Career Counseling Connecticut: The future of work

When asked, most residents in a highly educated state like Connecticut will say that they know the work world is changing.  Few, however, take action in order to ensure that they -and their children – will adapt to the changes. This is,  in part, because giant economic changes – such as the Industrial Revolution – […]

Job security through loving your work

Fred was just let go from his financial services company in Glastonbury,  CT.   “I thought I would get out of Hartford because I had been laid off by 3 companies in Hartford during the last 15 years.” Anyone with a sense of the type of people who succeed in the financial services industry would likely […]

Interviews: The need to understand personality tests

Some people detest personality tests.  Some people love them.  I am in the latter category.  My personal interest stems from my deep interest in understanding people.  I should add that I think in subtleties and nuances so I am not one to lock people into boxes.  But I do think the validated tests provide insights, […]

What’s your calling?

“How did you find your career?”  That’s a reasonable question that clients of Career Counseling Connecticut ask, particularly when they know my background.  I started my career as an attorney.  I note the following only because it is relevant to the point: I was one of those Ivy-league attorneys working at large public and private […]

Graduated!!!! Now what?

College celebrations for those without jobs can be more stressful than joyful.  There should be very real gratitude.  But the inevitable questions from friends, relatives, and acquaintances shifts the mood:  “So, what you are doing for work?”  is the most common question.  The muttered response about not being sure or starting to interview is usually […]

Have you spent more time on small decisions than on your career decision?

I’m reading an excellent book: The Second Mountain by David Brooks.  Among other things, he addresses meaning in life, the meaning of life, and how to find both.   “Vocation” – as in one’s calling or what we should do with our career – is one area that he discusses in depth. Brooks makes a point that […]

Just graduated college and trying to find work?

Despite the rosy employment numbers, many college graduates are unemployed.  While my evidence is a mix of anecdotal plus research, I am convinced that many of the new job gains are not the type of jobs that college graduates desire, particularly in places like suburban Connecticut. Moreover, colleges – as a broad generality – do […]

Your career goal should be present happiness, not early retirement

Ken met with me in relation to Career Counseling Connecticut’s work with his college-age daughter who was finishing up at UCONN and figuring out a career path.  Ken wasn’t the client but I found his career story instructive. “Just five more years.” Ken said.  He and his wife had worked for 30 years in careers […]