Career distraction #9

The changing world of work impacts on both employers and employees. Employers are grappling with the changing work model including an aging workforce, shrinkage of young people entering the workforce, huge technological changes, and of course, debt liquidation and economies come into play. What does all this mean for you? If employers are still unable to fill skill shortages, are you remaining ‘teachable’ going into your next/first role? Has your education encouraged you to be intellectually curious? Being intellectually curious and with a high degree of empathy can mean that you are well suited to learn for the rest of your life. Look for growing industries, organisations or companies that are innovative, entrepreneurial and take risks. This is where jobs are being created. Where do you fit?

Career distraction #8

In the age of global employment the idea of working virtually is a reality for many. Virtual or networked teams may be an option worth consideration. Consider in your area of expertise how this may work. Working independently with periodical face-to-face meetings will be a skill that you have practiced during your candidature. Have you been successful in forming professional relationships, coordinating activities and driving your project forward. Would you like to continue to work in this way? How flexible would you like your working hours to be? What have been your personal distractions and have you learnt to manage them?

Career distraction #7

Reflection helps to explore issues or ideas that are important. Reflection allows you to react to situations and consider what you have learnt and what you might do differently next time. Reflective writing will enable you to develop a personal philosophy. The target of reflection is practice and learning. 

The steps to effective reflection include: 

1. Finding understanding and awareness of yourself and others - through written or internal dialogue with self. 

2. Applying learning or addressing areas for improvement - using reflection to inform self-development. 

3. Re-evaluating and practicing new learning’s. Having a diary or journal is a useful way to reflect. Talking with a mentor can help this process. Reflecting comes easily to some while others need someone to reflect with.

Career distraction #6

How resilient are you? Resilient people succeed by staying focused, solving problems and moving forward. Consider a time that you faced adversity. How did you behave? What was your natural reaction? What skills did you use to recover or to regain your balance? Understanding how you recover and bounce back from life’s natural setbacks provides a framework for adapting more easily to change. Those who embrace change have more control. When we feel out of control we can miss opportunities to learn and grow from experience. Resilience can be practiced and there are ways forward so if you are feeling low and need some support, seek out professionals to help you. Small steps can help change your situation. Be your own best friend and be kind to yourself. 

Career Distraction #5

The end of the year is a good time to reflect!

Traditionally the New Year is a time when you look forward. Reflecting on the past year can be a useful strategy before heading onto goal setting. Go through each month and ask yourself, "what went well?" Think positive and happy thoughts as you complete this task. Make a list!
If you have difficulty with this list maybe you should seek some support?

Career distraction #4

The case for coaching.
Complexity around career decision making is inevitable. Some decisions may seem difficult while others seem straight forward. When should you see someone? Who should you see? Having an objective discussion to clarify your own thinking is worthwhile. Talking with your mentor can help you to learn from their experience, whereas talking with a coach can be an opportunity to learn with or together, especially if you want to work toward positive relationships and positive outcomes.
People are complex and being pushed beyond your equilibrium can cause a shift to happen. Life is a process and so is learning. Coaching uses the socratic method of asking rather than telling. Maybe your mentor is a good coach?

Career distraction # 3

Are you optimistic?

Just a small amount of pessimism can make a difference to your productivity. Higher achievement is more than just talent and aspiration, much has been credited to optimism. When life doesn’t go as well as what you hoped, do you use phases such as “always…’ or “…never” to describe an event. Is this you? Think of a time when you felt like this. Where did your thoughts track? Dr Martin Seligman suggests examining the adversity, beliefs, consequences of an event/situation and dispute your beliefs. What are your beliefs? Remember that it matters more what you think of yourself than what others think of you. How do your beliefs link to your feelings?