As I get closer to wrapping up this amazing summer sabbatical, I have total clarity that I am ready to jump back in with both feet. With the kids back in school, I’m increasingly aware that my super-extrovert battery gets its charge by being around people. I am having some truly amazing & inspiring conversations about what might be next - more on that later!
Over the summer, my friend shared her rewarding experience volunteering with CARITAS, then helped me sign up to volunteer with CARITAS Works. CARITAS Works is a workforce development program designed to assist individuals with major barriers to employment, including substance use disorders, felony convictions, and gaps in work history.
Today, I spent the morning helping participants in the program hone their elevator speech, resume, cover letter, and personal statement. Friends, when I tell you I left energized - I nearly floated out of the building. I immediately texted my husband to tell him to volunteer, texted my friend who connected me with CARITAS to thank her, and emailed the Works program manager to express gratitude for the opportunity to help.
What I loved most was the chance to quickly get to know the participants. Every person showed up professional, eager to learn, and able to talk about their goals with real clarity. I'll admit that I had to physically resist the urge to grab a laptop and start drafting for them... but an elevator pitch or personal statement isn't something you submit or email; it's a study document, something you carry into an interview and pull from memory under pressure. It only works if it sounds like you, in your own words, because that's what sticks. That's often where an outside ear helps most - most people are bad at spotting our own superpowers. Someone else has to hear the story, name the strength back to you, and help you find the words for why it matters in a workplace. The “fist-pump” moments came for me when two different participants leaned back after reading their draft out loud and said, "I like this and it really sounds like me!"
I'm realizing the best prep for what’s next might not be polishing my own resume - maybe it’s helping someone else polish theirs. Volunteering didn't just fill my morning, it filled my tank.
So here's my ask: however you're wired, find your version of a CARITAS Works morning. Your battery (and maybe someone else's job search) will thank you.