own beliefs in finding niche interests, cultivation and ultimately an opportunity to demonstrate your unique skill set. If we are confident in what we can offer an organization, (as I believe, in my case), it is simply a matter of locating the area of greatest demand (in a chosen field) and being able to sit down and talk with that one person willing to give you a chance. Preferably, as mentioned, someone who “lives on the edge” because I believe it will take this kind of individual to not only hire us, but support us throughout our career development.

John

Reply to John.

I agree with you, John. In my view, feelings count. If we work and that work does not satisfy us emotionally, it becomes unbearable and makes us depressed. If you felt that your previous work was not for you, at least at this stage in your life, you should move forward and find something else. Feelings of renewal and optimism are precious.

Vladimir

My Aha moment was when I realized that the world revolves around twenty-year olds. I think I was watching the World Cup or World Series and saw how all the ads were aimed at tweens, teens, and twenty-somethings. Don't they realize that women over thirty actually have higher buying power? As one who's pushing forty, I'm so annoyed by the constant buzz of "like" and "you know"s around me in this university and intern-dominated town. It gets worse in the summer when more interns infest our area. Don't get me wrong, It's not that I don't like twenty-year olds - some of my best friends are in their twenties - but I'm just annoyed that I didn't take advantage of this preference toward youth when I was one. It's hard not to look back, regret choices I made and where I would be if I had taken a different path. I've since turned off my TV and focused on what I can do now to improve my community and my life. Once I'm gone, I want to leave some impression on society. I like to think that by working full-time for a disability rights organization, advocating to increased access to services and supports for people with disabilities may help to improve the lives of youth with disabilities. And even if I can't make them stop saying "like" and "you know," at least they'll be talking in college, the working world, and living independently.

I think I am waiting for my next "Aha!" moment. In the past couple of weeks, I've been feeling pretty discouraged about the lack of a job. For five years I was in school and teaching myself technology skills and working hard to network with the important people. Then for the past six months I set out resumes to the people who told me to tell them when I was graduated, and I volunteered and advised and conferenced with more important people in the disability and technology field.

After five years of working hard to fulfill my plan, I am beginning to wonder if I need a new plan. Thus the feeling that I am waiting for the next "Aha!" moment, which might just be that I need to relax and maybe work on some other interests for awhile.

Our recent readings and research about bloggs has made me realized that blogs can be valuable but also very time consuming. At this point in my career search I am comfortable writing in response to a particular topic of interest but I do not want to be tied to coming up with new topics each week to post. Blogging is good as additional approach to expanding your exposure on the web but used in conjunction with some of the traditional approaches to jobsearching would be very useful

Our recent readings and research about bloggs has made me realized that blogs can be valuable but also very time consuming. At this point in my career search I am comfortable writing in response to a particular topic of interest but I do not want to be tied to coming up with new topics each week to post. Blogging is good as additional approach to expanding your exposure on the web but used in conjunction with some of the traditional approaches to jobsearching would be very useful

One of the most “stand-out aha! Moments during my life has to be when I came to the realization of letting go of my “old sighted self” and moving forward by embracing alternative techniques for performing tasks. Yes, I am one of those individuals that milked every last drop of functional vision for home & work-related writing and mobility purposes. In those days of my severely waning eyesight, I encountered lots of stress, embarrassment and frustration. Transitioning the printed word to Braille and the Sharpie pen to the computer/JAWS relaxed and empowered me beyond my wildest expectations. Aha! This is what it’s like to read strain and stress free!
JD Lewis

One of the most “stand-out aha! Moments during my life has to be when I came to the realization of letting go of my “old sighted self” and moving forward by embracing alternative techniques for performing tasks. Yes, I am one of those individuals that milked every last drop of functional vision for home & work-related writing and mobility purposes. In those days of my severely waning eyesight, I encountered lots of stress, embarrassment and frustration. Transitioning the printed word to Braille and the Sharpie pen to the computer/JAWS relaxed and empowered me beyond my wildest expectations. Aha! This is what it’s like to read strain and stress free!
JD Lewis

Last week, I participated in the Just One Break event. It was an ADA training organized for employers and recruiters. Along with several other job seekers, I took part in practice interviews conducted during the session. The practiced job offerings were distributed to the job seekers before the training. All recruiters were divided into small groups. My interview was handled by three recruiters asking questions based on my resume and practiced job offering. After the training each job seeker received an opportunity to make comments on the interviews. These trainings are necessary. During the interview, I felt that issues pertaining to disability are equally difficult to address for the recruiters as well.

My first AHA came when listening to the podcasts on blogging and realizing the power of the blog to network in the search for meaningful work.

I was looking over the assignments for the e-learning course and began with the first lesson to explore the 7 formats for posting blogs. I spent HOURS looking for an article about how to use each format. I clicked on links, actually sent an email to Amy, the author of the brief paragraph and...went WAY DOWN deep into http://www.contentious.com, thinking Coach Jim was sending me on a wild goose chase! During that scuba dive, I discovered just how many subjects people talk about in a blog! There was more stuff down there than I could scoop up in a dozen visits! So...ah, ha! Maybe people in my town of Minneapolis are using blogging as a networking tool, and maybe, just maybe...a blog isn't just a mind-boggler. Maybe I'm blogging now???

The assignments in the first lesson seem to go step-by-step as do the 7 formats for blog postings. I found a blog and sent a response to a question about why people in class may learn about online media but then they don't practice it! I'm proud that I took that risk but dismayed that I don't know how to use or create tags. Also came across a headhunter blog in my home city of Minneapolis and entered a skills set so that perhaps I'll see some interesting job postings. With so much listening, because I use a screen reader, where are the spell checkers for bloggers?

How do I know if I'm falling into another trap? I read that the government must give away billions of dollars in free grants. How can this be when we almost had a government shutdown? I'm getting no help from my state because the state says I don't NEED their help! If I could just get funding to get needed equipment to do a REAL job search, well,...I'd say ah, ha! all over the place! Well, I gave out my name and info to "Funding Solutions" advertized by google on ESight. I don't know whether to cheer or weep.

It is my pleasure to inform you that. We have our baby daughter on 20 sept. Mother and baby both are all right. Please pray for them.

Just because I write down a career goal doesn't mean I'm locked into it. Networking with others can never take away skills I love but it may invite me to re-think the ways in which I use those skills!! Ahas are not always moments when I feel like celebrating but expressing them keeps me real!

Congratulations to you and wife, Vashkar, on your new baby daughter!

Jim Hasse

Reference:

(It is my pleasure to inform you that. We have our baby daughter on 20 sept. Mother and baby both are all right. Please pray for them.

Posted by: vashkar at October 2, 2007 02:17 AM)

Hai all, From 1995 we have computer in our home but i did not know blind person could use it!!! In 2002 when i came in Japan for duskin leadership training than they gave me one notebook computer. I was surprised to listen the voice of JAWS. I informed blind people could access computer and this one for me. From that day the possibility open for me.

Being a visually impaired person I was always relied on others’ cooperation for my reading, writing & collecting information. I had to rely absolutely on written Braille to express my views. To do something i.e. writing & reading by the help of others it was impossible for me leaving the Braille. However, to be self reliant it was the only factor for me that I should read and collect information by my own endeavor. I like to express my boastful words in full confidence that I have already been overcome my difficulties being a PWD through the computer-based information technologies. I have already been expanded my fields of communication adopting a computer. Now I can communicate & exchange my views with foreign friends in a regular basis by using the information technologies (IT) and I would like to site you an example here in this regards. While I was in Japan one of my friends suddenly became ill at 12.30 a.m. My another friend as well as I was present there. As my friend was ill, I need to communicate with another friend about what to do at that moment. But I could do things easily as the problem lies in another place. My ill-fated friend was physically handicapped, another friend was hearing impaired and I, as you know, was a visually impaired. The problem was severe because we were all PWD in various fields. So we could not solve the problem regarding illness at that critical moment. The only thing which helped us greatly at that time was my Screen Reader Laptop—the vital friend of the critical moment. This tiny & little thing i.e. Laptop helped us greatly to solve the problem regarding illness. What’s your opinion

best, Vashkar

Posted by Jim at October 17, 2006 05:28 PM

Comments

Why is it a disable person (me) is having trouble getting a job? Am I not looking in the right place?

Posted by: Katherine At October 18, 2006 05:18 PM

Some days I think this whole life is an ‘aha’ moment! I thought I would be completely blind by this stage in my life – I’m now 49 – perhaps blindness is not in the cards for me. What I didn’t expect was how my disability would so adversely affect my career.j

So, for the current ‘AHA’… I’ve been lurching around for more than a year searching for a home-based business. Yesterday I found something called a virtual assistant. The description sounds just like me! Without getting my hopes up (again), I may have found a way to make a good living working for myself, where I can contribute my skills and talents without my disability getting in the way.

Has anyone in this group ever heard of AssistU or anything about virtual assistants? Any feedback is greatly appreciated!

Katherine - in response to your post: Has anyone in this group ever heard of AssistU or anything about virtual assistants? Any feedback is greatly appreciated!

I have not heard of AssistU but I recently signed up with "ODesk" and I finally seem to have broken the first level and am now getting assignments. This is a 'bidding' process.

The other Virtual Assistant site that I am aware of is Elance.com - This one does charge a small monthly fee to subscribe to listings for various jobs, so I'm not sure how that would all work. For myself I'm not prepared to go to that length at this time.

Hope this helps.

Doreen

AHA Moments: I've had many of them in the last year and a half.

I think the one that I would have to say is the biggest AHA for me, is that for the first time in my adult life I am living alone and I actually like it!!

I went and did a search on myself and was I blown away. I have probably 25-30 links with quotes, articles or letters to the editor that are referenced on the internet. I may be able to run (actually a bad joke since my mobility is limited) but I definitely cannot hide. This is an AHA of the internet kind. WOW-- I need to collect all of this for my eportfolio. It certainly puts me out there and it is in a good way that is outspoken, well organized and on point from my perspective.

OK Barney you said: I went and did a search on myself and was I blown away. - you scared me even more I did this search in Yahoo and the 1st 34 links came up (except 1) with my name in it. Seems like my names plastered all over the place in Lions Club Bulletins and broadcasts that I didn't really know existed. In Google more than 60 searches were really me. Talk about spooky :)

I was in a workshop on Thursday and we talked about what employers are looking for in a job candidate. And it's not JUST skills! Four of these are: extroversion, emotional stability, agreeableness and conscientiousness. Each of these has subcategories but I'm struck by how much I need to think about in preparation for an interview...and bringing these characteristics to a job for the long haul.

I don't know who this quote is from, but I like it: "Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming, 'WOW, WHAT A RIDE!!!'" I believe those of us with disabilities need to target, in our job searches, those hiring managers who demonstrate that kind of freedom. During the last 40 years, my best luck in attracting friends, working with colleagues, getting jobs and hiring associates has been with those who live on the edge -- the non-conformists who are willing to take risks, savor the experience of living on the edge and do something that is "different." I've also find it helpful to search out those who would like to "shake the system" but can't quite do it themselves because they're already too tied into that system. They may not want to rock the boat themselves but enjoy living vicariously through me in testig how far they could go in breaking from the crowd. They can be very helpful allies and mentors. Posted by: Reference: Jim Hass. An on-the-edge person, after my own heart! If I ask someone who is blind and is fairly reserved for a little advice about career advancement, I get snubbed. Find me a sighted person who isn't afraid to take me on in an Astronomy class and that's who will give me a chance in a job situation! I love it! I KNOW someone like that in a career workshop I'm taking and your comment is one reason I set up an informational interview with her.

Vashkar, You may not have been immediately able to help your friend who was so ill but you are right, I believe, that your ability to use adaptive technology enabled you to find help and comfort from across the world. There are groups of people helping one another to solve problems and deal with difficult situations which could not have happened 30 years ago. You made your disability work for you by using your skill and knowledge. reference: Being a visually impaired person I was always relied on others’ cooperation for my reading, writing & collecting information. I had to rely absolutely on written Braille to express my views. To do something i.e. writing & reading by the help of others it was impossible for me leaving the Braille. However, to be self reliant it was the only factor for me that I should read and collect information by my own endeavor. I like to express my boastful words in full confidence that I have already been overcome my difficulties being a PWD through the computer-based information technologies. I have already been expanded my fields of communication adopting a computer. Now I can communicate & exchange my views with foreign friends in a regular basis by using the information technologies (IT) and I would like to site you an example here in this regards. While I was in Japan one of my friends suddenly became ill at 12.30 a.m. My another friend as well as I was present there. As my friend was ill, I need to communicate with another friend about what to do at that moment. But I could do things easily as the problem lies in another place. My ill-fated friend was physically handicapped, another friend was hearing impaired and I, as you know, was a visually impaired. The problem was severe because we were all PWD in various fields. So we could not solve the problem regarding illness at that critical moment. The only thing which helped us greatly at that time was my Screen Reader Laptop—the vital friend of the critical moment. This tiny & little thing i.e. Laptop helped us greatly to solve the problem regarding illness. What’s your opinion best, Vashkar

What a wonderful quote! Reminds me of "The Velveteen Rabbit". In so many ways, I do not conform to the rules of society. I take risks in order to survive and to thrive. It's my hope to get services of some kind from the state of Minnesota as I networking, or, as a part of networking. The people going to bat for me are people who themselves have known struggle and have risen to their feet again, unafraid to rock the boat or help me rock it further than I could on my own. I thank you for reminding me that the positions I've had in the mainstream were mine because of folks who lived on the edge, took chances without thinking about their own skins. Reference: Jim Hass I don't know who this quote is from, but I like it: "Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming, 'WOW, WHAT A RIDE!!!'" I believe those of us with disabilities need to target, in our job searches, those hiring managers who demonstrate that kind of freedom. During the last 40 years, my best luck in attracting friends, working with colleagues, getting jobs and hiring associates has been with those who live on the edge -- the non-conformists who are willing to take risks, savor the experience of living on the edge and do something that is "different." I've also find it helpful to search out those who would like to "shake the system" but can't quite do it themselves because they're already too tied into that system. They may not want to rock the boat themselves but enjoy living vicariously through me in testig how far they could go in breaking from the crowd. They can be very helpful allies and mentors. Posted by: Jim Hasse

Barney, I LOVE your humor. It's both reassuring and alarming to discover how much I find about myself just by putting in my own name. Good way to separate the wheat from the chaff when gathering the good stuff for an Eportfolio. I would want to point people to those links which highlight skills and accomplishments, hoping employers aren't finding the chaff. Another good reason to be a blogger! reference: I went and did a search on myself and was I blown away. I have probably 25-30 links with quotes, articles or letters to the editor that are referenced on the internet. I may be able to run (actually a bad joke since my mobility is limited) but I definitely cannot hide. This is an AHA of the internet kind. WOW-- I need to collect all of this for my eportfolio. It certainly puts me out there and it is in a good way that is outspoken, well organized and on point from my perspective. Posted by: barney mayse

Going through the assignments in lesson 5, as a career changer, I find myself wishing I were starting all over. I chose to be an ordained pastor, switched paths, or just re-directed my pastoral skills to chaplaincy and now, I'm wondering how or whether I was very deliberate. I could do anything I wanted, leap over tall buildings, etc. How can I be more deliberate and more flexible as I seek employment after 7 years without a job? Did moving to a different state help or hurt?

I was talking with a rehab. counselor one day and she asked me if my dog was a barrier to getting a job. Why couldn't I just leave the dog at home? There was a huge thud in the pit of my stomach. She was asking me to do the unthinkable. There are people for whom this is a solution. I might not apply for some positions where allergies or serious illness might make people reluctant to have a dog around but I would feel ashamed to have a guide dog and then leave her home all day. You might as well ask me to cut off my feet!

It really does take a while for the online networking light to switch on but when I spend quality time looking in my red box of resources, it flickers and then becomes the neon sign guiding me to resounding determination to publish a multi media ePortfolio! This course has no end, just more self-directed means of putting the assignments to work now and beyond "You're hired!"

In the past twelve months I went fom being the Placement Supervisor at the Olmsted Center for the Visually Impaired to a Career Services Counselor at the Statler Center a program of the Olmsted Center. This move has given me the ability to bring more creativity to my job in terms of how to re-educate, and obtain employment opportunities for people with disabilities to enter the workforce.

One 'aha' concept which I am trying to realize is that "your first job should not be your limit, unless indeed it is your absolute dream job". I am one very hard self-critic, who is also shaky in terms of confidence. Therefore, it is often easy for me to settle in to a spot and not dream ahead, or worse, feel that I am just lucky to be wear I am as I probably could do no better anyway. I am indeed very grateful to God for my current position, yet I am equally as enthusiastic about job postings that I come accross, for which I can atttempt application and develop my confidence and interviewing skills: not to mention moving ahead in my career.

If you spend all your time searching for a job, you just might miss another opportunity you'd never thought of. I am engaged to be married and I wasn't really looking.

I have not wanted to have a blog because I don't want to have material that is dsadvantageous floating around that can be googled.

On the other hand I am so good at finding information, I would like to have a place to put it so it can be used. So the challenge may be to have a blog that allows me to share information and at the same time showcase my ability.

I am revisiting the idea of blogging. I am really good at finding, connecting and sharing information.

Blogging is one place to organize the information so others can use it. I can also use it to communicate with others and to showcase my talents to potential employers.

I see now that blogging has greater opportunities than I originally thought. It is a good place to use and showcase my ability to find, connect and share information.

I am still not convinced about the use of "Blogging". Individuals I've networked with are Sr. Manager/Administration in a variety of public/private and non-profit agencies. Most note "blogging" is for the individual who has time to post/respond; research/discuss or other time consuming functions. Sr. Managers/Administrators advise, "If you've got time to blog, you're not using your time effectively". Second, many of these individuals note because of Google and related Search Engines, any worthwhile material can instantly be identified and. They advise because of "blogs" increasingly unnecessary information or, pure nonsense/gossip is increasingly finding it's way into the mix. Without exception, nearly all Sr. Managers/Administrators to whom I've networked advise they may routinely access/read 3-5 blogs on a critical issue. Once the "thread" grows cold or, tedious, they drop it.

After posting my previous comment, received a telephone call from a longtime colleague who, like me, is over 50, totally blind with a steady, increasingly responsible Work History. His statement gave me the realization that regardless how we approach the Job Search, with a regional economy with a significant unemployment rate, "creativity" is an absolute must if one is seeking employment and, "agressiveness" to maintain one's current position is critical.

Networking is about listening, reciprocity and value. Sharing information with others and providing information that may be useful to them. Referring others to those you network with. Good networkers are good listeners first and good talkers last. Follow up with a note of thanks, promised information is important. Make notes on business cards (even napkins) etc that will help you remember the person later.

One thing that I realized is you just have to stay positive and do positive things. But you can't burn any bridges, you just have to make yourself feel good and when someone does something good for you tell them and say thanks.

Also you have to keep talking to people and getting your name out there. Don't give up.

I am still not a huge fan of blogs. However, after reading many articles about blogs, my views about them are slowly starting to change. Blogs can be useful in sharing information and establishing an online presents. That said, I don’t know where people find the time to blog on a regular basis.

After posting my previous comment, received a telephone call from a longtime colleague who, like me, is over 50, totally blind with a steady, increasingly responsible Work History. His statement gave me the realization that regardless how we approach the Job Search, with a regional economy with a significant unemployment rate, "creativity" is an absolute must if one is seeking employment and, "agressiveness" to maintain one's current position is critical.

Posted by: James J. Elekes, M.Ed, MPA, CPM

I have to agree with Jim's friend's comment. We might not like something (i.e., blogging) but if one wants to find a job, one has to be as creative as possible and embrace all forms of communications to get one's name out there.

internet NETWORKing can be a challenge. One good is you avoid the preconceptions of looks from the visual world.

I am going to have to say "ugh" rather thn "aha"!! LOL just kidding. Information that we've gathered so far has been interesting, and it is most certainly wonderful to talk with other blind people that are more positive and have more to offer in terms of conversation.

I do have difficulty finding time to sit down and read all the information that is out in cyberspace that I find interesting. if my butt could take sitting down so long, I would never leave the computer! But, reality is that time and streamlining the information that you tap into needs to be limited when you have a plate full!

Julie Hensen has some great advice, boy do I wish she would be my career coach!!! ;)

It is the "Instant Access" that blogging provides. If someone is out there looking for me or a subject I have submitted comment, it is right there.

There are several things that I have realized in my new job search. I suppose the first and perhaps most basic is to let people know that you are actually looking for a new position. Following from that is to have a concise response to the question of “what are you looking to do?” In the past I used to try to give a general response because I did not want to miss an opportunity. Today, I have a better sense of what I want and where my interests are and I want to pursue employment opportunities in those areas. My second thought is the importance of following up with someone in a timely fashion. Sometimes it feels as if circumstances conspire to distract us from what we have to do. However, it is imperative that we make time to follow up with contacts.

In his March 15, 2008 post, James J. Elekes commented, “I am still not convinced about the use of "Blogging". Individuals I've networked With are Sr. Manager/Administration in a variety of public/private and non-profit agencies. Most note "blogging" is for the individual who has time to post/respond; research/discuss or other time consuming functions. Sr. Managers/Administrators advise, "If you've got time to blog, you're not using your time effectively". Second, many Of these individuals note because of Google and related Search Engines, any worthwhile material can instantly be identified and. They advise because of "blogs" increasingly unnecessary information or, pure nonsense/gossip is increasingly finding its way into the mix. Without exception, nearly all Sr. Managers/Administrators to whom I've networked advise they may routinely access/read 3-5 blogs on a critical issue. Once the "thread" grows cold or, tedious, they drop it.:” I am slowly becoming convinced that Blogs can be very useful. I think as with any other form of communication, it is up to the reader to find a blog which fits his/her interests. It is unfortunate that some Senior Managers see blogging as a potential misuse of ones time. Of course this assessment may only be true if the person is writing his/her blog while on company time. Even then, I would suggest that Managers could take another perspective and determine whether the individual’s blogging is personal or somehow connected to his work. If connected to work is there a way to facilitate what the person is doing and to make it benefit the organization? In the end I think it all takes time. Using Google and other search engines require that you are able to sift through the results that you receive.

I've always thought the use of LinkedIn was a very good idea and have managed to make a number of good connections with that social networking site. Nick's article gives me pause, and, maybe, the way I use the site will represent something reasonably close to an Aha! moment for me. Most important, I will at least further customize the invitations I send through the service, or send links to my profile instead of their stock invitation templates. I do still think LinkedIn can represent a good way for us to track our colleagues and friends.