The document discusses an interview with a woman who recently left her job in public health. She feels her skills are applicable to different areas like cancer non-profits, but is concerned about explaining gaps in employment history to potential employers. While in her previous role, her responsibilities increased beyond her job description, but learning plateaued. She wants to feel productive and use her education, but acknowledges it may be difficult without an existing job. The interviewee remains positive and believes the off-season for her industry provides an opportunity to take time for herself before looking for new employment opportunities where she can apply her skills.

2. “biggest obstacle? not having one(a job)”
“I’m in a small and very narrow niche”
“maybe step back and apply my skills to a different area, but that’s
hard. In Public health, the issues are all the same, technical skills the
same, but the subject matter is different. So if I wanted to change to a
cancer non-profit, I’ve done everything in the job description, but if
they ask me, do you have experience working in the cancer field, I
have to say no”.
“I could do part-time temporarily, but I would eventually need the full
time pay”
“maybe working from home”
“right when I graduated it seemed easier because I was connected to
my network, talking to professors. Now I’m on my own again.”
“I want to feel productive, feel like I’m accomplishing something. Put
my school to use. And I guess be a functioning part of society.”
“(My) learning was mid-high level in the beginning. I was
new, learning a lot, took on new responsibility. There was no manager
so I was stepping in and doing a lot of things that weren’t in my job
description. I did this huge event and so it was really a challenge. But
last year, the learning plateaued.”
“some comfort is good. It builds confidence, but you need to switch
things up. New projects…allow space for creativity and let people
create their own projects”

3. My interviewee was walking and talking to me on the phone so I
didn’t observe her behaviors. She is a friend of mine, so I was able
to infer from her voice and intonations to help me with the thinking
and feeling sections.

4. Reassuring Thoughts
Interviewee is positive about
leaving job that was boring
and dead-end
Looking for a job in the off-
season for people in her
industry
Has lots of friends at Public
Health companies who can
help with job search
Anxious Thoughts
How is she going to explain
the “gap” in her work record
Is disconnected from alumni
network
Pressure of working for
certain income level
She is” starting over”
THINKING

5. Positive Feelings
Interviewee feels good
about decision to leave job
She feels optimistic about
the opportunities that are
available to her
She is excited to take time
for rejuvenation and self-
care
Negative Feelings
She took a risk and it may
backfire on her
Will feel like a slacker if she
isn’t working
Feels like she needs to
maintain a certain lifestyle
Uncertain about the future

6. “Ann needs to find
creative ways to conduct
her job search”