A year ago, 42 year-old Michel Butler was consulting for home building companies in Texas. He wanted to invest in building new new homes in Dallas, but six months ago he found himself at home, an unemployed husband with three children and the economy was spiraling downward.

When you hear about people praying for jobs, you may think it is a metaphor, but for Butler, it was very real. “The market here really hit the skids in late June, early July, and I knew it was time to consider something outside the industry.” Butler said.

He first joined a free career workshop at a local church, which was open to everyone. They met in the evening on Saturdays and went over everything from interview skills to networking and resume writing.

“I think the church organization was a real feather in my cap,” he said. “It helped me focus on my next steps and also gave me refreshers in interviewing and resume writing.”

Butler didn’t just stop there. He also linked back into some of his old networks, talking to college friends and ex-employers. One of his friends introduced Butler to a business coach who in turn put him into contact with some hiring managers and within a month he was preparing for interviews in two different industries.

He was offered a position at Prudential as a financial service agent. They offered to pay for his training, but stipulated that his income would be largely commision-based. He didn’t think of it as ideal, but he accepted right away.

Soon after, another offer came and this time it was a marketing position with a six figure salary. “I couldn’t pass it up.” He said, so he quit Prudential shortly after he started took a position as a relationship mangaer at Dallas’ Spear One.

Butler now can hardly believe the events that led him to his new position. Aside from the bigger salary and better job security, “the best part about my new position is that it is fun,” which is the last thing he would have imagined he would be having after watching his  former career crumble before his eyes.

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