NICE Testimonial: The Silver Lining

I received an email from Eric Jacobson last week, and I thought it was inspiring so I wanted to share it here. It's no secret that times are tough in the U.S. right now. I consider myself lucky to have a (hopefully) stable job, but not everyone is so fortunate. Like my father, for instance, who lost his job months ago. It's easy to get sucked into a state of depression when put into a situation like that, but Eric made it a point to not allow that to happen to him. Here's how.

I'm writing to you today about myself, but am hoping that my actions might inspire others who are also unemployed. Because, despite the bad things associated with unemployment, I've discovered there can also be good.

I was part of a downsizing in February after having worked at the same company for nearly 27 years. Since February, in addition to looking for a new career opportunity, I've discovered it's a great time to be giving back to the community and to be helping others.

So, I'm filling my days:

• Delivering Meals On Wheels weekly to the elderly.
• Helping out at an organization called Cancer Action, which celebrates it 50th anniversary this year. Once a week I help organize their storage room where they store all kinds of supplies, nutritional supplements and other donated items that are provided to 4,500 individuals coping with cancer.
• Leading a walking group of seniors on a weeklly walk in different parks in the community.

Volunteering has been very rewarding and I'm determined to keep it up after I land my next job.

In addition, realizing I have a lot to share, based on my 30 years of a rewarding carreer, I've started a blog on "how to be an effective manager" that hopefully will be particularly helpful to professionals who are new to their management role.

And, I'm mentoring a woman in Arizona (long distance via e-mail and phone conversations from Overland Park, KS) who is launching an event planning business, helping her with her business plan and with marketing ideas.

So, volunteering, teaching and mentoring.

He took advantage of the extra time he now had in his schedule to help others less fortunate. I think Eric Jacobson deserves a virtual applause for positive attitude and eagerness to improve the world! Great work!

Do you have a NICE:Testimonial that you'd like to share? If so, click here to send me an email!