My What's Next (...75)

A good read for anybody who's been laid off is Rob Pergoraro's blog, specifically his first post "Departure" about being let go from The Washington Post. He was the consumer technology columnist at the newspaper and left after 17 years.  He shares his thoughts on what he's grateful to have more time for now that he's unemployed.  I identify most with this line from his blog post:  "The kitchen has a stack of recipes overdue for me to try, while the rest of the house hides a long list of deferred-maintenance chores."  Another post, "What's Next?" discusses what other former columnists have moved on to in their careers and what he's contemplating now.  In this post I appreciate his list of what he would like his next job to include and why.  That's a good place for anybody to start.  I've come up with a few things so far that I want in my next job:

• A collaborative and enthusiastic work environment where personal and professional growth is supported.  This reads like a line from an employee handbook but it's what I'm looking for in a work atmosphere.  I've heard start-up company environments can be like this because the staff is specifically interested in the company's goals and has closer involvement in the company's success.
• A business focused on something with which I can personally connect.  I can easily find something in almost any job that I could get interested in but I prefer to work for a company whose product or services holds significance for me, that I can't help but be enthusiastic about. 
• It should involve web technology and social media.  I took a class last year on web development, html, and css.  Taking that class exposed me to enough web technology to help me know that I want to learn more.  I'm also eager to work someplace where I can become more familiar with social media and how it is used in business marketing and sales.
• I wouldn't mind starting my own business.  This helps me fulfill bullet point #1 and #2.  A good start.  And I could try to incorporate any of my other interests:  the web, triathlon/fitness, meal sharing (see my other blog), to name a few.

As Rob says in his blog post, "I suppose that doesn’t narrow things down all that much."  This is hard work determining what's best for what's next.  What's the best way to go about this?  I'm dying for suggestions...

Workin' it out (...83)

12 mile run in Boston

Today I added the "Daily Mile" widget to my blog.  Once I joined dailymile.com, it's a simple click and the widget appears.  What a fun way to track my miles!

Since this blog is about finding satisfying work, I think it makes sense to take note of the things I firmly sink my teeth into on a regular basis.  My training is the first thing that comes to mind.  I'm a happy person if I can fit in a weekly swim, bike and run workout.  I'm even more delighted if I can train with friends and see cool sites.  An example:  This morning a 12 mile run with a friend took us through Boston, along the harbor, and back into the city.  It was a windy, arduous workout.  And invigorating!

Several things draw me to train: the health benefits, the fun of competition, and my friends.  But I think what stands out most is the experience of continuously improving on my fitness and skill.  In regards to training, slowly and steadily learning to master my sport is the only carrot I need. 

Can I find this type of experience in my next job?  I want to be in a workplace environment where my efforts are encouraged and my development as an employee is connected to the success of the company.  Too few times have I felt this was the case.  More often, I've been given the impression that sticking to the routine was valued more than trying to improve the routine.  It's the kind of experience that makes me want to go for a run.