Kara Jephson’s Post

First and foremost, I want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has reached out with support, encouragement, and advice. It has made a world of difference. I’m doing my best to connect with each of you, so if I haven’t yet, I appreciate your patience—I’m working on it this week. As I navigate this transition, I’ve realized how important it is to approach it with the right mindset. This is a challenging time, no doubt, but it’s also an opportunity to reflect and grow. I’ve been in the fitness industry since 2009, competing in triathlons, CrossFit, and bodybuilding—each of these has taught me the power of resilience and adaptability. Now, I’m applying those lessons to my job search. I want to share some of the strategies that are helping me move forward. I know everyone’s journey will look different, but perhaps my approach can offer some insight or even just a bit of comfort. I’ll be posting these tips every few days, hoping they resonate with others in similar situations. Tip #1: Give yourself some grace. This process is mentally and emotionally demanding—updating resumes, researching companies, networking, all while managing finances and life’s uncertainties. It’s okay not to have everything figured out in the first week. Take it one step at a time. I’d love to hear how others are managing this process. Let’s support each other and share what’s working! #opentowork

Life is not fair! That was the statement from my friend. I asked, why did he say so? It's been 5 years since he wanted to work in a particular company, and when he finally showed up for the interview, he lost it! Because he was ill-prepared. More often than not, we have great desires for opportunities that we are not preparing for, and when they eventually show up, we often miss them because they're dressed in overalls that look like work. Convenience is a trap! Not all stretches are stress. Don't lose the gain of tomorrow for the pain of today. Overnight success is a myth; the only thing that grows overnight is duckweed. Capacity building is the collateral for success. A good CV with a poor interview will still be equal to no job. Not everything is village people. We live in a generation with much excitement but little commitment. Hard work is the currency for success. Don't just admire people's prize, understand their price, too. And let me tell you about toxic workplaces in my day and age. Anything that dares to ask for more than the barest minimum is labeled mental stress. Don't get too comfortable with handouts. "Easy life" might seem like a dream, but it's not always the golden ticket to success. Sometimes, you need to take a leap into the unknown, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone. Routine may offer stability, but it can also mask growth. The projects that seem too daunting might be the very entrance to your career breakthroughs. Don't run away from challenges! Sometimes, taking a pay cut in a new career lane might be the next action to your next big ticket. As tempting as comfort may seem, it's a place where dreams often go to die. Your career is a journey, not a destination, and growth happens when you push beyond the boundaries of familiarity. Embrace discomfort, seek new challenges, and watch as your career transforms into a fulfilling adventure. After all, the magic often happens outside our pillow. I am Temitayo, Let's connect ! #linkedincontents #newjobs #opentowork #motivation #careertip

Pro-tip: Taking time off to focus on yourself can lead to incredible opportunities. 🌟 These simple experiments of self-discovery allowed me to truly find what I'm passionate about. 🌿🌞📚 Here is one of my biggest learnings from this year: It's important to prioritize your own well-being and happiness. 🌺 Inside, being intentional about your next career move is crucial for long-term success. 🚀 Being selective in your job search can lead to finding the perfect fit for your skills and interests. 💼 Earlier this year, I made the decision to invest in myself and my future. 🌟 This might be the hottest time to explore new opportunities and see where your passions can take you. 🔥 1. Take the time to truly understand what makes you happy and fulfilled. 🌈 2. Leverage your network to explore different career paths and industries. 🌐 3. Be picky about where you invest your time and energy. 💪 4. Surround yourself with people who genuinely care about your success. 🤝 5. Trust the process and have faith that the right opportunity will come your way. 🙏 Remember, you deserve to find a career that brings you joy and fulfillment. Keep pushing forward and never settle for anything less than you deserve. 💫 #careeradvice #selfcare #opportunityawaits #opentowork

The past few weeks have been quite a journey of self-discovery and emotional resilience. Job searching has felt like an emotional rollercoaster—filled with high hopes and low doubts. I've found a lot of strength in staying engaged and productive. Being a mom of three teenagers keeps me busy, but I've also been taking the time to invest in my personal growth. Recently, I've started Jennie Allen's "Get Out of Your Head," a book that is reminding me of the power we hold over our thoughts. It's taught me that the lens we view our circumstances is a choice, and I am now choosing hope, optimism and self-worth. Every situation, serves a purpose. Maybe this is the nudge I needed to step out of my comfort zone and move closer to realizing my full potential. Or maybe it's just one of life’s challenging moments that we all encounter. Regardless, I am going to remain hopeful and positive. Taking breaks from the overwhelming job hunt to focus on personal well-being has been key for me. I am confident that the right opportunity is out there, and I'm excited for what lies ahead. I have the skills and experiences, and a great desire to contribute to a team. I can't wait to find the role with a company where I will thrive and grow, whether it's for the long haul or as a stepping stone to the next big thing. I know there are many on this same path. Trust in your journey and in the timing of your life. Our worth is not defined by our employment status. Be resilient and stay positive! Cheers! #opentowork #selfdiscovery

“Every cloud has a silver lining.” It’s been some time now since I resigned from my job in search of better opportunities. While I haven't yet found that next step in my career, this period has been a mix of challenges and unexpected blessings. I've applied for countless positions and attended several interviews, but the right fit still eludes me. Despite this, I haven't lost hope. What has kept me going are the positive aspects that have emerged during this period — most notably, the gift of time. I've had the chance to reconnect with my family and loved ones, something that was often neglected in the hustle of daily work routines. This time has been invaluable, filled with moments of laughter, support, and togetherness. Moreover, I've used this period to invest in myself. I've upskilled, learning new tools and technologies that will undoubtedly benefit my career in the long run. This journey of self-improvement has been incredibly fulfilling, and it has reminded me that growth can occur even in the midst of uncertainty. The reason I'm sharing this on LinkedIn is to convey a simple truth: while the search for a new job continues, I've found purpose and happiness in the journey itself. I now realize that happiness isn't solely dependent on our professional achievements. It's something we can cultivate within ourselves through our actions and mindset. I'm optimistic about the future and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead. For anyone going through a similar experience, remember that it's okay to pause, reflect, and find happiness in the present moment. Thank you for reading, and I wish everyone the best in their own journeys. #opentowork #supplychainmanagement #operationsmanagement #UAE #JobSearch #StayPositive

Post-Blue Monday thoughts, navigating the career hunt demands resilience. Networking remains pivotal; connections often open doors that applications cannot. Volunteering can aid with this, as you mix with different people from your normal groups. Staying positive is a catalyst for success; optimism fuels determination. Embrace continuous self-development; acquiring new skills enhances marketability and can open doors to new worlds. The search is a journey, not a race; patience yields quality opportunities. Even if at times our patience can get stretched. Remember, setbacks are setups for comebacks, and who doesn’t love a comeback story; keeping a positive mindset attracts favorable outcomes. In this quest, each interaction and skill learned propels you toward a fulfilling career. #opentowork #newcareeropportunities #newopportunities #newbeginings #CareerAdvice #JobSearch #Resilience #ContinuousLearning #Networking #PositiveMindset

🌟 Staying Positive in Busy Times 🌟 In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and pressured. Remember, everyone is navigating their own challenges and pursuing their own goals. Whether you're currently working a job with a modest salary or in between positions, it's important to stay patient and persistent. If you're working a job that doesn’t quite meet your aspirations right now, know that every experience is a stepping stone toward something greater. Your hard work and dedication will not go unnoticed, and opportunities will arise as long as you continue to push forward. For those who are currently jobless, remember that every setback is a setup for a comeback. Your next opportunity is just around the corner, and the skills and resilience you’re building now will be invaluable. Keep believing in yourself, stay focused, and trust that your efforts will lead to success. 🌟 #CareerGrowth #StayPositive #Persistence #JobSearch #CareerAdvice

I'm not SORRY for what I'm about to say! Because over-apologizing was so 2023, let's focus on celebrating growth and resilience! 🚀 A moment of self-pride: navigating the job search journey with resilience. And no, the sky hasn't fallen—yet! 🤣 A year ago, I would criticize myself for not having everything figured out. 🚨⏰Newsflash 🤫: none of us do, and that's perfectly okay! You are putting in SO much work; sometimes we confuse 'improvements' with 'not good enough.' Sound familiar?! Pause ⛔ and reflect 🤔: Identify two aspects of your job search journey that you are proud of! For me, it's about embracing assertiveness and stepping out of my comfort zone. Recently, I  reached out to multiple contacts at my dream company—a move I wouldn't have made before. Fear of being a bother? Relatable, right?🤷♀️ Discovering the magic of lasting connections: being genuine and vulnerable. It's a magnet for human connection, a fundamental need! In the past, I'd apologize for reaching out multiple times, fearing it was too much. But it's 2024—no apologies. I'm enthusiastically ready for opportunities! How often do you catch yourself apologizing out of habit?  Share your thoughts in the comments—I'm sure I'm not alone! #jobseekers #jobsearch #selfimprovement #opentowork #openfornewopportunities

Last week my career coach, Michael Powell, shared a game changing question to guide me in being decisive on my job search - “All the paths will get you to the job that’s meant for you. Which one FEELS better?”    Indecision had been my #1 enemy for a better part of my life and I used to think the only way to “get things done” was to cage up the neurotic, obsessive, overthinking inner child that learned to cope with choice overload by freezing.     But, rejecting her creates an inner energetic drain due to inner tension because parts of me are working against themselves.     There is a more energizing & joyful way to make moves - working with her.     The freeze came from the pressure of making the RIGHT choice, which originates in socially conditioned scarcity. Perfectionism driven by the misconception that there is only one or very few paths that lead to landing a job.     Abundance mindset reminds me that there are many. My own life experiences and the success stories of those around me reminds me that there are SO many paths to success.     I utilize this question to guide me back to my intuition. I view intuition as my own personalized navigation system gifted to me by the Universe.     Intuition is crisp, clear and usually far ahead of any other information I have used to guide my decisions in the past (read: other people’s opinions)    Now, learning how to trust my intuition in an environment that’s disconnected me from it? I’ll save that for another post. 😉    I am deeply grateful for all those who have supported me and all that I am learning on this beautiful journey thus far. If anyone would like to chat, endorse me, provide a referral or pass along an open opportunity, all those would be greatly appreciated!     #opentowork #jobsearch #hrcommunity #hrcareers #transitionalcoach #somaticcoach #intuition  

Morning and welcome to monday, make sure you embrace the new week with optimism :-) Planning a job hunt can feel like a daunting never ending task, but remember, every step forward is progress. If you can find courses that interest you and could also lead to opportunity make sure to take that first step. Cultivate resilience, turning challenges into opportunities. Connect with your inner strength, and let it guide you through uncertainties. Running is my go to for this, for me nothing shows me my inner strength more than this, getting those PB's etc Networking is not just about meeting people; it's about building meaningful connections. Anyone who views my profile, I either try to connect with and or send a message thanking them for taking the time to look. Also if you can find out who the hiring manager is, its great to reach out and start building that rapport :-) Every journey is unique, and each experience is a stepping stone to success. Stay positive, stay focused, and watch for the success that you deserve. Happy Monday :-) 🌈 #MondayMotivation #JobHunt #Resilience #Networking #PositiveVibesOnly #opentowork #recruiters #newopportunities