Many of us are starting this year on a bit of a bumpy note. Having lived in Los Angeles for almost 30 years, I feel deeply connected to the tragedy of the fires there. Scores of others are also still recovering from other weather-related and other setbacks. However, we can always begin anew—a good principle to apply to life. This perspective aligns with a ‘growth mindset,’ which suggests that when faced with challenges, we have the option to recognize our resistance and learn from the experience, or we can remain stuck in our feelings of ‘no’ and resistance. Grieving and feeling sadness are non-negotiable; I believe in experiencing our emotions fully, and self-compassion is an essential companion throughout.

In September, I underwent rotator cuff surgery, which left me sidelined for months. I had slipped on some water at my yoga studio, where I had been a regular for years, and my shoulder bore the brunt of the fall. After trying to heal on my own for months, an MRI revealed a severe tear. Now, five months later, I’m back at the gym, and playing tennis and pickleball with friends—activities that have kept me balanced and happy for years. I plan to resume yoga soon. I mention this because I was inexperienced in dealing with injury. In the weeks after surgery, while managing pain with medication and ice, I couldn’t envision returning to my previous level of activity. I initially wallowed in the loss of my active life. As a very self-sufficient person, I couldn’t drive or even shower independently for weeks.

However, I followed my physical therapist’s advice and eased into this challenging period in my life, ultimately emerging whole. This process reflects what many of us go through in various forms when faced with loss, life changes, or unexpected shifts. Life often does not go according to plan, especially when we are unclear about what we want to achieve!

Lately, I’ve read numerous articles about Generation Z and the struggles they face in life and their careers. In my work with many individuals in their mid-20s to mid-30s, I see firsthand the difficulties they encounter in the job market and the increasingly expensive world they must navigate. I realize that many experience challenges finding work, particularly when they aren’t sure what they want to do. As I work with clients, we clarify their interests, expectations, and goals—all of which are foundational to making progress. Sometimes, there is resistance to taking necessary actions, but remaining in that resistance is a conscious choice. I am here to help them move beyond that resistance.

In response to the challenges many young people face, I’ve compiled a list of action items to keep in mind. This guide is intended for parents and young adults to set up a successful transition into careers after high school and college. You might not need this, but hopefully, you know someone who will find it helpful. Please feel free to share.

Setting Your Kid (or Yourself) Up for a Good Career Launch

1. Informational Interviews: While in high school or college, encourage your child to connect with professionals who can discuss their careers. This is known as an informational interview. Based on your child’s potential interests, set up brief meetings with adults who can provide insights on how they began their careers, what they enjoy or dislike about their work, and share useful resources. This approach can provide clarity and a sense of realism regarding career options.

2. Internships: During college or even high school, participate in or create an internship each summer or during the school year. Gaining exposure to various workplaces and building a resume of work experience is invaluable. Aim for positions that offer office experience, as this will help your child become familiar with daily workplace dynamics. Even if the work isn’t particularly exciting, the exposure is good for understanding what others do in a professional setting and can help establish connections for future networking. For example, I discovered in my first job that I struggled with phone systems and office equipment, which guided me toward exploring other career paths.

3. Gap Year Skills Development: If taking a gap year, it’s crucial to develop skills that can translate into valuable experience later on.

4. Technical Skills Classes: If not engaged in an internship over the summer, plan to take an intensive class or two to acquire technical skills not typically covered in college. I have encountered too many recent graduates who earn their degrees without learning essential workplace skills, such as data analytics, which are crucial for many entry-level positions. Gaining proficiency in tools like AI, PowerPoint, Excel, Google Suite, SQL, R, Python, and data science can give candidates an added advantage.

5. On-Campus Recruitment: Utilize the senior year to engage in on-campus recruitment opportunities, ensuring you maximize your potential for securing a job post-graduation. Even if you don’t score a job this way, you can attend informational sessions and meet alumni and others at events to follow up with. 

6. Other Options are Possible!

If ‘regular’ office jobs aren’t appealing and you or your child enjoys learning by doing and being outside of an office, consider exploring technical or skilled trades. Careers such as firefighting, radiological technology, dental hygiene, landscaping, construction, plumbing, and electrical work are worth considering. Training programs are available, providing pathways to advance into lucrative careers.

• If graduate school is on the horizon, do some early research to understand the admission requirements. If specific work experience is necessary, you’ll want to start on that as soon as possible.

An Important Note on The New Normal of Coming Home:

Many parents support their kids after graduation by having them move home or live with friends while they figure things out. This can be incredibly helpful! However, it’s important to clarify upfront what everyone agrees to in this arrangement. Understanding what ‘strings are attached’ to your support will benefit everyone involved. If your child isn’t paying rent to save for the future, ensure they are truly saving! This is not the time to spend money on dinners out or expensive luxury items and services. It’s a time to develop budgeting and financial literacy skills will help them successfully transition into an independent life. Prolonged periods at home or living with friends while being fully supported but without achieving personal career goals can lead to lower self-esteem and depression. I’ve seen it happen before. Set clear expectations from the start, and adhere to them, will be beneficial for everyone.

The 20s can be challenging for most people. 

Regardless of appearances, many (most) twenty-somethings are trying to discover their identities, define what they truly want, and learn how to live independently. Life shifts in your 30s and beyond as you gain a deeper understanding of life and yourself, develop new skills and build more connections. Don’t let fears from your 20s prevent you from seizing new opportunities and developing interesting skills. And know that people make new career choices and changes throughout life as new ideas, technologies, and life situations change. Lifelong learning makes life interesting and full of opportunity to thrive!

By following these steps, young adults can more effectively navigate their career launches and achieve their professional goals.  The bumps are part of the process. Expect them!

Searching for a job can be a daunting and overwhelming task at any time. Clearly, with lots of layoffs and graduations happening right now, there’s a lot going on out there in the job market. With the right approach and strategies, you can increase your chances of finding the right opportunity that aligns with your interests, skills and goals. I’m here to offer valuable tips and techniques to help you navigate the job search journey and land your first, or 7^th, job that can set you up for your next career move.

My clients benefit from our initial work to do a deep dive to understand them and their particular needs and wishes. While this takes a bit of time and some precious introspection, it’s worth it. 

Doing a job search on your own can definitely work for you! But I do know from personal experience that having a trusted third party to talk all of this through with is invaluable. It’s so helpful to have someone to help you to hear yourself without their (you know those well-meaning friends or family members) biases and ideas interfering in your process.

All that said, here we go:

1. Self-Reflection and Goal Setting 

Before diving into the job search process, take the time to reflect on times you’ve been most engaged at work or elsewhere. Investigate what you truly important to you – what your needs and requirements are, and what a successful career needs to look like for you. Understand what you’re looking for in a job and know what you can bring to the table. It’s easy for insecurities to arise – you know, those fears about what you don’t have in your toolkit, but don’t go there! Keep pushing through! Your self-reflection will serve as a solid foundation for your job search strategy and help you focus your efforts on opportunities that truly matter to you.

1. Polish Your Resume and Cover Letter 

Crafting a compelling and clear resume and cover letter is crucial in grabbing the attention of potential employers. When new clients present their resumes to me I can easily see how we’ll need to rework them so they can move forward and get the response they want from potential employers. There are so many potholes to fall into! If you aren’t appropriately tailoring your resume to highlight relevant skills that match the job requirements then you’ll be easily dismissed. And while we don’t know for sure that anyone will read your cover letter, writing one that conveys your passion for the role and insights into how you can contribute to the company, you’ll miss a valuable chance to shine. Ensure that both documents are error-free, concise, and well-formatted.

1. Leverage Online Job Platform 

Utilize online job platforms, such as LinkedIn, Indeed, or industry-specific websites (workformother.com, Idealist.org, angel.co) to search for job openings. Use LinkedIn Premium – even for a short time if you can. It helps with visibility and information. Create comprehensive profiles and optimize with relevant keywords and skills to increase your visibility to recruiters. Set up job alerts to receive notifications for new opportunities that match your criteria. Join relevant groups, and engage in conversations to expand your connections. But don’t overlook going directly to company websites. You never know what else will show up!

1. Tap into Your Network 

You’ve heard it a million times…people are more likely to find a job from a friend, or weak connection, than through other means. But I get it…It’s the rare person who feels comfortable asking for advice or suggestions from others when they’re feeling vulnerable in a job search. I’ve helped even the most introverted clients reach out to their network of friends, colleagues, and acquaintances to re-connect. Share what you love to do, what you’re interested in finding, and see what your conversations open up! And be brave. My clients have had success meeting people at industry events, professional networking events, sitting on planes talking to their row mates, and at weddings! Hidden job opportunities can be found…so be prepared for these conversations.

1. Prepare for Interviews

Once you’ve got an interview lined up, thorough preparation is key. I regularly practice common (and uncommon) interview questions with clients to help them prepare thoughtful responses while staying composed and authentic. This is your opportunity to show enthusiasm, highlight skills with relevant examples, and ask relevant questions. I love prepping clients because their comfort level increases as does their confidence when they finally meet with interviewers.

1. Follow Up 

After an interview, send a customized thank-you note or email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to meet. This gesture shows your professionalism and interest in the position. If you haven’t heard back within the given timeframe, follow up to inquire about the status of the process. This demonstrates your proactive attitude and eagerness for the position.

Yes. The job search takes time. Probably more time than you expect.

If this job search process feels overwhelming and frustrating, try to remember that this is what it is…For everyone. A job search takes time. Be prepared for a few months for the right opportunity to come together. In the meantime, do whatever you can to stay positive, physically and emotionally healthy, and in a learning and creative mode so that you have things to share with others, and activities that keep you buoyed and vibrant. 

As always, I’m here to help you, your friends and loved ones. I have lots and lots of success stories. Honestly, most people wish they’d started working with me months before we got started together. You don’t have to do this job search alone.

A 44-year-old client in a lucrative career recently asked me, “How do people successfully
network?”

He had actually just shared with me that he’d completed an important and challenging
homework assignment – he’d gotten past his introvert approved discomfort and reached out to
a former boss with whom he’d had a strong relationship, but who was also someone he hadn’t
spoken to in 4 years. He’d felt uncomfortable about the assignment when we initially discussed
it, but we’d agreed that in order for him to land his next job – in a slightly different function
than he’d been doing for years — he would benefit from connecting with people who knew him
and who might know of positions he’d be interested in at his former company, or elsewhere.

“Hang on,” I said. “Before we discuss the whole networking thing, tell me how your
conversation went with your former boss.”
“It was great!” he laughed, clearly relieved. “He was so happy I’d reached out and we spent
about 30 minutes catching up about our families and lives. He’s actually changed roles which
was a surprise to me.” He was obviously happy and satisfied with the call.
“And did you tell him what you’re thinking about transitioning into now? Did you talk about
your work?” I asked. Over the Zoom screen I saw him lower his gaze and shrug his shoulders. He
looked at me, a little sheepish.
“I didn’t. I guess I could’ve but I didn’t want to push it. I just wanted to reconnect.”
“That’s great,” I assured him. “Well done! You got it. When you feel more comfortable with
your investigation about this next role you can follow up with him and ask for his advice!”
“Ok. Right. Yes. I can.” He looked resolute. “So how do successful people network?” he asked
again, but in a slightly different way than earlier. My client’s questions inspired me to write this
piece.

The Fear of Networking
I have this discussion about networking with each client I work with – no matter what age or life
stage they’re in –and I know that almost everyone feels squeamish about reaching out to
people they either do or don’t know for the purpose of gaining career clarity or growth. Most of
my clients share that they feel vulnerable, needy and insincere as soon as they even think about
reaching out for ‘help’ from other professionals. But as we see in my client’s story above, there
was nothing needy about the conversation between two former colleagues. They were catching
up, and each of them felt happy to have reconnected. The next conversation can, my client and
I agreed, be one in which he reaches out with news of his ideas for his next role; how he
became interested in changing functions and what research he’s done about making the
change. He can ask his former boss what his thoughts are about this path for him and if he has
any suggestions of anyone else he might talk to so he can learn more about his fit and skills. He
can also ask about what sort of opportunities exist at the company or elsewhere.

Go at Your Own Pace but Do It!
The scenario I’m describing here is one I’d call the planting seeds approach; it takes time to
plant seeds and to reap the crop, so to speak, but it’s really effective! Many of my clients have

done this with great success – both reaching out to those they knew to gain info and
connections, and also those they identified at organizations they were interested in…and ended
up landing a job they didn’t know was available.

Who Do You Know?
Plan to reach out to people who have worked for or with you, in the past, or to people who
work at the company you’d like to join. You can reach out to see if you can learn more about
what someone does in their role by writing a sincere and succinct email, or InMail via LinkedIn,
asking for a short call to learn more about their career path because you’re doing research into
this function which is aligned with your goals. Personally, I receive so many requests to connect
from people who never share with me why they want to connect. They don’t tell me an actual
story or reason why it would be helpful to connect. These requests are deleted immediately.
Don’t waste your time pressing the connect button if you aren’t going to send a personalized
and sincere note. If others can sense and recognize your sincerity and that you’ve done your
homework before reaching out, even just a bit, they will take your invitation more seriously. Of
course, if someone isn’t interested, or is too busy, you probably won’t hear back and that’s
okay. It’s not about you. Keep going.

Use LinkedIn and Other Online Groups.
Take time, also, to find groups on LinkedIn or elsewhere that include people who are working in the field or the function you have interest in. Keep reading the posts that come up and see if
there are others who look like they’d be a good resource for you. These LinkedIn groups are
ideal places to identify others who do what you’re interested in doing. You may even pose a
question to the group or add a useful post. A client found a Reddit group which provided a lot
of information about his desired career path. His research lead him to a discussion group, and
then an individual who offered to provide advice on this particular path.

Face Your Fears and Go Forward
I’m proud that my clients get to the other side of their fear of networking. It’s not their favorite
thing to do but they get the hang of it. Clients learn what a resource their network is and also
what a resource they are for others. And they also learn that fear, while uncomfortable, won’t
kill you. But staying in a job or career path you know you’ve outgrown can kill your spirit, and
motivation.

If I can help you, or someone you know, to get moving in the direction you dream of, reach out
and let’s talk.

www.DaisySwan.com

As we make our way into the holiday season, I find myself reflecting on all that we’ve come through individually and as a society… these last few years have definitely taken a lot out of us. During this holiday season of 2022 many of us are again gathering in groups and at events that we haven’t experienced in a few years providing us the opportunity to reconnect, to share, and experience others in a potentially new-ish way. And so, I’m here with a few thoughts that I feel are worth sharing, ideas that may help to enrich your holidays. 

Your Attention Matters

I talk with so many clients – women and men who range in age from 24 to 60 — who are grappling with questions of how to make and live a life that feels satisfying and which provides the kind of lifestyle worth living — different for each person. I hear, in subtle and obvious ways, how the last, say four years have impacted them. This sample of the population – a goal oriented, educated and humane group – is burned out, mulling over many big questions, ambitions and fears. I’m no stranger to this experience myself! Working together we find ways for them to re-engage, find new aspirational dreams, consider ways to make the most of their lives  so they bring their positive impact in and on the world. We look for small actions, or sometimes non-actions, so they can re-fuel, recharge and find meaning. We identify what the work is that can bring them to engage in ways that will bring their vision to fruition.

What enhances one person’s life, doesn’t work for another. What works for you, won’t necessarily work for your most cherished loved ones. In my coaching sessions I’m not, usually, offering my advice and opinions. I’m offering my attention and questions so my client finds their own answers. This is what we third party experts do – we offer our attention and expertise to help our clients find their unique answers. Of course, there’s more beyond that, but this is the foundation. This holiday season, I suggest we all make a supreme effort to offer the gift of our attention in all of our personal and professional interactions. After living through so much upheaval I see so clearly how much we each need to feel seen and heard by those around us. The gatherings we will be attending during the days ahead can be stressful for many of us, but with intentionality, we can slow our conversations down, see those in front of us, and give them our full attention. That’s a gift.

Listen with Your Whole Body

I know that listening is my work and I love what I do. I’m on this planet to do what I do. But I know that so many, many people want to be helpful to their friends, family, co-workers, employees and neighbors. We all hear about others’ transitions or have a hunch something’s up. We sense things about people or overhear things. But we are also possibly staying in our lane, fearful that if we get too interested in someone’s life we’ll over-step, or pry. And in this act of politeness we may miss an opportunity to learn what’s genuinely impacting someone; we may miss an opportunity to recognize a strength or encourage an ability. We may miss the opportunity to really connect.

What I’ve learned from my decades of coaching is that most people do not feel seen and heard for who they uniquely are. They may know they are loved, but they also feel judged for their confusion or pain so they work so hard to hide it. But if we listen with our whole self it’s possible to know more about those around you. So how do we show we care? By offering the advice you’re sure will work? Does unsolicited advice ever work? The upbeat pep talk you give  may help a bit in the moment which is kind of course. But what can you do to show you really care, to show you’re genuinely interested? 

Pay attention. Ask open ended questions. Allow someone to tell you how their life is happening. Let another show you who they are.

Fine, Busy, Great

As you meet with others, be brave to get curious. Don’t settle for the patter of ‘I’m fine’, ‘Busy’ or ‘Great!’ Ask an open-ended question and then another, then wait to hear more. Settle your gaze on the person in front of you and let yourself be surprised by what you learn. Look for cues about who is in front of you. Does this person look almost too perfect? Just beneath the surface of perfection is possibly a terribly stressed out person who’s peddling as fast as s/he can to keep up with life. Be willing to be with another person as they are and give them the gift of your full attention without unintentionally dismissing or overly flattering them. As you approach your social events remember that everyone has bumped along through these sobering and turbulent times just as you have.

Look for Joy and Don’t be Afraid of Sorrow

As you enjoy your time together remember to look for others’ joys, but don’t be afraid to learn of their disappointments and sorrows. We’ve all been through a lot. Let’s not deny that. Our attention provides us all with much missed and much needed connection. Allow pauses in the conversation… allow for more to come out. Just slow the conversation down enough to be with whoever you’re with, and feel your own experience of connection, your heartbeat, your breath and pace of aliveness in your body. If we all pay more attention and  notice the details of the people in front of us we can all heal a bit more. And collectively we can revive our much-needed spirit, clarity and even love for others.

As a new Gen Z worker, you may be excited about your first job out of school. You’re living the dream…right?

That first paycheck was pretty exciting, but now you’re exhausted, lonely, and confused.

Is this what work is? Is this what you have to look forward to for the next 40+ years?

Maybe yes and no.

For most people, working from home has been a transition. But as a Gen Z worker, it’s likely all you’ve ever known.

Navigating your first job out of school is tough enough. Then you add the extra challenges of working from home.

Remote work can feel lonely. Data shows that 60-67% of single, Gen Z workers who are new to their company feel like they’re only surviving. Ugh. Thriving is a distant dream.

Spending your days at work feeling this way is the nightmare I want to help you avoid.

I promise it doesn’t have to be this way.

Here are some problems you’re likely facing, and how to overcome them:

Problem #1: You work way too much

You may love your job. But you don’t love how it’s taken over your whole life.

You’re checking emails at brunch with your friends and preparing last-minute presentations on Sunday nights ahead of a Monday morning meeting.

Your days whiz past in a blur of meetings. And when you “log off” at night, aka reading emails from your couch with Hulu on in the background, it’s the first real break you’ve taken all day.

Basically, you’re exhausted all the time.

I get it – I hear this a lot from clients. Best case, you work for an organization that you believe in. You want to do everything to help their greater purpose.

But guess what?

That purpose will still be there tomorrow.

If this is one of your first jobs out of school, you’re probably still used to the school grind of assignments, papers, and exams — all aligned to the academic calendar.

But the working world doesn’t operate this way.

The work never stops out here, but you have to.

According to a Deloitte survey, 77% of workers have experienced burnout. That number is even higher for Millennials (84%) and 42% have left jobs because of it.

And since Gen Z workers hit the “hustle culture” Kool-Aid harder than Millennials, it means you’re on an even rockier road.

Don’t let early burnout force you to take a hit to your career.

There are steps you can take to prevent burnout. They work best when you protect your time.

Solution: Set boundaries around your time

Your time is a finite resource and your job isn’t paying you when you’re off the clock. Don’t give away your time for free.

1. Schedule breaks into your calendar

When you’re new to your job or in entry-level positions, you may feel like you’ve got no control over your calendar. The unfortunate truth is that may be the case. But it’s always good to check.

Chat with your boss about what their expectations are for your availability and what the protocol is for taking breaks. Once you’re in the clear — take your breaks!

Be sure to get up from your desk to get the blood flowing on a regular basis. Get away from your computer and phone. Breathe. Play with your pets, or water the plants. Get outside. Listen to music.

Just don’t engage with work – even a 15-minute break can revitalize your energy.

2. Don’t work in your off hours

Simple, but tough.

You may want to show you’re willing to go the extra mile by working more hours. But this message can backfire.

I’ve worked with many “overly responsible” employees who eagerly established their willingness to keep taking on more and more. Then they’re taken advantage of and find themselves resentful and burned out.

Don’t tell people you’re logging off but then keep working for another hour on “one more thing”.

At the end of your day, log off. Shut down your work computer if you have to.

You deserve and need time off to rest and recover.

Problem #2: You’re not making friends at work

You may not want to admit it, but you’re lonely.

Sure, you may chat with co-workers about projects and issues. But you never get more personal than knowing when people are “out of the office”.

Half the time you don’t even know why they’re out and people don’t talk about what they’re doing during their off-hours, so it makes sense you’re too uncomfortable to start asking about it now.

It’s no wonder you feel disconnected.

Your friendships outside of work are important for sure, but they’re not a replacement for making friends at work.

There’s a special camaraderie built between friends at work. One that can translate to lifelong friendships and your future career success.

A 2021 survey by Wildgoose found that having a work bestie made work more enjoyable, and productive, and boosted a person’s creativity.

So it’s time to…

Solution: Connect with your co-workers

In school, you made friends with the people you spent time with. That doesn’t change as you get older, so here are some ways to find your work bestie even when you feel like you’re one of the only Gen Z workers around:

1. Join or start a team “happy hour”

Take advantage of any opportunity to meet up with your team at least once a month to connect on a personal level, adult beverages are optional. Show initiative by suggesting things to do together.

You can do something like:

• Play icebreaker games
• Play an online game like Scattegories
• Attend a baseball game
• Play mini-golf
• Zoom around on go-carts
• Compete at ax throwing

All of these types of events can foster camaraderie and lead to better teamwork. Plus, you’ll score points with your boss by spearheading these activities.

It may seem silly, but having fun with your coworkers on the regular boosts morale. And who knows? You might even enjoy Sandra’s idiosyncrasies better after you both picked ‘mongoose’ for an animal that starts with the letter ‘m’.

2. Set up coffee chats

Don’t limit yourself to getting to know your immediate team members. Get to know other Gen Z workers and also look to engage with other leaders in your organization who may turn out to be helpful mentors down the road.

As remote work has become the norm, work social circles have shrunk. Your future work besties may not be the people you interact with all the time.

Ask your boss about initiatives in your company that provide the opportunity to work with others. Like participating in or organizing volunteer events. Or maybe there are informal training sessions where you can meet others and learn at the same time.

Casual coffee chats or informational interviews are a great way to expand your pool of potential friendships and are a great way to connect with all-important mentors. You’ll learn more about what other teams are working on and be ready for future collaboration.

This is especially helpful if…

Problem #3: Your manager sucks at communication

Hard to believe, maybe, but most managers were never trained on how to manage people. And they definitely weren’t trained to manage remote teams.

Managers are busier than ever. So unless someone’s not meeting goals, they often rely on their employees to bring issues to them.

If you’re smart and used to picking things up with minimal direction you may not reach out to your manager unless you really hit a snag.

You could be getting conflicting directions or none at all. Or worse, your manager withholds key information that drastically changes the scope of your work.

You can stay quiet about it, but then you risk your manager writing you off as incompetent or a “bad culture fit”. This could cut you off from growth opportunities and even lead to a dismissal.

Don’t sit back and wait for your manager to step up, it’s time for you to…

Solution: Practice “managing up”

Aka managing your manager. Is it technically your job? No.

But could it make you both better at your job AND more likely to get promoted? Yes.

Here’s how to make that happen:

1. Meet with your manager regularly

Make these meetings as upbeat as possible so your manager looks forward to them. Bring good news, not complaints. Be part of the solutions your boss is looking for.

If you’re not getting any face time with them, you’re not building a relationship. Schedule time to meet every 1-2 weeks if they aren’t aready.

2. Ask questions to anticipate needs

If your boss tends to spring last-minute assignments, ask things like…

…what other deadlines are approaching for our team? And if you see something that needs to be addressed, offer suggestions on how to get started.

…what projects are we putting on the backburner right now? And how can I help out?

…what is coming up for our team in the next 30/60/90 days?

Use the answers to prompt your manager into assigning tasks now but be careful not to push your manager in public. That won’t look good for you.

3. Get clarity on your work

Managers often operate from a place of not knowing what they know.

Meaning they don’t always communicate well with team members who don’t hold the same knowledge they do.

This translates to you not getting enough information and delivering work incorrectly.

Instead, explain what you think they want and end by asking, “is that how you understand it too?”

This will help you gain clarity and avoid having to redo your work. All without making your boss think you don’t know how to do your job.

4. When you have a problem, bring solutions

We can’t solve every problem on our own, but when you bring an issue to your manager, bring a few solutions.

And have an opinion on which is the best one.

They’ll be impressed by your proactivity. Plus, they’ll trust you with higher-level work in the future.

5. Follow up afterward

After your meeting, send a brief recap email. Detail any new goals or deadlines.

This helps ensure you’re on the same page as your manager.  And it’ll make listing your accomplishments easier come review time.

Read more here on how to “manage up”. 

You want to knock your career out of the park, but if your manager isn’t stepping up to the plate, you’ll be lost if…

Problem #4: You don’t have any guidance

You’ve been at your job for six months or longer and you’re starting to feel a little antsy, you wonder — what’s next?

Your family and friends love you, but they don’t necessarily have the best advice on how to advance your career. Like your grandfather who insists that dropping resumes door-to-door is the best way to find a job.

What worked for previous generations doesn’t suit Gen Z workers.

You need someone older and wiser to help guide you along your path.

It’s time for you to…

Solution: Find a mentor (who understands Gen Z workers)

With in-person mentoring opportunities drying up as remote work remains king, it’s not as easy as it once was to connect with a mentor.

Here are some ways to find a mentor:

1. Look within your organization

They may be harder to spot these days, but corporate mentorship programs still exist. Ask around to find out what programs are available.

If you don’t know where to start, think about your differentiating factors.

Perhaps you’re a woman, LGBTQ+, BIPOC, or disabled (or all of the above). Seek people in leadership at your company who share those qualities.

Read up on others in your company (try internal resources or LinkedIn) to find people with similar interests or career paths that look interesting to you.

2. Scour your alumni network

Just because school is out doesn’t mean it’s no longer valuable.

Check with your school’s alumni organization, because they may have a mentorship program. You may also find others at your company who attended the same college through this kind of research. Alumni are often open to helping other alums.

3. Local organizations

Find a local industry association and start attending events. This is a great way to establish a professional network.

You’ll connect with like-minded people in your industry who may be open to mentorship.

You can go even further by taking on a leadership role in a professional association. You’ll build leadership skills and it’ll give you plenty to talk about in future interviews.

4. Harness the power of LinkedIn

This ain’t a stuffy networking site anymore. Now it’s a hotbed of connection building where people LOVE sharing their knowledge. (I definitely do.)

Find those whose message resonates with you and you may just find a mentor.  Be sure to join LinkedIn groups to stay up on your industry and topics of interest.

Engage with other people’s posts and start creating your own. These are a great place to share information and stories that show you’re an involved professional.

The reality of the post-pandemic workplace

Remote work has transformed the workplace and as a Gen Z worker, you’ve been getting the short end of the stick.

But you’re not alone and you don’t have to accept the issues you’re facing as unsolvable.

So here’s your hidden #5 — work with a career coach.

I’ve made it my job to help people like you find direction and navigate the challenges of the workplace.

Fill out my contact form and let me know you’re ready to take charge of your career. I’ll partner with you to so you’ll see how to navigate the curves ahead so you get where you want to with more ease and speed.

If you have expertise you want to share, and be paid for, you’ll want to present yourself as the organized professional you want to be. Your clients and customers will feel they can trust you and what you’re bringing to their lives if you take these simple steps. Everything you do and say needs to be clear so that your potential clients feel like you are experienced, trustworthy, and care.

1) Do have a website that people can visit after they meet you; have a business card with your name, website address and phone number? You can design a simple logo for yourself that you’ll have on your website, business card and other materials, or you can also use a website like www.99designs.com to find a designer who can create your visuals for you.

The website can be as simple as a one-page site, including a professional photo of you, a short bio about you, a list of services, a few photos of the work you do if appropriate, and a few testimonials from previous clients who have been satisfied with your work (these can be anonymous or with much more detailed information or even photos of the recommenders). You may also choose to include blog posts. Be sure to include a live link to your phone and/or email contact information, or even a contact form for potential clients to fill out, if that’s helpful for you. You don’t have to spend a great deal of money on a website. There are several plug ‘n play website development sites that are affordable online like Wix or Squarespace.

2) Know your fees and get comfortable telling people what they are. This can be difficult for some new business owners but it’s essential that you get over your hesitation to discuss your fees! If you aren’t clear with potential clients about your fees and what they can count on you for, you can run into a variety of issues: you’ll have to deal with confused clients who will have on-going questions about your work and fees. You may also experience your own resentment because you’ve undersold yourself, or didn’t set the right expectations with your clients. Be sure to get prepared! Know your fees thoroughly.

• Prepare a rate sheet that is either yours to keep for yourself, or that you provide to clients. You don’t have to include your fees on your website!
• Be prepared with an hourly rate; a project rate that will include other sub-contractors; a discounted ‘friends and family’ rate; and have clarity about your willingness to negotiate or even do pro-bono work. Know what sort of payments you will accept.
• Some consultants will have two rates for different kinds of organizations: corporate and non- profit organizations will have different budgets to offer.

3) Have your process in place and share it with your clients so they know what to expect.

You might have an intake form or questionnaire for clients to answer before you get started working together. You might want to have clients sign off on a proposal or have a contract that spells out the work to be done. You might require clients to provide you with a certain number of inspiration pictures or websites for your project. Giving your client this pre-work to do helps you learn about them and includes them in the process. If they don’t complete this pre-work, you are learning something about them; you can insist they complete the pre-work prior to start of work or risk having issues down the road. Your clarity about your process can help them to feel confident they are in good, experienced hands.

4) Don’t be afraid to take your time to provide your fees. If someone asks what your fee will be for a project, take your time to determine the fee so that you’re sure you get it right. You can simply say you need to assess the scope of the project and say you’ll get back to the client with a proposal. The proposal can be a simple write up of what you propose to do, in how much time, with a fee. It’s up to you, and possibly the client, how much detail will be needed. You can offer a project fee based on any additional time or resources you’ll need to include to do the project; you don’t necessarily need to share all of this information with the client but once you decide on the project budget you’ll have to meet that.

Obviously, if you have trouble meeting the budget that’s been accepted by the client you’ll need to live with that. You must not go back to the client at a later time and tell them any of your issues with meeting this budget…it’s not their issue to deal with unless they have changed the scope of the project, in which case you will be updating the proposed work and fees.

• If you meet a prospective client and feel rushed and not ready to give your hourly rate or fees, simply say you’ll need to get back to the potential client later that day or during the week with your proposed fee. Follow through and get back to the potential client as soon as possible or risk losing the job
• If you have a bad feeling about the client or the project you can come back to them later and say you realized that your calendar is full for now and that you can circle back at a later date. Or, you might refer them to another professional who might be a better fit for them. If you don’t think you have the skill set or interest in the job you can gracefully let the client know, so that you don’t get into a job you don’t want.

5) Questions you may get about rates: If you’ve given someone a discounted rate and they, then, refer someone else who now wants the same discounted rate, you’ll have a decision to make. Is it worth it to give this same discounted rate? Or do you need to explain the circumstances of the previous discount that was given? You will need to be ready to know how you want to establish yourself as a professional in this case.

• Some questions to think through: Are you still trying to build your reputation as a professional so that you’ll benefit from giving discounts? Are you willing to offer a discount for a limited time only? Maybe you’ll set only a certain number of clients you’ll work with at a discounted rate during any given month, or perhaps you offer a discount to people from an organization you’re affiliated with, etc.
• Some people love to negotiate. It’s just sport for them. It may be worth it to you to negotiate a small percentage off so the client feels they’re getting a deal. If you feel any resentment about doing this, don’t do it. Remember that it’s up to you. You can’t come back later and complain about giving this to the client. If this isn’t comfortable to you, stick to your guns.

6) Know when you plan to complete your project. Set and share a schedule with your client so that they can relax knowing you have a plan and they can expect their results by a certain date. This schedule may change due to any number of variables, but you will have set the tone, and helped them to trust you. They will only continue to trust you if you keep them apprised of any changes in schedule. If you run behind or face any set-backs be sure to notify them as quickly as possible. Good communication is essential to continuing to build and establish trust.

7) Keep records of your expenses and time on projects organized and separate from any other records. Set up a business checking account and credit card specifically for your business. You’ll need a business license, so check local resources on how to process this. This may feel like a big deal, but it’s not. Just a few hoops to jump through. A bookkeeper or accountant will need to be up-to-date on your finances; you want to be sure to learn about quarterly tax reporting and if you’ll need to pay these.

There’s so much to learn about running, marketing and managing your business, but these guidelines can help you get off to a good start with your clients.

I’m here to help you get up and running in your new business. Or perhaps it’s time for a different kind of change. If you have ideas you’d like to talk through, or feel ready for your next chapter and want support as you move forward let’s talk and we’ll see if working together makes sense for you.

If you have any questions or want to get started, send us an email at [email protected] or 1-877-872-3929

It’s been several years since I wrote an article about mindfulness becoming the new yoga. Indeed, this has continued to be the trend; mindfulness meditation practices are now mainstream, whether used via one of the many popular apps or delivered through Zoom classes, YouTube videos or podcasts. So many of us, this year alone, have found mindfulness practices to be one of the most essential ‘vitamins’ for coping with the heaping pile of crises we’ve been living through.

As a long-time mindfulness practitioner and instructor, sitting meditation feels like a connective tissue in my being. This doesn’t mean that I’m a better human being than you or anyone else. I do have this, and other practices, to readily call upon to help me look at my experience with a larger perspective that helps me to cope with challenges. But it would be wrong for me, or truly, any of us, excepting maybe the Dalai Lama or a few other rare individuals, to say we’ve got it all figured out and we aren’t ever thrown off our game. One of the most valuable aspects I’ve found from having a long-time practice is having this larger perspective which helps me remember that all things are impermanent, and which helps me experience more compassion and forgiveness for myself and others. 

Compassion and forgiveness, to some, sound like that dangerous experience of vulnerability. Stanford University’s Monica Worline and Jane Dutton, reference research in their book Awakening Compassion at Work,  that increased emotional intelligence, those soft skills, increases productivity and efficacy at work; that productivity increases when people are more transparent, enabling them to create informal, valuable networks and an environment that fosters meaningful and robust relationships to effect action to accomplish goals. While this may seem obvious, we also find that pressure to move quickly, and being rushed can turn even the kindest people into coarse, impatient ‘others’ who aren’t able to see the real person in front of them. With training, I know it’s possible to intentionally slow down to see the ‘other’ and cultivate more empathy, and compassion to effectively communicate to get things done.

Clearly, competition is healthy, and the marketplace requires fast action. The drive to get things done and to succeed don’t disappear just because you’re willing to consider others’ needs and experiences. In fact, one of the reasons so many leaders are turning to mindfulness practices is that they find with regular (even short periods) of meditation they can more easily focus on what’s in front of them, and likewise, can look at the larger picture with a greater awareness. Additionally, intentionally mindful leaders better self-regulate which translates into more consistent leadership presence ~ they convey more genuine confidence and approachability. If you’ve worked with a boss who’s a screamer like some of my clients, you know how deeply unsettling and de-motivating this bad behavior can be. We know that more people leave jobs because of bad bosses and the toxic culture they create. It makes senses, therefore, for businesses to invest in those new MBAs (and others) who already know how to slow down to access their sense of perspective and calm with intentional practices that ground them. These individuals are equipped with healthy habits of mind that steady them during the rough days (and years) of change.

With roughly 40 years’ of mindful awareness practice and years of study about the efficacy and science of mindfulness and compassion, I offer clients mindfulness training and coaching, supporting them to develop their genuine leadership presence, along with more satisfaction and success at work and home. Want more information? Contact [email protected] and we’ll schedule a consultation. This time of Covid-19 has pushed many people to their edge; let’s make this a profound time of healthful transformation for you.

Use these expert tips to stand your ground for equal pay. Raven Ishak

No matter how old we are or how long we’ve been working, we all have questions when it comes to careers—from how to respond to a rejection letter to learning to say no when a role isn’t a good fit. That’s where Career Counselor comes in. In this weekly series, we connect with experts to answer all of your work-related questions. Because while we don’t all have the luxury of a career coach, we still deserve to grow in our careers.

For many women, an unfortunate reality of work is finding out that you’re paid less than a male coworker despite doing the exact same job. While pay disparity is a common situation in America, it doesn’t mean you can’t take action at your job and stand up for your self-worth.

According to Payscale’s Gender Pay Gap Report for 2020, the median salary for men in America is about 19% higher than the median salary for women overall. And Black, Hispanic, American Indian, and Alaska Native women, specifically, make 25% less than white men—no matter the job type, seniority level, or industry. However, the report also found that for men and women with the same job and same qualifications, women of all races earn 98 cents (or 2% less) for every dollar earned by their white male counterparts.

While the report states that this is a 7% improvement from 2015, there’s clearly still work to be done, and it’s important for everyone—not just women and minorities—to pay attention to these issues and fight for equality. That said, if you are a woman and/or a minority making less than your male colleagues, it can be hard to stand for yourself without risking your job security.

So what should you do, exactly, when you find out you’re making less than your coworker for doing the same amount of work? We connected with career expertsto get their advice.

HelloGiggles (HG): What is the first thing you should do if you find out you’re making less than your colleague for doing the same work?

The first thing that anyone needs to do when they find out that there’s a pay disparity is to research pay levels in your job, or something similar, on a national basis. Do whatever research you can about pay within your company—but this can be touchy and tricky, so be tactful. It’s important to know that you are well-researched when you finally do meet with your supervisor to discuss your salary.

Additionally, you need to take inventory of your own accomplishments at work because there isn’t a boss who would want to give a raise to an employee who isn’t able to show they’ve added value to the company.

— Daisy S. Swan, career coach

HG: How should you address your concerns and request to be paid the same when meeting with your boss?

Be sure to practice what you want to say to your boss before you have this talk. You’ll want to feel strong and clear, not defensive or argumentative. You’ll need to present your statement that you’ve learned about pay disparities, present that you’ve done your research on salaries for your role and the pay at the company, and that you’d like to know what can be done to increase your pay.

Your boss will probably be surprised, maybe even unaware of this information. Recognize that your boss is also a human who may be struggling with how to justify the situation; personally, I think it’s important to remember that it will most likely take time to get this issue resolved as it will have to go through various people to get your salary changed.

— Swan

HG: What are some questions or phrases you should use during the meeting?

Here’s one way to start the conversation. “Thank you for meeting with me. I want to talk to you because I recently found out that Brad’s salary is higher than mine.” You can stop talking at this point and see what your supervisor says. To negotiate effectively, you want to find out more information from the other person so that you can strategically problem-solve with them to reach your goal. That’s why you want to spend more time listening than talking. Ask open-ended “how” and “what” questions.

The ultimate question, which you may circle back to several times in the conversation, will be some version of “How can my salary be increased to match Brad’s and to make up for being paid less for the last three years?” A variation on this question is “What can be done to make up for the difference between Brad and my salaries?”

You want to be able to clearly, concisely, and confidently state how comparable your work is to Brad’s and demonstrate how you have outperformed—or performed equally as well—as Brad over time. Examples and illustrations can help paint a more accurate and persuasive picture.

— Cynthia Pong, JD, career coach and author of Don’t Stay in Your Lane: The Career Change Guide for Women of Color.

HG: What’s the best way to approach the conversation without letting emotions get in the way?

It’s crucial to manage your emotions and not let them drive your conversation. Your chances of successfully negotiating a pay increase are much higher if you approach the conversation like you’re problem-solving with a team partner—not fighting against someone who has wronged you (even though you’d be justified in feeling that way).

It’s also easier to think clearly, process new information, and make strategic decisions when we aren’t overcome with anger. Be sure to fully process your negative emotions in advance of this conversation: Vent to a friend, talk to your therapist or coach, or journal it out.

— Pong

GETTY IMAGES

HG: When a superior suggests “you’re not ready to receive the raise,” or “it’s not in the budget right now,” how should you respond?

I would recommend using the technique of “mirroring,” set out in Never Split the Difference, my go-to book for negotiation. Mirroring in this situation means you respond by saying—in a neutral, calm, de-escalating tone—“not ready?” You are repeating the one to three operative words that the other person just said and then inviting them to elaborate further. It’s another great way to maximize listening and minimize your speaking. This allows you to find out more information and make the other person feel heard and understood by you, which will make them more likely to do right by you.

You can [also] use the mirroring technique to find out more information and build empathy, e.g., “Not in the budget?” Let them explain further. That will give you an indication of how “real” of an excuse/explanation that is. Use “how” and “what” questions to get them to problem-solve with you around it. If you get the sense that it’s really not something you can win right now, get them to commit to a date for follow-up/revisit the conversation and regularly follow-up with them about it.

— Pong

HG: What should you do if your boss denies the pay gap or shames you for talking about salaries?

If this happens, know that there’s nothing wrong with you for having brought it up. Instead, this is important to note. This may be indicative of the culture at your company. It may be time to look for a new job if you find your request(s) fall on deaf ears. 

— Swan

HG: How should you close out the meeting and follow-up to ensure that you receive a raise?

Nail down all the specifics, especially timelines. If they agreed to the raise and backpay: “Thank you and please let me know what I can do to make sure the raise and backpay go through. I’ll follow up with you next week to make sure it’s going smoothly.”

If they don’t answer either way: “What can I do to help you come to a decision?” Wait for their answer. “Okay, great. Thank you for your time. Can I follow up with you next week to check in?”

If they say no and you are staying at that job: “I’m sorry to hear that. What can I do to be paid on par with Brad going forward?” Wait for their answer. “Okay. I will work on those things and I’ll circle back to you in a month to revisit the conversation.”

If they say no and you won’t be staying at the job: “I’m sorry to hear that.” Optionally, you can thank them for their time.

In all but the last scenario, following up shows that you are serious and that this is a priority for you. (In the last scenario, you know it’s time to move on to another job.) So whatever you say you’re going to do, be sure to do it and communicate that back to the supervisor. 

— Pong

Link to Full Article

With orders to stay at home as the “new normal,” and plenty of businesses temporarily shuttering to protect staff and customers, many people are suddenly out of work… And even with unemployment programs, furlough pay, and other sources of income, remote work is looking like the best option to earn a living.

So, how do you find a remote job? The search can be a bit overwhelming because there are a ton of great resources available. Like any other job search, there’s a degree of toil and combing through your options. Diligence is often the name of the game here, where hunting through search results and filling out lots of applications is just part of the process. Break up your day so you aren’t spending too much time on the job search in one sitting. Job searching of any kind can be exhausting and especially these days you need to pace yourself!

Casting a wide net is helpful, especially because so many others are also looking for remote work, but so is focusing on where you’re most likely to shine. Applying for many jobs is generally a good thing, but if you have specific interests or expertise, those things are going to come through in any interview or application with good preparation on your part. You’re more likely to land a job you’re passionate about and/or in an industry you have experience with.

With some of those general guidelines out of the way, let’s look at some resources.

Remote Job Search Resources:

1. Remote.co

Remote.co is a hub for job postings, but it’s also designed to be a community around remote workers and the businesses that employ them. With great forum and FAQ sections on the website, as well as a job search function, this is a great place to start – both for finding opportunities and getting information about remote work best practices, challenges, and so on.

2. Flexjobs.com

One of the most reliable resources for remote work, Flexjobs is a giant repository of job listings that also provides useful advice on finding work that best suits you, personalized job searches, and more. Many of the opportunities listed here are exclusive to their site, and many companies hire their remote staff exclusively through them.

The only slight catch is that there’s a subscription fee to have full access to the site. Normal pricing ranges from $14.95 per month to $49.95 for a full year subscription, though some discounted pricing is currently available. The upside here is that the paywall helps weed out scams and unreliable postings, meaning you get higher quality results.

Even if you’re looking in lots of places, this should probably be a staple of your search. 

3. Friends and Family

So often, we only think to look online for online work… But you never know who in your circle might have some leads. Opportunities for remote work are only becoming more common, and even temporary or part-time jobs are still worth exploring. As usual, it’s a good idea to be vocal about your search for remote work and use your important network to let them know what you’re looking for.

Create a helpful post about what you’re looking for and post to your social media, or send it directly to your friends and family. A job offer (or at least a few remote tasks for extra money) might come from an unexpected place – but you won’t find it if you aren’t making your search known.

4. Direct Outreach through a Targeted Search

This approach might be a bit daunting, but with the right focus, it might yield some surprising success. Instead of (or really, in addition to) relying on job sites, reach out directly to businesses you want to work for. If you have a highly specialized skill, this approach is even better.

Take your time to develop a “pitch” email, think carefully about who might need your skills the most, and make a detailed list of places to reach out to. It’s possible that smaller organizations may need your expertise and aren’t advertising online for remote positions.

There is no shortage of websites and services dedicated to job searches. The few mentioned above are great places to start, but you’ll likely want to explore others as well.

Technology makes remote work more possible than ever, and the largely shut down world makes it all the more necessary. The remote work is out there if you look for it, and the more creative and curious you are about what you can do for an organization, the more likely you are to find the position that suits you best!

I have lots of resources on my site and am here to support you with classes and one-on-one coaching. Let’s have a conversation. Contact [email protected] to set up a short call with me.