DCMKE Episode 8: Getting Hired – A Job Seeker’s First Break
Episode notes
Welcome to Direct Connect Milwaukee’s (DCMKE) Episode 8, where we dive deep into the realities of searching for a job and getting that coveted first break. This episode features the candid and powerful story of James Morris, a Milwaukee native with more than 40 years of lived experience in the workforce, whose journey spans triumphs, and transformations.
Meet James Morris James grew up in Milwaukee, attended Dominican High School, and spent four decades working across industries—from counseling and administration to manual labor and job development. His journey, as he shares, is “unique unto him,” but he hopes it will serve as both inspiration and caution for job seekers at any stage.
A Tale of Two Chapters James chronicles his employment history in two striking parts: “BC (Before Cocaine)” and “During/After Cocaine.” Early in his career, he was one of the few Black men in Wisconsin with alcohol and drug counseling certification, making him highly sought-after. He served in clinical roles at New Beginning Clinic, Sinai Samaritan Hospital, Gateway in Illinois, and later moved into administration with Thurgood Marshall House and CYD (Career Youth Development), where mentorship and community engagement profoundly shaped his worldview.
Finding Renewal and Purpose Grace and perseverance brought James back into roles of leadership. He became a team leader for American Express Travel Insurance, gained multiple professional licenses, and eventually landed at the Job Center in Green Bay. There, he worked for Forward Service Corporation—helping people connect with employment, and piloting a groundbreaking program for parents in arrears with child support.
James found that relating to clients on a deeper level—understanding their lived experiences, including addiction, homelessness, and unhealthy relationships—was the gateway to building hope and confidence. He emphasizes the importance of psychosocial assessment: “I believe that we as humans intrinsically have this desire to be seen, heard, and understood.” By creating genuine intimacy and trust, he helped clients navigate not only job placement but also healing and growth.
Navigating Modern Challenges James touches on the hurdles faced by people of color in the workplace—the “assumption of competence,” microaggressions, and the struggle to establish self-value in environments often dominated by unfamiliar service models. He reveals how true follow-through, not just follow-up, is essential: walking alongside people as they tackle deeply rooted barriers, rather than treating their symptoms.
DCMKE’s Role & Reflections After a difficult period filled with family loss and personal challenges, James turned to Direct Connect Milwaukee for support. He credits DCMKE—and specifically his point-person, Leah Moreland—for helping him reformat his resume, refine his job searching methods, and regain momentum. This personalized support was pivotal as he navigated a drastically transformed digital career landscape and applied for jobs in real-time.
Advice for Job Seekers James’s wisdom is clear: “You have to put in the work.” From building a consistent employment history to developing character, he reminds listeners that gifts can open doors, but character keeps you there. He advocates for self-care, intentional relationship-building, and genuine alignment before jumping into new roles. “Half of a woman and half of a man doesn’t make a whole,” he notes, encouraging listeners to invest in themselves before giving to others.
Closing Thoughts This episode is a testament to resilience, self-reflection, and the power of community in the job search journey. As DCMKE continues its mission, James’s story stands as both a mirror and a lighthouse, reminding us that true employment success encompasses not just work, but wholeness.