The curious case of William P. - Part 01

Follow the story of William P., an out of work, published, Microbiologist who is currently working the check out counter at a hardware store where Gene, a professional Career Coach, happened to meet him and helped get him headed down the right path.  I first noticed William P at the check out counter at our local hardware store.  His looks caught my attention, because of my Irish ancestry.  If you put a green bowler on William’s head, he would look like a leprechaun.  Also, he was very efficient, quiet and a courteous check out clerk.

I got to know William better one morning at our local coffee house.  I am an early riser and rather than wake my wife that early in the morning, I get dressed and go for a walk. That is, if I am not commuting to work in San Jose.  It gives me time for exercise and quiet contemplation prior to starting my day.

How I Slow Down

I often stop, mid-walk, for a coffee and a read of material that I will not get to if I don’t set aside some special time.  I am one of those few people that has to start the day by slowing down, else I will get started with a bang and just go, go, go all day long.

So there was William at the coffee house, quietly standing in the corner.  My curiosity got the better of me.  I wondered if he was really Irish, so I said “hello.”

Experienced professional working as hardware store clerk

It turns out that William P is a Microbiologist with a Master’s from the University of Tennessee.  That shocked me and I forgot about my earlier curiosity.  Lots of Irish settled in Tennessee, but why is a guy with a Master’s degree working as a check out clerk at a hardware store?

As I learned William’s story, my emotions started to get to me.  I was afraid he would see the tears welling up in my eyes.  I prayed silently to God.  “Is this you again?” “Why am I learning this about William? 

Are You sending me to help him?”

William said that some of his professional microbiology work had been published, so the next time we met I brought my computer with me to the coffee shop.  My neighbor caught me and had a laugh at my expense.  I was the only walker she had ever seen that carried a laptop with him.

Well, we found William’s papers published just as he said.

Career Coaching Offer

I told William that I am a career coach and asked him if I could help him with his career, if he would allow me to use his case for a series of articles regarding what happens to mature workers.

We shook hands on it and I gave him some homework.  First, he needs a hearing test because his hearing is not too good.  He also needs to find his resume or write a new one, so we can get him up to date on http://www.linkedin.com/.  Oh yes, he needs to take some classes on using the internet.  Just to set the stage, this guy with a Master’s degree doesn’t know how to use email.

Stay tuned, this is the beginning.

Categories: Getting Started, Career Plan, Self Assessment, Career Management & Transition