Midlife Career Strategies

2008-03-11T11:23:00.000-07:00

THIS BLOG HAS MOVED TO www.midlifecareerstrategy.com/blog

Job Abandons You

2007-10-10T10:04:00.001-07:00

Q: My company was just sold. My whole job description
changed and my workload nearly doubled with no increase in
compensation. Our friendly culture is now snarly and
gnarly. I used to love coming to work and now I dread
Mondays. Should I quit?

A: Maybe. I say, if your mental and physical
health have not been compromised, hang on.

But effective immediately:

(1) Figure out the minimum work you can do in order to keep
your job and avoid harming anyone. Use the time to begin
searching for a new position.

If you're a teacher or health care worker, you can't
neglect your students, patients and/or clients. But you may
be able to avoid the extra projects. It's very much a
judgment call.

(2)Avoid discussing your dismay with coworkers.

Keep your plans private. During a time of change,
loyalties shift. People you trusted will be acting out of
fear. When asked to comment on the changes, say something
neutral and positive.

(3) Begin networking and actively job searching.

Post your resume only if you can do so anonymously. Never
use your company's email or phone for a job search (or for
consultations with your career coach). If the company
furnishes you with a cell phone, get an extra just for
yourself. Get a yahoo or google email account.

(4) Keep calm.

It's easy to panic and many of your coworkers will. Come
up with a mantra that makes sense for you, like, "I am a
marketable executive with many options."

If you can't come up with options or you're feeling that
"deer in the headlights" freeze, schedule a call with a
consultant or coach. Choose your confidantes carefully:
friends and family may not help.

(5) Add extra sessions of exercise, relaxation and fun.

In my experience, your mind will work more creatively
after a workout at the gym, a movie, and/or dinner with friends
and family who keep the conversation off your career.

And as soon as you ride out this crisis -- whether things
get better at your job or you land a new one -- you know
what I'm going to suggest. Get your Marketability Plan
together and take the first steps immediately.

Devil wears prada: an inadvertent lesson

2007-10-08T15:23:00.000-07:00

I didn't expect to like the movie Devil Wears Prada. I read and reviewed the book but as you might expect, I'm a fan of indie films.

Sure enough, when I finally saw the DVD, I didn't like the movie, but not for the reasons I expected. Meryl Streep steals the show as the killer boss. But she comes across not as mean but as someone who's trying to put her assistant to the test. Anne Hathaway wasn't as bad as I'd expected.

No, the real problem was in the writing. Andrea (played by Hanne Hathaway) accepts the job as assistant to Miranda (played by Meryl Streep), killer editor of Runway magazine. Miranda is a destructive bully boss. Andrea is a brand-new journalism graduate who can't get a job on a "real" newspaper. Her boyfriend wants to be a chef.

Andrea takes the job. Coworker Nigel tells her to stop whining and start doing the job. When she does, she's pretty darn good. She anticipates Miranda's demands. She develops some fashion sense. She gets calls to drop everything and come to work. Her friends think she's nuts. They say things like, "You're not the same person."

Spoilers ahead. But it's not a big deal. This movie is Hollywood-predictable.

And then she gets a special plum assignment, bypassing another coworker. She feels guilty. She discovers Miranda's maneuvers will hurt the coworkers she likes. So she quits to go work for a newspaper. She goes back to her boyfriend. She says she wants to be her old self.

Cue the career consultant!

Sorry, folks: you really can't go home again. Andrea's different.

Maybe it's a killer job, but that's not the same as a dead-end job. Remember the Cathy Goodwin mantra. Think marketable.

Andrea was learning. She was making contacts that would be valuable. This story may be extreme, but when you're in a growth phase, you have to give up a lot of social contacts. Friends don't tell friends, "You're crazy to be doing this job."

Andrea had nothing to apologize for. She was smart to take a chance and to go all-out to give the fashion world a try. She won't be the same. She's learned too much.

Alas, the script's ending is old-style predictable Hollywood. Andrea gets to hold her head (and maybe her nose) and take a job with a newspaper. Do we really believe she'll find a selfless, apolitical group of coworkers there? Will she be shocked when she's chosen over a coworker for a plum reporting assignment?

Meryl Streep is just fine, but Parker Posey would have been a better Andrea. And I wish they'd hire a career consultant for some of these movies.

One Small Change in Conversation, One Giant Change In Your Game Plan

2007-10-04T11:01:00.001-07:00

Mark Twain supposedly said, "Everybody talks about
the weather but nobody does anything about it."

But we can do a lot about time - in fact, we can
change our time management just by the way we talk
about it.

In my experience, there's one way you can tell when
people are seriously ready to make a move, i.e.,
start abusiness, accelerate their career, take a sabbatical.

They begin to talk about time as an investment.

You know change is in the air when you do these 3
things.

(1)Calculate your rate of return on your time
investment.

You find yourself saying, "This is not a good use of
my time." You might take time to relax and enjoy a
movie or family meal -- but your rate of return will
be high because you get meaningful (though intangible)
rewards.

(2) Assign a value to your time.

You find yourself saying, "If I hire someone to do
this, I'll come out ahead."

Or you think, "My company could automate this
process. Then each person wouldn't have to spend
hours, all doing the same thing over and over again."

Too materialistic? You can assign units of happiness
or meaning if you prefer.

(3)Focus on outcomes rather than process.

You're talking about results - not effort. You won't
mention working hard or putting in hours. You'll
talk about how you transformed a situation, earned
revenue or solved a problem.

And you probably charge your own clients a flat fee
rather than an hourly rate (and prefer to hire
resources
the same way).

If you're already talking this way, congratulations!
You're probably taking charge of your career and maybe
considering a business venture. You may be frustrated
with others who don't understand your new focus.

If not - no problem. Your value system may be
different. You may be in a different life phase. Or
you may be one of those who defy logic and still win
the game.

More: Visit

my irreverent time management guide.

Following a dream

2007-09-23T08:43:00.000-07:00

Recently I talked to someone who said, "I hate my job."

"What would you do if you won the lottery?"

"I'd work in Europe." She didn't hesitate.

"So your real question is, 'How can I find a way to live
comfortably in Europe?'"

A few suggestions:

(1) Write down your dream every single day.

Some coaches recommend hanging a card in your office where
you can see it every day. Others suggest making a collage
around your dream -- a highly powerful technique.

(2) Google the web, testing different variations of the words.

"Work in Europe."
"Americans working in Europe."
"How can I get a job overseas."

(3) Broadcast your intentions.

Tell every single person you meet, "I am looking for ways to get
a job in Europe."

Don't listen to advice. Instead, listen for information, facts,
and experience. When a friend says, "I know someone who..." get the
name. Second-hand information can be misleading.

Turn away the nay-sayers
and wet blankets.

You'll be surprised at the responses. In my experience, the most helpful
tips will come from the least expected source.

New career? Read between the lines.

2007-09-19T10:50:00.000-07:00

"There's going to be a shortage of managers in my field," Marilyn says, bouncing with optimism. "It was in tonight's paper..."

Hmm... Let's read between the lines. Will Marilyn's city experience the shortage? Are there unwritten rules about who gets hired? Will companies create incentives for their boomer retirees to remain? Or will they try to attract new hires?

And how long will this shortage last? Brad entered grad school when there were 5 openings for every new graduate in his field. Three years later, the ratio was 5 applicants for every opening.

Your challenge: Develop your unique opportunity forecast.

(1) Create your own research program.

The best career coaches and consultants advisors will give you tips on researching specific opportunities, not just raw advice.

(2) Invest resources to learn transferrable skills and become marketable within your own field. These days, marketabililty is the new security.

(3) Keep your Plan B handy.

Your Plan B might be as simple as a stash of cash or a willingness to work outside your field. You might take courses in entrepreneurship and internet marketing while you are still employed. See my ebook on money management for life transitions.

Finally, play to your strengths.

Avoid choosing a direction because "it's growing" or "there's a need." Square pegs just don't last long in round holes...and sometimes they get squashed when they try.

Right now we have a shortage of nurses and other health care professionals. But I've met nurses who deserted the field to become textbook sales reps and building managers. You'll find doctors running internet businesses and lawyers driving trucks.

Conversely, I keep meeting people whose interests and talents opened doors they would never have found if they just followed a play-it-safe strategy.

Finally, it's over: WNBA Finals

2007-09-17T10:15:00.000-07:00

What a series! I watched every one of the WNBA final games.
Not as time-consuming as may appear: I watch everything on
DVR and fast-forwarded through all the commercial breaks.

As a long-time Diana Taurasi fan, I was thrilled to see
Phoenix take it away. I love the Mercury style and the way
they really seem to have fun with basketball. Of course it's
a job but they never forget it's a game, too.

Why did Phoenix win? They wanted it more. Even the Detroit
Shock said so, at the press conference. The coach said it.
The leading players said it.

From the beginning of the season, Diana Taurasi had that gleam
in her eye. This would be *their* year. They've got a strong
group of players. They've got a coach who knows how to win (and
who's being recruited for an NBA job - at age 68). So in a
sense it was now or never.

They lost Game 1, on their home turf. Oh well. Detroit is bigger.
They were champions last year.

They won Game 2 by 30 points.

They lost Game 3. Not by much.

They won Game 4. By ONE point. And a sheer grit.

They won Game 5 by a comfortable 16 points.

According to their reporter, the pre-game planning session was all
about fine-tuning the small stuff.

It worked. And now we get to move on to something else for the year!

The WNBA is not what it used to be. Women are getting more athletic
earlier. Sue Bird, a star point guard at UConn (she was two years ahead
of Diana Taurasi), said she never saw players like these when she was
in college. She's referring to 4 women on the USA team who have at least
one more year in college before turning pro.

Now, if they could just get decent coverage in the media...

"It must be right: it's in the newspaper!"

2007-09-12T11:01:00.000-07:00

An article in the Chronicle of Higher Ed suggests that
articles and reports of labor shortages might be a hoax.
Read the article here.

A bit strong...but not by much. I've been saying for
years: those cheery predictions about "shortage of managers
means boomers will get jobs" is a farce.

Companies will go through amazing contortions to avoid
hiring anyone considered "older." In some cases, that means
older than 35.

Newspapers and magazine editors know their own reality:
upbeat features will attract readers.

Recently I was interviewed on the topic of moving to small
towns. I presented positive and negative views.

For example: sure, your housing costs may be lower. But when
you go on vacation, you might travel a longer distance to
get to an airport -- and it will be a regional airport with
much higher air fares. When you need medical attention, the
nearest specialist might be hundreds of miles away. And
there's no craigslist if you want someone to clean your
house or finish your floors

The reporter called back to say, "I was told to put a
positive spin on this article. Can you think of any more
good things to say about small town life?"

For my own mini-ebook on small town life:
Go here.

New careers? Or newly popular?

2007-09-11T13:02:00.000-07:00

Today's Wall Street Journal headline article noted that displaced auto workers have been transitioning into health care. Many study nursing, while other popular fields include dental and radiology support staff.

That reminded me of what I read in Marc Freedman's book, Encore: Finding Work That Matters in the Second Half of Life". A fifty-year old woman changed careers to become a nurse.

And in the dog park, I just met a very sharp young woman who has one of those jobs where she travels around the US (and maybe the world). She had just returned from six months in Hawaii. Currently working in Seattle, she's moving again to be closer to her family for the Christmas holidays.

For anyone who's in the 35-50 age range, and maybe even older, nursing would be a good choice if you're seeking flexibility, freedom and job security...and if you honestly like the work.

Other popular mid-career careers include librarianship. Two trends make this field attractive to those IT experience. First, it's become more information science than book cataloging. And programs are available through distance ed, with limited time in residence.

Play To Your Strengths

2007-09-09T09:42:00.000-07:00

We've all heard that success comes from building on strengths,
while in fact most of us focus more on weaknesses.

Marcus Buckingham makes a strong case for building on strengths.

For instance, Buckingham suggests we keep a record of activities for
a week. Strengths have 4 signs:

Success: Do you get meaningful results
Instinct: Do you eagerly look forward to the activity? Are you drawn
to it so strongly you can't resist doing it?
Growth: Do you feel strong as you engage in the activity
Need: You feel fulfilled after the activity: a need has been filled.

What if you have the I,G and N but not the S?

That, says Marcus, is what we call a hobby.

If you have S's but no I, G or N, you can get drafted for
activities and jobs where you're good but lack interest.

Successful people, says Marcus, spend most of their time
playing to their strengths.

I would agree, although I think you have to plan for
turning your strengths into marketable skills. I also
think the marketplace rewards certain strengths more
than others.

But it's a compelling message and a point to ponder.

Mid-Life Boomers Going Back to School

2007-09-07T11:20:00.000-07:00

This morning ABC's Good Morning America featured a brief segment on boomers going back to school. Some of their advice was OK: consider community colleges for flexibility, then distance learning for maximum flexibility.

I have taught in several distance learning programs. Please, please investigate carefully! Many promise flexibility, but you need to understand what that means.

Usually you get flexibility because you don't have to attend classes. So you can work on your assignments at 5 AM or 5 PM.

Sometimes you get to defer deadlines for projects. But don't count on it. Some universities will not allow you to submit late papers for any reason. Nearly all have time limits.

I would ask 2 questions:

(1) What's the grade distribution? If most people get A's, your university may be accredited but you won't be taken seriously.

(2) What have the program's graduates done? Have they remained in their current jobs? Changed careers? Gotten licensed, if applicable? Wish they'd gone somewhere else?

If you can't get access to alumni, put away your credit card.

More: Back to School for a Mid-Life Career Change

Talking back (LOUD) to the Wall Street Journal

2007-09-05T12:45:00.000-07:00

On Friday I was horrified to read this dress-for-success article (it's available online - at least for now):

http://tinyurl.com/2udkhs

Designers Push Fashion Elegance: Will Fashion Follow?
By Cheryl Lu-Lien Tan.
Friday, August 31, 2007.

According to designers (and presumably the Journal), fall elegance includes a matched suit with a knee-length skirt, gloves, a hat (hat?!) and my personal nemesis: 4-inch heels.

We are in the 21st century. Hasn't anybody told the author and the WSJ what high heels can do to your feet, back, stress and general health...not to mention that some women have feet that were never designed for those shoes?

Inside my own sneakers, my feet are shaped like little rectangles. I wear men's Asics, 7-1/2, on the recommendation of a podiatrist after I started getting blisters and corns from traditional shoes. I had trouble walking and exercising.

My Asics feel great. In a perfect world I would never have to wear any other shoes, ever. In this world, you get taken seriously in comfy shoes only if you're a cop, a nurse or a nun.

If you want to be a ballet dancer, you acknowledge you need a certain body type. Wrong feet? Sorry - go for modern, jazz or tap.

And if you want to be a well-dressed business woman, according to the fashionistas you'd better pass the foot test too.

Maybe we need some solid research on the long-term health effects of high heels. Foot and back injuries are notoriously hard to treat. Who pays the medical bills of these women? Do all of us have higher insurance premiums as a result?

What's next for women: a fashionable cigarette?

Encore Performance: An interesting metaphor

2007-09-02T15:39:00.000-07:00

Marc Freedman's book, Encore: Finding Work That Matters In The Second Half of Life targets baby boomers who want second careers that "matter," i.e, that make a difference. These days, as people live longer, retirement no longer makes sense.

The "encore" title creates an appealing metaphor - the idea that we've finished the plan performance and yet are not ready to leave the stage. At first I thought, "Wow - I wish I had come up with that title for some of my own work."

But think about it. Performers give encores to please the audience. Encores are gratuitous extras - we love getting them but we don't feel cheated if the performers simply pack up and go home. Symphony orchestras typically choose crowd-pleasing pieces that send everyone home with a smile.

I love encores myself. But performers know they've got another "real" show tomorrow and the day after that. To think that you're nothing but an encore for the rest of your life...an extra, a crowd-pleaser, but with no real show tomorrow?

Books like this one are actually dangerous because prospective employers think, "Oh, they're older boomers. They don't care about rewards and promotions. They're not forward-looking."

For his Encore, one former teacher put away his graduate degrees and decided to be a greeter at Wal-Mart. Is that a career that "matters," as the subtitle promises?

Thanks but no thanks.

The New Career Change

2007-09-01T09:47:00.000-07:00

Penelope Trunk, author of The Brazen Careerist, has identified some principles of career management for the 21st century. See
http://tinyurl.com/3dznst

I think her 5 principles are very wise, but some of her preliminary comments are simply not accurate because they are way too general. For instance, she doesn't encourage readers to seek advanced degrees, but sometimes having those letters after your name will give you access to a job you wouldn't have otherwise. If you return to school after working awhile, and choose your program wisely, your networking opportunities will be enhanced as well.

When it comes to tactics, it's hard to generalize. For instance, I encourage clients to avoid posting resumes online. Few people actually get hired from online job posts and of course you risk being discovered by your own employer.

But an acquaintance, following her own intuition, posted her resume online. A former colleague recognized her name and invited her to apply for a position at his new company.

Take back your life

2007-08-30T10:09:00.000-07:00

I've been reading a book called Practically Perfect in Every Way by Jennifer Niesslen. Niesslen spent 2 years testing how much she could change by reading self-help books and following online programs.

You can read more about the book and see my review
here at the amazon website.

What bothered me most were the parts of her life we got to see in between the self-help progress reports. Jennifer works at home as a freelance writer (giving her opportunities to experiment) while her husband Brandon works for an unnamed large pharmaceutical firm.

One day, Brandon's company refuses to close early for an ice storm. Brandon's colleague gets told, "If you leave early, you'll be charged a vacation day." So the colleague stays. Brandon carpools. He rode with the colleague. So he stays too, while Jennifer worries all afternoon.

These situations are tricky. But why didn't the colleague say, "OK, so I lose a vacation day?" Or, "I'll reimburse the company for my time. My life is worth more than a few hundred bucks."

I would not be surprised if the company conveniently forgot to deduct the vacation day to avoid negative PR. I would not even be surprised if someone sent a few anonymous tips to the local newspaper: "Bad company docks pay of workers who leave during ice storm..."

Even if you lose a day's pay, you send a message to the company. According to Niesslein, this company makes the "100 best companies to work for" lists. There's probably some pride at stake.

OK, I'm out of corporate life and always was a maverick. I would have walked. Once I was supposed to start a new job in January, following a long drive through upstate New York. I told the company point blank, "If there's a blizzard, I will be late." No blizzard, but nothing happened. I took this option for granted and I suspect my attitude was contagious.

Since then I've met people who battled blizzards and worse for their companies. I don't know who's right.

"You have to start somewhere..."

2007-08-26T09:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I ran into someone I hadn't seen for awhile. Call her "Eileen" and I'll change the details.

Since I last saw her, Eileen had developed an interest in speaking. She had just heard a powerful motivational speaker. "This guy was so great," she said. "I want to be like him. So I'm going to get more involved in Toastmasters. Maybe I'll enter some contests."

I must have shown my surprise.

"Well, you have to start somewhere," Eileen shrugged.

I have a lot of respect for Toastmasters. But Eileen already has a lot of speaking experience. Will this venue really help her grow?

Eileen's answer haunted me because I see it as coming from scarcity and fear, not abundance and strength. We don't hear this phrase too often anymore. Now we hear purposeful people say, "My strategy is to move from here to there. Maybe I'll take a detour..."

Then I remembered. When I was in my twenties, an employment agency "counselor" tried to get me interested in a job that was clearly an underpaid dead end.

I was clueless about careers in those days. The Parachute book hadn't been written, career counselors gave preference tests and coaches were seen on the sidelines of basketball court, holding clipboards. And even I could see how bad that job was.

The agency woman shrugged. "Well, you have to start somewhere," she said.

True. We all start somewhere. But these day we are advised to pick a starting point that has a good chance of leading us to our desired destination.

Will Toastmasters help Eileen achieve her goals? I have no idea. But she should.

Three weeks till the job starts

2007-08-24T08:19:00.000-07:00

You just won the job - congratulations! You gave notice and quit your old job. Or maybe you have been looking for a long time and you finally landed the Big One. Yaay!!!

But your new job doesn't start for another 3 weeks. What do you do?

First, be sure you have a written offer.

Don't be insulted by this suggestion. Many seasoned professionals assume, "Organizations are honorable. They will keep their word."

Usually that's true. But I personally know 2 professionals -- each with over 10 years experience -- who experienced huge losses when a future employer failed to follow up on a verbal offer.

If you don't have a written offer, you don't have a job yet. Keep looking!

Second, if you are still working at your current job, continue to turn in good work. Two cautions:

Do not offer to return after you've left. If your skills are still needed, your company will pay you -- or someone else -- as a consultant.

And do not disclose the details of your new job, no matter how strongly you're asked. Some employers actually say, "We need to know this for our recruiting."

You are not responsible for their recruiting or for helping them determine market value. Worst case, simply say, "I have a written contract that forbids this disclosure" or just turn and walk away.

Third, if you are not working, recognize you have a mini-sabbatical. Make a plan to use the time effectively. You may be able to anticipate knowledge requirements for the new job, so you can hit the ground running. Or you can plan activities that will be satisfying to you -- extra time for family, sports, reading, movies, and more. See my article on
planning a sabbatical.

And just as you don't offer to help your past employer after you've left, don't offer to help your future employer before you arrive. If they have pre-employment requests, they'll come forward.

From beginning to end of your job, communicate non-verbally, "I work for you when I am on the payroll." You'd never say those words aloud, but you need to send a signal.

What are your experiences? Add comments.

Can You Keep Friends In Your Career Game?

2007-08-24T08:10:00.000-07:00

As an ardent fan of WNBA basketball, I already reserved seats for the playoffs. Our team, the Seattle Storm, faces off against the Phoenix Mercury on Friday.

Seattle's popular point guard, Sue Bird, is good friends with Phoenix's phenom, Diana Taurasi. Off the court, they were college teammates, roommates, and very close friends. Now they face each other in a heated competition.

Players of team sports, especially at elite levels, get used to mixing friendship with competition. Speaking in interviews, they admit they have trouble guarding an old friend...but they also anticipate her moves and do a better job.

I don't think we have any pro sports players on this list. But in a business context, you often find yourself playing with friends.

Or you're looking for a resource -- tax preparer, web designer, consultant -- and you're tempted to hire a friend ... or a friend's friend. But you want to win the career game. So...

(1) Set up written criteria for choosing employees, resources and partners.

You'll need this list when you're facing a new challenge, such as moving to a new city or starting a business. Everybody has a friend who's a real estate agent, accountant, lawn service and even moving company. They're great people but not necessarily a good fit professionally.

(2) Maintain your game face.

When you're with a company, a client or a networking group, you're "on." Anything you say may come back to haunt you. (Family business? Started a business with an old friend? That's another article!) Find a confidante who has no ties to your source of income. Sure, you may run up your phone bill or pay for a professional listener. But you'll protect your most important economic investment: your professional self.

(3) When a friend seems like the best choice, plan for the worst case scenario.

He didn't do a good job. Maybe she was just the wrong person for the role. How will you break up the relationship? Can you handle the emotional side as well as the financial and professional?"

Some people have a firm policy: "No mixing business and personal life." Others think of the workplace as a second family. Still others find they create deep bonds with a colleague who shared a personal experience, such as illness or caring for aging parents.

There are no right answers.

A few years ago, Lisa Lesie of the Los Angeles Sparks and Dawn Staley, then of the Charlotte Hornets, faced each other in the finals for the national championship. They were close friends who phoned every week. But, "No friends in a championship," Staley told a reporter bluntly. "No phone call this week."

As I recall, Los Angeles won the championship.

Now Lisa has taken a season off to enjoy her new husband and baby, while Dawn has become head coach at Temple University in Philadelphia.

And every so often we have to stop and remember: Which team are we on? And are we playing to win?

Reading the signals

2007-08-22T16:12:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but my computer sometimes sends off misleading messages. "File not found" may mean "need to restart and free up more memory."

And companies also send off misleading signals. After awhile, I don't even notice the messages I'm getting...I automatically make the correction without reading the warning.

Companies do this too. I've found that savvy careerists don't even pay attention to the official messages. Today's Wall Street Journal pointed out one example: "HR is here to help you" really means, "HR is here to minimize the company's liability."

Another: "We welcome creativity. We love out of the box thinkers."

Or my favorite: "We really enjoy having you around. You're so different from everybody else."

First Day on a New Job (After 40)

2007-08-21T08:36:00.000-07:00

Ah...first day of a new job! I'm enjoying the moment vicariously as two of my neighbors start new jobs. One started a job yesterday, a big promotion and raise that reflects her education and experience.

Another starts right after Labor Day, a new field following her return to school for a graduate degree.

I have to admit: I may never have another "first day" experience ever again. Between my comfort level with working at home and overt age preferences, I may never hear the words, "This is your new office" ever again.

(Does age discrimination exist? Does water flow downhill?)

Sometimes I feel sad because I enjoyed job hunting and the first day adventure. Back then I was considered "unstable" or worse because I changed jobs every 2 years or so. Now everybody changes jobs about as often as they change their hairstyle. My neighbor changed jobs after less than 2 years and the issue of longevity never arose.

So I'll wish them "Bon voyage!" and here's an article I wrote a few years ago about changing jobs (and maybe careers) after 40:
First Day on New Job

How to Climb vs How to Behave at the Summit

2007-08-15T12:51:00.000-07:00

Good leaders are supposed to be compassionate, modest and always cordial. But, says Stanford University Professor Jeffrey Pfeffer, these qualities won't help you reach the top.

In a fascinating essay, published in his new book
What Were They Thinking, Pfeffer describes the skyrocket career of one Keith Ferazzi. Ferazzi didn't just do the work and wait to be recognized. He was a standout even as a junior consultant, where he immediately began developing client relationships.

Perhaps his most mind-bogging move came very early in his career. As a recent MBA, juggling offers from McKinsey and DeLoitte, Ferrazi told DeLoitte he wanted one unique perk: dinner with the president three times a year. They said yes.

Pfeffer's point is, "Don't be afraid of standing out and recognize the trade-offs." Everyone talks about being a good team player, but actually you're competing with your teammates to get promotions, raises and visibility.

Pfeffer ends the chapter with a great quote from Steve Spurrier, the football coach who left U of Florida to coach in the NFL: "Call me arrogant, cocky, crybaby, whiner or whatever names you like...At least they're not calling us losers anymore. If people like you too much, it's probably because they're beating you."

Successful job search means demonstrating success

2007-08-15T11:24:00.000-07:00

"On paper, my experience doesn't look great. As a project manager, I organize vendors and keep costs down. But in fact everybody wants me to run their projects! Even customers ask for me. Now I'm ready to embark on a job search. How can I communicate my value to a future employer?"

Three ways:

(1) Get it in writing.

When someone gives you a compliment, ask for a testimonial.

If you're self-employed, other entrepreneurs will understand what you need and why. In a corporate setting, you may need to explain a little more.

Ask for letters on letterhead, acknowledging specific achievements. It's not enough to say "Greg works hard and he's nice."

(2) Show the numbers.

"We came in 40 percent below budget on the Sherman project."

Don't lie or fudge. If you're *that* good, you'll have real numbers.

(3) Create a context for comparison.

"I was the only sales rep (out of 40 in the department) to achieve dollar goals for three years in a row."

Encourage your references to make comparisons, too: "We work with over 100 vendors a year. Linda is the only rep who takes the time to learn our unique needs..."

But...

Are you working on projects where your success cannot be documented? If you're doing more than the minimum to stay employed (and that's a judgment call), stop.

Don't quit and don't do anything to jeopardize your current position. Instead, focus on how you can become more marketable, so you can get recognized (and rewarded!) for your work in and out of the organization.

Job search calls for a killer cover letter

2007-08-14T08:57:00.000-07:00

Typically your cover letter should respond to an ad or job description point by point.

For example, the want ad says:
15 years of experience in marketing management
Demonstrated success in dealing with advertising agencies
Team player

You go down this list, point by point. Paragraph 1 refers to your 15 years in marketing management. Paragraphs 2 begins, "Success in dealing with advertising agencies" followed by bullet points of 2 or 3 success stories

Paragraph 3 says "As an experienced team player, I..."

But what if you are applying for a job that hasn't been created yet? Maybe you networked successfully and realized you have a rare opportunity

In that case, write your own want ad! Identify what the hiring managers want and set up your letter.

Depending on the situation, you could even say, "If you were writing an ad for this job, here's what it would look like."

But that's a judgment call -- could backfire as: "Wouldn't look like that at all - guess we don't need this person after all."

More in my Irreverent Job Search Guide.

Where's the Real Me?

2007-08-12T14:22:00.000-07:00

When you've had a series of jobs in different fields (or using different skill sets), forget trying to find the one that's the Real You.

(1) Create a good story (or "spin" as journalists say.

Practice a cover story till that you can repeat in 5 minutes or less.

(2) Think of your career as an artful mosaic, not a patchwork quilt.

Recognize the underlying pattern. Sometimes an outsider (yes, a paid coach or consultant) will help you see underlying trends.

(3) Never apologize.

Hang out only with folks who see your variety as strength, not weakness.

New Move, Need Job: Talking Back to the WSJ

2007-08-01T09:29:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, July 31st, the Wall Street Journal ran an article:
Advice on Landing a Job After Moving to a New Area (p. B6):

The Question: "John" (or "Jane") recently moved from a high-cost to a low-cost area. He (or she) gets interviews but no offers. Interviewers say the newcomer lacks confidence and probably wouldn't be happy with a lower salary.

To answer this question, WSJ columnist Perri Capell interviewed some career consultants. They emphasized the usual strategies. Show you're eager to work for the company. Say you recognize salaries are lower here. Build networking contact.

But few consultants combine relocation and career expertise. When you combine a career and a move, you need to consider other factors. Moving to a small town raises all sorts of questions, even without the low-cost considerations.

(1) What is a low-cost area?

In my experience, you always have trade-offs. When I lived in Silver City, New Mexico, you could find lower-priced houses and rental units. But other costs were high. Residents had to travel to Albuquerque, Las Cruces, El Paso or Tucson for certain kinds of medical care. Traveling almost always required an extra night or two away from home.

And besides housing, costs were not especially low. We had no craigslist and no competitive services to drive down price.

After I moved to the big expensive city of Seattle, my health insurance and phone bill actually dropped, because I had more plans to choose from. Food costs were lower. Computer repair meant calling a local geek from craigslist - not sending the computer off and paying a big minimum charge. I no longer spent $200-$400 a month for a long weekend in a nearby big city. Many entertainment options were free or low costs. And, of course, I have more opportunities to earn serious money.

Often low-cost simply means you have fewer options and choices to spend the money you have. So you spend less.

(2) Why does your new area have a lower cost of living?

In the rust belt states, such as Michigan, the cost of living will be low because the region's industries have slowed down. Therefore, few companies will be around, let alone hiring. In small towns, a lower cost of living means you don't have big companies -- just mom and pop shops and a few big box retailers. Either way, you can expect more competition for fewer openings.

(3) Who are the region's main employers?

It's unlikely you'll find the same type of employers and even less likely you'll find the same employment culture. Your local employers have the attitude of "We will take whoever we can get," not, "We want the best." So you are competing against workers who may be less qualified but who will be genuinely happier with fewer benefits and lower salaries.

(4) Does your new region have a hidden agenda?

In a small town (or even a medium-sized city), employers often hire friends of friends. You may need years to crack the code, no matter how much networking you do. You may be mistrusted because you are single, married, childless, old, young, educated, foreign, male, female, appearing to be gay...who knows?

You may be getting lots of interviews because you're a good candidate -- or because everybody wants to meet the new kid on the block. So you may be getting called for interviews where you don't stand much chance of being hired anyway.

(3) Does your new region tend to have high turnover among newcomers?

Some employers have been burned. They see too many gung-ho newcomers get discouraged and leave because of the weather, the lack of access to a mall, the slower pace, or some other factor that made the region low-cost.

(4) What kind of pay cut are you taking?

Again, recognize that employers speak from experience. They've seen newcomers eager to work for lower salaries -- at first. They know the cost of living can be deceptive: you'll find yourself paying for travel and amenities from your former life. So they expect you to come, put in some time, and then walk.

(5) Do you fit the local culture?

According to linguist and best-selling author Deborah Tannen, speech patterns can be mis-interpreted as personality traits. New Yorkers (like me!) interrupt each other when speaking. To a southerner or midwesterner, we're rude. A southerner who waits to speak at a New York meeting might be viewed as shy.

So if you keep hearing, "You need confidence" (or "You come on too strong") you are probably a cultural misfit, especially if you've never experienced this feedback before.

I once knew a graduate student who grew up in the deep south. She spoke with a soft, honeyed accent and she looked like the stereotype southern belle. She even put "Magnolia Society" on her resume. Employers feared she wouldn't be tough enough so she had trouble on the job market.

Actually, this woman was tough as nails and, when she landed a good job, became a strong competitor who left her more aggressive colleagues in the dust.

Bottom Line: We can't answer this question until we know more about the specific situation and about you, too. Generic career advice can send you on expensive, time-consuming detours.

In general, I encourage my own clients to (a) consider starting their own businesses and (b) be prepared to work at a minimum wage, entry level job: barista in a coffee shop, retail store clerk, pet sitter...even house cleaner. And of course I encourage them to scout the scene beforehiring a moving company.

Check out my resources: I have a
book on moving
and a mini-book on
moving to a small town.

Free article Starting Over in New Mexico.

And of course I am happy to coach and consult if your challenge includes careers, relocation or both.
Learn more here.

New career development etiquette...or new road to disaster?

2007-07-30T08:25:00.000-07:00

Penelope Trunk, best-selling author of The Brazen Careerist, offers 10 tips for the "new etiquette." You can read them here

She drew a great deal of controversy - over 900 comments, mostly negative.

Some of these tips, with my comments:

"Forget the exit interview."

She points out that an exit interview won't help you but probably creates ill will. I would add, "In some companies, HR will insist on an exit interview. Just go through the motions. Tell them you loved everything about your job but you just couldn't turn down X Company's wonderful offer."

If a lot of people start leaving and the company has trouble replacing them, then they may pay attention. But that's their problem, not yours.

She wrote, "If you have ideas for how to improve the company, offer to consult." I would add, "If they ask for extra help through the transition, charge market rates for consulting."

And she is absolutely right when she says, "Your old boss is now part of your new network." Build relationships.

"Don't ask for time off, just take it."

More controversial. Most people can't take off more than a few hours without getting authorization. But telling rather than asking can be seen as more "grown-up" in some environments.

Incidentally, Trunk adds that this move will offend "older" people. Older than what? I think you have to study your own culture, not guess your boss's reaction based on his or her age.

"Invite your CEO to be a friend on Facebook.

I would say, "Depends on your CEO."

"Do reconnaissance on your probable boss."

Nothing new here. Career consultants (and counselor and coaches) have been saying the same thing for at least 20 years. I agree completely.

"Don't try to improve a coworker."

Again, nothing new. I would add, "Don't try to improve anybody."

I make this point in several places. In fact, I would ignore all unsolicited advice, especially when someone says, "My intuition for you is..."
See my intuition book.

But as she adds, if your company has a tendency to keep and promote lots of jerks, time to move.

"Call people on the weekend for work."

Come on: it's a judgment call! If you're both working to finish a project, sure.

Most self-employed people work on weekends, but for many of us there's an unwritten rule. Don't bother people and don't feel bad if they don't return your email on weekends.

I would say, "Check your office culture. If you don't feel comfortable, leave."

"Be nice like your job depends on it."

Curious advice. She writes:

"The old days of office politics as a means of backstabbing are dead -- young people are bringing their team-player, I'm-competing-against-my-best-self mentality from their self-esteem-centric homes into the workplace, and there's nothing you can do except be nice back."

I say, "Be nice back but also watch your back. The nastiest back-stabbers know how to act like nice team players."

OK, what do you think? Post a comment. Click on the "0 comments" link. I am forced to moderate all comments due to the huge amount of spam comments we all get, but never fear: I want to hear from you!

Need a new midlife career? Think "Open Road"

2007-07-27T08:14:00.000-07:00

Ezine subscriber Ellen Zucker (www.facesandfortunes.com) sent me this story about fifty-something career changers who left their cubicles for the open road:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19875409/site/newsweek/

"Becoming a truck driver? You must be kidding." I can just see my readers shaking their heads in disbelief.

Well, maybe not. A few years ago I interviewed a truck driver who left his fifth grade science classroom to drive big rigs. He loved it.

"Forget the stereotype," he said. "You'll find doctors, lawyers, college professors...all kinds of people. At a truck stop, I'm not the only one in a booth reading a book."

These days, he told me, trucks come with automatic transmission and they're not as hard to drive as they used to be. Truckers communicate by CB, but more likely they have cab phones, fax machines and computers, too.

"Who changes those big wheels?" I asked, shuddering. Mechanical I'm not.

"Oh, if you're truck breaks down, you just call in your location and they send a repair truck. Faster than the auto club!"

You can drive alone or with your partner. You can bring along your dogs and cats.

He recommended going with the big companies, like Schneider, not the smaller outfits. Talk to the recruiters and learn which driving schools they recommend. Hang out at truck stops and chat with the drivers.

Of course, you do have to be able to drive in all kinds of weather. You have to be a confident driver who charges up hills and flies down mountain roads.

Frankly, if I were a better driver, I wouldn't be sitting here. I'd be out there myself. Next lifetime.

Also see: http://gettrucking.com/

Moving Without A Job?

2007-07-18T10:26:00.001-07:00

Q. For lifestyle reasons, I am moving 500 miles to a new town. How do I check out job options before moving?

A. You're wise to consider options before you pack. Too often I hear from clients *after* they've already moved.

(1)Identify a range of possible employers in your new city.

(2)Check each company's website for "positions available." Also go online and check local want ads.

(3) Find a position that appears to be at a level comparable to yours. Call HR and say, "I am considering an application for this position. Are you recruiting nationally or locally?"

If she says, "Locally," she'll usually follow up with a comment like, "We do not pay relocation." Go to Step 5.

If he says, "Nationally and we pay expenses," just say, "Thank you." Send a strong resume and cover letter. And keep reading.

(4) If your job is too senior or too specialized to be posted, you have to be more careful. Many companies recruit senior executives on a national or even international level. Some recruit all employees nationally and pay relocation expenses.

If your job level and your company fit this pattern, do not show up at the door and do not offer to pay your own moving expenses.

A long time ago, a wise mentor said, 'If they get you cheap, they treat you cheap."

(5)If you hold a written job offer - Congratulations!

If not, bring funds to cover expenses for up to 6 months - preferably 1 or 2 years.

When I lived in a small town in New Mexico, newcomers with graduate degrees were working as coffee shop baristas, store clerks, and house cleaners. Some (but not all) welcomed the transition to a new lifestyle.

(6) If companies hire for good jobs, but don't pay relocation:

(a)Definitely plan an advance visit and write to potential employers.

Be confident: "My family will be moving to Green City in September. I would like to meet you when I visit Green City in August, in order to discuss whether opportunities might exist for our mutual benefit. I will call you on July 20 to make an appointment."

(b)Definitely look for a temporary job. In fact, you might prefer a short-term position at first, so you can scout the city on a leisurely basis.

(7) Most important: Do not assume you will find a job because (a) you're moving to a big city, (b) the economy is booming and (c) you're amazingly talented. Do the research.

But if you do find yourself stranded, get help. Some clients hire me *before* moving so they maintain continuity. Others choose to work with a local consultant after they've arrived.

The Good News: Nearly every newcomer finds new adventures, surprises and sometimes a whole new life.

Just because it's in print...

2007-07-18T09:37:00.000-07:00

I must admit: I get totally frustrated with misleading career advice in newspapers and magazines. Journalists are supposed to provide simple, upbeat reports. Career change can be complex. You usually get a positive outcome but you have to invest a lot of time and energy -- and sometimes money.

Recently someone sent me a link to a Readers Digest article:
http://www.rd.com/content/best-quick-cash/

The article describes several opportunities to earn money fast, using skills you already have. These opportunities include become a VA, selling on ebay, entertaining at parties, and mystery shopping.

All of these opportunities are real. But each requires a major commitment to marketing, unless you already have a network in place. One woman who enjoyed juggling was able to parlay her skill into a $100-an-hour party entertainment service - but to get beyond on occasional gig, she'll need a targeted plan.

Mystery shopping sounds easy and appealing. One Seattle woman, said the article, earns up to $200 a month plus goods and services. Well, this Seattle woman visited the website where, the article promised, we could 'sign up.' In fact, after going through several pages and clicks, you can search openings by region. Search -- not sign up! Quite a difference. And after trying a few categories, I got "nothing here."

No free lunch. And skip the articles. Go directly to your own research. And don't trust anyone who promises a road to easy riches.

Toddler kicked off plane...nobody's right

2007-07-14T09:03:00.000-07:00

By now you've probably heard of the talkative todder: a 19-month old child gets ordered off a plane because he wouldn't stop saying, "Bye bye plane." Apparently he was looking at a plane through the window, awaiting takeoff. Most passengers were sympathetic (although one suggested the child's words were drowning out the flight attendant announcements).

Not being a parent, I can't comment on the mother's inability (or unwillingness) to quiet her child. I would expect she could get the child to hush. But after 11 hours in an airport, with no sleep, I suspect most people's parenting skills would be compromised.

While it's clear the flight attendant overreacted, I have to admit I sometimes empathize with her. In my years as a college professor, I began by genuinely enjoying my students. Most of the time they were wonderful.

But after years of listening to excuses and whining, I had a hard time being sympathetic. In one week, three students came up to say their grandmothers had died, so they needed more time on assignments. Another time a student told me she had just discovered her husband was gay. One at a time, each complaint holds a human interest story, deserving of feeling. Taken together, they begin to seem comical. I had to remind myself to act appropriately.

So I can see where this flight attendant had one too many. If I had been on the receiving end of her anger, I would want her fired (and she probably will be). But airlines, like so many employers, put their people under increasing stress. The crew has to enforce rules that seem nonsensical, even to them, just as I did in a university.

Everybody's schedule gets disrupted. The weather seems hot. It's hard to do everything right all the time.

In an ideal world, the airline would compensate the family. They would give the flight attendant some time off with pay and access to stress management training.

But in the real world, I would cite this story as an example of finger-pointing. As a society (and perhaps as humans) we tend to blame individuals, not situations. We underestimate the impact of environment on behavior, as Philip Zimbardo documented brilliantly in the Stanford Prison experiment.

Both the flight attendant and the mother could have behaved better...in different circumstances.

Weather and Careers

2007-07-13T07:59:00.000-07:00

When I was writing my relocation book, I interviewed a psychologist to get the official mental health professional perspective. To my surprise, she talked about challenges newcomers face with (of all things) weather.

I've always had a hard time with bitter cold. Two years in Alaska and 5 years in Manitoba -- and I still won't drive in snow.

But this week I realized the power of the weather in a different way. Seattle enjoyed a mini heat wave...just a few days but I lost a couple nights sleep. That put everything back...and then I was stumbling around doing dumb things...and had to spend *more* time undoing them.

Yesterday I was waiting to cross a street when a well-dressed man asked, "Is the weather always like this?"

I felt like saying, "Go see Sleepless in Seattle. The state symbol is the raindrop."

But instead I mumbled something about how rare this weather was. That's why, I explained, so few places are air conditioned. My apartment building is one of the nicer ones in Lower Queen Anne. So we have washers and dryers but no a/c. For 362 days a year--no problem.

"I'm from Palm Springs," he said, shaking his head. California people still think they're superior to the rest of the West Coast.

Beware of Moving Scams

2007-07-09T08:56:00.000-07:00

Ouch! the better Business Bureau gets over 10,000 complaints about moving companies.

Check out
http://www.movingscam.com

Don't give your movers a deposit by cash or credit card.
Your mover should have trucks with the name of the moving company in large letters on the side.
I recommend going directly to the big boys: Allied, United or Mayflower. You won't pay more, believe it or not. Often you'll pay a lot less. You'll get an 800 number to call if something goes wrong.

Sure, you can still have problems. But you'll most likely avoid the Move from Hell.

My book deals with the psychological aspects of moving - stress, hassle and more.
Check it out here.

Ouch: My boss is half my age...

2007-07-09T07:59:00.000-07:00

ABC's Good Morning America ran a segment on the trials and tribulations of working for a younger boss. The segment featured a 54-year-old woman who just couldn't adapt to working for a 29-year-old boss.

"These days it's not about time served - it's about technological skills," was the message.

Author and Career Specialist Tory Johnson suggested "open communication." Identify your beliefs. Gen Y - workers born 1977-1991 - constitute the largest segment of the work force. These folks, says Johnson, believe authority comes from expertise and accomplishment - not time served.

"Older workers," Johnson says, believe in the value of "time." But younger workers argue, "If I am a stronger performer, I can leapfrog."

Frankly, I think the issue is more complex. There *is* something to be said for perspective. The challenge comes not just from "resentment," as the program suggested, but from a sense of feeling devalued. After investing so many years, we're hearing, "Who cares what you did?"

It's the corporate version of "So what have you done for me lately?"
which can be heard as, "Your life is meaningless."

And who wants to hear that message?

Leave a sinking ship (or enjoy more cheese?)

2007-06-28T17:07:00.000-07:00

Q. I joined Blue Company three months ago. Since then my department has experienced a 40% turnover. I can see why. It's disorganized and outdated. Our boss expects us to put in long hours to do meaningless work. Time to leave?

A. Maybe.

Here the key question seems to be: Are these departing employees reacting to a situation that (a) has happened recently, (b) is unlikely to change and (c) will affect you personally?

If circumstances changed a few months before you were hired (e.g., a merger or new CEO), you may be part of a new wave. You actually will benefit from these events.

Or maybe these departures have nothing to do with the company. Suddenly your field has opened up and recruiters have raided your group. If that's the case, you may be in a position to raise questions about your compensation - always a judgment call.

Or you may be seeing the beginning of the end.

For example: I once worked for an organization with a truly incompetent department head. Unfortunately for him, employees in his department were highly marketable. One by one, they took off. They were hard to replace.

We thought the situation would go on forever.

But following the departure of 2 particularly valuable employees, management asked the department head to accept a lateral transfer. They promoted a well-respected employee to be the new manager until an outside search could be completed.

Bottom Line: We've all heard the saying about rats deserting a sinking shop. But is the ship really sinking? Has a new path to dry land just opened up? And can you find a safe corner that's well-stocked with cheese -- and nobody else is around to demand a share?

To fine-tune your intuition, I recommend my very own
Intuition Ebook.

and clients tell me they like my
Job Search Guide.

How to Showcase Long Achievements in a Short Resume

2007-06-27T10:51:00.000-07:00

Q. I want to emphasize my experience, including some significant accomplishments from 20 years ago. But I want to keep the length reasonable. And some of my best success stories might sound lame, given how much technology has changed. As a librarian and information specialist, I realize technology will be relevant to my new job.

A. Good question. Ideally your resume will be just an adjunct to your search. You'll find your next job by formal and informal networking.

But resumes can make a difference in a hiring decision. And some fields (such as academia)require formal applications and resumes, no matter what.

A few suggestions. Readers, please share your reactions and feel free to add further ideas (or disagree with mine):

(1) Focus on qualities and skills in your future job description, not on what you've already done.

After twenty-plus years, you are most likely seeking a management or senior level position. Your future employer will be looking for evidence that you can complete projects on budget, motivate others and possibly come up with new programs and plans.

So you begin as many sentences as possible with "Organized, "Developed," "Managed," and "Designed."

When you're over 15, you don't have tasks and duties. You have responsibilities and accomplishments.

(2) Focus on how you completed projects - not the nitty gritty of what.

An imaginary example: You organized a new card catalog. You asked supervisors from four departments to contribute sections, coordinated their input and created a master card file.

Card catalogs may be dinosaurs -but you can talk about coordinating 4 managers to create an interactive information resource!

If that's too far-fetched, just use the word "project." Or be specific but emphasize the "how" rather than the "what."

(3) Summarize multiple jobs from your early years, even if you worked for different companies.

For example (I'm inventing details):

Reference Librarian 1980-1991 --San Francisco Public Library 1980-1984 --San Rafael Public Libray 1985-1989 --Levi Strauss Corporate Library 1989-1991

The HR folks will be happy: you gave them dates with no gaps.

Then you have a short paragraph or two with the best stories from all the positions.

(4) Emphasize outcomes more than process in the early jobs; include both when describing later jobs.

"As a result of this project, satisfaction ratings increased from X percent to Y percent." "The new system saved five thousand dollars and allowed us to reduce staff by two." "The new system allowed us to serve three times as many customers while increasing our budget by twenty percent."

(5) Apply for positions where your skills will be appreciated and welcomed.

If your future employer feels threatened by your resume, I would see a red flag warning.

Many articles and books target midlife professionals and retirees with the message, "Don't worry about being overqualified."

They're wrong.

Some folks happily take a step back in their careers. I once met a branch manager of a major corporation who returned to the sales force rather than accept a move. She seemed happy. I've also met former corporate executives who found new joy as coffee shop baristas, sales clerks and restaurant staff.

But in my experience, most professionals find themselves more stressed when they take a job where their experience appears to be devalued. That's why so many end up starting their own businesses.

And often you get tapped to accept extra responsibility, with no extra reward, because "you know so much."

Of course, if you need a job, you won't be fussy. But keep your job search open till you find a place where you will be recognized (and rewarded) for what you can bring to the table.

Promotion as stressor?

2007-06-25T08:33:00.000-07:00

We forget that good events cause stress as much as negative experiences. Today's paper had an article about promotions. Lots of executives find themselves in positions that call for a whole new way of viewing their careers. They spend more time in meetings. They supervise others instead of doing what they love to do.

The same principle holds in starting a business. Success comes from creating repeatable processes and marketing- not doing what you love.

Taking a step backward is rarely the answer. I find my clients get even more stressed when they take a step back. You have to get used to moving up...or consider jumping ship.

Talk back to Sue Shellenbarger: Online MBA Programs

2007-06-14T07:42:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite Wall Street Journal columnists, Sue Shellenbargar,just answered a question today about online MBA programs. See the WSJ for Thursday June 14, p. D2.

Shellenbarger recommends some good sites that profile and rank online MBA programs:

www.geteducated.com
www.businessweek.com
www.aacsb.com

She's got some good points: find out about the faculty and talk to some alumni. If your acceptance seems to depend solely on possession of an active credit card, be suspicious. And if they won't answer questions when you apply, what
will they do later?

I would add:

Even in the top notch gold-standard programs, your primary contact will probably be an Admissions Rep or Enrollment Manager. These folks are rewarded for making sales. Their job is to get applications, rarely to help you make the best decision about your career and your education.

In most programs, interaction with others and networking will be a real plus. But group projects present unique challenges in the online world. Inevitably students get frustrated because their work schedules, computer platforms, browsers and time zones create conflicts.

I wouldn't ask about "teacher training" unless you're prepared to go into detail (and they're prepared to share). Experienced, qualified professors will not accept appointments to programs that require extensive training. Typically this training requires many hours, yields little benefit and requires participation without compensation. A busy, experienced professor will refuse.

Instead, find out the credentials of the professors. If many faculty members graduated from the same university, raise a red flag. If they hold degrees from "independent" schools, you have to dig deeper, especially if you're seeking a PhD and/or have to write a dissertation.

You should also be aware that professors who are paid by the course will be required to earn high student evaluations in order to keep their jobs. Therefore they may resist making demands on students so everyone coasts through with easy A's. Nice - but your degree probably won't have much value, you won't be challenged and you probably won't make good connections. Students who struggle together tend to form bonds. Those who coast will pass like ships in the night.

If you must write a dissertation, ask if you will be prepared through rigorous research courses. Find out if your first paper in the program will be your dissertation.

In some programs, students coast through the courses with easy A's, only to stumble at the dissertation which is an abrupt disconnect. I've seen this pattern in both MBA and non-traditional doctoral programs.

Most important: Thank the admissions officers and enrollment managers politely but don't rely on them for information. Insist on talking to alumni. Target folks who have graduated over a range of 6 months to 2 years. Don't ask for advice. Ask for their experiences.

Compare yourself to the alums you meet.

For example: Suppose most of the alums seem to be settled into a safe corporate job but needed their ticket punched for promotion. If you're looking for a credential to change careers or be attractive to recruiters, you probably need to look elsewhere.

More: My book on Returning to School as a Mature Student .

5 Steps to Avoid the Twin Work-at-Home Killjoys

2007-06-13T07:18:00.000-07:00

Recently, I was going through my email when I found the
following question.

Q. After a long period of unemployment, I was offered
a telecommute job. I've never worked from home before!
Any suggestions?

A. This question has come up a lot lately. The twin
challenges seem to be either (a) too much time alone
or (b) too many interruptions.

A New York Times author plans a return to a "real
job" after realizing she looked forward to the voice
on her answering machine.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/03/business/yourmoney/0
3pre.html

Another article (can't remember where) described
interruptions from spouses, cats who slept on the
laptop, and neighbors who needed rides to the airport.

(1) Be firm about boundaries.

Many people -- neighbors, friends, telemarketers --
assume you're available 24/7 because you're home. If
you're over 45, they think you're retired.

When someone calls, I recommend saying, "You know,
I'm right in the middle of something. Can you call
later?"

Even better: stop picking up the phone unless
you're expecting a client call. Leave a strong "not
available" message with a promise to call back later.
(You can have a special line or secret signal for
family emergencies.)

Practice telling the UPS driver,
"I cannot accept packages for anyone except myself and
my family." Even better: Rent a mail drop and send
all your packages there.

No matter how politely you decline, some friends will
never understand. And they won't hear you the first,
second or third time.

Setting boundaries with family? Too sensitive for an
ezine column: ask an expert.

(2)Have a reason to get up and go out each and every
morning.

Several years ago, I was working from home to write a
book in Philadelphia. I'd begin each day by
visiting the Tuscany Coffee shop and editing pages
I'd written the night before.

I was awake and dressed (though not for success).
They had great coffee and the best "everything bagels"
on the planet.

Now, of course, I'm forced out the door at a
ridiculously early hour by a demanding dog who
frequently makes secret alliances with a grumpy old tabby
cat.

(3) Schedule around your own productivity pattern.

People who work best in long spurts need to clear their
calendars. They might schedule client consultations
all together in one day, go to the gym after hours,
hire a dog-walker and arrange for reminders so they
won't miss important meetings (and lunch).

Those who work in short bursts (which is my pattern)
will be tempted by breaks and interruptions. I get
more done when I break up my day with dog walks, lunch
meetings and exercise class.

(4) Cut back on chores and interruptions.

Sure the grocery store will be empty on Tuesday
morning -- but should you be there? These days you can
order groceries online. In Seattle, you can get
healthy food delivered in a cooler box right to your
door. Pay your dog-walker to take Fido and Fluffy to
the vet (yes, there's a story of how I figured this
one out).

(5) Ask the Magic Question.

Tim Ferriss (author of of The Four Hour Workweek) asks:
"What is the one thing you can do that would make you
feel the day was productive and successful?" Ask the
question early, he says, so you'll have time to get it
done.

Read Tim's book.

Readers: What are your work-at-home challenges and
solutions? Please post a comment.

2007-06-05T15:36:00.001-07:00

Q. Hi Cathy. I was laid off sixteen months ago with a great severance package. Since my spouse was working, I really didn't need to search for a job right away. How do I explain my time off?

A. Gaps can be challenging to navigate -- and even more challenging to explain. But when a company really wants to hire you, they won't spend a lot of time obsessing about gaps. So...

(1)Aim your job search on finding someone who can say "yes."

Focus on reaching a manager who appreciates your talents - not a screener looking for ways to place your resume in the "reject" pile.

(2) Use extreme care when omitting a job.

If your last (or current) job lasted just a few months, some advisors say, "Leave it off, especially if you were earning a below-market salary or working in a totally different field."

Maybe. But I recommend preparing an answer in case you get caught on a background check.

And some employers would rather see even short-term employment than no employment. It's always a judgment call.

(3) Create a one-sentence explanation to explain the gap.

Practice talking in sound bites -- you don't want to seem evasive, but a short matter-of-fact answer will discourage curiosity.

(4) Stick to business.

Explain your gap accurately but professionally. Refer to health and family only as a last resort.

Note: If you've got a really sensitive situation (e.g., you were in a drug rehab program), get lots of professional advice.

(5) Consider changing direction if you're blocked.

A few years ago, "Hortense" called me eight months after leaving a high-powered job. She had spent that recovering from shock and enjoying her leisure. She sent out resumes and collected a series of rejections. "Overqualified," they said.

I encouraged her to continue pursuing her job search, but also consider a new business. We talked for a few hours over a couple of months. I suggested she attend a few networking meetings just to test the waters.

She went to one breakfast meeting. She said, "I'm thinking of starting a specialized coaching company."

To her amazement, people started handing her business cards and saying, "Call me when you're ready for business. We like your style."

And she was off and running.

You may not want a business...but returning to school for a new career might make sense. Often a shift in strategy will open doors you never anticipated.

Money Management: sometimes a latte is an investment

2007-06-03T08:54:00.000-07:00

In a recent New York Times article, Damon Darlin advises graduates to save money by skipping the lattes at Starbucks. Make your own coffee, he says. You'll save about $2000 a year.

To read the article, you have to register (free):
New York Times site

I would tend to agree...except...

Freud famously said, "Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar."

I would say, "Sometimes a latte is not just a latte. Why are you drinking that latte? Who's with you?"

Depending on your answer, those $3 drinks may be an investment in your future. For example:

(1)You're sipping with the stars.

If your industry or company group hangs out at the local coffee shop, you're not just drinking coffee: you're gathering intelligence that you can use to advance your career.

Of course, if you get together to gripe and you're drained by negative energy, gossip and whining, you're losing a lot more than the price of coffee.

One small town business owner invested over $200 a month in coffee at two espresso hangouts. He was one of the few business owners who came by regularly to chat with the regulars and stay informed. His business was one of the few that demonstrated explosive growth in the downtown area.

(2) You're forcing yourself to get some work done.

Those who work at home know all too well: sometimes you gotta get out of Dodge. You're feeling enclosed by four walls. The refrigerator is way too tempting. And frankly, you're just plain lonely.

Drop the dog into day care and head for Uptown Espresso, Java Joint, Bean City...whatever your locale has to offer. Nurse a drink and work with the wi-fi. Cheaper than renting an office...and if you meet with a client, you deduct the coffee from your taxes (if your accountant approves - I'm not an expert).

Bonus: I've met several business owners who made better connections over laptops at Starbucks than at those $50-a-pop networking meetings.

I've also spotted corporate executives hiding out in the corner, ducking yet another dreary meeting.

(3)You absolutely, positively hate your job and your latte gives you a break.

When people hate their jobs, I advise them to find something to enjoy, even if it's just a picture on an office wall. Of course, I also advise them to get proactive about making some change. See
my free article on Ten Things To Do When You Really, Really Hate Your Job.

Sometimes you need to hang on because you need credibility, experience, time in grade, or basic survival funds. Looking forward to that latte may get you through the day and the week...and it's a lot cheaper than therapy. I'd also recommend that you join a gym: exercise is a natural mood-enhancer.

If you need the prescription version of anti-depressants, you get to discuss the meaning of lattes, cappuccinos and decaf with your therapist. Not me.

And if you choose the coffee shop for the taste, or you get your coffee in takeout containers, then I'm with Darlin, the New York Times writer. You're not investing in anything: you're buying coffee.

Talking Back to Barbara Ehrenreich

2007-06-01T09:42:00.000-07:00

I'm a great fan of Barbara Ehrenreich. I loved Nickel and Dimed and enjoyed reading Bait and Switch.

One of my ezine readers sent me a link to Ehrenreich's blog, which recently discussed the gap within professions: those at the top make mega-bucks, those on the bottom hover at the poverty level. See
the blog entry .

While I applaud Ehrenreich's attention to these pay discrepancies, let's face it: salaries are set by the market, not by turf-protecting executives.

For example, Ehrenreich observes that elite-level professors make six-figure salaries, while many adjuncts scrape by on $5000 or less a semester.

True. But what's the economic reality?

Large numbers of the "best and brightest" graduates are willing (if not eager) to join the ranks of low-paid adjuncts. Therefore supply remains high. As long as universities can fill positions at minimal cost, they will do so.

Meanwhile universities pay star professors handsomely for the same reason CBS offered Katie Couric a few million bucks to read a teleprompter: they believe these individuals will attract revenue in amounts that exceed their salaries. Big Name is perceived an investment. Little Unknown is considered an expense.

You can be forgiven for making bad investments. You're criticized for running up expenses.

Many low-paid adjunct professors are far less qualified than full-time faculty. The demands on their time make scholarly research impossible. Interaction with students is necessarily limited.

Adjuncts have little incentive to demand high levels of student performance or seek out evidence of plagiarism. They keep their jobs based on student evaluations. As a result, many become "edu-tainers," a word I learned from a real life adjunct.

Therefore, adding more adjuncts will lower the quality of education for many students. But universities will not feel an economic impact. Students choose to enroll based on reputation, which will enhanced by the stars, not lowered by the adjuncts.

Therefore universities have no financial incentive to change, unless adjuncts decide to become more marketable and/or leave the field, thus cutting off supply. I doubt that we'll see a major shift in this direction. I've met too many adjuncts who have what a friend calls "wife-of" jobs: the spouse earns a good living so the "wife-of" (who can be male or female) becomes an adjunct professor, art museum employee, career volunteer, flight attendant or...you name it.

Incidentally, Gloria Steinem, who I admire immensely, made the same mistake. She was angry because janitors could earn more money than teachers.

Whose fault? Well, I bet most of my readers would rather be teachers than janitors. When X says, "I wouldn't do that for any amount of money..." you'll hear Y saying, "Well, for enough money, I will!"

This market principle works in other fields mentioned in Ehrenreich's blog. College students think, "Lawyers earn big salaries." So they enter law school in great numbers, creating an available supply of trained labor, willing to work at menial tasks in horrendous conditions just to be able to say, "I'm a lawyer."

Unless governments move in to subsidize salaries, we'll continue to experience negative consequences of market forces, just as we see open land turned into factories. In her remarkable memoirs of prison life, former headmistress Jean Harris frequently lamented the discrepancy between salaries of highly-trained teachers and thug-like prison guards. That's just one example.

You probably have some power over your own career. "Think marketable!" is my rallying cry. Choose a field where you'll be valued, not where you're excess baggage, unless you're willing to accept adverse employment conditions.

It's what I share with my own clients, although a little more quietly.

Surprise: Meet Your New Job

2007-05-30T09:58:00.000-07:00

Q. "I thought I did all my homework before taking this job - but everything has changed! I'm working 12-hour days to complete assignments they 'forgot' to tell me about. My customer list includes all the problems nobody else wants. What can I do? And what questions should I ask when I look for my next job?"

A. This question has come up a lot recently. Some suggestions:

(1) Before taking any action, try to find out what's going on just by observing, listening and noticing your environment.

(2) Test the waters. If you feel comfortable, say something neutral like, "Based on our interview, I anticipated working on X and Y. I am happy to be working on Q and Z -- new challenges!"

Then listen for the response.

Frankly, many managers walk around in a half-dazed state. They don't even realize they changed your assignment.

Others will go into denial: "Change? Nothing's changed! What are you talking about?"

Or a puzzled, "Yeah - I thought you'd really enjoy Q and Z - I did you a favor."

Or (very rarely) "Yes - Hal had a heart attack and we had to switch everybody around." "We just lost our biggest account and we're all scrambling."

(3) Explore opportunities elsewhere in the organization.

Maybe your department had a vacancy for a good reason: an impossible boss or ridiculous mission. Once you're in the door, it's often (but not always) easier to transfer than to get hired as an outsider.

Once you've concluded, "There's no hope," prepare to do even more homework for your next job. There's no foolproof way to research an organization and anyone can be caught by surprise.

But you should be able to meet with at least 3 or 4 future coworkers, including some recent hires. Observe their work areas, body language and attitude.

And you can ask them some tough questions (worded more tactfully, of course):

"What was your biggest surprise about working for this company?" "What's the best and worst part about working here?" "What changes have you observed in the last few months?" "What's the average length of time most people have worked here?"

And although I avoid pollyanna-ish cheer, people tell me they do find silver linings. After serving a stint in the nightmare department, they find a welcome elsewhere. They discover hidden talents, pick up new skills and/or become more marketable.

It happens. Surprise works both ways.

Talking back to the head hunter on performance reviews.

2007-05-28T08:08:00.000-07:00

On a recent post, a recruiter "The Headhunter" columnist answered a reader's question about performance reviews. "I haven't had a review in 4 years," the reader said. "What should I do?"

The columnist advised the reader to press the issue. If necessary, he said, "Go to the Human Resource department. It's possible your boss isn't following policy."

But here's a counter argument.

What are the nonverbal signals? Are you getting raises and rewards? What's your relationship with your boss?

More important: Are you more marketable today than you were 4 years ago? One year ago? Six months ago?

Staying marketable is your best protection against bad reviews, no matter what.

For more:
http://wwww.midlifecareerstrategy.com/perfreviewbook.html

Does relocation bring happiness?

2007-05-02T11:17:00.000-07:00

Today's Wall Street Journal column, Getting Going by Jonathan Clements (Page D1 of the Personal Journal)reviews the age-old question: Why what you have is never enough.

He reports a study by academics Daniel Kahnemanand David Schkade. They asked university students in 2 US locations - midwest and California - where they think "someone like themselves would be happier." Both picked California, mostly because of the weather.

But, say the authors, you're doing a lot of the same things in both places: grocery shopping, chores and work.

True.

But grocery shopping feels different here at the Metropolitan Market or Trader Joe's, as compared to a Safeway or Albertson's that's the only game in town.

And chores actually vary. When I lived in a house, my chores were quite different. In a smaller town, or certain regions of the country (or world), you may trouble hiring services to meet your specific needs. In the US, many large cities feature services on craigslist.com -- affordable and accessible.

Sometimes the geographic cure really works. Sometimes the grass really is greener...literally and metaphorically.

From Self-Employed to Corporate: Step Back or Leap Forward?

2007-05-01T19:53:00.000-07:00

You've had your own business for the last 5 years. Your biggest customer is going away maybe your family clamors for a "real" job with benefits.

Can you survive in a cubicle after tasting the joys of flying solo?
.
Here's what I've found.

For the first 6-12 months, back-to-corporate workers tend to have fun. It’s like playing a new game. And you may get lucky and find your new home.

If it's been awhile since you did the job search thing, your resume may need a makeover.

Pick up a handful of books from the bookstore. Draft your resume. Get feedback from executives in the field and/or company you are trying to enter. If you get inconsistent or negative feedback, bite the bullet and work with a professional consultant.

Most of my clients hide their brilliance and don’t do justice to their many talents and accomplishments. These days, you have to be “out there.”

Avoid any service that promises to get you a job or get you “in front of” managers who can hire you. Stay away from the resume blasters.

(4) Expect to be amazingly productive in your new job.

Working on your own has given you perspective. You guard your time more carefully. You ask, “Do I really need to do this?” You’ve learned to figure things out yourself before you ask for help.

But once you’ve been on your own, you probably caught the bug. Now’s the time to plan in a leisurely fashion. Take classes. Visit the Small Business Administration. Attend networking events featuring business owners.

But be very, very discreet. Your company wants to believe you’re committed to stay forever, even though they rarely reciprocate.

Networking for Career Change

2007-04-25T08:09:00.000-07:00

Career advisors tend to sum up all their advice in one word: "networking."

Too old? Too big a resume gap? Bypass the hiring process through networking.

Inevitably my clients groan: "Networking? I knew you were going to say that. I hate to network."

Frankly, I don't blame them. The realities:

(1) In my experience, people who have strong networking skills will reach any career goals faster than people who don't.

(2) You need two kinds of networking. You can network for information and network for contacts. Sometimes one evolves into the other: you attend an industry meeting and someone says, "I've been looking for someone with your skills. Since you asked..."

(3) Networking for information means asking people in a field, "What do you do? How do you do it?" It's not about asking, "What would you recommend to someone like me?"

(4) You network for contacts by crystallization: starting with someone you know and moving outward. You find someone who knows someone who...

(5) These days it's hard to get an appointment with anyone who doesn't know you. And you almost always have to pay mentors. See
Mentoring for the 21st Century

Forget what you learned thirty years ago, i.e., People are flattered when you ask for information. These days everybody has read the Parachute book and they're more likely to be annoyed.

The Apprentice Los Angeles Finale: The Big Yawn

2007-04-23T09:07:00.000-07:00

By the time the Finale rolled around, did we really care? Did we ever get a clear decision about who wrote the best commercial for the final task?

On the positive side, I think Stefani deserved to be the winner. I was afraid Donald would cave in to demographic pressure. We've had winners who are male, female and African-American. It would be so tempting to balance with an Asian-American -- and such an appealing, genuinely nice guy, too!

But Stefani remained a calm, quiet presence. She was the only woman on a team of four and she conducted herself with dignity. She got the work done without stepping on egos.

Is she a leader? Frankly, I'm not sure that matters. Her first year will be mostly about learning, not leading. At the end of the year, she'll be well-positioned to take a position with a law firm, specializing in real estate and construction, earning as much as she will get from serving as The Apprentice.

I hope Trump finds room for Frankie somewhere else in the organization. He's got so much heart (and he could get a little polish along the way.)

I've always enjoyed The Apprentice but this year, I get the feeling NBC says to The Donald, "You're fired!"

Apprentice Los Angeles Ends With a Whimper

2007-04-21T14:30:00.000-07:00

Apprentice Los Angeles is down to the Final Four. The last task was fairly mundane - nothing like the previous finalists who had to run major public events. Here they just completed a fairly bland advertising task.

We can't get excited about any of the candidates. Nicole hasn't emerged as strong and certainly hasn't been a leader. The Bronx guy won't make it: too down to earth. It's down to Stefani and James.

My money's on James. Stefani has quietly emerged as a leader. She's calm and she appears to have influenced James's success. James has gotten calmer and more sensible. As a team, they're effective. But we haven't seen either of them alone, as we would if they'd been assigned to a big benefit.

Of course, after the last few seasons, what benefit would turn a major event over to an Apprentice wannabe?

Trump seems frustrated. He's been rude and insulting to the candidates. The tent business seems to distract us from the weaknesses of the show.

Sadly, it's time to give The Apprentice a decent burial.

Networking -- for everyone?

2007-04-12T10:23:00.000-07:00

I like this blog entry - David St. Lawrence says we need to think of networking as getting to know people - not
necessarily asking anybody for anything:

http://www.making-ripples.com/2007/04/finding_work_at.html

Energize your career by going live

2007-04-12T09:34:00.000-07:00

When I lived in a small New Mexico town, I had lots of time to work on my business as well as my writing. There wasn't a lot to do in the evening and certainly networking was not an option in my small town.

Now that I'm in Seattle, I've launched a networking campaign. I started tentatively because "you're supposed to do this." Being an extravert, I now have to hold back. In fact, I just dropped out of a couple of groups.

My biggest surprise is the impact of networking on my Internet activity. Just being around lots of people changed my energy. My ideas are better. Because I'm in contact with my target market, I pick up their vibes. I wish I weren't stuck with some things I started in New Mexico: changing a brand and image has turned out to be harder than expected.

In her book The Artists Way, Julia Cameron wrote about the way creativity feeds on being with people. Although readers have become more skeptical about Julia Cameron's messages (especially if they read her memoir), her ideas are sound. Arists paint each other. Writers talk.

So when a business or career gets stalled, I now recommend getting out and talking to lots of people. Not the boring, dreary, must-have networking, but being around stimulating people and events. Not just shaking hands, but listening to live performances in theatres, concert halls and bookstores. Screens just don't generate the same energy, even if they're big.

Apprentice Los Angeles: Who's responsible?

2007-04-10T09:12:00.000-07:00

Watching The Apprentice Los Angeles this week, I was reminded of a conversation about a seemingly unrelated subject: football.

"Larry" had played football in high school and college. When he watches a game, he says, "I would never boo a player. Sometimes one guy seems to make a mistake - but he was doing his job. Another player wasn't following the game plan."

And that's what happened here.

Kristine - the competent-looking lawyer with the rimless glasses - teamed up with Nicole to create a promotion for some new condos in Las Vegas. Of course, Kristine's game plan was a little shaky: she wanted to get out from under the shadow of Heidi, whose competence shown on most tasks.

But as Kristine worked on the brochure, Nicole decided to take a nap. Kristine decided to let Nicole sleep. After all, she reasoned, Nicole had been useless on this task so far.

So Kristine decided to write the whole brochure herself. She attempted to do the work of 2 people.

And she came close...except that she got one phone number wrong.

True, in marketing, that's a very serious mistake. On my own articles, getting the contact information wrong means, "What's the point?" If they can't find me, why bother to advertise?

But if Nicole had been doing her share of the work, Kristine might have had time and energy to pay attention to those little details. If they had worked together, they might have proofed the brochure more accurately.

So who should get fired?

In real life, hopefully you wait to collect more data to establish a pattern. But someone else's mistake can make you look bad, in football and in business. You weren't supposed to be on the receiving end of a catch, but it comes to you anyway...and you miss. You weren't supposed to handle this part of the job...but the other person disappears.

Almost always, these situations tend to be lose-lose, once you're caught up in them. Best to prevent them from happening in the first place. Football players don't always have a choice but professionals can make a concerted effort to hang out with winners, even if they risk being overshadowed.

A controversial call, either way.

Relocation Tips for Creative Moving With Cats

2007-04-08T09:41:00.000-07:00

Moving with cats? I get a surprising number of questions with this subject line.

So I absolutely loved this story:
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-ODD-Taxi-Move.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

The TImes reprinted an Associated Press report: Retiring to Arizona, a couple needed to move themselves and their cats. As long-time New Yorkers, they don't drive. And they didn't want their cats to fly.

So they negotiated with a New York City cabdriver. They'll be driven across the country in his air-conditioned SUV, in style, with the cats stowed in carriers in the back. Their furniture will follow separately.

Even if you drive, you may not want to. Imagine you're moving to a city where you've never lived. You don't know how to get from one street to the other. And you're looking for a place to rent while you decide where (and maybe whether) to buy property.

The solution? Negotiate with a taxi driver or car service. Get a driver to take you around. She'll drop you off so you can check out a place while she circles the block or hunts for a meter. He won't lose an hour by taking the wrong freeway exit.

Expect to pay a flat or hourly rate plus tips, parking and tolls. You'll save hundreds (perhaps thousands) of dollars by choosing a place that's perfect for you...and maybe lower cost, too.

Moving with cats? They won't fly in summertime...which takes up most of the year in Arizona. My 18-year-old cat has flown twice and she's done just fine.

I discovered all this while doing research for
my moving book.

Opt-Out Revolution: Lose the myths

2007-04-07T07:26:00.000-07:00

In the Columbia Journalism Review, EJ Graff reviews a book about the so-called opt-out revolution: the belief that women with kids decide to "opt out" of the workforce to stay home and be full-time moms.

The link is here:
http://www.cjr.org/issues/2007/2/Graff.asp

According to Graff, women don't really opt out. The current infrastructure gives them few options. With unforgiving companies and school systems with hours based on long-ago farm life, it's just about impossible to combine roles. The media focus on upper-class, educated women with working spouses.

I would refer readers not only to this excellent article (I like articles that reveal media distortions of reality) but also to Bella dePaolo's book, Singled Out. When schedules get adjusted to help parents cope with their responsibilities, often it's the single people who get asked to pick up the slack.

7 Dumb Career Mistakes Made by Smart People

2007-04-04T14:21:00.000-07:00

I was inspired to write this post after reading about a former flight attendant who made a whole bunch of these mistakes. Don't look now but a lot of smart people make at least one.

Dumb Mistake #1: Posting a photo of yourself in a provocative pose on the Internet.

Dumb Mistake #2: Wearing a company uniform (or carrying an emblem of the company, standing outside company HQ) while performing Dumb Mistake #1.

Dumb Mistake #3: Writing a blog about your company "for therapy" and insisting it's for you and your friends.

Dumb Mistake #4: Using the company email to send a personal message. I get dozens of queries every year: "Hi Cathy. I hate my job. Can you help?" All written on the company's message system.

Dumb Mistake #5: Thinking your boss, the HR department or the recruiter is your friend.

Dumb Mistake #6: Expecting free help. Yep, every year I get calls from senior execs who ask if we can "just talk" for an hour or so.

Dumb Mistake #7: Working extra hours to help your current company when you've been given notice: you're going to be laid off in six months or less.

Recognize yourself? I sure do.

Why do smart folks make dumb mistakes ?

Secretly they hate their jobs and are into self-sabotage.

They're brilliant at career success but not career change.

They're nice people who expect others to be nice too. (So far it's worked)

All of the above.

P.S. If you really hate your job,
check this out.

MBA for a Midlife Career Change? Why not? Why yes!

2007-04-03T08:42:00.000-07:00

Midlife career change often begins with a move to education.

So I wasn't surprised to find an article in the Wall Street Journal(Tuesday, March 27, 2007, page B10) featuring a Q&A around the question, "Should I get an Executive MBA after 50?"

Frankly, I wonder why the question even comes up. The real question is, Should I get a new educational qualification? From where? And why?

(1) Instead of asking "Am I too old," ask, "What do I need now."

For an under-30 student, a traditional MBA can be an express elevator to the executive suite. For a midlife career change, you're more likely to use your MBA for networking, starting a business, or jumpstarting a new career.

But will you get a lower return on your investment, with fewer years remaining in your career?

Who cares?

Five or ten years after completing your degree, you're facing a brand new career with technologies that weren't invented when you started out. Or you realize you've outgrown your career.

So these days any degree, at any age, has a ten-year life span at most. Midlife career change happens more than once in a lifetime.

(2) Education programs offer unparalleled networking opportunities.

As columnist Ronald Alsop points out in the above article, you can use a graduate degree for career change. It's a unique way to network without feeling pressure, bypassing informational interviews.

Your fellow students will have information about other companies, industries and professions. Professors at business schools (and other specialized degree programs, such as psychology, engineering and even music) often maintain a network of contacts.

Once I taught a class for an executive MBA program. Shortly after entering the program, student "Meredith" lost her job. Her resume landed on the desk of her classmate "Rodney." Rodney recognized her immediately, as they'd been on a class project team together.

(3) Degree programs give you new ideals.

You'll meet people and take classes on subjects you'd never consider otherwise. Most career change comes from serendipitous encounters, so you'll raise your chances of finding the best opportunity for your next move.

(4) Choose a program that's right for you.

The Los Angeles Times just reported yet another story of the perils of attending marginal schools. Your program could lose accreditation and you face raised eyebrows when you present yourself as a graduate. Read the story here (you have to register with the Times -no cost and minimal hassle):

One technique: Does the university have an alumni program? If the answer is "no," don't bother applying. If yes, attend a few meetings as a guest. Talk to alums about their success, experiences and their memories of academic rigor.

(5) For any educational program, set realistic goals and decide whether you can meet them.

Signing up is easy. These days, you'll find a warm welcome at universities, certificate programs, coaching programs - just about anything you might consider.

Figuring out the benefits? That's the hard part. Let's say your local university offers a certificate program in Human Resources. It sounds great: just four courses and you get to write on your resume, "Earned HR certificate from Local U."

How will future employers regard your certification? That depends on the reputation of Local U, the experience you bring to the table and the qualifications of your competitors.

Any of those factors could change overnight. So entering Local U with the goal of "a career change to human resources" may not be realistic.

But your certificate can pay off through networking opportunities, an extra edge if you change jobs, even a jump start to your bored professional self.

Bottom Line: You get my favorite answer. It depends.

Learn more from my ebook: Back to school for a Midlife Career Change. Download now and start moving to your dream career.

Whose Business is It, Anyway?

2007-03-28T08:15:00.000-07:00

Today's WSJ reports a new trend: Companies are rewarding employees for healthy habits. They discovered some employees started smoking when they realized their fellow employees gained rewards for quitting. Is that dumb or what?

Frankly,I wouldn't want my employer involved in my weight, eating habits and exercise. I want a personal life! We're one step away from the company store.

Career Advice from Family? A no-brainer!

2007-03-27T07:56:00.000-07:00

Today's WSJ (March 27) Cubicle Culture Section - Page B1 if you have the paper version - carries a helpful story: "Our Better Halves Sometimes Expose Our Worst Side."

Consultant Jane Genova, according to the story, sought advice for dealing with a difficult client. She turned to her significant other. He suggested she summarize her requirements in a letter. Her clients ridiculed her and the situation got worse.

Now, the WSJ says, Ms. Genova hires help. She pays experts with titles like "coach," "therapist," and "consultant."

I'm biased. I couldn't agree more.

But even I was surprised at the consequences of family advice. Apparently colleagues can recognize the signs: an overnight change of opinion, applications for positions for which the employee is vastly unqualified, and self-destructive decisions.

Many years ago, my colleague "Heather" was offered a new position at a more prestigious university. She'd earn a bigger salary with a lower teaching load.

Heather's husband, a financial consultant, advised against it. "You won't be happy anywhere," he warned.

Heather happened to be seeing a therapist to deal with depression following a personal loss. She mentioned her career to Heather, almost as an afterthought.

Heather got lucky. Her therapist was familiar with the academic world. "If you don't take this job," she said, "you may be stuck in your current location for a long time, perhaps forever."

Heather took the job and thrived.

Family doesn't help. They can do harm, way beyond the cost of hiring a coach or consultant for a few hours.

I'm biased, of course. So I was delighted to read this advice in a respected business newspaper.

Job Search Strategy: Do You Fit Their Culture?

2007-03-19T18:02:00.000-07:00

Q. I’m looking at a job offer from Mega Company that sounds absolutely perfect for me. A big step up: exciting challenges, salary increase, even a good location. But how do I know I can fit in with the culture? I want to land in a place where I can stay awhile.

A. Evaluating culture can be challenging, but it’s absolutely essential. Even the most competent professional can be challenged to perform effectively when she’s labeled a misfit or he’s branded as an outsider. A few tips:

(1) How did you feel during the interview? Did you find your stomach clenching? Did all the wrong words come out of your mouth? Or were you relaxed – maybe even sorry to say good-by at the end of the day?

(2) How did the office look? Clean desks or clutter? Casual dress or formal?

(3) Was your interview smooth? Were you left sitting by yourself when someone was late?

To get additional perspective on this challenging topic, I consulted with Dr. Janet Scarborough of Seattle-based www.bridgewaycareer.com. She brought up three additional suggestions:

(4) How do your future colleagues behave outside the office setting?

“People tend to let down their guard when they leave an organizational setting,” says Dr. Scarborough, “and it is more difficult to sustain a false good impression outside of the artificial interview situation. Especially note how they treat the staff at restaurants.”

(5) Can you uncover people who know employees of your future company?

Mention the company’s name everywhere you go. You may be surprised to find someone who’s got a friend of a friend at your future company. You may even be able to ask questions like, "What type of boss is Ms. Smith?"

“The most reassuring responses are glowing,” says Dr. Scarborough. “Neutral or lukewarm comments are probably negative.”

(6) Can you google some of your future colleagues?

“So many people have Web sites and blogs these days,” says Dr. Scarborough, “you can find out as much information as most competitive intelligence researchers.”

Of course in some conservative industries, you may be dealing with luddites who still live in the Dark Ages. In other fieldsl you’ll find people who share a lot more than they should.

"But they promised..."

2007-03-18T13:56:00.000-07:00

For some reason, queries tend to follow patterns. And recently I heard from two people, in two different industries, at opposite ends of the US:

"Hi Cathy,

"Last year we decided to buy a house. We fell in love with a home that's a 30-minute commute from where I work. I went to my boss. I explained that we were buying a home. He assured me there was no reason to worry about my job.

"A few months later I got a horrendous performance review. Now I'm on track to be terminated. If I take another job, I'm facing a 2-hour commute or we will have to sell our dream house.

"What went wrong?"

Of course I can't read your boss's mind. But I have the following suggestions for anyone who considers buying a home:

(1) Make sure you have funds to cover at least 6-12 months of living expenses in case your job is unexpectedly terminated.

(2) I advise my clients not to discuss personal affairs with their bosses. The only exception might be maternity leave or legally-mandated family leave, and then you go through HR and dot all the i's.

You'll never know what feelings your announcement will create among your bosses and colleagues.

Maybe she's thinking, "They're buying a house in Gardenville? Hmm...I can't afford to live there. Must have a rich spouse."

Or maybe he just notices you more. Now he's thinking, "I notice Lilianne seems to miss meetings a lot." Or, "Manuel needs to improve his writing skills."

Or she thinks, "Why is Helene so concerned about her job? Maybe she's covering..."

Of course your boss might be genuinely happy for you. But most of us can't control our subconscious, not-so-nice feelings. We're not even aware of them.

(3) Want some assurance of job security? Talk to a lawyer first. Find out if your boss's email to you ("Nothing to worry about! Congrats on the new home!") has any legal standing. I am not a lawyer. I am not giving legal advice. But my experience says you can't take those assurances to the bank, let alone the courtroom.

If you're a lawyer reading this post, please add a comment.

Verbal assurance? Forget it. Unless your boss makes a big announcement on tape, or you've got credible witnesses unconnected with the company, it's your word against his.

A contract? Now you've got a new ball game...and the lawyers are the ones who pass the ball around.

Finally, apart from the job, think marketability. When you move to a location where you'll have trouble basing a new job search, you're losing marketability. Believe me, I've been there!

If your current employer is the only game in town -- and maybe in a 25-mile radius -- you're taking a risk. Nothing wrong with risks. But when you go out on a stormy sea in a leaky boat, you'll wear a life preserver. You won't wait till you get out on the ocean to decide if you need to pack one or not.

My readers are smart. You get the drift.

Check out my website for more.

Performance review: don't delay taking action

2007-03-17T14:39:00.000-07:00

Recently I've had a few queries that were remarkably similar to one another. They went like this:

"Hi Cathy. Six months ago I had a bad performance review. Now I am on a performance improvement plan. Attached is the letter from HR. Can you help?"

I positively hate these messages because by this time, there's not much we can do. I encourage everyone to hire a lawyer to negotiate settlements, references and anything that will make the transition easier. Often employers have already seen the writing on the wall. In fact, it's in their own handwriting. They may make concessions if you are willing to resign immediately. For example:

90 days on the payroll with no responsibilities (when you might be on a 60-day warning period)
extra severance if you've been employed a long time
outplacement or independent career consulting services

They'll probably also agree to offer a noncomittal reference if anyone calls. When I work one-to-one with clients we discuss ways to address the reference question.

I think of other emails and phone calls that begin, "Hi Cathy. I just got a bad performance review. It's a first for me! How do I respond? What do I do?"

Now I can probably help. You have time to search for a new job, mend fences, and do all sorts of things to preserve your finances and well-being.

Each situation is diffferent. I recommend the Power Hour - my 60-minute consultation. Some people recognize the value. But often I never hear from these callers again. Somehow they feel I should advise them for free.

I often wonder how many of them end up with the 60-day notice, performance plan or worse. I wish I could warn them: A small investment in the early stages will save a lot of pain later.

Meanwhile,check out
my ebook.

The Apprentice Los Angeles: they really ARE in tents

2007-03-13T10:33:00.000-07:00

Ouch! Was I ever wrong. I couldn't believe The Donald would really allow smart professionals to camp out in a tent, with inadequate bathroom facilities, to say the least.

It seems there really is a tent. Some of the contestants have been looking downright scruffy. Interviewed after the show, one woman said, "Of course we looked awful! I hadn't washed my hair in days."

The tent experience was created to make some good television. In theory those in the tents will be more motivated to work hard and get back into the mansion. In reality these kinds of motivations often backfire. You're tired and dirty. You realize some outcomes are almost random. Winning a task sometimes comes down to a single extra sale or a fortuitous location. The show makes a difference: where are the cameras focused?

But I see another concern.

Job interviews are supposed to be two-way. Applicants are not supplicants. They're people with dignity. If you're good, your employer needs you and you are having a business conversation about what you can contribute.

I'm lucky. I left corporate America before the widespread use of background checks, lie detectors, drug tests and stress interviews. Never had any. I was background-checked for my current apartment and declined a telecommute job that required one.

Even in this environment, you have to decide what you'll accept in order to get a particular job. Sure, if you decline a drug test or refuse to give information for a background check, your employer assumes you have something to hide. As far as I'm concerned, that's their problem.

Trump candidates have been through background checks, psychological tests, physical exams and a whole lot more. And now they're sleeping in a tent if they lose.

Maybe The Apprentice is like Mount Everest. It's there. It's a challenge. So go do it.

Apart from the tent, Trump insults the candidates. He refers to their "ass" and their "stinking tent" and sneers on camera. To be sure, he bestows compliments: he admired the golf game of four women who golfed with him after winning a task. But he's still more than a little patronizing.

Why put up with it? That's the question I hope more viewers are asking.

Softer Side of Networking

2007-03-12T23:58:00.000-07:00

Last week we talked about attending networking events. This week I’m answering a frequently asked question:

Q. “I’ve read about interviewing for information. But after working for many years, I don’t feel comfortable calling up strangers to ask for help.”

A. I would agree with you.

The first edition of What Color Is Your Parachute rolled out over 30 years ago. Millions of people discovered a revolutionary technique known as Interviewing for information.

Ever since, we’ve been getting guidance like, “People are bored in their jobs. They feel flattered when someone calls to ask for information. They’re happy to take fifteen minutes to help.”

Alas, these days people may be bored, but they’re also busy. More and more, you need a referral to get past the gatekeepers.

So I recommend starting with soft networking. Meet strangers in a friendly, low-key setting and you’ll benefit from the principle of Six Degrees of Separation.

(1) Alumni groups. If you attended college (even if you didn’t graduate), your alumni office most likely will share a directory. Even Scrooge-y types like me will return calls from fellow alums who ask about life in Seattle or New Mexico. Don’t forget high school, graduate school and professional groups.
(2) Lunch and dinner meetings. Many associations host meetings where you can make low-key contacts. Just in the past few months, I’ve attended functions with a business owner group and an MBA alumni group where visitors openly asked for career change help.

It’s hard to predict where you’ll find success. I recently connected a job seeker with someone in a field where I have no experience, just based on a casual conversation with a neighbor who just found a great job in that field.

(3) Social groups and friends.

Connections get made at dog parks, parties, personal interest groups, cooking classes, and more.

As you use these sources:

Keep conversation casual and low-key. Just say, “I’m looking for information about job opportunities in Albuquerque” or, “I’ve been looking for a position in project management.” And wait.
Ask for information, not advice. Avoid selling yourself, but it’s okay to end with a request for referrals.
When calling business owners who sell their time, respect the boundaries. More than 15 minutes? You need a paid consultation.
Take a few minutes to send a follow-up and a thank you email.

“Thanks for referring me to Ken. We have a meeting set up for next week.”(Of course Ken gets a thank you note too, but you already knew that, right?)
End the suspense. Send an outcome report to everyone who helped. “After talking to six people, I decided to accept a job with… Thanks again for referring me to Ken. He was very helpful.”

The Secret: Not a secret anymore...

2007-03-09T09:52:00.000-08:00

I watched The Secret twice: first online (with several interruptions) following a recommendation by a marketing coach, then at a conference (where I fell asleep halfway through).

My feelings about the Law of Attraction: I believe if you can crystallize a goal, your subconscious mind goes to work and you get drawn to new ways to achieve your goal.

Many of my clients spend lots of consulting time discussing what's wrong with their careers (and sometimes their lives, but that's way beyond my scope). We make progress when we turn to projecting the future.

Christina Merkley (www.shift-it-coaching.com) has a good combination of attraction marketing and common sense. When I talked to her, she agreed we could translate some concepts into down-to-earth terms. For instance, "vibrating" really is about "mood." And lots of research shows that mood influences all sorts of outcomes. Doctors who are in a good mood will approach clinical decision-making differently, according to research by Professor Alice Isen (of Cornell University last time I checked).

But other research shows that defensive pessimism -- expecting the worst -- can be productive for many people. I've talked to clients who jumped in to new cities and houses with great optimism but with no Plan B. They counted on the income from a job to make the mortgage payments. Or they counted on keeping a job within easy commuting distance of their dream homes.

Sometimes they can find ways to hold on to what they love. We can talk about starting businesses, e-businesses, telecommuting and more. These options work well for some clients.

Jumping in with both feet is just fine, if you do research. Recently I saw an article about holding back from a goal of becoming a teacher for fear of "living on a teacher's salary."

There's no easy answer. Some people feel liberated in their new world, so they stretch their new incomes to meet their needs, happily. Others feel like they've inadvertently entered a prison of their own making. They resent the lower income so much they can't enjoy the career.

And some find the dream career has hidden traps they never expected. Being a teacher means you get to work with children...but you also can't leave your classroom to make a quick phone call. One third grade teacher told me she's evaluated on her bulletin boards as much as her teaching. And don't get me started on standardized tests.

Got a dream? My rule of thumb is, "Jump into the research. Learn everything you can. But move slowly on commitment."

Networking Tips From a Networking Event

2007-03-07T07:52:00.000-08:00

When I first moved to Seattle, I was determined to get involved in networking. After four years in a small town in New Mexico, suddenly I had opportunities to meet prospects face to face.

I loved meeting new people. And connections began to happen. But at first I couldn’t help wondering, “Will all this activity be productive?”

Then last week I heard a talk by Zita Gustin. She gave us an exercise that you can try in your own group.

First we shared with a fellow participant the answers to four work related questions.

Then we answered a more fun set of questions. Where are you from? What television programs do you watch? What’s a good business book you’ve read lately?

As Zita pointed out, we were all far more animated in the second exercise. It was fun and we discovered points of connection we never anticipated. Okay, you might have suspected some of mine:

“I’m from Snohomish.”
”That’s where my dog is from! Her first owners found her in the SPCA up there.”

Networking is an investment of time (and of course money and energy). Most people attend a meeting or two and then give up, saying, “Nothing happened.”

But after weeks, months and years, and sometimes volunteering for committees, you begin to reap the real rewards. Over time, I’ve been greeted warmly in groups where I first felt unwelcome and out of place.

Psychologist Stanley Milgram (known for his infamous obedience experiments) studied the way familiarity leads to liking. When you see the same people over and over – even when you wait at the same bus stop --- you develop positive feelings for them.

Of course, I believe some networking events and professional groups are more valuable than others.

Some groups have invisible barriers that keep new members at a distance.

In a few dog-eat-dog fields, networking won’t be productive. In some locations, you won’t have opportunities to network productively.

When I work with clients, we discuss targeted networking strategies that will most likely lead to success.

But generally, if you’re ready to make a change, go hang around with some people who are doing what you would like to do. Just have fun with them and stop if you don’t. And often the best connections get made in the most unlikely places…even just because, “We both have dogs.”

Stuck in dead-end job...

2007-03-05T09:43:00.000-08:00

Watching Barbara Ehrenreich (author of Bait and Switch) on BookTV - a 3-hour indepth perspective.

One caller said, "I'm stuck in a dead-end job, although I have a college degree. I just got divorced and needed a job after not working for many years."

Ehrenreich referred her to unitedprofessionals.org.

Here's another idea. If you're at the lowest rung of the organizational ladder, choose an organization with upward mobility. Hotels, airlines and other organizations tend to promote from within. I met a hotel General Manager who says he began working as a bus boy in a hotel dining room.

Do some research. Kinko's associates do surprisingly well with profit-sharing.

It happens. I met a woman in Florida who rose from secretary to VP of three different organizations, starting over each time.

If your organization doesn't promote from within, or it's too small to offer upward mobility, you need a new employer.

Networking: You never know...

2007-03-02T16:00:00.000-08:00

Last night I met a young woman who needs a new job. On the surface, I seemed to have no experience or contacts.

But as it happens, my neighbor found a postition in her field, following an intensive job search. The next day I got permission to give my neighbor's contact info to the young woman.

Who knows what will happen? The point is, connections wiill surprise you. Get the word out, everywhere!

The ONE Time You Must Ask About Salary Before The Interview

2007-02-27T09:18:00.000-08:00

Q. I have a job. It's not great but it could be worse and it does pay the bills. Last week I got invited to interview for a job that sounds like fun. But I suspect they're offering less money than I'm making now."

A. When you're working, you may have trouble escaping for interviews. You have to set limits and screen your interviewers -- a nice position of power.

Talk to the interviewer. "I'm interested in the job. I have a job and my job search must be confidential, so I want to save my time and yours as well. Can you give me a sense of the salary range for the position?"

Of course, some interviewers will be turned off. You may lose an interview. I would say, "If they don't respect your time before the interview, how will you be treated once you're hired?"

No absolutes in the career world! Some companies treat applicants horribly but then honor their employees like royalty.

But most don't.

3 Ferocious Career Killers (and how to avoid them)

2007-02-27T08:23:00.000-08:00

In her book What To Do With the Rest of Your Life, Robin Ryan identifies 10 career killers. Today we’ll look at two and explore a third, all related to self-presentation.
Click here to look up the book.

Killer #1: Wait to be noticed. Expect that you’ll be recognized if you do good work, so don’t announce your successes.

You just finished a degree, won an award and maybe got a paper published. Have you shared your news with those who have the power to reward you?

Positive colleague and bosses want to hear about your successes. If their response is lack of interest or even jealousy, you’re seeing red flags all over the place.

And if you’re a solo-preneur, share triumphs with customers and clients. They want to know they’re dealing with a winner.

Killer #2: Demand credit you don’t deserve. Claim credit for the success of others. Brag about skills and talents beyond what you have.

These days, most of us work in a spotlight. It’s too easy to be exposed for inauthentic self-promotion. Not worth the risk, in my opinion.

Killer #3: Get noticed for the wrong reasons. Share potentially damaging personal information about yourself.

Last weekend I saw the movie Notes on a Scandal, an outrageous example of inappropriate self-disclosures and weak boundaries. With coworkers and colleagues, you’re always “on.”

Even experienced professionals can drop their guard and share personal information when they’re feeling stressed and/or lonely. We’re most vulnerable right after a major move or career change. (Did you see the movie Notes on a Scandal? An outrageous example of confiding in the wrong person, among other things.)

During a career change or other transition, most people need 2 kinds of support: personal and informational. Personal support –from family and close friends -- gives you a safe place to talk about feelings. Informational support – from professional colleagues, mentors and consultants – provides perspective: you get to figure out what’s really going on.

Self-presentation can be a great career challenge for anyone. Ultimately, in my experience, it’s a combination of judgment and support.

Career Advice to cope with a job you hate

2007-02-24T12:15:00.000-08:00

Last week a reporter from Australia emailed me, getting background for an article about careers. As it turned out, the questions related directly to my ebook on "Ten things to do when you really, really hate your job."
http://www.cathygoodwin.com/hatejob.html

An example of the career advice I shared:

Q. How do we ‘readjust’ our attitude to be able to cope in a job we don’t like?

My answer:

You can't force yourself by saying, "I have to like this job. I have
to like this job."

Instead, think of your job as a vehicle you can use to move to your next job. What can you use: Does your company offer training and education programs? Are you improving your resume every week or at least every month? Are you learning new skills?

Another technique is to regard your job as a day job. Be careful to do enough so you won't get fired. But do the minimum and use your energy to work towards your real dream.

Often you need to work with a consultant or coach to avoid getting caught up in the day job. It's familiar. You get a check every week. You're in a comfort zone.

Let's face it: Cushy day jobs can be hazardous to your career. Believe me: I know!

Job Search Strategy: Can you bypass the HR department?

2007-02-21T07:32:00.000-08:00

Q. My job search has taken off! I want to apply for an advertised job in the systems group of Mega-Corp. I know folks in other departments but not this one. Do you have tips to bypass HR?

A. This question actually came from a client recently. I’ll share my thoughts and hope readers will email with more ideas, comments and controversy.

First, success depends on how much nerve you have and how much risk you'd like to take. These strategies carry no guarantees and any job search strategy (including following the rules) can always backfire.

As far as I know, these strategies are completely legal and ethical.

(1) Call the department and ask for the department head's name. Usually they’ll just give you the name readily. Some job hunters say, “I’m doing a mailing.” Well, I think you are doing a mailing but you get to sort out the ethics, practicality and reality.

Once you get a name, you can write directly to the department head.

(2) Call the department cold (with or without a name). Ask for info about the position in a calm, confident manner.

(3) Send a copy of your resume and cover letter to HR. But also send copies directly to the hiring manager. I’d say don’t bother to cc anybody: if they don’t like your back door strategy, it won’t matter anyway.

(4) Google the department and (if possible) the name of the hiring manager
to see if you can come up with a connection between you and him (or her). Ideally you will find a mutual acquaintance to perform the introductions.

Or who knows: you may discover a strong common bond based on education, fraternity, previous employment or sports.

(5) Phone, email or visit everyone you know at this company. Get a list of *all* the names for which they'd agree to be a referral source. For example, you call your trusted friend, Janie. She says, "You can call Frank, Hilda and Bob and say Janie sent me."

Now you set up informational interviews with Frank, Hilda and
Bob, using Janie’s name. Casually ask if they know someone in the target
department or if they have general advice about hiring at Mega-Corp..

(6) You may find informal email lists too. For example, here in Seattle we have
an email list of women writers – and I see exchanges of info about UW positions.

(7) Attend a meeting of any industry group where the department head will be expected to show up. You may be able to scan a membership list (if you or someone you know is a member) to see if she’s involved. And if he’s a no-show, you’ll use the opportunity to get some deep background on the industry and maybe even MegaCorp’s reputation as an employer.

What's Special About Midlife Career Change?

2007-02-20T10:39:00.000-08:00

When reviewing career change books, I sometimes add the comment, 'This book seems more appropriate for 20-somethings or 30-somethings. But midlife career changers will resist."

(1) You need different networking systems. A Young Career Changer (YCC) can ask for informational interviews. He can ask to shadow someone for a day or two.

But if you're in your 40's or 50's, managers may resist opening their doors to someone who's a peer, perhaps someone who's been working elsewhere. When I taught live MBA marketing, my "older" students had trouble getting interviews for projects. "Two gray-haired men? They thought the IRS had come to call," said one student.

For the record, I offered to create a special project for them, but they declined. They'd caught the fire!

(2) You're un-learning a style of professionalism.

As I like to say: Corporate life is like professional football. Carreer change is like playground basketball.
A whole different set of moves. You can do it, once you realize what's going on.

(3) Life happens.

I'm not typical: my parents are gone and my next-of-kin has fur and paws. Many 40-plus career changers have teenagers, boomerang kids, aging parents and a whole lot more.

Some of my clients experience health concerns, whether seeking additional medical screenings or dealing with symptoms.

(4) Your day job is more demanding.

By mid-career you've probably moved up the corporate ladder and you have more responsibilities. As an executive or professional you may have more flexibility but you work longer hours. And your family becomes more important.

(5) Your comfort zone has gotten broader and deeper.

What's a lateral move to a YCC may be a giant leap backward at mid-career. I encourage clients to consider the consquences of, say, giving up a large home for a small apartment. Some care a lot. Some barely notice -- they're too excited about the future.

Success depends on feeling proud and happy, genuinely, authentically. Anything else gets in the way.

Please leave a coomment for me!

Apprentice Los Angeles: An Unintentional Lesson

2007-02-19T10:09:00.000-08:00

On the surface, last night's Apprentice was all about leadership.
But I believe it was all about luck.

Both teams hated their project leaders.

Team Kinetic recognized that Aime (pronounced "Amy") wasn't fully present. She seemed unaware of her environment (Spanish speaking culure -- hello!) and she delegated to the max. Still, her team came up with a clever concept, dressing up in bright costumes to attract visitors to their booth.

And as her team realized they needed to communicate in Spanish, they should have fought for an interprter. Instead, they said nothing. They walked the mall, trying to drum up business but didn't bother to call Aime to clue her in. I don't blame Aime for being angry, as she stormed off to her waiting limo. Consciously or not, her team set her up. In the real world, employees are supposed to make their bosses look good and avoid dumb mistakes.

Suriya didn't fare much better. He got emotional. He wandered up to strangers, one at a tim - a very inefficient process. His team made fun of him.

Suriya does show some insight. As he pointed out, "We all have jobs to go back to." He does have some marketing savvy. And for some reason, teams begin winning when he joins them.

Despite the differences, the teams were only about $40 apart. They were evenly matched as far as creating a team vs. leader conflict.

I think the real lesson is something I repeat to myself often, "Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good."

[Career Change] NYT article on University of Phoenix

2007-02-12T16:39:00.000-08:00

Did you read the New York Times yesterday - Sunday, February 11, 2007? If so, you may have noticed a big article in the Education Section: Troubles Grow for a University Built on Profits, by Sam Dillon.

The troubled university was University of Phoenix.

The NYT keeps a list of "most emailed" articles. This morning, today's Times reported this article achieved the Number One most-emailed status.

If you had been a reader of my ezine, you'd be ahead of the game. You would know I've written an ebook that would have warned you, "Enrolling in the wrong program can be dangerous to your career." See
Click here.

And -- what a coincidence! -- here's a recent article from my ezine, published just a week before the Times article:

Along with a nasty editorial against the dogs-in-bars measure, our local paper directs readers to a website that lists “accredited” education options: oedb.org

That website should come with a warning.

Many career change clients consider returning to school for credentials, degrees and/or skill building. If you’re at a crossroads, I recommend considering this option, if only because you’ll get new ideas for your next career.

But I’ve been on both sides of the desk. I was just as irreverent as a professor and student as I am now. So I encourage everyone to read between the lines before signing up.

The old signals of reputability no longer apply. For example:

• Some universities are “accredited” but not “respected.” And unless you know how to dig deep, it’s hard to tell who accredited your university and what it means for you.

• Online and distance education have become mainstream, especially business, library science and IT.

• And I used to say, “Avoid a university that advertises on the side of a bus,” but some very well-regarded schools are now doing just that.

Here are five ways to avoid red flags so your time and money will pay off when you change careers.

(1) Can you talk to recent graduates of the program?

Any alumni office should be willing to share names of recent graduates. Some will insist on getting permission to share contact info. That’s okay.

But if they tell you all names are confidential, run away as fast as possible. Graduates should be proud of their training and their academic affiliations.

Training programs often promise career success, but the fine print says, “No guarantees.” I’d go with the fine print.

(2) Will this program really deliver the results you want?

“Tom” signed up for a regionally accredited university’s doctoral program. Thousands of dollars later, he discovered he could not get a teaching position in his local colleges.

I’ve heard many stories like Tom’s. Talk to hiring managers and university administrators before signing up.

(3) Are faculty listed by name and degree?

If more than a few professors graduated from the same program you want to enter, look elsewhere. Diversity means quality. No list of faculty? Forget it.

(4) Do you know your own learning style?

Are you an auditory, kinesthetic or visual learner? Auditory learners can face unique challenges in online programs. Kinesthetic learners like to develop skills on the job – they prefer action to classrooms.

If you face special challenges, such as attention deficits, stress, and/or dyslexia, talk to an independent licensed professional before embarking on your new venture.

(5) Can you afford the tuition easily?

I don’t recommend going into debt or taking big risks, except in very rare situations.

If your company pays the tuition, go for it – but be sure your program or degree will have value if you change jobs and/or careers. Some degree and professional programs will actually drag down your resume.

But don’t let me discourage you – really. Exploring programs and reading catalogs will stimulate your creative juices and help you identify what you really want, in or out of school.

Need more? Of course you can consult with me one-to-one. You can also read

Back to School for a Midlife Career Change
Click here!

Religion, Politics and Other Workplace Controversies

2007-02-11T09:37:00.000-08:00

Today's paper featured an article with the attention-grabbing headline, "Religion in the Workplace."

But reading closely, the article featured employees who violated company policies, claiming discrimination based on religion. One wore tattoos; another surfed the web during business hours. A third seemed more questionable: she wanted to wear a head scarf to serve drinks in a cocktail lounge.

My own view: Go where you're wanted. Choose workplaces that share your values. It's not worth the emotional energy. If you're not in a position to choose, get marketable.

In her book Tough Choices, Carly Fiorina wrote about her own more subtle values clash at Hewlett Packard. She shared the East Coast values of dressing up in high fashion: she liked her Armani suits with high heels. H-P enjoyed a more laid-back western culture.

Clearly this clash wasn't the only reason for Fiorina's forced departure, but she herself acknowledges the added stress.

And when a new client shows up, the first thing I say is, "Do you have a private email? Get a yahoo, hotmail or gmail account - right away - unless you own the company."

Some of my clients who own their companies actually choose a private email anyway. One never knows.

A tax accountant told me, "I encourage my sole proprietor clients to get company bank accounts, even though legally the money's all the same. If they get audited, they can say, 'Here's my business account.' And nobody sees the checks they wrote to their families, boyfriends and secret pleasure sources."

The Lisa Marie Nowak Lesson: Getting Help Before You Get Desperate

2007-02-09T09:12:00.000-08:00

According to the International Herald Tribune and other sources: In theory, astronauts can get all the psychological help they need with no stigma. But a NASA flight surgeon says no -- there can be consequences.

In my experience, anyone who's in a senior military, government, corporate or other position will be reluctant to seek psychological support, and with good reason.

(1) We're used to having insurance pay for everything. And if insurance doesn't cover a medical problem, we want to take it off our taxes.

Reasonable. But sometimes it's better to pay out-of-pocket, in cash, to get confidentiality. No insurance, no records.

(2) Coaches and consultants are popular because there's little or no stigma.

A corporate consultant with a PhD in organizational psychology can have meetings alone with the CEO to discuss "strategy." Chaplains and clergy also can be consulted, and some are trained to offer more than simple bromides. Remember the soldiers who were involved in the Abu Ghraib prison scandal? Military chaplains would have been a good choice: no black mark for visiting and they could document thir concerns for the record.

(3) Employee assistance programs can be staffed inadequately for senior managers.

I once worked for a university that proudly announced a new EAP -- with counselors who would be paid $35 an hour in the late 1990s. No professor with a PhD would consider seeking help from someone at that level. I've been told that some EAP's have separate counselors for executives -- a good idea.

(4) Often workplaces just create stress.

You don't have to be in NASA. One of my students had been a nurse for a financial company that was widely hailed as a great place to work. We even watched a film about "great companies" where her firm was featured prominently. But, she said, the pressures were extreme. Managers would come to the nurse's office to get aspirin and sometimes they would sit and shake or cry. It was okay to be sick but not okay to be stressed.

(5) When it comes to taking care of yourself, you're on your own.

Time to relax and rejuvenate has to be a priority. Eating junk food and giving up sleep...well, if you're 22 and motivated, you can last a while. But most of us pay. The words "sacrifice for a career" have to be taken seriously.

Certainly most of us would say it's worth the risk to be an astronaut or a company CEO or US president. I'm amazed when people sacrifice for so much less. The lesson from the tragedy of Lisa Marie Nowak is to find ways to stay centered in a challenging life.

Notes on Notes on a Scandal

2007-02-04T09:33:00.000-08:00

If you haven't seen the movie Notes on a Scandal, and you like all your movies to be surprises, stop reading now! Otherwise...

The movie Notes on a Scandal made me cringe. Cate Blanchett's character ("Sheba") made two career mistakes. First, she decided to become a teacher without realizing what was involved. We've all met idealistic career-changers and often they get burned (though not as badly as this).

But what was worse: Sheba was quick to confide in the first person who showed a friendly interest. When you arrive in a new place -- career scene or geographic location -- the first people you meet often will be the neediest. They have the most time to spare because often they have few other friends...for a good reason.

Sheba went way beyond the norms for new acquaintances. She told "Barbara" all the gory details of her life. As Barbara said, she felt like a Mother Superior hearing a novice's confession.

If you've seen the previews you already know: Barbara was a dangerous woman with an agenda of her own.

Most of us don't have lives as interesting as this Sheba character. And very few people we meet will be as evil as this Barbara.

But they're bad enough. I just read the book Snakes in Suits.

And even if you confide in a benign, kindly person, your information can be misinterpreted and misused.

So I cringed as I watched the horrors of this movie unfold. Sheba was needy and vulnerable. She needed a real friend.

More on The Apprentice: Sometimes You Have to Keep Quiet

2007-01-31T10:46:00.000-08:00

Last week I commented on the Apprentice candidate who quit, standing up to Donald's harsh words: "I hate a quitter."

This week's decision was both easier and harder. Candidate Merisa wouldn't shut up, even in the Boardroom.

Placed in charge of Marketing, Merisa kept pushing her ideas. Change the name of the salad. Put some chickens on the street. When she failed to sell her team, she wouldn't stop.

Even in the Boardroom, she interrupted The Donald as well as everyone else.

Sounds far-fetched, doesn't it? How could a smart, attractive business woman make this mistake?

Anyone who asks hasn't been a career consultant very long.

For example, my client "Ursula" was a talented smart marketing manager of a professional services company. She'd been fast-tracked all the way.

Until her new boss gave her a less than steller performance review.

Ursula called me. "I've brought up the point several times. He just doesn't want to talk about it."

After we talked, Ursula realized reluctantly that she had to move on. If she pressed the point, she'd just irritate her new boss further.

She realized she may already be at the top of the pay scale in her job category, so her manager may decide to hold back and let others catch up. (Fair? I have no idea. Reality? Often, yes.)

She realized she was completing an assignment from her previous boss that her current boss dismissed as a waste of time. Dropping the project was not an option.

And she realized that new bosses, like new brooms, sometimes sweep clean.

The solution? Drop the subject. Her boss was an ardent football fan so we agreed she would say nothing. But if asked, she would draw an analogy to a team that didn't like the ref's call but chose to go on with the game.

And that's not all. Ursula needed to identify an appropriate, ethical recruiter. She might not begin a job search energetically, but she needed to have all her ducks lined up, just in case. And she needed to get into some pretty aggressive networking.

I'm not sure what happened. I did get a one-line email: "All goes well. Thanks for the help!"

Career Strategy: When you win by walking away

2007-01-30T11:49:00.000-08:00

“Winners never quit and quitters never win.” Maybe you’ve heard this line before. I disagree. Sometimes winners are the ones who walk away.

Thinking of leaving a program, course, job or career? Here are some ways to frame the decision.

(1) Are you a misfit?

Example: Carly Fiorina quit law school for a secretarial job and never regretted the move. She was a misfit for law but found her niche in business, ultimately becoming CEO of Hewlett-Packard.

(2) You know the ax is going to fall. Are there gains from resigning in lieu of waiting to be fired?

Some experts say no. Carly Fiorina refused to let H-P soften the description of her departure. “The Board fired me,” she announced.

Sometimes you really can create a positive impression by resigning. But you may lose severance and benefits by leaving voluntarily, so consultations with a lawyer and/or accountant may be appropriate. And often everyone can read between the lines anyway.

(3) Do you need an extra burst of energy to reach the finish line?

Often success comes just past the point when we’re ready to toss in the towel.

For example: You’ve completed all the requirements for a degree except the dissertation. You’re no longer interested in your topic. Quitting can make sense if you’ve got a great job that fills all your time. Quitting makes even more sense if you’ve chosen a school with a so-so reputation.
http://www.cathygoodwin.com/schoolbk.html

But a graduate degree can open doors to teaching, writing a book and certain types of consulting, so I wouldn’t bolt too soon. I’d negotiate for a new, more relevant dissertation topic.

(4) Will quitting actually help your resume?

My acquaintance Lionel accepted a low-paying admin job in a non-profit organization. He quit six weeks later: “If I leave now, I can just omit this job from my resume,” he reasoned.

Frankly, I was horrified. Lionel’s savings were dwindling and he had no prospects for future jobs.

Lionel was right. A few weeks later he had moved to a part-time job where he could display his talents. Six months later he was on the payroll as a full-time, satisfied employee with benefits.

(5) Can you wait too long to quit?

Following a scary bout of unemployment, Nancy accepted a low-level clerical position with a stodgy financial institution. The move was supposed to be temporary but she got comfortable. Five years passed.

Nancy needs to find a way to quit. If she stays, she’s vulnerable to layoffs, takeovers and bad bosses, because she’s no longer marketable. Nancy’s first step is to construct a safety net so she can take a big leap while she still can.

Bottom Line: Each decision is a judgment call. No responsible career consultant will advise you to quit. My rule is, “If you need to ask, the answer is no.”

Laid off? Outplacement For Job Search: The good, the bad and the ugly

2007-01-29T10:25:00.000-08:00

This morning's Seattle Post-Intelligencer ran an article about outplacement services, a newswire story that originated in Providence, RI.

The story's theme: Companies try to help laid-off workers get jobs by offering outplacement. These services do an inventory of skills and interests, then try to help laid-off workers find new jobs.

Company spokespersons note that about 2/3 of lower-level managers and half of senior level managers within 3 months.

So are they successful? What I tell my clients

(1) Outplacement firms work for your employer, not for you.

Their goal is to defuse emotions so you won't sue (or worse). They want to place you as quickly as possible so you'll move on and, incidentally, have no reason to make a claim on your previous employer. If you're earning a good salary, you can't claim financial loss or hardship.

(2) Let's get real.

Most outplaced workers are employable and even marketable. If you've got a good track record with Firm Blue, if you're not above the age norms for your field, and if your industry isn't about to go belly-up, then you have a good chance to win a similar position in Firms Green, Yellow and Orange. A few job hunting strategies will go a long way.

(3) Most aptitude and interest tests are a waste of time and money. See
my article on this topic.

Outplacement firms use them to gain time: you'll do well on these tests and get into a better mood, so you're more likely to do well on the job market.

But when push comes to shove, your outplacement firm doesn't care if you're happy. They want you employed so you make them look good.

Is this goal bad? Not necessarily. Getting on a payroll -- any payroll -- often makes a lot of sense. Just don't kid yourself about what's going on.

(4) If you're over your industry age norms, outplacement firms may not help.

Above a certain age, you need to consider self-employment, whether you have the aptitude or desire. By all means continue looking for a real job with benefits. But insist on an interview with your local Small Business Administration. I have a list of resources to help my own clients and website visitors get started on the Internet.
Learn more.

(5) You may get lucky.

Some outplacement firms have superb consultants and wise leadership. Others do not.

Several years ago I met a displaced executive who had no luck with the resume his outplacement firm had put together -- a functional resume that did not show off his superb track record. I made a few suggestions and he was soon happily employed.

OK, I am tooting my own horn here, but many career consultants could do the same. I find that outplacement services seem to recommend functional resumes, which turn off employers. Experienced career consultants rarely recommend them. See my own ebook:
Irreverent Job Search Guide

Bottom Line: If your company offers outplacement, don't turn it down! But stay aware of realities and don't surrender control of your job search to anyone, ever.

Donald Trump: The Apprentice Los Angeles: A Quitter I admire

2007-01-22T21:58:00.000-08:00

Okay, so The Apprentice reality television show is pretty grim this year. It’s fun to watch scenes from Los Angeles flash by. No matter how many times I’ve visited, LA always seems exotic and special to me.

For those who (wisely) avoid television, reality and otherwise: On this show 18 smart men and women come from all over the Western Hemisphere to compete for a job in billionaire Donald Trump’s organization. The job pays $250K USD a year, which would be a pay cut for some contestants. But they seek adventure, prestige and exposure. Each week teams compete in marketing tasks that have marginal relevance to the real work they did before and will do later.

But last night an Apprentice did the unthinkable. She quit. Donald Trump was furious. She’d messed up his carefully orchestrated game plan.

“She should have stayed to take her medicine,” Trump’s designated hench man grumbled.

Why? I wondered? She knew she’d done a lousy job. So did everybody else. Why waste half an hour hashing out the reasons?

And she made a good point: she hadn’t planned to sleep in a tent when she joined the show. She didn’t function well in Tent City. Why stick around and wait for more?

“Would you quit if you had won?” asked The Donald.

“Probably,” she said.

I think she could have said, “Probably not. If I’d done a good job and we won, I would know I could function in this environment.”

I admire her spirit. She didn’t waver or back down or cry. She even gave a cheery little wave as she headed down the driveway, pulling her suitcase on wheels...no doubt a staged performance, as there’s no place to roll in LA.

Last page of your resume

2007-01-16T23:29:00.000-08:00

It must be the time of year: I’ve had several resume questions lately (always happy to hear from readers).

In my experience, job changers tend to ignore the last part of their resumes – the part where you put professional memberships, education and “personal.” So here are the 3 resume tips that are easiest to overlook.

(1) List only memberships that relate directly to your targeted job and/or those where you have held office or documented significant accomplishments.

Membership in an organization sends a signal that you know (or don’t know) your tribal customs. Does everyone belong to American Marketing Association or the Sales & Marketing Executives group?

Be aware that listing some professional organizations may actually send a negative message. For example, I’ve found people react strongly to memberships in Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs. Some are positive; others negative. Memberships in Magnolia Historical Society and the local Garden Club are best omitted, unless you’re applying for a job in a museum or a plant shop.

If you belong to several organizations, list only those where you have played an active role. After all, many organizations admit anyone who can pay dues.

(2) List education at the end of your resume (unless you’re applying for an academic job). Begin with your most recent degree. Include certificates that relate directly to the job you’re targeting.

Accuracy is critical. I actually met someone who was asked to explain why she wrote “Minor: French” when no minor was noted on her transcript. She explained that she had taken more courses than most schools require for a minor, but her school didn’t offer that option. Her company seems a little detail-oriented, to put it mildly, but why take a chance?

(3) Use “Personal Information” as an opportunity to present a positive view of yourself as a well-rounded individual.

It’s not a time to reveal that you have a pet rat and play war games in your basement (unless those qualities would be valued in your field).

True story: A manger told me casually, “X has a lot of community service activities and even more hobbies. We work long hours here. Will he want to give up all those commitments? We aren’t willing to take a chance.” And X’s resume went straight to the reject pile.

Another true story: In my academic years, my Personal section included “Single with two (2) cats.” I knew I’d raise an eyebrow or two, but the job market was good and I wanted to work with folks who had a sense of humor.

Would I advise a client to do this? No way.

Career Tips from The Apprentice LA? Don't do it!

2007-01-08T08:28:00.000-08:00

As a long-time Apprentice fan I looked forward to the move to Los Angeles. This one was over the top.

First, do you believe the losing team really slept outside in the tents? This scene has to be staged!

Second, we need two judges. This time around, Donald has decided that the winning project manager can sit in the Boardroom to have input on the big decision: who gets fired.

Bad idea.

In the old show, Donald had not one but two people to be his "eyes and ears." Now he just has one -- his daughter, an attractive woman who seems very smart. But she can't be everywhere. And she just lacks the edge.

Trump made a huge mistake when he fired Carolyn Kepcher. She cut through the nonsense to ask just the right questions. We had fire in the boardroom. Last night's boardroom went all over the place. The best part came when the candidate simply couldn't believe he was fired. Donald chose the nice-guy fatherly approach: "I'd hire you as a lawyer. You could teach my children. But you won't do the nitty-gritty stuff..."

Actually he's got a point. Corporate life is about tending to mind-numbing details, over and over again, while you're all dressed up in a nice suit. Read Carly Fiorina's book, Tough Choices, for an eye-opening view of life at the top (not to mention the perches along the way).

As for other new rules: the winning project manager gets to stay in charge until his or her team loses. Again, bad idea! How will we assess the leadership skills of the other team members?

OK, let's face it. This show gets driven by ratings, not realism. Good watching. Bad business.

7 Time Management Strategies To Complete Your Stalled Projects

2007-01-04T15:40:00.000-08:00

Q. I have several projects going at once -- but I never seem to finish them! I'm pulled in so many different directions -- and I end up with nothing to show for my efforts!

A. While you're in a creative mode, you're most likely to be swamped with ideas! Feeling swamped can be a source of stress. Here's how to deal with the "too many to finish" challenge.

(1) Stop berating yourself for not finishing a project. Instead, say, "I don't feel ready to move in that direction. I'll write down the idea and file it away for the future."

(2) Tell a story about what would happen if you finished each project. "Susan finished all her art projects and..." You may be surprised what comes up. One client resisted finishing a book because she dreaded getting a slew of rejections from agents. Another resisted applying for jobs because she dreaded spending eight hours chained to a desk.

(3) Review your finances. If you're desperate to finish these projects to make money, fear may be blocking your intuition. You'll have trouble thinking clearly and setting priorities.

On the other hand, if you don't need the work, you may not be motivated. Some people need a certain amount of pressure to get moving.

(4) List up to three goals that you'd like to accomplish in the next six months, even if you do nothing else. Some people need to focus on a single goal or they get hopelessly distracted. However, others (including most gifted adults) are multi-taskers, who aren't happy unless they're juggling several balls in the air.

(5) Study the market for each project you are considering. Once you've identified your target customers and the need you'll be meeting -- and made sure people will pay for what you offer -- you'll realize whether moving forward makes sense.

(6) File each new idea in a computer or paper folder or set up an "idea board" near your desk. As you think of ways to flesh out an idea, add notes to each folder. Give each idea time to mature. Some will fade away on their own; others will ripen into exciting opportunities.

(7) Create a strong support system, even if you have to hire a consultant or coach. As Julia Cameron wrote in The Artist's Way, the notion of solitary creativity is nothing but a stereotype. Writers, artists, business owners and professionals need opportunities to talk about their progress. They need to feel someone cares about what they're doing and believes in them.

In my experience, this lack of a support network tends to be the single greatest source of success in any field.

Are you ready to take
your Time Management system to the 21st Century?
Click here
and begin adding hours (and accomplishments) to your day.

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Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., is a career consultant specializing in midlife professionals who want to manage any area of their career: office politics, job search, career advancement or striking out in a whole new direction. Visit http://www.cathygoodwin.com
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Career Change: Not Just a Transfer of Skills

2007-01-02T09:19:00.000-08:00

Q. “I’ve been a teacher. Can I transfer these skills to become a trainer or professional speaker?”

A. You’ve probably heard, “Career change is about transferring skills.” As far as I’m concerned, that’s an urban legend.

Skills transfers make sense for some jobs, such as telephone operators who become call center reps. But managers often don’t transfer skills. They join tribes.

Teaching and training both call for speaking in front of groups. There the resemblance ends.

Teachers have captive audiences. They don’t structure lectures the way a trainer will design a session, much less the way a professional speaker will develop and present a motivational talk.

Whether you join a company or offer your services as a consultant, you’ll be expected to join a tribe, with unwritten rules, norms and values. You may be a gifted writer, but some public relations jobs require a degree in journalism. A marketing or business degree won’t count.

(1) Use talents to choose a life that feels meaningful.

You will probably be most happy and successful when you use your natural talents. And you’ll feel purposeful and authentic.

(2) Use skills to create your career makeover.

To earn a living, you sell skills, whether you work for a company or for yourself. In other words, you package your talents and get evidence that you know how to use your talents in a way that benefits an organization, group, community or person.

➢ You may have artistic talent, but you get paid for producing a work that will sell in a gallery, designing a website, or creating a knock-your-socks-off advertising piece.

➢ You may write brilliantly, but you get paid for producing articles or books on deadline in a form that meets the demands of your market.

➢ You may be a naturally intuitive person but you get paid for helping clients make measurable changes in their businesses, relationships and/or lives.

(3) Get credentials that have meaning to the tribe you want to join.

“Vaughn” found his MBA didn’t count with a group of publicity executives. They valued journalism degrees.

“Carla” drew rave reviews from students but needed a PhD to get a full-time university job.

“Pete” found he needed a CPA to compete for high-level finance jobs, although he’d made money for several companies.

When I began to seek speaking opportunities, what drew a sparkle to the eyes of meeting coordinators? My Ph.D.? My years of teaching and speaking on services marketing? My media credentials?

Everything helped. But their eyes lit up when I told them I took second place at the regional level in a humorous speaking contest, sponsored by Toastmasters.

My former university colleagues would have dissed the whole idea (“you got involved in what?!”). But to my new tribe, this award had real value. Somehow I’d managed to pass an initiation rite without realizing what I was up to.

So I encourage my clients to think of the 3-step process – talent to skill to credential – and go where they’ll be valued.

What I've been reading...

2007-01-01T22:24:00.000-08:00

I’ve been reading Carly Fiorina’s book, Tough Choices. She’s the H-P CEO who was fired after 5 years of missed targets. A fascinating glimpse of corporate life and I’d love to hear what readers think.
Read more.

After years of living with cluttered offices, I finally feel vindicated. Last week the New York Times ran an article, “Say Yes to Mess,” by Penelope Green. New experts urge us to embrace clutter and stop beating ourselves up. About time, I’d say. Read it here:
Read the article here.

Retirement Careers: A Controversial View

2006-12-29T08:52:00.000-08:00

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.

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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.
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[Career Strategy] Get ready to wear your next hat

2006-12-26T15:43:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-26T09:09:00.000-08:00

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:
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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

2006-12-19T17:54:00.000-08:00

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.

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

2006-12-19T17:02:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-16T10:01:00.000-08:00

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.

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"Wanting and Having"

2006-12-01T08:45:00.000-08:00

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.

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Year-End Career Moves

2006-11-28T14:22:00.000-08:00

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?

2006-11-20T08:55:00.000-08:00

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?"

2006-11-17T17:06:00.000-08:00

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

2006-11-02T08:30:00.000-08:00

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

2006-10-30T10:33:00.000-08:00

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

2006-10-24T07:02:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-23T10:50:00.000-07:00

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?

2006-10-19T09:19:00.000-07:00

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?
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