Transition

DC Department IG Employment Services – Community Conversations

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Last night I had the pleasure of attending the Community Conversations for Wards 4, 5, and 6 hosted by the DC Department of Employment Services (DOES). Dr. Unique Morris-Hughes, the Interim Director of the DOES, provided the community residents an overview of the programs offered by DOES. Programs highlighted included: American Job Centers; Back to Work 50+; DC Infrastructure Academy; Learn, Earn, Advance, Prosper (LEAP); Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP); In-School-Program; Out-of-School-Program; and The Pathways for Young Adults Program (PYAP). One immediate observation is the major need to provide services for transitioning adults 30+ seeking career opportunities after unemployment for prolonged periods.

To learn more about the many great employment and training resources offered by the DOES visit here: https://does.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/does/page_content/attachments/DOES_Program_Guide_Web.pdf



How to Live a Joyful Life

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For a long time I was stuck in a rut. Just existing. Living life but not truly living my best life. One of my mentors pointed out to me that I accomplished so much, but what is my goal? What do I want at this moment in my personal and professional life? She challenged me to figure out my “why” and connect biweekly with senior leaders, influencers, key stakeholders, and those that inspire me to create a powerful network.

The lightbulb clicked after talking with my mentor. I immediately took ownership of my life and my joy. After a long period of darkness (grief, sadness, anger, isolation, and denial), I finally found light. I became unstuck. Not solely through a clinical therapist but through traditional Chinese Medicine and Accupuncture. The accupuncture improved my mood by correcting the imbalance of energy in my body. I also found a Life Coach. My Life Coach helped me to identify my source of happiness: the little uninhibited girl inside of me. That little girl has no fear, she’s joyful, loves to have fun and travel.

Through the encouragement and support of my Life Coach I started to practice self-care and to do what brings me joy: travel and creating memorable experiences.

• I’ve traveled to the Great Wolf Lodge with my Dad, Baby Brother and Cousins and had the time of my life at the indoor heated water park! Watching the kids play and enjoy themselves brought me joy.

• I saw Anita Baker LIVE at her farewell concert with my elementary school best friend and spent time with a dear Air Force Friend. This filled me with an indescribable joy.

• I traveled to Hawaii to see my Air Force Sister retire. It was joyful witnessing her ceremony and feeling all the love from friends and family. The beach and spending time with my Military family brought me immense joy that I haven’t experienced in a long time.

• Next week I’ll be traveling to New Orleans for the Essence Music Festival to enjoy great food, Sister Fellowship, Great Drinks, and of course listen to musical icons like Janet Jackson, Jill Scott, The Roots, Escape, Mary J. Blige and Fantasia. This brings me exponential joy.

You see I was spending time “accomplishing goals” but I wasn’t living in the moment. That was my “aha moment.” My mentor helped me to realize that my toolbox of accomplishments was not my source of joy. I needed to rediscover what brought me joy. Not every treatment or method of therapy is going to help everyone the same. I’m a big advocate of traditional therapy as needed, but also incorporating naturopathic treatments and seeking mentors and life coaches. For me healing is a collaborative effort. We are all unique. I will eventually seek a grief counselor as I’ve suffered tremendous loss in a short period of time. For now my methods of treatment have worked tremendously to improve my mood and quality of life. I’m living in the moment with joy.

Love,

Simply Ebony

Mastering Civility in the Workplace

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Moment of truth. My Civility in the workplace and in my personal relationships needs improvement. Based on feedback from my peers and management, I decided to take action to correct this gap. Today at WORK (yes I have a 9-5 lol), I’m taking a course on “Mastering Civility in the Workplace,” by Dr. Christine Porath. The Treasury Executive Institute offers great training AND Coaching for mid to senior government leaders in grades GS-14, GS-15, and the Senior Executive Service (SES). Just because we make the grade doesn’t mean we stop learning. My challenge to myself is to improve my Civility score over the next few months and work more on respecting others, being attentive, respecting people’s time, being inclusive, and giving more. There’s a lot of work to do!

If you want to find out your Civility score visit here: http://www.christineporath.com

Tips I was provided to improve:

• Use less Email and more Face-to-Face.

• Openly acknowledge the contributions of others.

• Respect others time and don’t keep people waiting unnecessarily.

• Stop talking down to others.

• Accept responsibility when I make mistakes.

• Stop spreading rumors and/or contributing to gossip.

• Avoid belittling others non-verbally.

• Stop shutting people out of my network.

• Pay more attention to others’ interest and opinions.

• Be a good listener.

• Stop insulting others.

• Show up on time to meetings.

• Don’t speak unkindly of others.

• Don’t interrupt others.

• Appreciate others’ efforts.

Employment Readiness Tips by Ebony Johnson

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Getting Started: To start inquire with your state sponsored employment services. For example in Maryland we have the Maryland DLLR that provides career training, résumé writing and review, career search help, college/trade programs and grants for unemployed workers to receive training. All of these services are free and state sponsored. Also, look up local non-profits that specialize in job readiness training.

Résumé writing: Every single one of you needs a résumé. Even if you are unemployed include activities such as volunteer work. Do not forget to include your credentials and experience such as college, certifications, and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access). Write the résumé to fit the job. If you possess those skills in the advertisement make sure it is highlighted on the résumé. Invest in résumé writing books or do a google search for resumes fitting your job skills.

Employment options: Consider owning your own business. Take free or low cost courses on starting your business via your state sponsored Small Business Association. Apply for positions via Temp Agencies. You earn income and this may land you a permanent job.

Job Fairs: Do a google search and look for job fairs in your area. Dress to impress and bring several resumes. Research the employers before you go and ask questions. The recruiters are there to hire but are also willing to answer any questions. Get names of the recruiters and submit your cover letters addressing them to the recruiters.

Career Resource Advisors: Colleges have career advisors and offer job search assistance for alumni students. Use them!

Social Media: Create a LinkedIn account. Join groups relevant to your career. This is one of the top recruitment tools. Ensure your profile is complete with your résumé and make it stand out with your skills. Chose a professional picture.

Networking: Carry business cards and be ready to hand them out to any and everyone. Include your name, contact info, LinkedIn profile, job title, and three or four billets of your skills. Attend networking events. Gather lots of references and ask everyone you meet if they know about any employment opportunities. Most companies offer recruitment incentives, it pays to ask friends/associates about job opportunities.

Job Search: Great sites include USAJobs, Indeed, Monster, Craigslist, and your State/City employment websites.

Are You a Stay at Home Parent Looking for a Job?

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#FriYAY: Parents are you seeking to enter back into the workforce? Did you know that you have the toughest job on the planet? Daily Skills: Management of the household, Budgeting, Financial Management, Shopping, Meal planning and preparation, Childcare, Scheduling, Advising, and Counseling. Let me help you translate those skills onto a resume so you can transition back into the workforce. The Success Creators provides free career readiness assistance. Like the “Success Creators” FaceBook Page for more career tips: https://m.facebook.com/LandYourDreamCareer/.

Find a Rewarding Career in Cybersecurity

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There is a shortage of cybersecurity talent and the demand for skilled professionals continues to grow. In 2016, there were 348,640 cybersecurity jobs left unfilled because organizations could not find talent with the right skill sets. To help fill the skills gap, the SANS Institute created the SANS CyberTalent Immersion Academy, an intensive, accelerated training program that provides SANS world class training and GIAC certifications to quickly and effectively launch careers in cybersecurity.

SANS CyberTalent Immersion Academies are 100% scholarship-based and no cost to participants. Academies are offered throughout the year in a variety of locations. There are several types of Immersion Academies.

For more information visit here:

https://www.sans.org/cybertalent/cybersecurity-career/seekers

The Day I Decided to End My Life

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I’ll never forget the day April 5, 2012 was the day I decided to end my life. I decided on this day to end my Air Force career. I was suffering from chronic health issues and was facing an uphill battle in the military with my First Sergeant. We were friends previously and she said to me: “I’ve never seen you this sick before.” At the time she was going out of her way to make my life miserable because she didn’t understand “why” I was constantly sick and in the hospital. I would ultimately undergo surgery for a Gall Bladder Removal, Appendix Removal, and an Uterine Myomectomy to remove Endometriosis and Fibroids. If you have experienced any of these at one time imagine suffering through it in the course of a year. I was tired and felt like my body was failing me. God had other plans for my life and sent the Chaplain to intervene when I wanted to give up on life. The Chaplain prayed over me and immediately I felt a sense of relief. Chaplain Burrell saved my life.

By July 2012 I opted to separate from the Air Force and start a new life. I had no idea what was in store. But God! I landed by first job post-Air Force after my first interview. The job doubled my Air Force salary. Since then I served as a political consultant on multiple campaigns, established a non-profit and for-profit business, and landed a highly coveted government position.

You can’t tell me GOD is not real HE intervened when I thought it would be best to end it all. I’m forever grateful to Chaplain Burrell for being called by God to pray over me. In that moment he transformed my spirit. I share this not to play victim or for sympathy but to give HOPE to others who may be in a dark place. Don’t give up. Keep pushing. God may close many doors in your life. It’s not the end it’s the beginning of a new journey. Move forward. Trust God.

~Love, Simply Ebony