The Whole Job

I love painting!

The challenge of guiding a brush along the ceiling line with a steady hand invigorates me. Seeing foot-wide swatches of fresh color appear with each pass of the roller spurs me on. And that’s painting, right?

Hardly.

Move furniture to gain access to walls. Wash walls. Identify and patch holes, dings and divots. Wait several hours. Sand polyfilled areas. Re-fill some repaired spots. Sand again and then wash walls, floors, and hair! Let it all dry while gathering at least four screw drivers to remove light switch and outlet plates held in place with endless combinations of different screws.

I think it’s time to “begin.”

And while I’ve been slathering our walls with Stonehearth, I’ve had plenty of time to ponder this experience and how it reminds me of the job search process.

Preparation comes to mind.

Many people I work with think a tour of internet job postings, and uploading a general resume will yield their dream job. Sometimes, perhaps. But in my experience, I find that ones who put effort into customizing a cover letter and resume to each position get more interviews. The front end work pays off in the end.

I’ve also had people assure me that they are great in interviews. I recall one unemployed man who raved about his winsome personality, his great ability to “wing it” and the 16 interviews he had completed. Did I mention he was still without work?

Being skillful in an interview requires thoughtful consideration of the questions you might be asked, taking time to craft answers that demonstrate skills and abilities, and practice in speaking the words out loud. It’s a lot of work, but can reap important dividends.

The stable hand for cutting in a paint line along a ceiling or door frame reminds me of the internal steadying required to change jobs or careers. Many emotions tapped, insecurities raised, obstacles encountered and decisions required can leave a person rattled and unsure. Breathe. Breathe deeply and then breathe some more.

And then go back and review the truth about who you are and all you have to offer. Doing an honest appraisal of ourselves is humbling and gratifying if we allow God to show us the gifts we have to offer and the skills we’ve gathered along the way.

So back to painting I go. Don’t even get me started on clean up.

With love and gratitude,
Shelaine
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© 2017