DALE: Today’s adventure in job searching comes from Carol of Baton Rouge, who describes herself as as “one of the lucky ones.” Here’s her summary of what transpired…

My employer decided he wanted someone with more “credentials.” He was a jerk who could barely pay his bills. My check bounced a few times. He was impossible.

This new job fell into my lap – I know this sounds new agey, but I think it was karma. I had put the word out on the street that I was looking. I soon had two interviews. Both guys I interviewed with offered on the same day. This job felt right and has been a perfect fit. I found it in three days even knowing Baton Rouge after Hurricane Katrina has been a tough market for support staff.

JT: And we need to make sure to include Carroll’s description of the change in her life going from an awful job to a great one. This is so uplifting…

I got severely burned in the corporate law business, but am now the most fortunate legal support person on the planet. Don’t get me wrong — I do everything here; I am a one-woman office. I answer the phone, do billing, am a paralegal, legal secretary, toilet scrubber – you name it. But I‘m 47 years old and for the first time in my life I don’t hate going to work. These guys respect me. I work for two of the fairest, best attorneys I’ve ever met. They look out for me and I look out for them. They restored hope to me.

Always continue to preach hope in your column. The market is tough but so much is serendipity. One has to put the word out and find what they enjoy.

WHAT’S THE GEM WE CAN CARRY AWAY FROM THIS STORY?

DALE: Maybe it was karma. I’ve often pointed out that it can be harder to leave a bad job than a good one – your self-esteem is beaten down and you have little freedom. But, if you are good at what you do, and don’t give in to the logic of doing a lousy job because you have a lousy job, people will want to help you.

JT: I don’t know how long Carroll suffered with her old job, but it was too long — especially now that she knows she could have a great job in just three days. The lesson here is to not be afraid to ask for help.

DALE: Carol urged us to preach hope, and asking for help is a way of reaffirming hope – you continue to believe that there is a great job out there waiting for you. Sitting where JT and I do, hearing stories from all over the job market, we know it’s true: THERE’S A GREAT JOB WAITING FOR YOU!

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We’d love to hear YOUR success story – please visit jtanddale.com and learn how you can help and inspire those looking for a great new job.

Jeanine “J.T.” Tanner O’Donnell is a professional development specialist and founder of the consulting firm, jtodonnell.com. Her new book is Careeralism:The Smart Approach to a Satisfying Career.

Dale Dauten’s latest book is (GREAT) EMPLOYEES ONLY: How Gifted Bosses Hire and De-Hire Their Way to Success.

2008 by JT O’Donnell and Dale Dauten