On December 2, 2005, I was laid off from my job after only 6 months, due to financial cutbacks after the loss of a significant client. That event was the one that tipped the already heavily loaded side of the scale and sent me spiraling into depths of despair I had only known one other time in my life. I was devoid of hope, believing all my dreams had died and there was nothing left for me. I spent the entire month in this horrible state, with my only lifeline being the e-mail (and occasional phone) communication I had with one friend who I had only known barely 4 months, Scott.

After getting through the holiday season and a bout of the flu with as much of a smile as I could manufacture, Scott suggested I get in touch with a friend of his in Arizona who was a life coach. He said her name was Pam Thomas and that he thought we would get along well. That day I emailed Pam, and it was one the best choices I have ever made. I remember telling her my story and asking her what she could offer someone in her late forties with no degree, no job, and some above average intelligence. She said she specialized in stuck people, so I decided to invest in myself and Pam became my coach. It was the first spark of hope I felt in what seemed like a very long time.

It was tough at first; just getting me to believe that there was something left to build on. I absolutely believed that there was nothing I could do, there was nothing I had to offer, professionally or personally, and that no one would take me seriously in the working world. I was paralyzed by fear.

Pam was undaunted by the challenge I presented to her. She was positive, encouraging, uplifting, practical, and gave me the tough love that I needed to combat my self-defeating tendencies. She gave me work to do, which I admit was not always easy...it was WORK…but she was always encouraging, never judgmental. She helped me believe in my talents and abilities and showed me that there was still passion for living and for my career hopes and dreams.

Today, a little more than 2 months later, I have begun my own business, New Phase Consulting, which Pam has guided me through step by step. Some days I have felt like the child she is trying to teach to walk, but she has always been supportive and encouraging. I am now involved in the incorporation process with the state and have a logo designed with the intention of having business cards printed. I have had contract work with 3 clients, and Pam has been an invaluable resource as I have learned to make sound decisions, and manage time and business in balance with my personal life, hobbies and interests.

Pam has been my angel. She is the type of friend that has been there to pick me up when I've fallen flat on my face, laughed with me, and shared my sorrows or just my "funky feelings". She is a woman of incredible talent, heart for people, and does her work with integrity like I have never seen before. She is my compass on this journey. Pam is not only my coach, she is a wonderful friend!

(By the way, thank you to my other angel for seeing and meeting a need - thank you Scott!)

Lynne
Research Consultant