When you choose a career, you are making an important life decision. Students and staff at Oxford University have created the website www.80,000hours.org. The home page contains the statement: “You have 80,000 Hours in your career”. The site is geared toward persons interested in work that will have an impact on the world. So, it’s the quote, not the topic of the site, that I’m bringing to your attention. Regardless of what career you choose, you are making a big commitment. So, take time to … [Read more...]
What’s Your Facebook Type?
The Internet and social media have added new dimensions to career exploration and job search, opening up a world of opportunities. It also enables us to connect with individuals and groups. According to Robin Dunbar, professor of evolutionary psychology at Oxford University, “The Internet has made it possible to service existing relationships as well as meet new individuals more efficiently and on a wider geographical scale.” (2016) How an individual uses social media says a lot about them. … [Read more...]
It’s a Gift Box, Not a Container
When the holiday season ends, we begin to question what lies ahead for the coming year. The economy and job market are of particular interest. Kristina Webb, a Palm Beach Post Staff Writer, authored “What's the best job in the U.S. in 2016?” http://www.entrepreneur.com/slideshow/269772. Information about the economy and job market is vital when answering question “Where can and I find a job and earn money right now?”. But, it doesn’t answer the question: “In which job/field will I be … [Read more...]
Find a Career with Character
When my clock radio went off the other day, I awoke to the Beatles’ song “Stuck In the Middle With You”. Almost instantaneously, the lyrics of a parody on the song came to mind. Tom Doyle, a broadcaster from WROR 105.7 in Boston wrote and recorded: “Stuck With a Kid at B.U” a satirical tune about the University’s high tuition costs. Doyle sings: “My trip to the poor house is a race. It’s so hard to keep a smile on my face when I’m gonna have to mortgage my place”. I’m certain that my love of … [Read more...]
Words to Live (and Work) By
I hope that all of my readers had a very happy holiday. In keeping with tradition, a dear friend and I went to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s holiday performance of “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve”. The phenomenal music, vocals and amazing special effects told a story about the meaning of the holidays. A couple of lines from the show reinforced how important it is to identify your strengths and use them to the best of your ability. “If you try real hard, you’ll get somewhere.” is so true … [Read more...]
Finding the Right Job Shouldn’t be a Pane in the Glass
As a kid, I thought it would be great to be a seagull because I would be able to swim and fly. Having the choice must be wonderful. Since I am legally blind, I was curious about birds’ inability to see glass. According to birdwatchingdaily.com, this is because rather than the glass, the bird sees whatever is on the other side or a reflection from the surrounding area. If it spots something enticing, like a plant, the poor bird gathers momentum and flies right into the window. Well, this … [Read more...]
Employers Are Looking for You!
Deciding on the type of work you want to do or choosing a new career can be challenging. For previous generations, it was pretty cut-and-dried. You went to work, college or in to the military. However, things are changing. A college education is extremely expensive and does not guarantee employment after graduation. On October 16, 2015, ClarkHoward.com featured “Apprenticeships may be a better alternative to college”. Clark states: “5.9 million high-paying technical jobs are now … [Read more...]
Find the Field of Your Dreams
Think about the activities you enjoy. Possibly, when you see a sign for an Open House, you walk through and take a look even if you’re not searching for a new home. Maybe you want to see the design of the house, check out the cabinetry or chat with the real estate agent about the housing market. Whatever it is that interests you reflects your personality type. When working with a Career Counselor, the best first step for you may not be to identify a specific job, but rather a potential … [Read more...]
Speeding Toward Career Success
In the Journal of Psychological Type (Issue 2, 2014), McPeek and Breiner reported that: Personality theory is rich with stories of and evidence of “unseen forces influencing your behavior, often in ways outside of your awareness”. These forces drive how you perform tasks and respond to situations. Do you prefer to be structured or spontaneous in your approach? Are you more comfortable having a strict schedule or the freedom to do things randomly? This aspect of your personality is reflected … [Read more...]
What Drives You?
Two central factors determine your personality type: the way you prefer to gather information, focusing on specifics (Sensing) or observing the relationships between things (iNtuition) and your preferred approach when making decisions, using an objective (Thinking) or subjective (Feeling) approach. Although you use both approaches when gathering information and making decisions, you probably notice that one comes more naturally than the other. The four functions that drive your personality … [Read more...]