Sense of Purpose

Most of my readers know that I’ve already written about my passion for what I do: https://lindadezenski.com/meaningful-work/ and https://lindadezenski.com/sometimes-i-just-have-to/.

This week I was invited to speak to a group of students from a Philadelphia based employment program for people with disabilities. These are individuals who are entering the workforce for the first time, or re-entering the world of work after an injury, such as a disabled veteran. The combination of assistive technology and basic business skills is a winning combination.
(Full disclosure: I took part in the program’s founding and I still serve on the Board. Check it out at https://thesierragroupfoundation.org/academy.htm).

I was asked to talk about my career, and how I have achieved my success. I went to college and graduate school, and I was partially supported by the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and various grants and loans. I gave the students my recipe for success:

1. Do your research before the interview. Know what the business is about.
2. It is okay to mention your accomplishments. Use the cover letter to list three to five successes. Most of the students said they were uncomfortable bragging. I said if it is factual, it’s not boastful. It’s true.
3. It is good to talk about your computer skills. Businesses need people who can use business software.
4. Remember that volunteer work counts. Most people with disabilities volunteer because they are cannot work full time. Some start with volunteer work until they are ready to re-enter the workforce. Work is work–paid or not.
5. Use the interview to ask questions so you know whether the job is a good fit. That’s why the employer is asking you questions. I like to ask about the tasks the employer wants me to accomplish within the first three months.
6. Don’t be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone. Once you start, take on new projects to grow your skills.
7. Never give up.

Everyone knows that there is dignity in working. It’s not just about a paycheck. People with disabilities receive messages they are expensive, and sometimes we are made to feel like a burden. One in five people has a disability, and the unemployment rate among the disabled is 70%.
Life without a sense of purpose is meaningless. All people need a reason to get out of bed in the morning. The disabled want to contribute, and our contribution also makes us feel more connected to our communities.