Working hard for the money

Published August 27, 2010

I recently attended a networking event where someone mentioned something I’ve heard many times, “I was making more money than I thought was possible…but I was miserable in my job.” I can certainly relate to that. I finally thought I had made it “big” by working for a mega company. I was making the salary I had put on my goal list several years prior–but I would often call it, “blood money.”

And as many times as I thought I would just suck it up and collect my paycheck, I realized I couldn’t just leave my pain at work. I spent so much energy trying to survive from 9 to 5, that I was exhausted by the time I got home. How many times I promised myself to figure out what was next for me. But all my energy had been used up during the day. Well, maybe tomorrow…

I just needed a few more years before I could retire in style. What was a person to do? I tried to stick it out. But while my head was repeating my “five more years” mantra, my body knew otherwise. I ended up with intestinal problems resulting in several uncomfortable tests (you know the kind) and an emergency room visit. My wake up call finally came when someone said I looked like an “abused puppy.” Guess I wasn’t fooling anyone.

Like a lot of people, I stayed because I was convinced would never be able to earn good money and do something I loved. That was 4 years ago and now I’m excited helping women make the same boat load of money AND work their passion. Why do we have to choose? Sure it doesn’t happen overnight, but it’s worth the journey! What’s stopping you from walking through the door toward your possibilities?

[Note: In case you’re curious–my intestinal problems have gone away almost completely. Chronic stress sure does a number on our bodies!]

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Although I had your business card for a few weeks, I hesitated calling you until one day, I just felt inspired to contact you. Am I glad I did! After applying for literally hundreds of jobs this past year with not even one interview…after sending the résumé you created for me, not only did I get the interview, but I got the job! I feel that God inspired me to move forward and sent you into my life when I needed it the most. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
—J. Bloomfield, Asheville, NC

So, thought I'd brighten your day! My new supervisor complimented my resume. She said she liked the summary at the top. She also commented that she wasn't positive that my background would've jumped out as a perfect match, but it was written in a way that highlighted my skills as a match for her needs. The resume you wrote for me did much more than any of those things, however. It changed the way I view myself. It supported me, and gave me a confidence that I was lacking at that time. When I first saw your draft, I didn't immediately connect with it, yet I knew it was all truth. It grew on me, or I grew into it. By the time I walked into those last 2 interviews, I had a new confidence. Something deeper than just knowing I could do the job. I knew I was the right choice. That confidence, that knowing, attracted those jobs to me as surely as my credentials well presented. It was both, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
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I just wanted to write and let you know how much I appreciate your help with my resume. It worked!!! I have had 3 interviews, a step I did not reach before. While I have not received a job offer yet, I know it is just a matter of time before I find a position that is the right fit. Your help with the resume made all the difference!
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I have built my business through satisfied clients so I cherish testimonials. One of the most stand-out testimonials that was given to me was shared by a client I coached to help her with an upcoming interview.

This client told me later, that she had met a woman at a community event. Jen shared about looking for a position and was telling her about the "biz coach" who prepped her for the interview. The other woman mentioned how she found this excellent person to do her resume and that the résumé itself was highly complemented on in her interview. And best yet, she got the job in the end! In a few minutes, they deducted they were both talking about the same person…ME!