Although I had no idea when the subprime mortgage problem surfaced in the summer of 2007 that it would lead to a global economic crisis, I was close enough to the news to know that when Bear Stearns collapsed, the rules of the game had changed.
I knew that something profound was happening and that if I were going to find a job in New York City, it would take a tremendous effort and a lot of luck. I also was keenly aware of the changes that had taken place in New York City since 9/11.
Before 9/11, when someone was having a tough time finding a job in the city or was determined to get their foot in the door at a specific company, they could go knocking on doors. They could show up at the main office, chat with the receptionist, camp out, market themselves to any executive they might meet and beg for a job until they were hired or escorted out the door.
Many people in New York City found employment that way as interns, assistants, apprentices or in the mail room. If someone had the skills and determination, they could work their way up.
Subsequent to 9/11, because of security considerations, it was nearly impossible to get inside an office building in New York City unless you were expected—and that is one of the main reasons I decided to hand out resumes on Park Avenue. It was no longer possible to go knocking on doors in the city. How else could I reach out in person to the people who worked at the companies where I wanted to work?
Much of my creative inspiration was due to a specific change that had taken place in the environment. I accepted that change and sensed I had to do something different.
When Cindy and I realized we had to leave our apartment, we did not get choked up or plot to stay until we were evicted. We sucked it up and got ready for change—as painful as it was.
Cindy moved to Omaha with the little ones, and I borrowed enough money to survive for a couple more months in the city while looking for a job and hosting my older children.
At the end of August, when I moved in with my sister’s family in Larchmont, I again adjusted to an entirely new environment.
From the day I was let go from Houlihan Lokey, my life was in constant flux—but I did my best to adjust accordingly.
Another significant change I made was to let Paloma Bowland—a professional career coach—into my life. I had not considered getting professional help on my own and had been called by many people who said they could help me or wanted to take advantage of my desperation, so when she called, I was as skeptical as could be.
Opening yourself to new people, especially when you are down and out, is not easy, but sometimes it can transform the course of your life. I thought I was open to change before I started working with Paloma, but she helped me change the very core of my approach to finding a job and managing my career, while helping me renew my self-esteem and bring out my true colors.
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