These days, especially in times of economic downturn and as available jobs dry out, it seems that everybody’s only looking out for themselves. But what if we all took personal responsibility for our fellow jobless professional and saw to it that they had ample opportunities ahead? It might be absurd to think that you (yes, you!) could actually award another human being a job or career. After all, you’re not the founder of your own company, or the CEO of another business; and you don’t even … [Read more...]
The Working Mom’s (and Dad’s) Dilemma
Today, I received in my email inbox what was practically a cry for help. The author of the email (who will remain nameless) desperately needed some advice on whether to leave a lucrative, relatively stable job working for the federal government, in exchange for staying at home with her four beautiful children (including a newborn). As a brand new mom myself, I could certainly understand her dilemma, which I have shared here previously at TheCareerPioneer.com. With just one month remaining … [Read more...]
Have Your Childhood Dreams Escaped? “The Last Lecture” Puts It All In Perspective
If you haven’t heard the story of Dr. Randy Pausch, who received national attention when he began appearing on numerous television shows including Oprah last year, then you should especially stay tuned into today’s post. Randy Pausch was a professor of Computer Science, Human Computer Interaction, and Design at Carnegie Mellon University. He had been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer when he was asked to deliver his famous “last lecture.” Nearly 400 students attended the lecture … [Read more...]
Who’s Got Yo’ Back?
Please excuse the grammatical no-no in the title. But this is a very important post (as the rest of them are.) Who has your back in your career? Who’s in your corner when you need some advice, insight, support in pursuing your dreams when times are low, or who gives you that extra push off the ledge into facing your fears? Who would you consider as a mentor or supportive friend? Today, I had a very encouraging conversation with a good friend, Monique McDowell, whom I first connected with … [Read more...]
Courage Soup for the Chicken Soul
Did you know that chickens populate this earth more than any other type of bird, clocking in at 24 billion in the world as of 2003? It’s no wonder then that so many of us humans resemble the domesticated foul when it comes to cowardliness in our careers and in pursuing our life dreams. Did you also know that domestic chickens are incapable of long-distance flight? Chickens will sometimes fly to explore their surroundings, but usually do so only to flee perceived danger. As a high schooler, … [Read more...]
Are You Thriving Or Barely Surviving? Career Inspiration for the Slacker
An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer-contractor of his plans to leave the house building business and live a more leisurely life with his wife enjoying his extended family. He would miss the paycheck, but he needed to retire. They could get by. The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go and asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favor. The carpenter said ‘yes’, but in time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He … [Read more...]
Find Inspiration to Live Your Dream Career, Take Hold Opportunities & Watch Project Runway
I love watching the television show Project Runway, which airs Thursdays at 10 p.m. on the Lifetime Network. It’s a reality-based show about individuals from virtually all walks of life who are living out their dreams and competing to become a famed, nationally recognized fashion designer. “Either you’re in, or you’re out” is the show’s motto, regularly spoken as fact by Project Runway host, supermodel Heidi Klum. Despite the fact that contestants could possibly kill their careers simply by … [Read more...]
Are You Really Stuck?
Do you feel stuck? In your career? In life, in general? Feeling “stuck” in your career is certainly not a good feeling. What precedes it? A number of reasons could be the underlying culprit, such as low self-esteem, lack of education, lack of perceived opportunity and many more. Stuckness poses a direct threat to your career pioneer prowess. So, it's best to nip it in the bud as soon as you see the signs. Maybe you feel stuck because the economy is in a slump, and it seems no one is … [Read more...]
“If the Why Is In Your Belly, Then The How Is Just a Matter of Research”
As I previously announced, I’m working on my first nonfiction book, which I plan to self-publish and release to the public within a matter of a few weeks. Along with the book, I plan to launch a new website to promote it and that will serve the book’s target audience -- other moms. Even though I’m technically a professional writer, it’s still a challenge to sit in front of a blank computer screen or sheet of paper and tackle the art of stringing words and sentences together every single … [Read more...]
Nothing Like a Birthday To Get You Thinking About Death
There’s nothing like a birthday, another milestone, to get you feeling depressed, anxious or excited about the future. You start thinking about all the things you have and haven’t accomplished in your life. You begin to see your final days on earth fast approaching. And you’re wondering whether there’s any room left in the world for another dream-seeker, risk-taker, and career pioneer like yourself. I’m here to say that YES there is still room for YOU! And for ME! STOP taking a back … [Read more...]
Going Green’s the Going Thing in Jobs
Everyone's talking about being eco-friendly -- from what you wear to what you put in your body. But increasingly, more people are having serious discussions on what the job market has in store for workers and businesses that implement environmentally conscious design, policy, and/or technology to boost conservation and sustainability. This evening I attended an informational session focused on the topic: “What is a Green Job?” led by Reclamation Energy, a Washington, DC-based organization … [Read more...]
Your Level of Discipline Could Equal Your Aptitude for Success
When I started this blog almost two weeks ago, I made a decision that I’d post at least one article a day for a certain period of time. It’s taken great discipline to come up with the story ideas, do the research to expand on those ideas, and then to actually sit down and write. As you know, my posts in general are in the range of 500 to 1,200 words. So, writing to this extent on a daily basis, while juggling other responsibilities, is never easy. But, thankfully for me, it's fun! Plus, it … [Read more...]
Are Your Talents Wage-Worthy?
What’s your secret talent? Are you an excellent writer? Do you make a killer cheesecake? As a parent or concerned citizen, have you raised funds for your local school that exceeded everyone’s expectations? Can you stitch a new garment out of an old tapestry that could rival that of any leading designer? Are you well-oiled machine when it comes to planning birthday parties and annual gatherings for yourself, family and friends? Up until now, have you done all of this for free, even … [Read more...]
