I’m coming up on my 7 years “aliyaversary” after moving from the Midwest and I think it's about time to reflect on what my formal and informal education has taught me and how it has laid the foundation for my personal and professional growth in Israel – a foreign existence with a new language, new culture, and novel experiences.
Being in a classroom – for about 20 years - taught me patience, unconditional love, respect, and appreciation for every type of learner. The classroom, an ever-changing and dynamic environment, allowed me to learn, listen and benefit from my students. It challenged me to communicate the same message but using varied and different techniques to appeal to every type of audience.
As an Early Childhood Administrator (in a private school setting) I learned the concept that education is about presenting, marketing, and selling a "product". And what is the impact of that knowledge? Purchasing a product is not solely about the expectation of the performance of the product itself. It’s about the experience surrounding the purchase. It’s about cultivating relationships and interacting with the customers.
With a robust graphic design portfolio, website design experience, and social media exposure, I was accustomed to transforming words and ideas into creative imagery that told its own story.
While I knew that I would not pursue teaching in Israel, I was hopeful that the skills I had developed would help me transition to a gratifying “encore” career.
TECHNICAL TOOLBOX
So yes, I had a technical toolbox – but did I have the “CHUTZPAH”, did I have the resilience and a thick enough skin to handle rejection, and was I flexible enough to pivot? Did I have the ability to adapt? I packed my suitcase and leaped (hopeful that I packed the right supplies). It was with that toolbox, I chose to challenge myself, step out of my comfort zone and actively seek out positions to capitalize on my skills.
Spending hours on Job boards, Facebook groups, and posts on LinkedIn all reminded me that I needed to stretch and take risks. Feigning courage and confidence I sent out resumes, I interviewed and was rejected, repeatedly. But when that “right” job came along – it just made sense. The listing mentioned website maintenance, graphic design, and social media experience – the exact combination I was seeking.
With immense gratitude, I took that first job, and it magically morphed into a role where I was launched into the world of building e-commerce websites, product content, blogs, and marketplace experience.
And now, here I am, calling myself an Ecommerce Marketing Writer. Still writing, researching, in a constant state of learning, and forever challenging myself to gain knowledge and wisdom.
Happy Aliyaversary to me!