Career Change: A Family Affair?

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

Should careers be compartmentalized?

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

Ready, set go for your career change

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

Great Career Advice: "Not What I Expected"

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

Organizing for Life Space

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

College for the kids?

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

What's missing from this job hunt

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

Too weird...or just right?

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

"That job will always be there..."

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

Moving from Small Town to Big City...

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

Do we know each other?

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

Was that interview for real?

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

Unsolicited advice: Not from their intuition

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

Midlife Career Change Can Be A Crisis

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

Beware the city stereotypes

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

[Your career strategy] Good article here

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

Career Change can challenge achievers more than non-achievers

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

[Your Career Strategy] Discretion at work

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

[Career change] "Reeling from Rumor"

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

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

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

[Great career moves] Taking a personal day?

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

[Career information] Can I Afford to Move Here?

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

[Great Career Information] Myth of Midlife Crisis Career Change

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

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

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

[Great Career Information] "Reached goal...feeling miserable"

“Cynthia” just passed the bar exam, after trying unsuccessfully a year ago. To everyone’s surprise, she’s not glowing with joy. Instead, she’s feeling a big letdown. “Ivan” just landed a new job, after searching for months. “Karen” just sold her business for a 7-figure sum – enough so she may never have to work again. She’s feeling lost and dazed. What’s going on? Any transition involves loss – even when you’re experiencing positive change. So it’s not surprising when you experience re-entry shock. Here are three steps to take before you reach the finish line. Once you’re there, you won’t feel like planning. And in my experience, anticipating a reward can be a great motivator. 1. Plan a big event to celebrate. Transitions are best marked by ritual. Society has few rituals to celebrate getting promoted or landing a dream job after a long campaign. So we have to create our own. Plan a big party and invite everyone you know. Get a cake. Serve champagne (if it’s part of your value system) and get someone else to drive you home. 2. Plan activities you will enjoy. When you’ve worked toward a goal for a long time, your days were filled with purposeful activity and (probably) interesting people. Cynthia, for instance, spent long hours with her study group. Karen worked 11-hour days with frequent calls to her business advisors. Suddenly your days can seem bleak in comparison. Cynthia faces a daunting round of job interviews. Ivan has to experience a learning curve before he can dig in and begin to enjoy the job he wanted. Best to begin your new life with a busy calendar. If your career days seem mundane, search elsewhere: art classes, camping, volunteer work and family time. Develop a project, in or out of your career. 3. Plan your next big win. What will your next big meaningful goal look like? Karen wanted a new career in the arts. Ivan wanted to start his own business. Cynthia wasn’t sure – which is fine. A law degree can take her in many exciting directions. But she can begin by exploring options now, years before she needs them. My own experience happened more by luck than design. As I completed my PhD dissertation, I knew I would miss my classmates and friends in the Bay Area. In fact, I would miss everything about the Bay Area. So I planned a six-week overseas trip, beginning right after graduation. My friends organized a great party and someone even made a healthy California cake. (Well, it had fruit on top.) Luckily, I had a job waiting. I’d started a research project, with a new goal of becoming marketable. It worked. And I’ve repeated the pattern more than once, just filling in the blanks a little differently.

[Time Management] Conquering a Mountain of Messages

Q. I just moved into a management position and have more email than ever. Right now 200 items are waiting in my inbox, unread, because I don't have time to give them the attention they deserve. If I stop and read, I lose the rhythm of my "real" work. A. One skill we didn't teach in business school was, "Know when to knock yourself out and when to do the bare minimum to get by." For example, "Leo" worked for a management team that demanded one report after another. While his colleagues toiled weekends, Leo tossed the requests. Most of the time nobody noticed. As a new manager, you're probably not ready to follow Leo's style. Some consultants would advise you to "accidentally" trash every single one of those emails and wait to see who follows up. I would encourage you to consult your sense of job security, ethics and intuition before taking such a drastic step. But you can begin to conquer the mountain and conserve your energy. Some specific tips: 1. Evaluate your own skills. Are you a fast reader and writer? If not, can you enhance your speed with practice and training? 2. Group your emails by sender and subject. Are a few people sending all the emails? Do they seem to repeat themselves? Can you design processes to handle repetitive requests automatically? 3. Read each email once and make a fast disposition. Don't wade through paragraphs of dense prose. Head right for the bottom line. Chances are you already know the question or you realize you don't need to respond. 4. Find out what's happening to the folks who sent all those messages. Has their work come to a grinding halt? Are they holding up production lines, waiting for your answer? If not, chances are you may never have to respond. They probably forgot what they sent you in the first place. 5. Train your subordinates and (if possible) peers. When you get a long-winded, dense email, return it with a request for rewrite. Encourage everyone to combine several messages into one. Mostly, though, I would question why you think these messages "deserve" attention. How will your own boss judge your performance? Your company's bottom line deserves your best efforts and your own career deserves your best ability to set priorities. In our personal lives, we can devote attention to anyone we want. We can prioritize time for family, friends and dogs. But in business, you owe attention only to bosses, customers and those who require answers in order to do their best work. And you owe them just enough attention to get the job done effectively and courteously. This article is based on Cathy Goodwin's ebook, Your 21 Day Time Management Makeover. Click here to download and discover Cathy's practical (and highly irreverent) tips for making more time in your life. Click here for a complete list of Cathy's ebooks.

[Great Career Tips] Serious Career Advice from a Light-Hearted Reality TV Show

The Bachelor - a popular reality TV show - offers an example of how we absolutely, positively should not make career decisons. Premise: A very eligible Bachelor (such as a handsome young doctor or NFL quarterback) stays in a mansion with several eligible young women. They seem to spend their days swimming, tanning, and speculating about the Bachelor's intentions. They meet the Bachelor in one-to-one and group activities. Each week the Bachelor gives a rose to the women who will continue to compete, and two who do not receive a rose go home. (If you're a more faithful viewer than I am, please email me with corrections!) So what can we learn about career reality from this reality show? The Bachelor - a popular reality TV show - offers an example of how we absolutely, positively should not make career decisons. Premise: A very eligible Bachelor (last season featured an NFL quarterback) stays in a mansion with several eligible young women. They seem to spend their days swimming, tanning, and speculating about the Bachelor's intentions. They meet the Bachelor in one-to-one and group activities. Each week the Bachelor gives a rose to the women who will continue to compete, and two who do not receive a rose go home. (If you're a more faithful viewer than I am, please email me with corrections!) So what can we learn about career reality from this reality show? The Bachelor - a popular reality TV show - offers an example of how we absolutely, positively should not make career decisons. Premise: A very eligible Bachelor (last season featured an NFL quarterback) stays in a mansion with several eligible young women. They seem to spend their days swimming, tanning, and speculating about the Bachelor's intentions. They meet the Bachelor in one-to-one and group activities. Each week the Bachelor gives a rose to the women who will continue to compete, and two who do not receive a rose go home. (If you're a more faithful viewer than I am, please email me with corrections!) So what can we learn about career reality from this reality show? 1. Walk out the front door of your comfort zone. From the women's perspective, The Bachelor is a metaphor for the wrong kind of job hunting. Whenever you're one of a group chasing the same dream, it's difficult to create a realistic game plan and use energy efficiently. But they're chosen to compete and it's so easy to get caught up in the game. Career changers, of course, aren't stuck in a mansion with a single prize, however dazzling. Like the contestants, though, they can get awfully comfortable. Better to walk out the front door and keep looking until you recognize your true goal and the ink is dry on the offer letter. 2. Prepare for irrational rejection. If you choose to stay and compete, remember that the decision-maker is looking for reasons to eliminate options because there are just too many choices to evaluate rationally. Interviewers overwhelmed by hundreds of resumes often can find an adequate choice from the first fifty ­ or from any fifty chosen at random. You can't read anything into rejection except the laws of probability and randomness. 3. Look through the windows: there's a world outside! When you're caught up in an intense contest, it's easy to forget there's more than one race in the world and certainly more than one prize. And I believe everyone should pursue multiple goals at the same time. It sounds time-consuming, but usually you can achieve synergies by creative planning. You learn how to pursue one goal by striving after another. And most important, you're likely to come out a winner. 4. Recognize that choices look different when you're on deadline. From the Bachelor's perspective, there are pluses and minuses to this series of forced decisions. First, it's easy to procrastinate when you face a tough decision. A deadline often clarifies options and actually makes the choice easier. But when you're facing a complex decision with consequences that last for years, where a mistake can be costly, it's best to take more time. 5. Don't anticipate the final decision until the ink is dry on the contract. Nothing happens until you get the offer in writing. In one episode, the Bachelor took two different finalists to the same jewelry store to look at engagement rings! Even after you've looked at rings together, the show seems to say, you're not even engaged to be engaged. (We won't go into the ethical dimensions of these actions in the context of romance. But would you want to accept a rose ­ or a ring ­ from someone who just went through the same process with a different potential partner?) I've heard first-hand accounts of verbal offers that were withdrawn or materially changed by the time they were translated to writing. And even written offers can be withdrawn for sufficient reason. During times of stress, people make promises they don't intend to keep, and others hear promises that were never intended to go beyond light banter. Bottom Line: It's no accident that Bachelor match-ups seem to fall apart when the season ends. And it's no accident that great decisions lead to empowering, satisfying, meaningful lives. Career Consultant Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D. created the 21-Day Extreme Career Makeover guide for midlife professionals who want to transform career breakdowns to career breakthroughs. Get started here. Download your fr*e Report: Why Most Career Change Fails (and how to write your own success story) Sign up now.

[Career information] An end to the crystal ball

Q. “Time for a career change! I’ve got a terrific idea for a service targeted to first-time home buyers and real estate agents. And I’ve got a year’s salary in the bank. “My friends say, ‘Go for it!’ But my business advisor warns, ‘If the real estate market slows down, your idea won’t work.’ How can I forecast the real estate market?” A. Did you hear a crashing sound? That was my crystal ball, shattering. Believe me, if I could predict markets, I would be writing this ezine from a penthouse in Trump Tower. A limo would be idling on the street, waiting to drive Gracie and me to an elite dog park... Back to reality. When you can’t predict events but you need to protect your future, your question shifts from “What will happen?” but “What would I do if X happens?” Let’s face it: Sometimes we need to carry an umbrella even if the sun is shining and we have an “all clear” forecast. (1) How well do you know your target market? Clients who consider starting a business usually worry about getting a business license, finding health insurance and accumulating capital. Sure, these areas are important. But what you really need are customers. In my experience, success comes most easily to those who speak the language of their target market and have direct access to potential customers. For example, you could be prominent in the real estate community. Or you might be an accountant or marketing pro with many clients in the real estate field. (2) What are your red, green and yellow lights? Once an investor said, “I can’t predict the devaluation of the dollar. But I have identified the maximum tolerable devaluation that I can handle. If the dollar goes below that level, I know what actions I will take.” You can do the same. Each business (and each job) will have different benchmarks. But you can decide ahead of time when you will pull out, invest more aggressively, or slow down. (3) What is your Plan B? What is your most pessimistic scenario? And what will you do? “I can always go back to my current career” is not a Plan B. Ideally, I recommend running your Plan B parallel to your new venture, for at least six months to a year. Plan B’s include (but are not limited to) a spouse’s job, second business or part-time income stream. (4) Can you test the waters? Often you can start on a small scale, part time basis to see if the market is ready for your idea. More important, you also decide if you like your new world. If you’re not competing with your employer, you may be able to get an unpaid leave of absence to test your venture. These sabbaticals are rare, and you have to be careful with the way you phrase your request. But it happens. (5) Have you cast a wide enough net? When it’s time for a change, you probably have to consider a move. In my experience, frustrated workers tend to experience physical symptoms. Some even sabotage their own success so they’re forced to find a new career. Few professionals have just one (and only one) passion. And once you begin exploring, you will find alternative paths to career success and fulfillment. Trouble making decisions? Visit Grab my non-woo-woo guide to intuition. Or consider some consultations.

[Career information] Job Search Through The Want Ads

You’ve probably heard the warning: Only 20% of jobs are advertised. But numbers can be deceiving. Throughout my own winding road career path, I've found most of my jobs by answering ads. And I’ve taught my own clients how to use ads effectively during their job search. Every career plan calls for more than one strategy. Networking, connecting with recruiters and visiting your university placement office all play a part. But that’s no reason to neglect want ads. – if you know how. (1) Choose your want ads. Professional publications will be more helpful than Craigslist and your city’s daily newspapers. Even if you’re networking or working with a recruiter, you can use your professional publication to discover what’s out there and what leading firms are seeking. (2) Protect yourself when answering blind ads. If you’re currently employed, I recommend steering away from blind ads. I’ve actually met a few people who responded to blind ads from their own employers. And if you’re self-employed, protect yourself against unethical recruiters who want to send your resume to every employer in town. Add a paragraph along the lines of: "If you are a recruiter, please send my resume only to the employer associated with the position advertised in [publication and date]. Call me before sending my resume elsewhere.” (3) Apply for positions even if you are only partially qualified. One rule of thumb: If you’re missing one or two “must haves” listed in the ad, go ahead and apply. Otherwise wait. But I would say, “If you really need or want a job, stop counting!” A few careers ago, I answered an ad for a job for which I was vastly overqualified. The hiring manager pulled my resume and suddenly I was being interviewed for a higher level position. When you’re missing a few “must haves,” a strong “yes” in one area can sometimes overcome a few “no’s.” (4) Answer ads for distant locations based on the publication. You’re considering a move to Great City, You look in business publications and local newspapers and sure enough, you see jobs! Set up a time a visit and include in your cover letter: “I’ll be in Great City from – to -- . “ BUT if you’re answering an ad from a national publication, use your current address and don’t discuss your plans to move. You may be benefit from the Not Invented Here syndrome (i.e., whatever’s outside is better.) Companies that advertise in the Wall Street Journal or an industry publication (such as the Chronicle of Higher Education) have chosen to reach a national and international market. Most of the time they’ve budgeted for relocation and don’t care where you’re living. (5) Recognize you’re shooting dice. Often companies have no idea what they want. I’ve seen hiring managers get an “aha” moment after they see a candidate: “I didn’t realize I needed X but...” The wording of an ad may be dictated by custom. Sometimes an ad is nothing more than a wish list. Sometimes an ad doesn’t mean the company has a real job. Companies may want to see who’s out there. The hiring manager already chose the boss’s nephew but they’re forced to run an ad (and maybe even interview candidates) to comply with legal and corporate regulations. Bottom Line: I wouldn’t count on getting a job by answering want ads. But I wouldn’t ignore want ads as a source of jobs either, regardless of the position. What’s your experience with want ads? Reply to this ezine with your story. I answer all emails within 2 business days – if you don’t hear from me, your email has entered a black hole. Career Consultant Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D. created the 21-Day Extreme Career Makeover guide for midlife professionals who want to transform career breakdowns to career breakthroughs. Learn more. Fr*e Report: Why Most Career Change Fails (and how to write your own success story) Download here. 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Finding a Job Through the Want Ads Learn more. Complete Job Search Guide

[Midlife Crisis Career Change] Book Review: Attractor Factor

During a midlife career crisis, many of us experiment with new ideas. Nearly everyone considers applying Law of Attraction principles to our lives.   Attractor Factor was recommended by someone I respect, and of course I'd heard of Joe Vitale,  so I put aside my skepticism and began reading. Click here to order. If you've been walking around feeling negative, this book may help. When you feel positive and in control, you're more likely to think clearly. That's psychology of mood. And if you always turn right instead of left, you can change your life. Natalie Goldberg made that point in her excellent book, Thunder and Lightning . And if you're not feeling desperate, you have more power and more confidence, which in turn brings clearer thinking. Parts of Vitale's advice can be difficult for an ordinary person to follow. For instance, we're encouraged to be open to new ideas. As an example, Vitale says, he decided not to pursue a mail order advertisement for a self-improvement product. But he soon decided he was resisting a message, so he ordered the product. (pp. 31-32) So how do we interpret this story? Do we order everything that's advertised? We need a discussion on how to use our intuition to discern the value of what we're offered.   And selling an e-book or e-course on the Internet can be a great way to make money ... if you've got a topic and a great marketing strategy. It also helps if you have a big mailing list and copywriting skills. So how do we get these advantages? Vitale acknowledges -- rightly, I think -- that most of us make excuses when we need to roll up our sleeves and go to work (p. 75), investing time, money and energy in our dream. It takes more than attraction to attract these rewards! Or just go straight to Tom Antion's book on electronic marketing. I agree with Vitale: "Intention" can be powerful." Once we set a firm goal, we often figure out ways to get there, if we genuinely want the goal. For instance, I've met many people who found jobs just as their unemployment payments were about to end. The combination of positive mood and clarity of goal can be very powerful. But you don't have to explain these effects as "law of attraction." Parts of Vitale's book were quite disturbing. Twenty-two pages -- nearly ten percent of the book -- fall into a chapter labeled "The Proof," which is nothing but a list of testimonials for Joe Vitale and the first version of this book. Second, Vitale acknowledges that his guru, Jonathan, molested a woman who was close to him at the time. On page 181, he writes that the "situation with Jonathan...was a gift of freedom." But the woman who was molested (p. 182) never recovered. Although "she tried to forgive him," writes Vitale, she "only found peace in death." And in the very next sentence, Vitale writes, "Meanwhile my adventures continue..." Frankly, I don't get it. Some psychologists believe the human mind may be wired to explain negative events in terms of some greater good. But I would expect to see some evidence of the author's compassion for the woman and perhaps some revised thinking -- maybe even some activism to prevent other women from being harmed by gurus they trusted. I would encourage readers to look up Natalie Goldberg's memoir The Great Failure , where she describes honest feelings about being betrayed by her spiritual father and her birth father. Finally, the notion that we're responsible for everything that happens to us can be traced to early New Age philosophies, including the "est" of the seventies. We're dealing with values that are nearly religious. For instance: Do you believe soldiers in Iraq attracted death and dismemberment? Do you believe the starving poor of Third World countries attracted poverty? Do you believe that three-year-old children attract disease into their lives? Some Law of Attraction theorists say yes; others hedge. Still, I wouldn't discourage anyone from trying Vitale's exercises in a spirit of playfulness. And if it's easier to take a message of "Work hard!" when it's couched in this language, no harm done. If you're interested in this value-based system, I recommend Carolyn Myss's excellent tapes. I'd also recommend Excuse Me Your Life is Waiting by Lynn Grabhorn. These authors are down to earth and realistic about what you can expect (at least in these books). Best of all, you can follow their advice even if you don't buy into their world views. Cathy Goodwin, PhD, works with midlife career changers who want to transform career breakdowns to career breakthroughs. For one-to-one consultations, Start here. Free weekly ezine.

[Career information] Midlife Crisis - or Midcareer Crisis?

Q. You’ve heard of midlife crisis? Well, I am having a mid-career crisis. I love my job but have fallen into a routine, where I’m feeling bored. I need to add some excitement but don’t want a new career or a geographical move. Any suggestions? A. Today we demand more from our careers than ever before, and many high-achieving clients initiate a call because they’re experiencing a mid-career crisis. You feel as though your career has broken down but in fact you’ve broken through some very real barriers. Stop the TEDS: Television, Eating, Drinking, and Shopping: Nearly everyone experiments with one or more of these diversions. Replace with CAPS: Creative Project, Action, Physical Activity, Surprise. Creative Project: Work through Julia Cameron’s new book, Walking in This World, and rediscover your creative self. Take a novel-writing seminar or a pottery class. You’ll never be the same. Action: Do something different. Some people start small. Choose a new restaurant for lunch. Turn left instead of right. Walk instead of driving. Attend a symphony (if you usually attend sports events) or a baseball game (if you’re a long-time symphony goer). Learn something new. Each year add 1 new skill take at least 1 class just for fun – anything from medieval history to Conversational Urdu. Why does this work? Read The Medici Effect Physical Activity: Guaranteed to move brain cells around and generate new ideas, not to mention energy. Anything from marathon running to weight lifting to dog walking (you knew I’d get that in somewhere, didn’t you?). Surprise: Some clients tell me they benefited from a period of introspection. Some even go on retreats and quests. But most find their answers by accident. You set off in a new direction. You leave your comfort zone. You get really busy. And then one day you wake up and realize, “I’m feeling great now. Boredom? Gone! The edge is back.” Bonus article: Considering a sabbatical? Read this first. Take action on your own Mid-Career Crisis with my best-selling Special Report: Your 21-Day Extreme Career Makeover During a Mid-Career Crisis, our intuition often shuts down and refuses to speak to us. Learn how to teach your intuition to send you a telegram – not a post card. No woo-woo, no crystal balls. Start here. Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D. Creator of the 21 Day Career Makeover System Download now and start moving to find your own dream career today. 21-Day Time Management Makeover begins here.

[Career planning] "Career change means I have to speak"

Your new career calls for public speaking. Whether you're shy or eager to take the floor, you're wise to prepare ahead of time. Speaking can be a skill that sets you apart from the pack. I happen to be a natural extrovert and a bit of a ham (okay, more than a bit). And I study manuals and attend classes to improve my product. Ask the professionals: they never stop trying to get better. Here are my favorite tips: (1) Choose a title that captures your audience’s attention. Your title works like a headline in copywriting. Grab the audience, demonstrate a benefit, and get them on the edge of their chairs. ”Five career-killing mistakes most new managers make” will be stronger than “Tips to survive your first month as a new manager” (although that’s not bad, depending on your audience). (2) Choose 3 takeaways. Your audience won’t remember more than 3 main points or “takeaways,” i.e., what they “take away” from the talk. Choose three straightforward topics and build your talk around them. (3) Identify your own biggest challenge. Practice with a tape recorder. Get used to the sound of your own voice and get comfortable with your style. For instance, I’ve been told I’m a “compelling” speaker who commands attention. But I tend to speak fast (I was born in New York). So as I speak, I consciously slow down my words and pause from time to time. I’ve learned that my timing is perfect when I feel that I’m speaking at snail speed. (4) Involve the audience. If possible, discover your group’s most pressing needs. Call a few members of the organization. Personalize your talk with a reference to the group’s unique interests, qualities and/or needs. During your talk, hold attention with stories and ask your audience to respond to questions. If time is tight, your questions can be rhetorical: just get everyone nodding or ask for a show of hands. (5) End early. Better to finish ahead of time and take questions than to go past your assigned time. Of course, we could write a book on this topic. Some people have! To hone your skills, some managers join groups like Toastmasters. Chapters vary widely, so I recommend attending at least three to five meetings as a guest before making a commitment to join. Some chapters include professional media anchors and highly paid professional speakers while others attract shy novices. Ideally, you won’t be the best or the worst speaker, and you’ll have good role models as well as opportunities to practice getting up to speak. Few people start life as great speakers. Getting ready for my high school reunion, I spoke to a classmate who remembered me as “rather quiet and shy.” Well, it was a very long time ago... Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., works with corporate executives, business-owners and professionals who want to transform career breakdowns to career breakthroughs. Cathy has created the 21-Day Extreme Career Makeover. Get a headstart on finding your dream career. Fr*e Download: Why most career change fails (and how you can write your own success story). Sign up here for your free download. mailto:goodwincathy@yahoo.com or (206) 819-0989

[Job Search Tips] Maybe you don't need a resume...or do you?

Nick Corcodilos, author of Ask the Headhunter, usually offers first rate advice in his weekly newspaper column. But last week's column, for some reason, bothered me (Seattle Times on Sunday, April 16th). An anonymous reader I’ll call “Matthew” complained that his career counselor (let’s call her “Jennifer”) advised that “most” resumes are chronological, not functional. Jennifer also noted that recruiters often refuse to review functional resumes. “I like my functional format,” wrote Matthew, “and have gotten some good feedback about it, but I must consider Jennifer’s advice.” Corcodilos suggested, “Fire the career counselor.” Jennifer, he said, was stewing over resumes, when in fact applicants should present themselves to employers with solutions for specific problems. He’s half right. Ideally, job hunters should try to get in front of decision-makers. They can pitch themselves not as employees, but as resources who can deliver solutions. You have to be pretty savvy – and probably quite senior – to do this effectively. But Matthew didn’t ask, “How should I run my job campaign?” And Jennifer didn’t say, “You must have a resume.” Jennifer made two statements. (1) Most resumes are submitted in chronological form. True! (2) Recruiters like chronological formats. Also true! Their reputations are on the line every time they present a candidate. Typically they’re filling positions that call for specific experience. Recruiters work for employers. They’re not motivated to translate the Matthew’s skills into an employer’s language. Matthew says he received good feedback on his functional resume. “From whom?” I would ask. “And is this feedback translating into interviews?” Corcodilos concludes that job hunters should “use what you think works best for you,” not follow someone else’s rules. No one, he says, will be as invested in your job search as you are. True. But sometimes others will be far more knowledgeable about the job search process than you are – especially if you haven’t looked for a job in the last twenty years. And often you have to demonstrate that you understand the rules. If you want to work with a recruiter, you’ll most likely need a strong chronological resume. And if you’re answering an ad, save your creativity for the cover letter. See http://www.cathygoodwin.com/reports.html#wantads Intuition usually helps, if you know how to listen. http://www.cathygoodwin.com/intuitionbook.html But why fire the career counselor, the one I call “Jennifer” so we can keep everybody straight? She answered her client truthfully. Without knowing Matthew’s professional skills, industry and interpersonal skills, we can’t advise Matthew to get in front of potential employers and sell himself. Cathy Goodwin created the 21 Day Extreme Career Makeover System. Click here to learn more.

[Midlife Crisis Career Change] Can this job be saved?

Q. Building my business is taking longer than anticipated, so I recently accepted a part-time telecommute job with X company. X just announced a company meeting at their headquarters, 1200 miles away, next month. I am scheduled to speak at a major networking group – an opportunity that won’t come around again – on the same day. I had made the commitment well before I joined X company. The contract says I am “expected” to attend “periodic” company events at headquarters but has no provisions for notice or penalties. My work involves editing and writing projects with no requirements to put in specific hours. I didn’t realize “expected” meant “you must go or you’ll be fired,” but that’s what management now says. I don’t want to invest more time in this job if I’m going to be fired, but I like X – and it’s money. A. Ouch! I am not a lawyer but I suspect X company went the cheap-o route for drawing up the contracts. (Any lawyers out there?) No one can tell you what to do but I’ll offer some comments. And I invite readers to chime in, because this topic may be quite controversial. I suspect your relationship with X is doomed, no matter what happens. (1) Part time jobs often lead to overtime stress. It’s usually to draw the line and stop work exactly on time. And how do meetings count towards your work requirements? (2) It’s hard to overcome a rocky start. Unless you desperately need the money, you should investigate your options for leaving immediately. If you have to invest time learning the company’s operations, you are taking time from your business – and from exploring more reasonable opportunities. (3) Technology has eliminated the need for face time for most meetings. But many companies haven’t caught on. And some organizations, such as universities, need (or feel they need) face time for licensing and accreditation. (4) When starting your own business, keep your day job as long as possible. As you’ve demonstrated, once you start working for yourself, you lose the ability to roll with corporate punches. Often you truly can’t go home again. (5) When a company acts unreasonably at the beginning of a relationship, you can only expect the situation to get worse. Occasionally organizations show their worst side during the hiring and new-employee phases. More often you get at least a brief honeymoon. Don’t count on this job! Okay, readers – let’s hear your views! Please post a comment. Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., works with corporate executives, business-owners and professionals who want to transform career breakdowns to career breakthroughs. Cathy has created the 21-Day Extreme Career Makeover Click here to start your makeover today. Fr*e Download: Why most career change fails (and how you can write your own success story) Why Most Career Change Fails (and How To Write Your Own Success Story) Get your FREE download here! Email me directly.

[Time Management Tips] Overwhelmed? Tame the time tiger here

Clients often begin a career consultation with, “I feel overwhelmed.” Often they’re right. These days we really have more to do than ever before. Ironically, much of our overwhelm comes from awareness of what we need for a healthy, meaningful life. Our grandparents (and maybe our parents) didn’t schedule three gym visits a week. They probably didn’t engage in networking activities or career exploration. And their best friends and close family members probably lived in the neighborhood, or at least the same city. They had time for lunch. So when we look for answers, we don’t find many role models. Clients tell me, “My friends and colleagues all face the same challenges.” To start to tame the time tiger, I recommend reviewing the messages you’ve heard about time. Many of us don’t realize the lessons we’ve learned, let alone where we found them. Here’s an exercise to get started, based on my 21-Day Time Makeover System (1) What do your friends say about time and time management? (2) Do your friends seem to have more or less time than you do? Are they more or less frazzled than you are? (3) What did your family teach you about time management? Did they teach by example or by instructing you? (4) What kind of feedback have you gained over the course of your school and work lives? Have you been berated for lack of organization? Missing deadlines? (5) How would you like to be viewed by friends, family, coworkers and others? As a highly organized, impeccable person? As a person who always has time for leisure? As a leader who’s too busy to bother with the small stuff? Power Exercise: Ask friends directly about time. Are they friends with time – or do they struggle constantly? What have they learned? And how do they view you when they think of time and time management? Send me your comments and I’ll respond. I may have to be brief, though: it’s a matter of time. Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D. Creator of the 21-Day Time Management Makeover System Learn more!

Career Planning: Career Booster vs. Career Hurricane

In just a few months, readers in several parts of the world will begin preparing for Hurricane Season. I lived in Florida for three years and I know first-hand what's involved. Shutters. Supplies of water and food. A "safe" room with a door that closes. No matter where you live or what you do, I recommend you also prepare for a Career Hurricane. But before you click off with, "What a depressing topic!" I want to emphasize that career disaster planning has a whole different meaning. You probably heard that the Chinese character for crisis includes a symbol for "opportunity." And the same plans you create for a career crisis will help when good times come around. A recruiter calls unexpectedly. You get a surprise promotion. You decide to leave your job and start your own company. And sometimes your career breakdown happens without outside intervention. You wake up one day and realize, "I can't keep going back to that company for the next ten years...maybe not even ten months." So what goes into your career emergency kit? (1) An updated resume: Keep your resume current. Update at least once every six months. If your resume looks the same after your last update, evaluate your job or your business. Either you need to make a change or you need to recognize accomplishments and promote them. (2) Documentation to support your accomplishments. Documentation means you don't just say, "I'm a good writer." You have sample white papers, reports, brochures and booklets. Were you Sales Rep of the Year? Did you win a company wide award? Get recognized for your innovation? Keep copies at work and also at home. (3) An active professional network. "Dig the well before you're thirsty" is the title of a popular networking book. While you're happily employed -- and have a business card with an affiliation and a title -- join organizations and let colleagues get to know you. (4) Upgraded skills. Continue to take classes and attend seminars. A six-week marketing seminar can help a techie jump-start a career change. (5) Create a list of phone numbers. You'll need a personal support system -- friends and family members. They'll offer empathy and general support - but they won't know how to help you take concrete steps in the direction of a new dream. You'll also need professional sources: recruiters, consultants and/or coaches. When you're caught up in a crisis, most people find their emotions dominate. It's hard to make effective choices under pressure. A small investment in an hour or two, when you have a fairly straightforward question, will help you decide who to call when you face a genuine crisis. Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., works with corporate executives, business-owners and professionals who want to transform career breakdowns to career breakthroughs. Cathy has created the 21-Day Extreme Career Makeover System. Learn more Email Cathy