Are you having a tough time in your career? If the answer is yes, know that you are not alone. Things are tough for most people. There are fewer jobs and more work for those that are employed. Workers are over-utilized and stretching themselves thin. It’s a bit crazy out there. Many people I talk to are tired and stressed out. Not ideal conditions to do your best. But sometimes you have to ask yourself, “What is really hold...

I know what it feels like to be trapped in a career. You dread going to work, but believe you have no options. You dream of greater things, but don’t know or don’t believe you can get them. You feel hopeless, powerless, and alone. What’s missing is the bigger picture of where you are headed. Without a destination, you are like a leaf on a tree going where the wind takes you, rather than being the tree that stands strong des...

Are you working on your career goals regularly or just thinking about them? Are you moving forward a little bit every day or waiting for the right time to begin? Goals don’t get realized on their own. They get completed and achieved when you are working on them. Work on your goals and you will reach them. Work on something else and your goals will take a back seat.Nothing great happens in your career without your active par...

Who do you fault if something goes wrong in your career? Yourself or someone around you? How about if no one is to fault, but someone is responsible? How about if the responsible person is you?Most people don’t like to take responsibility. First of all, it’s not fun. Second, responsibility forces you to look deep inside yourself to assess and reassess your life and career, which is also not fun. Finally, responsibility requ...

Interviews are stressful and scary. Will you they like you? Will you wear the right thing, say the right thing, or just get the whole thing right? When I speak to my clients about why they did not get a job they wanted, they tell me they were nervous. They could do the job and do it well, but the interviewer didn't see it. Or, them. If this is happening to you, and companies aren't seeing the real you, it's because you are...

Do you have a pattern in your career that you can't seem to break? For instance, at your job there are people that don't like you. Or, you are constantly late to meetings. Or, you can't seem to get your reports in on time. Or, promotions or opportunities go to someone else, and not you. The common denominator in all of these patterns is you. Yes, you may be able to pinpoint a time or situation when something happened to you...

We are an instant gratification society. We are accustomed to Instant access to food, drink, and our favorite TV programs. Instant access to books, newspapers, and information. Instant access to pretty much whatever we want when we want it. Unfortunately, instant gratification does not happen to your career. Instead, career development requires persistence and patience. We all want to race to the finish line and get what w...

Are you having a tough time in your career? Have you been laid off and are still looking for work? Are you overworked, stressed, and tired in your present position, and are unable to visualize a solution? Sometimes we believe it is the economy's sole fault that we are having such a difficult and frustrating time. And, we have a long list of evidence to prove our beliefs. People around us are getting laid off or can't find...

Not getting what you want in your career these days? Are the resumes you've been sending not getting a response? Are your phone calls or e-mail not getting replies? Are your attempts to leave a job that may be eliminated not making a difference? Do you wish the recession would go away? Today's job market is tough. Demand for jobs is high and supply is low. It is easy to become frustrated and disappointed when you are worki...

What to put on a resume can be daunting, frustrating, and upsetting. Will I cover all the bases? Will my accomplishments come across? How long should my resume be? And, what format? The stress and anxiety builds inside and doesn't subside. Resumes scare even the most seasoned worker. There are rules, both perceived and real, that leave people confused and afraid to get it wrong. Whether you need a job right now, or will wa...