Retirement Careers: A Controversial View

?

Some time ago, Wall Street Journal featured a long article about starting a business at retirement age. The article took a cautious tone. Don’t gamble all your life savings on a business. You won’t have time to recover from a massive failure (as you would at 20 or 30). And so on. But as the article itself pointed out, sometimes you don’t have much choice. When we turn sixty, fifty, or even forty-five, the job market begins to fade. Career articles try to convince us we’ll just love working in a bookstore, serving burgers or working long hours at a “part-time” job with no benefits and no path to promotion. Our number one goal, they would have us believe, is flexibility so we can go see the grandchildren whenever we want. Now it’s fine with me if you have grandchildren and love volunteer work. But if you don’t fit the mold, you’re probably on your own. When I was feeling restless while living in New Mexico, a well-meaning neighbor suggested, “Why not become a Pink Lady at the hospital.” Since my relationship to hospitals can be summarized as, “They’ll have to carry me in feet first,” I realized it was time to get serious about growing my business. Here’s what I tell my own career-changing clients. (1) Plan early for self-employment. You have a window of opportunity from age 40 to age 50. Use that time to get credentials, move as high as you can in your professional field and grow your financial net worth. From 50 to 60, plan what you’ll do for retirement – your post-career career. You may want to spend thirty years with golf and fishing. You may choose employment rather than self-employment – and you may get lucky with a career you love. But I recommend creating a Plan B just in case you get frustrated, bored and/or restless. (2) Rehearse for the Real Show. While you’re still working, begin a self-employment sideline in a playful, “no big deal” spirit. And while you’re earning a good salary and stashing your cash, now’s the time to find mentors and hire resources. Take classes. Read books. Conduct informational interviews. Explore. In my experience, choosing the right resources (and losing the losers) is what creates success. (3) Count on the long haul. I’m no medical expert, but I keep reading, “Fifty is the new 30. Sixty is the new 40.” Since I joined a weight training class at my local gym, those claims seem even more plausible. Twenty or thirty years is a long time to set your brain on cruise control. When I talk to retirees, many seem bored, although they make fervent denials. I vividly remember a former neighbor who claimed to be enjoying a comfortable retirement, living in his dream house with a view of the mountains. But he kept asking everyone about their lives (“What was the plumber’s truck doing outside your house? ”) and offering free advice on everything from finances to fertilizers. After awhile, we’d run when we saw him coming. Another former neighbor became a recreational shopper. She had been a business dynamo and now her energies turned to retail. Her large home filled with souvenirs, books, clothes and memorabilia. Me? I'd rather be working. You may reprint this article in electronic media if you make no changes, use the following resource box and inform me of use. Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., coaches midcareer professionals who want to transform career breakdowns to career breakthroughs. Learn why most career change doesn't happen and how to make yours a reality. http://www.cathygoodwin.com/subscribe.html

[Career Strategy] Get ready to wear your next hat

Q. My last 2 jobs I wore a lot of different hats. Now I want to go to a new city and find a new job. How do I present my varied experience? A. First and foremost, be straightforward. List your jobs chronologically. Don’t be tempted by the siren call of the functional resume. But there’s more than one way to present your accomplishments professionally. You’ll need multiple resumes, interview preps and elevator speeches – one for each hat that you’re hoping to wear in your next job. (1) Write at least 5 success stories for every job you’ve held since entry level. If you’ve held one job for a long time, write at least 1 or 2 stories for every 2 years on the job. An ideal success story has 3 parts: a problem, how you worked with others to address the problem, and the quantifiable outcome. Example: “Customers complained their orders were late. I headed a team that analyzed the problem. We talked to distribution, manufacturing, and sales. We interviewed customers. We recommended a streamlined ordering system that reduced complaints from 400 in 2005 to 22 in 2006.” (2) Identify the hats you would wear if you get each job. As you apply for jobs, you’ll discover what each employer finds important. If you’ve handled both marketing and customer service, for instance, you may find yourself responding to both marketing jobs and customer service jobs. (3) Rewrite your stories to focus on the new hat. The “late order” story can be written with a customer service slant, emphasizing improved customer relations, measures of customer satisfaction and systems. But if you’re applying for a marketing job, you would frame your story in terms of your company’s strategy. You might write about identifying a time-sensitive customer segment and meeting the needs of that segment. And a human resource professional might talk about hiring temporary workers for the task force, revising pay grades and job descriptions for the revised system, and developing training systems. (4) Transfer your stories to your resume and interview notes. Your stories become the raw material for your career marketing program – what I call “claiming your bragging rights.” So make your drafts really long and include lots of details. Of course you’ll revise your stories for your resume. And when you’re asked a question during an interview, respond with a story. Example: “What was your toughest management challenge?” You would respond with a story of how you pulled a team together to solve a marketing problem. If you’re interviewing for a customer service job you’d frame the challenge as marketing. (5) Create sound bites and elevator speeches from your stories. Interviewers are busy. Practice presenting your stories in 1-minute or 2-minute sound bites. If you catch their interest (usually a good sign!), you can always say more. If you’re applying for a corporate job, remember that interviewers want to know if you’ll be a strong, supportive coworker. Your story calls for an ensemble cast, not a one-act play. Finally, a lot of career change success depends on how well you click with the interviewer. If you seem like “a good fit,” your interviewer will nod appreciatively rather than get bogged down in the details of your knowledge. If you seem like a maverick or misfit (as I so often was), you’ll feel the chasm widen as the interview continues. You may use this article in your blog of ezine IF you (a) make no changes and (b) include this resource box: Cathy Goodwin, PhD, helps midcareer professionals transform career breakdowns to career breakthroughs. Download 7 secrets of successful midlife career change: http://www.cathygoodwin.com/subscribe.html Begin your 21-Day Extreme Career Makeover today. http://www.cathygoodwin.com/21days.html

[Career Advice] Moving Your Career "For the Family"

You’ve got a wonderful job, a nice place to live and lots of friends. But you realize you miss your family, who live five hundred miles away. Maybe you just retired and you want to be closer to your aging parents. Or you want to watch your grandchildren grow up. Or you want to get closer to siblings and old friends. Should you move? Here are some questions to help gain insight as you wrestle with a tough decision. (1) Are you moving from a sense of excitement and hope – or from a nagging feeling of obligation? Every so often, I get calls from clients who begin, “I moved to be near my beloved friends and family. And once I arrived, I realized they didn’t need me. In fact, they liked me better when we lived farther apart! How can I get my old career and my old life back?” (2) How will family dynamics change once you’re fifteen minutes away instead of 500 miles? Often you’ll grow closer together and find new sources of strength and inspiration. But sometimes a retiree becomes a taken-for-granted, round-the-clock baby-sitter. A busy self-employed professional is expected to participate in time-consuming family rituals. And more. (3) What’s your family like today – not one, five or ten years ago?. You move to spend time together. But do you know each other? Do you still have a lot in common? If you haven't been in the same city for awhile, expect surprises. Couch potatoes become fitness fanatics. Television addicts discover the public library and the bookstore. Even a change in movie preferences can affect the quality of a relationship. Eight years ago, I wasn’t interested in basketball or dogs. Needless to say, I get into some very interesting conversations with anyone I haven’t seen since 1998. (4) Will you enjoy your new city on your own? Even with a close family, you’ll need your own life. Will your new community support opportunities to grow and change? The best resource (in my biased view): http://www.cathygoodwin.com/bigmove.html (5) Can you find career satisfaction? About a third of my Power Hour calls focus on long-distance job search, with good reason. You have to walk a fine line between showing potential employers you’re motivated to move – and sounding so eager you’ll take whatever you can get. Typically I refer clients with complex family questions to a specialized professional. I urge everyone to understand the impact of career on family. No one wants to spend five years living with resentment because “I gave up a wonderful career for you.” A family counselor will help you sort through these issues. There's reason for optimism. With careful planning, my clients usually find creative ways to enjoy the family and also maintain a satisfying career. If you liked this article, you'll love my ezine: http://www.cathygoodwin.com/subscribe.html You're welcome to reprint this article in any format IF you notify me and include this resource box: Cathy Goodwin, PhD, helps midlife professionals who want to transform career breakdowns to career breakthroughs. http://www.cathygoodwin.com Begin your 21-day Extreme Career Makeover http://www.cathygoodwin.com/21days.html

More on the Real Deal of References

Several readers wrote following last week’s article, The Real Deal on References (see posting below for Saturday December 16). Nona Aguilar gave me permission to use her name along with a tip she received from an HR person. When you’re checking a reference, call when you’re pretty sure the reference will be away from his or her desk. Leave a voice mail. Those who are eager to give positive references will return the call. Those who dread giving a negative reference will delay or ignore your message altogether. And... Q: “I now have to ask colleagues for references – how do I do this?” A: Just ask. In some industries it’s so common that nobody will be surprised. You can say, “I’m applying for a job with X and they would like references from colleagues and peers as well as bosses. I’ve really enjoyed working with you and believe you know my work. Could I give your name?” Sometimes your colleague will say, “I’m not sure what to say about you.” In that case be ready to offer specific suggestions or even draft the entire reference letter. The challenge comes if you’re job-hunting in secret and you need references from present colleagues. In general, I believe companies should understand that you can’t give references from your current job till the very last minute. You may offer to bring in copies of performance appraisals, awards and other documents. Q. “I’m pretty sure my boss is giving me a bad reference – what can I do?” A: First, try to negotiate. Many bosses will be so glad to see you go, they’ll help you along the way! I once taught at a business school where everyone realized that we had made a big mistake when we hired a new dean. He was a real disaster. So the senior faculty gave him glowing references when he applied for a new job. Unfortunately, they had friends at other schools and didn’t want to cause hard feelings. The dean’s job hunt was a long one. At this point for you, it’s a matter of sizing up the boss’s hot buttons. Emphasize that you’ve learned a lot from her or you want to leave on good terms with him. Explain that you’ll benefit from the work experience and would like to move on to make a contribution elsewhere. Some bosses will not be reasonable. When you can’t change the reference, frame your presentation to prepare your next employer. Keep your comments short – 1 sentence, 2 at most. “Frankly, Mary and I never really clicked. She wanted more of a numbers type and I’m a creative guy.” Or “You’ll find I got along really well with my previous bosses and I still exchange Christmas cards with most of them. Hank was the only exception. He inherited me when he transferred to our division and he really needed to hire his own team.” Do you have evidence that anyone, anywhere, is making false statements about you? And are those statements causing harm? If so, make an appointment with a lawyer who specializes in employment cases. I am not a lawyer so I am not sure what is required. And some situations may be considered unique under the law. Only a lawyer can advise you on what constitutes illegal behavior and what evidence you need to take legal action. If you do get evidence of defamatory action, usually a letter from your attorney to the individual and/or the company will be enough. But these days a lot of serious reference action takes place behind closed doors on secure phone lines. If you like this posting, you'll love the Great Career Moves Ezine. And if you're going through a job search, check out my irreverent (and highly practical) job search guide. Download today and begin searching more effectively for your Great Escape job.

Storm in Seattle (or why I didn't answer your email)

Last Thursday we began to hear warnings, “Big storm predicted for Friday.” So Thursday afternoon I backed up my computer files, shut down the computer and stocked up on the basics. Crossing Queen Anne Avenue was like fording a small river. Overnight the wind was really loud and rain kept coming down. But we were lucky. The power flickered. I missed some emails. And by Friday morning, the streets were dry and the air was crisp and cool. Others were not so lucky. Most of my friends and neighbors with “real” jobs got Friday off. Schools were closed. Trees fell and demolished some homes. Our local newspaper plant lost power so we had no print news on Friday. And as I write this ezine, many homes in Seattle have been without power for days. At every gathering you hear people asking, “Do you have power yet?” My second winter in Seattle: very different from last year in every way.

[Career Change Strategy] The Real Deal on References

Q. I'm changing jobs. Before leaving my current position, should I get letters of reference? A. Probably not. In my experience, corporate employers rarely pay attention to "To Whom It May Concern" letters. They'll prefer phone calls that aren't recorded. When they need a letter, they'll have their own forms and they'll want letters sent directly to them. But before taking off, take time to set up your references for future calls. (1) Research the way your present boss normally handles references. Some well-meaning managers avoid giving anyone a glowing recommendation. "Nobody's that great," they'll say. "I want to be honest." But of course everybody else exaggerates and your reference's "honesty" comes across as concern. Other references are just clueless. My colleague "Nick" genuinely wanted me to get a great opportunity when he wrote a letter for me. But he added a line suggesting I might be "somewhat eccentric." Luckily an interview committee member asked me, "What on earth does he mean?" "We're friends," I said, truthfully, and reached for the phone. Nick was completely baffled ("I meant it as a compliment") but he agreed to revise his letters so I'd sound like a serious candidate in all respects. (2) Get permission to list references and be sure they're "live." Your boss may be required to refer all calls to Human Resources. Or she may be moving to a new career and you're part of the past she wants to forget. In my former life, students often asked if they could list me as a reference for jobs and graduate programs. But sometimes I'd get a surprise request from someone I barely remembered, creating awkward moments for all of us. (3) Watch for red flags. If your job prospects get derailed mysteriously, over and over again, consider hiring a resource to check your references. They'll call to say, "I'm checking references on Tim Toole." They won't pretend to be an employer; it's rarely necessary. One reference-checking consultant told me, "The manager who answered the phone said, 'Just a minute.' Then, without covering the mouthpiece, he yelled, 'What did the lawyers tell us to say about Tim?'" (4) Discover the common practices and unwritten rules of your own industry and field. University professors and administrators typically submit three letters of reference with each application. Often these references will be mailed directly to the hiring department but they're standardized and prepared ahead of time. By the time you've gained some seniority in your field, you're probably familiar with standard hiring prospects. But when you need to change careers, talk to some well-connected recruiters. Talk to managers who have actually done some hiring in recent months. (5) Be proactive. Let's face it: writing reference letters adds hassle to somebody's day, especially when your reference is not familiar with your target market. If appropriate, offer to follow up or draft a list of key points to emphasize in the letter. If you liked this article, you'll love my Irreverent Guide to Job Search: Download here and jump-start your career change today. Get articles like this one delivered to your inbox each week. Start here.

"Wanting and Having"

I can't remember where I heard this: "What do you want? Look at what you have." In some way we create what we have, unless of course we're living in a repressive regime or prisonlike place. Similarly a relationship coach told me, "When I meet a couple who say they're not happy, I say, 'So why are you still together? There m ust be something that's working for you.'" Change begins when the balance shifts. But first it's important to see what's working. Careers work this way too. "Why are you still in the same job?" You like what you have and believe it won't happen anywhere else. For weekly articles delivered to your inbox subscribe here.

Year-End Career Moves

Q. "I hate my job and I really want to move to a warmer climate. Arizona sounds good! But it's the holiday season. I'll start the process on New Year's Day." A. The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas often gets dismissed as dead time. Why bother? Few employers are hiring and few clients want to embark on new projects. Anyway, we’re all drowning in year-end deadlines and rejoicing in family festivals. We’re shopping and partying. Who’s got time to think about the future? But my clients who accomplish successful transitions refuse to be derailed. They may take extra breaks but they assign a minimum number of minutes per day to work on their long-term goals. And they gain leverage by putting their subconscious minds to work for them, even while they're attending a party or tracking down gifts at the local mall. How does this happen? Let's say you allocate fifteen minutes a day to your Number One long-term goal. Maybe you add a weekly power surge by calling a coach or mentor. You're verbalizing your goals and hearing reinforcement from a supportive resource. As you're walking the dog, driving to work, or chatting at a party, your subconscious mind remains tuned to your goals, processing the data you generated during your fifteen dedicated minutes and (maybe) your phone sessions. Additionally, everyone you meet will view you as a source of purposeful energy. Enjoying a party? As you spread onion dip over a cracker, you fall into conversation with someone who adds a critical piece to your long-term puzzle. You attract strong, motivated people like yourself, and you reinforce one another. You ease away from the group that's moaning, "I haven't done a thing all week. I really dread the coming of January." What can you do for fifteen minutes a day, between now and New Year's Day, so you’ll be closer to your goals and dreams as you change your calendar?

Audio or visual?

Recently I met someone in person after several months of phone communication. He had proposed a joint project and I was backing off, based on a number of phone communications and missed deadlines.

I was charmed by his style. If I hadn't made a firm decision ahead of time, I'd have said yes.

On the other hand, he was more of a visual person. He hoped to use the opportunity to convert me to say yes. But when we met, he picked up on my body language and nonvebal communication, and he dropped the idea almost immediately. We had a glass of wine and talked about everything but our project. As soon as we met, he recognized it was a dead deal.

I live on the phone and Internet, so I tend to forget the power of face-to-face. And I pick up more on the phone than I do in person. Many people work the opposite way.

"Why am I still here?"

Q. “After ten years in a university community outreach office, I’m ready to join the corporate world. But interviewers ask me why I’ve stayed so long in the nonprofit sector.” A. When faced with tough questions, most of us begin by feeling defensive. Instead, at the first sign of attack, begin to claim your bragging rights. You have to plan ahead so you’ll be prepared. (1) Discuss how you’ve grown in your current job. “I’ve had promotions every two or three years. Each promotion gave me a whole new set of experiences – like moving from job to job.” “Actually I resigned two years ago. My current employer made a counter-offer to keep me.” (2) Show how you’ve contributed value. “I’ve increased our placements from 50% to 90% in two years with no increase in promotional spending.” “With my team, I developed a seminar program that doubled student participation in one year.” (3) Demonstrate your comfort level with corporate for-profit organizations. “Although I work for a university, I deal more with businesses like Pepsico and Citicorp than I do with my own departments. I submit proposals and work on joint programs with corporate executives.” “I work with the business school and we’re immersed in contemporary corporate challenges every day.” (4) Emphasize the prestige of your current organization. “My university’s business program was ranked 9th in our region.” “We attract students and faculty from all over the world.” (5) Use business concepts to frame your resume and interview stories. For example, an academic committee often operates just like a corporate cross-functional team. “My six-member team developed a marketing strategy that doubled the number of Fortune 50 recruiters who came to our campus from 2005 to 2006.” Got the idea? Now practice responding to your own toughest questions by flipping the switch from “beg” to “brag.” Will these tactics guarantee success? Not necessarily. Some companies (and managers) will remain inflexible, no matter how persuasive you are. Remember the Job Changing Mantra: Sometimes the outcome has nothing to do with you. But if you apply what I call the Bragging101 principles, you’ll increase your odds of achieving success. And you’ll come across as a confident professional who deserves respect throughout the interview process.

Using Metaphor to Deal With Office Bully Experience

I just ran across an interesting article on office bullies. Click here to read. You'll also find an article on my website about dealing with bully bosses. Click here to read. Is this a hot topic for you? Send an email

Choosing a career coach or consultant

Q. I need a new career! My friend recommended a coach but how do I know whether she’s a good choice for me? Or maybe I need a counselor instead? A. Whew…great question! This one came from an acquaintance who wanted to work with me, but we had a conflict of interest. Here’s what I said. Before going further, clear the decks. Career change takes time and energy – rarely possible if you’re working 70-hour weeks or experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, recovery or similar stressors. Second, ignore labels. These days, the person most likely to help may hold a most unlikely title. Instead, ask these 5 questions. (1) What’s your advice-to-accountability ratio? John: “My clients know what to do. My role is to create a structure of permission and accountability.” Jeanne: “My clients get stuck because they don’t know what steps to take. As I give them information, they spring into action.” John is 100% accountability. Jeanne is 100% advice. Most resources will be somewhere in between. Decide what you need and choose accordingly. (2) Who’s your best client and who would not be a good client for you? Ideally you’ll fit the best client profile. More important, your consultant should answer this question readily with something like, “Highly motivated clients with at least 10 years experience in a business or profession.” And you should get a straightforward statement beginning, “I do not work with clients who…” Nobody likes whiners, blamers and complainers...but what else? (3) What factors will influence my success? Even with the best guidance, your success will be influenced by factors beyond everyone’s control. Experienced resources will say something like, “No guarantees. But you’ll move faster if you arrive at the crossroads with certain attitudes, experiences and skills….” And then you should get some specifics. Willingness to network and a set of connections will help a great deal. (4) Will you require tests and assessments? If so, how will you use the results to help me make a change? Some clients feel better if they can place themselves into a category, such as “introvert” or “enneagram 5.” But I’ve met dozens of career changers who felt they had wasted hundreds of dollars to discover “what I’m best suited to do.” Click here for my highly biased opinion. Identifying who you are and defining your ideal career – that’s the fun, easy part. Getting into action and actually making a change? Much more challenging. (5) How do you keep learning and growing yourself? The best resource people will attend conferences, take classes, hire mentors, read books and generally push themselves to stretch and grow, in their area of expertise. They’ll give talks, write articles and get interviewed. They’ve made changes to their services in the past 6 months...or even more recently. That’s why referrals offer limited help. Robin loves Coach X and “Jay” hates X. But you’re different from both. And X’s fees and approach will change by the time you make the call. Ultimately, most personal change researchers agree, success depends more on your own commitment to the process. Perhaps the best predictor of success is a firm belief that, “I’m going to move ahead, with or without a consultant.” Ironically, this attitude is most likely to assure you’ll get the best possible support for your own career change.

Bringing Work Home

Today's Wall Street Journal carried an article that gives new meaning to the notion of "taking work home." Seems cubicle-dwellers introduce workplace jargon into domestic life. You don't like the electric bill? "Push back." That means, "Argue." Need help? "Reach out." That means, "Talk." One spouse accused her husband of interrogating their ten-year-old, using the litigator mode that made their comfortable life possible. The topic involved an illicit delivery of chocolate milk outside the kitchen. I'm not so sure this trend is all bad. Reframing often brings new perspective. As for the lawyer, a systematic, businesslike interrogation might be kinder than what a lot of parents would do. Maybe I could introduce career coaching methods to my own little family. "Gracie, have you considered options for stress besides chewing my socks? I can suggest a few..." Bad idea.

Effortless change

Right around Labor Day I began attending classes at my local gym. We have some really good ones. "Maximum Sculpt" means weight lifting to music. "Nia" is a new form of dance-type exercise. Just recently I began noticing the effects. First I found myself thinking, "Class was easier than usual today." "And today too." "Oh...maybe it's not the class. Maybe it's me." And outside the gym, the effects were even more amazing. Walking up a steep hill (say, Spring from 3rd to 4th Avenues in Seattle) used to leave me breathless with aching ankles. So I gritted my teeth and...it wasn't so bad. Carrying 2 big boxes of kitty litter from the Safeway across the way...tough but do-able. That's what's nice about exercise. You just keep doing it and you see results as if by magic. I'm not sure career change or business growth works the same way. Sure action yields results -- if it's purposeful. When you exercise, purpose translates to form. With careers, too many of us get caught up in "do something...anything!" Much harder to distinguish purposeful action that delivers from what the late Lynn Grabhorn called "heigh-ho silvering."

Career advice: Law of attraction?

With all the buzz about Law of Attraction, it's easy to forget that we attract naturally when we behave a certain way. For example: My young neighbor was grinning from ear to ear. After a few months of solitude, he now found himself overwhelmed with offers to go out. He's dating a couple of great women and a beautiful woman just asked *him* out. What happened? Those who feel loved and cherished will attract friends and relationships. It's not unusual to hear, "I couldn't find a date (let alone a relationship) for ages. Now that I've connected I'm getting asked out all the time and of course I have to say no." I believe the principle works the same way with careers, jobs and just about everything. When you feel strong and secure in your career, you're most likely to ace the interview or get a call from a headhunter. Clients always seem to come from nowhere just when I'm in the middle of two or three big-ticket rush projects. Law of attraction? Maybe. But I studied philosophy many years ago and we learned about Occam's Razor. Look for the simplest, most parsimonious explanation. When you radiate confidence and happiness, all sorts of good things happen. Who cares if there's a unversal law at work? Click here for my irreverent job hunting guide.

Career strategy: Change of boss means change of job?

Last week I was chatting with a colleague about the topic of changing bosses. During my own career, I've had the experience of getting hired by "Jane" only to arrive and find "Julie" in charge. I wasn't alone. In her wonderful (but sadly out of print) book, Thursdays Till 9, advertising superstar Jane Trahey described her first copywriting job at Neiman-Marcus in Dallas. She too arrived to find a new boss in place and, as she writes, "I was all hers." Fortunately, the boss left after a year or so and Trahey soon took her first steps to running the show. So...what if your boss changes soon after you arrive? I say it depends on your personality and your fit within the organization. (1) Some people come equipped with easygoing personalities. Most people like them and they know it. Godzilla could be their next boss and they'd do just fine. (2) Managers try to hire employees who will fit in to their organization. But let's say "Jim" feels a spark when he talks to applicant "Harry." They're from the same city, fraternity or college. They both follow the Lakers. Or they just click. On some level, Jim realizes Harry's a misfit but hey, he's willing to take a risk. Maybe he knows he won't be around long and wants to leave the company a farewell gift -- someone who definitely can't be his successor. And six months or a year later Harry's working for George. George soon realizes Harry's a misfit and (consciously or unconsciously) decides Harry needs to go. George needs to look good in this job and can't afford any loose cannons, which misfits often turn out to be. So bottom line, it's a combination of personality and fitting in. If you're an edgy personality and/or a maverick, you have to be more cautious and stay more marketable than your more easy-going, easy-fit counterpart. Click here for my irreverent job hunting guide.

Career Strategy: Getting Interviewed to Get Ahead

Recently I volunteered to organize an ezine for one of my Seattle alumni groups. It’s not going to be a big deal (I don’t have time). But I’m the only group member who’s edited newsletters and I know how powerfully they can build loyalty and motivate membership. Immediately I ran into the biggest challenge of editing a newsletter. It’s not coming up with ideas. Not meeting deadlines. Not writing up the stories. Not even layout and design. No, the biggest challenge is getting ordinary members to say “yes” to an interview. When I edited a newsletter for my gym in New Mexico, I featured a “Member of the Month.” When I edited a 700-member professional newsletter, I created a monthly interview column. Now, because everyone’s into networking, I’d like to have a “Spotlight.” You’d be amazed how often I hear (from both men and women, so don’t go saying it’s a girl thing), “I’m not interesting enough.” Or, “I don’t have anything to say.” Or even, “I’m shy.” “No problem,” I say. “It’s my job to make you sound interesting. And I’m not Barbara Walters (or even Katie Couric). I ask easy questions. You can even suggest the topics.” But why not step into the spotlight? We’re playing a low-stakes game. Practice talking about yourself. You’ll be ready when your next employer demands an interview for the company newsletter. You’ll understand what you need to learn before a Real Reporter shows up. Occasionally your employer will demand that you get clearance for an interview – even a newsletter at the gym or alumni club. I’d go ahead and ask. Unauthorized media contacts can be hazardous to your career. But your employer may be delighted if you’re being interviewed by anybody, even a neighborhood newspaper. If your manager says, “No way,” ask if you can be interviewed without mentioning specifics. Unless you work for the CIA or Tony Soprano’s Family, or you’re posing for high-exposure photos, most employers won’t mind if you say, “I work for...” Then offer an interview-lite. Talk about your life accomplishments: education, community, military or Peace Corps service, travel, family and dogs. One never knows. Sometimes an old high school buddy will see your interview and call to get re-acquainted. Or someone will give access to a networking opportunity. If you work for yourself, you have no excuse to say no, unless you’re selling the benefits of being invisible. The whole world needs to know how wonderful you are. And I recommend that, starting today, you make a solemn vow to yourself. You will never, ever say, “My life is so boring – why would you talk to me?” You will never, ever make excuses (“You probably don’t want to hear this but...”) Writers are busy, whether they’re columnists for the New York Times or freelance newsletter editors. When they ask for an interview, they want to believe you’re brilliant, successful, interesting and well-spoken. Don’t tell them they’re wrong.. More tips in our teleclass: Click here for more info.

"Overcome discrimination?" You must be kidding...

A NY Times columnist -- someone I usually admire -- responded to a query about a 63-year-old man, recently laid off from his high-level job. The man's wife wrote something to the effect of, "He's sending out resumes and collecting rejections." The columnist urged the man to "overcome age discrimination" by demonstrating that he's active and up-to-date. I say, "Good luck." By definition, discrimination can't be overcome. It's not rational. It's not based on facts. And, quite bluntly, corporate executives have no reason to hire older workers. Often they make what appears to be a rational decision: Forty years of experience may simply not be worth tens of thousands of dollars above the entry-level or even mid-level. For anyone over 50, the only way to stay employed is to use your network, if you have one. Building a new network is do-able but takes time, energy and (if you're female) a heavy investment in make-up, salons and wardrobe consultants. Another way is to consider self-employment. I suspect many business license applications are made by what I call reluctant entrepreneurs -- those who would rather continue working for someone else, if they could find a job where they'd gain responsibility, challenge and (most of all) reward for recognition. Even the author of The Age Advantage had trouble finding true advantages to aging. Click here to see my review. But...overcome prejudice? Despite laws on the books, we still see instances of discrimination based on race, religion, sex and even weight. Age will always be a tougher challenge. I'd say turn your back on jobs and take charge of your own life. It's tough but not impossible.

Career Change: A Family Affair?

Q: “I’m really eager to move from my midwestern town to a major city on the East Coast. The problem is my elderly mother. She doesn’t want to move. I want to spend time with her but I really need to move or resign myself to fewer options later.” A. This one’s tough. As noted in last week’s ezine, I don’t feel qualified to advise on family dilemmas. I can advise and consult on how a move will likely affect a career and how to manage the career-plus-location challenge. And I can encourage clients to consider career outcomes they may not have anticipated. Here are five questions to consider as a starting point. (a) Does your choice feel like moving forward or like making a sacrifice? “Norman,” a successful clinical psychologist, enjoyed his life in a small Southeastern town. With his wife retired and the children off to college, he broached the idea of moving to a larger northeastern city while he was still young enough to enjoy professional recognition and growth. His wife refused. “I’m staying here with my friends and my lifestyle.” Norman insists he’s doing well. But in nearly every conversation with friends, he refers to what he has sacrificed to save his relationship. His current career and his social relationships have begun to fray around the edges. “Jane,” on the other hand, abandoned a successful research career to follow her husband across the country. She considered alternative careers and settled on junior college teaching. Although at first she wasn’t at home in the classroom (to put it mildly) she worked hard and eventually began to earn teaching awards. Her friends remain mystified but they agree she’s happy. (b) What will you do if the relationship changes after you move (or decide not move)? Recently I read about “Harriet” who bravely followed her husband to Japan, giving up her career and selling their New York apartment. Two weeks after she arrived in Japan, her husband announced he didn’t want to be married anymore. She was stranded, thousands of miles from home, with no Plan B. On the other hand, Tim and his partner moved to a small town, mainly for the partner’s artistic career. Tim, who had left a corporate executive position, reluctantly accepted a clerical job in a real estate agency. He decided to get a real estate license and turned out to have a real gift for the field – something he would never have suspected if he hadn’t taken the risk. And the partnership is more solid than ever. (c) Is your family more resilient than you realize? “Jim” and his family moved a thousand miles to be closer to his parents and grandchildren. Once moved, he discovered that everyone got along better if they saw each other less often. The grandchildren were entering their teen-aged “no grown-ups wanted” years. And his career had disappeared along the way. “Theresa,” a single parent, realized she had outgrown her lucrative position in the financial services industry. She returned to school at age 37, where she completed bachelors and masters degrees in theatre arts. Her teenager children supported her decision, although she warned them she wouldn’t be able to pay for their college educations. “My children learned that they can always go back to school,” she says. “I’m a role model for them.” At fifty she teaches in a theatre program and maintains a close relationship with her children. (d) Does someone in the family face a limited window of opportunity? In some fields, timing is everything. Military careers in the US often call for a stint in the Pentagon. Lawyers and academics need to move right after finishing professional school. Family members have windows outside the work world. I’ve met forty-year-olds who remain bitter over giving up places on high school athletic teams and cheering squads. A ballet dancer or musician can’t postpone lessons till ”later.” . (e) Does your family understand your career realities? “I’ve been looking for a career for six months and my family says it’s time I made a decision.” That’s a common challenge – and a career change typically takes up to three years. “If I can work long hours for the next two years, I’ll have lots of time and money for many years to come.” I don’t judge anyone’s decisions and I can’t speak about family dynamics or what’s “right.” But I urge everyone to consider career as well as family implications and to create a Plan B to deal with unexpected outcomes.

Should careers be compartmentalized?

Recent articles in the Wall Street Journal and New York Times will reassure you or scare you, depending on your own belief system. More and more employers are bringing faith-based beliefs (the PC term for "religion") into the workplace. So far, it seems, most are careful. They don't want to risk giving the appearance of prejudice. And the NY Times reports that employees of religious organizations cannot sue for rights they would have in secular organizations. So if you're dismissed because you're too old or too sick -- too bad. It's called the ministerial exception. Not a problem, warns the Times, except if you're diagnosed with cancer while you're covered by that organization's group policies. Good luck finding your own "affordable" insurance afterwards. I think the real problem is that in a society like ours, we need more compartmentalization, not less. We have an economic relationship with an employer. We offer skills and produce output. They pay us. We need to separate health care, religion and personal lives from the workplace. Bridges's book JobShift, published over ten years ago, had the right idea. Set up craft guilds where people can get group insurance, so they won't need to rely on the government or an employer. Once health care gets separated a lot of other stuff will go away...like employers who care if their workers smoke or gain weight. And while unfairly dismissed employees face economic, social and psychological hardship, getting fired shouldn't mean a choice between death and bankruptcy. Rick Jarow has pointed out that in this way we're not much different from medieval serfs who depended on the landowner's goodwill for survival. Otherwise I say, Stay marketable and independent. If you like your employer's beliefs -- faith-based or otherwise -- you'll be fine. If you feel uncomfortable, be able to walk away. Ironically, the tie-in of medical benefits makes it harder to be independent, forcing many employees to exist in what most resembles a love-starved marriage.

Ready, set go for your career change

Ready for a career change? Clients often call, eager to start, and then we discover some surprises. Whether the change is as small as taking on a new work assignment or as big as going back to school, here’s my own version of ready-set-go. Ready: Block off time in your calendar for “career exploration.” Once a client told me, “I can call you only on Sunday evening. I am completely booked the rest of the week. My job occupies me 24/7.” That was extreme. Career change takes time. You have to talk to live people – not just surf the Internet. Some will be available in the evenings and on weekends. But many will be available only during business hours. I recommend actually committing to certain hours to make sure you fit in your career change actions. Otherwise it’s too easy to back-burner them till “someday.” Get set: Write down the strengths of your current geographic location. When I was living in a small town in New Mexico, business development opportunities were quite limited. On the plus side, so were distractions. After moving to Seattle, I was surprised to find that even faraway clients were more willing to talk to me. A big-city address carried credibility. Or maybe I was just happier and more motivated. Sometimes your dream career will be located in another part of the city, country or even world. But I recommend starting with all the advantages of living and working where you are. Then use them as leverage if you decide to move. For example, your current location may allow you to save money or gain support from old friends. Go: Make a list of the important people in your life. Nearly everyone has a family and/or close friends who will be affected by career and relocation decisions. I recommend getting the family on board before investing a great deal of energy in a career change. You may experience short-term time and income pressures. You may be more stressed as you embark on a new venture (even if you are happy). Whenever family gets involved, I step out of the picture. I recommend consulting the experts: therapists, family counselors, and social workers. Not me. Your social support system changes too – more than most of us expect. Many midlife career changers have developed friendships based on shared professional interests. And let’s face it: when your friends are happily settled, they may not know how to support a friend-in-transition. They’re more at home talking about your marriage and kids. So consult your list. Next to each name write “wet blanket,” “cheerleader,” “encourager,” “poison dart,” “information resource,” or “mentor.” You may find some new categories of your own. Now it’s time for action. Poison darts and wet blankets should be removed from your address book and your cell phone contact list. Begin talking to mentors and information resources. As you explore, you should begin to feel energized. If not, change the labels on your list. The key is to get out there and take action...and not be drained by the nay-sayers and well-meaning (but misguided) advice-givers. And then it’s back to “rinse and repeat.” Review your time. Review your location. And keep talking to those people – more than you ever anticipated.

Great Career Advice: "Not What I Expected"

Q. “Hi, Cathy. I just took a job that represents a big step up in my field. As part of the package, I was promised a 10% bonus after 6 months. But it’s been nine months, I haven’t seen a dime and my boss changes the subject when I bring it up.” A. Believe it or not, I hear these stories often. Clients raise concerns whenever they embark on relationships with employers, contractors, suppliers, partners or clients. Here are a few suggestions (and readers may contribute more). (1) Before accepting a position (especially if you have to relocate), you need to know three things. (a) What are industry practices regarding bonuses, assignments and other conditions? If your company deviates widely from current practices, you need to know why. (b) What is your company’s reputation as an employer or contractor? A history of broken relationships should raise a red flag. (c) Will you get what you need to be effective? Territories for sales reps, labs for scientists, staff for executives, and so on. Don’t let anyone sabotage your success before you start. (2) Ignore promises of bonuses unless they’re in writing. If missing a bonus would be a deal-breaker, hire your own attorney to review the contract before you sign. Make sure you understand any terms and conditions. (3) Once a written promise has been broken, raise questions immediately. Deal directly with whoever has power to act. “Fred,” an accounting student I met in graduate school, was scheduled to teach a course for a local university. A few weeks before classes began, he inadvertently learned that he had been displaced. Someone else had been hired (presumably cheaper). Fred bypassed the department head, who had no power. He called the Associate Dean, saying, “Ken, I’m really sorry to bother you with this. I know how busy you are. But I’m afraid we have a contract. How would you like to handle this?” Fred kept his questions polite, even diffident. He told me the Associate Dean muttered a few swear words, followed by a few phone calls. Fred was soon back on the schedule. (4) Decide ahead of time if you are prepared to escalate. If your polite questions are ignored, it’s time to go into a legal huddle. Make absolutely sure you understand what was promised. Was this bonus contingent on a condition? Your lawyer should be the one to advise you now – and no one else. You probably won’t need to consider lawsuits or courts. Most companies will settle. (5) Don’t ask your career consultant for legal advice and don’t ask your lawyer for career guidance. In my experience, many lawyers will not understand how their advice may impact your long-term career goals. My friend “Ruth” negotiated a settlement with a company following a major dispute. Her lawyer warned, “You won’t get a good reference.” “True,” Ruth explained patiently, “But that’s not important. In my field, my portfolio gets me jobs.” You probably need to start job-hunting as soon as you question a broken promise – but not always. And even if you remain quiet, you need to consider the hidden story. And your lawyer can’t be a sounding board as you express your frustration and ponder your next move. Bottom Line: Nearly all of us learn about broken promises from experience, at least once. I believe it’s better to lay the groundwork before beginning any business association. Inevitably you’ll forget to consider at least one important element of any deal. But over time you get better and often an hour of consultation can save months (or years) of misery later on. The career consultant helps you figure out what you need; the lawyer makes sure the contract delivers. I cover a lot more in my irreverent job hunting guide .

Organizing for Life Space

Last week I attended a talk by Laura Leist, author of Organizing Chaos (isn’t that a cool name for a company?). Three principles seem to make special sense for organizing self as well as space. (1) Learn to let go of what you don’t need. This one is hard! When moving to Seattle, I have to admit that I, the Moving Lady herself, packed way too much stuff. Somehow, I didn’t stop to think that Seattle might have libraries, bookstores, and even a drugstore or two. Once delivered and unpacked, every possession became harder to discard. But I’m working on it. As we organize time for the forthcoming fall system, we can ask ourselves, “What can we get rid of – now? Books? Clothes? Possessions? Even subscriptions for magazines we no longer have time to read?” We can also get rid of wet blankets, commitments that no longer make sense and activities that used to be fun a long time ago. I was attending meetings of a social group...until I realized I felt bored during the meetings and drained afterward. Still, it was hard to stop going. They were so nice. (2) Decide whose purpose you are serving (and whether it’s real or imaginary). During the Q&A of Laura’s talk, one mother asked, “My parents think I should keep all my children’s possessions...their drawings from school, crafts and toys. She kept all mine and I couldn’t care less! In fact, I don’t even like most of them.” Obviously we keep some space, possessions and activities in our lives because we are responsible citizens. But how many times do we keep doing things because “someone” might be disappointed? Often we find out that “someone” doesn’t even notice. Some of my career change clients can’t find time to investigate new directions because they’re enmeshed in someone else’s real or imagined agenda. They’re carrying out time-consuming efforts because their boss wanted them to...but that boss has now retired and the new boss doesn’t notice. Or they think the family wants to celebrate every holiday with an elaborate feast...and half the family has gone on diets and would just as soon dine on carrots and celery with ice water. As I get older and more ornery, of course, I hear fewer suggestions for what I “ought” to do. Or maybe I just don’t “hear” them because I’ve gotten better at tuning them out. (3) Get creative. Living in a small space? Think “up” and use the very top part of your walls. Visual person? Some people can’t handle file folders. They prefer an open basket where they can see their bills and “to do” items. I myself tend to live with organized clutter, especially in my office. I can find anything. When I clean up for visitors, I spend days looking for what I’ve tidily tucked away. You can also get creative with time. These days, I have a lot of things delivered: super-size bags of dog food, bottled water, anything heavy. I’m a great believer in finding ways to make one hour do the work of three. But some things can’t be delegated and after all, we organize our lives to get time and space for the fun stuff...like a beautiful afternoon in the dog park, a symphony concert or a basketball game. You can order Laura Leist’s book through my amazon account: Click here to order. And I recommend my own Time Management System: Start saving time today! My ebooks are listed at http://www.cathygoodwin.com/books.html

College for the kids?

A reader asked me to settle an argument with her spouse. "I want my kids to have the very best college education," she writes, "although we'll have to dip into savings and forget about building retirement funds. My husband disagrees. He says they'll do just fine at a state university." First, a big disclaimer: I am not an expert on family, children or marital conflict. But I feel very confident saying, "Your children will most likely not be deprived if they attend a state university. In fact, they may be better off, depending on who they are." (1) Top universities offer access to demanding academics. If you have a child who absolutely loves intellectual interactions, and who's confident of his or her abilities, then a top university may well be a good investment. (2) A surprising number of state universities have first-rate honors programs. And a less prestigious program can actually showcase a bright student, who stands out from the crowd. I once knew a scientist who attended University of Arizona as an undergraduate. Because he was so motivated, he was invited to work with scientists on campus, contributing to publications and research in a meaningful way. A mentor helped him get accepted at a prestigious graduate program, with scholarships, and he went on to a brilliant career at an even more prestigious university. (3) Students who value interactions and "just hanging out with my friends" may go on to great careers because they're building relationships. Any university will be fine. (4) Campus activities -- even fraternities and sororities -- can lead to lifelong networking access. (5) Some students thrive on an elite campus with lots of contact with professors. Others actually do better when they feel more anonymous -- less "on." Some enjoy same-sex colleges because they feel free to be themselves. Others feel stifled and confined, as though they've embarked on four years of Ladies Who Lunch. On the other hand, attending a small school often bonds the students into a big fraternity. Women from my own college tend to feel a bond when we encounter one another, even if we're strangers. (6) No degree guarantees success. I attended a very fine women's college. Some of my classmates went on to become famous writers, artists, lawyers, entertainers, judges and public figures. Martha Stewart graduated from my college (a few years before me and I never met her). Some alums taught grade school, became librarians, or chose to be full-time wives and mothers. Some declared bankruptcy and I read about a homeless alumna in our official magazine. And I once fell into conversation with a nice young man behind the counter of a New Mexico UPS store, brown shirt and all. Turns out he graduated from Harvard and spent the rest of his life working for low wages in bookstores. The UPS job was a seasonal detour to earn more money. (7) Few degrees guarantee failure. "Melvin" attended a small religious college in a small Southern town. Most people would never have heard about it. He majored in French. When he applied for graduate school in business, his GMAT scores were abysmal. So he ended up at a lower-tier graduate school. But he hooked up with a mentor, applied himself, discovered an aptitude for research and went to a career at a university that was highly respected in his field. His record, reputation and financial success greatly surpass many students with more prestigious academic backgrounds. If your heart is set on sending a child to a top school, you won't be deterred by these examples. But if your financial status calls for choosing between college for the kids and a retirement plan for the parents, I would suggest you set up some meetings with a financial planner. Your highly educated children may not feel that "four wonderful years" are worth the trade-off of bailing out the parents when they're fifty. NOTE: This topic is controversial. Feel free to add a comment, agreeing or disagreeing! I save all comments (except those from spammers).

What's missing from this job hunt

Columnist Michelle Singletary writes about a Katrina survivor learning to "survive the job market." Latanya Howard relocated to Maryland, has received considerable training and support by still can't find a job. Howard seeks a job as a cashier or receptionist, while nearly all my readers seek professional level careers. Still, some factors influence every job campaign at every level. (1) Relocating to a place that doesn't enhance your strengths. In New Orleans, Howard took public transportation to work, but her new location calls for driving. Howard doesn't drive. Every region and every city will hold different challenges and opportunities: weather, cultural style, lifestyle, likelihood of finding other newcomers and more. Very few people will be happy living "anywhere." (2) Depression Not surprisingly, Singletary notes, Latanya Howard suffers severe depression after losing her home, job, possessions and most of her life. I tell clients to deal with their emotional and psychological well-being before setting out on a job hunt, let alone a career change. Depression, anxiety, stress and other psychological conditions will get in the way. Career consultants can't help. (3) Motivation To succeed in a job hunt, Singletary notes, you have to treat job hunting as a full-time job. My own clients often are surprised at the amount of time and energy a job hunt requires. Outplacement, career consulting and coaching all help sustain motivation and momentum. Singletgary's column appeared in today's Seattle Post-Intelligencer .

Too weird...or just right?

Recently I was invited to apply for a special program connected with an organization. Good visibility, I thought, so I said, "Okay." Then they said, "We need a conventional resume." I wanted to say, "You must be kidding." I haven't put together a conventional resume since 1981, when I began writing academic resumes. And now I have no need for a resume, conventional or otherwise. Do I spend hours and hours trying to reconstruct my life of 30 years ago? More likely I'll say, "Is there something else that would satisfy your requirements?" And then I'd live with their answer. Often organizations have requirements that make no sense. Usually these requirements raise a red flag: "These folks are weird. Don't work for them." My favorite: I was offered a writing project to create instructional material for a university group in the midwest. I was living in New Mexico, over a thousand miles away. I would work from home, on a project basis. The university wanted me to sign a statement swearing that I subscribe to a drug-free environment. Now, let me make one thing perfectly clear. The only drug in my home is catnip. Organic catnip, to be precise. But I was tempted to ask, "Does this mean Creampuff (my calico cat, who is somewhat addicted to this herb) must indulge outside my home office? Or are you going to fly someone here to check the aspirin bottles? We're just three hours from the nearest airport." They also had a pile of application forms with tiny little squares that had to be completed by hand. I declined. But sometimes organizations have weird requirements for applicants and then turn out to be nice as pie once you're in the In Crowd. My colleague "Marilyn" went through agonies applying for a college teaching job, many years ago. The hiring committee demanded to see her original diploma. They questioned her choices of graduate courses and dismissed her research as "light." I would have said, "No way." But Marilyn smiled and smiled. She answered every question and even wrote nice thank you notes to every single interviewer. She got the job. She loved the job. "They're treating me like a queen," she reported happily, several years later. So does that mean we should all be more like Marilyn? Not necessarily. Marilyn's intuition may have told her, "Hang in there. It's worth the hassle." She was there. I wasn't. And I might not have thrived in Marilyn's environment. Who knows? The only real lesson from all this is, "Keep your power. Build your financial base. Someday you're going to really, really want to decline an offer. Or you will want to accept on your own terms." When that happens, saying "no" can brighten a whole day.

"That job will always be there..."

You wouldn't believe how often we leave a field where we have a strong position, thinking, "I can always go back." Or, "They'll always make a place for me." Or, "I have unique skills and talents! Of course I can go back." So we leap off the dock and land in the ocean...way over our heads. And then we look for a life raft. What happened to that job? Well, the career field has changed. Or the boss who promised us, "You'll always have a home here" has retired. Or we've changed. We no longer fit in. Bottom Line: It's easier to hang on, even if the job is miserable, than to try to climb back aboard. Once you've been swimming around the ocean, your fingers get stiff. And then it's much tougher to hold on.

Moving from Small Town to Big City...

After four years in a small town, moving to a Big City sometimes feels like traveling to another planet. I'd advise anyone contemplating a similar move to (a) toss out every piece of clothing you own, because fashions change more than you'd imagine; (b) hold off on signing up for anything till you've been there at least a year; (c) plan to revise the way you think about your business; (d) avoid attending any networking meetings till you've found a good hairdresser and bought at least 2 new outfits; (e) don't expect to enjoy the same books, tapes, television shows and leisure activities you did. Everything changes.

Do we know each other?

These days we make ephemeral connections through the Internet. Someone takes a class from me (or with me). Someone googles my name and wants to get in touch...after five or ten or twenty years. So I get a mysterious email like the one I got today. "Mary Jones announces she has started a blog." Who on earth is Mary Jones? No clue: she sent her announcement to a bcc list so I can't place her in context. Well, she's probably a terrific person, but I'll never know. The links to her new blog don't work either.

Was that interview for real?

Q. "I'm still dizzy from my latest encounter. Aargh. I went on an interview that should have been a slam-dunk...and nothing happened. I felt like they were putting on a show." A. You are absolutely right: many interviews are just for show. And you are absolutely wise (in my opinion, anyway) to consider alternatives like solo-preneurship. And although companies say they're searching for the right candidate, sometimes they already hired someone -- and they are jumping through hoops for the HR department. It can have an upside. I once had a delightful trip to Boston as the "other candidate." I asked if I could stay over an extra couple of nights at my own expense. No problem, they said - we'll pick up on tab. A guilt trip? I sure hope so! Note: This article is based in part on my Job Search Book: Click here to learn more.

Unsolicited advice: Not from their intuition

Some time ago I fell into conversation with "Gretchen," another business consultant at a networking event. It was late. I'd had a glass of wine and was feeling relaxed...too relaxed! So I shared some of the challenges I was facing with my own business. Should I change the name. Should I attend a specific event. Aargh. And then I went home, got busy with the dog and a couple of new clients, and forgot the conversation. A few days later I was pleased to open my email and see a message from Gretchen. How nice, I thought. She's following up with a nice "glad to meet you note." Instead, Gretchen treated me to a long, long list of suggestions for my business. I appreciated her concern for me, but I couldn't help wondering. If she's busy and successful, why would she spend the time writing me an email? I'm a fast writer. It would have taken me at least an hour. And I don't give away my time. And if she knows her business, she should remember the cardinal rule of consulting (and coaching, for that matter). Information first. Recommendations second. Finally. Gretchen is not a business consultant or a marketing consultant. Even if I like her ideas, wouldn't I want to check them out? If I asked Gretchen, she'd probably say, "My intuition for you is..." But I would respond, "That's pseudo-intuition. Real intuition does not lead to unsolicited advice. Ever." Bottom Line: I'm going to remind my own clients to beware of unsolicited advice, getting or giving. Typically you just get paid in frustration. Note: This article is based in part on my Special Report on Intuition: Click here to learn more.

Midlife Career Change Can Be A Crisis

Looking for a reality check? Check out the Wall Street Journal's online Career Forums. There's one thread about midlife career -- with over 400 posts, the biggest of all. And some of the most frustrating. I wish I could tell everyone, "Stop pounding on closed doors. At some point, it's easier to go solo." And don't wait too long: right after you lose your job, go into multi-tasking mode. Spend part of each day networking and answering ads for your next job. And then stop and start planning for a new self-employed career. Hire coaches and consultants while you can still afford them. See my article on mentors

Beware the city stereotypes

An experienced marketer said, "You're living in Seattle! You have access to all sorts of networking events!" True. But many are in Bellevue - an inconvenient hour (and lightyears in mindset) away from me. Every city has hidden quirks. Some offer respect only to residents who lasted three winters or five years. Some still socialize with their old high school classmates and you won't break in easily. I once met a family who moved to Philadelphia because their daughter got accepted at the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music. With substantial experience in specialty retail, the father anticipated no problem in getting a job. But in fact only two stores appeared -- and both were fully staffed. Research first to avoid disappointment afterward. For more see my Report on Moving.

[Your career strategy] Good article here

It's rare to find accurate articles in the Real World, but I really liked this one about top career myths: http://tinyurl.com/fu8wo I especially agree with the author's points about negotiating: anyone can negotiate. And I also emphasize that compensation issues often have to arise before you get to the very end of the process. You need to find out if you're both wasting time. I can't resist pointing out my own downloadable Irreverent Job Search Guide, which makes many similar points: Click here.

Career Change can challenge achievers more than non-achievers

Today's Seattle Times carried an article, Financial scams can fool even the money-wise. Click here to read the article. Why am I not surprised? Because I've learned that career achievers often experience the greatest difficulty in making career change. I've said it's because the rules are different. Readers will remember me saying (over and over again), "Career success is like NFL football. Career change is like playground basketball." But there are similarities to the financial vulnerability described in this article. Achievers are used to making their own decisions. They're confident: "I've been successful in the past and I can succeed again." They also tend to be overly optimistic, believing in straightforward solutions. And that's why they're vulnerable to pitches from overenthusiastic coaches and outright scams, like the resume-blasting services. (OK, they do send resumes around, but they usually do more harm than good.) And those vulnerable to scams tend to have more challenges in their lives, such as illness. What the article doesn't say is that intuition can be silent during a crisis or a transition. That's because intuition feeds on knowledge. And in a transition, we're in a betwixt and between state of knowing nothing. I discuss this topic extensively in my Special Report on Intuition. I've been there too. I've hired some of the worst coaches and consultants on the planet, at least for me. With my own clients, I try to be as realistic as possible. But of course, being solid achievers, most of us opt for optimism, to our own peril.

[Your Career Strategy] Discretion at work

A reader asks, “We spent so many hours in the workplace. We begin to believe our coworkers are our friends. How can we be open and friendly yet protect ourselves?” Good question. As my long-time readers know, I encourage everyone to err on the side of discretion. I’ve met few people who said, “I wish I’d shared more.” I’ve met many who say, “I wish I had said nothing.” (1) Assume everyone’s connected. In a new job or a new city, it’s easy to share our fears, worries and first impressions. But your next door neighbor may have hidden ties to your boss (or your landlord). Your coworker may be newly divorced from the newly hired management consultant. It happens. (2) Come across as positive. This one can be difficult. As a newcomer, you’ll inevitably find much to criticize in your new world. But everyone’s looking to you as the new ray of sunshine. Let them down at your peril. (3) Expect players to change roles. Your best confidante can become your new boss, new subordinate or fiercest competitor. A coworker can become a source of business referrals. When roles move the other way, from friendship to business, we usually lose the friendship and end up leaving the business. (4) Choose the language of discretion. Some of my favorite people like to use what we might call colorful language – the type of talk you’d hear on The Sopranos or SATC in HBO-land. But if I met them in a business setting, for the very first time, I’d be the opposite of impressed. And I recommend avoiding even a hint of prejudice or stereotyping. Ever. Even when joking. (5) Welcome to the Real World. Over twenty years ago, Mary Tyler Moore threw her perky winter hat into the air to open her television show. Since then many viewers wished for a cozy work setting that was one big family, like theirs. We forget the family was often dysfunctional. We forget the setting was a rundown company that was going nowhere. Anyway, Mary’s real life counterpart couldn’t afford the clothes. You may be one of the lucky few who felt very close to a boss or coworker, a few jobs ago, or maybe now. It happens. But most of the time, you’re always on-stage in your own real life drama. Rather than seek closeness with coworkers, I’ve found that successful achievers usually build a personal circle of confidantes, coaches, consultants, friends and family. They get strength off the job so they can appear strong on the job, even when they feel scared, weak and frustrated. I’m sure some of you will disagree with me. Share your ideas by replying to this ezine, leaving the subject line as is. Some good reading by other authors: http://www.cathygoodwin.com/topcareerbooks.html

[Career change] "Reeling from Rumor"

It happened fast. Fans of Seattle Storm WNBA basketball were heading into the gym for a noontime game when they began to hear the whispers: “Storm and Sonics are moving to Oklahoma.” Some listened to car radios on their way to the game. Others picked up the word from street vendors. Everyone was in shock and you might as well have hung black banners from the rafters. Although newspapers reported the team hadn’t been told, the Storm played a miserable game. So what if you hear rumors that affect your career or your business? (1) Differentiate rumors and gossip. Gossip tends to be presented as fact about people. Rumors tend to be speculations about forthcoming events, according to Ralph Resnow, a former Temple psychology professor. I would add, “Rumors tend to raise questions like, ‘What should we do?’” We feel we need to take action, now or in the present. (2) Assess the impact on your future if the rumor turns out to be true. Let’s face it: I would sorely miss the Storm if they moved across the bridge to Bellevue, let alone to Oklahoma. I probably wouldn’t leave Seattle or change much of my life. But if you hear a rumor about layoffs and mergers, you may realize you could experience very serious consequences. (3) Create a plan for your worst case scenario. For basketball, my worst case scenario means finding a new entertainment (okay, fanaticism) for many summer evenings beginning 2008. For some of my clients, a worst case scenario might mean looking for a new job. Some might consider starting a business. (4) Identify actions to prepare for your worst case scenario. Recently a client emailed to set up a consultation to get his resume revised. He had just heard rumors of a merger affecting his company sometime in the coming fall. “I will probably be safe,” he said, “but I want to be prepared.” “In my experience,” I said, “those who plan ahead tend to be spared the worst impact of a business crisis. No magic: they present a strong image and they think clearly.” Beyond preparing a resume, you have to weigh the consequences of other actions, such as communicating with a recruiter. (5) Present an appearance of calm confidence. I encourage clients to avoid sharing fears and anxieties with others in the workplace, including their own customers. Hire professional resources to deal with feelings and/or make plans for your next career. And finally, during a time of anxiety, everyone will seem like an expert. We’re all tempted to turn to friends, family, neighbors, dog-walkers and even strangers, hoping for facts that will put our worst fears to rest. Chances are, they know less than they claim. I must admit I called a good friend on the East Coast who is a lifelong sports fan. “They’ll never go to Oklahoma,” he said confidently. “No audience! Who watches basketball in Oklahoma?” The next day, I learned that a New Orleans NBA team had temporarily relocated to Oklahoma City following Katrina. Local residents eagerly bought season tickets, raising attendance to sixth in the league. I’m no longer reassured. But I’m motivated to learn a lot more about rumors and continue to work with clients who deal –and reel -- with them.

[Career change tips] "Diversify and keep your power"

Recently a client said, "I've identified two companies that I'd really, really like to work for. Should I concentrate all my efforts on those companies or keep other avenues open?" Here's what I'd say. Sometimes a laser focus pays off. I once met "Ruth," who was absolutely determined to get a career in hotel sales. She began attending industry meetings, building relationships with key hotel managers and taking classes in hospitality management. After awhile she began to look as though she belonged. And eventually she did land an offer. Ruth invested several months in her search. Thanks to unemployment and severance, she could take time off to mount a dedicated campaign. Most of my clients can't. If Ruth had been my client, I would have suggested moving in more than one direction. After all, suppose she reaches her Paradise and finds a half dozen alligators hiding in the swamp (which she thought was a lake, actually)? And by keeping multiple irons in the fire, she would come across as confident and strong rather than needy and desperate. Targeting a single comany is even more hazardous than choosing a single industry. Keep a Plan B going and diversify your portfolio of opportunities.

[Great career moves] Taking a personal day?

The New York Times's "Career Couch" section posed the question, "Should you lie to your employer if if you're taking a day off for fun in the sun? Not surprisingly, everyone they asked said, "Don't do it!" Well, if you're going to be quoted in a national newspaper, would you advise readers to lie? Think of the liability, if nothing else. Frankly, I think we need to question why we measure our value in hours, days, months and years. You do your work, whenever and wherever you want. When you're done, you stop. Period. Sometimes you do need face time. But a lot of requirements seem based on ego, not necessity. So what would I say to a client? I say, "I'm not going to tell you whether to lie about anything. That's up to you. But if you're going to embark on a career change, you'll need time to go on interviews and attend meetings. You'll even need time to talk to me! If you can't carve out this time, you'll face a challenge." Typically, my clients tend to be on a sufficiently high level, so they don't need to take a day off. THey have leeway in scheduling. But I'm always surprised how much surveillance takes place, even at the highest levels. A personal day? Everyone I know has taken a mental health day at some time or other. You have to know your own organization's culture about personal days, lying, and generally being uptight versus reasonable. Some organizations expect you to lie. Others view even a small fib as a firing offense. Life is short. Do what you have to do. And set a goal of working somewhere sane, so you don't have to sneak out on a magnificent Friday afternoon.

[Career information] Can I Afford to Move Here?

Q. I live in a wonderful house in the Midwest. Recently a recruiter asked if I’d consider a new job with a move to Southern California. The salary would be higher but the cost of living – ouch! Should I go on the interview? A. Let’s do the easy part first. I almost always recommend going on the interview. Of course, don’t jeopardize your current job or current clients. But you have little to lose. Occasionally you will be considered for other jobs in the company. You may be able to negotiate a telecommute option. Your interviewer may know of other opportunities in more desirable locations. And now let’s say you get a job offer for Los Angeles. You wonder if you can find a place to rent or buy. The only affordable homes seem to be 2 hours away from your job. What can you do? We’re focusing here on finding a place to live, but the process works for other must-haves, too: access to the ocean, driving versus public transportation, art museums...even a good bakery or deli. (a) Visit your new city before you accept an offer. Don’t skip this step, even if you pay your own way. (b) Look around on your own – not with an agent or company representative. (If an agent offers to show you around, take another day alone.) As you look, make detailed notes. Stay in touch with an objective friend, family member or paid consultant – someone who can be a sounding board when you’re facing a tough decision. (c) Revisit your offer. Don’t be surprised if the dollar amount and the terms look different – in either direction -- after your “Explorer Day.” Consider negotiating for a signing bonus or additional salary. Or make your acceptance contingent on finding a place to live. (d) Be ready to walk away from an offer. We tell ourselves, “Sure, I can handle a two-hour commute.” Or “I can downsize to a 500-square-foot studio apartment for me, my St. Bernard dog, and my three cats. And if the guy in my life becomes my life partner, we’ll squeeze him in too.” My friend “Tim” is like that. He’s super-easygoing and he can live in anything from a dungeon to a palace. Most of us can’t. (e) Be ruthlessly honest. Resentment leads to frustration, anger and stress. This is not the time to grit your teeth and mutter, “I can do this!” or, “I can do without that!” (unless, of course, you’re trying to survive the Marine Corps Boot Camp – a career choice that draws my admiration but not my expertise). When I was in graduate school, one of my classmates had been a successful corporate manager. When he decided to go back to school, he sold a large house and downsized to a tiny dark studio apartment, determined to live the student life. He dropped out of school in the middle of his very first year, although he had been identified as a promising scholar. I am convinced he’d have completed the program if he had chosen a nicer place to live. Bottom Line: Every time I (or my clients) have said “No” to an offer for honest, realistic reasons, a better opportunity seems to turn up, faster than expected. No guarantees but don’t be surprised if that’s your experience too. Considering your own relocation? Don’t move without my ebook. Manage your money during a life transition. Download here. And if you’re struggling with a decision like this one, teach your intuition to send a telegram – not a post card. Download here.

[Great Career Information] Myth of Midlife Crisis Career Change

Recently the Wall Street Journal carried a story about a 49-year-old public relations specialist, laid off four years ago, currently working as a seasonal post office employee. “Could he hope to be back on a payroll?” the article asked. Here’s what I’d advise if he called me. (1) Gain momentum early. When you first suspect your job is going away, begin taking steps to your new career. If you’re not sure what to do, invest in a coach or consultant before you need one. (2) Discover the difference between career change and career success. Long time readers will recognize this idea. Corporate success is like pro football: you’re rewarded for following someone else’s game plan and being in the right place at the right time. Career change is like playground basketball: be ready to scramble. (3) Avoid a functional resume. Midlife professionals often wonder if they should leave off dates and focus on skills. Alas, HR managers realize what you’re doing. Everyone’s reading the same career advice. Employers have become suspicious of functional resumes, suspecting you have something to hide. (That’s why they used functional resumes in their job search.) I’ve seen people hit a wall with functional resumes, then hit a home run with a well-designed chronological resume. (4) Use a backdoor strategy to search. You may find a job on the Internet, but more likely you’ll connect with someone who knows someone who ... I don’t recommend, “interviewing for information” when you’re a seasoned pro. Instead, find creative ways to develop contacts that build on your experience. Ideally, your resume (and your age) will be viewed as irrelevant. (5) Consider self-employment. I would never encourage a client to stop searching for a “real” job with a paycheck and benefits. But sometimes you’ll earn more income -- faster -- by hiring yourself. The WSJ article describes a retired PR person who earns fourteen dollars an hour as a relief mail carrier. Scary. But not necessary. Most likely he could come up with half a dozen ways to sell his skills for a much higher hourly rate. Some of my clients have been surprised at how well they performed as solo-preneurs. But they were even more surprised to realize they were becoming more marketable as job candidates. Who would a hiring manager choose: Mark, a desperate soul who’s been pounding the pavement in between minimum-wage jobs? Or Mary, a confident businessperson who’s demonstrating that she can attract paying customers? Jobs are like bank loans. They’re most likely to arrive when you don’t absolutely have to have them. Ready to turn your lazy, good-for-nothing website into a powerhouse profit center that works 24/7? Visit the Copy Cat. Download your valuable 10-page fr*e Report: 7 Best-Kept Secrets of Client Attracting Websites. Click here.

[Career advice] Your Career's Midlife Crisis: Are You a Jumper or a Clinger?

Over the years, I have identified two kinds of midlife career changers: Jumpers and Clingers. Jumpers thrive on energy, enthusiasm and improbable luck. The last three times they leaped, a net appeared. They see no reason why the next jump should be any different. Clingers thrive on careers that offer security, money and identity. When they outgrow their careers, or find themselves forced out, they feel lost. They can't remember the last time they found themselves in this position. Coaching jumpers and clingers for career change Jumpers call a coach when they are ready to find a new mountain. Suggest a destination and they ask, "Where is it?" Often they've made another leap before the coach realizes what is going on. Clingers call a coach when they find themselves lost in the jungle. They ask, "How do I know if I've made the right decision?" and, "How can I find security?" They hold out a one-way ticket, asking, "How do I change to a round trip?" Jumpers have learned to accept that sinking-feeling-in-the-gut as they leap off the mountain. Climbers are not used to feeling edgy. They don't want a roadmap; they want a hotel reservation, preferably chosen from a listing in the auto club directory. Career change lessons for jumpers and clingers Both Jumpers and Clingers face a new reality. Even the bravest Jumper can run out of luck. Choose the wrong mountain and the net never appears. And in the twenty- first century, Clingers must create their own security. Jumpers must stop at the edge of the mountain, before the point of no return. "Does this feel right?" they have to ask. "Should I look first this time, to see if the net really exists? Or maybe instead of leaping it's time to climb down more carefully, one ledge at a time." Clingers also have to ask, "Does this feel right?" Like Jumpers, they must look for safety nets. They learn to read maps and differentiate between dangerous potholes and afternoon shadows. And when they can't get a guaranteed hotel reservation, they learn to make a contingency plan to avoid sleeping in the park. Jumpers learn to walk where they used to run. Clingers learn to walk where they used to ride. Most people will combine the qualities of jumpers and clingers, but you can save a lot of grief by knowing your prevailing style. Jumpers need guides who say, "Stop! Think!" Clingers need guides who motivate them to go. Over-motivated jumpers become daredevils; over-planned clingers lose momentum. Disasters and Victories Both jumpers and clingers can head for disaster. Jumpers leap into icy water or treacherous rocks. Clingers find their once-secure shelter has been blown over by a hurricane. Jumpers bring energy and daring to a new venture; clingers bring planning skills and a track record of past accomplishment. Ultimately, both achieve success by recognizing their own operational styles and using their own strengths to survive and thrive in new terrain. Career Consultant Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D. created the 21-Day Extreme Career Makeover guide for midlife professionals who want to transform career breakdowns to career breakthroughs. Download here. Download your fr*e Report: Why Most Career Change Fails (and how to write your own success story) Sign up here.