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!
Keep, Stop, Start Your Way to Clarity, Purpose, and Wellness
As a career and executive coach, I work with many individuals who are stalled or stuck in a stagnant routine of life and career that zaps their energy and enthusiasm. The human body is constantly changing at a cellular level, so the process of transformation runs deep within our very being. I encourage you to […]
Parents Under Pressure: The Surgeon General’s Advisory on Their Mental Health and Wellbeing
United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released a Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Parents, highlighting the urgent need to better support parents, caregivers, and families to help our communities thrive. Burnout, exhaustion, and overwhelm are causing a human energy crisis in workplaces around the world and for many parents, life at […]
Playing To Your Strengths: Finding Your “Zone”
We hear it often…it’s better to play to your strengths rather than trying to fix your weaknesses. While that may seem like a “no-brainer,” especially when it comes to work and career, it’s surprising how many continue to work against their own proverbial grain. We’ve all heard about the challenges of trying to fit square […]
Curiosity: Let It Be Your Guide
“I wonder…” Whenever I hear coaching clients start off a sentence with these two words, I feel heartened. It means wheels are turning…intuition is kicking in, and mobilization is in the offing. It means my clients are curious, and ready to move past what is safe…beyond the known. It signals that they’re ready to step […]
Brave Not Perfect – Part II: Counteracting Perfectionism
If you’re looking to shake off your fears and move forward in your career, I highly recommend Reshma Saujani’s book, Brave, Not Perfect. Saujani, who founded Girls Who Code, says that, for women to succeed in the business world, it’s about more than just leaning in or boosting self-confidence – she says it’s about finding […]
Brave Not Perfect – Part I: Taking Bolder Risks
With social media permeating our daily lives at every turn, things can seem pretty darn perfect out there. In this Instagram world where makeup is done to a ‘T’, hair is in place, and family and friends seem to always be having the time of their lives, it’s easier than ever to fall into the […]
Improving Your Future Career Prospects During COVID-19
Life hasn’t been easy for any of us over the last year, and many changes have taken place as a result of the global pandemic. Some of these changes relate to employment. Millions of people have lost their jobs according to published figures, college grads have been forced to wait for employment, and those who […]
There is No Mind Reading in The Career World
Gone are the days when working hard was enough to earn recognition or a promotion in the career world. Take control of your career trajectory and design your unique path. In addition to mapping out your career future, be sure to tap the wisdom of those who can empower you to achieve your goals. Keeping […]
Life Changes as a Result of a Global Pandemic
While I still cringe at the ubiquitous use of the phrase “new normal” – the pandemic has led to some positive changes for which I am grateful. I read a compelling piece about the joint effort of Parade and the Cleveland Clinic that surveyed 1000 Americans during the past few months of COVID-19. The results […]
Change Your Mind: Change Your Life
I hope you enjoy this guest post by Kathleen Cameron. Change your mind. It’s easier said than done. Truly understanding yourself and learning how to appreciate what you are capable of is pivotal in achieving whatever your goal may be. This is not only true for specific goals, this is for people with health goals, […]
Thank you, Ruth Bader Ginsburg
I believe you could hear a collective gasp across the country when the news of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s passing hit the news on the evening of September 18, 2020. Small in stature and truly mighty, the notorious RBG was “…a tireless and resolute champion of justice.” stated by her colleague, Supreme Court Chief Justice John […]
Give Grace During the Time of Covid
As we move into the 6-month mark recognizing how COVID-19 has changed our lives, the stress is palpable. Many parents and students are struggling with online learning, childcare, and trying to work from home while also supervising virtual education for young children. That challenge intensifies if those parents have returned to a place of work […]
Are You a Video Meeting Bully?
Many thanks to my friend, Anna Seacat for sharing her wisdom in this blog post. *** When a VP insisted that everyone in his meetings “show yourself” on camera, his Directors and Managers perceived this as a new rule and also made it a requirement in their meetings. A perfect environment for video bullies was […]
6 Ways to Navigate Personal & Professional Change in the COVID Era
I’m grateful to my friend, Liz Freedman for sharing her story in this guest post. 2020 has been one for the record books, in nearly all negative ways. But up until a few weeks ago, my family had been mostly spared. I am fortunate that my husband and I have jobs which have mostly allowed […]
