Article Category : Work Place

Career development is not always about moving up in the organization. It’s more about constantly improving yourself and getting the most out of your job and work life. Regardless of whether or not you are interested in promotion right now, you are interested in standing out at work. To stand out in a good way, you need to be aware of the consequences of what you think, say, and do.

WHAT TO THINK, OR NOT

Think you can (and will) succeed:

People have confidence in us when we have confidence in ourselves, and few things lead to success like self-confidence. We gain confidence as our skill and knowledge grows. The trick is to have confidence to try new things, when immediate success isn’t as likely as when we do things we’ve already mastered. To do this, go slow. Create self-development plans that ease you into a new task. It is easier to overcome small mistakes, and small wins keep you motivated and moving forward.

Think good thoughts about performance feedback:

Performance feedback — particularly in review meetings — are our chance to talk to our manager about where we are, where we want to be, and how we might get there, in our job and in our career. Your attitude about receiving positive and negative feedback will help determine the outcome — whether the feedback is more developmental and future-focused or evaluative and focused on the past. Help your manager give you constructive feedback that helps you grow and reach your goals.

Think about your work as more than a job:

Most of us have to do something to earn a living, but few of us don’t have a choice about what we do. If you’re in a job where you have no energy or enthusiasm in the morning, watch the clock all day, pray for the weekend all week, and long for vacations all year, you’re spending about 40% of your life in the wrong place. To improve your attitude, you have to be where you want to be or have a clear plan for getting there.

Think ‘excellence’:

Doesn’t it feel great to get through the day without challenging ourselves to learn something new or do something great? No? You’re right. Go beyond the minimum effort, the easy way, and the safe path. Work hard to be the best you can be at work and home. You might be surprised how your attitude changes when you seek out challenges and fully commit to what you do.

Think outside yourself:

Listen to your own conversations and notice how often you say the word I: ‘I think,’ ‘I want,’ ‘I wish,’ etc. We tend to think in terms of I, which is okay until it gets in the way of thinking about and relating to others. Put yourself in the other person’s shoes, ask questions, seek new perspectives, value the opportunity to work with coworkers different from you (sometimes very different from you). Most of all, open yourself to new ideas, innovations, changes, and different points of view. Don’t go through life thinking ‘I’ is all there is.

WHAT TO SAY, OR NOT

Don’t use inappropriate language (like swearing):

Too obvious? Perhaps, but people make this mistake too often — even U.S. Presidents. Besides George W. Bush getting caught a couple times on open mikes, Richard Nixon takes the prize for rattling off offensive words in practically every conversation recorded on his infamous Oval Office tapes. The language hurt them, as it will you. Swearing is nearly always offensive to somebody, and it’s a bad habit to get into at work.

Don’t complain and argue (too much):

You can complain, but offer solutions. You can argue, but do it as reasonable and respectful dialogue. Organizations need people to challenge the status quo, and they need people to disagree; otherwise, nothing changes or gets better. But organizations also need people who move the business forward and do not resist every suggestion or new initiative. Don’t be afraid to stand up. If you’ve got a legitimate gripe, present it professionally and constructively.

Don’t talk behind backs:

It can add spice to the workday to get in on the rumor mill, to gossip, to talk about people who aren’t around. Don’t do it, don’t encourage it, and avoid listening to it. You don’t have to be a prude to not speculate or speak negatively about people. It occurs so often, you will really stand out and earn the respect of your manager and coworkers if you don’t do it.

Don’t talk about personal problems:

Our private lives don’t have to be private. Tell your coworkers about your family, your neighbors, your work in the community, etc. Avoid, however, going into great detail or length about personal problems from outside work. It may help you to talk about them, but it doesn’t help you stand out as a professional and focused person who can leave problems at the door.

Don’t talk sex, politics, or religion:

We know these subjects are taboo at social gatherings; they are at work as well. Few things will spur a conflict, or at least, leave a negative impression of you with others, than to state a firm position about sex, politics, or religion. Regarding sex, strict federal laws exist prohibiting sexual discrimination and harassment. Be careful with comments, jokes, e-mails, and the like.

WHAT TO DO, OR NOT

Look and act professional:

If you want people at work to take you seriously, take their perceptions of you seriously. Always be professional and mature, and watch your appearance. Be professional by meeting commitments and respecting your responsibilities to others and yourself. Watch your appearance by being well groomed (bathed, trimmed, combed, etc.) and well dressed (accepted clothing for the position you want, tucked in shirt, clean shoes, matching socks, etc.). Be mature by behaving like a reliable grownup. Have fun at work, and at the same time, let people know you can handle difficult situations with a level head.

Create growth opportunities for yourself:

In a rapidly changing work environment, people who stand still are actually moving backward. No one will hold your hand and force you to grow; you have to show initiative and create your own opportunities. How? Read, observe, listen, use a mentor, volunteer, take advantage of meetings, and speak up. Get in the habit of looking at life and work with the eyes of a learner and improver.

Build relationships:

The person sitting beside you right now might be a CEO some day. Some relationships you form early in your career will last throughout it. You don’t have to meet and befriend everyone in the office, but take care of the relationships you value or the ones you need to get things done. Build networks that help you and your career. It’s who you know and who knows — and feels good about — you.

Make mistakes:

Really? Of course. Not on purpose, obviously, but we grow and improve when we try new things and venture out of our comfort zone, and that’s when we make mistakes. Don’t make big mistakes that are hard to recover from (like investing all of your retirement savings in one stock), but create development plans that allow for small mistakes that you can learn from. Be innovative, be bold, and be ready to make the most of your mistakes.

Be flexible:

‘That’s not my job.’ ‘I don’t want to do that.’ ‘You don’t pay me enough.’ Ever heard these statements … or said them? Managers have a demanding job that requires them to juggle many different tasks and tackle whatever comes along. Get in the habit now of adjusting your routines, shifting gears, and putting in extra effort when needed. Question things that don’t seem right to you, if necessary, then jump in and give it your all.

Think, say, and do the right things every day, and you will stand out at work and move steadily toward your career goals.

About the Author

Dave Neal has helped develop thousands of employees and managers in organizations around the world for over 15 years. He is a senior partner at 4th Street Training. Web: www.4thstreettraining.com. Blog: www.4streetsmarts.blogs.com. Email: dave@4thstreettraining.com.

Category : work, environment, workplace, career

Find Passion for Your Work

Article Category : Work Place

Most people spend approximately 25% to over 67% of their waking hours working. Eventually, most everyone will want to work in a career that they enjoy and are paid well enough to live a prosperous life. Yet, far too many people end up being miserable in their job and find themselves stuck in a career that they did not choose. People then get discouraged, produce less, and become disgruntled. Unfortunately, people then blame themselves or those they work for, when in truth there is rarely anything wrong with them or the people they work for. Instead, maybe their job selection process is flawed which causes them to fall into the wrong positions.You have considerable control over selecting your work conditions to get the position you are passionate about by following these 11 steps.

Step # 1 Avoid following the normal trial and error career selection process

You probably follow the trial and error path to select your job or career. You take jobs that appear to be the best opportunities and try them out. You adjust to what your bosses and the companies want in hopes of advancement. You eventually discover that you are stuck in jobs or careers that you really don’t like. You might switch to other jobs and try them out and eventually end up in the same unhappy position. You will want to avoid falling back into the trial and error selection process.

Step # 2 Avoid following a career path to please others

Many people feel obligated to follow a career to please others or that they feel they “should” pursue. Spousal influence, peer pressure, family tradition, parental pressure, societal pressure, and other outside influences are frequently allowed to dictate career paths. In these situations, you end up working to suit the needs, wants and expectations of someone other than yourself and deep conflicts arise. These conflicts cause you stress, unhappiness and income reduction. You end up working at a position you do not like and eventually disappoint the people you wanted to please in the first place.

Step # 3 Focus first on what you want and enjoy in your ideal career

You have your own inner wants, needs, and feelings. Many times it is easier to follow how others view you than to look for and accept the truth about yourself. The only way you will know which career is best for you is to focus first on YOU to discover what YOU want and what is important to YOU.

Step # 4 Discover your true passions

Most people are passionate about something, but have suppressed their feelings for a number of reasons. You will want to discover what you are passionate about so you can find the position that will allow you to feel fulfilled. Your passions are always with you and you probably do not recognize or understand them. You will know you are passionate about something when you become naturally excited just thinking about it and even more excited about doing it.

Step # 5 Discover your true desires and priorities

Most people do not take the time to discover what their desires and priorities are in life. They seem to just go with the flow and hope that they are heading in the right direction. Yet, the one big reason people feel so frustrated while working is that it conflicts with their true desires and priorities. An example of a desire is: wanting to work outdoors with people. An example of a priority is: placing your family first.

Step # 6 Discover your true values

Everyone has his or her own value system. Unfortunately, people rarely look into their own values and instead frequently accept the values imposed by the companies they work for. Just look at the damage caused to the many employees of Enron, World Com, Global Crossing and others whose beliefs did not agree with the misguided values of the CEO’s and higher executives. Were all of the employees misguided? Certainly not. Yet, most failed to discover their very honest values, and were penalized anyway, because they conflicted with the values of the leaders of the companies.

Step # 7 Discover your true talents

The most productive and enjoyable position for you is the one that comes naturally and is easier to do because it fits your talents and skill levels. You will enjoy working, be much more productive, and generate more quality results when you maximize the use of your talents at work. Your increased productivity and higher quality results will attract greater rewards to you.

Step # 8 Create or find the position the matches you

Unfortunately, many people who actually know what their ideal income positions really are choose not to pursue them. Either they feel guilty pursuing them, or they feel that they are unattainable, or more frequently they do not know how to get them. You want to find or create the position that will allow you to fulfill your passions, desires, values and talents. Now you can create the position to suit you, instead of taking a position and adjusting to it.

Step #9 Get help from the right person

People are led to believe that they can easily look within themselves and discover themselves on their own. Self-help books and assessment tests claim that reading the books or taking the tests will reveal all you need to get your ideal career. Yet, both methods fall very short of actually getting to the truth. Discovering what you really want, what your true talents or values are is not a self-help process.

We humans cannot see our face without using a mirror or a photographic image. Just as you must look into a mirror to see what you really look like, you must have another person act as your objective mirror to see what you really want to do and be in life.

Your other-person-mirror must be totally devoted to you and must be able to actively assist you in seeing within, where you may have been reluctant to look before. They must provide you an objective, non-critical mirror. Seek out and get someone to be your objective mirror to discover the truths about yourself, to find or create your ideal position. Career coaches are trained, motivated and focused on assisting you in becoming “The Worlds Leading Expert on You.”

Step # 10 Go after the position that best suits YOU

Devise a program to attain your very distinct target positions. You will not be trying to “get a job” like so many others. You will be able to focus on getting a very specific income positions. You will not waste time, money, effort or emotional energy on pursuing unwanted position. You will want to recruit your ideal positions, even if they appear not to be available. Why? Because you have now become an extremely valuable and in essence, very marketable source of productivity. You will be very surprised how easy it is to actually get the position you love. Bosses prefer people who are enthusiastic about a job because they love it, and customers are easily attracted to professionals or business owners who love their work.

Step # 11 Recognize that your career wants and needs will change

Many people think that because they finally found the position they are passionate about, that they will want to stay in it forever. The position that is ideal today will probably not be ideal in a couple of years. Why? Because your passions, desires, priorities and needs will most likely change with time. Your values, or at least your understanding of your values might also change. As they change, your ideal career positions will also change. You will want to continually keep a pulse on yourself to determine your new priorities to reshape your career positions to what is important to you in each stage of your life.

Provided as an educational service by Bill Dueease of The Coach Connection, where “connecting great people with great coaches” is their goal. You may receive a free copy of the article “The Ten Paths to Human Improvement” by contacting The Coach Connection at 800-887-7214 or 239-415-1777 or coaches@findyourcoach.com, or http://www.findyourcoach.com/0o-career-coach.htm

Employment Law: Unfair Dismissal - Employer Succeeded in Changing Terms of Employment

Article Category : Work Place

Good News for Employers wishing to change the terms of employment of employees, however, employers must still take care.

In Scott & Co v Richardson [2005], the Dependant, Mr Richardson, who worked for a Scottish firm of debt collectors, refused to accept his new terms of employment which required him to visit defaulting debtors during the evenings. Mr Richardson agreed to work evenings but only if this would continue to attract overtime payments as had previously been the case. Scott & Co tried for seven months to persuade Mr Richardson to change his mind but he refused, finally issuing an ultimatum that his employer should either accept his position or dismiss him. They chose to dismiss him.

At first instance, Scott & Co claimed that the change in working conditions was required to bring the company into line with new market practices and to allow them to plan work more cheaply and effectively. Mr Richardson argued that Scott & Co had failed to prove that there were advantages to the new working arrangements and that the real reason for the changes was to save money in overtime payments.

Mr Richardson succeeded in his claim for unfair dismissal and the Employment Tribunal held that it did not appear that the imposition of the shift system was of such discernible advantage that the only reasonable thing to do was to terminate the employee’s contract unless he would agree to the new arrangement.

On appeal the EAT overturned this decision and held that:-

A Tribunal should not ’second guess’ an employer’s business decision; A Tribunal should evaluate whether dismissal was due to the employer’s reasonable belief that the contract changes had advantages; and The employer did not need to prove that those advantages objectively exist. This is good news for employers who can rely on the principle that the tribunal must respect their commercial decisions in assessing whether a fair reason for dismissal has been shown. However this must be tempered by another EAT decision in Forshaw and others v Archcraft Limited [2005], where the EAT relied on its own assessment that the clause in question was unreasonable and found that the dismissal was unfair. In Forshaw the EAT said that while the tribunal generally will not re-open the commercial decisions of an employer’s management, however, a reason which is genuinely held but is trivial or unworthy or whimsical will mean that the dismissal is unfair.

Comment: Provided that care is taken, changes to employment terms which are supported by sound commercial reasons will be acceptable under the law. If you require further information contact us.

Email: enquiries@rtcoopers.com

?RT COOPERS, 2005. This Briefing Note does not provide a comprehensive or complete statement of the law relating to the issues discussed nor does it constitute legal advice. It is intended only to highlight general issues. Specialist legal advice should always be sought in relation to particular circumstances.

Employment solicitors, employment law, employment lawyers, employment law firm, redundancies, unfair dismissals, breach of contract, workplace disputes, TUPE Transfers, drafting employment contracts, grievance procedures, disciplinary procedures, maternity rights,discrimination, employment Disputes, suspensions, wrongful dismissal,equal pay, media copyright.

Contact us at enquiries@rtcoopers.com or visit our website at http://www.rtcoopers.com

Category : unfair-dismissal, employer, employment, law

A Workplace Romance Can Be Detrimental to Your Career

Article Category : Work Place

Over 70% of single employees will become romantically involved with someone they work with at some point in their career. The workplace has become the new single’s bar. The workplace has also become the number one place for cheating spouses to meet affair partners and conduct extramarital affairs.

Proceed with caution if you’re attracted to someone on your job and are considering engaging in a workplace romance. As tempting as it may be to date someone from work, the risks far outweigh the rewards. An office romance could cause you legal problems, public embarrassment, and could be detrimental to your career.

Legal Complications

If your workplace lover becomes involved in a corporate scandal, you could be named as an accomplice, or hauled into court as a government witness. Consider the examples below:

? U.S. District Judge Barbara Jones, the judge in the trial of ex-WorldCom chief executive Bernard J. Ebbers, ruled that star witness Scott Sullivan can be questioned about his marital infidelity because it speaks to his character for truthfulness.

? Book publisher Judith Regan may be forced to testify about her affair with Bernard Kerik who withdrew his name from Homeland Security nominee in the midst of numerous allegations of personal and professional improprieties.

? Testimony from three former mistresses helped put Nathan Chapman away for 7 ?years for defrauding Maryland’s state pension fund system and looting his three publicly traded companies.

These are just three of the recent examples of how a workplace romance can become public knowledge, much to the embarrassment of those involved.

In addition, males in supervisory positions who become romantically involved with female subordinates run the risk of becoming the subject of a sexual-harassment suit if the woman later claims to have been coerced or pressured into the relationship for fear of her job. For that reason many companies now forbid romance between bosses and subordinates. Others companies require persons who are romantically involved to sign consensual relationship agreements ? also known as “love contracts” - which state that the relationship is voluntary.

Career Complications

Aside from legal issues, if you’re tempted to date your boss, consider the negative impact a workplace romance could have on your career. If the romance ends badly, some very unpleasant things can occur. Your ex-lover has the ability to undermine your career in ways you can’t even begin to imagine. Why take a chance?

Below are some of the day-to-day and long-range career complications that can result from a workplace romance:

? Envious co-workers may become jealous and attempt to sabotage your work.

? Your productivity or the productivity of those around you may suffer.

? You could become the subject of office gossip

? If your office romance results in preferential treatment with regard to work assignments, raises, promotions or company perks your co-workers will resentment you.

? A series of office romances will earn you a reputation as someone who tries to sleep their way to the top.

? You may be transferred to another department or even required to leave the company, especially if you are a woman. When an office affair becomes a problem, it’s usually the woman who is penalized.

? It could create an awkward situation when the romance ends, and the two of you still have to work together.

? If you end the relationship and the other person is vindictive, they can sabotage your career in ways you can’t even begin to imagine.

? A disgruntled lover can negatively influence the kind of work assignments, raises, and opportunities for advancement you receive.

? Your coworkers’ perception of your work performance may be lowered.

? No matter how hard you work, there will always be speculation about whether or not your raise or your promotion was a reward for sexual favors.

If you’re currently involved in a workplace romance, or you’re tempted to get involved in one despite the warnings, do your utmost to keep things on a professional level. There are guidelines to help you minimize any possible damage to your career. To receive a copy of the tip sheet “How to Keep Your Office Romance on a Professional Level”, send an e-mail to InfidelityInfo@gmail.com with “Office Romance” in the subject line.

?2005 Ruth Houston

About Ruth Houston:

Infidelity expert Ruth Houston is the author of Is He Cheating on You?- 829 Telltale Signs, a comprehensive guide which documents practically every known sign of infidelity. She has been quoted in the New York Times, the Toronto Sun, Cosmopolitan and numerous other publications; and has been a guest on over 100 radio and TV talk shows in the US, Europe, the Caribbean and South America. For more information, visit her website http://www.InfidelityAdvice.com

Top 10 Skills for New World of Work

Article Category : Work Place

There are many changes coming in the world of work, such as increased competition, the need for more education and certifications, and the trend to change careers 5-7 times in a lifetime. No matter what job or career path you decide to take, there are some basic skills that all employers look for. To succeed in the modern world of work, keep your skill set up- to- date. The following is a list of the top ten skills needed for the new world of work.

1. Communication

Communication is the ability to effectively communicate your thoughts and ideas in person, on paper, and over the telephone. It involves listening to others and being open to other viewpoints and opinions.

What communication skills can you develop?

2. Creativity

Creativity is the ability to think and act “out of the box.” To be creative is to discover new and innovative ways of thinking and doing things.

How can you be more creative?

3. Technology

Understanding technology is the willingness to utilize computer systems, the latest software, etc.. Embracing technology means using the computer in your daily life and on the job.

What do you need to embrace technology?

4. Team Work

Team work is the ability to work effectively in a team situation. It is being able to utilize the right people to get the best results and being willing to lead and to follow.

What do you can you be counted on to bring to a team?

5. Flexibility

Flexibility is the ability to “go with the flow.” To be flexible, you change on an as-needed basis, with the ability to “change hats” frequently.

How can you bend and stretch more?

6. Information Management

Managing information is the ability to know where to get needed information—to search, locate, and retrieve it. This may involve utilizing various resources, whether they be people, printed materials, or the vast world of technology.

Where do you need to go to get the information you need?

7. Self Management

Self management is the ability to manage oneself in personal and professional situations. When you manage yourself, you are able to respond appropriately to stressful situations.

How can you more effectively manage yourself?

8. Customer Care

To care for the customer is the ability to care about the needs and concerns of other people, especially those you serve. It is to “go the extra mile” for your customers or clients.

In what ways can you go “the extra mile” for others?

9. Character

To have character is to project a positive image by acting in a manner that reflects trust, confidence, honesty, and integrity.

What kind of character do you want to project?

10. Personal Development

To develop personally is the ability to continuously improve upon one’s skill set. It is to be dedicated to lifelong learning.

How can you commit to lifelong learning?

It is never too early to develop these key skills. And,with practice and commitment, you will become the kind of worker employers are looking for.

About The Author

Michelle L. Casto is a Whole Life Coach, Speaker and author of Get Smart! About Modern Career Development: A Personal Guide to Creating Your Life’s Work. www.getsmartseries.com and www.brightlightcoach.com

coach@getsmartseries.com

Reinvent Yourself in a New Career

Article Category : Work Place

Some people reserve the word “vocation” for religious calling. Contemporary career guides encourage us to think of a “life purpose” that guides and gives meaning to a life, regardless of career. See, for example, Mark Albion’s book, Making a Life, Making a Living.

Many people speak of being “called” to a career. There is a sense of “inevitability,” that, “I was meant to do this.” Some say, “This feels right.”

Self-help books, career coaches and counselors are available to help people who want to discover their sense of purpose. In reality, all any of us can do is stir the pot: create an environment where vocation can be discovered and grown.

The push for reinvention can come from yourself or from external forces.

It can be more difficult to deal with losing a much-loved career that gave meaning to a life. Sometimes the vocation can be taken away when a job is lost or a market disappears.

Often, however, people feel no external push out the door. They just realize, sadly, that they no longer love what they are dong. Or they no longer believe their work has value. And, they ask, what next?

Reinvention does not follow burnout.

Losing a vocation is not the same as “burning out.” Burnout, a well-defined psychological condition, results when people feel they are giving more to their work than they are getting back. They begin to see clients as ungrateful and undeserving.

Burnout requires healing: deeper personal relationships, creativity, and time off. A lost vocation cannot be healed. It may return in a different form but people must recognize that it is a real loss that will be grieved.

Four steps to find your way forward

You probably can’t go home again, but here are some ways to go forward.

First, create your own way to say good-by to your former life. Not everyone experiences severe grief symptoms — sleeplessness, self-destructive actions, loss of appetite — but if you do, see a licensed therapist or grief counselor.

Second, begin to introduce new actions and activities into your life. In the early stages, do not worry about finding a new vocation. Just begin to act. You may want to keep a journal or embark on a creativity program, such as The Artist’s Way. You may enter a temporary setting, such as the Peace Corps or a university degree program.

Third, honor what you lost. A part of you will always reside there. A dancer-turned-business-student uses the discipline or dance to excel in her studies. A teacher-turned-flight attendant can handle restless passengers.

Fourth, realize you have a wonderful gift: the capacity to find meaning in life and work. Begin working towards a new future, realizing that one day you will be caught up in a new adventure.

Your new vocation will come as a surprise, perhaps when you give up looking. It won’t be the same but you will feel rewarded, happy, fulfilled and stronger.

I offer one-to-one consultations on career strategy.

About The Author

Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., is an author, speaker and career/business consultant, helping midlife professionals take their First step to a Second Career. http://www.cathygoodwin.com.

“Ten secrets of mastering a major life change” mailto:subscribe@cathygoodwin.com

Contact: cathy@cathygoodwin.com

Is Job Loss Making You Sick?

Article Category : Career Management, Work Place

Job loss affects most of us like any other loss in life. Yes, there are other losses that are greater, but this one comes close too!

From my experience, job loss can make anyone sick! There can be terrible anger; anger which turns into depression. Even euphoria, has its other side; depression is it.

Relief at getting out of a bad job should be enjoyed while it lasts. Relief and euphoria can prepare the job loser with a second wind!

It’s at the time when anger, depression and frustration set in that the job “loser–soon to be job seeker” can hit some rough spots with displaced anger; sleeplessness, and a feeling of mild despair.

Again, from my point of view, this is the time of job loss to exercise at something. Exercising not as drudgery, but at something that is fun.

The most important thing to do is to get emotional support. Never mind whether it is from a friend, family member or an agency. Support is crucial in avoiding illnesses, which can surface even after getting a new job.

Talk, talk, talk it out. Write, write, write it out. This experience will not last forever.

When you look at the experience from another point of view, MAYBE this is a new time to think of WELLNESS; when you look for your next job.

Practice new skills before setting new goals, laugh a lot, and be good to yourself at last!

Marilyn J. Tellez, M.A. Certified Job & Career Transition Coach Phone: (509) 469-3514 Email: doitnow@nwinfo.net Web: http://www.doitnowcareers.info

Category : jobsloss

Dissatisfied With Your Job? Stop Believing The Myths!

Article Category : Career Management, Work Place

If you are dissatisfied with your job, you are in a self-imposed career slump!

Why are so many of us in career slumps? Bottom line?we are not doing work that satisfies us! No matter what our employer does for us, if we are not doing work we really want to be doing, in a way that fits our desired life-style, we will never be satisfied.

What keeps us in career slumps for so long? The number one thing that keeps us in our slumps is that we believe the “myths” we were told!

1. We believe, “I can’t make money doing work I love.” Yet reality gives us a ton of examples of people who are wealthy and happy doing the work they do.

2. We believe, “In order to be happy, I need to find my purpose.” Yet reality shows us that there are plenty of people doing work they love who have no clue what their “true” purpose is.

3. We believe, “To get better, I must work on my weaknesses.” Yet reality shows us time and again that the most successful people are those who focus on their strengths.

4. We believe, “I am a victim of outside circumstances.” Yet reality shows us people who get jobs they love when the job market is supposedly “bad”.

5. We believe, “I have no choice.” Yet reality shows us people who believe they always have a choice and have built great lives and careers.

If you are not doing work you love then you are in a career slump and you most likely remain there because of your belief in one or more of these myths.

If you can’t come to terms with these myths, no amount of resume writing, personality testing, or job searching will ever change your situation.

It’s time to bust these myths and start pursuing work you REALLY want. How do you do that?

-Start with getting clear and more importantly honest about what you REALLY want to be doing.

-Once you are clear, commit yourself to only taking actions and making choices that support what you want.

-Finally, get the support you need to get clear, stay focused while taking action and change your beliefs to create your new truths:

“I am making money doing work I love!”

“I know my purpose is to continually focus on what I want!”

“I know using my strengths is where my happiness lies!”

“I know I can control what I think about my career choices!”

“I ALWAYS have a choice!”

Being in a career slump is no fun and takes some work to get out of. Finding the right support is critical to your success!

Eliminating these myths is the best way to jump-start you out of your slump and start moving you toward work that will REALLY satisfy you!

Doreen Banaszak is a career coach, teacher & Founder of the “90-Day Get Your Career UnSlumped Challenge”. Register today for the “The Fastest Way to GetUnSlumped & Create Work that Satisfies You” 1 hour Tele-Workshop. Call in and learn how to overcome the 4 primary reasons why 56% of the population remains dissatisfied with their work. Register at http://www.getunslumped.com!

Career Job Satisfaction - Get Off the Treadmill - Exit Your Rat Race!

Article Category : Work Place

Get Off the Treadmill - Exit Your Rat Race!

We can all get in a rut from time to time. Who hasn’t had a moment in their lives where you’ve asked yourself the question: “Why am I doing this?” Whether it’s who you’ve become, the business you are in, your career, relationships, where you live or all of the above - sometimes you realise you’re just not where you want to be ? and you’re not sure how you got there! It sure feels like your own version of a rat race though.

If where you want to be in your life is not where you are, then maybe it’s time for you to drop out of your very own rat race. We are conditioned into believing that we must continue to strive, to take more on, and to do more, in order to be “successful”. But this is a limited and ultimately self-defeating definition. If we can only be more successful by what and how much we do, then we have created our own treadmills to run on.

1. Redefine Success Redefining success for yourself can be the first step in taking a fresh perspective. Try this exercise by completing the following sentence. ” I know I am successful when??.” You may not complete the sentence with anything to do with work or material goods.

Here are some examples. I know I am successful when?. ?I laugh every day with my children ?I bounce out of bed enthusiastically every morning ?all of my relationships give me great joy ?I inspire others to make positive changes

By redefining what we believe makes us successful, we begin to strive for different things in our lives. This can be instrumental in slowing down the treadmill enough for us to take stock of where we are.

2. Springclean your mind If you feel as though you don’t have time for anything, especially thinking about ways to do things differently, it’s time for a time-out. When we are busy and occupied all the time, we are usually reacting to things going on around us, rather than acting out of choice. So make an active choice to take a rest, a vacation, talk it out with someone you trust, blow off steam, do whatever it takes to get some perspective about your situation. Just this simple step will make you feel more in control, and can help to streamline the energy you’ll need for the changes ahead. The idea is not to just get out of your rat race but to go towards a more fulfilling way of living

3. Get real The reality is that you can’t change anyone else’s behaviour but your own. So it’s a good time to stop wishing that people would act differently so that you could feel better. Also, it’s time to make alternative plans just in case you don’t win the lottery or get a salary increase. This sounds harsh, but people who wait for things to happen to them are usually waiting a long time. Don’t wait for chance or fate to step in. Figure out what it will cost (in time, energy, money, etc.) to make the changes you know you need to make. Then figure out what it will cost not to.

4. Pack light There’s something very cathartic about taking time to clean things out ? getting rid of the old to make way for the new. You could start with a room in your house, your email address list, or old beliefs that aren’t adding value to you any more. In every situation there is a good lesson to take with you, something of value to keep. Even if it’s only, ‘Well that’s a place I know I never want to be again’; there is something worth keeping.

Any situation, and your perception of it, is part of who you are. Identify specifically what it is you want to keep and what you’ll leave behind. Be brutal. You may even miss some of the things you choose to leave behind ? that’s all part of the process. What you will find is renewed energy for new things that you want to include in your life ? a great start to exiting your rat race and beginning on a new journey.

5. Create a map When was the last time you thought about where you wanted to be in 5 or 10 years time? We get so caught up in “doing” things - for the business, for work, for others ? things we think we should be doing, that we take no time to consider what we really want. Forget the race. Think journey.

Take the time to think about yourself, and where you would like to be. Nobody else’s map will do here ?it’s time to do some hard thinking for yourself. What are the core values that you’d like to base your life around? What do you love to do or to be? What gives you a sense of purpose? What do you stand for? What could you not be dissuaded from believing in, no matter what? If you had one life to live this time round what would you do with it?

These are tough questions and their answers are part of the journey. Don’t freak or feel guilty if you don’t know the answers straight away. For the impatient and perfectionist people reading, this is not a test ? there is no pass or fail. So don’t treat it like one. The more you know about yourself, the more you will be able to start drawing your own map.

6. Head for the Life! (not the lifestyle) Do you know what the difference is between having a life and maintaining a lifestyle? A lifestyle is something we are told we need by society, advertisers, and parents. Life’s luxuries, although nice to have, can be expensive financially and in the energy spent getting them. Perhaps the energy spent maintaining a lifestyle might be better used turning your life into an expression of who you are. A lifestyle buys comfort. A life buys satisfaction and contentment. The best bed in the world only makes for a comfortable sleepless night if you lack contentment. If your lifestyle impedes you being who you are then dump it.

7. Go for your ideal If it turns out that you drop out of your rat race and into your perfect life, would you even know it? Create a vision of where it would be, who you’re with, what you’re doing. Design it around your passions, beliefs, values and loves. Remember, just like spending your money, if you don’t know what you want from your life there’s plenty of people around who will be only too glad to tell you.

8. Look out for the rough bits. Choosing to live your life in your own way is tougher than staying in your rat race. People you know may be understanding or incredulous, and won’t hesitate to give you their opinion. Temptations will abound to take a few laps round the old racecourse when the going gets tough. Our old comfort zones are traps waiting to lure us back into our old ways. By being aware of this and planning for how you’ll cope you will get through. Anything different can be scary. But it can also be fun too!

9. Enjoy the trip! You’ve recognised where you don’t want to be any longer and identified where you do. Now live where you are. Learn from the past and move on. Plan for the future but live in the present. You can’t do anything about yesterday, so stop worrying about it. If you spend every minute think about tomorrow then you’ll never enjoy today. And that’s where all the action is!

10. Go for it. No more excuses. Nothing more to say. Just do it.

Sometimes the only way to “win” a race - where there can be no winner - is to just stop running.

Megan Tough, Director of Action Plus, is passionate about helping people enjoy their businesses. She works internationally with business owners to systematically remove the stress points from their business, giving them more time and space for - well -whatever they want! Visit her at http://www.megantough.com for more information on taking the stress out of your business.

Four Important Questions to Ask Your Interviewer; Do You Really Want to Work for This Person?

Article Category : Interview Tips, Career Management, Work Place, Recruiters Press

Many job seekers miss a golden opportunity when they are asked towards the end of an interview if they爃ave any questions. If they feel the interviewer adequately explained the position, they make the mistake of answering “No” to this question. But this is the perfect time to find out if you really want to work for this person!?After all, even a wonderful job can turn into a miserable experience if you don’t get along with the person you work for.

Here’s how to find out if the boss will be as great as the job — ask these questions during the interview:

1.?”What’s your ideal employee like?”?Asking this question will give you an idea of what this boss would expect from you. Listen carefully to the answer and deduce what it will mean for you.?For example, if her ideal employee works independently, you’ll know this boss is not a爉icromanager. If her ideal employee follows procedures without question, you’ll know it may be an uphill battle to implement changes or new ideas. If her ideal employee works long hours, don’t expect to leave on time every night.

2.?”What are the other people in the office like?”?Does this boss really know the people who work for her? Does she list their accomplishments with pride or say something vague and unimpressive??Note her tone of voice when she talks about her team. Is she enthusiastic or disappointed?

3.?”How does an employee succeed on your team?” Hopefully she’ll give you something more enlightening than “Do the job right.”?You want to learn what standards are expected. For example, if it’s a sales position, will you be expected to exceed a specific dollar value in sales or obtain a percentage of satisfied customers? So if her answer is too generic, you may have to follow up with more questions to get specifics.?Ask about the typical career path for an employee who successfully meets goals.

4.?”How do you go about solving problems?”?How she answers this question can give you insight into her management style. Does she prefer to take charge when things go wrong, or encourage her team to develop solutions?

In addition to the answers themselves, note this person’s overall attitude about answering these questions. If she was open to them and answered thoughtfully, she’s probably someone who enjoys promoting good working relationships.?If you’re offered the job, you shouldn’t have any hesitations about working for this person.?But if she appeared to resent the questions and didn’t answer them to your satisfaction, she’s not someone you’d
want to work for.

It’s better to know this sooner rather than later!?

Bonnie Lowe is author of the popular Job Interview Success System and free information-packed ezine, “Career-Life Times.” Find those and other powerful career-building resources and tips at her website: http://www.best-interview-strategies.com.

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