I Was Looking for “Busy Work” and Instead Found a Great New Career

By TERRA Staffing Group

Posted on July 26, 2019

Cheryl Alexander had an impressive 19-year HR career. But when her husband received a job offer in Colorado, it was time to leave Seattle, and career, behind for something new.

She was lucky, however. Unlike most people who relocate, she didn’t have the pressure of needing to find a job in a new place.

“My husband told me I didn’t need to work,” Cheryl said. “So, I decided to give it a try.”

But that didn’t last long. She was soon itching for something to do and started searching for ideas.

“I’d already done the whole career thing. I just wanted something to keep me busy,” she shared.

To occupy her time, she started volunteering at her son’s elementary school. She did such a good job that the school hired her on as the Principal’s Secretary and she was employed there for nine years!

Her next job was working as an administrative assistant at a local senior community. Here, she stayed for eight years.

Cheryl’s plan to keep herself “busy” had somehow turned in to a successful 17-year administrative career.

Then, history suddenly repeated itself. Cheryl’s husband received another job offer. The only difference was that this time the job was in Seattle. They were moving back home.

Once again, her husband let her know that she didn’t need to work. And, once again, she decided to give not working another try.

Cheryl decided to use her new-found free time to reconnect with old friends and relax. However, she pretty quickly came to the same realization she had before: she wasn’t the idle type. She needed something to keep her busy.

So, she started searching for a job.

“I was just looking for something to get me out of the house,” Cheryl said. “Something temporary or part-time sounded perfect.”

She did an online search and found a temporary office position on the TERRA job board and scheduled an interview with the Tukwila office.

Though the original role she had applied to wasn’t available, she left quite an impression on the recruiters in the office. When another temporary office project came up, they gave her a call.

She happily accepted the assignment and started right away. This project lasted on and off for about seven months, and eventually, the contract ended.

Then Recruiter Sarah Phillips’ client reached out, in need of a part-time office admin.

Sarah immediately thought of Cheryl and called her to discuss the opportunity.

“Cheryl had a successful administrative career and was looking for something part-time that would be a fun, new challenge,” Sarah said.

“I thought it sounded great. Plus, it was close to my house and there was enough to do to keep me busy. I decided to give it a shot,” Cheryl stated.

And we have great news! After working a few months as a temporary employee, Cheryl got hired and is now a full-fledged member of the team!

Sarah added, “The client tells me all the time what an amazing job Cheryl is doing and that she’s a great fit for the office!”

Cheryl is happy in the role and loving every minute on the job.

“This job fits me perfectly!” she shared. “The work environment is great and everyone is so friendly.”

We asked her if she would recommend TERRA:

“I definitely would! Everyone is so nice and super responsive. They always got back to me whenever I had a question. They had my best interest at heart during every step of the process.”

Cheryl also had this advice to share with job seekers: “Be positive. If you project a positive attitude to employers, it means so much and can make a positive impression.”

Thank you, Cheryl, for choosing TERRA and for allowing us to play a part in your story!

How TERRA Can Help You

If you are looking for a new opportunity or something to keep you busy, consider partnering with TERRA.

We can connect you to many employers currently hiring in your area.

We have offices in many locations and would love to speak with you!

Categories: Employee Development, Success Stories

Tags: Jobs in Tukwila, project work, tukwila

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