In light of this week’s tragic events in Haiti we see the outpouring of help and giving from around the world. Americans are known for their generosity in these times of crisis. Immediate relief is needed to save lives. However, there is another kind of giving that is not in response to crisis – but rather to long-term chronic issues. Without carefully examining the context, we can undermine people’s dignity and exacerbate the very problems we are trying to solve.
My first article today is sure to offend some. This is not a political issue – it’s a human issue.
Here’s a verse that really annoyed me when I was going through a devastating failure a few years ago. In retrospect I can appreciate it but at the time I wanted to rip it out of my Bible. ”If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.” Proverbs 24:10
I trust those of you confronting adversity are staying strong. Link arms with those around you. Keep making deposits of success in areas of life other than the one currently screaming for attention.
If you haven't already, you might want to check out the growing group of people just like you at 48Days.net who are helping each other through struggles and successes.
Drive into any national park and you’ll see the signs – “Don’t feed the bears.” Scientists tell us that bears will quickly become dependent on human food, and while they are not particularly fond of humans they like the arrangement of free food. And once dependent on that food they will attack the same providers if the supply disappears.
Congress is now considering extending unemployment benefits for the fifth time since this recession began. In normal economic times workers could receive up to 26 weeks of benefits with the possibility of a 13-week extension. With the added benefits added by President George W. Bush and now Barack Obama, jobless benefits can run as long as 99 weeks – nearly two years.
And here’s the challenging news – studies by University of Chicago economist Bruce Meyer and Harvard’s Lawrence Katz show that people are most likely to find a job just as their unemployment runs out – whether that’s 2 weeks, 26 weeks or 99 weeks. The benefits – even if meager, appear to fuel the belief that this is a poor labor market, the economy is in the tank and no one is hiring. And yet when the benefits are exhausted, a job magically appears.
Not having a job is not just a lack of money. Not having a job very quickly becomes a psychological issue, unleashing humiliation, shame, vulnerability, hopelessness and entrapment. Money that is not “earned” may exacerbate rather than alleviate these emotions. The resulting low self-esteem cripples the boldness, confidence and enthusiasm required to come across as a desirable job candidate.
We’ve seen the crippling effects of welfare – becoming not a crisis relief but a way of life from one generation to the next. We now have healthy, intelligent and capable young people who no longer anticipate hard work, struggle and the ultimate rewards of personal achievement but simply capitulate to the handouts of the government for housing and food. And thus they drift into the ravages of perpetual low self-esteem, shame and the violence that accompany relationships unaccompanied by mutual respect.
Here’s another observation: Yes, we are seeing people thrust into the ranks of the unemployed through no fault of their own. People who are competent, reliable, faithful and talented are losing their jobs. Yet for many of those, becoming “unemployed” simply served as a wake-up call for dormant dreams. Check out 48Days.net and you’ll read the stories of hundreds of “accidental entrepreneurs.” Others report they have found jobs that, for the first time, are allowing them to experience meaningful, purposeful and profitable work.
No parent, boss, pastor, missionary or politician wants to appear heartless. But we must recognize that bears hunt effectively when they are not “given” food, teenagers get creative when the allowance stops, people move out of the destructive cycle of poverty when the handouts cease, and our best and most creative talents are often released under the gentle pressure of necessity.
”If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere." ~Frank A. Clark
Companies today understand they are hiring the whole person, not just a set of skills. Consequently they are often asking questions that may appear to be a little unusual. They are designed to discover what you value, how you think, or just to see how you respond to a question without a clear answer.
Here’s a sampling of what you should prepare for:
What’s the biggest career mistake you’ve made so far?
Who else are you interviewing with, and how close are you to accepting an offer?
What’s the last book you’ve read?
Why do they make manhole covers round?
If you had your own company, what would it do?
You wake up one morning and there’s been a power outage. You know you have 12 black socks and 8 blue ones. How many socks do you need to pull out before you’ve got a match?
What would I find in your refrigerator?
Obviously, what you have in your refrigerator is not really important. However, this question is an opportunity for the interviewer to see how you handle an unexpected situation. If you are flustered and thrown off track by this question, perhaps anything unexpected in the workplace would cause the same reaction. If you imply that this query has nothing to do with a job application, the interviewer may doubt your openness and willingness to be part of the team.
Incidentally, you only have to pull out 3 socks to be guaranteed a match.
Welcome to 48 Days radio where each week I look through the submitted questions and then blast through as many as possible right here to give you the unique tools for your own success.
You can now call and leave an audio question for Dan: (304) 729-4848 or send an email to askDan@48Days.com
I was called in the office on New Years Eve and told that I was being laid off. I was at this job for 17 years…. I figure that I will try to get something in retail since I relate well with the public, maybe two part time jobs in order to meet bills.
(Don’t assume LESS – expect MORE)
I am putting together several drama workshop curriculums that I plan on marketing to community theatres and schools. What is the best way to copyright the material so that I can protect myself against illegal use of this material?
(It’s already “copyright” protected)
I'm having an issue where I'm limited in my options to sell my physical product. Without a storefront, I'm finding I'm limited to swap meet type of venues. Or are there other venues I'm not considering?
(Yes -- Swap meets, street fairs, festivals, conferences & conventions, websites, eBay, craigslist, etsy.com and many, many more)
I was thinking though, with all the creative juices you have started flowing in me, why not have a link on your homepage for people to be able to signup for your favorite magazines and you could receive a commission for that.
(Thanks – I have lots of links for products and services where I do make a commission – but also lots of recommendations for resources that have helped me.)
I love to bake and I am quite good at it. I do not have formal training I just love to bake. When I am stressed out I turn to baking. I was thinking of going to Pastry Chef school but am I too old for this? I am turning 43 in February and I just feel lost...
(Get the schooling immediately – and then spend the next 30 years doing what you love! You’re too “young” to just coast into the grave.)
My passion is to be a Portrait Artist. God has told me this, I am a Portrait Artist. My question is how do I get jobs? I made up a flyer with a portrait sample, and the photograph next to it for the church I attend. That was in June, I have not received any jobs yet. My family helps me out with a roof over my head and food to eat. If it was not for them I would be living on the streets, I am very grateful to them.
(Did God tell you to be dependent on family members and not provide for even yourself? Stop blaming God – take responsibility and start generating income.)
I just self-published a children's book. My desired market niche is young moms, grandmas, and daycares. How can I most effectively market to these groups? And how do I begin to establish an online presence with limited time and resources? I am a total newbie at selling.
(Occam’s Razor – it’s a scientific concept that has to do with finding the simplest explanation. But here……………………….)
*********************** If you have a question, just email me at askdan@48Days.com and you can ask about starting your own business, getting a better job, or finding your purpose in life.
And you can click the link below to listen to this week’s broadcast immediately – no downloading – no wait.
Coaching with Dan
Many of you ask if I still coach people individually. Yes, I do. Feel like you've taken too much time to get to the success you want? Is fear holding you back? These are common issues with the hundreds of people that contact us each month looking for a new start. Give us some brief information and I'll recommend one of my coaching packages or recommend one of the other coaches in our 48 Days network to launch you into the next successful season of your life: Coaching with Dan
*********************** Dan’s Wednesday Morning Eagles group
I frequently mention the power of my Wednesday morning guys group. And many of you have asked for our guidelines. It’s not very complicated, but here it is Eagles Club Purpose Statement. If you’re interested I would encourage you to start your own. Join with one close friend and both of you invite 4 or 5 others – and you’re ready to go.
*********************** 48 Days Affiliate Program
If you have a website or an email list that reaches a lot of people, you may be interested in being a 48 Days Affiliate. The banners we provide can be put on your website and everyone who clicks through to our site and makes a purchase, will be tagged with your name. At the end of the month, we’ll cut a check to you! Check out the details here: 48 Days Affiliate
*********************** Want to be a 48 Days Coach?
Lots of people ask about being included in the list of the 48 Days Coaches here. We have a list of coaches and also identify those who are endorsed 48 Days Coaches. If you’re a coach and would like to join others who are building their coaching businesses, check out the details here: 48 Days Coach
*********************** 48Days.net
At 48Days.net you’ll see over 4700 other excited people who have ideas – and plans to make 2010 their best year ever. If you want your life to be different in 2010, get involved with people who are on the same path. There is no cost – just lots of people who are committed to helping each other succeed.
************************ Are you using your best skills?
Don't put your time in an area that doesn't even "fit" you.
The most popular resource we have continues to be the 48 Days Career Profile. With your unique strengths, what kind of work should you be doing? You can find out here.
”When the Japanese mend broken objects, they aggrandize the damage by filling the cracks with gold. They believe that when something's suffered damage and has a history it becomes more beautiful.” ~Barbara Bloom
”I ask not for a lighter burden, but for broader shoulders. ~Jewish Proverb
”A bend in the road is not the end of the road... unless you fail to make the turn. ~Author Unknown
”I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much. ~Mother Teresa
”Sometimes in tragedy we find our life's purpose - the eye sheds a tear to find its focus.” ~Robert Brault
”Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.” ~African Proverb
”Watch a man in times of... adversity to discover what kind of man he is; for then at last words of truth are drawn from the depths of his heart, and the mask is torn off.” ~Lucretius, On the Nature of Things
"Without the rocks, the stream would lose its song." -- Proverb
Don't put your time in an area that doesn't even "fit" you.
