Too good to be true?

I think I have landed a dream job. I'm nervous even typing that. I feel like I have gone from a trailer park in a cold, dreary town to Beverly Hills. It's an amazing culture shock. I am lecturing myself to not talk about my ghetto past to my new cube mates. But the contrast is giving me a deer-in-the-headlights expression that defies Botox. The moral lesson here was eloquently explained by my second Mom Frederee -- "If something drags you down, turn it a-loose." And there is so much pressure to tolerate abuse. Don't. Please, don't. Move on. God is with you in seeking respect. You don't earn respect by tolerating disrespect. And don't listen to people who tell you to "just accept it." You are good. You are worthy of respect. Don't put up with crap. I put up with it for too long, thinking "it's just me," "it's like this everywhere," "the world has changed," and "I must be more tolerant." NO! I must be more persistent. Detach with love. Move on. Hang with people you admire and want to be like. Make the effort to improve and strive for excellence. The gutter is no place to hang out. Rise above. You deserve it. And you're worth it!

Career Conundrum

According to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), I am an ENFP:

* E – Extraversion preferred to Introversion: ENFPs often feel motivated by their interaction with people. They tend to enjoy a wide circle of acquaintances, and they gain energy in social situations (whereas introverts expend energy)
* N – iNtuition preferred to Sensing: ENFPs tend to be more abstract than concrete. They focus their attention on the big picture rather than the details, and on future possibilities rather than immediate realities.
* F – Feeling preferred to Thinking: ENFPs tend to value personal considerations above objective criteria. When making decisions, they often give more weight to social implications than to logic.
* P – Perception preferred to Judgment: ENFPs tend to withhold judgment and delay important decisions, preferring to "keep their options open" should circumstances change.

ENFPs are initiators of change, keenly perceptive of possibilities. They energize and stimulate others through their contagious enthusiasm. They prefer the start-up phase of a project or relationship, and are tireless in the pursuit of new-found interests. ENFPs are able to anticipate the needs of others and to offer them needed help and appreciation. They bring zest, joy, liveliness, and fun to all aspects of their lives. They are at their best in situations that are fluid and changing, and that allow them to express their creativity and use their charisma. They are easily frustrated if a project requires a great deal of follow-up or attention to detail.

Good careers for my type include teaching, art, marketing, church worker, counseling, writing, music and helping professions.

Now to the job/employment search. Most manager types take my energy and enthusiasm and try to put it in a box. They expect that I can sit in a chair at a computer for 40+ hours each week and give them the creativity they want. No variety. No flexibility. They expect mastery of the latest analytical software and “extreme attention to detail.” In short, they hire an ENFP then try to convert me to an ISTJ. And they say women try to change men. Dr. Phil would say “how’s it working for you?” Not so great folks.

I’m with Sammy Davis Jr. – I gotta be me. I am about ready to move to the island for misfit toys. You just can’t put Sue in the box. God made me this way. His guidance is my only hope. Please God, just pick me up like a chess piece and place me where I fit.

Counting Blessings

I remember a Christmas when my life was like a doughnut. I was encircled with family, I had a stable job and was able to buy a few much needed items with my Christmas bonus. The big hole in the middle was someone special to share my life with. This Christmas my doughnut has turned sort of inside out. I still have wonderful family, but the holidays magnify the loss of certain very significant loved ones. The career is sputtering at the moment. The bright spot is this beautiful person I am blessed to share my life with. It doesn't erase the sadness or the imperfection of life. But what you focus on can guide you from sorrow to gratitude, and that's the ship I'm sailing on today. Thank you for this kind, fun, caring musical soul mate. He's the answer to all my wishes, and the owner of all my kisses. I love you Bob.

Relationship: 10 Career: 2

Anyone who works with sound gear understands the graphic equalizer concept. Picture a sound board with all those knobs and faders. What would it sound like if every fader were moved all the way up? Yet that's how I wish my life could be. I guess if I got my wish, it would be an overwhelming wall of sound with every note demanding my full attention.

If that analogy isn't clear enough, Dr. Laura has another one. She said "nobody gets two full sets of dishes." She was responding to a caller who was blessed with one thing and not with another. She wanted it all. Well don't we all. I've had some career moments where success just seemed to fall into my lap. Successful projects. The right amount of work. Stimulating work. A happy boss. A raise. Even a bonus ideal for a down payment on a little red hot rod. Mr. Right was nowhere in sight. Now he's here. And finding deep, caring, respectful, lasting soul-mate love is my grandest dream come true. And what do I say? "God, show me the money!" (please)

I write. I sing & play piano and guitar. I encourage people. And I can baby an animal like nobody's business. I'm thankful for my off-the-chart love relationship. Really. I'm just sayin' -- can we move that career fader up a few notches? Add a few serving platters to my extra set of dishes? A little nudge or a thunderbolt -- whatever sign I need -- I'm praying, watching and hoping.