Career Chaos

FIND YOUR "JOY BUDDY" FOR JOB SEARCH MOTIVATION

Do you struggle with finding your creativity when exploring new career possibilities? Some of my career coaching clients do. They let the overwhelm of money worries, coupled with the facts and fears brought on by high unemployment rates, get in their way of productive introspection and career clarification.

As a dog lover living with three rescued canines (I only get rescued dogs - but that's for another post), I regularly watch Cesar Milan's "Dog Whisperer" TV show. One of his frequent lessons is to explain that dogs live in the present, not the past or the future. We can all benefit from living in the present. Instead of dwelling on the past (why was I laid off?) or fearing the future (I'll be living on the street with a tin cup in a year), job seekers can help themselves more by focusing on the present.

"Present" questions to ask yourself:

• What are my core values and why are they important to my career?
• What makes me want to get up in the morning and go to work?
• What job skills am I good at AND love to use?

If you let your emotions, or fears of the past or future, cripple your creativity, you will freeze your ability to act. And you have to act to change your job situation for the better!

I found an inspirational article that I recommend to anyone trapped by their worries: "How to squash worry and grab more happiness out of life in tough times". Please read it and discover things you can do today to get your job search back on track once you make room for creativity to flourish again. And while you're at it, find a "joy buddy" - dogs make great "joy buddies," by the way.

FINDING YOUR "MOJO" AFTER A LAYOFF

NOTE: Job Action Day was initiated by Quintessential Careers. Look for other career-related blogs that display the above logo. Hope you enjoy my contribution.

Wonder where your MOJO went?

It seems like every day I pick up my phone to hear a job seeker cry, “Help! I feel so lost. The layoff crushed my self-esteem and I can’t find the energy to start looking for a new job. What can I do?” My first response is “Breathe!” Then, “Please tell me your story.”

Usually the layoff was not your fault. However, knowing that fact may not provide comfort if your identity is tied up in your career. Please try to remember that the layoff wasn’t personal – chances are you were doing a good job. The company just needed to cut back. To conduct an empowered job search, begin by accumulating baby-step wins to enhance your self-esteem. Don’t try to recover your “mojo” in one giant leap.

With unemployment hovering around 10%, we tend to forget that 90% of the country is still employed. Furthermore, the “10%” includes all occupations in all industries. Experienced workers with college degrees enjoy a lower unemployment rate. Many of us are looking at the glass as 10% empty instead of 90-95% full!

Panic and self-doubt can dominate a job search when fed by the media. So tune out and turn off the news! Beware of all the advice you get from well-meaning friends and family. Don’t let yourself be influenced by matters beyond your control. Yes, I said, “control.” There are still ways to control your job search and career.

Begin by taking inventory of your skills, talents, knowledge, interests, experience – and toss in a healthy dose of values, those things that are must-haves in your life. Do online and off line research to find the fields that ARE hiring. Determine how your “best stuff” can be a match for open job opportunities. Sounds easy, doesn’t it? Actually, it’s a lot of work – which is why you need to make looking for a job a full time job in itself. Scheduling job search tasks in a daily planner can help you stay on track – make appointments with yourself and keep them.

Surprisingly, the most difficult task is the research. (You thought I was going to say networking, didn’t you? Gotcha!) Research is where many job seekers get stuck. They try to stay with what they are familiar with instead of branching out. For example, if you’ve been part of the corporate scene all of your life, have you even considered exploring federal government work? Take a spin around www.usajobs.gov and see if anything there catches your eye. At last glance, this site had over 32,000 government jobs posted on it. Don’t let the government application process discourage you. It’s somewhat different from the process you’re familiar with, but it is doable.

As part of your research, try to find someone to talk to who is actually doing (or has done) what interests you. It helps to get the scoop first hand. LinkedIn, where you should already have a robust profile, is a good place to make these connections. (Did you know that this web site is where recruiters go first when looking for candidates?) LinkedIn is also best web site for online networking. (Yes, networking IS a critical part of the job search success equation.)

Finding “anything, just anything” isn’t the best solution to getting reemployed. While you may need to take on a temporary position for a little while, hold out for the permanent job that will challenge your mind and feed your soul. Yes, it’s a jungle out there, but it’s still possible to land on your feet when you trust your instincts and know you deserve the best.

Now, go get your MOJO back!

SPECIAL NOTE: I am honored to be a member of the Career Collective, a group of career experts who will each month share their advice and tips to enhance the management of your career. Please link to their blog posts below. And follow our hashtag #careercollective on Twitter:

Debra Wheatman: Plan B from outer space; or what do you have in case your first plan doesn't work out

Heather Mundell: Green Jobs - What They Are and How to Find Them

Erin Kennedy: Cutting Edge Job Search Blueprint

Gayle Howard: The Enlightened Jobseeker

Grace Kutney, Securing Your Career While Navigating the Winds of Change

Hannah Morgan: Career Sherpa Why Our Job Search Advice is the Same but Different

Heather R. Huhman: Take Action: 10 Steps for Landing an Entry-Level Job

Laurie Berenson: Making lemonade out of lemons: Turn unemployment into entrepreneurship

Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter: You Can Thrive In, Not Just Survive, an Economic Slogging

Rosalind Joffe: Preparedness: It's Not Just for Boyscouts

Rosa E. Vargas: Are You Evolving Into The In-Demand Professional of Tomorrow?

Dawn Bugni: Your network IS your net worth

Miriam Salpeter: Optimize your job hunt for today's economy

Barbara Safani: Where the Jobs Are: 2009 and Beyond

GL Hoffman: The Life of An Entrepreneur: Is It for You?

Katharine Hansen: Job Action Day 09: His Resume Savvy Helped New Career Rise from Layoff Ashes

Martin Buckland: Job Search: The Key to Securing Your Future Career

 

Chandlee Bryan: Where the Green Jobs Are

"JULIE & JULIA": A SCRIPT FOR CAREER TRANSITION

"Julie & Julia" appealed to me on many different levels: I love to cook, I love Julia Child's personality, but as a Career Coach, I most love the process of career transition demonstrated in the movie. Seeking a purpose to her life as she felt stuck in a mundane job, modern day Julie set a goal to cook her way through Julia's French cookbook in a year - and blogging about it every step of the way. Her blog took on a life of its own (as blogs can do) and propelled her to job offers from media and publishers. Voila! No more mundane job - hello new career!

Responding to the question every Career Coach asks a hopeful career changer, "What do you really like to do?", Julie Child tells her husband, "Eat!" In a parallel universe we watch Julia Child engineer her own career transition from stay-at-home wife of a diplomat to a professional French chef student that leads to teaching and then to writing her renowned cookbook - half a century ago. With determination and commitment to the process, she keeps pursuing her cookbook dream despite publishers' rejections. She networks (as does Julie) with people who can help her.

The first ingredient required to start any career change process is self-motivation. Julie and Julia did not quit, despite the many obstacles thrown into their way: spouse relocation, unsuccessful cooking attempts, negative comments from others. Instead, they stay focused on their goals, fearlessly trying new things and thriving with the support of those who truly cared.

What really grabbed my attention in the movie was how powerful the blog became as a vehicle for skyrocketing Julie's career transition. Many times a week I discuss blogging with my career coaching clients. Want to get a new job? Start a new career? Then get known on the Internet! That's the first place hiring managers and recruiters look today to learn more about you before scheduling any job interview.

If you don't have a presence on the Internet, you are at a disadvantage - almost as much as if you have a negative presence on the Web. Blogs get indexed quickly so Internet surfers can find them soon after you post. Blog about your career passions spotlighting your knowledge. But if blogging just isn't for you, at least create a professional profile on LinkedIn, the most popular online hot spot for career changers and employers alike.

"Julie & Julia" is a movie everyone who desires a career change must see. Besides its obvious appeal that showcases Meryl Streep's character acting, this movie provides a blueprint for orchestrating your own career change. Watch, listen and enjoy. And take away all its tips to help YOU find the career you really can enjoy.

Bon appetit! (Change your career with confidence!)

CAREER COACHES: DIFFERENT OPINIONS ON VALUE OF THE PROFESSION

Sometimes you just have to speak your mind. And that I did in response to the article, "Your Career: Pros and Cons of Coaches" that appeared on the MSNBC website. I felt the article was presented as fact when opinion was more appropriate. I also felt it was written as advice not founded on fact.

Here is my commentary as it appears on Newsvine along with the article that prompted my response:

"So sad to see an author's opinions being presented as fact based on the experience of publishing a book or two. I wonder how many job seekers has this author actually helped? How many testimonials can she offer to her readers?

"There is NO comparison between self-study through books and regular human interaction with a trained/certified/experienced career coach. What book offers discourse on choices or empathy on personal situations endured?

"There ARE credentialing bodies for career coaches, most notably the International Coach Federation and the Institute of Career Certification International. There are even some colleges and universities now offering coursework in coaching.

"As a Career Management Fellow through ICC International, a Master Certified Career Coach through Career Coach Institute, and an Officer of the Board of the Association of Career Professionals International, I can attest to the fact that most career coaches are true professionals. Career coaches help people discover career options and make tough career choices; clarify/organize their thought processes; enhance their workplace communications; and support/guide them in solving their most challenging career-related problems. And NEVER do true career coaches find jobs for their clients!

"In this very trying recession when layoffs happen at the drop of a hat, career coaches help layoff victims work through the shock and anger of job loss so they can find the courage to risk rejection as they submit resumes into a great abyss and compete for new jobs among hundreds of candidates for each position.

"Active on both Twitter and LinkedIn, I have many times referred followers to MSNBC's career column. Too bad I won't be doing that anymore.

"Oh, BTW, I'm celebrating 10 years as a career coach this year after working as a recruiter, job developer, and employment specialist since 1986."

FIGHTING THE "NO JOB" FEAR

Are you one of the hundreds of thousands of job seekers in a state of panic - not landing fast enough in your next job? Today's job seeker must come to terms with the possibility that work as they've known it may be gone forever. Kind of harsh, to be sure, but necessary to accept. A new job IS out there, but retrofitting your skills and interests to it may take some time.

Online Wikipedia defines retrofitting as "... the addition of new technology or features to older systems." Does that feel like what you're in the middle of doing?

The process of retrofitting takes place in a state I call Career Dissonance, a plateau where the old no longer works, but the change required to adapt to the new has not yet been accepted. Personal attributes required to get you through the Career Dissonance and over to the "change" side include curiosity, creativity, patience, and a healthy dose of self-motivation with perseverance.

Without the above personal attributes, you run the risk of deflating like a balloon, or worse, sinking into a hopeless pit. Panic and fear are your worst enemies. Keep them at bay by maintaining your social contacts, doing something productive everyday, and giving yourself permission to take periodic breaks from the grinding job search to do something fun. It's amazing how much better you can feel after a heartfelt belly-laugh - let the tears flow! Laugh until your side aches!

Everyone has to find their own way to manage the stress, but if you don't find a way, it will control your feelings and your actions.

Just remember that you will eventually come out on the other side of Career Dissonance. Make friends with change because right now it your strongest ally.

DO YOU RUN YOUR CAREER OR DOES IT RUN YOU?

Career self-management is the name of today's employment game. Whether between jobs or not, you must continue to explore your career options, even after achieving your "dream" job. Don't get stuck in a career rut. Job security comes only from within YOU.

Research your career interests. Talk to people in different fields. Develop networks and get involved. Keep looking for ways to improve your skills and increase your knowledge. Gather data, make decisions, and plot your course to career success. Never, ever, ignore the proverbial handwriting on the employer's wall. Always be ready for the next change.

And don't forget about life/work balance. What do you need to do it all most effectively? How can you get focused with a sound action plan? Don't hesitate to reach out for professional guidance and support.

CAREER CHANGE - WHAT'S HEADING YOUR WAY?

In his weekly address to the nation today, President-elect Obama hints at what could yet come for U.S. workers - potentially millions of layoffs in 2009. But he also proposes a plan: "The economic recovery plan being developed by his staff aims to create 2.5 million jobs by January 2011."

The Big Question: Will you be ready to change jobs - even careers - if necessary? Now's the time to take stock of what you know, what you can do, and what you can learn. Don't let a layoff catch you off guard - be ready for it even if you can't imagine how YOUR job could possibly be in jeopardy.

While financial expert Suze Orman says now is the time to "hunker down," only pay for purchases with cash, and save 10% of your income -- now is NOT the time to "hunker down" job where your job is concerned. Instead, you have to become proactive - take charge - grab control of your career and your job. Whatever you do, don't trust your company to take care of you - you must take care of yourself.

[Sidebar: Last week I bid an outplacement project for a small company that was eliminating the positions of three employees - each person over 50 years of age and each with 13-20 years' experience at the company. THIS COULD ALSO HAPPEN TO YOU!]

Career change is never easy. It requires an open mind, flexibility, and acceptance that your current job situation is going in a different direction whether you want to go with the flow or not. Please, use this time while you're still employed to create your personal career plan. Take the time to do the research to know where you could fit in if the next layoff hits you.

CAREER CHAOS ISN'T EASY, BUT IT'S WORTH IT!

Making changes under pressure usually results in the wrong decisions. Who can think clearly if you've just lost your job? However, if you have the financial resources and peace of mind, then, by all means, take the time following layoff or termination to carefully explore the changes you want to make in your next career move.

"Change Isn't As Easy As It Sounds" (Kansas City Star, 12-31-06) addresses the dilemma of how much change one should undertake in finding a new job after layoff or termination. It makes for an interesting read, but fails to tell the stories of those who did make radical career changes successfully.

As a career coach, my files are filled with those success stories. It is possible to make radical career changes that result in your increased happiness and overall job satisfaction. It's up to you to decide when you are ready to change instead of just looking for a job that pays you for doing the same old thing.

CHASING HAPPINESS

As a career coach I see a lot of self-proclaimed unhappy people. When I ask new clients their main goal for the next three months and 90% say they want to be happy, I have to sit back and ask, "What does happiness look like to you?" and "When will you know you have achieved it?"

Most have no specific answer to either question. It seems that happiness is an elusive state of being, some nebulous sense of utopia that can only be realized by having more than "enough" money (how much?), the "perfect" mate, zero stress, total freedom (at work and home), absence of boredom - and so on.

The clarifying question becomes: Is happiness more like a half-full glass or a half-empty glass? "Neither," say most. "Happiness is when the glass is 100% full." So, am I to believe that no one in this world is happy? After all, let's get real - how many of us live our lives with our glass 100% full? Is that even possible?

Coaching moment: Choose ONE thing you can do today that would result in raising the water line in your "happiness" glass. It doesn't have to be big, but it does have to be sincere. Step back and ask yourself, "Why does this make me happy?"

TOP TEN PET PEEVES OF A CAREER COACH

Working in the careers industry I hear many stories of what "turns off" a hiring authority. Here are some of the top pet peeves along with some of my own. A career coach can support you in modifying these behaviors to enhance opportunities for getting and keeping a job. My comments follow each pet peeve:

1. Conducting more than 5% of a job search in front of a computer - time waster!
2. Answering machine with a child's voice giving instructions - not cute!
3. Message left with a garbled / racing / indistinguishable phone number - delete!
4. Business card collector working a room at a networking event - ineffective!
5. Resume or CV with grammatical, formatting, and data errors - toss!

Want the other 10 pet peeves? Get the whole article in the career articles section of Abilities Enhanced.