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!
Honor the Introverts and Give Them Space to Be Heard
Western culture favors gregarious extraverts in the world-of-work. They speak up, think quickly on their feet, and rarely hesitate to share their point of view when interacting with colleagues and stakeholders. The perception of extraverts is not always based on the content, or the quality of the information shared, but the style with which it […]
Establish a Gossip Free Workplace
I read a fascinating New York Times article by Shayla McKnight who shared a story about her job interview with an online printing company. The Human Resources Manager was clear about the no-gossip policy and no office politics rule before she was even hired. While McKnight thought the policy was refreshing it also seemed hard […]
Want a Better Life? Career? Then Do This!
On Saturday, October 26th, you would have questioned my judgement. It was cold, wet and windy in Indiana. I had been gone most of the month and was preparing for even more travel – so you know what that means as far as “to do” lists. None the less, I spontaneously called the Inn at […]
Pace Yourself This Holiday: 5 Tips For Going The Distance
Oh for the days when Thanksgiving heralded the start of the holidays. Over the past few years, it seems that a kind of holiday creep has overtaken the days of autumn. The holiday roll-out in the U.S. has gotten earlier and earlier – to the point where, anymore, Halloween is the official start of the […]
Work Boundaries: Say Goodbye to Super Woman Syndrome
One month into my new job, I’m incredibly excited thinking about the positive inroads I’ll be able to make for my organization. To say that I’m energized, and ready-to-go is an understatement. At the same time – as a Type-A personality and recovering workaholic – I’m also doing my level best to calm the racehorse […]
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 of us continue to work against our own proverbial grain. We’ve all heard about the challenges of trying to […]
Four Smart Tips For Getting Paid What You’re Worth
This post was contributed by Sarah Jane who just successfully asked for a raise and is eager to share her wisdom with others. One of the trickiest subjects for women in the workplace is asking for a pay increase. Sometimes you can be ripe for development and worth a lot more than you are currently […]
Three Tips That Will Help You Communicate More Effectively
This blog was written by Lena who shares her workplace wisdom after a recent career change. In order to be successful, it’s important to develop your communication skills. Not only will being a great communicator make you more influential in your work life, but it will also help to maintain your personal relationships as well. […]
Workspace Wellness
As part of my continuing experience as the “new girl” after my recent career change, I am grateful to have an opportunity to look at my work environment through a fresh lens. I’m in an open concept workspace, which is brand new for me. I will admit that the spacious cubicle, even with an automated […]
Jump Starting Your Way Back into the Career World After Having a Family
This guest post was shared by Lisa, a mom of twins who recently re-entered the workforce after a career hiatus. If you’re a very busy working mom, who’s taken the time out of your career to have a family, there’s a chance you feel like you’ve missed the mark on getting back into the working […]
Back in the “New Girl” Career Seat
My work as a career and executive coach has provided me with many opportunities to prepare individuals for intensive interview and salary negotiations for new roles. Recently, I accepted a new and exciting career opportunity, which has heightened my empathy for the vulnerability a candidate feels while navigating a rigorous selection process. It’s been 6 […]
Practice Intentional Acts of Kindness Throughout Your Career
You’re stressed beyond measure at work – toiling away on the umpteenth iteration of a new campaign; racing the clock to get a grant proposal in; or working overtime to iron out a distribution snafu – then a colleague sets aside their own project to pitch in on yours, or a friend, who’s been through […]
Forest Bathing Will Enhance Your Life and Career
I was driving to work one morning when I heard a fascinating NPR story about forest bathingand 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’swhen a test was done by […]
Stop the Busy Brag
Busy-ness is a dangerous trap that relinquishes our control to find meaning and fulfillment in life and career when we are stuck in the quicksand of being busy. I am on a mission to disrupt the busy culture and focus on a life that is measured by meaning, value, fulfillment and other factors we can […]
