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 Lifelong Learning Imperative: Ensure Your Competitive Edge
In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing professional landscape, the need for continuous learning has never been more critical. From technological advancements to shifting workplace dynamics, the skills and knowledge that once ensured job security may quickly become outdated. As a speaker and executive coach, I am an advocate in the work-trenches for lifelong learning. I believe […]
What do you do?
We typically ask a new acquaintance, “What do you do?” and default to probing about their career or work endeavors. I quickly share that I am a speaker and executive coach when I meet someone new because as an entrepreneur, business development is always top of mind. As a career driven and ambitious individual, I […]
The Thrill of Victory and The Agony of Defeat
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National unemployment numbers are the lowest in recent history and jobs are more plentiful but finding the right career fit can still be a challenge. Some are re-entering the job world after a planned hiatus – like taking time off to raise children, caring for elderly parents, or becoming a trailing spouse following a partner’s […]
Design Your Career Destiny So It Doesn’t Happen by Default
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I was honored to present the keynote session at the Women’s Forum for the ISACA Chicago Chapter in October. I share a few salient points from the daylong event that will resonate for women (and men) focusing on designing their professional lives so they don’t happen by default. Manage Up. Don’t assume your boss knows […]
Be a High Achiever Instead of a Workaholic
As a recovering workaholic, I have finally come to terms with the reality that workaholism is unhealthy and unsustainable. The tragic reality of workaholism is that is also leads to unhappiness and burnout in life and career. I believe that suffering is optional and now I’m focusing on being a high achiever instead if a […]
Finding Work After A Long Career Break
Talia Jansen is mom of two who returned to the workforce after several years as the Chief Household Officer for her family. She focused on raising her young children and off ramped from the world of work but she successfully re-entered after several years away and has great wisdom to share. Thank you, Talia for […]
Creativity in Your Career
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It’s easy to fall into a monotonous routine at work that zaps your energy and leads to a lack of enthusiasm. Keeping your career fresh and compelling is your responsibility since your boss is not your career coach. Career engagement starts with you and these tips will help you hone your creativity at work. Learn […]
Single Task Your Way to a Better Life and Career
Multitasking used to be a sought after professional competency thought to be a valuable skill for the busy professional. Research tells us that singletasking is actually more effective and can result in higher productivity and time efficiency. I can envision the woman at work reading this blog while eating her lunch, checking her email, listening […]
The Perfect Boss: Could You Be It?
This blog post was contributed by, Kelsey Weeks. What makes a perfect boss? If you’ve ever worked for another person, which is highly likely, then you probably already have an idea of what the perfect boss should be like. However, many people who start their own business don’t take this into account, and simply do […]
A Side Hustle Can Enhance Your Career
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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 journey. People […]
The SAHM Guide To Getting Back To Full Time Work
This blog was contributed by Sarah Watson who aspires to help women navigate the journey of raising kids and having a career. Are your kids are at school now, or perhaps they’ve flown the nest? Life for the Stay At Home Mom (SAHM) changes radically when the kids aren’t around all the time. SAHMs are […]
Did They Even Get My Job Application?
These days it’s common for an applicant to never hear back from an organization about a job they applied for online. You send your materials off into the black hole of the Internet and hope for some kind of acknowledgment that your resume landed in the right place. Meghan Biro wrote a great piece for […]
15 Leadership Lessons to Invigorate Your Career
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This summer, I am reminded of the great leadership lessons I have learned from colleagues, mentors, sponsors, coaches, and a myriad of incredible people I’ve encountered on my professional journey. May these words of wisdom give you the courage and fortitude to chart your own unique path with confidence so you can thrive! Self Confidence […]
There is No Reality, Only Perception with Your Career Brand
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As a career development and executive coach, I often work with people that brand products or services for an organization but have no real awareness of their unique professional brand and why it matters. It’s time to take stock of your own brand and use it to achieve your career goals and tell your authentic […]
