Relevant References

Every so often I apply for a job—or I should say I consider applying for a job. It's not about the money. Instead, I need the psychological benefits of working—a sense of satisfaction, achievement, challenge, and community. I want more of this in my life.

Often I'll complete an application. Perhaps write a cover letter. But when it comes to naming references, I get stuck, and usually stop. It's one thing to apply for a job that I think I'd really enjoy. It's another to have my high-ranking professional contacts learn I want to be a staff assistant when I've been an assistant academic dean. What will they think?

I recently faced this question when considering a part-time student success and development position at a local university. This job fits me well. I'm a natural cheerleader and encourager. I love helping students reach their academic and life goals. And so I submitted my resume and cover letter. But when I saw the third requirement—references—I stopped. That is until I asked, “Why not?” Maybe I won't get this job, but by having relevant references, I'll be prepared for something in the future. I'm living from a place of expectancy, and that feels really good.

Now is the perfect time to shift your focus from resume building to lifestyle building. Whereas before you might have accepted a job because it looks good on your resume, now you can accept a job because it's what you want to do. Before you might have rejected a position because it was “below” you. Now you can do a job, regardless of the perceived status. You have already proven your professional self.

This shift might also require a change in beliefs about financial compensation. For many jobs, we won't make our top earnings. We need to make peace with the pay. Instead of viewing a paycheck as compensation, view the satisfaction from work as compensation. You can't place a dollar amount on a job that pays happiness dividends.

So get your reference list up to date. Keep it relevant and live from a place of expectancy. Be ready for what good things may come into your life.

Copyright 2019. Patrice Jenkins. All Rights Reserved.