Are You Embarrassed by Your Job?

While many people are wringing their hands over needing to find a job, there are some who have landed them, but are embarrassed by their job. It’s not even that they don’t like the job (although that will likely follow without a change in thinking), they just didn’t see themselves in this industry, company or role. I can appreciate needing to take “anything that pays” to cover student loans family medical bills or rent, but don’t overlook what the employer might see in you – namely your ability to get the job done based on your past work experience and/or personal qualities. • Avoid “group think,” especially if you are coming out of school where you’ve been living in an arguably artificial environment. Have your own mind and confidence in your choices. As an example, consumer packaged goods and advertising are NOT “the only” industries within which to earn your Learn more...

Free Agency

The world of work has changed forever.  Not only have jobs been lost, many will never return – at least not in the same form we are used to:  “Forty percent of the U.S. workforce is predicted to be independent contractors by 2019, up from 26% today” (Joanne Sujansky, Keeping the Millennials, 2009).  The construct of conventional employment is passé as many companies are choosing (being forced in many cases) to take on independent contractors instead of benefit-laden employees.  Some are even re-hiring their laid-off employees as consultants or contractors.   This has huge implications on how you manage your career, even if you are currently employed. First and foremost, it means you have to adopt a free agent mentality.  You have to know what your transportable skills are, what you are worth, which teams you would consider playing for and what factors will trigger “a trade”.  Having this mindset Learn more...

Seek, Don’t Chase!

I completely understand and appreciate that there are times when you simply need a job to pay the rent or the mortgage, or to get health benefits for your family.  In those cases, you have to do what you can in the short term to address that immediate need.  Meanwhile, I am asking you to adopt what I believe is a more fruitful and satisfying approach in the long term for your career.   I’ve watched so many people “chase” after jobs they hear about or are even actively recruited for.  Sometimes they are convinced this job is perfect for them and they deserve it.  Other times, it seems they like being in the “chase”; those with the competitive streak like winning.  You can spend a lot of time chasing after a number of things that you find out about, but if the opportunities are not part of a strategic Learn more...

Watch Yourself

Watch yourself – no, I don’t mean be cautious or careful – necessarily.  I mean mentally step outside of your circumstances and look at things including yourself differently, dispassionately, objectively, as someone who doesn’t know you might look at you.  As an exercise, I sometimes sit in meetings and imagine myself perched high up in a corner of the room looking down at the meeting and its attendees – including myself.  I remain fully aware and conscious of what’s going on, but less inclined to say something for the sake of being heard, and more inclined to express more thoughtful commentary or solutions.  I am removing my ego from the situation and am more fully present, open and valuable.  Try it and see what happens.

As a Woman (or Man) Thinkith..

Come to understand how other people think.  Not only does this capacity enhance your ability to collaborate, anticipate and solve problems, understanding how others think expands your consciousness connecting you to more meaningfully to others.  Isn’t that why we are here?

“You Can’t Fake the Funk!”

When you feel internally guided, clear-headed, convicted, and pleased with the direction of your general path and the contributions of your life, vocation, profession or avocation, your positive outlook or frequency resonates.  Similarly when you are confused or dispassionate, that is equally palpable.  To use the colloquial – “You can’t fake the funk!”

Free Agency

Stars are no longer groomed within companies the way they once were; generations no longer work in the same factories; and formerly reliable employers no longer look so stable.  So why would you want to hitch your wagon and pin your wealth creation to companies you can’t necessarily count on for financial stability?  We are free agents now!

Default Button

Its not enough to know what you don’t want!  Unless and until you affirm what you do want, you will only receive what you don’t want, because it is all you have claimed as your default.  Reset your default button to what you do want!

The Universal You

The simple fact is that the first step to finding the right job is to know who you are.  Self-knowledge provides the foundation to make the wise choices for charting a gratifying career.  You are, in essence, the sun that jobs revolve around instead of a tiny moon trying to orbit an established planet.

“You Are Here”

Put down the magnifying glass you use to scrutinize other people’s choices and look in the mirror.  Go toward your dream, not somebody else’s.  Your dream job is out there, but in order to find it you have to know who you are, where you are, and where you want to be.