We all remember hearing tales of the older generation and their devotion to their companies…not to mention their career path. You toiled away, day after day, hoping for that promotion that would move you up the ladder. You knew that industry inside and out, and when you retired after 40 years of service, you got the proverbial gold watch and pension. … [Read more...]
What is the first thing that pops in your head when you read this title? A few possibilities may be: "I already know what my passion is;" "Oh great, another article about something pointless;" or "Great, I would like to rediscover what my passion is in life..." … [Read more...]
We all know what career indicator tests are—or, at least, I hope we do. Most of us have taken one at some time or another. Although, what significance do these examinations hold? How seriously should we consider the results? Are all analyses created equal? It is important to remember that test results are only an indicator. It should not be the complete measurement of which job or career is best for you. … [Read more...]
Last week I received a request from a family member of mine in transition. He was asking me to evaluate a proposal he had received from a career marketing firm. He wanted my opinion because I’m a career coach--and because I myself had once been victimized by a similar firm. His proposal cover letter opened with an aggressive tone heralding the fact that the firm was working with executives who were late of prestigious organizations, members of academia, representatives of nonprofits, and an … [Read more...]
There are a number of very good tests of personality type on the market, and as a career coach I always recommend that people in transition explore the results of such tests and apply those results in their decision-making processes. Being in transition is an opportune time to assess where you are and what you want to pursue in the future. For the purpose of this article, I focus on one of the most popular tests: the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, or MBTI. … [Read more...]
In a recession, you can find millions of people who look over their shoulder because their jobs are in jeopardy. While we aren't selling snake oil and we won't lie and say there are certain fields where there is no risk, there are a few areas where you can likely find employment no matter what stage the economy is in. 1) Accountants - You don't have to love math to know that regulations are tightening on most companies when it comes to reporting their financial history to government agencies. … [Read more...]
There are some careers that are held up as the most attractive. Those kinds of lists are often based on monetary reward, or power and influence, or popularity. Sometimes they look at reputation, like the ones that used to put bankers at the top and have moved them near the bottom. … [Read more...]
A career for a non-profit organization can be rewarding. Being an active part of an agency with a social mission brings many people into the field with a desire to work for a cause that can make a difference. However, in a weak economy jobs in the non-profit sector can be competitive. Recognizing one's values can help establish which non-profit organizations you may want to work for. It can also help with the job search plan and setting longer-term career goals. Types of Non-Profits The … [Read more...]
The most important exercise I do with the clients I coach on career issues is simply this: Create a career plan B. It's a straightforward idea, but pays huge dividends in what you learn about yourself. Ask yourself this question: If I were to lose my job tomorrow, which other paths would I pursue? Perhaps: … [Read more...]
In the previous installment of this series, I talked about how to describe the value in the job you'd like to create. One of the most difficult concerns about creating a job is how it affects other people around it. This includes areas such as: People who receive value directly from the work you'd do Others who are already delivering work which might be addressing what you'd be doing Others who have to change what they're doing because of your new job People who would sense a status … [Read more...]
