CAREER DEVELOPMENT

A psychologist coined the term “flow” to describe the state people achieve when they are so enjoying what they are doing that they become completely absorbed in an activity. Flow occurs when your skill-level and challenge-level are both high – and it is the key to happiness. If you’ve never reached this in your career, I want you to enjoy this heightened state of fulfillment. Many people do. You can too. Check out how in: "Don’t Chase Career Fulfillment. Catch It."  read more »

How do you change paths without having to begin at the bottom all over again? In most fields, there isn’t just one ticket to enter. Even though your preferred field asks for a specific educational background, chances are you may be able to bypass that. Renaissance folks should take a “zig-zag” approach to their career. Check out how in: "Changing Careers? Zig-zag Your Way into New Territory."  read more »

Abandoned by promised retirement pensions or swept up in corporate downsizing, an unprecedented number of 50-plus professionals feel pressed to reinvent their work lives. Many also are dealing with unexpected health problems and other life events that prompt a change in professional direction. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that professionals older than 55 are the fastest-growing segment of the workforce. See how older workers can benefit from leveraging their talent and experience into entrepreneurial efforts in: "Make a Late-Career Change."  read more »

There are some regrets that arrive early enough to be fixed, but others strike us later as we gain a clearer picture of what could have been done. From not considering more options to not negotiating, here are a few to avoid: "10 Career Regrets You May Have Too Late."  read more »

Something is missing. You aren't really challenged anymore. You've been doing the same thing too long. Your company isn't likely to be promoting anyone soon because it has just gone through a major downsizing, merger or takeover. You have two choices: Quit and start over somewhere else, assuming there is somewhere else to go; or you can look closer to home, right in your current company and see what other ways your talents can be put to use. Getting out of your career rut requires a mental tow truck. Rev up your brain and consider these points: "7 Tips for Getting Out of a Career Rut."  read more »

Contrary to popular belief, you really can get something valuable for nothing. Many savvy bloggers and other content writers are all about giving away information to market themselves. I agree with them that providing value in this way builds trust and credibility for your brand. Take advantage of their generosity and tap into the treasure trove of free information out there. Here are a few FREE e-books from some of the leading subject matter experts in personal branding and job search, along with a taste of what you’ll find in each: "3 FREE e-Books on Personal Branding and Job Search."  read more »