My Story
I thought I had the rest of my life planned out. I would stick it out at the company I worked for another five years until I saved enough to retire in style. But in June 2006, I was laid-off as part of a reorganization. I could feel my blood boil when my supervisor reviewed my severance package and retirement benefits… Retire? I wasn’t ready to retire!
When I got over the shock of losing my job, I realized it was a gift. I had been very unhappy for several years, but allowed the lure of a lucrative regular paycheck to hold me back from pursuing my dream of becoming a Coach. My confidence was at an all-time low and my fears were at an all-time high. What did I know about starting a business? Suppose I failed? Maybe I would find I didn’t have the right skills. Now that my secure paycheck was no longer secure–it was now or never. I decided to go for it.
After receiving my coaching certification, another dream started bubbling up—to move to a warmer location. When I saw the Smoky Mountains for the first time I knew I was home. I moved three months later.
Being single — and relocating simply because I wanted to—was both exciting and overwhelming. People looked at me like I was crazy. “You’re going to move where you know no one?” As I settled into my new community, I knew I wanted to support other singles who are planning the next phase of their life and hoping to relocate. It was at that time I created Relocating Single coaching.
But life is a journey and I continued to evolve…
I began to see a theme expressed by the clients who were drawn to me. Many of them had a similar story and I began helping them to rediscover their dreams. I soon felt my calling to help others who have lost their spirit. I will admit I resisted it at first–I knew I would have to stand up in front of folks and share parts of my life that were traumatic for me.
I accepted the challenge because I am the right person to lead this crusade. I endured a lot and (gratefully) I’m now living on the other side— iving a life I used to only dream about. But even more than that, I have spent a lot of time identifying the pieces–why it occurred and how to you can design your own g-o-o-d life.
My journey continues…
In the fall 2009, I became a part of a career network started by Tory Johnson, Good Morning America’s workplace contributor. I then began to explore what ways I could help others find the passion and joy I now know is possible.
One year later, I decided to get my certification in resume writing. With all my experience in HR, did I really need to be certified? My commitment to giving my clients the best possible tools and service–led me to the inevitable answer of “yes.” I didn’t want to take just any certification program, I wanted the best (aka toughest). While it was challenging–I now know I write GREAT resumes!
I recently started this blog/web site—www.janefalter.com. Rather than wait until everything is perfect, I have just begun. I will build it from here–a true work-in-progress (and isn’t that what life is all about anyway?)
Does my story resonate with you? Then sign up for my monthly newsletter and get to know more about it…and receive my free e-booklet–7 Keys for Creating the Career of your Dreams and/or Born to Ride–a guide to your Encore Career.
INTERESTED IN FORMAL BACKGROUND STUFF?
- 30 years as a human resources manager
- Experience in non-profit, distribution, manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries
- Last position in a multi-billion dollar global organization
- BA in Education–William Paterson University
- MS in Careers and Human Resources Development—Rochester Institute of Technology
- Senior Professional Human Resources (SPHR) certification
- Certified Professional Coach–iPEC Coaching Program
- Certified Resume Writer–Academy Certified Resume Writers
