Friday Thoughts

Posted on March 15, 2024 by Positively Alyssa

Happy Friday, y’all! I hope your week was great and your weekend includes doing what brings you the most happiness! Fair warning to those reading this post may not be overly optimistic, but I am sharing my feelings with you for several reasons. One reason is for the release of emotions because it can help overcome negativity. The second reason is that everyone knows that no matter what you are going through or how dark the road seems, you are never alone because everyone struggles in life. Of course, it is not fair, but life rarely is fair. We were not given a manual life when we were born, so we are just doing the best we can and hoping for the best. We might make mistakes along the way, but learning from those mistakes is what will improve our lives.

It has been several months since I started looking for a job, and I still have not found anything that fits my needs and abilities. Of course, I took a few classes to begin a new career path, but things are still not working the way I had hoped. Looking for a job and not having any luck has become discouraging and upsetting. Somewhere deep down, I still believe everything happens for a reason, and life works out the way it is supposed to, but that does not help the high levels of discouragement. Not working makes me feel helpless and useless, and this is a terrible combination. Even though I am feeling low, I will continue to look for a new job and build my hopes for a good outcome.

To make matters worse, I have been experiencing higher-than-normal levels of pain. Could this be the change in weather? Is it possible for the increase in pain to be caused by stress? Or could the increased pain be from still missing our cat, Sundance, SO very much? It could be a nasty combination of these issues, but I would appreciate some relief soon. Maybe it is for the best that I am not working right now because, with this level of pain, it would be very challenging. Of course, I know I could handle it because I have before, but it is not easy. Thankfully, to keep my mind distracted, I have been diving overly deep into my Anatomy & Physiology class because I find it extremely interesting. I realize I am overthinking the class and doing more than necessary, but it is helping keep my mind at peace.

Thank you for visiting my site today and reading about how I feel. Again, I apologize it was not the most positive post, but no person can be positive all the time, there is nothing wrong with that because we are only human! Anyone who claims to be happy and positive all the time might be lying to themselves or hiding their emotions, which is not healthy. I hope you have a wonderful day, and you are feeling well. Please never forget I am always sending y’all LOTS of love♥, comfort, support, and MANY positive vibes, no matter how I feel!

Always, Alyssa

Midweek Inspiration

Posted on November 15, 2023 by Positively Alyssa

Life can be very complicated, and things can change in less than a minute without warning. One call can turn your world upside down, leaving you at a loss on what to do next. People you thought cared about you and thought of as a friend can become a distant memory and someone you wish you never grew close to. We learn hard lessons daily, but something I always knew to be true in the working world because it is just business. The companies we work for and give so much time and energy to, at the end of the day, most of them do not have the same loyalty. I cannot deny the fact that I am still a little salty about what happened earlier this week because that would be a lie. It has only been a few days, and the shock and hurt still have not worn off, and I am not sure how long it will take for the sting to lessen. I have learned another hard lesson in this life, never to get too attached to those you work with because things can change quickly!

Even though this week has been challenging and caused lots of heartache, I still believe everything happens for a reason. Of course, learning the reason or reasons might take time to understand, but I must continue to believe this as it provides me with a little naïve comfort. With everything we do in life, there are new things we will learn or relearn. Recently, I relearned business standards and that in the land of business, the most important people are the ones who are at the top of the pyramid. The grunt workers might do the most but receive the least. Honestly, the job I had before this job, I was laid off due to the economy, and the sting was worse for a long time, but I also loved the job, and it was challenging. I hope to bounce back quickly from this job and find something much better♥!

At the mind point of this week, we need to find ways to stay inspired and not let the hardships of life deter us. We must remember our needs and emotional stability as they are equally important. Although the past few days have been stressful and discouraging, I have good news. My mother was released from the hospital♥ and needs to stay on oxygen until she can walk without her levels dropping too low. Something else that might be good is that I am actively searching for another job, and hopefully, it will be much better and more rewarding! One thing I know 100% is even though life has many challenges, try not to feel defeated by life because you can overcome anything. Stay strong and never give up, as you might be surprised by what life has in store.

Thank you for stopping by my site today. I hope you are having a good week, and that you enjoyed what I shared today. No matter what happens this week, please try to stay strong and never give up as the crazy challenges will not last forever, even if that is how it seems. As always, I look forward to seeing your comments and will respond as quickly as possible. Please never forget I am always sending y’all LOTS of love♥, comfort, support, and MANY positive vibes!

Always, Alyssa

Surviving Disappointment

Posted on November 14, 2023 by Positively Alyssa

Tuesday should be good news, which means we survived Monday. I am unsure how I survived it because it was a miserable day! I know I mentioned this over the weekend about my mother having been admitted to the hospital with pneumonia, and I was foolishly hoping this week was going to be better. Not to sound negative, but it has not started well. Allow me to explain! First, I had probably the worst call and surprise ever yesterday morning☹. Yes, sometimes I did not like my job and would complain. I even enjoyed a few of the people I worked with and did the best I could. About 45 minutes into my workday yesterday, the call that came through was from my supervisor and the HR representative, letting me know they were letting me go. I will not get into their reasons, which I strongly disagree with, but I am not fighting this. There will be times in life when the only thing we can do is accept the loss and hope something better is waiting around the corner.

Another part of yesterday that was less than great was my mother should have been released from the hospital and was not. I think this issue was due to the negligence of the hospital staff. How are people so good at being ignorant? How can things go so incredibly wrong when people are in hospital? Please let me know if I am wrong, but should the staff not do what is best for the patient and ensure all required medications have been dispensed and called to an open pharmacy? This would be even more important when starting IVs is very difficult. When people become ill with something such as pneumonia, sleeping in their bed and being in the comfort of their home will help speed up recovery time. Who can get rest and recover while in a hospital with annoying noises constantly going off?

Between the bad news I received first thing in the morning yesterday and the continued stress and worry about my mother my week has not been good! Not only do I feel helpless because there is nothing I can do for my mother, but I am also feeling useless, incompetent, sad, disappointed, and hurt due to the job. I never mention names because I respect other’s privacy, but several people did not help my lack of self-confidence. One of the most painful issues we can experience is when someone you care about, and respect does not believe in you. I am unsure how to get over the pain caused this week, but I know it will take time, and I will bounce back better♥.

Thank you for stopping by my site today. I hope you have a wonderful day, and each day gets better. I apologize this was a slightly negative post, but it is because I am upset and hurt, so I need to write, or I will get too stressed. I guess now is as good of a time as any to home in on building my writing skills and updating my resume so that it stands out. Even though I feel defeated, I will not allow a job to define who I am or what I can do because I want to believe I am better than that. I look forward to reading your comments and will respond as quickly as possible. It should not take long to respond to all comments, considering I am unemployed☹. This break from work will not last long as I do not do well without a schedule and purpose. Please never forget I am always sending y’all LOTS of love♥, comfort, support, and MANY positive vibes!

Always, Alyssa

Handling a layoff at Christmas

Posted on December 12, 2021 by Positively Alyssa

It is extremely unfortunate, but life tends to be accompanied by various challenges. Everything we go through in our life may seem life-altering and impossible to overcome at the time of the situation. It is critical to try seeing each experience in a logical mindset. If we attempt to process and analyze every challenge at the same time, it can become overwhelming. To avoid becoming overloaded with devastation, take your time to process what you have endured before reacting.

There will never be a good time to encounter any type of challenge. For instance, this past Thursday the mortgage company I was working for did a mass layoff. Although this was something I was expecting to happen, it was still traumatic news. Regrettably, I was one of many included in the layoffs.

Of course, there is never a good time to be laid off from a job, but Christmas time is an incredibly awful time. I have gone through so many emotions since Thursday afternoon and still am processing the atrocious news. The good thing is that I was as prepared as one can be to be laid off from their job. When I accepted the job, I knew it would always be a possibility to happen and I knew that I could not go without health insurance, so I am on my husband’s insurance. If I had to worry about insurance on top of looking for a job, my stress level would skyrocket to unhealthy levels.

I am not sure this is a good way to put it, but another reason I am luckier than others that went through this layoff is my husband and I do not have children. We do not have to worry about feeding children and other expenses that come with children. I cannot imagine what those that were laid off are going through losing a job so close to Christmas. I do know one of the people that were laid off was talking about returning the gifts she bought.

As I continue to try seeing the good things with this layoff, my husband and I live within our means. Meaning we do not have several car payments, a high mortgage, credit card debt, and other debts to worry about paying. I have always believed that we should all live within our means and try our best to have savings account for situations like layoffs.

Even though I am doing my best to stay positive, I do have my moments when I am extremely angry about this. My anger is higher than I would prefer it to be, especially because right before the “layoff” meeting I point blank asked my supervisor if layoffs were coming, which she lied about and said she did not even know what the meeting was about. I mean come on, anyone that would believe that is not being realistic. Along with the anger and often at the same time, I am sad and cry. I know anger and tears are not going to fix the issues, but I am working through the emotions at hand. No matter how hard I try to let go of my anger, I still think it is insensitive, selfish, and evil to do layoffs a couple of weeks away from Christmas.

I am trying to continue reminding myself that everything in life happens for a reason and there is something out there waiting for me that is better than the job I had. Of course, with the issues with COVID, I must find a job working from home. I cannot work in an office setting due to my immune system, so that might be a challenge. There was one good thing that came because of COVID and that is many companies are doing remote work because they realized with some industries, work can be done as easily at home as it is in an office and maybe even more effectively.

I was not going to write about my layoff because it is still so fresh in my mind and heart, but I wanted to share my story and hope it would help anyone else that goes through this type of situation. It is normal to go through many emotions when you lose a job, whether it be from a layoff or being fired. I want to tell y’all, any time one door closes another one opens and what is behind that door might be better and make you even happier. It is so important to know how much you are worth and how valuable you truly are!

Thank you for taking the time to visit my site today. I have learned a valuable lesson from this experience and that is no matter how much you think you can trust a supervisor, you cannot because at the end of the day it is just business. I would love the chance to read your comments about this terrible experience and I promise to respond to all comments as quickly as I can. Please never forget that I am always sending y’all LOTS of love, comfort, support, and MANY positive vibes!

Always, Alyssa

Ways to hunt for a job!

Posted on November 21, 2019 by Positively Alyssa

Whether you are searching for a new job because you are miserable with your current job or you want to explore new jobs opportunities that sound interesting, it still isn’t easy. It can get very overwhelming and downright stressful, so you want to take things slowly and not rush yourself. I suggest making a list of the jobs and companies you have interest in. I find it easier when I have a check list because it keeps everything organized and makes it easier to remember which positions you applied for. In this post I am going to share a few strategies for searching for a new job that might be helpful for you!

Online job search:

This will allow you to search on your own time and in the comfort of your home. Typing keywords or positions into your search engine provides you with positions that fall within the area you desire. The most common job search websites are: Indeed, ZipRecruiter, LinkendIn and Glassdoor. It is very important to have an updated resume to submit and a cover letter that is directed to the position you are applying for.

Network & Referrals:

There are times when a company chooses to not post some positions, but instead asks their current employees for referrals. I honestly do not know why companies try this, but my guess would be it is because they trust their current employees and current employees know the personality type that would blend well with the company. At the same time, this could be a little unfair to applicants because they may be new to the area or they do not many people. This is just my personal opinion, but it kind of proves that in corporate America it isn’t what you know, it’s who you know. Candidates that might be may get turned down, even though they are very knowledgeable just because they do not know the right people and that is aggrieving.

3. Job Fairs:

Many companies partake in job fairs to find the best prospective employees. When a company has plans to attend a job fair, they will advertise the event locally to reach as many job seekers as they can. When going to a job fair make sure you have your most current resume with you and a cover letter customized to the position/positions you are applying for.

To stand out even more than other applicants, you could create your own business cards. The important information you should include on your business cards are:

Full legal name
Phone number
Email address
LinkedIn site information

Other important information you should know when attending a job fair is:

Wear your “Power Outfit” that not only shows professionalism, but will add to your confidence.
Create a list of questions to ask the recruiter. Preparing your list of questions will show how deep your interests are for the position. When the recruiter or hiring manager sees that you took the time to write down you list of questions, it will increase your chances of being remembered over the other applicants.
Practice your personal pitch several times prior to the job fair. This is your time to show your excellent communication skills and personality. It is important to make eye contact with the individual you meet with.
ALWAYS send a thank you email to those you spoke with the same day. FOLLOW UP with the people you spoke with at the job fair three days after the event as well. This is an easy, direct, and personable email that can make a huge difference with getting an offer!

4. Company’s Website:

Take the time to make a list of companies you are interested in working for. Once you have completed your list of potential employers, visit the company’s website and search for open positions that only show on the company website. You can utilize the company’s website to identify contacts that might be beneficial to your needs. You might be able to find contacts that are in the same department as the position you want to apply for. Once you have useful names, email addresses, or phone numbers try to connect with these individuals.

5. Social Media Channels:

LinkedIn has become the social media site for professionals. LinkedIn can be used to connect with people all around the world that work for companies you wish to work for or just in the same type of work you are interested in.

Most companies also use this site to post available job openings. Individuals with experience may receive recruitment because a recruiter saw their resume and thinks they might be a good fit for a position available.

IMPORTANT TIPS when using social media platforms to find a job:

Always use your real name
Use only professional images
Audit your accounts and remove any posts that may be viewed as inappropriate or unprofessional
Delete profiles on websites you are no longer using
Brand yourself and be consistent on all platforms
Include who you are, what you do, and what your career plans on for the future

Finding your dream job or at least a job you will enjoy can be very challenging and extremely frustrating. At the same time it is important to stay persistent and positive. I say this because it is easy to get discouraged when you are not getting the responses you want. You might need to get a little creative with the search and use a variety of ways. For instances, you could use an online search engines with networking and the company’s website for the perfect combination. You could actually combine all of the strategies I shared together and it might work for you.

Thank you for stopping by my site today! I hope you found this post useful and it will help you if you are searching for a job. I have been on several interviews and it is exhausting, but it takes effort for change to happen. I do look forward to reading your thoughts on this and if you have any other ways to search for a new job. Please never forget that I am always sending y’all LOTS of love , comfort, and many positive vibes!

Always, Alyssa

Positive Ways to Job Search!

Posted on March 6, 2019 by Positively Alyssa

It is almost a little funny that of all people I am writing this post about job searching. Truthfully, I do not know if I am causing myself stress or if subconsciously stress is making me feel awful, but something is definitely going on. What I can say is I am going to make changes and actually listen to my own advice for once in my life!

Obviously looking for a new job can be a little stressful and quite exhausting, but that is only if we let it (which I tend to do). All of us are in complete control of our reactions to all situations, but this can be easy to forget.

Y’all already know before my husband and I relocated I searched endlessly for a job because I knew insurance was a MUST for me. Living in the United States, insurance is very costly, but at the same time needed because doctor’s appointments and medication is crazy expensive either way. I made this situation extremely stressful for no reason at all and it didn’t help matters. The right job was going to happen or it wasn’t going to and NO amount of stress was going to change the outcome.

As y’all know once again I am back in the job search situation. This time around was very much unexpected and caused me massive fear for a week or so, okay so I do still have the feeling of fear but I think it’s just getting a little better. It isn’t necessarily the finding a job part that worries me, it’s living with a chronic illness without insurance that terrifies me. I do know that getting overly upset won’t help me find a job any faster, but will end up causing me health issues I can’t afford at the moment.

I would like to share with y’all my new approach to job hunting with the least amount of stress humanly possible. Hopefully I can stick with this though! This is just my opinion and has so far been helping me! Y’all might have a different approach that has worked for you and if you do, please share this with me. I really can use all the help I can get!!

The steps I am taking are as followed:

I think this is the most important step to job searching with least amount of stress.

Take a deep breath and relax. If the job search was unexpected, as it was for me, it can be very emotional and time does ease the pain. Letting our emotions get in the way will only hinder success.

Think about what job interests you and pursue it!

It is important to decide if you want to take this opportunity to make a career change or if you enjoyed what you had been doing and want to stay in that field. Take time with this decision because rushing into something can have you making unnecessary mistakes.

Update your resume!

Take time to review your current resume and modify when necessary. You might want to add new accomplishments or skills or you might want to add additional education you received. Now it the perfect time to do this!

Create a cover letter.

Your cover letter needs to basically introduce and sell yourself to a potential employer. This should also be modified for each position you apply for, so you can base the content on skills required for the new job.

Start your search!

Take time and utilize job search websites like Indeed, Linkedin, CareerBuilder, job.com and simplyhired.com. Honestly, even though there are many websites dedicated to people searching for a job, I am only way too familiar with Indeed and Linkendin. On the ones I have been on a lot, you can sign up to be email jobs that might be what you are looking for.

You may have noticed something common in each step and that is take time! Taking your time is only so you can find what you are looking for because the job you want is out there! After going through all these steps, all you can do is wait for a phone call or an email. I think waiting is the absolute hardest thing to do because I always want immediate results. Definitely apply for numerous jobs because putting all your eggs in one basket is never beneficial. In time, you will get a call for an interview and at that point just be yourself! After any interview I go on, I always send a thank you email to the person I interviewed with, they seem to like that! It sets a good imagine and they will remember you when they are making their final decision.

Thank you for visiting today and I do hope this was helpful information. Of course I am looking forward to your responses and I am sure you have great ideas about looking for jobs with low stress! I hope your week is going well so far and definitely hope you are feeling well. Please never forget that I am always sending y’all LOTS of love , comfort and many positive vibes!