Begins and ends with You Workplace and Life skills Success in the Hunt The Brass Ring Begins and ends with You Content Standards Workplace and Life skills G1.S2.a/d1-6 G1.S3.a/b/c/d1-6 G2.S1.1-6

Fear of the Unknown In a new profession you may not be able to rely on the skills and knowledge you have now. You may have to compete with younger or better educated people. You might be dealing with a drop in income from what you were before. You might find expenses that you hadn’t planned for.

There are risks involved with any change Stay Positive! Many of your experiences and abilities will be transferable. A fresh start is an opportunity to set new goals or pursue dreams you have kept hidden for years.

Brainstorm with a friend or mentor List your likes and dislikes, Strengths and weaknesses What kinds of jobs fit your preferences? What did you want to be before anyone told you that you couldn’t? http://www.burke.k12.nc.us/technology/webquests/career/ this website is designed for kids, but it is some fuel for thought if you have no direction to the question: “What do I want to do”

What do you Know? Specify elements of work / school that you know you do and don’t like. Decide what new directions are available Research the jobs you are considering, do they fit in with your new goals?

In the Lean time You may have to work a not-perfect job while you search for your career. You may have to work part-time when you really need more. You may have to accept odd hours when you are just establishing yourself with a new job. None of those things is a life sentence, sometimes you just have to put in some time and prove yourself.

New Horizons If you have job that is getting you by, but not a dream come true, use that time to add to your skill set and education Attend job fairs, Talk to people that have the kinds of jobs you are interested in.

In the off time Try volunteering a few hours a week give your free time to a charity or in local schools Youth groups, churches, or social clubs are all places to not only use your time constructively but you build relationships in your community and can network with people to find your new career home (The grapevine starts here) explain networking

ASK The chance of being offered a dream job without chasing it down is slim at best. If you want something you have to go after it. Research what you need to do to qualify, learn who it is that offers that training and position Then make yourself known. Present yourself, don’t just call. People hire people, not paper. Explain the difference between resume job hunting and active job searching

Knock Knock Interviewing is no joke You have to be serious You have to dress professionally You have to sell yourself You have to be willing to cheerfully accept countless people not willing to hire you You have to keep on trying anyway

Build Yourself Don’t be disheartened If your aim seems a long way off remind yourself why you are striving for more. Keep your goals realistic and break them into manageable, satisfying, smaller steps. Plan carefully and reduce the risk of stress involved in the search.

It will be alright or all wrong It all depends on YOU! If you do positive things positive things will come back to you. If you only offer negative things that is all you will receive It really is that simple.