This Is Not The Career I Ordered™ Blog
Savvy Professional Career Wisdom by Caroline Dowd-Higgins
This is Not the Career I Ordered is read by thousands of careerists around the globe. With savvy tools, inspiration, and resources, this timeless book empowers you to enjoy your career, and love your life!
Start by Loving Yourself This Valentine’s Day

It’s the time of year for cards with red hearts, chocolates, and flowers as Valentine’s Day is celebrated in February. It causes anxiety for some who are seeking affection, and bliss for others who are celebrating their love with someone special. This Valentine’s Day I encourage you to see it through a different lens. Celebrate […]
Maybe It’s Time to Step Up Your Game

I’m delighted to share this guest post written by Alicia Webb. Could your style be impacting your career trajectory? As companies continue to implement return to office policies, employee dress codes seem to be an afterthought—leading to a very casually dressed workforce. Maybe, it is time to consider stepping up your professional attire. According to […]
What Are You Waiting For?

This was a big week for me. I left a senior leadership role in a large organization to pursue my executive coaching, speaking, and consulting practice full-time. My side-hustle entrepreneurial days are over – bring on the full-hustle! This was not an overnight decision. I have been pursuing my business on evenings, weekends, and precious […]
Hone Your Emotional Agility

As we continue to navigate the VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous) landscape and the ongoing pandemic journey, mental unwellness is at an all-time high. The World Health Organization reports that depression is the single leading cause of disability globally. Savvy organizations are offering more comprehensive wellness support like access to therapy as part of […]
The VUCA World-of Work

If you haven’t heard the trending business buzzword: VUCA, it stands for volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous. The term originated at the US Army War College in 1980 to describe the global landscape after the Cold War, and quickly found traction in the business world. Our world circumstances have shifted from the 1980’s but the […]
Boomerang Talent is Ripe for Recruiting

The Worker’s Market is alive and well putting talent in the driver’s seat in this robust job market. While many employers are scrambling to attract and retain top talent, the often-unexpected population of boomerang and alumni talent is ripe for hiring. Boomerang and Alumni Employees Boomerang talent has worked in or applied to work in […]
4 Surprising Jobs You Can Do Remotely

I know you will enjoy this post by Andrew Anderson with some terrific resources about remote careers. Working remotely provides many benefits—you have no commute to worry about, you can customize your workspace according to your preferences, and you can work from anywhere. ZDNet adds that another remote work perk is that it forms better personal relationships. […]
Women are Changing Leadership

Women are paving the way for a style of leadership that is confident, authentic, and highly effective. Catalyst reports that the share of women in senior management is increasing incrementally. We still have a long way to go for women’s equity in leadership roles, but the comprehensive picture looks more promising. Remarkable women are leading in […]
Refresh Team Engagement Regularly

I see LinkedIn announcements every day from people enthusiastically reporting new roles in new organizations. Hiring trends are strong and savvy companies are bringing in top talent. With a focus on retaining newly hired top talent and honoring the existing staff already in place, I encourage you to consider a team engagement refresh on a […]
Awe-Inducing Moments Can Alleviate Stress

I just came back from visiting my long-distance family and I’m reminded of the power of a change of pace to stimulate the mind and alleviate stress. You need not have a luxury vacation to recharge your battery and destress. Consider the psychology about why time away matters and how it impacts your health and […]
Building Trust and Inspiring Others as a Leader

There are hundreds of books on leadership and just as many philosophies, which can make it overwhelming as you strengthen new leadership muscles or hone your style as a seasoned professional. A common denominator appreciated by modern workers is when a leader builds trust and inspire others. Narcissism is no longer tolerated and savvy leaders […]
Forest Bathing is Good for Your Life and Career

I was driving to work one morning when I heard a fascinating NPR story about forest bathing and how a retreat to nature can boost immunity and mood. If you have not heard about the trendy concept of forest bathing, the study of the practice dates back to the late 1990’s when a test was […]
How The Future Works

The pandemic turned the traditional nine-to-five workday on its head out of necessity. The 2-year (and counting) global case study in remote/hybrid work has irrevocably changed how many people want to work moving forward. With the Worker’s Market driving change, savvy organizations are rethinking the way we work long-term in the new digital-first workplace. My […]
ReCulture Your Workplace for Lasting Success and Satisfaction

The late leadership guru, Peter Drucker’s iconic quote, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast….” is visceral in an era when people are leaving companies in record numbers to seek work environments that honor their values and provide meaning and purpose. I had a great conversation with Melissa Daimler, Chief Learning Officer for Udemy on my Your […]