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!
End 2023 Strong at Work
With days left before the beginning of a new year and the holiday season in full swing – it’s an opportune time to finish out the calendar year with intentionality at work. The economic predictions about inflation, a potential recession, and company lay-offs are conflicting at best, so take advantage of the opportunity to demonstrate […]
The Great 4-Day Workweek Experiment
As someone with Futuristic in my Top 5 Clifton Strengths profile, I am fascinated by what’s coming down the road. Workplace futurists are predicting trends that range from multi-generational behaviors, remote/hybrid roles, and the 4-day work week. Futurist David Houle calls the 2020’s the most disruptive decade in history. The post pandemic journey has brought […]
Enhance Your Career with a Side Hustle
The gig economy is alive and well and many people are taking control of their professional lives by activating a side hustle to add a supplemental income stream or flex entrepreneurial muscles. Nick Loper identifies himself as a Chief Side Hustler and created Side Hustle Nation to help those committed to the side hustle career […]
The Health Benefits of Spending Time in Nature
You’ve probably heard a million times that spending time outdoors is essential for your mental and physical health. But did you know that the benefits go beyond a simple breath of fresh air? Below, we’ll explore the myriad rewards you can reap by spending some quality time with nature. From boosts in creativity and increased […]
Is There An Entrepreneur In You?
Ever had an idea for a business that just keeps tapping you on the shoulder…and have you ever thought of throwing caution to the wind and actually doing it? If the thought has even crossed your mind, there may be an entrepreneur in you just waiting to be unleashed. In my book, This Is Not […]
The Importance of Empathy in Our Lives
Even though it is frequently mentioned by many people, empathy is something that is hardly practiced or prioritized. Up to 98 percent of people are capable of empathizing with others, with the exception of sociopaths, psychopaths and narcissists who are incapable of understanding or relating to the feelings and emotions of other people. People with […]
The Importance of Receiving
With the holidays upon us, it’s fair to say we’ll probably be doing a lot more giving in the days and weeks to come – whether it’s giving parties, gifts, donations, side dishes, or our time. For women, in particular, giving tends to be our default… our wheelhouse. Many of us have no problem giving, […]
Screen Time Relief: 3 Tips To Detox
This holiday season, I hope you’ll consider giving yourself a rare and precious gift…I hope you’ll give yourself the gift of time away from your screens. More than ever before it feels like we’re staring at a screen the majority of our days – living in a virtual world that detaches us from others and, […]
It’s About the Journey – Part Two: 3 Tips For Embracing the Path
In last week’s post I shared the story of my career transition from Opera into the Professional Development work I do today. Making that change eighteen years ago was a huge challenge. My career journey all of the sudden took a turn into uncharted territory and I was shaken to the core, but also changed […]
More Than Getting There: It’s About the Journey – Part One
When it comes to career, there’s a lot of pressure in our culture to achieve our goals…to “make it”… to “get there” – yet each time we “get there”, there’s always a new “there” to get to. We reach a goal, and that brings us to ‘What’s next?’ – and then we’re off again – […]
Resume Tips for Career Changers
Writing a resume can be a challenge at the best of times, but when you plan to change careers, this task is even more daunting. If you want to give yourself the best possible chance of success, you must understand how to present yourself and you background in a favorable light. It’s important to find […]
Blessings In Disguise: Reframing Career Challenges
When it comes to our work lives, the one sure thing is change and challenge. We may moan and groan when faced with hurdles large or small on the job – but these are the experiences we’re most likely to remember for the growth and wisdom they bring. Through my coaching practice and travels for […]
Play At Work: Incorporating Fun On the Job
For many of us, work is often characterized as “serious,” “nose-to-the-grindstone,” “no-nonsense” and “down to business.” There’s this idea that work is work and play is…well…for after work. In an INC column, Brendan Boyle, a partner at the design firm, IDEO, says play in the workplace has a “PR problem.” “Some think of play as […]
Avoid Workaholism and Get More Sleep
This guest post was contributed by William Loper, a freelance writer who loves to spend time researching new and exciting topics. On the weekend he enjoys a glass of wine and a non-fiction book. In today’s day and age, both young and mature people feel the need to work harder in order to feel they contribute […]
