Here’s a great example of turning a lifelong passion into a successful business. Notice how the founder, Rita Goldberg, not only identified a need (kids learning to swim) but also enhanced the way in which the need is filled by adding to the skills delivered (learning to swim + safety skills). It’s a creative approach that adds value for the people she serves and it’s smart business, too.
How can you use your passion to fill a need?
“The secret of achievement is to hold a picture of a successful outcome in the mind.” Henry David Thoreau
Today’s question comes from a member of our community who participated in a recent Community Call, and is answered by Laura Berman Fortgang.
Question:
My position as a Benefits Manager and HR generalist was eliminated last year. When I’m on an interview, I need a 
better way to answer the question: What have you done in the last year? The caller then described some of the positions for which she had interviewed, yet did not convey enthusiasm for them.
Answer:
My immediate gut reaction is it sounds as if you don’t want a job in this field. I get that you need money and it’s the path of least resistance. In a new field there might be an initial salary reduction but with growth potential. You might like to take a look at the life story exercise in Chapter 4 of Now What?®. Interpreting your life story will help you pick up on themes and generate ideas about future roles to explore.
In terms of how to respond to interviewers who ask what you’ve done since becoming unemployed, the most important thing is to show that you’ve been using the time prudently, whether that includes researching certain fields or learning something new. Focus on the positive and on how you’ve been productive with the time.
Here’s a handy list of job search engines and other job sites that may be helpful in your quest.
“Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.” Norman Vincent Peale
Today’s question comes from a member of our community in Washington, DC who participated in a recent Community Call, and is answered by Laura.
Question:
During the last few months, I’ve been doing some soul searching. Since graduating law school three years ago and
working as an attorney, I realize that I’m not sure I want to continue in this field. Because I haven’t been at it that long, I figure if I’m going to make a change it’s a good time to do it. I have a couple of ideas and am researching them. How do you know when you’ve found the right field? When I consider options, am I turning away because I know it in my gut or out of fear? Sometimes, I’m interested in an option but I think to myself: Am I really going to throw this away?
Answer:
Good for you, that you’ve been researching options proactively. The sheer process of elimination will help. It’s important to be able to tell the difference between fear and “this isn’t right for me”. When I hear people say, “Am I really going to throw this away?” I know it’s about fear. You’ve invested a lot of time and money into your legal career — be assured that none of it will be a waste. From your description of the options you’re investigating (combining law and international education), it sounds like you haven’t yet exhausted the possibilities.
Check out Chapter 2 in Now What?®, to help you see what you’re taking with you as you move from this role to the next. And Chapter 7 will help you get specific with your values and needs so that you can starting matching them to the different careers you’re evaluating. Don’t give up! You’re doing all the right things and asking the right questions.