Taylor Resources: A Career in Transition

MPM - Possible Opportunity?

2007-10-15T20:00:00.000-04:00

Was supposed to hear back from the company that interviewed me last week. Did get an email response indicating that the HR Manager was home nursing a sick child so will probably find out tomorow sometime. Either way, I do need to find something where I can utilize my HR skills in a more Generalist role and build upon my learning in this industry.

Tonight, I am researching some affiliate earning programs. One of which I came across on my web forums called "My Power Mall" looks to be promising. It's 100% free to join and you get your own virtual shopping mall where you earn rebates on purchases you make through their 1,000 + affilate links. You also can earn a percentage of the purchases made by people who sign up via your link. I'm thinking about joining, but like many people, am a bit leery of anything that sounds too good to be true.

Job Interview?

2007-10-03T21:36:00.000-04:00

My resume was found on Monster.com by a local defense contractor in the area and they contacted me about a possible opportunity to work in their Human Resources department. So, despite the rain today, I agreed to a brief interview during my lunch break. I was pleasantly surprised by the company and that the job may actually be something I would enjoy and learn from. I interviewed with both HR directors and they seemed to be impressed with my abilities and education in this field. I feel somewhat guilty on one had that I am considering making a job change already from my recruiting role, but this would definitely open up more possibilities and a broader learning environment for me in Human Resources. I should know something by the end of the week.

Also, I am exploring more seriously becomming more involved with paid Blogging assignments. Tonite, as my husband worked on his teaching lesson plans, I banged out several articles and blog entries and submitted them to some well known and reputable blogging sites. I am writing about things that I know and enjoy writing about- anything from relationships to divorce to being a business professional and my quest for a work at home job. I also stumbled upon a couple more paying research / panel gigs and a job as a freelance proofreader. It may seem that I have too many irons in the fire, however this is how I best thrive- in a multitasking role!

I wish you all continued success with your efforts and thanks for stopping by to read my posts. I will update you on the job situation very soon.

TGIF!

2007-09-28T13:49:00.000-04:00

Our audit here at the staffing company went surprisingly well! We passed everything with flying colors and my boss is very happy right now (and when the boss is happy, I'm happy!) I also had the opportunity to learn some more about our corporation's expectations concerning some of the reporting and training functions of the office so I can be more effective.

On a personal note, my husband and I are finally getting the house put together. Now the entire house interior has been painted and we are moving into our master bedroom area FINALLY! It looks wonderful and I am so glad we have the opportunity to decorate the way we want to for a change.

If you are reading this on Friday- then have a wonderful weekend!

Audits...Oh My!

2007-09-26T14:53:00.000-04:00

So yesterday, my manager and I recieved a notice that our office would be subject to a quarterly audit to make sure we are handling all our customers and employees in compliance with corporate policy and proceedures. Well, that sent my branch manager into a "tizzy" with her scrambling all over trying to make sure she had all her ducks in a row this time becuase apparently before I arrived she had failed an audit and was pretty upset about it. Little things like someone writing something in on a customer contract or a billing rate being off as little as 5 cents will cause points to be assessed against a branch of this company. So of course, being as ADD as ever, my branch manager starting yanking customer files all over the place and questioning me on every little detail! I was like, "hello this is stuff you should have been doing all this time and lots of this is from before I got here!" Anyhow, today I am pulling some reports and going carefully through all the employee files, whicih I know are correct, to make sure all documentation is in there, just in case.

Welcome to the "Wonderful World of HR Audits" I guess!

Recruiting 101

2007-09-20T10:52:00.000-04:00

OK so I am doing fairly well with working as a Staffing Consultant in Charleston. I am finally getting over the learning curve and am working to improve the functions and proceedures of the office I work in. Overall, this is an interesting career and I do enjoy the daily interaction with people. However, I am having second thoughts about the kind of recruiting I am required to do. Albiet, I handle a multitude of tasks and am getting a well-rounded aspect of job placement- I am trying to decide if I want to eventually specialize in one particular type of recruiting such as medical staffing since I have many years of experience working in that field? Also, I still want to gain the experience so I can eventually do this strictly from my home office or develop a company of my own permanently.

Well those are my thoughts of the day! Hope you are having a great week so far....

I'm off to an online seminar in Talent Management!

The house

2007-09-17T20:55:00.001-04:00

Ok so you may be wondering where I've been lately? No.. I was not kidnapped by aliens! In between working ALOT of extra hours at my Recruiting job and doing phone surveys and paid forums, my family just bought our first house! That's right folks...I'm finally living the 4 bedroom, two bath brick ranch American dream. So we are painting and remodeling and just trying to figure out how we managed to accumulate so much stuff and asking myself where are going to put it now? The great thing is that we have a brand new home office much larger than in our old house so I can stretch out and get more serious about my work from home quest. I am serious when I say that I want to be doing something primarily from home by this time next year. Recruiting seems to be my "thing" and so with staffing, particularly medical and professional, in high demand it's only natural for me to go this route. I am learning so much from my mentor and have even had three job offers from staffing companies in Charleston recently - very surprising since I'm not actively looking for another job presently. (Where were these folks a few months ago when I was almost getting desperate looking for a job in Human Resources? LOL) So wish me luck as my family settles in to our very own home and gets back to some kind of normal routine.

Freelance Writing - Is it a feasible second job?

2007-08-03T00:21:00.000-04:00

So this week, I am revisiting an old idea that I want to get involved with freelance writing work. And why not? I spent four years in college honing my research and writing skills so I consider myself to be a fairly strong writer with a good sense of what it takes to write something that people will want to read. So I am working on building up my limited portfolio, submitting articles to some of my favorite women's print magazines, e-zines, blogs and web forums all in the hopes that my work will get noticed and I may even get paid for some of it.

This week I am researching and hope to add some of my work to this blog and to myspace so wish me luck!

I've also been accepted to participate in a PAID web panel about computer buying habits of consumers next week. I am really looking forward to that and hope it leads to more work for the marketing research firm that hired me. (name left out for privacy)

On the upside, I am starting to get the hang of my new job as a Staffing Consultant ,albiet it has it's challenges. I enjoy the people I help find good jobs for and my boss is just a wonderful support and mentor.

Blessings to you and yours during the "Dog Days of Summer" !

A bump in the road - and a new job!

2007-06-29T21:14:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it has been a MONTH since my last post here! What can I say except my head has been spinning all month! I resigned from the full time CSR job- which was a relief. Then on the 11th, I tried out the new WAH job. After a couple of days, I quickly realized that the work itself was not for me - telemarketing and creating sales leads. I get those calls all the time, get annoyed and just didn't want to be that person on the other end of the telephone. That would not be too rewarding over time. Well, as luck would have it...I was offered a full time job working for a major staffing firm! So for the last two weeks, on top of working my part time telephone survey work in the evenings, I am now a very busy and happy Staffing Consultant! For the first time in my life, I feel like I am using my God given talents and that I have found my ideal job. I work for a wonderful boss, have helped a bunch of people find work, and I go home everyday with the knowledge that I have helped others. It's funny that just about the time I was about to give on myself being able to land a job in my chosen career field, one was practically dropped in my lap.

For those of you who have been keeping up with the national news, we are all deeply saddened by the loss of nine firefighters that happended last week in our little city of Charleston. We live about 1 mile from the Sofa Super Store and were very shocked to learn of this tragedy. Everyday, I drive by and see all the people who have traveled from all over the country to support and mourn for the firefighters and their families. The T-shirts, flowers, flags, statues and notes left for these brave fellows is overwhelming to see. We watched as lines of firetrucks drove in precession through the streets of Charleston in honor of their funerals. We've talked to some of the survivors and share the emptyness of this great loss. I only hope that each of their families know that many many people care and are praying for them. Their loved ones did not die in vain. Their service to this community was very much appreciated and they were well-respected and loved by all whose lives they touched in one way or another over the years.

This week, I am taking a break from my WAH job to get my household back in order, regroup and recharge. Looking forward to the weekend, and the 4th of July festivities next week.

Well I finally did it!

2007-05-29T13:08:00.000-04:00

Ok folks. I am no longer on the fence when it comes to my career. After doing a solid six month search and trying out a few work from home jobs, I have finally landed something I can do full-time from home and make enough money to quit my dead end 9-5 CSR job!

I got the offer last week for a B2B job, took a couple of days to think it over... then last night accepted it and put my 2 weeks resignation letter in first thing this morning. I am scared but feel good about this decision. This will be not only a change for me, but for my family. Fortunately, we have a few things going for us financially in June so this was the best time for things to happen. I am very excited about this new opportunity and about being able to save gas, time and money working from home.

Why do I want to be a WAHM?

2007-04-18T09:19:00.000-04:00

It occured to me while reading various posts this morning on WAHM.com forums that maybe those of us who are struggling to find a rewarding and successful career working from home are just on a different level or mindset? Maybe we've already worked for many years in the corporate world and we are just fed up with the politics and fashion shows. Maybe we've learned to prioritize and know what's most important in life isn't always just a paycheck. When I look back over my 15 years as a business professional, I see where I sacrificed many many times for the sake of an employer - whether it was time with my family or personal needs. And where did that get me- more in debt with car payments and medical bills from stress or work associated ailments. It's not glamourous to work in a cubicle all day nor is it personally rewarding.

I say there is no shame whatsoever in being savvy and independent enough to work at a home job. I envy women who have been able to build not only home-based careers, but establish themselves as pioneers - breaking away from societal "norms" and doing what is best for their individual situations.

I still work FT outside the home plus I am holding down two WAH jobs. My family needs are going to change this year so I am working up to being able to put my notice in at the day job and commit myself fully to being a WAHM ( that is IF I dont get a job at Google! ) I'm still hanging onto the "security" of my FT job until I know I will be able to cover my family's financial needs.

I feel very fortunate to have found this forum and the jobs that I was able to secure as a result of all the great folks on there! I encourage those of you seeking WAH opportunities to frequent the WAHM.com forums - there's lots of great people and resources on there!

Easter 2007...A Time for Renewal

2007-04-06T16:14:00.000-04:00

As we head into the weekend and all the festivities that Easter brings, whether it be with family or friends, lets not forget the reason why we are celebrating this glorious time of year. With the cold darkness of the Winter months slowly giving way to the first bright blossoms of Spring, I am reminded once again that the Lord has risen! All of nature unveils its beauty and life has come back to all who need renewal.

At this time, take a moment to thank God that you have this opportunity to start anew - with the strength you need to reach your goals this year!

Blessings to All.

I want to work for Google!

2007-04-05T12:20:00.000-04:00

OK so I am super excited that Google is building a new corporate site near my town! I have been applying for their Ad / QA Rater positions for months now...hoping to at least get my "foot in the door" with little success. Perhaps they are just bombarded with applications currently and why not...they are rated the #1 Place to Work in the USA (according to a recent article by CNN) !http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/bestcompanies/2007/index.html

On the local TV news today, it was announced that Google would start taking resumes in the next few weeks in application for the Goose Creek location which is currently under construction- wow I am really excited now! I am making it my mission to get hired by Google from here on out! I will eat, sleep, and think nothing but Google! I will send them applications and resumes by the dozens...until someone responds!

Wish me luck ( and hope that Google doesnt take a restraining order out on me...LOL) :)

Getting Ready for Spring!

2007-04-01T19:03:00.000-04:00

Well it's been another beautiful weekend here between the bright pink azaleas and majestic purple wisteria in full bloom, the multitude of people here for the Cooper River Bridge Run and Flowertown Festival. Spent Saturday with my family checking out the flea markets, then did some window shopping and gathering some more jewelry making supplies. Even went to our favorite chinese restaurant and ate to our hearts' content!

Today, I've just finished up a shift at my home-based research job. It's getting more interesting now that I've been "upgraded" to working with the clients who intially refused to do the phone surveys. I got a small pay raise so that's a good incentive and I actually completed quite a few of the interviews in just the 4 & 1/2 hours I worked today. Have also made a solid plan to get all my bills caught up and start knocking away at my debts to improve my credit rating. I may schedule myself for a few extra hours so I can make some extra money and I will probably also get a few extra hours in at my day job to bring in the overtime. This has been the first of many months that I wasn't completely broke at this time, even with rent and car payments due all at the same time. To me, that's a good sign that I am slowly getting things under control again ( I hope! )

The hubby has this week off for Spring break so I am getting a nice long "Honey-Do" list compiled to keep him busy! Gotta get the garage cleaned and get rid of a lot of the clutter we've accumulated over the winter months. Thinking about having a yard sale and then getting some clothes sold on eBay soon. Also, we are trying to redecorate / reorganize the master bedroom for the summer. You know, I always have a bunch of projects going on all at once!

Welcome to Taylor Resources!

2007-03-19T19:55:00.000-04:00

Hello and welcome all to Taylor Resources, LLC. owned by Tess Taylor!

I am a Customer Service / Human Resources professional with over 14 years experience, based in sunny Charleston, South Carolina.

I'm married to a wonderful man, Jehiel, who is an Art Teacher and Mom to a great teenage son, Patrick.

I've resided and worked here for 10 years and am starting my own venture to provide telephone-based services as an independent contractor from home. I encourage you to visit my blog frequently as I will share my experiences as a Mom, a college student and a working professional making the transition from my full-time outside the home career in High Tech to a WAH job doing what I love!