12/31/09: Top Career Posts this Week
Every week I check dozens of “career” blogs and other online publications, looking for things that will help you find a job, get promoted, develop your skills, and keep everything in perspective and balance. Here’s the pick of the lot for this week. I’m pointing you to items about gifts you can give your career, taking responsibility for getting noticed, learning from all your experience, happiness, and what’s ahead in the job market.
From Anita Bruzzese: 10 gifts to give your career
“As the gift-giving season draws to a close, it’s time to remember that you still have one more gift left to bestow: The gift of a better career.”
Wally’s Comment: Here’s a great collection of career advice wrapped in a single post. It’s sure to help you get make 2010 better.
From Jackie Cameron: Now is the time for you to take responsibility for getting noticed
“I was meant to meet with a good friend from university days over the Christmas holiday but the weather here has been so bad that I had to cancel. I was really disappointed as she now has 2 lovely children and I was looking forward to seeing them too but we arranged to chat on the phone when she got back home. I have just got off the call. She took on a challenging new role in her organisation earlier this year and she is really enjoying it. It plays to her strengths and recognises her experience in the sector. She was “headhunted” internally for this job. I then came to my desk and found this video by Scott Belsky with the title ‘Don’t let your genius go unnoticed’”
Wally’s Comment: Most of us figure that if we do a good job, others will notice and we will reap our just rewards. Alas, that doesn’t happen. Unless you’re a big-time athlete or writer with a publicity agency dedicated to building your reputation, you need to do the job yourself.
From Fistful of Talent: There’s Always a Lesson to be Learned. Things I Learned on the Jobs
“Funny thing about growing older—you realize that your parents were right more than they were wrong. Except… except!… when it comes to odd jobs. Y’know, those jobs you took to pay for clothes, parties, and tuition; to avoid figuring out post-college days; to gap-fill when any job would do. I’m here to tell you that these experiences add up. Just take a look at my stellar resume of odd jobs to see what I mean.”
Wally’s Comment: This is a delightful post about the lesson you can learn from the jobs that don’t “count.”
From Jason Seiden: The Ultimate Alchemy: Turning Success Into Happiness
“Modern day alchemists aren’t trying to turn lead into gold. They’re trying to turn gold into happiness.”
Wally’s Comment: One prevailing myth is that if you get rich, you’ll be happy. Now, I’m with Sophie Tucker who said, “I’ve been rich and I’ve been poor, and believe me, honey, rich is best.” But I’ve also known a lot of very rich people who led crappy lives. Jason meditates on these facts.
What to Expect in 2010
Employers See a Brighter 2010
Wally’s Comment: Here are two posts from The Work Buzz that outline the results of the Career Builder Job Forecast for 2010.