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#YourCareer : Today’s Woman’s Guide for Career Change. Welcome your Comments. Great Read!

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The modern workplace is a dynamic battlefield, especially for women determined to escalate their career trajectories. Yet, despite the hurdles, the quest for progress—be it a lofty promotion, a daring career transition, or the bold leap into entrepreneurship—remains an attainable dream. With the right strategies, that dream can transform into a palpable reality.

This article unfolds six potent tips to propel the career prospects of the astute working woman, with a sharp focus on career transitions.

Unleash the Power of Connections: Networking with Intent

Networking transcends mere handshakes and business cards. It’s about crafting meaningful relationships that could be the catalysts for career metamorphosis. Be a regular at industry meet-ups, subscribe to professional forums, and optimize your LinkedIn presence. It’s not just about who you know; it’s about who knows you when new career avenues come calling. Engaging with thought leaders and decision-makers plants the seeds for opportunities that could bloom into career-defining moments.

 

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Updated NEWS: #BestofFSCBlog – Aug23 we hit Two Milestones: #1– Hit over 1.2 million impressions on our FSC Career Blogs within 7 days on LinkedIn……. #2– Over 3.5 Million participates on our FSC Career Blog page below within three years!  Both the Team/myself want to thank you all for participating! …… Chris G. & Team,www.firstsun.com

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Question: Searching for ‘the Best Daily Career Search Articles/Blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type (Jobsearch, Resume, Networking, etc) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You Have to be ‘Sharpened‘?

 

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 32 years in delivering corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!   Visit us @ www.firstsun.com  OR Ask for a Quote for Services at  info@firstsun.com

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity to serve & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

 

Article continued …

Earning a Degree: The Ladder to Higher Ambitions

Education is not a mere stepping stone to the professional arena; it’s a continual journey that carves a distinctive edge in the relentless corporate race. Consider rekindling your academic pursuits or venturing into online courses tailored to your career transition goals. Envision a future where you’re the tech maven of your team by obtaining a computer science degree—see how this can get you there. This not only fortifies your foundation in IT but also aligns you with the vanguard of tech expertise. And with the flexibility that online education offers, there’s no need for a career hiatus as you augment your skill set.

Vision and Precision: Charting Your Career Course

Without a destination, a journey is just wandering. Set tangible career targets, chart a course to reach them, and let this map be your guide. Whether you aspire to sit at the boardroom table or spearhead innovative projects, a well-defined goal is a beacon that keeps you focused. It ensures that each step you take is a step closer to the zenith of your career aspirations.

Knowledge at Your Fingertips: Harnessing Free Online Resources

In the digital age, knowledge is power. The internet is a treasure trove of free educational gems—webinars, comprehensive tutorials, and insightful articles. By exploring these resources, you can fine-tune your prowess from the comfort of your own home. For example, click here to access a resource where you can build your coding skills. This commitment to self-education is an invaluable investment, yielding rich returns in the form of elevated career opportunities and substantial personal development.

The Negotiation Dance: Choreographing Your Success

Negotiation is an art form that can shape the canvas of your career. Salary, position, project leadership—these aren’t just handed to you; they’re the fruits of well-orchestrated negotiation. By mastering this dance, you advocate for your worth and open doors to opportunities that were previously just out of reach.

Entrepreneurial Spirit: The New Professional Frontier

Entrepreneurship is a beacon for those who find the traditional career ladder restrictive. It’s a path where passion and profession can intertwine to create something extraordinary. If a unique business concept is tugging at your heart, give it wings. Starting your own venture could redefine your career identity and set you on a course to be not just a participant in the industry but a game-changer. 

For the ambitious working woman, each career decision weaves the fabric of a broader professional story. Networking, going back to school for a degree, goal-setting, utilizing online resources, negotiation, and entrepreneurship are not just strategies; they’re stepping stones to success. Embrace these tips as you carve out your niche in the professional realm. Remember, the pinnacle of your career is not a distant dream but an achievable reality, with persistence and strategic action as your trusted allies. Your journey of a thousand miles begins with these empowered steps—start today and ascend to the career heights you deserve.

 

FSC Career Blog | November 18, 2023 | Cherie Mclaughlin

#BestofFSCBlog : Over 6K Reads! The Real Reasons Why You Are Not Getting Ahead At Work—And What You Can Do About It. Bosses will Hold you Back for Their Own Selfish Reasons. A MUst REad!

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You’d like to believe that you’ll rise to the top if you’re talented and a hard worker. However, it’s a naive way to look at your career. For most people, no one is going to come to your rescue and sweep you off into the C-suite. Instead, bosses will hold you back for their own selfish reasons.

The Boss Holds You Back Because You Do All The Work

Your supervisor knows you are a rockstar, but keeps it a secret from others within the organization, especially the top executives. Your boss purposely wants to hold you back. Secretly, the supervisor feels threatened by you.

They know that you are amazing, but can’t afford to lose you if you get a promotion and advance within the ranks. Without you, they’d be lost. The supervisor desperately needs you to make them look good. Rather than extolling your virtues and telling everyone about your accomplishments, the boss hides it.

The reality is that you’re too good at your job. If you were promoted, no one could step into your shoes. This leaves you stuck in place. The boss won’t tell you the truth because it’s cruel and unethical to keep you trapped for their benefit and to your detriment.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You now can easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 2.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

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Twitter: Follow us @ firstsunllc

Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs @

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Question: Want the ‘the best/current articles/blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type(#Jobsearch, #Resume, or #Networking) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, LLc (FSC) is celebrating over 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, UK, & Mexico!  

We here at FSC want to thank each of corporate partners in the opportunity in serving & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment !

 

Article continued …

You Are Not Playing The Right Game

In school, you’re told that if you pay attention and work hard, you’ll get good grades. However, they don’t teach you about the real world. Working hard helps, but that’s only a tiny part of being successful. It’s not enough. You need to play the game. You need to shmooze the right people, get on the fast-track projects and make yourself known.

This means you have to get good at navigating and excelling at office politics. You need to work smart and let people know of the great work you’re doing.

It’s important to cultivate and build strategic relationships with people who can help grow your career. Seek out mentors who can show you the way, introduce you to key players within the firm and teach you how to avoid pitfalls.

Layoffs And Hiring Freezes

The current economy and job market for white-collar professionals aren’t great. On a nearly daily basis, there are announcements of layoffs, hiring freezes and job offers being rescinded. In this type of environment, you need to fend for yourself.

Everyone is trying to avoid being the person who will be let go. It’s a game of survival. Budgets are slashed. Cost cuts are commonplace. Management doesn’t have an appetite to promote and advance people. They are more focused on just keeping their heads above water. Your advancement or promotion is far down on the list of their concerns.

What You Need To Do To Turn Things Around

There are only four months left until the New Year. You have ample time to start laying the groundwork for a promotion and raise right now. Don’t wait until the last moment, as it will be too late.

You want to signal and have evidence that you are a much-needed employee. Keep meticulous track of all of your wins. Make sure that your boss is aware of what you are doing. Do this in person, as well as in writing. You want a paper trail of emails, memos, and texts citing all of the great work you’ve done. Point out the times when you exceeded expectations. Go above and beyond your responsibilities and keep your manager informed of the impact you’re making at the organization. In addition to the boss, subtly let others know of your accomplishments.

Play The Game

Go into the office regularly. With fewer workers around, you’ll stand out. Make sure that your presence is known. Chat with people in the hallways and cafeteria. Get in front of other managers, let them know what you’re up to and ask if they need any assistance.

Purposely send emails and texts and leave voicemails early in the morning, late at night and on the weekends. It may be rude, but these actions make the recipients notice that you’re working long hours and have a strong work ethic, unlike some of your co-workers who are quietly quitting.

Pop into the boss’ office to inquire what you can do to help them. Avoid fraternizing with people who tend to complain, gossip and are going nowhere fast. No matter how bad things get, always remain positive. While work-at-home attire has crossed over to the office, stand out by dressing as if you are a few levels above your station.

The Pitch For A Promotion

Before you know it, December will roll around. It’s time to capitalize on all the work you’ve done to break out and get to the next level. Put together an elevator pitch that concisely and succinctly sets forth all the great things you’ve done over the last year. Use this data to ask for a promotion, higher corporate title, a raise and larger bonus.

Be Prepared For Pushback And Go For The Jugular

Since your boss has been holding you back, there may be some resistance. If this happens, you need to be direct. Let them know that you know that they know you’re the one who’s been doing all the work. It may be uncomfortable, but call your supervisor’s bluff. Tell the boss, after all you’ve done, if a promotion, raise or bonus are not in the cards, you’ll let their manager know what’s been going on.

Say that you will start searching for a new job. Recognizing that the company is allowing attrition without replacement and hiring freezes are in effect, the manager will likely give in. They’ll realize that without you and no replacement on the horizon, management will discover that your supervisor is a fraud and has been riding your coattails for years. It’s a bold move, but sometimes you need to play hardball to get what you want to advance and succeed.

 

Forbes.com | September 1, 2022 | Jack Kelly

 

#JobSearch : How To Be Lucky In Your Career: 5 Ways To Create Good Fortune. The Vast Majority of the Time, Luck Really isn’t Luck at All.

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You’ve heard it plenty of times: the super-successful person who is interviewed and credits luck for her success, or talks about simply being in the right place at the right time. But if it’s just good fortune, what is there to learn? And how can you get access to the fairy dust that seems to have made that person’s career advance?

What is luck, really? The chances of finding a four-leaf clover on your first try are one in 10,000, but your odds of advancing your career are significantly better—when you take intentional and proactive steps.

While there may be some career successes for which pure luck was a factor, if you look more deeply, they are probably the rare exceptions. Luck is actually something you make for yourself and something you can prepare for—taking advantage of good work and intentional effort, which almost always precede the discovery of the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Also consider that ascribing your success to simple good fortune undercuts your success. You’ve worked hard and done some great things—and deserve the kudos and credit that come from the results. Luck may be something, but great thinking, hard work and developing relationships are much more.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You now can easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 2.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

Twitter: Follow us @ firstsunllc

Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs @

https://twitter.com/search?q=bestoffscblog&src=typeahead_click

Question: Want the ‘the best/current articles/blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type(#Jobsearch, #Resume, or #Networking) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, LLc (FSC) is celebrating over 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, UK, & Mexico!  

We here at FSC want to thank each of corporate partners in the opportunity in serving & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment !

 

Article continued …

How to Create Luck in Your Career

Here’s how to create the conditions for luck to be yours (and the efforts you can embrace and take credit for when you succeed).

Be Proactive

One of the keys to being lucky, is being ready and moving ahead based on a sense of what’s happening around you. Stay alert and read your context. If you sense your company is considering big changes in your division, have a strategy for your next steps. When you see your group may be reporting through a new leader, reach out and connect with them. Or when you see your customer needs are starting to change, be ready to recommend a new product, service or direction.

In addition, always be exploring. Be curious about your market and your customers, obtain certifications or additional credentials which match your interests and seek learning in new areas all the time. By staying attuned to the next things that interest you, you’ll be ready in case your present situation changes, and you need to make plans for the future.

Be Connected

Statistically, your next job or career step is likely to come not from your primary network, but from your secondary or tertiary networks. By definition, the people you’re closest to, probably have access to the same information as you related to new opportunities. But your more distant connections will have access to information about opportunities which you probably don’t. And this is a great way to ensure you’re “lucky” in your next steps—by staying connected to a network of people who will know about new possibilities.

Reach out to others and strengthen your network all the time—even when you’re not looking for a new role. Focus on building relationships, not just adding to your number of contacts in a transactional way. Seek to add value for others, and stay connected when you see people get promoted or change jobs. Send notes to wish people congratulations or forward articles which may interest them. Nurture connections on a continuous basis and in a meaningful way, and when you need some good luck to facilitate your next career step, you’ll have people to whom you can reach out and from whom you can seek support.

Be Brilliant

When you’re looking for the next opportunity, your past and current performance will be under scrutiny, and they will fundamentally shape your prospects. Consider the example of a woman who learned her husband was being transferred to another country. It was the right decision for their family to pull up stakes and make the shift. As a result, she had to give up her current role and seek a new role—and she hoped to stay within her global company. Because she had a great record of performance and good relationships, she was able to reach out to the leader of the new region and a position was adapted for her. While she could have attributed this to luck, in reality it was the result of her reputation and credibility based on her strong track record.

Performing brilliantly in your role today (even if it’s not your ideal position) is always one of the best investments in your role for tomorrow—and creates the “luck” which will be part of landing the next opportunity.

Be Flexible

Sometimes, when you need to make a shift, the perfect role may not emerge. In this case, it can be wise to take what’s available and know you can move on from there. You don’t want to settle for something drastically beneath your capabilities or for a bad cultural fit or a poor work experience, but if the role is close-to-right or requires you to compromise on things which aren’t core to who you are, then taking a less-than-ideal role can be a legitimate and smart move. It’s always easier to find a job when you’re already employed, and in the real world most people need to be employed to pay the mortgage and put groceries on the table.

So take the next step, even if it’s not your final step. Know you can learn from whatever you’re doing and trust your ability to grow and advance. Also be flexible with your partner and family. Sometimes your job will take priority and sometimes theirs will. The best partnerships acknowledge the dance of career ebbs and flows. Be flexible for the times when your partner’s job takes priority and be firm when it’s time for your career to blossom.

Be Brave

Career advancement often requires you to let go and take a risk. The next big-time assignment or the moment to leave an organization for a cool new job require you to go out on a limb. Be smart about assessing the opportunity and all that goes with it, and be diligent about determining whether it’s the right fit for you and your future. And when you determine it is, shore up support, take the plunge and make the decision which will pave the way for your future.

In Sum

The vast majority of the time, luck really isn’t luck at all. So put in the effort, do great work and flex toward the next new opportunity. And in the process, take credit for all you’ve accomplished and be confident about all the places you’ll go next. Now is a great time to explore, be proactive and build relationships which will move you positively forward.

Forbes.com | March 13, 2022

#YourCareer : Arguing with the Boss: A Winning Career Strategy. “How Come I Didn’t Figure this Out Before?” MUst REad!

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Knowing how to disagree agreeably with higher-ups increases your chances for advancement, career coaches, management consultants and recruiters say.

“It takes courage and emotional intelligence to stand up to your boss,” observes Kenton R. Hill, an executive coach in Portland, Ore., who wrote “Smart Isn’t Enough,” a 2010 book. “You’re more likely to land a bigger role if you help your boss be successful,” he adds.

Executive recruiters “question your integrity” if you’re a candidate who claims that you’ve never clashed with your supervisor, writes Russell S. Reynolds, Jr. , founder of an eponymous big search firm, in his new memoir, “Heads.” Tales of seamless harmony suggest “you lack the power of your own convictions,” he says in an interview.

John Stroup, CEO of Belden Inc., a maker of electrical cables, says he’s more apt to promote managers who are savvy about challenging him.

AGREEABLE DISAGREEMENTS

More ways to turn dissent into a career-enhancing move:

•Practice what you intend to say, and be concise.

•Use “I” statements to describe the problem. For example, “I feel like this project is not going as well as it could,” instead of “You aren’t doing this right.”

•No name-calling or disparagement.

•Give your supervisor time to explain his or her rationale.

•If your third try fails, don’t circumvent the boss to plead your case with others.

Source: WSJ reporting

However, he cautions that it’s not a good move right off the bat. At his previous employer, Danaher Corp. , he saw some newly recruited senior managers wash out because they urged him to adopt approaches used by their old company without first establishing their credibility, he recalls.

Mr. Stroup prevailed in a disagreement with his Danaher supervisor about a risky strategic shift because they had developed a strong rapport. That man, an executive vice president, “recognized my strengths,” Mr. Stroup recollects. “I felt comfortable enough to push my point of view.”

The skeptical boss let him offer certain customers complete solutions for their specific needs—a departure from standard operating procedure. The idea was a success, and Mr. Stroup, a division president, was appointed a group executive not long after.

Even recently hired executives can benefit from locking horns with the boss, provided they choose battles wisely, keep their cool and build a compelling case that boosts their superior’s reputation, leadership experts say.

“Disagreement is great as long as it’s fact-based,” says one senior executive, who was hired to run a key unit for a big retailer in 2009. (He asked to remain anonymous so as not to embarrass his onetime employer.)

The executive, who reported to the CEO, did not agree with his boss, who long believed that small-business owners patronizing his business unit were shopping to supply their firms. Rather than airing his disagreement, he first spent 90 days analyzing purchase data and found that those customers mainly bought goods for their families.

 

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Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs @

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Question: Want the ‘the best/current articles/blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type(#Jobsearch, #Resume, or #Networking) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, LLc (FSC) is celebrating over 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, UK, & Mexico!  

We here at FSC want to thank each of corporate partners in the opportunity in serving & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment !

 

Article continued …

 

When he presented the data to the CEO, the executive cast his research as fresh insights—and not the boss’s bad call.

“How come we didn’t figure this out before?” the surprised chief asked, and later endorsed the lieutenant’s plan for revamping the company’s marketing appeals to small-business owners. In early 2012, the executive landed a more powerful post at a major packaged-goods concern.

Tyco International Ltd. assesses managers’ leadership behaviors twice annually, including whether they feel comfortable “saying the emperor has no clothes” during meetings, says Laurie Siegel, its senior vice president of human resources. “The only real career-ending move here is to not bring bad news forward.”

That said, smart Tyco managers also know when and where to air those disagreements.

Ms. Siegel says she and CEO Edward Breen often disagree on an employee’s advancement potential. But she voices her objections to him one-on-one before alerting the full board. “He’s comfortable that I will challenge him” in front of fellow directors, so long as there are no surprises, she says. Mr. Breen couldn’t be reached for comment.

Bosses and boards both prefer leaders with the gumption to articulate strong views, provided that dissenters are “genuinely trying to advance the enterprise” rather than themselves during clashes with their supervisor, notes Douglas R. Conant, a retired chief executive of Campbell Soup Co. and a director of Avon Products Inc.

Several years ago, an executive vice president of a cell-phone refurbishment firm rejected a department manager’s request for an executive post because he doubted her claim that the promotion would benefit the business. “She equated the proposed title with being able to tell people what to do,” recalls Susan Heathfield, a human-resources consultant in Williamston, Mich., who coached the EVP.

The middle manager’s authoritarian style “was seriously at odds with a company that was striving to empower people,” and made her employees feel she only cared about herself, Ms. Heathfield adds. The woman repeated her request for weeks. Unpromoted, she quit months later.

At other times, patient persistence is key for winning an argument with the boss – as Barrett Stephens discovered. He’s second-in-command at RSR Partners, the mid-sized search firm that Mr. Reynolds started in 1993 after leaving Russell Reynolds Associates Inc.

A year ago, a three-man marketing committee created by Mr. Stephens suggested picking a consultant to craft its first strategic marketing plan. Mr. Reynolds nixed the proposal for being too costly.

Mr. Stephens says he spent months cajoling his boss to reconsider marketing ideas from colleagues “who know more about the subject than he did.” The constructive feedback impressed Mr. Reynolds. In July, he approved a revised marketing plan even though “this is not something I would have chosen to do,” he admits.

 

WSJ Author:  Joann S. Lublin at joann.lublin@wsj.com

 

WSJ.com | August 9, 2012

#YourCareer : Could Blogging Help Advance Your Career? During a Difficult & Competitive Job Market, you Need to Do Things that Set you a Part from the Competition.

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During a difficult and competitive job market, you need to do things that set you a part from the competition, that show your unique value and experience. As an experienced executive, you have a lot of knowledge that may be beneficial to many other people. If you have a good amount of experience and have decent writing skills, you could enhance your career even further by starting a blog.

Even new executives who may not have a lot of experience, but have a lot of ideas, can benefit from blogging. Blogging is also a way to help solidify your c-level personal branding, showcasing your industry expertise. The benefits are proof enough for you to consider starting one. 

Blogging Can Get You Noticed

You’d be surprised at how many executives like you search for different articles to help their craft. If your blog offers what they need, you may start building a nice collection of subscribers who want to read your material. Being noticed online in a positive light is one of the best ways to enhance your career.

Like this Article?  Share It!    You now can easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 2.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

Twitter: Follow us @ firstsunllc

Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs @

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Question: Want the ‘the best/current articles/blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type(#Jobsearch, #Resume, or #Networking) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Article continued … 

You Could Build Your Network Through Blogging

You may already have hundreds of connections through your LinkedIn profile, but you can expand it even further with a blog. Consider putting the link to your blog in your LinkedIn profile as well, so your current connections know you have one. You never know who will read your material online, so it’s always best to put it out there as much as possible. 

Blogging Will Put Your Name in Search Engine Results

If you’re actively searching for a job and have applied to several places, the first thing those companies will do is search for your name. Your LinkedIn profile is important to them, but they also want to see what else is online about you. When links to your personal blog with insightful topics and advice come up, you’ll have a better shot at landing an interview compared to someone who doesn’t show up in the search results at all. 

Use Keywords and Write About Relevant Topics Naturally

Writing a blog is different than writing an executive bio. Use your blog as a chance to show your casual, laid back side rather than the business professional you have to be every day at work. Incorporate the keywords you have to use throughout the day and talk about those topics as well, so you can relate to people in your industry. Being as natural as possible on your blog will be a relief to you and your readers.

As a professional, you should always be looking for ways to boost your career. Whether it’s optimizing your resume, posting content on LinkedIn, or enhancing your personal brand, keeping your career moving forward should be at the forefront of your mind. Blogging is one unique way to capitalize on your industry expertise and get you noticed at the same time.

 

FSC Career Blog Author:  Ms. Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW, CERW, CEMC, is a Certified Professional Resume Writer/Career Consultant, and the President of Professional Resume Services, named one of Forbes “Top 100 Career Websites”. Considered an influencer, she is consistently listed as a “Top Career Expert to Follow” on Twitter and LinkedIn.

 

FSC Career Blog | July 17, 2020

 

 

#BestofFSCBlog :How To Cope When Your Career Hits A Wall. The Challenge is that When Bad Things Happen, Most People become Shell Shocked.

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You’d love to start the new year filled with excitement and high hopes for your career. For many, unfortunately, just because we flip the page in a calendar, it doesn’t mean their work-life miraculously changes overnight. For some people, things are not working out at all. You take on more of a mental and emotional burden, as society says you should be charging into 2020 feeling great and ready to succeed.

Although we have a reported red-hot economy with record levels of employment, not everyone is benefiting or doing well. Sometimes, it’s due to matters out of their control. Your company may be relocating jobs to lower-cost cities and countries or deploying artificial intelligence and new technologies, which results in the loss of a job. 

Surround yourself with a support group consisting of family and friends who can cheer you on and pick you up when you feel down. 

Sometimes you’re in a good job, but you feel stuck. There is a roadblock on the corporate ladder. Your managers are not going anywhere soon and you can’t see any path forward. You can be in an industry that is undergoing serious changes and you’re beset by anxiety over what to do next. It’s especially difficult when you’re over the age of 40, earning a certain salary level and it becomes clearly obvious that companies would rather hire a younger and less costly person. Alternatively, you may be relatively young, possess fantastic abilities, but are overlooked because you don’t have some grey hairs.

The challenge is that when bad things happen, most people become shell shocked. They are used to a pretty good run of a career and have never really confronted any major setbacks. Their initial response is disbelief that their job is going nowhere or may be eliminated. It’s easy for them to pretend that this isn’t happening and the circumstances will change in their favor. The problem is that the longer you ignore the upcoming train coming your way, the harder it is to get off the tracks to safety.

Here is what you need to do if your career is hitting a wall and you’re paralyzed with fear, indecision, disbelief, and frustration. 

Don’t Ignore The Problem—Acknowledge What’s Happening

It’s the path of least resistance to hope the problem will just go away. You scoff at the thought that you could be replaced by technology or a junior person in India. The natural tendency is to think that your boss will come around and recognize how awesome you are, your nasty co-workers will change their tune and become your allies, the company pulls out of its death spiral or the takeover by your competitor will never happen.

You need to acknowledge what is actually happening. Hopefully, things will work out your way, but you can’t depend upon hope alone. It’s okay to want to believe that things will improve, but you need to plan for the worst-case outcome. You need to accept the reality and start planning for your next move.

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It’s Not Just You

If you read the biographies of successful people, such as Steve Jobs, Thomas Edison, Walt Disney, J.K. Rowling and Albert Einstein, you’ll notice that they’ve all failed—sometimes often and spectacularly. It’s extremely rare for someone to steadily climb forward in their career without any major setbacks.

The challenge is that society likes to talk about and reward those who are already successful. We are beset online and in the media with celebrities who have wealth, privilege and fame. When you scroll through Facebook and Instagram, you see a cultivated awesome lifestyle of your friends that makes you feel inadequate.

This is not reality. In real life, most people fail many times. They face job losses, businesses that go bankrupt, make investments that blow up and miss out on the big promotion. What makes matters tough for you is that our culture doesn’t like to talk about the people who are struggling, so you feel alone.

The key is to recognize that the best and brightest understand that the need to accept and deal with rejection, failure and bad luck. They view it as all part of the game. By recognizing it’s not just you, but that everyone is going through the same travails, it could offer some solace and peace of mind.

Push Yourself To Engage 

When you experience a career setback, it’s natural to withdraw. You don’t want to have to tell your family and friends that you lost your job or the promotion you told everyone about didn’t materialize. To avoid awkwardness in social settings, people pull back. They withdraw into a cocoon in their sanctuary, which is home.

This is the direct opposite of what you need to do. When you are experiencing career-related challenges, that’s the time to engage with people You need to let others know what’s happening; they may have some answers for you or leads on new opportunities. They may have been down the same road and have some wisdom to impart. It feels better to get things off of your chest by sharing with others.

If you stop taking proactive actions, you actually move backwards. In science, an object in motion stays in motion. Once something stops, it’s hard to start up again. You need to keep pushing forward—even if you only want to pull the covers over your head and stay in bed all day.

Come Up With A Game Plan

No one is going to knock on your door with a great new job or opportunity. You need to make your own breaks in life. Instead of being a victim, take aggressive bold actions. If you think your job is in peril, demand to speak with your boss and ask her what is really going on and how you will be impacted.

It’s a little scary to start a job search, but that may be the best path forward if you don’t have a future where you are. Put together a résumé, enhance your LinkedIn profile, network with former co-workers and reach out to recruiters.

It could be that your career is not cutting edge and there is less need for your services. There may be little hiring and not be many jobs in your field. It’s time to reassess and think about a career pivot. It won’t be too easy, but it may be the best option if all other doors are closed off to you.

Remind Yourself How Remarkable You Are

When you are in a tight spot, it’s not uncommon to lose confidence. You start doubting yourself and second-guessing all of your decisions. Negative thoughts keep running through your mind. Sometimes, these thoughts become really dark.

It’s important for your mental and emotional health, as well as your career, to counter the tendency to lose faith in yourself. When you find this happening, remind yourself of all of your past accomplishments. Stop ruminating and start reciting all of the good qualities that you possess. List all of the reasons why you are special and what skills and experiences you have to offer that any company would love to have.

Surround yourself with a support group consisting of family and friends who can cheer you on and pick you up when you feel down.

 

Forbes.com | January 13, 2020 | Jack Kelly

Your Career: 5 Things To Ask Your Boss In The New Year.

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You have control over your career if you speak up and ask questions. Maybe you don’t know what to ask for or you’ve been holding off on asking for something because you did not know how to ask. Consider this your nudge.

This is your push to ask for what you want in the New Year. Here are five things to consider asking for from your boss next year:

1.     Business goals.

If you do not understand why you are doing the work you are doing, it is difficult to understand the purpose of your work. When you work without purpose, you may lose your enthusiasm and the level of quality that is required to succeed.

Ask your manager, “What are this year’s goals for the organization?” “What are your upcoming priorities?” The answers to these questions will help you understand how your role plays a part in reaching your company’s goals and helps to ensure that your efforts continue to meet goals. When you meet or exceed your organization’s goals, you demonstrate value.

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2.     Expectations.

You may think you know what is expected of you at work, but are you absolutely clear on expectations? To avoid confusion or misunderstanding, ask your manager what is expected of you. When you are clear about what people expect from you, you will increase your chances of meeting or exceeding expectations.

3.     Flexibility.

Would it benefit your health, family or projects to work from home one day a week or slightly shift your daily schedule to be able to arrive later and leave later? If you think some form of flexibility would help you be more productive with work, inquire about it. Communicate how the change will help you with your work. If you are already demonstrating solid work, it will be easier for you to ask for more flexibility.

4.     Money.

If you want a raise, ask for it. If you need more resources for a project, ask for it. Assuming you are producing quality work, ask for what you need to continue to be the best professional that you can be and produce great work.

5.     A promotion.

If you continue to prove your worth, consider asking your manager for a promotion. Don’t run the risk of not asking and build up resentment that may undermine your work product and impact your relationships with colleagues.

Keep in mind that asking for a promotion, more money and flexibility in one year or a short time span might not be wise. You should ask for what you want, but don’t go overboard. Consider prioritizing what you want in the upcoming year. A successful career is built on years of experience and climbing the ladder. The higher you go on the ladder, the move opportunity you will have to ask for what you want.

Ask about business goals and expectations. Arm yourself with the information to show your worth to your organization. When you demonstrate your worth, you have the leverage to ask for things like flexibility, a raise or a promotion. Questions have answers. Ask the questions to know the answers and see the road that will help you reach your goals.

 

Forbes.com | December 29, 2019 | Avery Blank

#CareerAdvice : #YourCareer – Independence Day Is A Good Time To Free Yourself From An Oppressive Job And Pursue Your Dreams.

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My grandparents emigrated to America fleeing persecution. At the time they immigrated, they did not speak any English whatsoever. However, after adapting to American culture, my grandparents learned the language and, ultimately, became a plumber, shoe salesman, seamstress and homemaker.

My parents were both teachers and my dad went on to become a principal at a vocational high school in East New York, Brooklyn. The school taught underprivileged, inner-city kids to work as mechanics for the MTA New York City Transit system, which enabled them to procure stable union jobs with a pension.

As a second-generation American, I started an executive search business, found jobs for thousands of people and earned a handsome living for my family. I’ve had the good fortune of writing this piece for the premiere, iconic business publication, Forbes, and recently founded a startup, WeCruitr.com, which will help job seekers connect with recruiters to assist them with their search. My family is a mix of whites, blacks, Asians, Jews, Christians, heterosexuals and LGBTQ people. What other country offers such endless opportunities and diversity?

America was founded by—and continues to be the home for—people seeking freedom of religion, speech and the chance to build a better future for themselves and their families. There are no immutable caste systems, monarchies or rigid hierarchies to stop you from pursuing your dreams.

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It is fashionable today to point out all of the failings of our nation and complain that everything is rigged against you. Sadly, many people feel that because of their color, gender or sexual orientation that they can’t succeed and attain the promised American Dream.

As messy as things can get in the U.S., I’m pressed to see another country that offers our vast opportunities for people to receive an education, start a business or succeed in the corporate world. It’s not easy—in fact, it’s incredibly hard—to succeed. There are always roadblocks, bad luck and people out to take advantage of you, but there is the opportunity for you to at least try your best.

We’re a country founded by pissed off people who didn’t want to bow down to kings and queens or contend with persecution. We argue, fight and disagree with each other. Often times, we’re angry at the status quo and demand changes. That’s what makes us great. The ability to openly disagree with each other and the government and pursue whatever the heck we want to do.

I’d suggest that you spend some time this Independence Day weekend to think about what you’d like to do with your career and life. We hold jobs that we hate, work for bosses that make us miserable, realize that a job or career was selected for the wrong reasons and are desperately unhappy. It’s easy to feel sorry for ourselves.

Look at all the hardships that people had to endure—and still continue to endure—to come to America for its opportunities. There are people literally dying to come into this country. You have no reason to settle for less than what you deserve. If you are dissatisfied with your current circumstances, start planning your independence from your job or career. Fight for the right to be happy and successful.

Despite the naysayers, America offers untold opportunities and that’s why people from all over the world want to come here. Block out all the negativity on social media and in the press and seek out a better and brighter future for yourself and your family. We’re a nation of fighters who don’t give up easily. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t stand up for yourself and pursue a life of wealth, success and happiness. Instead of celebrating, you should take the time to thoughtfully reflect just how lucky you are that you are given the freedom to advance and climb the corporate ladder.

Jack Kelly Contributor

I am a CEO, founder, and executive recruiter at one of the oldest and largest global search firms in my area of expertise, and have personally placed thousands of profes…

Forbes.com | July 1, 2019

 

#CareerAdvice : #YourCareer -Why You Should Always Be Looking for Work….Best Advice You will Read!

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The new world of work is unstable in ways that previous generations could not have imagined. In fact, the structures have changed so significantly that the landscape is barely recognizable. So the adages that used to make sense — keep your head down, focus on excelling at what you do, work your way up the ranks — often don’t apply.

Today, to build a successful career, you need to always be looking for work.

To understand why, let’s start with the big picture. More and more businesses have entered the “gig economy.” While that term, for many people, conjures up images of Uber and Instacart, these types of platform-based businesses are only a small fraction of the overall gig economy.

Increasingly, all sorts of businesses are hiring temporary or contingent workers rather than traditional full-time employees with benefits. NPR reports that one out of every five jobs is held by a freelancer, and that within a decade, contractors and freelancers could make up half the workforce.

They often lack benefits. They’re also often the first to be laid off when an economic downturn comes along, and in most cases they cannot collect unemployment.

4 Ways to Protect Yourself From a Layoff

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Meanwhile, even people who have full-time jobs with benefits are often scraping by. A recent Bankrate survey found that 45% of workers have a “side hustle,” including 43% of full time workers. The most common reason is that they need the money to get by.

Meanwhile, in another survey, 78% of workers reported that they are living paycheck to paycheck.

As co-founder of Steady, a startup assisting people in creating a stable monthly income, I hear from users all the time who share stories of their struggles. Some are young workers who aren’t making enough to live and pay down their massive college loans. Others have been in the workforce for decades, and always thought they’d have a job until retirement — only to find that their jobs are being replaced by contractors or, in some cases, automation.

They come from a wide range of industries and report that their hours are cut back, their side hustle isn’t paying as much as it did, or they’re suddenly in danger of being laid off. Some are from high levels of a corporate hierarchy. In fact, a LinkedIn analysis found that traditional employees have lost their lock on managerial roles in an organization. Contractors now “work in higher seniority roles a year sooner than peers in non-contract roles on average.”

Stability is becoming a relic of the past. The deck is stacked against workers. And while we do need new laws and policies to help give people some guarantees and improve their pay, the most important step individuals can take to protect themselves from the tumultuousness of this reality is to always be looking for new, better opportunities.

How to Find a Side Job

I recommend making it a daily habit. Every day, take action toward discovering new opportunities.

For starters, get your profile up on any and all jobs boards that include the kinds of positions you may be interested in. Keep updating your profile with your latest achievements, accolades, and recommendations. Do the same with your resume. (Check out “the anatomy of a perfect resume” for ideas.)

Set up notifications for all the relevant jobs boards as well. Take five minutes each day to look at what positions have just been loaded up. It helps to move quickly if one interests you, and it’s also a matter of educating yourself. The more you look at the kinds of positions opening up at different companies, the clearer a picture you’ll get of the job market.

Perhaps most importantly, take the time to consider and analyze your skill set. Many people don’t realize the full scope of their skills, or how well those skills can transfer from one field to another. (See how an opera singer discovered that his skills could help make him a great sales leader.) Berkeley offers tools to help you determine yours.

Once you’ve done this, look into how other people with skills similar to yours have progressed in their careers. LinkedIn can be very helpful for this. Look at the skills of people in your network, and ask them about their career progressions.

And if there are any “dream jobs” that interest you, reach out to people who currently have those jobs and ask them how they got there. Often, you’ll find that people are happy to give advice.

You owe it to yourself to always chase a better professional situation — more hours, more security, better benefits, and higher pay. By taking a step in that direction every day, you’ll be on your way.

Author: Adam Roseman is co-founder and CEO of Steady, an Atlanta-based startup that assists workers and job seekers in creating a stable monthly income and a more solid financial future.
GlassDoor.com | June 28, 2019

#CareerAdvice : Risk Smart: Taking #YourCareer to the Next Level. “You Miss 100% of the Shots you Don’t Take.” – Wayne Gretzky

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The choices we make throughout our careers take us all on quite a journey. When you first enter the workforce, it is a time of excitement and anticipation for what lies ahead. Over time, life takes us on a winding road of twists and turns in which our personal lives can intertwine with our professional lives.

While some life experiences can catapult us into unknown realms, it is important that we be open to embracing new career opportunities, and, when the moment is right, consider taking risks and pursue some new challenges.

Over the course of my career, I came to appreciate the importance of taking risks. In one of my first jobs in consulting, I worked diligently and waited to be presented with new opportunities to continue building a promising future career. As time went on, I learned the importance of being proactive in one’s career advancement. Don’t wait for your career to come to you—you need to take ownership of your own growth.

Here are three ways to feel more empowered and prepared to take smart risks:

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky

Risk and reward go together. Some of my greatest career achievements came about by taking educated risks, such as taking on new—and, at times, daunting—responsibilities. Once when asked to create a digital business within an organization, I approached the assignment with apprehension because I was concerned about the risk of failing in front of leaders who trusted me. To build my confidence, I reminded myself that growth comes from seeking out and taking on new challenges. By changing my mindset about the task, I was able to visualize that taking a risk into the unknown realm of “digital business” would enable me to learn a new field, expand my professional skill set, and earn the respect of my peers.

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Before taking a risk at work, ask yourself, “What are the pros and cons?” If you miss out on the promotion or if you don’t get the open position, what does that ultimately mean to your career? Growth comes in trying and persisting. If things don’t go your way, it’s okay to feel disappointed. As Dr. Seuss says in “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” my son’s favorite book: “I’m sorry to say so, but sadly, it’s true that bang-ups and hang-ups can happen to you. Use it as a learning opportunity. Make a mental note to reference how you will approach this the next time you’re ready to take a risk.

Above all, don’t miss the opportunity to take that chance and see where it takes you.

Think short – and long – term

There are times and places for risks, and the only person who can decide when the time is right to take a risk is you. I once received an offer for a position that I believed lacked long-term security from a company that was a major player in a volatile industry. Despite this uncertainty, I knew it was the right chapter of my life to take a chance—this was an opportunity in the short-term to propel myself toward my career goals, and I was committed to making it work.

When considering a career risk, it’s important to evaluate how it would fit into the current chapter of your life as well as your overall career journey. Is there a clear course leading you from where you are now to where you want to be? Are you willing to sacrifice some stability or salary in pursuit of this objective? Do you have the time to dedicate yourself to a new challenge now or are there other demands that would compete and make success unlikely? Answering these questions will help you become a better decision-maker when faced with opportunities to take chances.

Are you willing to sacrifice some stability or salary in pursuit of this objective? —Walia

Map out alternatives

When taking risks of any nature, it is important to have a sense of the full picture. It’s never fun to consider the downsides of risk, but it’s a necessary step to ensure you land on your feet if things go awry.

One good way to hedge your risks is to leverage your network and build your own personal “board of advisors” to your career. These people in your life can help you to assess risk and can also serve as a safety net in case things don’t work out. I believe in the power of positive thinking but having a Plan B isn’t a bad idea. Undeniably, having an alternate plan in place is critical to bouncing back and continuing your career journey.

Taking that first step into something new and unknown can often be unsettling. Our minds try and come up with all the reasons why not to take that risk. Start by taking the opportunity to talk it through with your trusted advisors and work out alternatives that will help ensure you are set up for success. Invest the time to map out what this could mean for your career now and in the future. And finally, take that shot! It could lead you down the path of a most rewarding career.

Author: Vicki Walia is Chief Talent and Capability Officer at Prudential where she oversees the talent team and a team of experts that connect strategy, identify organizational opportunities, build critical capabilities, and navigate change. Connect with her on LinkedIn.

 

Glassdoor.com | June 24. 2019