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!
The Experience Dividend: Why Women Over 50 are the Secret Weapon of Business
If you’re a woman in your 50s, you’ve likely felt it: that subtle, nagging sense that the professional world is beginning to look right through you. Despite having more gas in the tank and wisdom in your mind than ever before, the corporate and entrepreneurial landscapes can sometimes feel like they’re built for the 20-something […]
The Human Premium: Why Messy Humanity is Your Best AI-Proof Strategy
With AI accelerating every workflow, it’s crucial that you remember what technology still cannot do. AI can draft your emails, sort your calendar, and analyze your data in seconds. But it cannot build trust, calm fear, or help a burned-out team feel seen. That is still your job. That is why The Human Premium matters […]
From Work/Life Balance to Work/Life Integration: The New Normal
The transition to remote and hybrid work has blurred the lines between our professional and personal lives, reigniting discussions about work/life balance. As companies push for employees to return to physical offices, many are experiencing heightened stress and a dwindling sense of balance. It’s becoming evident that the traditional concept of work/life balance — a […]
The Critical Moment for Women in the Workplace: Key Findings from McKinsey’s 2025 Report
The McKinsey/Lean-In 2025 Women in the Workplace Report was just released and Corporate America stands at a crossroads. For the first time in nearly a decade, the momentum toward gender equality in the workplace is stalling—and in some areas, actively retreating. The report reveals troubling trends that demand immediate attention from business leaders. The Warning […]
The Power of Proximity: Extraordinary Leaders Are on The Front Lines
You know that moment when you realize the most profound leadership lessons aren’t found in boardrooms, but in the trenches? I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately, especially as I watch so many executives retreat further into their corner offices while their companies struggle to stay connected to what really matters. There’s this beautiful […]
The Gift of Gratitude
✨ This holiday season, let’s embrace the spirit of giving through simple acts of kindness! Whether it’s lending a helping hand to a neighbor, leaving a heartfelt note for someone you appreciate, or donating to a local charity in need, every small gesture can make a big difference. I love this idea from @Stephanie […]
Beyond Wellness: Why Your Burnout Solutions Aren’t Working (And What Actually Will)
I’ve been having the same conversation repeatedly with clients lately – and frankly, it’s alarming. Talented, driven professionals are burning out faster than ever, despite their organizations rolling out wellness apps and lunchtime yoga classes. If you’re nodding along, wondering why your team still seems exhausted despite access to meditation apps and mental health days, […]
Leading Through Uncertainty: Why Clear Communication Matters More Than Having All the Answers
As I reflect on the challenges facing leaders today, one thing has become crystal clear: we’re navigating unprecedented turbulence, and traditional leadership playbooks simply aren’t enough. Recent research from MIT Sloan Management Review reveals something powerful—clarity doesn’t require certainty . When 80% of employees struggle to stay focused during disruptive periods, the antidote isn’t having all […]
The AI Career Reality Check: How to Future-Proof Your Professional Path
Let’s get real about AI and your career. While tech leaders have been reassuring us that AI will simply “enhance” our jobs, the headlines tell a different story. With nearly 950,000 job cuts announced this year and middle management taking the biggest hit, it’s time for an honest conversation. The truth? AI is reshaping the workplace […]
How Leaders Shape Team Stress – And What to Do About It
We’ve all been there – walking into a team meeting where the tension is so thick you could cut it with a knife. You know the feeling: shoulders hunched, energy depleted, and that collective sigh that seems to echo around the room. As leaders, we often think stress is an individual challenge, something each team […]
Quiet Cutting: The Silent Career Killer
As an executive coach and talent development consultant, I’ve seen many workplace trends come and go over the years. But there’s one emerging trend that deeply concerns me – what is now being called, “quiet cutting.” You’ve likely heard of “quiet quitting,” where employees do the bare minimum required in their jobs. Quiet cutting is […]
The Leadership Energy Crisis: Why Executive Burnout Threatens Your Entire Organization
In today’s fast-paced career world, we often celebrate leaders who seem to possess superhuman endurance, working tirelessly to drive their organizations forward. But what happens when these titans of industry start to falter? When the very individuals responsible for steering the ship begin to lose their way? Executive burnout is a silent epidemic that’s putting […]
Finding Your Ikigai: Unlocking Your Life and Work Purpose
As we navigate our careers and personal journeys, many of us find ourselves searching for that elusive sense of fulfillment and purpose. Recently, I’ve been reflecting on the Japanese concept of Ikigai , which translates to “a reason for being.” This philosophy emphasizes the intersection of what we love, what we’re good at, what the world needs, […]
A Burst of Energy From Your Dopamine Menu
Have you heard of the “Dopamine Menu”? It’s a simple but powerful tool to boost your mood and motivation! Create a go-to list of quick, easy activities that give you a natural feel-good boost. Think: favorite songs, short walks, calling a friend, or enjoying a cup of tea. ☕️♀️ When you’re feeling low or unmotivated, […]
