What I learned about reinvention from a children’s book

First published in 1939, in the wake of the Great Depression, this is a lovely, illustrated children’s story about Mike Mulligan and his beautiful red steam shovel Mary Anne. They work very hard digging canals for the big boats to travel through, cuts roads through the large mountains so trains can pass, and deep basements for the great skyscrapers in the city. It is also a story about how to re-invent yourself in a new industry or era.

For Mike and Mary Ann, the industrial age brought trouble. The arrival of gasoline, electric, and diesel shovels meant no more jobs for Mary Anne. Even though she could dig faster than 100 men in a single day, she was too old and outdated. Mike and Mary Ann were VERY SAD. They left the city and travelled to the small town of Popperville where, the Town Selectmen were meeting to pick a vendor to dig the foundation for a new Town Hall!  Skeptical of an old-fashioned steam shovel like Mary Anne, yet conscious of cost and time, they jumped to accept Mike’s bold offer that Mary Anne could dig it in one day. And they didn’t have to pay if she failed! Would Mike and Mary Anne be able to complete the job? The whole town of Popperville turned out to watch, Mary Ann digging as fast as she could.  

She did it! But now, how was she going to get out? An unexpected turn of events again. And an opportunity for re-invention. The solution? Mary Ann remained in the cellar while the new town hall was built and she transformed into the furnace to heat the building!

Have you ever faced being told you were too old to do the job you’d happily succeeded at for years? Have you ever been told your job was being eliminated as your company was going in a different direction? Were you forced into early retirement?

Think about this story. Mike Mulligan and Mary Anne did not give up hope, they found a new possibility in a different land (industry). With enthusiasm and hard work, they fulfilled their promise. You can do that too. I’ve helped clients find new jobs and careers in different industries or as entrepreneurs. We all have gifts and talents. Sometimes we just have to put on new glasses to see the opportunities.

And the real kicker in the story? Mary Anne, the outdated steam shovel, becomes a furnace! She re-invents herself and finds a new career in a new town that loves her.

After teaching French for five years in the US and the UK, I was ready to do something else. I wanted to get into business, but I knew little about the business world. In informational interviews I was told I was “just a teacher” and couldn’t really succeed elsewhere! These were fighting words – I became more determined to prove myself.

I did an inventory of my skills and experience. I was an excellent communicator, verbally and written, with kids and adults. I was a leader – leading classes every day with enthusiasm and being nicknamed the pied piper as the kids followed me everywhere. I certainly understood different cultures and had become fluent in another language. I was energetic, intelligent and curious about the world. Surely, I had plenty to offer in business. Through perseverance, determination, I did get an entry level job as the International Communications Coordinator at a growing software company!  And from there, I built a successful international leadership career.

You must believe in yourself. Ask for help from family and friends. Get clarity on what you are actually good at and what you enjoy doing the most. Then look for those responsibilities in the job descriptions you consider.

I help my clients construct a search strategy based on these insights and must-haves. Work with a coach who can help you hone your success stories and a recreate resume highlighting those results you achieved. I help my clients become “fluent” in their accomplishments so that they perform well in interviewing.

Remember any company would be lucky to have you.