Bouncing Back from Common Career Obstacles

Bouncing Back from Common Career Obstacles Bouncing Back from Common Career Obstacles 1. Facing your life after being fired from your job, especially one that you loved, is devastating. Youve lost your main source of income and had to endure the humiliation of being told to pack up and leave. Bitter feelings will inevitably arise as you struggle to find your next job and recover from the shock of being newly unemployed. But, just because you are feeling cynical, and perhaps angry, doesnt mean you have to act that way. Losing your job can be turned into an opportunity for growth by considering options such as volunteering and freelancing. Many companies, especially non-profits, offer specialized positions to people willing to work for no pay. And while you are still left looking for a means of financial support, taking on an impressive volunteer position can give you a huge credibility boost and lead to lucrative freelancing opportunities.2. All right, so maybe you havent been outri ght fired but perhaps simply demoted to a lower paying, less challenging position. Since you are still required to commit to work a full-work week, you are unable to offer your skills in a voluntary capacity or pursue freelancing opportunities. So how can you rebound from such a setback? It is probably true that your boss is not happy at the situation and will work to help you in any way possible. So take advantage of the opportunity and push for the perks you couldnt have in your previous position. For instance, agree to accept the demotion but only if you are allowed to work a more flexible schedule allowing you to pursue other opportunities elsewhere (e.g. freelancing).3. Once you have maxed out learning from your current position, its time to move up the ladder. But what if your company doesnt have room to let you grow? Take the initiative and help train interns or new employees, practice using a new tool or learn a new skill in your off time, and take advantage of any company-s ponsored training courses that you previously lack the time to attend. Once a new opportunity for growth arises, you will be in a better position to capitalize on it to expand your responsibilities.4. Even if your job hasnt stagnated, perhaps youve simply become bored. According to a Gallup poll, almost 75 percent of American workers are either not engaged or actively disengaged in their jobs. Before you abflug to do anything with the situation, ensure that you have been doing amazing work despite your lack of motivation. Approach your boss, show off your impressive work, and let him or her know that if your boredom cannot be assuaged you will no longer be able to perform at previous levels of productivity. Relate your productivity to a loss in company revenue or an increase in company expenses. It is possible your boss may be willing to dish out some funds to help you increase your productivity (like sending you to a conference) while enhancing interest in your job.

4 Career Hacks From Taylor Swifts Album 1989

4 Career Hacks From Taylor Swifts Album 19894 Career Hacks From Taylor Swifts Album 1989When I was a student Taylor Swift had just debuted with zu sich first country album at age 16. I didnt imagine that teenage girl would take over the music industry. Now shes a multimillionaire pop star, named the most popular artist of 2014.With her latest album, 1989, Swift is everywhere. There are many things to be learned from Taylors personal branding strategy and shrewd business sense. But you may be surprised to discover that there are lessons to be learned from her lyrics. Within her love-themed catchy tunes there are multiple career and job search tips. Here are four things that the album 1989 remind us.Took our broken hearts Put them in a drawer Everybody here was someone else before And you can want who you want Welcome to New YorkWhen your career isnt where you want to be, you can always change itThe Bureau of Labor Statistics finds that the average American holds approximately 11 jo bs in their lifetime. Its likely that during that time they also felt some disappointment and discontent. If you arent satisfied with or engaged in your current job, its time for change. It can be a change of attitude, change of company and role or even a career change, but you have the opportunity to put away your broken heart, so to speak.New money, suit and tie I can read you like a magazine Aint it funny rumors fly And I know you heard about meleer Space Monitor your reputation in all of your networks A well-maintained social media profile and online presence is critical. Today recruiters are socially savvy and can easily run a Google Search on you. A 2014 Jobvite study says that 73 percent of recruiters find candidates through social media channels, and 93 percent of recruiters review candidates social media profiles. You dont want to allow the web to give off bad impressions of you as a candidate or employee. Regularly check your privacy settings and keep what is visible to others as professional or innocuous as possible.Cause the players gonna play, play, play And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate Baby Im just gonna shake, shake, shake Shake it off, shake it offShake It OffTo achieve success you need resilienceResearch shows that a little optimism can make a big difference both in your career and during your job search. Oftentimes recruiters will hire for attitude and fit over hard skills. After all, skills can be taught but a good attitude cannot. In your job search and career you will face rejection, unresponsive recruiters, colleagues you dislike and other hardships, but you shouldnt give up. Do your best to shake off all the negativity and stay optimistic. Did you think wed be fine? Still got scars on my back from your knife So dont think its in the past These kind of wounds they last and they lastBad BloodDont burn bridges with anyone it will likely affect your future opportunitiesA GMAC report reveals that among the top 10 criteria employ ers look for in MBA candidates is business school reputation and prior employer. Whether its a colleague, a recruiter or an employer, you want to leave a positive lasting impression. You dont want to have bad blood with anyone because people talk. It will cast doubt on your character. Treat your connections well if you want to get any recommendations for your next job.Her music may be centered on relationships and romance, but many of the themes can be applied to your day-to-day job search activities. So if youre experiencing any job-related struggles or need a little motivation, it cant hurt to look to Taylor Swift for some inspiration.

Tips to Stop Procrastination

Tips to Stop ProcrastinationTips to Stop ProcrastinationProcrastination is when you find reasons to put off things for another time. It is an inefficient way to handle yur life because you are essentially borrowing against time in the future when tasks will eventually have to be handled. In addition, putting something off until a later date can have negative consequences. For example, waiting until the last minute to pay off a debt that doesnt arrive at the debtor on time, can result in a late fee. Or, not having your car tuned up in time and then breaking down in the middle of nowhere. When You Are Not Procrastinating At one time or another, tasks may be put off until a later date for a variety of reasons that have nothing to do with procrastination. To manage our lives, its important to prioritize items of importance, meaning that some items will need to be handled at a later date. Also, sometimes its necessary to put things off because something more important needs attention in the present, or because waiting could actually lead to a better outcome. However, if you are a habitual procrastinator, especially about specific tasks, you need to consider the cause. When You Are Procrastinating If you routinely put things off until later, you will probably discover that its for an emotional reason rather than just plain laziness. Avoidance If you dislike talking to a particular client because a five-minute phone call becomes a 30-minute call, you may choose to delay returning it. Instead, call after hours and leave a message or email your response. This may not resolve the issue- at some point, you will still have to talk to the client- but it does buy you more time, as the client will need to return your call if they need more information. Resentment Many people put things off because they resent having to do them, especially if they should be someone elses responsibility. Delaying a task wont get it finished and will only add to your frustration. You hav e two choices You can opt to do it yourself to get it finished or you can pass it on to someone else. In the work world, you may be asked to perform tasks that seem unfair or outside of your job description. Let go of any resentment and do whatever is asked in a timely manner. Delaying tasks until a later date will only hurt your career. Job Dissatisfaction If you are unhappy in your current position and are seeking another job, continue to do what is required in an efficient, timely manner. If you put things off because you are unhappy, you can end up on probation, getting demoted, or even let go. How to Avoid Procrastination These guidelines can help you handle tasks efficientlyPlan your day along with the tasks that need to be completed.Set small goals and check off those that youve accomplished.Avoid finding reasons to delay tasks.Understand that you will feel less burdened once they are completed.Prioritize tasks according to their size and importance, so they are more manageab le.Let your supervisor know if you are overburdened with tasks.Ask for assistance from co-workers, friends, and family. The Bottom Line If you procrastinate often, you are not managing your time wisely, as you are adding to your workload burden with each task you put off and are making it more difficult to complete these tasks in the future. Create positive habits by prioritizing tasks and completing them before they pile up and become unmanageable.