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!
Sorry? Not Sorry!
We all know people who over-apologize. Individuals who take responsibility for everything – even things they didn’t do. Research tells us that women tend to over-apologize more than men. As comedian and writer Amy Poehler puts it, “It takes years as a woman to unlearn what you have been taught to be sorry for.” Harriet […]
Celebrating Women Leaders
In honor of International Women’s month, it’s time to shine a spotlight on the transformational impact of women leaders. Women are paving the way for a style of leadership that is confident, authentic, and highly effective. Catalyst reports that the share of women in senior management is increasing incrementally. We still have a long way to go […]
Going For A Career You Love
As the New Year progresses, I want you to think about your career goals for 2014 and what would provide you the greatest fulfillment. As you think about it, please keep in mind these four things: You deserve to be happy in your work. You have the power to make that scenario a reality. You […]
Get Out From Under the Career ‘Should Haves’
When I talk with women in my coaching practice and around the country about loving their work, some balk at the idea. There is a contingent of women in the workforce who believe that the words ‘love’ and ‘work’ don’t belong in the same sentence, and many of these women are quick to pepper their […]
Jump Start Your Career Search in 2014
The New Year comes with an array of fresh opportunities. As part of a yearly tradition, individuals are preparing their 2014 resolutions and looking ahead to a fresh beginning. For many, obtaining a job or entering a new career field is on the top of their list. “Many people assume hiring slumps in the beginning […]
Walk a Mile in My Shoes
I’ll admit it – I love shoes! Heels in particular are my fashion vice. A good pair of heels helps me own my posture, ramp up my self-confidence, and turn on my professional poise. I am surprised by the bad choices women (and men) make regarding footwear in the professional realm. I recently attended an […]
A New Year Career Cleanse
It’s the season for diets, intense exercise regimens, and plans to quit unhealthy habits. If the dawn of 2014 has coerced you into extreme new beginnings, I encourage you to start the New Year by being good to yourself, especially as you consider your career future. Instead of setting unattainable goals that you will most […]
A Stress Management Parable
I want to thank my friend, Hillary for sharing the following stress management story. What a great message as we head into 2014. May the New Year be filled with good health, great joy, and much abundance! A young lady confidently walked around the room while leading and explaining stress management to an audience with […]
If I Can Meditate – So Can You!
True confession – I love my work and I am energized by what I do but my personality is a classic Type A, (maybe even AA) which can lead to stress. You know my type – I’m an achiever, constantly moving, high energy, focused on multiple things and sometimes referred to as the Tasmanian Devil. […]
The Art of Failure and Why It’s Good for You
Years ago I was in an interview for a big freelance opportunity and my almost future boss asked me – “What was your biggest professional failure?” The question really freaked me out since I did not want to expose my vulnerable side or my true weaknesses. I was trying to land the job and show […]
Happiness and Workplace Influence
It’s no mystery that happy employees are more productive but unhappy employees can become extremely debilitated and unwilling to follow leaders. This lack of influence leads to a breakdown in organizational morale, positional power and stability within organizations. Crystal Miller wrote a great piece on Blogging4Jobs about how asserting influence is not a passive thing […]
Define Success on Your Own Terms
You alone have the right to define what success means to you. Resist the temptation of letting others persuade you into absorbing their values. Focus on what you want so you can clearly measure what success means to you.
Pass the Turkey, and the Career Advice!
The stress of the holidays can be difficult enough without having to worry about finding a job or reinventing your career. If you dread the inevitability of well-meaning family members asking “How’s your job search going?” – consider tapping the wisdom and expertise of your friends and family and activate your warm network. Turn the […]
The Power of In-Person Communication
In this technology driven age people rarely communicate face-to-face anymore. Emailing, texting, and Tweeting have kept us hidden behind computer screens and handheld devices. It’s time to dust off your professional communication skills and speak to people, especially if you are searching for employment. In-person communication is always the best option so you can utilize […]
