Article May 2, 2005 Issue

WELCOME TO THE ADVENTURE

By Dorothy Cork

I'LL ALWAYS BE GRATEFUL to a friend who encouraged me to look at change—even the major transitions in life that can be so traumatic—as an adventure. Not the sort of adventure that is fraught with danger, uncertainty, or peril, but a spiritual journey that is, by definition, full of promise and blessing.

Three years ago, I decided to make some major lifestyle changes that would allow me to reconnect with family members. After having spent a number of years in fulfilling positions for an international organization, I resigned, sold my condominium, and bought an early-1880s house in a small New England town. My only plan was to renovate a property that was sadly in need of some TLC (tender, loving care), and then to find some type of job that would take care of expenses. The work wouldn't need to be career-oriented, as many of my previous work experiences had been. Ah, this was going to be such a nice little life!

The house and yard renovations soon moved forward. But, no matter how many resumes I sent out, or what adjustments I made to my cover letters, I couldn't get any positive responses.