Social Capital

In order to expand my social capital, I'll have to tap into resources I wouldn't normally contact or utilize. My friends and family are already networks I currently use but if I really want to expand, I'm going to have to branch out. I could network with others in my class or at work, once I get that elusive job. :) Or, I could be more proactive with the wives or girlfriends of the men my boyfriend works with. Last week, I went to a Jewish benefit with Kurt's (my boyfriend) mom and I made some connections while I was there...now, that's networking! All of these connections will aid in my job search and research regarding my MBA. Networking benefits all parties involved. I may have some knowledge or experience my networks may not have and vice versa. Adding diversity to your networks ensures you have a wide variety of connections. When I worked in personnel I had many contacts and friends that worked in different agencies throughout the base. When they needed something or if I needed a favor, we would go to each other. If I couldn't help, I would refer them to one of my friends and they would do the same for me. Now that I am out of the Air Force, I still use these contacts. I look forward to building the same network base on the outside. It might take some time since I don't move as much anymore. :) But like Baker says in Achieving Success Through Social Capital, "individualism is a myth." (Baker, 2000, pg. 4) We must work together to achieve success!

Throughout life, the way we learn changes. When I was younger, I had that more individualistic mentality. I wanted to do everything on my own and I was always right. As I got older, I realized the things my parents had told me were in fact correct. I just had to learn them on my own...that was the only way I felt empowered or in control of my own life. Now, I don't mind talking through issues and learning from other's experiences. I will still venture out on my own but I cannot survive without the support of others throughout my journey. All of the shareholders in my life are a vital link in my everyday discoveries. I relish and accept learning from others more than I ever have.

When I am gone, I hope that all who knew me will remember me as having a kind and happy spirit. Of course I want to have a great job, make a decent living, and take the occasional fabulous vacation, but there is a lot more to life. My family and friends are very important to me and it took me a while to see, but that is one of the reasons I got out of the military. All I was doing was working. I wasn't near those I loved the most and time was just passing me by. Now, I have time to witness the lives of those important to me. I am so much happier now and am so grateful for that gift. If it weren't for the love and support of all of my family and friends I would not be where I am today. Success in the professional realm, will come. Enrolling in the MBA program was my first step towards that goal. I am positive everything will happen as it should but above all, I want to be happy and share that happiness with others. I want to be a witness and a role model for others to emulate! I want to bring smiles to faces, even when I'm gone. :)

Stimulating Thoughts 1/24/2007

I think all assignments were great! They make you reflect upon issues already in your subconscious. We all think about all the things we have to do and how much time we have to do them in...it's an ongoing struggle to manage time.
I left the military because they were downsizing. This meant more work and less people...I was already working 80 hr/wk. I already had no life and something had to give. I am much happier now. I'm enjoying being back in school and look forward to getting a job.
Lord, let me find that job!! :)

By typing out a time log, four-quadrant analysis and stakeholder diagram, I have learned so much about my daily operations. I shared this with my boyfriend and he actually has learned a thing or two from it as well. While I was at that incredibly, horrible job...I shared my findings with my boss (who is completely unorganized). She seemed relatively interested by them. I hope she looks into doing something similiar for herself one day.

Just a little bit of background on why I left that job (b/c you may be thinking, "two weeks, what a quitter)...there was no training or structure. I was a gopher. I asked her one time if there was anything else I could help her with and do you know what her response was to me..."nothing I have time to show you how to do." So let me get this straight...you are too busy, so you hire an assistant (I got the job b/c it was a friend of a friend and I thought it would be good while I was in school...turns out...it did nothing for my morale) and now you have no time for your assistant! UGH!! Bottom line, we could all use a little time management!

I have a few people in mind for a coach but I'm not exactly sure who I would like to use just yet. When I do figure this out, I will inevitably ask them about survival within the private sector. Let's face it...I know tons about the military but in the civilian world...it's a whole different ballgame!! I need a lot of help and guidance but mostly I would like to understand the dynamics of how to effectively manage people without the rigid structure I had in the military.

Artifiacts in my portfolio suggest that I am extremely hardworking! I have gone through the ranks in the military very quickly, received two educational scholarships and several awards. I just want to be able to apply all that ambition on the outside! I'm frustrated, yet confident...sometimes a little nervous. Where is that job and why don't I get more interviews. Is there some secret us military folks don't know about?

Am I too candid? :)

Loving life though...personal life...couldn't be better...oh, and I'm super happy to be back in school!!