Archive for Advice
by: Nancy Stoker
August 23, 2011
I think we sometimes overlook the obvious solutions because those are often the most simple, and we forget that simple can be an option. We want to rise to the expectations of ourselves and of those put upon us. We want to demonstrate our complex problem-solving abilities because we are, indeed, capable of solving the complex. We require ourselves to strategize and come up with educated plans for productivity. And, in doing so, we sometimes forget to stop and try to solve a problem by using the most basic of skills or strategies.
by: Nancy Stoker
August 19, 2011
Here we are a few decades later, and, of course, I’ve gotten on board with many aspects of the e-world. In fact, I really wouldn’t want to lose access to most of it. Like you, I’ve found both great use and great fun within the cyber world. It’s interesting, though, to really think about how we’ve gone from electronic communications complimenting our daily lives to where face-to-face interactions and holding an actual phone conversation now, instead, compliment the e-world.
by: Nancy Stoker
August 16, 2011
For most of us, life takes us a different direction away from fame and fanfare. But, stop and think about how many times we not only imagine our own achievements but are also required to think forward, think positive, and think great!
by: Nancy Stoker
August 12, 2011
It makes your brain swirl a little to recall your misconception of 40, doesn’t it? Finding yourself in the middle of a career change at 40 is enough to turn that spin into utter turmoil. While there are a number of practical, measurable action items to which you must attend during a job search or other big career move, give the emotional side of such a pursuit careful attention and acknowledgement along the way.
by: Nancy Stoker
August 9, 2011
Now, that’s a notion to which I know many of us can relate – taking that leap we never saw coming. It happens when someone takes notice of something we can offer, approaches us with a, “Have you ever considered …” and we find ourselves where we never could have or would have imagined! And, as an extra bonus, I’ve often found that when this happens, we tend to land in a position that actually means something to us.
by: Nancy Stoker
August 5, 2011
Driving away from the appointment, though, I couldn’t stop dissecting what just happened in an effort to avoid such frustration in the future. I quickly concluded that the situation rattled my realm of expectations. Prior to the appointment, I based my knowledge only on my own, limited experiences without realizing that the range of possibilities I’d identified was simply not big enough. The reasons for my range turned into my expectations which were then not met.
by: Nancy Stoker
August 2, 2011
It takes a lot of guts to take a look at your own work and say, “Hmmm … really good. But, perhaps it could be just as good or better if I …” I think there are many reasons we might not even consider reinventing or modifying our own work, and those reasons are as numerous as there are people. But, isn’t it intriguing – if not exciting! – to think that in certain areas of our lives we can?!
by: Nancy Stoker
July 29, 2011
The money discussion led me to really sit and think about how money permeates every part of a job search. The big bang of money is in the form of an offer and is highly anticipated. But, the money factor starts way before that from travel to clothing to lodging. If you’re searching for a new job, or anticipating doing so, the reality of another financial burden is a little depressing since I’m not so sure the saying about it taking money to make money placates anyone right now.
The dog days of summer are upon us. Work – or seeking work – must continue, but we would rather be sitting under a tree or playing in the water. It is hard to feel stressed, overwhelmed or under pressure when the temperature is hovering around ninety degrees. Instead of fighting it, why don’t we use this lethargic time to review where we are and where we are going. Take a walk with me into a shady spot where you can refresh your thinking, slow yourself down, and, perhaps, emerge revitalized and a little more energized to tackle the challenges you are facing.
There are so many options for presenting yourself professionally. Conventional means include your resume and biography. In addition, you can use your LinkedIn and Facebook profiles to present yourself. The same goes for Twitter and any blogs you host or to which you contribute. In fact, your web presence may be as or more important than your resume or your biography.
