[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

[Great Career Tips] "Money management for career change"

“Norman” was experiencing sticker shock. After years of career success in the corporate world, he had accumulated a healthy nest egg. But now Norman faced a midlife career crisis. He had just learned his division would be shutting down. To keep his job, he would have to relocate to a distant part of the country. Finding a new job meant fighting age discrimination. So, Norman thought, why not launch an Internet marketing business? He began exploring and collecting information. Norman first encountered sticker shock when he learned about the world of Internet marketing seminars. “Over seven hundred dollars for two days? That’s outrageous!” he exclaimed. When you’re facing a major career crisis, it’s hard to evaluate prices. I like to draw an analogy with getting a flat tire in the middle of the night. You haven’t bought tires for years and you have no idea what’s realistic. Worse, you feel stranded. You feel you have to make decisions right away. And you feel like money keeps dripping away. For career change, the expenses add up. Travel. Moving. Resume Services. Business Start-up. But I take a different view. I encourage clients to banish words like “cheap” and “expensive” from their vocabularies -- forever. Instead, I encourage everyone to respond to sticker shock with three questions. (a) How does this price relate to the market? Maybe you’re paying too much. Maybe not. Before hiring a consultant, attending a seminar, choosing a moving company or buying computer equipment, do some research. Learn the going rate. Sometimes you’ll get increased value by paying more. Sometimes you won’t. But you should be suspicious of offerings that are way below or way above market price. Author Barbara Ehrenreich, posing as a corporate job hunter, hired a resume coach who charged by the hour. As reported in her best selling book, Bait and Switch, Ehrenreich’s bill grew larger and larger as the coach found more and more ways to make the resume “perfect.” Had Ehrenreich checked the market, she would have learned that many resume consultants charge a flat fee, not an hourly rate. (b) Will you get value for your payment? Spending a thousand dollars seems like a lot of money...but not if it’s the best way to earn two, three or even ten thousand dollars. But throwing money at a career or business challenge won’t work either. You have to choose resources that make sense for you as an individual. I know lots of career changers who invested big bucks in education and training – only to realize the promised opportunities didn’t fit their unique profiles. Norman’s seminar actually was a good value because comparable seminars cost at least twice as much. And a seminar would save him months of research time as he explored new business opportunities. He would meet a dozen experienced, successful entrepreneurs – all potential mentors and role models – in one location. To get comparable value, he’d have to travel all over the country or rely on phone and email connections. (c) What’s your time frame? Most clients lose money by trying to move too fast – not paying for coaches, consultants and seminars. They don’t invest time in researching options. And let’s face it: If you haven’t dealt with a career crisis for a long time, you may not know where to begin. You’re like a motorist who has never had a flat tire – someone who’s misplaced the auto club number or even let the membership lapse because “this will never happen to me.” One client spent a significant sum to have her resume “blasted” to a thousand employers. She actually was harmed because her name became associated with a company that was distrusted by most legitimate recruiters in her field. Another client reacted to job loss by calling real estate agents to sell his house. “I need a change of scene,” he declared, making more calls to moving companies. Six months later, he felt stranded. Someone suggested he give me a call. “I thought I’d love living here – but I hate it,” he said. “I didn’t even know what questions to ask before I came.” Bottom Line: “Expensive” and “cheap” have new meanings during a career crisis. To transform breakdowns to breakthroughs, we need to discover new ways to think about money. Based on Transform Your Dollars to Dreams Learn more.

[Great Career Planning Tips] "Past experience doesn't count - what does?"

Career coaching question: After several years, I finally left middle school teaching, a career I had come to hate. Now I feel like a failure. My skills mean nothing to the business world. I have considered becoming a librarian, journalist or social worker, but I can’t afford to return to school. And I need a job immediately. Cathy Goodwin, a/k/a Career Coach replies: The skills to change careers are not the same as the skills to manage a career. Many of my clients feel a little uncomfortable when they ask questions about the job hunt. “I should know this, shouldn’t I?” But why should they? And why should you? Maybe the last time you job-hunted, you were in your twenties, right out of college, bright-eyed and eager. You probably had fewer responsibilities. Most certainly your identity wasn’t tied up in a profession. But now you’re over thirty-five. You’ve gained some stature. Calling strangers to ask for advice seems…well, different. You’re peers of those who are sitting across the desk, although you may come from a different field or industry. You’ve got some obligations. Travel four days a week? Move a thousand miles? Your family – especially the children – may have some thoughts on the subject! And if you’re single, you still may want to live near friends and family, not to mention make sure the dog will be welcome. So congratulations on beginning the career change journey. You can look forward to reaching your destination you'll love -- but expect a few intermediate stops along the way. Your first stop: Career change takes time, energy and financial resources. So get what I call a perch job. Think of birds perching on a wire when they migrate south for the winter: a place to rest till you can start moving to your real destination. Some organizations (such as Starbucks and Patagonia) offer benefits if you work as few as 20 hours a week. Second stop: Once you’ve covered your basic needs, take time to explore each career option in greater depth. The fields you describe are very different from one another. Even within each field you'll find major differences. A social worker can have a private practice, work in a hospital, or work for any one of hundreds of agencies, public and private. Talk to at least six people who are employed (happily or otherwise) in each field. Ask how they started. Don’t ask for advice: ask for experience. Third stop: Learn to speak the local language. These days, when you take a job, you’re joining a tribe, with its own culture. Even if you’ve been in the field ten years, your next company’s culture may differ dramatically. As a newcomer, you’ll have to earn what consultants call “idiosyncrasy credits,” the right to break rules and defy norms without getting penalized, formally or informally. When you try to sell yourself to a new world, you need to talk, walk and look like a native. When you communicate in the language of your target career – whether it’s business, nonprofit, education or legal – you’ll be taken more seriously. People rarely change careers because they dislike the work. They usually reject the culture they’re required to assimilate in order to do their work and use their skills. Finally, if finances are tight, investigate low-cost career change resources in your area. Some nonprofit agencies offer counseling. And if you find yourself getting seriously depressed, your first priority should be a visit to a qualified, licensed mental health provider. Yes, you can find a new, satisfying career – not overnight, but sooner than you anticipate. Good luck with the journey. Article Based on Cathy’s Irreverent Job Search Guide Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., works with corporate executives, business-owners and professionals who want to transform career breakdowns to career breakthroughs. Cathy has created the21-Day Extreme Career Makeover System" Fr*e Download: Why most career change fails (and how you can write your own success story). Click here!

mailto:goodwincathy@yahoo.com or (206) 819-0989

[Great Career Tips] Email Writers and the Wall Street Journal

"Infamous Email Writers" headlined an article in today's Wall Street Journal (Tuesday, February 21, 2006, Marketplace Section, page B1). A young attorney named Dianna Abdala rejected a job offer by email. She wasn't very gracious as she reported the job would be neither "fulfilling" nor suppportive of her lifestyle. Abdala's potential boss, one Will Korman, expressed dismay. He had already ordered business cards for her. Ms. Abdala wasn't a bit repentant. As a lawyer, she declared, he should not have relied on an oral agreement. And while I'd never urge my readers to be rude, I have to give this round to Ms. Abdala. Suppose the tables were turned. Mr. Korman could have changed his mind for any reason - or for no reason. He could have called to say, "Sorry, no job." Or he might even have waited till Ms. Abdala showed up and then jumped up fron behind her desk, yelling, "Surprise!" She'd have a tough time proving the existence of an agreement. True, employers rarely default on oral agreements. But it happens. I once worked with a university colleague who learned the hard way. He accepted a job based on a verbal offer. He quit his job. A week later, the administrators called. It seems there was a little mistake about the salary. Could he take a ten percent cut before he even started? Needless to say, that man's career was nasty, brutish and short. So while I usually admire the WSJ and its writers, this time I say they've got the emphasis wrong. The point of the story isn't Ms. Abdala's ungracious email. It's her employer's unbusinesslike approach to human resources.

[Career change tips] Priorities vs. Focus

Consultants and coaches constantly urge us to, “Focus! Stay with one project at a time. Don’t get distracted.” Usually that’s good advice. But sometimes it makes sense to run on two tracks. And sometimes you have no choice. (1) Exploring a new career or business? During the exploration phase of a job search, I recommend keeping several irons in the fire. You might be considering careers in marketing or consulting – and wondering if you should return to school to become a lawyer or librarian. Following one trail to the end may take weeks, even months. If you arrive at a dead end, you’ll have nothing to show for your efforts. So make career search your priority and focus your efforts in this direction. But you’ll probably have to juggle two or three specific searches. (2) Natural multi-tasker? Some people need to jump back and forth between activities to keep from getting bored and restless. Often gifted and creative clients report this pattern. If you’re getting things done, you may have found your natural work style. But if you have half a dozen half-finished projects, you need to raise a red flag. Once again, think priorities. Are you spending most of your time on your most important projects? Or do you get distracted by non-essentials? For instance, if you’re just starting a new business, you may work on multiple projects, but all serve your main goal of getting yourself established in the market. (3) Job requirements? Some careers require multi-tasking. Within one week, a college professor might (a) teach an introductory overview course, (b) lead a graduate seminar on a narrow topic, (c) design a research experiment, (d) revise a paper for a journal, (e) give a talk to a community group and (f) participate in committees to recommend procedural changes. And they’re also advising students, planning next semester’s class and...well, you get the idea. Similarly, a lawyer may supervise interns, teach a class, appear in court, take a deposition and conduct research. If you thrive on variety and can keep a dozen balls in the air, you’ll love these careers. But if you need to focus on one project at a time, you may find yourself on the road to a new job. I know some professors who couldn’t teach an introductory course in the morning and then conduct serious research in the afternoon. They tended to leave the profession. Bottom Line: Choose a way to use your skills to support your preferred style. Look up every so often to see if your style is working – based on what you’re accomplishing, not on what “everyone else” is doing. This article comes from my ebook Your 21-Day Time Management Makeover Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., offers consulting and resources to midlife professionals who want to change careers, master corporate politics or take a break for school, sabbatical or self-employment. Click here for a list of services

Book Review: Career Comeback

Career Planning Book Review: Career Comeback by Bradley Richardson Order here. As a career consultant, I'm on the lookout for books to recommend to my clients. Career Comeback passes the test. One preliminary note: The cover refers to failed business ventures, but this topic does not appear to be covered. Publishers, not authors, usually write cover copy, so we can't fault Richardson. I believe you'd have to make major adaptations to these 8 steps if your business goes south. The most valuable information comes in the first half of the book: dealing with being fired. I agree with just about everything Richardson says. He's one of the few authors to recommend sitting down with a financial planner right after you talk to your family. His advice on dealing with an employer after being fired is very sound. And many will find the exercises useful: Review what went wrong -- in and out of your control. So mostly I like Steps 1-4 of Richardson's 8-step program. Step 5 ("Find out what matters to you") is a good start, but I think Richardson underestimates the degree to which we identify with our professions. "You're still the same person" strikes me as one of those irritating, useless bromides. Many of us will be branded as an "ex" for a long time and will have difficulty losing that identity, no matter how hard we try. And the experience of losing a career we love can change us in deep ways. "One role is temporarily diminished while another moves into its place..." won't help those who identify strongly with a profession. And your other roles will be affected by job loss. Friends view you differently. You may not be able to afford the activities you enjoyed with your friends and family. Some arts organizations actually encourage high-level volunteers to leave when they no longer hold jobs. Steps 6 and 7 - "Find your next move" and "Find your next job" -- are necessarily oversimplified because they're single chapters on topics deserving a whole book. "Go back to an old job" is possible but not likely, and you'll be in a one-down position. And downshifting to a smaller company probably won't hurt your career - but it might. I disagree most strongly with sections on testing. If you're unemployed and money is tight, skip the tests. At mid-career, they'll almost always show you're best qualified for the job you have. And most career tests are so unreliable they shouldn't be used for guidance. The section on hiring coaches and counselors needs to be expanded. Many "career coaches" have little experience with careers, except their own. Some offer expertise; others have "training" in asking questions and helping you "find the answers within you." And you have to decide if you agree with value systems like "law of attraction." The fee range quoted for coaches and counselors is low. I think you should expect to pay a minimum of $125 - $250 for a single session, which often includes follow-ups. I do know of some coaches and counselors who offer lower fees and frankly, you get what you pay for. Packages cost less and (as the author correctly says) are more helpful. And to choose a consultant, I recommend reviewing his or her website, brochures and other writing. Invest a few bucks in an e-book before signing up. Coaching organizations do not "verify skills." I once tried to report an "accredited" coach's unethical conduct. Both coaching school and ICF refused to get involved, let alone take the coach's name off their "recommended" lists. Step 8, "back on track," is quite good, especially sections on buyer's remorse and admitting you made a mistake. I would add that a return to work, following a long break or layoff, could be the perfect time to start working with a career coach. Learn from experience and make a good first start. I don't think we ever make a "complete comeback." We simply make progress. And, as I noted earlier, we're different. Despite these quibbles, I'd recommend this book to clients and website visitors who need to go from Setback to Comeback. You could do a lot worse. Order here. Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D. Get my free Report: "Why most career change fails (and how to write your own success story" Get your report here!" Get your 21-day Extreme Career Makeover How Job Search Really Works

[Great Career Tips] Just Moved and Miserable? 5 Strategies to Reconnect to Your Dream

You're ready to move: start a new business, change jobs, change locations. You made the decision. But three months later, you're wondering, "Did I make a big mistake?" We tell ourselves not to expect a "happy ever after" ending...but let's face it: that's what most of us want! So here are five tips to reconnect with your dream. 1. Review your reasons for moving, changing jobs and/or starting a business. Are you moving for “a lower cost of living” or “to be closer to family?” Clients who move for these reasons tend to call about a year after they make a change. They’re not enjoying their new lives, they say. They spend hundreds (or thousands) of dollars to escape on weekends and take long, long vacations. And often (though not always) families find they get along better with more miles between them. Clients who realize they’re following someone else’s dream tend to be the most frustrated. Maybe your mentor wanted you to follow her footsteps or your family always saw you as a business success. The happiest life-changers are guided by their own inner compass, even when the wind changes. 2. Give yourself time. Clients sometimes call to say, “I moved six months ago and I don’t know anybody!” Or, “I started my new business and still choke on the words, ‘self-employed.’” Researchers find most newcomers need at least two years to feel settled in a new home. Getting used to the “self-employed” identity can take three to five years. Before you move, and during the early stages, practice saying, “I am a...” Ideally, wait to move until you feel comfortable and proud. If you continue to choke on the words, maybe it’s time to reconsider your goal. Some people never get comfortable saying, “I am a writer,” or, “I live in New York.” Others just need more time. 3. Go slow when you’re new. This recommendation is probably most important to your success. You’ll be invited to join professional organizations, clubs and neighborhood groups. Say no! Go to meetings as a guest – at least five or more times. See if you feel comfortable after the first encounters. People are almost always friendly with strangers. You’re a novelty! But after a few meetings, you’ll be treated differently. You may find people warm up after awhile. Or conversely they may reveal they have different values and approaches to friendship. Once, right after moving to a new city, I joined a group that seemed professionally useful and also friendly. Later I learned that most meetings were held in a place that’s very difficult for me to reach. Because I missed so many meetings, my membership was a waste of time and money. One client volunteered at her new Humane Society. She had loved her work for a similar group in another city. To her dismay, the new group held very different values about adoption and “who would make a great dog owner.” She resigned after three months and felt awkward when she ran into members of the organization around town. 4. Make time for something meaningful. Go back to why you moved or changed careers. What were you hoping to achieve? Are you following your own promises? Let’s say you moved to a city because you wanted to be able to attend symphony concerts or football games. Are you following through? Or are you too busy to enjoy what brought you here in the first place? Or you changed careers to have more time with family. Are you working through dinner, although you no longer need to put in face time? Why make a change if you end up where you started – overworked and frustrated? 5. Have a confidante on call. Inevitably, you’ll have a Day of Frustration. Most likely you’ll find yourself in a place where you absolutely, positively need to keep quiet. You probably didn’t get much sleep the night before. You feel like sharing your feelings with whoever’s around. Get out your phone and dial a number you chose ahead of time: a trusted friend, a family member, even a consultant or coach. When you’re new, it’s important to project an image of “Everything is wonderful,” no matter what. After a few months (or years), you can begin to join the chorus of local feelings, like everybody else. Based on Cathy Goodwin's Guide to Relocation Making the Big Move and Your 21 Day Extreme Career Makeover More Reports to Download Contact Cathy Goodwin.

[Great Career Tips] Surviving a Career Midlife Crisis

Q. After several years, I finally left middle school teaching, a career I had come to hate. Now I feel like a failure. My skills mean nothing to the business world. I have considered becoming a librarian, journalist or social worker, but I can’t afford to return to school. And I need a job immediately. A. The skills to change careers are not the same as the skills to manage a career. Many of my clients feel a little uncomfortable when they ask questions about the job hunt. “I should know this, shouldn’t I?” But why should they? And why should you? Maybe the last time you job-hunted, you were in your twenties, right out of college, bright-eyed and eager. You probably had fewer responsibilities. Most certainly your identity wasn’t tied up in a profession. But now you’re over thirty-five. You’ve gained some stature. Calling strangers to ask for advice seems…well, different. You’re peers of those who are sitting across the desk, although you may come from a different field or industry. You’ve got some obligations. Travel four days a week? Move a thousand miles? Your family – especially the children – may have some thoughts on the subject! And if you’re single, you still may want to live near friends and family, not to mention "make sure the dog will be welcome." So congratulations on beginning the career change journey. You can look forward to reaching your destination you'll love -- but expect a few intermediate stops along the way. Your first stop: Career change takes time, energy and financial resources. So get what I call a perch job. Think of birds perching on a wire when they migrate south for the winter: a place to rest till you can start moving to your real destination. Some organizations (such as Starbucks and Patagonia) offer benefits if you work as few as 20 hours a week. Second stop: Once you’ve covered your basic needs, take time to explore each career option in greater depth. The fields you describe are very different from one another. Even within each field you'll find major differences. A social worker can have a private practice, work in a hospital, or work for any one of hundreds of agencies, public and private. Talk to at least six people who are employed (happily or otherwise) in each field. Ask how they started. Don’t ask for advice: ask for experience. Third stop: Learn to speak the local language. These days, when you take a job, you’re joining a tribe, with its own culture. Even if you’ve been in the field ten years, your next company’s culture may differ dramatically. As a newcomer, you’ll have to earn what consultants call “idiosyncrasy credits,” the right to break rules and defy norms without getting penalized, formally or informally. When you try to sell yourself to a new world, you need to talk, walk and look like a native. When you communicate in the language of your target career – whether it’s business, nonprofit, education or legal – you’ll be taken more seriously. People rarely change careers because they dislike the work. They usually reject the culture they’re required to assimilate in order to do their work and use their skills. Finally, if finances are tight, investigate low-cost career change resources in your area. Some nonprofit agencies offer counseling. And if you find yourself getting seriously depressed, your first priority should be a visit to a qualified, licensed mental health provider. Yes, you can find a new, satisfying career – not overnight, but sooner than you anticipate. Good luck with the journey. Article Based on Cathy’s Irreverent Job Search Guide Click here to learn more. Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., is a published author, speaker, and career/business consultant to midlife professionals who want to transform career breakdown to career breakthrough. Download a Fr*e Report: Why most career change fails (and how you can write your own success story). Click here!

[Great Career Tips] Leaving your job with tough love

As a career consultant, I mostly hear from clients who have experienced involuntary job loss: layoffs, firing, industry change, company bankruptcy and more. But more often my clients find themselves in the happy position of accepting a new job and saying good-by to a current employer. Surprisingly, many tell me they’re nervous about telling a current boss they’re leaving.

Here's the advice I find myself offering over and over again.

1. Give the exact amount of notice required by your company policy – and no more.

Every so often someone feels sorry for the company, so they stick around an extra week (or even an extra month). Inevitably, they begin to feel like a fifth wheel.

2. Do not accept any job-related calls after you leave unless you have a written consulting contract.

The amount of notice required should have been determined as a business decision: the cost of paying an employee who will be departing versus the benefits of keeping the employee’s knowledge.

If your manager miscalculated, then he needs to bear the cost. If your company needs additional help and you do not experience a conflict with your new job, I suggest you offer to work as a paid consultant with a contract.

3. Study your current and future company policies regarding disclosures and no-compete agreements.

Some companies are extremely proprietary about their process and their people. Once you resign, you may have to leave the workplace immediately. Or your new company may prefer a complete break from your former employer.

4. Resign to your boss in person, if at all possible.

Phone is second best. And tell the boss before you tell anyone else – even your best friend or golfing buddy.

5. Expect your boss to be professional.

Clients often fear the boss’s reaction. However, bosses rarely are caught by surprise. Good bosses are happy to see their employees move ahead. Thank her for the opportunity to learn, which has led to your newest and most wonderful career move.

6. Thank your boss and your coworkers, even if you hate everybody and can’t wait to leave.

You may regard them more fondly through a haze of memories than a glare of office lighting. And you know you’ll need references and goodwill.

7. Decline a counter-offer.

Recruiters consistently tell me, “Sixty percent of those who accept a counter-offer are gone in six months.” If you do decide to stay, get a written job contract.

Exception: A few companies and industries actually demand proof of an outside offer before offering you any kind of internal raise or reward. College professors often work in this environment.

8. Treat the exit interview as a business formality, not a therapy session.

When a Human Resource professional asks why you are leaving, be upbeat and positive: “for a better opportunity.” Talk about how much you loved the company and your job. You never know where your comments will turn up, mangled and misinterpreted.

9. Resist entreaties to share the details of your future position with anyone.

Occasionally someone will try to assess your salary or other information “so we can stay competitive in recruiting.” Helping your company recruit is not part of your job and anyway, do you really believe this?

10. Focus on your new opportunity – not your past company.

Once you’re gone, you’re history. The very same folks who loved meeting you for lunch will barely remember your name a week later.

Finally, if you haven’t changed jobs for awhile you may be in for a shock. Your first day in a new position can be a real eye-opener!

[Great Career Tips] First Day on Your First Job in Ten Years

You spent ten years with one company. Now you've switched to a new organization - and possibly a new career. Your challenge is not only to learn but also to release old patterns that won't serve you well here.

Here are seven tips to help you master this transition.

(1) It's been a long time since you had a "first day on the job." Maybe you're left alone with a stack of manuals to read. Or you're expected to resolve a crisis, while strangers scream at each other, using jargon you don't understand.

Both these scenarios are typical for newcomers. Neither signals a need to jump ship.

(2) Your number one challenge: Be strictly professional. Do not share any concerns or misgivings about the job. Even if your boss appears to be breaking a written promise, tread carefully. The only acceptable answer to, "How's it going?" is, "Wonderful!"

(3) If you are making a dual move - job plus relocation - you're "onstage" with everyone you meet in your new community. Your next-door neighbor may be your boss's cousin.

(4) In today's market, your new employer probably had to go to bat for you before you even arrived on board. You may never learn how you got here. Maybe you displaced a long-time employee or your boss's rival wanted to hire someone else.

Spend your first six months collecting data. Interpret with caution, preferably with the help of an outsider who can offer perspective.

(5) Maintain old contacts and begin at once to expand your network. Thank everyone who has helped you. Let them know that, while you are ecstatically happy, jobs can be unpredictable.

(6) Begin to build your future. Set aside funds for your next adventure. Use your company's resources to build skills, earn a degree and generally make yourself more marketable every day.

(7) Find a mentor who can be trusted not only to keep your story confidential, but also to challenge your beliefs and offer an experience-based perspective. Wet blankets and cheerleaders may not be your best choices: you need objectivity.

Many people find that hiring a coach, consultant or mentor can be a wise investment at this time. If you can avoid even one angry outburst or indiscreet remark, you will save thousands of dollars by keeping your job and maintaining a "promotable" image.

Your first six months will be critical to your success. I urge everyone to keep a journal, so you can look back to see how far you've come. Someday you'll be the old-timer, welcoming the new employee, watching to see what she's made of.

************************************************************************

Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D. works with midlife midcareer professionals who want to change, advance or transform their careers. Download Why Most Career Change Fails and How You Can Write Your Own Success Story.
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[Great Career Tips] Employee gifts to managers

Q. I am a manager with eight direct reports. I received a couple of Christmas gifts this last season and don't know how to handle the situation. Should I give them back? What can I say?

A. Begin by digging a little deeper.
Why are these employees sending gifts? Was there a custom from their previous department? Are they your best or your worst employees?

I wouldn't hurt their feelings or make them feel bad. Instead of returning the gift, can you either share with the whole group (as Eric suggested) or donate to a charity? You could say, "I realize I should have clarified our policy on gift-giving." And send out a memo as soon as possible.

When I was a college professor, students (especially those from Asia) often gave me gifts. If the course was over and the student was from another country, I sometimes felt I had to accept. But I tried to educate students: the best gift
to a professor is a nice letter of appreciation with copies to the dean and maybe VP-Academic Affairs.

And a neighbor who's a police officer shared a funny story. In Seattle, cops pay for all their food and coffee. They do not accept freebies. A new officer from the South breezed through the Dunkin Donuts without paying, just waving a thank you. Her supervisor had to call to explain, "We don't do that here. You have to go back and pay."

She wasn't being mean -- she just assumed that was the custom. And your employees may feel the same way.

However, inappropriate gifts can be a warning signal. In one university where I was teaching, a married couple showed up to interview for two positions. As is customary, they were invited to an administrator's home for dinner. Afterward they sent a lovely floral arrangement.

This gesture was highly inappropriate and not at all customary. The couple was hired and went on to become the greatest trouble-makers in the department's history.

Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D.
Author, Career/Business Consultant, Speaker
"Why most career change fails (and how to write your own success story)"
http://www.cathygoodwin.com/subscribe.html