Another Successful Life-Shift
The Life-Shift: Work and the Christian Journey retreat drew 7 participants who committed to the weekend of September 23-25, 2011 at the Jesuit Retreat Center in Wernersville, PA, 30 minutes west of Reading, PA, to seriously and sincerely examine their work and spiritual lives. Their goals were of course individual and personal, but all participants engaged in sincere introspection, examined work/career options, and brought their faith and spirituality into the process.
Led by Dr. Tom Bachhuber, President of the Center for Life Transitions’ Board of Directors, the retreat participants engaged career-assessment worksheets, participated in group discussions, heard presentations, prayed together in conventional and creative ways, journaled, spent time doing individual work and also found time for some rest and relaxation.
Dr. Bill Sneck, SJ, spiritual director at the Jesuit Center, participated and led some of the retreat’s activities. He and Tom will be working together on future retreats as well as integrating the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius into the Life-Shift format.
Life-Shift will be offered in other places in the future including Wisconsin and Pennsylvania (dates to be announced). The retreat can also be sponsored or co-sponsored by outside organizations and scheduled at mutually agreed on dates/times. Contact Tom Bachhuber for information.
Testimonies From This Retreat
“Tom was a wonderful speaker and facilitator. The information and materials were vast and exercises were very helpful. I also felt that the experience was uplifting and enhancing for my faith. It helped me to be in a group of like minded people on the journey.”
“I have been to many conferences and workshops over the years. This was wonderful. Tom was engaging, down to earth who manages to combine his extensive knowledge on career planning/transition with deep faith and spirituality.”
“The leader’s openness, expertise and passion made the retreat successful for me.
“Tom has a gift to communicate and inspire others.”
What Is Life-Shift?
Who Is Life-Shift For?
What Will I Experience At Life-Shift?
Join Us At Life-Shift: Sept 23-25
Life is about facing and managing change–career, personal, family, spiritual. This is an opportunity to reflect on your life and your faith, exploring avenues for new opportunities.
Start Your Life Changing Journey
With Us September 23-25, 2011
We begin Friday at 4 PM and depart Sunday at 4 PM.
Limited seating. Reserve your seat today!
Click for complete details and to register online.
This workshop will be lead by Dr. Thomas Bachhuber, President of the Board of Directors for The Center for Life Transitions, Inc. and also Director of the Career Development Center at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee where he also started the UWM Career Transitions Center for adults facing career change and job loss.
Join Us At Life-Shift: Sept 24-26
Life is about facing and managing change–career, personal, family, spiritual. This is an opportunity to reflect on your life and your faith, exploring avenues for new opportunities.
Start Your Life Changing Journey
With Us September 24-26, 2010
We begin Friday at 4 PM and depart Sunday at 4 PM.
Limited seating. Reserve your seat today!
Click for complete details and to register online
This workshop will be lead by Dr. Thomas Bachhuber, President of the Board of Directors for The Center for Life Transitions, Inc. and also Director of the Career Development Center at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee where he also started the UWM Career Transitions Center for adults facing career change and job loss.
Job Search Courage – Looking Inside and Out for Hope and Help
Listen to Thomas Bachhuber, Ed.D: “Job Search Courage – Looking Inside and Out for Hope and Help”
Recorded September, 2009
Opinion: At 58, A Life Story in Need of a Rewrite
Consider this recent article in the New York Times: At 58, a Life Story in Need of a Rewrite
This appears to be a textbook example of an experienced, expert executive who falls on employment hard times. This recession has taken its toll on vice presidents everywhere. Adding to Michael Bateman’s suffering, he is also dealing with a divorce with all its emotion and complications. And finally, he moved to Florida and then to NY in the hope of locating a stronger job market. Physical moves certainly take their toll.
William Bridges helps us understand transitions through his three stage model.
| Endings | Dealing with Loss | Anger, blame, fear, shock |
| Neutral Zone | Transitional Period | Anxiety, confusion, uncertainty |
| Beginnings | Setting New Goals | Integration, reinventing yourself |
DIALOGUE
How does Bridges model help us understand the challenges of Michael’s transition, especially when multiple transitions occur concurrently?
What do you think of Michael’s statement about his divorce, “Life is short, you’ve got to do what makes you happy.”
Michael’s comment, “If I walk to the store, I’m back in ten minutes and then what? As of now I have zero planned, not a thing.”
What emotion do you feel for Michael?
What advice would you give him?
IDEAS…
It may appear obvious, but Michael would probably benefit from some of the following options—
- Seeking volunteer opportunities in organizations related to your core competencies and most valued expertise.
- Participating in a “job club” or career transition support group—emotional support can be valuable as well as the opportunities to share and build off others networks.
- Working with a Career Coach in identifying his key skills which transfer to other fields and industries.
- Consider consultative and entrepreneurial possibilities. He may have enough contacts in high places where part-time and temporary work could be found.
I look forward to hearing your opinions.
HELPFUL ARTICLES
- Job search over 50: Unique challenges, unique opportunities – Kristi
- There Are No Hard and Fast Job-Hunting Rules
What Are You Doing With Your Pearl?
Listen to Thomas Bachhuber: “What are you doing with your pearl?”
Recorded June 7, 2009 at North Branch Reformed Church in Bridgewater, NJ.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
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