Why the stock market plunge is another reason to take control of your career
“Our 401k plan is the last good benefit we have and one of the only reasons I stay.” Pat said in relation to the dwindling corporate perks at his Stamford, CT company. Pat really wanted to go out on his own. I explained that SEPs (self-employment pensions) are actually way better than any 401k. Like […]
Our Good Fortune Enables Career Change
“Due to the frigid weather, we have opened up town center for anyone in need of heat…” so began the voice mail from Madison’s Town Selectman. I recall similar messages of “we can help” during Hurricane Sandy and Tropical Storm Irene from officials from Old Saybrook (where I live and have an office) and Madison […]
Career Change 2016
“I really hope I’ll have a new career by the turn of the century.” my friend Andrew said about his unhappy law firm job in New Haven. The year was 1999. So there were a lot of lame jokes about changing things next century.“If I’m still doing this by year end, I may need to […]
Career Change: When the pain of staying exceeds the pain of movement
“I finally had enough.” Stan said. Having endured 14 years of low enjoyment, high pressure, work at a large corporation in Stamford, CT, Stan said that he had stayed so long because thoughts of leaving either left him confused or anxious. Finally, after a so-so year end review, he thought to himself that he had […]
3 Career Resolutions for Connecticut Career Changers in 2016
Yes, many people never stick to resolutions. But the start of the year is a healthy time to take affirmative steps to a happier career. 1. I will spend time in meaningful career exploration. The missing ingredient for most every career seeker is the lack of meaningful time they spend exploring other career possibilities. One […]
How Happy Work Rewires Your Brain
“I’m always anxious.” Helen said. “I never know when my boss will pick on me. She’s just so unpredictable. It’s affecting everything.”Helen works at a college in the New Haven, CT area. One of the reasons that she headed toward the non-profit arena was that the stress associated with the private sector was too much. […]
If going to Starbucks is the best part of your work day, you have to find a new career.
“Do you think I should give up Starbucks?” Allison, a thirty something account executive in a Fairfield based marketing firm, asked in relation to financial planning related to her career aspirations. ”I’ve read that by spending an extra $5 per day I’m giving up thousands of dollars over time.” “That’s true.” I responded.“But going to Starbucks […]
Joy as a career motivator
With hope, holiday cheer is reaching you and that many of you are enjoying family and friends during Christmas to New Year’s break. While I’m sure obligation is one of the motivators for doing whatever you need to do during holiday season, my hope is that much of what you do is motivated by joy. […]
Resume Help For Career Changers…Something More Is Needed
Theresa, a fortysomething administrative assistant from New Haven with only similar secretarial experience, called for help with her resume. She wanted to change careers and hoped that she could move into “some type of management role.” She had been rejected without so much as an interview from a dozen or so management jobs. She thought […]
Career Change 2016
“I guess I was just hopeful that I would figure it out.” Pete said. Pete was a mid-thirties manager at an industrial company in New Haven county. His path from Southern Connecticut to his first job was not that different than most. He was a business major. He started searching for work during his second […]