It can be fun, but mostly daunting to think about your real answer the question, “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” Extrapolating that to 10 or 20 years can be downright overwhelming. But while the idea of setting career goals is a good one, there’s something to be said about career goals that suck and that shouldn’t exist. Let’s take a look at these career goals that suck; goals that will cause you more pain than success in the long run. Once you’ve gotten a good idea of what won’t work, we’ll share a framework for creating career goals that can actually take you to the next level in your profession. Career Goals that Suck Working so hard that you never take a vacation. Did you know that 55% of Americans don’t use all their paid vacation days? The United States is perhaps the worst place to find the ideal work/life balance. Citizens work hard in pursuit of their dreams, ignoring the rejuvenating benefits of occasionally taking a break, or the ability to build cultural … [Read more...] about Career Goals That Suck
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Coping With New Job Anxiety
New job anxiety can feel debilitating. Starting a new job, and in particular, the first few days, can be downright nerve-racking. Not knowing anyone, wondering what everyone is thinking of you, worried you will make stupid mistakes, not knowing what you are doing and maybe feeling like a fraud! All these negative thoughts can cast a dark cloud over what can be an exciting time, and quite possibly the start to a positive new chapter in your life. So, how do you get to make the most of this new start, turning down the anxiety to a healthy, low adrenaline level, so as not to just muddle through the first few days in a blurry, stress-filled haze? Sleep. Firstly, you need to give your body what it needs and avoid the stuff it doesn't. Make sure you are getting a good night's sleep, each night. Try and set a regular sleeping pattern that allows you to get enough sleep and wake refreshed and ready for the day. Sleep deprivation can lead to altered emotional states and paranoia and … [Read more...] about Coping With New Job Anxiety
16 Signs Quitting Your Job Is the Right Move
Thinking of quitting your job? Tell me if this sounds familiar. It's 7 p.m. on a Sunday night. You just finished dinner and are starting to settle down for the evening. Normally, this would be a relaxing time. Maybe you take the time to reflect on the past week, or perhaps plan your ambitious goals for the coming days. But this night is somehow different. You suddenly become filled with a certain something. It’s a malaise that doesn’t let you do much more than click the remote control. You can't exactly put your finger on what it is. Let’s call it the Sunday Night Blues. Rather than relax, you actually begin to get worked up, even annoyed. It comes in waves. Then you realize you are grinding your teeth, dreading the predictability of tomorrow’s work day. It might be time to look for a new job. At some point, all of us will reach this crossroads. Maybe you're there now. If you check off more than three items from the list below, it’s likely time to seriously consider quitting your … [Read more...] about 16 Signs Quitting Your Job Is the Right Move
Scared To Leave Your Job: Anxiety or Excitement?
Are you feeling stuck in your current job and are too afraid to quit your job? I think it’s a fairly common mindset. The quote, “The evil that we know is best” sums it up. But is it anxiety or anticipatory excitement you feel when you think about leaving your job? How Do You Tell the Difference? It’s normal to be fearful of the unknown. We are creatures of habit who don’t usually willingly embrace change. But let’s say that you are already in the process of actively job seeking. You’ve had a couple promising interviews. Then you get an actual offer and maybe a little panic sets in, possibly kicking up all the self-doubt that lurks just below the surface. But then feelings of excitement start. Here’s how it might go: “Oh, no, I can’t possibly do that job!” “It would be so great to get out of here, though!” “The new job would figure out that I haven’t a clue what I’m doing.” “But they like me!” “I could do this!” To me, that just reflects anticipatory excitement, … [Read more...] about Scared To Leave Your Job: Anxiety or Excitement?