Dear ,
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Welcome to Issue 273. The mission of "Marvelous Mondays" is to offer an inspirational thought, a practical exercise, some humor, or a simple tip to jump-start your week and to enhance your life, business, outlook or relationships.
Please feel free to forward "Marvelous Mondays" to others who will enjoy it.
Did you miss a previous issue? Click here to view an Archive.
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INTRODUCING KEVIN FORWARD
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It is my pleasure to introduce my long time friend, Kevin Forward who lives in Milwaukee. I greatly admire him and thank him for sharing his story with all of us.
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KEVIN FORWARD TELLS HIS CAREER STORIES-STUCK IN THE BOX
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I am grateful for the opportunity to share my story. My name is Kevin Forward. In 1993 I graduated from Marquette University. What a relief! Academics had been very challenging for me, especially mathematics and science. I did find aptitude in social psychology, so I majored in that but couldn't find a job in that field. The only company that took a chance on me was a software company, where I discovered I had talents for software and creativity. I was reasonably happy. However, all that changed when venture capitalists acquired our company. My creative ideas were constantly rejected. I was stifled and later terminated.
I then found employment with a large financial firm where I created new ideas for the company. Again my creative talents were not valued or even recognized and I was terminated. I felt stuck in a box.
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KEVIN AT THE CROSSROADS-MY LIFE'S PURPOSE
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I had no job, no career aspirations, and no one who valued my talents. The economy was bad; I couldn't get any interviews; and I had no money. I was very discouraged. I was also engaged to a wonderful woman, Natalie, who loved me very much but was justifiably fearful about the economy and my ability to find work. She might have even questioned whether it was the time to marry me.
This was the most stressful time of my life. I desperately needed a job and I wanted to marry Natalie and start a family. This meant responsibilities for me and that was a great motivator. I had persevered through college and unfulfilling careers. Could I persevere once again?
I began to seriously reflect on my mission in life and my real purpose. I dug hard for the answers and they didn't come easily. I had to find a career that captured the person I wanted to be. I believed at that time it that it would exclude math and science, my old nemeses.
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NEXT WEEK I WILL SHARE "THE REST OF THE STORY"
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EXERCISE:
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This week I invite you to reflect on the following:
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Consider whether you have stayed in a career that does not really satisfy you?
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Where in your life do you persevere or do you need more perseverance?
I regularly coach persons who are at a crossroads or questioning their careers. I would be happy to listen and assist you. I have the experience. Invest in yourself. You are worth it! Just pick up the phone.
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