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Category: Workplace
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Ten Steps to a Successful Career Change from
1. Evaluate your current job satisfaction. Keep a journal of your daily reactions to your job situation and look for recurring themes. Which aspects of your current job do you like/dislike? Are your dissatisfactions related to the content of your work your company culture or the people with whom you work?
2. Assess your interests, values and skills through self help resources like the exercises in What Color is Your Parachute. Review past successful roles, volunteer work, projects and jobs to identify preferred activities and skills. Determine whether your core values and skills are addressed through your current career.
3. Brainstorm ideas for career alternatives by discussing your core values/skills with friends, family, networking contacts and counselors. Visit career libraries and use online resources like those found in the Career Advicesection of the Job Search website.
4. Conduct a preliminary comparative evaluation of several fields to identify a few targets for in depth research.
5. Read as much as you can about those fields and reach out to personal contacts in those arenas for informational interviews.
6. Shadow professionalsin fields of primary interest to observe work first hand. Spend anywhere from a few hours to a few days job shadowing people who have jobs that interest you. Your college Career Office is a good place to find alumni volunteers who are willing to host job shadowers.
7. Identify volunteer and freelance activities related to your target field to test your interest e.g. if you are thinking of publishing as a career, try editing the PTA newsletter. If you’re interested in working with animals, volunteer at your local shelter.
8. Investigate educational opportunities that would bridge your background to your new field. Consider taking an evening course at a local college. Spend some time at one day or weekend seminars. Contact professional groups in your target field for suggestions.
9. Look for ways to develop new skills in your current job which would pave the way for a change e.g. offer to write a grant proposal if grant writing is valued in your new field. If your company offers in-house training, sign up for as many classes as you can.
10. Consider alternative roles within your current industry which would utilize the industry knowledge you already have e.g. If you are a store manger for a large retail chain and have grown tired of the evening and weekend hours consider a move to corporate recruiting within the retail industry. Or if you are a programmer who doesn’t want to program, consider technical sales or project management.
*If you have a question or would like to submit a topic please email me at honestgoodadvice@gmail.com
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Embracing Uncertainty: The Future is Open, Not Empty
Editor’s Note: This is a contribution by Erin E. Smith
“As for the future, your task is not to foresee it but to enable it.” ~Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
A month ago, I was at a crossroads. I was unhappy with my job, I no longer wanted to be living at home, I was tired of being three states away from my boyfriend, and I was sick of feeling unfulfilled.
I knew change was coming, but what I did not know was that I was to be the catalyst.
I had moved back in with my parents after college, as I started the daunting task of job searching. I worked retail for most of the summer, broken only by a two-and-a-half week stint as an editor for a company that sold writing workshops to major corporations.
I loved the job, but the people turned out to be less than willing to train and accept me, so back home I went.
I finally found a job at a bank in the fall and set off learning a career in finance for the next year and a half. Acquiring a new skill set was intimidating at first; I was an English major and math had been an enemy of mine since grade school, but… read more here
I am a big fan of allowing adults to manage themselves and act like adults. I think this article is excellent and would allow people to really step up and make them feel like they meant something to their company. Enjoy the read 🙂
For many employees, a job is a place they go because they have to. They have to pay the bills. They have to get in by 8, work 8 hours, and leave by 5. They have to report to their boss because he has to report to his boss who has to report to… you get the idea.
If your employees are spending well over a third of their time doing things simply because they have to, it should come as no surprise if they seem, well, a little less than motivated.
I noticed this was happening at my company. Our top-down hierarchy only reinforced the problem. Employees were working in silos, instead of collectively, because they couldn’t really see how and where they fit into the overarching goals of the business. They completed tasks simply because they had to. I realized that the managers, execs, department heads, etc. were getting in the way.
So, a few months ago I decided to get rid of all the layers. Instead of a rigid hierarchy, I flattened the structure, threw out fancy titles, and reorganized the whole company into teams. It wasn’t an easy shift–it quickly became clear that some positions previously amounted to “middle men” and weren’t entirely necessary anymore, so I had to let some people go. We’re still adjusting, but I can say that even though we’re only a few months into it, it’s working: We all work in teams that self-manage. There’s no need for bosses or management to nag and tell people what to do. And productivity and motivation are through the roof.
Here’s how I did it:
The Team Philosophy
Individuals need to be managed, but teams manage themselves. The first step is to break down your departments (they’re not the same as teams). In a typical organization, you may have a marketing department that generates a lead, a sales department that then makes the sale, a production department that delivers, and a service department that supports the customer. But when you think about it, everyone should be working for the customer. So instead of employees residing in department silos, create teams that bring them together under this shared goal.
Then remove hierarchy within these teams. No one should have a “senior” or “VP” title. Leaders may naturally emerge within the teams, but there should be no official reporting structure. Initially, I thought my senior level people might balk at this idea. But once they saw the changes in culture and work habits, they got behind it. I let them choose their own titles–as long as they didn’t try to introduce hierarchy.
You also want to make sure your team’s goals are tied to company goals and company performance. Have your teams measure their own performance at set intervals (every two weeks or once a month may work). They’ll learn from their mistakes and continuously improve between milestones.
Take Money off the Table
Money is naturally a “have to.” We have to pay our bills so we have to make money. But thankfully money only motivates us to a certain point. Once money is off the table, this is when the real culture shift can happen.
Salaries are naturally hierarchical. But what happens when you eliminate hierarchy in your business? Don’t worry–it doesn’t involve flattening salaries across the board. (We didn’t lower any salaries at Ciplex, though we did give out a few raises.) You still have different pay levels but they’re not rigidly tied to certain job titles; they’re tied to performance. Now when I make a new hire I always ask the person what kind of salary she’s looking for and how much would be enough to get money off her mind. When the salary question is presented in the right way, I find most people are honest. We won’t hire the person if we can’t afford it. If a team member can pay his bills and not have to worry about money all month, you’ve accomplished this very important step.
Give the Gift of Autonomy
Autonomy is one of the biggest motivators.
Read more: http://www.inc.com/ilya-pozin/want-happier-employees-get-rid-of-the-bosses.html#ixzz1yHiizbvM
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- 8 Signs of an Extraordinary Boss (inc.com)
- Can companies be managed without bosses, titles or promotions? (akshayhr.wordpress.com)
- Its Difficult to Find a Good Boss (socyberty.com)
Just when you thought you were being heard and respected, then “poof”—office politics. It’s amazing to me in the career path that I have held and how many lessons one can aquire. From learning to deal with people with addicitons in the workplace, the drama of others personal lives, unspoken expectations, to plain old office politics… To be quite honest I am an idealist and would love to see this BS be called out and washed away. God knows how much work would actually be accomplished if everyone could learn to mind their Ps and Qs. But who am I kidding…that will never happen because we all have our own part our own story…and even our own baggage to bring to the table. But even still I will vent my frustration here. It pains me to watch consultants who have been at a company less than a year feel as though they are entitled to speak thier minds freely, refuse to pull thier weight, and then push back when asked to help…all of this after receiving a pay increase. Mind boggling that bad, rude, inappropriate behaviour is rewarded. Those that throw adult tantrums….oh yes I’ve seen them at various jobs….(it sounds like it might be entertaining to watch and adult act like a child…but I assure you it’s not.) Who are given their “candy” to shut them up instead of telling them that thier behaviour is not appropriate… Sweep it under a rug and let’s keep pretending that nothing ever happened and that it will never happen again…right?! As for office friendships the ones that are real and the ones that are fake…. Don’t be fooled there are people in this world who love to kiss everyones ass even if it makes them inconsistent and back stabbing. “But I was only trying to be a good friend…” This portion also makes me uneasy. Let’s be cordial but don’t pretend like you know me let alone care how I free spend my free time. There are a few people I can trust with my life as for everyone else there is an agenda. How can I get where I need to be? I am not saying one should not look out for thier own best interest but at the same time you can do so without stepping on everyone else’s toes….It CAN be done! So here is what I would advise:
#1 When starting a new job or meeting a new hire take time to get to know them. Be more observant and less forward with information about yourself. I can’t tell you how many times people thought I was quiet or shy the first month at a new office…if they only knew! Basically, I was surveying my surroundings and watching how the people worked with one another. I’ve made the mistake of being super helpful and cheerful out the gate and ended up getting walked all over and backstabbed.
#2 Don’t talk about your private personal life if you can avoid it. It’s ok to say “Sally got her first tooth…” but don’t talk about how hot your date was last night….yes I’ve seen and heard it before…ALL the dirty details….
#3 Everyone is out for themselves you should do the same but in a respectful manner. Work hard, and be honest. It might not show initally but be patient and that light will eventually shine through the darkness.
#4 If you want more out of your career don’t wait for someone else to open the doors for you. Keep your options open and available. You never know what you can find if you just look 🙂
#5 Come to terms that sometimes no matter how much we wish and want something or someone to change it just won’t happen. And that it’s ok to realize this and focus on what you can change and what you can control which is your destiny.
*If you have a question or would like to submit a topic please email me at honestgoodadvice@gmail.com
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My boss and I have had a thing for either for a while now. We’ve been sexting for a really long time. But only recently did we actually have sex. He’s 40 years old and I’m 23. He’s married with three kids around my age. But that hasn’t stopped him from always texting me while he was at work for pictures or just to talk. He’d always be very persistent asking for more even after I got tired of sending them. After we hooked up last week I texted him the next morning to send him more pictures. (I can only text him if I know he’s working so his wife won’t see) but he just didn’t seem into it. He hasn’t really even been looking at me at work or talking to me much unless its work related. Is it possible the guilt finally set in on his side and he wants to stay faithful now? Our has he gotten bored of me now that I finally put out? Should I try texting him tonight tip see what’s going on? Or just leave it alone?
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You know the saying that sometimes things are too good to be true? First off I am sure to some degree you might think it is exciting to have a fling with your boss let alone a married man. However, at any time did you ever stop and consider the consequences of these actions? If you were his wife and you had 3 kids how would you feel about him sleeping with a 19 year old? The point is you’ve tread into some dangerous territory. The best I can suggest is to leave it alone, avoid making the same mistake twice, and look for a new job.
* If you have a question or would like to submit a topic please email me at honestgoodadvice@gmail.com
Related articles
- How to: Get Someone to Stop Sexting You (gangsgoonsandgunz.rahrahrecords.com)
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Yes…I am going to ask for your money in this post….Wait, hold the phone, please don’t stop reading, it’s not for me but complete strangers…at least hear me out! I work for a pharmaceutical company that specializes in a drug that assists with people who suffer from MS. I am not going to do a sales pitch about the drug that we market nor am I going to go on this long tangent about what we do and who we are. But, what I am hoping is that you will offer your support and even money… (scoff…”how dare she?!”) to support the cause. Well… let me put it this way. I believe that we are all here for a purpose and that is to help and support other people. If I were financially rich I would give most of it away to my friends, family, and charitable events cause that’s the point of wealth. (For those of you who are wondering why I just used “financially” rich. Because there are many types of “riches” in the world. Being loved and having wonderful friends makes you rich in my eyes. Hence, why I added “financially” before hand 🙂 Alright, back to it..) We should share the wealth and let others benefit in the blessings as well. Giving to others makes us feel good and helps people feel less stressed and grateful for the kindness of strangers. If you can’t afford to donate that’s ok too all that I ask is that you share my post either on your blog or/and on your Facebook. And if you have a charity that you wish to promote- please provide a comment and add your link below! Pay if forward!!!
Best,
Berkeley
What is MS?
Multiple Sclerosis is a disease that affects the central nervous system (the spinal chord, brain, and optic nerves). The symptoms vary from person to person and range from numbness in the limbs to paralysis or even loss of vision. In the US there are roughly 400,000+ people who suffer from MS and they believe there is upwards of 2.1 million world-wide! Most people who are diagnosed with MS are between the ages of 20-50 years old. You can find more details on the National MS Society website.
What will my contribution do for someone who has MS? (via the MS Society website)
-$50 will help send much-needed information to people newly diagnosed with MS and their families.
-$100 will provide essential tools to help people advocate for improved quality of living for families affected by MS.
-$200 will help with medication assistance for people with MS.
-$300 will help provide Disposable Medical Supplies such as incontinence supplies and latex gloves.
-$500 will help with medication assistance for people with MS.
-$750 will provide Emergency Financial Assistance to eviction prevention and utility shut-offs for people with MS so they can remain independent in their homes.
-$1,000 will help cover the cost of Durable Medical Equipment such as grab bars, shower chairs, walkers and canes.
-$2,000 will provide a scholarship to help a young person affected by MS pursue a college education.
I have set my goal at $1,000- to date I am 2% into my goal! If you would like to donate to MS or forward my link click here! Thanks again for reading!
*If you have a question or would like to submit a topic please email me at honestgoodadvice@gmail.com
I’m concerned about my coworker. I know you might say it’s none of my business, but we are friends, and have worked together for a long time, so I care about him.I think he’s having some problems with his wife.He’s been married for about 20 years and has two teenage kids. He seems to be working late most nights, staying behind for 2-3 hours after we knock off (we don’t get paid for overtime). He rarely talks about his wife, and doesn’t wear his wedding ring. Sometimes I think I catch him playfully flirting with a younger colleague, but he’s not the type of guy to cheat.So, my questions are:1) Does it sound like he’s having trouble with his wife?
2) Should I talk to him about it?-A Concerned Friend
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Dear Concerned Friend,
I think it’s admirable that you are concerned about him but at the same time it really is’t your business. I would approach it more openly- “I just wanted to tell you I appreciate your friendship and I value your thoughts. If you ever want to talk just so you know I’m around” It let’s him know that you are there for him if needed but without being intrusive.
There’s this girl I work with for about 2 and 1/2 years and no one likes her at work because they all think she’s crazy or bipolar (those are their words). I do think she acts strange at times like she can be cool one minute and then all of a sudden blow up for no reason.
Last year she sat next to me at work so I was nice to her and found out that she acts strange because she takes 3 different (strong) pain killers everyday every 4 hours for her back pain. So I felt kinda bad for her so I became her friend even though everyone else was telling me to stay away from her.Well for awhile she was being cool and normal, but since last week i’ve noticed she seems really angry and it makes me feel uncomfortable to be around her. She’s very negative and constantly makes racist comments about other people or makes other mean comments about people.I don’t wanna be her friend anymore because I can’t deal with someone like that. What is a way that I can stop being friends with her without making her mad?
-A
-A
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Hello A,
Hello A,
It sounds like this person has some serious problems going on in her life. Pain medications are highly addictive. I don’t know what she is taking however she is probably coming off the meds when she is angry or grumpy. This is a Human Resources issue- you need to go to your HR team and let them know what is going on. Since she is having mood swings on the job it is creating a hostile work environment. This person obviously is in need of help. She might get mad but you are doing the right thing by trying to help her get the support that she needs. Or she might not even know that you did it, but something needs to be said regardless.
* If you have a topic or wish to submit a question please email me at:
honestgoodadvice@gmail.com
honestgoodadvice@gmail.com
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