Overcoming Your Job Search Fears To Find Better Opportunities: Gary Rubin’s Job Search Story

Sometimes the most difficult part of making a career change is overcoming your fears. If you’re afraid of leaving your current position, moving to a new industry, or facing a period of unemployment, you’ll relate to Gary Rubin‘s job search journey. Gary decided to make a career change after 12 years working at one of Portland’s largest marketing firms, and overcame his job search fears. Gary advises job seekers to pursue their passions without fear. Read his full job search story below.

What do you do for a career? Who do you work for?

I’m the co-owner and Global Director of Marketing and Communications at Premium Organics, LLC, a global pet company based in Beaverton that makes healthy, and organic, food for companion animals. Our flagship brand is focused on parrot food, and we have plans to introduce new brands for other animals as well. We currently sell our products in 14 countries on four continents.

I’ve been a communications and public relations professional for more than 25 years and have worked as a journalist, an in-house PR contact and most recently headed a team at a local agency. Basically, my main role is to tell stories and connect with customers and potential customers.

How long did it take you to find (or create) this job?

It took a few years of looking once I decided that being a business owner was the path I wanted to take. I’ve mainly worked for larger organizations during my career so owning a small company is a big shift, but one that I am glad I undertook.

How did you find (or create) your job? What resources did you use? What tool or tactic helped the most?

Searching for a business to purchase is very similar to finding a job. I used business brokers and online resources to evaluate potential acquisitions. When I saw an opportunity that was interesting, I reached out to get more information and studied the market. The best tactic I used was to get help from people who understood how to buy a company. I have a very good friend who was a tremendous resource and we eventually became business partners and bought the company together.

What was the most difficult part of your job search? How did you overcome this challenge?

The most difficult part of my career change was overcoming the fear of change. I asked myself a lot of questions during the process. I was at one of Portland’s largest marketing firms for 12 years and was managing a department so deciding to leave was not an easy decision. Making a dramatic life change can be challenging, but you know when it’s the right thing to do and the right time. Fortunately I had a lot of support from my wife and family.

What is the single best piece of advice you would offer other job-seekers?

The best piece of advice I can share is, “don’t be afraid to make a change.” Life is short and you should do what inspires you and gets you excited to go to work in the morning. Plus, “believe in yourself.” We’re all capable of more than we think we are.

Why do you love your job?

In addition to the thrill of growing a business, I love the international aspect of our company. On any given day I can have an email exchange with European customers in the morning, a video working session with a designer in the Middle East at noon and then finish the day with a Skype call with our Australian partner in the evening. It’s a lot of fun to interact with people all over the world.