Patience, says Paul

I want to share what Paul, one of my long-time readers wrote me this week. At a time when you may feel as if you'll never get a break or find a good position, Paul offers inspiration: "Well, finally landed a good job.... At least now I can start to enjoy life again. You have been supportive to me and I just want to say Thank you so very much. Sometimes you have to wait things out long enough to get something better. take care, Paul" posted by Andrea Kay    August 19, 2008   Reply to this Post

More meaning, more fun, just more, please!

I hear this constantly from you--whether you're 34 or 54. I want more from my work! If you're one of the 78 million baby boomers starting to retire or just want to switch gears to something more meaningful, I've got three tips. Here's one: Don't throw away the expertise you have. You may be able to build on it. Read how this public relations professional does that in my column this week (plus get my other tips): http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20080813/BIZ03/808130336/ posted by Andrea Kay    August 13, 2008   Reply to this Post

Why I don't like networking...

...or rather, I should say, I don't like what it's turned into. All these rules and maneuvers, do's and don'ts and mechanical steps that people think will save their career when they're in trouble. That's not it at all. It's actually in our genes. See my column this week for more at http://www.herald-dispatch.com/business/x214752470/Networking-neednt-be-mechanical OR AT: http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20080806/BIZ03/808060305/ posted by Andrea Kay    August 06, 2008   Reply to this Post

3 growing areas for careers

These three career directions are very different but have this in common: there's a need for them because of changing attitudes and needs. They are in finance, animal welfare and industries that help people feel and look better. See my column for details this week in many papers including USA Today: http://www.usatoday.com/money/jobcenter/2008-07-24-at-work-industry-with-jobs_N.htm?csp=ManagingMoney and ABC News: http://abcnews.go.com/Business/story?id=5450056&page=1 posted by Andrea Kay    July 28, 2008   Reply to this Post

Long time, no blogging

I can't believe it's been four months since I've written in my blog. What can I say...I've been busy writing my column and a new book, interviewing you in video podcasts and answering your career questions in talks. Speaking of writing, in my syndicated column last week I wrote about "Where are the jobs?" I get tired of hearing everyone grumble, "There are none!" This ain't necessarily so. In fact, if you look at what companies and consumers are demanding, what needs to be addressed in our daily lives, well, that's where the jobs are. Some readers accuse me of wearing rose-colored glasses. Actually, I'm just being practical. The world of work is evolving. It always has and always will. Once we were farmers, then manufacturers of products. Where’s the need in our society today? That’s where the jobs are. posted by Andrea Kay    July 23, 2008   Reply to this Post

What employers think of online education

Online learning may be just as difficult as sitting in a classroom, but does it affect your chances of being hired? See my column: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080116/BIZ03/801160329/1001/BIZ posted by Andrea Kay    February 06, 2008   Reply to this Post

Is it OK to cry?

So what if you get a little choked up at work? Why is this still even an issue? See my column: http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080128/BUSINESS/801280308/1003 posted by Andrea Kay    February 06, 2008   Reply to this Post

Jobs for Introverts

Take a look at introvert-friendly types of jobs: http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080107/BUSINESS/801070308/0/NEWSFRONT posted by Andrea Kay    January 15, 2008   Reply to this Post

How careers get created

Linda Katz hadn't planned on starting this career. But when she found that others would pay her for what she had, a career was born: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071212/BIZ03/712120385/1001/BIZ posted by Andrea Kay    January 15, 2008   Reply to this Post

What, me worry?

Are you worried about your career because some statistic spells doom and gloom? Don't jump to conclusions. Instead of worrying, do this: http://story.100.com/?rid=11768156&cat=300e4fa8e5e292cd posted by Andrea Kay    December 20, 2007   Reply to this Post

What if you could take a year off?

Here's how Bonnie Harris and Brook Silva-Braga did it, never to return to their former careers. Braga made the film, "A Map for Saturday" and Harris wrote a novel, "The Foundation." Read my column at these links: http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071119/ NEWS05/711190303/1064/NEWS05 AND AT: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071121/BIZ03/711210305/1001/BIZ posted by Andrea Kay    November 21, 2007   Reply to this Post

How do I feel about you?

I will decide--experts say--in about seven seconds within meeting you. How do you make sure your first seven seconds are not your last when it comes to an interview? See my column: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071114/BIZ03/711140308/1001/BIZ posted by Andrea Kay    November 15, 2007   Reply to this Post

13 years olds are too young to declare a major!

When I wrote in my column about school districts around the country requiring students to declare a major, I explained why I thought it was a bad idea. Many of you wrote me to say you used the article to bolster your argument with your school districts that you too, thought it made no sense at such a young age. Someone in Hawaii wrote me today to say: "Victory! After a two-week campaign during which your article was presented to the principal, and students/teachers voiced their concerns, the battle was won. The principal seems to be listening to students. So there is hope. Nonetheless, the feeling here is that the war is still in doubt. At least for next year, students will be allowed to be in a 'liberal arts' academy, effectively allowing each student to construct his/her own curriculum.I hope you'll feel personally gratified that your article was a popular topic of discussion, and many teachers either brought the clipping to school to share, or asked for a copy." Thank you for sharing...this is an important subject that affects our future leaders. I'd love to hear from others on this subject. posted by Andrea Kay    October 30, 2007   Reply to this Post

More on personal branding

You can attend 24 free teleseminars on personal branding November 8 at "A Brand You World-Global TeleSummit." I speak on personal branding related to career change at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. Details: www.personalbrandingsummit.com posted by Andrea Kay    October 30, 2007   Reply to this Post

Let's meet November 3

If you're in the Cincinnati area Saturday, November 3, please visit me and the other authors at the Books by the Banks: Cincinnati USA Book Festival. It's free, 10-6 p.m. Details: http://www.booksbythebanks.org/ posted by Andrea Kay    October 30, 2007   Reply to this Post

Scott becomes a Nerd.

Scott went on a search for his fourth career. Today he is an official NERD. Check out how he did it at my video podcasts, Episode 28 & 29 (go to my homepage for a link to I-Tunes.) posted by Andrea Kay    October 30, 2007   Reply to this Post

Confused about performance review?

A lot of people find feedback from performance reviews confusing. Not to mention the fact that they may disagree with it. So, what do you do? Here's a preview of my column on this issue in the Detroit Free Press (for a link to the complete article, write me at andrea@andreakay.com): http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071029/BUSINESS07/710290384/1002/BUSINESS posted by Andrea Kay    October 30, 2007   Reply to this Post

Is anyone paying attention to what you're saying?

It's hard to say. But odds are good that when you're talking, they're thinking about lunch. Here’s how to get them to listen. See my article: http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070713/BIZ/707130336/1005/biz posted by Andrea Kay    July 18, 2007   Reply to this Post

What’s the worst way to approach a job opening?

See my article on how a lot of people approach-- then follow up--job openings and why they get nowhere. http://www.courierpostonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070709/BUSINESS01/707090324/1003/business posted by Andrea Kay    July 18, 2007   Reply to this Post

For women who want to be on boards:

Ellen in Wall, N.J., wrote to offer specific sources for Anita and other women itching to make a difference on a corporate board. These are groups that promote women and might be worth checking out. See my column for details: http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070622/BIZ/706220340/1005 posted by Andrea Kay    June 26, 2007   Reply to this Post

Women's perspective needed on company's boards'

Anita wrote me about my column on how women's presence on boards is declining. She writes: "The problem is it never seems to go beyond tokenism and using the same people over and over again. Where is there an outlet to make it known that I am here and not only able but willing to serve (on a corporate board) and able to make a real and substantive contribution?" I urged her to stay active in women's professional associations and other groups where she is seen and heard. Any other ideas you want to share? As I say in my article, it will take companies being more imaginative and flexible about recruiting women if they're serious about tapping into their talent. Here's the full article: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070530/BIZ03/705300329/1001/BIZ posted by Andrea Kay    June 06, 2007   Reply to this Post

Will you end up disappointed in one of the most overrated careers?

You will if you don't do your homework. Find out what you need to do so you don't end up in a career no better--maybe worse--than the last one. See my syndicated column: http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070518/BIZ/705180342/1005 posted by Andrea Kay    May 22, 2007   Reply to this Post

A little white lie on your resume? Don?t even think about it!

A frantic person wrote me saying he lied about his education on his resume. Now that he?s on board, they?re checking out his background and he?s worried sick. Here?s what I suggest he do now and where lying can get you if you?re caught; see my column: http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070507/NEWS05/705070319/1064/NEWS05 posted by Andrea Kay    May 15, 2007   Reply to this Post

Do you say this?

"I wish I knew what I want to be when I grow up." Please stop it. You perpetuate the illusion that someday you're going to discover the one thing you're meant to be and live happily ever after. And you shirk an important responsibility to yourself. Read more in my syndicated column: www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070413/BIZ/704130337/1005 posted by Andrea Kay    May 01, 2007   Reply to this Post

My article on nurses

Here is the link on my Web site to my article that these nurses are referring to: Non-traditional roles for nurses. posted by Andrea Kay    January 25, 2007   Reply to this Post

Nurses Need some care to stay in the profession

Dear Ms. Kay, Your article appeared in the Courier News New Jersey this morning. You were on target about the reason nurses leave the profession is because they are "burned out'. The health care system especially hospitals have been aware of this phenomenon for many, many decades. Every study on the cyclical nursing shortage have found that there is not a shortage of nurses but the primary reason for leaving the profession is the shortage of decent, livable working conditions in hospitals. Most nurses are aware of the other work options such as you cited but a very large number do not have the basic baccalaureate that is usually required for these roles. Two-year and hospital school nurses are locked in to hospital practice for this very reason. Hospitals have consistently hired lesser and lesser prepared nurse to fill the gap for the so-called shortages. Thus, preventing the nursing profession for advancing the education of nurses to more effectively deal with with their own futures as well as dealing with the extremely complex illnesses of hospitalized patients. Everyone suffers from the hospital's blind sightedness, most of all the patients. Your article appeared in the business section of the newspaper, I would encourage you to examine the issue not from the nurses perspective but from the employers. They know the problem but they selct not to resolve the matter and they train "patient-care technicians" which in many instances have six-months traing after high-school. It is truly a revolving never ending travesty. It has even gotten to the point where if a hospital describes its professional staff they do not even identify the category "nurse". They clump them in under the generic term employees. Thank you for caring about nurses. We welcome journalists with clarity of understanding to promote the discipline that provides service to human beings from birth to the end of life. If I can provide further information to assist you, it would be my pleasure. Thank you again. Dorothy J, DeMaio for nurses. posted by Dorothy D    January 23, 2007   Reply to this Post   Nursing Shortage Your article of January, 2007 was right on the mark about the turnover in nursing staff due to "burnout". Yet there remain a host of other positions which reguire Registered Nurse (RN) training but do not involve direct patient care. To add to the impressive list you've compiled, here are a few more suggestions that your readers could use as "search terms". These professions require the medical terminology, training and experience that RN's have but are used in administrative areas such as "Health Claims Auditor" in insurance companies, "Billing Auditor" in hospital finance departments, "Infection Control" Specialists, "Nurse Recruiter" in Human Resource departments, "Clinical Educators" in Organizational Development, "Ethics Compliance Specialists", "Survey Coordinators", "Transplant Coordinators", "Lactation Consultants", "Childbirth Educator", the list goes on and on... More important is that the RN seeking a change not relinquish the valuable skills they've developed, but seek to re-apply those skills in a way that can still benefit patients, themselves and their employer. We all need all of them! Best regards, B.J. posted by Walter G    February 23, 2007

Is ADHD affecting your career?

More and more people tell me they have ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder) and ask, "Are there certain jobs for people like me?" See my column: Perfect jobs for those with ADHD? Well... posted by Andrea Kay    January 22, 2007   Reply to this Post   ADHD struggle often means job trouble Andrea, I have read articles of your in the past and have always found them informative. Recently an article was run by the Gannett New Service titled: "ADHD struggle often means job trouble". I personally know two people with ADHD who manage just fine, one of them being a business owner. Some people with ADHD are very intelligent and it would be a sin not to hire someone based on this. If you had a person with a disability and was wheel chair bound, but could perform the aspects of a bound in a superior fashion, would you make the work place accessible to him? So should be the same for people with ADHD. With some help in organization, schedules, etc., you could have a very valuable employee. posted by David S    January 23, 2007

Thanks and...if you are the person who wants to be in radio...

Thanks to all of you who came to my "New Year, New You" talk and booksigning at Joseph Beth January 10. I will post some photos soon. Who is the woman who said she wants to get into radio? We never hooked you up with the other person. Let me know how to get ahold of you. posted by Andrea Kay    January 11, 2007   Reply to this Post

Living and getting moldy in the past?

Are you holding on too tight to the past? It could be keeping you from making a much needed career change. See my article: Are you clinging to the past? posted by Andrea Kay    December 04, 2006   Reply to this Post

How to take off work for 6 months or more

If you're thinking about taking time off--six months, a year or more--here's how you do it without freaking out. See my article: Take off 6 Months posted by Andrea Kay    December 04, 2006   Reply to this Post

How about working in Ireland?

If you're disillusioned and frustrated with your workplace, consider Ireland, where business is booming and health care is free. See my article: Working in Ireland posted by Andrea Kay    November 20, 2006   Reply to this Post   Ireland Opportunities Andrea, You're right on target about oportunities in Ireland. We're looking to retire there and every thing you said about the economy and opportunities are true. Thanks for the insights! posted by B.J. G    November 20, 2006

What does your father have to do with your career?

As it turns out, a lot--and I don't mean just about career choice. Your interpersonal relationships and struggles with power plays, gender issues or self-doubts in your career are directly connected to your relationship with your father. Here's my article on how that relationship impacts your career: Dad affects your career posted by Andrea Kay    November 20, 2006   Reply to this Post   My father, my work--wow, I never thought of that! Thank you, thank you for this insight and for sharing this. Maybe this is why I never seem to feel I get enough attention from most every male boss I've ever had. I plan to learn more about this issue. Veeeery interesting. posted by Jenny G    November 20, 2006

Do you know what others really think of you?

You might be surprised to find out how others see you--which can be a problem if you want to get ahead. Here's my article on how to deal with the reality of others' perceptions, even if you don't agree with them: What do they think of you? posted by Andrea Kay    November 20, 2006   Reply to this Post

a female boss

Dear Andrea Kay, I'm a young working professional who has always had a female boss. Sometimes they're great but most of the time they're not. I read all your articles about dealing with difficult bosses, managers, jobs, etc...but I wanted to know if you had any advice about dealing with a female boss as a female? Would love your advice!!!!!!!!! -the working girl... posted by the working girl W    November 20, 2006   Reply to this Post   Female, Shmemale boss; quit labeling People complain women are too emotional, take things personally, are too demanding. There's a lot of unfair female boss bashing. Part has to do with the different expectations people have of women. One expectation, (I talk about this in an article here on my site in "Women at Work") is the "higher standard of niceness" women are held to. What doesn't get talked about as much is that women tend to excel in coaching, sharing information, communication overall, listening and building teams and relationships. This last one is where things might get murky. Some women working for a female get hurt when business comes first. Or a female boss is tougher than they think she should be. I rarely, if ever hear complaints that a male boss focuses on the business at hand instead of the relationship. My advice: Quit worrying about dealing with a female boss as a female. Deal with her as a boss. The way you?d deal with any boss. Take the initiative to have a good relationship. Let her know what you're doing and how you're making a difference. Ask what you can do to make her job easier. Be clear on her expectations. Share what you need to do great work. No one?s perfect. Some men are great bosses, some stink. Same goes with women. posted by Andrea Kay    November 20, 2006

Is all this Branding talk a bit much?

Most people don't or won't do what the branding experts tell you to do to stand out from the crowd. Here's a simpler approach I outline in my column: If branding is too much work posted by Andrea Kay    September 15, 2006   Reply to this Post   branding - you're already doing it Great article. I had an experience when I first started my blog...so support ideas in JibberJobber... I needed to identify myself (aka, my "brand") as (1) Jason the unemployed, or (2) Jason the owner of a wildly successful website. Obviously, I chose option #2, and every post that I put up is from that perspective. I submit that everyone is already enforcing their brand, whether they like it or not :) posted by Jason A    November 20, 2006   Branding made simpler Thank you, thank you for simplifying this whole branding thing. I keep meaning to sit down and "do it." Your approach for the majority of us, got me to actually do it! posted by Mark L    September 21, 2006

Have a geek gap?

If you deal with technical types or you're a techie type who deals with non-techies, here's advice on how to close the communication gap: Have a Geek Gap? posted by Andrea Kay    September 12, 2006   Reply to this Post

when you are outsourced

I have recently been outsourced and the only thing that has changed is the name of the company that I now work for. The job and responsibilities have remained the same. How do I note this on the resume when the name of the company has changed but not the job itself? posted by Debbie L    September 03, 2006   Reply to this Post   Don't worry! You've got 2 choices: This is no big deal, really. When you list your new company (which will now be the most recent employer on your list of employers) use similar wording to describe what you did at the last company, since it's the same job. As for the name of the company, you can either 1) do nothing more to explain or 2) if you want it to be clear that you didn't go out job-hunting, tack on a phrase that indicates they bought your division in your last company. posted by Andrea Kay    September 06, 2006

Does anyone know more about FBI agents?

I'm interested in the FBI special agent job you talked about in your column. I wonder, is it worth studying and training for a job that you know is hard to get in, no matter how much effort you put in? Maybe if I have a better idea of what I have ahead of me, I can get ready for the obstacles and have a better chance of making the job. I'd like to know so if I think I'm not good enough I can change my mind before it is too late. posted by Natasha W    August 29, 2006   Reply to this Post   It's worth it if... How badly do you want to be an agent with the FBI? There lies the answer to your question, "Is it worth studying and training for...?" posted by Andrea Kay    September 01, 2006   Change your attitude FAST! Lots of things are hard to get--not just FBI jobs. If you want this, you better change your attitude. Andrea's article didn't say it didn't matter how much effort you put in. It said most people don't make it because they have the wrong conception of what the job is like and how to go through the process. Why don't you get the book she listed? posted by Jeanette L    September 01, 2006

Do you wish someone had told you this?

If you've ever received bad career advice--or wished someone HAD told you something--share it or ask your question now. Here's a link to my article that appeared in the Chicago Sun-Times with bad advice Bellaria Jamarillo, a financial planner at MetLife got and good advice Wendy Schmidt of Deloitte passes on: Best/worst career advice I got posted by Andrea Kay    August 28, 2006   Reply to this Post   Yes, learn to type! Dear Andrea: We have something in common. The BEST advice my father ever gave me was to learn typing. He managed an accounting office and said more than once he hired a person who could type in favor of a college graduate. At 62, I?m now in my fourth and last career. I?ve used typing as a college student, teacher and manager in three industries. I pity people who hunt and peck on computer keyboards. ?Learn touch typing? was indeed his best advice. posted by Rich N    August 29, 2006

What's stopping you?

If regrets about the past and fear about the future are stopping you now, read this column. I wrote it in response to Jacob in Florida and Pat in North Carolina. They wrote me about their fears and regrets: Don't regret what you haven't done; just do it posted by Andrea Kay    August 23, 2006   Reply to this Post

advertising

I'm thinking about changing careers and I'm wondering what's the best way to start when I talk to people about the areas that interest me? posted by Steve N    August 20, 2006   Reply to this Post   There's no absolute right way to start the process. What are you curious about? What do you need to know to figure out if it's the right path? For sure, you want to ask people about the trends that affect this career. If you're not sure where you fit into this field, ask what needs are not being met or what trends need to be addressed. Is there a way to apply what you know and where your skills lie to solve these problems? These questions will get the conversation going. posted by Andrea Kay    August 20, 2006

Wanted to be a Nurse

Ever since I can remember, I?ve wanted to be a nurse. But something always gets in my way. I?m afraid if I had to work full-time and go to school I would be spreading myself too thin. Any thoughts? --Annette, a wanna-be-teacher posted by Annette    August 16, 2006   Reply to this Post   I agree with Andrea I agree with Andrea's advice to "Figure out how to rearrange your life to support your new choice." IT CAN be done, whatever IT is. Know what you are willing to give up and what you are not willing to give up to have what you want in your life. What you do for work is a very important part of your life or you would not have taken the time to ask your question. Look for inspiration in other people's stories, in books and music, and in your own spirit. I wish you success! posted by Brenda N    August 21, 2006   Change is inconvenient I think change is hardly ever convenient and if you are waiting until the moon and stars are aligned perfectly with Jupiter and Mars, it will never happen. You need to get out of this ?I-want-it-but-I?m-afraid cycle? and declare to yourself and commit to paper that you want this new career and nothing is going to stop you. This lets you move into the ?What?s this going to take?? phase. Then define specifically what it will take. What will you need to ask of others? Will you need to cut out certain activities, have less time at home, reduce other expenses, postpone something else or spend savings? Then ask yourself, am I willing to do that? If yes, figure out how to rearrange your life to support your new choice. posted by Andrea Kay    August 17, 2006

Get through to live humans

If you're job hunting or conducting informational interviews and trying to get through to a live human being to get input on their company, someone's name and title or other information, here's a cheat sheet I found on Whatis.com: Get through to real person: http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/0,,sid9_gci1163748,00.html posted by Andrea Kay    August 12, 2006   Reply to this Post   Really helpful! I checked out this article, right on the money, thanks for sharing this tip. posted by Kelly M    August 13, 2006

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