Let Your Past Be a Guide Post, Not a Hitching Post!
I first heard this quote from my good friend Will's presentation at the Merrickville Library. It's still one of my favourites.
Learn from your mistakes, but don't live in guilt or regret. Let go of the past and move on. Admit the errors of your ways, and put it up as experience. There are a thousand cliches to go along with this, so feel free to contribute.
Such as: You can never steal 2nd base, if you can't get your foot off of 1st base.
Thursday 1 September 2016
Post PRIME Depression?
Yesterday was August 31st and marked the final day of the most recent PRIME session. It's hard to believe we are half way through our Seventh year. This most recent group has been a great example of how the group dynamic can be so effective. As each client says their temporary "good-byes", and express their gratitude in their own way, I am reminded of how much each individual contributes to the success of the group. I try to deflect the thank you directed at me, but then begin to sound like Elvis, " No thank you, thank you, thank you very much".
Many of the participants are very perceptive to the needs of others and offer their assistance when it is needed. They develop good listening skills and provide great sounding boards for each other. Sometimes I think the best thing I can do is to just stay out of the way.
However, their presence alone is a significant contribution that very few recognize. Their participation and just being there, allows the clients to see that they are not alone. Many are guided by the belief that there is safety in numbers. When the clients begin the program they are a little uncertain of their direction but once they realize there are others in the same boat, the group quickly comes together to form friendships and good working relationships.
I am so appreciative of the fact that participants listen to what I have to say and actually try to incorporate some of our suggestions. Just like in the Parable of the Pencil, it says that from time to time we need to allow ourselves to be held by a higher hand. Not so much meaning someone in a higher position, but rather just to be receptive to advice and suggestions and be willing to consider another opinion.
So today I get to experience a little Post Prime Depression again. It is always sad to say good-bye, but I am always encouraged to think that they will have gained some valuable job searching skills and will soon experience their well-deserved success. Success usually comes slowly, very few experience that immediate return on their investment. I can only hope that the PRIMERS leave knowing they have taken a positive step toward their next goal. I have to trust that they have gained some Confidence in their own Competence, and their job searching will soon come to a successful and happy end.
Here's hoping you all will one day experience the joy and gratification that I have been blessed with, being able to deliver the PRIME program and getting to meet some wonderful individuals along the way.
Many of the participants are very perceptive to the needs of others and offer their assistance when it is needed. They develop good listening skills and provide great sounding boards for each other. Sometimes I think the best thing I can do is to just stay out of the way.
However, their presence alone is a significant contribution that very few recognize. Their participation and just being there, allows the clients to see that they are not alone. Many are guided by the belief that there is safety in numbers. When the clients begin the program they are a little uncertain of their direction but once they realize there are others in the same boat, the group quickly comes together to form friendships and good working relationships.
I am so appreciative of the fact that participants listen to what I have to say and actually try to incorporate some of our suggestions. Just like in the Parable of the Pencil, it says that from time to time we need to allow ourselves to be held by a higher hand. Not so much meaning someone in a higher position, but rather just to be receptive to advice and suggestions and be willing to consider another opinion.
So today I get to experience a little Post Prime Depression again. It is always sad to say good-bye, but I am always encouraged to think that they will have gained some valuable job searching skills and will soon experience their well-deserved success. Success usually comes slowly, very few experience that immediate return on their investment. I can only hope that the PRIMERS leave knowing they have taken a positive step toward their next goal. I have to trust that they have gained some Confidence in their own Competence, and their job searching will soon come to a successful and happy end.
Here's hoping you all will one day experience the joy and gratification that I have been blessed with, being able to deliver the PRIME program and getting to meet some wonderful individuals along the way.
Tuesday 23 August 2016
Newsletter update
Dear Friends of PRIME!
I can't believe it has been as long as it has since the last newsletter was published. Actually, I'm a little embarrassed to say how long, but as you know I haven't been sitting on my hands. I have actually been splitting my time between PRIME in Prescott and the Skills Link program for the Youth of Kemptville. I have gradually been building my employer contacts through my duties as Job Developer. This has been a rather time-consuming exercise, but well worth the effort.
So let me catch you up on the latest. We are currently at the tail end of Year 7, PRIME group 2. It's hard to believe that PRIME! has been in business for six and a half years. It has been a wonderful experience for me and extremely successful. However, the government seems to have gotten the seven-year itch, and they are planning on dismantling the program. We have been instructed to wind down the operation and to expect it to end on March 31, 2017. Having been through this threat of cancellation before, I am trying not to stress too much about it. For some reason or another, maybe blind faith, but I am confident that TIOW or some reasonable facsimile will carry on the support of the Older Worker. Afterall, we are the majority now.
My intention is to use this blog to carry on the communication between the many former PRIME clients and myself, as well as providing a medium for you as well to make comments and connect with your colleagues. One page of the blog will be highlighting a particular quote with some brief comment about it. There will be other pages to indicate the next session as well as the PRIME information sessions. Who knows where it will go from there? Maybe a segment on job opportunities, or labour market information or basically, "What's trending".
This is all new to me, so please be patient and please, please write back and let me know what you think.
Yours in PRIME!.....rod
I can't believe it has been as long as it has since the last newsletter was published. Actually, I'm a little embarrassed to say how long, but as you know I haven't been sitting on my hands. I have actually been splitting my time between PRIME in Prescott and the Skills Link program for the Youth of Kemptville. I have gradually been building my employer contacts through my duties as Job Developer. This has been a rather time-consuming exercise, but well worth the effort.
So let me catch you up on the latest. We are currently at the tail end of Year 7, PRIME group 2. It's hard to believe that PRIME! has been in business for six and a half years. It has been a wonderful experience for me and extremely successful. However, the government seems to have gotten the seven-year itch, and they are planning on dismantling the program. We have been instructed to wind down the operation and to expect it to end on March 31, 2017. Having been through this threat of cancellation before, I am trying not to stress too much about it. For some reason or another, maybe blind faith, but I am confident that TIOW or some reasonable facsimile will carry on the support of the Older Worker. Afterall, we are the majority now.
My intention is to use this blog to carry on the communication between the many former PRIME clients and myself, as well as providing a medium for you as well to make comments and connect with your colleagues. One page of the blog will be highlighting a particular quote with some brief comment about it. There will be other pages to indicate the next session as well as the PRIME information sessions. Who knows where it will go from there? Maybe a segment on job opportunities, or labour market information or basically, "What's trending".
This is all new to me, so please be patient and please, please write back and let me know what you think.
Yours in PRIME!.....rod
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