If I tell you how I found my dream job, will it help you get yours? Maybe not.
Job hunting isn’t like following a recipe. What worked for me may not work for you. That said, I want to share my job search story because it’s a little unusual and it has a happy ending. Just for giggles, let’s pretend it was a recipe. If my job hunt was like baking a cake it would go a little something like this:
Ingredients:
- Free time punctuated by bursts of consulting and childcare
- Twitter handle
- WordPress site
- Copious blog entries on casseroles, soups, and cakes
- Massive network expansion and new friends
Directions:
1. Quit great project management job with a lovely organization in order to spend more time with young children.
2. Spend time contemplating the gnawing feeling that past wonderful jobs and winding career track (biologist to budget analyst to public affairs to project manager) were somehow not fulfilling work.
3. Hang a shingle out as a consultant and start to define what fulfilling work would look like.
4. Cast a wide net for new assignments in, well, anything – project management, writing, scientific communications, copywriting, food safety, communications, public relations, etc. etc.
5. Learn Twitter, wrestle with WordPress, network through LinkedIn, dip a toe into SEO, and dabble in Facebook.
6. Take self-indulgent detours in posting recipes and family pictures.
7. Begin to identify as a food blogger, meet fellow food bloggers, and become totally inspired by all things food.
8. Mystify husband by diving into social media, gluing butt to couch, and calling it “job hunting.”
9. Have an epiphany that fulfilling work and dream job is to write for a firm on the full continuum of food from farm to fork.
10. Shout the new, detailed dream job to close friends, former colleagues, strangers, and the @world.
11. Start fielding offers on several possible positions that look very much like the dream job.
11. Two weeks later, walk into a party, get introduced as a freelance food writer, and get asked, “Hey, are you interested in a full-time job writing about food for a Fortune 500 firm 3 miles from your house?”
12. Accept dream job position and count blessing for the time to dream and friends willing to open doors and network.
As you can see, my job search was not linear. It involved six months of quasi-tortuous self-reflection and relentless networking.
If I can share any advice on what worked for me, it’s this: I allowed myself time to focus on what I really wanted to do with my life, I built up my confidence through blogging that I could write about food for a living, I found my niche and what made me happy, and then I doggedly worked to make my dream job a reality.
I will also add the notion that while it looks like “I” found my dream job, I believe that by listening, questioning, dwelling, dabbling, sharing, creating, and helping others that the larger community found me my dream job.
So exciting, Amy – and inspiring. Maybe I’ll figure out what I want to do (writing, I know, but what is still a mystery. Maybe food…) And follow in your footsteps. So happy for you, my friend.
Thanks, Elle! Can’t wait to see where you land and I am very willing to help in any way! Have fun on your journey!
Super exciting! Congratulations! I see you & I have similar interests in “farm to fork”. Right now I am developing a college course on food, from farm to fork! I’d love to talk with you more about resources and ideas, if you are willing.
Yes! I would be happy to talk with you about your course. Very cool! Email me at amy dot charest at yahoo dot com. I’ll respond tonight!
Love this! It is amazing the power of social media. I am just beginning the same process and would love to chat with you about you about hanging that consultant shingle out! I have talked for hours with Katie Pinke but would love to chat with you also. Give me a shout by email at leahbeyer at gmail dot com.
Leah – will do! I’m happy to help and I will reach out to you tonight. Peace!
Amy
Thanks for sharing this very inspiring post, Amy! I’m still hunting for my dream job in ag comm and I think I need to follow your recipe! If you have any advice for me or job leads, I’m all ears.
Teresa – I will help any way I can! Let’s try to chat soon!
How exciting for you!! I love the point where you say ‘gluing my butt to the couch and calling it job hunting’ Hilarious!!
That is AWESOME, Amy – congrats!!
Thanks so much, Brenda! Hope to see you soon at another foodblogger event!
Clever and inspiring! Thanks for sharing and congratulations!
Thanks, Erin! I really appreciate it
Amy, I’ve blasted this blog post to all of my career development connections, and used you as an example of how critically important finding your voice and sharing your information can be. Thank you.
Thank YOU! You made my day!
Congratulations, Amy. (what a great name btw) I believe that networking and making real connections is key to moving forward. I have found most of my employment via connections and it’s a nice feeling. Now, doing what you love is even better! Timing is everything, right? I am heavily involved in a non-profit mentoring organization called Women in eDiscovery — I thoroughly enjoy helping others and watching them grow over the years.
Hi Amy! Thank you! Timing really is everything. I will check out the organization you mentioned. This was the first time that I sincerely enjoyed the job hunting journey and felt like I found my true calling. All the pieces fell into place.
Peace!
Amy