Career Chaos

ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE

Did everyone see the Academy Awards show last night? Though not directly related to career change per se, I can't help but comment on Hilary Swank's best actress acceptance speech. Now a two-time Oscar winner, she remarked about being raised "in a trailer park" and look what she's achieved.

Sure, she's an actress, but that wasn't always the case. Maybe luck played a role in her career success, but if you take a deeper look at her career path, I'm sure you'd find a lot of hard work, perseverance and focused goals.

I think this just goes to show that anyone can achieve career success provided you know what you want and set out to get it. What do you think?

EXECUTIVES WANT CAREER CHANGES, TOO

How long do you think executives stay with one company? According to a press release issued by the executive search firm, Korn Ferry International, one result of a their recent survey shows that 56% of the executives have worked at 4-7 companies over the life of their careers.

More amazing though, the survey indicated that 33% would change industries - WOW! a radical career change!

Interestingly, 4% said they wouldn't consider any career change at all. That says to me that only 4% were totally satisfied with their jobs. So, it looks like job dissatisfaction goes all the way up the ladder. How does that make you feel?

Read the entire article and let me know your opinion.

RADICAL CAREER CHANGE - WHY NOT?

So far this blog has been uncharacteristically non-controversial. That stops now!

I hope you've seen here that career change CAN happen. No one has to stay bound to a career not of his choosing. You have what it takes to proactively choose to change - just start to make it happen!

However, not every careers industry talking head agrees with this philosophy. Marty Nemko of "Cool Careers for Dummies" fame claims that "most aspiring career changers usually end up deciding to stay in their old career." Is that true? If so, why?

In his "Making a Radical Career Change," I claim he's way off base. Focused on more of what is than what's possible, Nemko offers some old-school advice and concludes, "try to get your job description changed to suit your strengths."

What do you think? Is it the job that's lacking, or is it your inner self that's crying for more?

COMPREHENSIVE CAREER BLOG

Are you ready to expand your horizons and read another career blog? I found one that has gobs of resources and great articles. BostonWorks.com has a job blog that really merits your attention. Just don't forget to come back here for more career change news!

MASTERING CHANGE

When contemplating a career change, create a plan to organize the process. Change is never easy - yet improvement always requires change. Check out The Top 10 Steps to Mastering Change for tips on how to become more accepting of change. My favorite tip is the first one listed: Accept that change is inevitable.

No job remains static, no career lasts forever. How many job or career changes have you had? Would you believe that most of us will change jobs about every 3 years during our lives?

CAREER CHANGE - NOW!

The best way to change careers the fastest is to become an expert at networking. Most of us are only 6 degrees from the person with whom we need to connect. Get out and among people! Do it right. Make Your Contacts Count and watch your career flourish!

BURNED OUT? CHANGE CAREERS?

Are you one of the 70% of all U.S. employees unhappy at work? Does your job meet your employer's needs but not yours?

From every career corner, I hear the roar of burned out workers - so many people want to quit but not sure how. Can you relate?

Before walking out, speak up. Perhaps your boss could help - is he really that bad? Of course, there was a Gallup poll done that showed 75% of employees left because of their manager, not the job. BUT,  "career development is a whole new topic in the boardrooms aroung the country." (Take This Job and Love It!).

Don't quit on whim. Weigh the pros and cons carefully. Know what you want to do and where you want to go. Planning is the key for your choosing the career instead of letting the career choosing you.

DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR CAREER - OR DID IT CHOOSE YOU?

Many of us go through life working a job we really don't like because we just kind of fell into it. Does that sound like you?

I know it was true for me for the first 12 years of my work life. Once I realized I wasn't happy, it took me 3 years to figure out what I really wanted to do - and then get it! Luckily, I was able to identify my true calling and discover how to work my passion. Of course, if I'd had a career coach, it wouldn't have taken nearly as long.

Picking a Career isn't easy anytime, but when you take charge and invest the time and resources into choosing your career instead of letting it choose you, you will find more joy in your work. Take a look at 20 questions to ask before making a leap.

STEPPING INTO A NEW CAREER

Ready for a career change? It takes a fire in your gut and a clear focus to make it happen. Closely consider a career change - review the necessary steps, get a coach to support you, then jump in!