The Changing of the Calendar...

Is it possible that I went a month without writing? How is that?!!

A quick note for readers- Capital Chapter will be hosting our Third Annual Holiday Gathering at Union Station this Friday, December 12, 2008 at 6pm -? Be sure to look for us at the Center Cafe... we'll the extraordinarily boisterous crowd.

Naturally, everyone starts to squeeze as much in as possible before the end of the year.. certainly those of us working in the field of accounting or auditing, accounts payables and receivables know that this time of year is frenetic. I've written about it in previous posts.

However, I have always enjoyed the chance to take a step back and review the year as it unfolded, not just the chapter program year, but reflect on how the year has moved along on a more personal level. Nothing slows down.. not really. And, the phrase -"the only thing constant, is change-" is so apt.

I usually take a couple of hours on a Saturday morning with a good friend.. once or twice a month to take stock of what's going on.. and where I am off the tracks. It has become such a valuable tool for me, away from family and the office. Now that I'm officially one of the many looking for employment, I can better appreciate the challenges I faced in the workplace during this past year. I can view it as preparation for the next move...next challenge.. next success.

Interviewing has changed, too. The recruiters are almost always younger than I am, and have a fresher approach/less cynical approach to the workplace and employment options. Honestly, I didn't think I had become less enthusiastic, but my interviews are proving otherwise. I am realizing that this one month long break from employment has been something I needed, even if I didn't want it. I know for sure that my daughter is much happier not being constantly hurried, rushed and pestered in the morning to get out the door. I know I have not really missed the adventures of various Metro line delays. I do miss my peers and I do miss learning. For me, being in the workforce full-time is equivalent to being at class everyday. Some days, the class and instructor are so boring.. and other days it is a pop-quiz worth 60% of my grade!

What do you do at the end of the year? Do you follow the tradition of creating resolutions for the new year? Do you set goals? I don't usually set resolutions, but I do aim for achieving some goals.

One of my goals this year, professionally, is to get enrolled in a Spanish course. As admins, we really need to pick up this language to remain competitive in the workforce. I have been participating in Toastmasters, so I really want to continue dedicating time to improving in that arena. Most importantly, I want to get hired in a firm that values professional administrative staff, and that pays competitively.

As the calendar flips from December to January; the administrations and machinations of Washington, D.C., begin to transition; and the second half of our program year rolls into play with our Executives' breakfast-- let's look at all the great things we have accomplished together and individually in 2008. To paraphrase T.I., - " We can accomplish whatever we like..."

To all of you, the very best for the holiday season.. Many blessings to you and yours..

Long Time --- No Post--- I'm Baaaaaaack

Hi, Everyone.

Just a quick thank you for your patience while I was busy earning a living and paying bills, instead of sitting down at night to write for the chapter.

I hope everyone is doing well. With this economy, it can be quite scary to know either someone that has lost their position, or like yours truly, had to leave their company because the company was moving to a location far from DC where the rent is cheaper in order to remain economically competitive.

There are some great things about DC to keep in mind:

1) We'll have a new administration starting January. Stand by for many federal job postings to come around and different firms that require additional administrative staff to help with proposals for the new leadership.

2) DC is one of the most recession proof cities in the country. Be sure to keep your skill set strong and try new software. Keep a positive attitude. As the saying goes, the more things change, the more things in DC stay the same! That definitely applies to administrative staff.

3) So many industries here.. Associations, lobbying firms, legal firms, consulting firms, hotels, meetings industry, sports teams..etc.. music, theatres etc.

I'll be sending out a letter to the chapter members this weekend with a chapter update. Feel free to contact the board anytime. Thanks again.- KMK Foley