I don't blame anyone for wondering if I'm alive anymore. I have been so busy with work that I hardly have time or inspiration to blog about too much lately. But I'm still here, trying:)
This weekend was my mom's 70th birthday and it was a great time. We had a surprise party for her and her brother and his wife flew in from Colorado to be here for the festivities. The room was fille with people that love my mother and it was great to do something for someone who gives so much to others.
With respect to this blog, I have to say that it's so weird to see your parents age. And I don't think you really realize they age until you get out of college. At least I didn't. Though mom didn't have me till she was 38, I was too busy focusing on my life steps (high school, college, etc.) to think that my mom was aging. She looks so young, too, so it was hard to notice. But it creeps up on you...you realize your parents are older and then...yes, you realize you are, too.
"But I still feel 23!" I often say.
I bet my mom does too!
Anyway, here's a shout out to hug your parents extra tight. I hope you have a good enough relationship with them to be able to say "I love you" at random. I tell my mom every time I see her, because every time is that precious to me. Life moves pretty fast...you know the rest, right?
Happy 70th, mommy:)
Monday, January 18, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
Entry-Level Jobs: The Real Purpose
I am probably going to get blasted for my comments over at Brazen Careerist. There was a great blog post by Sharalyn Hartwell about Gen Y not being happy with entry-level jobs. She talks about a study that gauged Gen Y and its happiness, in general, on the job.
"Only 45 percent of American workers are satisfied with their jobs, according to the report released by The Conference Board, a non-profit organization that distributes information strengthen businesses. But less than 37 percent of workers under age 25, the lowest percentage among all age groups, reported being satisfied with their jobs.
The survey was first conducted in 1987, (long before even the oldest members of Generation Y entered the work force) and the under 25 workers were the most dissatisfied then as well (that would be the Gen X’ers). This is probably a strong indicator that no one, Millenial or Gen X’er (or anyone for that matter) finds great satisfaction in entry-level jobs. No one really expects to anyway. Everyone knows the first few jobs (years) are all about paying dues."
Well said, Sharalyn.
She goes on to say: "Interestingly enough, the next age bracket, 25 to 34-years old, is the MOST satisfied at work at just over 47 percent. By most definitions, the oldest members of Generation Y are between 30 and 32. Clearly Generation Y as a group is not resoundingly unhappy with their jobs. By age 25, most men and women are advancing in their careers, officially out of entry-level positions, and can start to see a hopeful and bright career path."
This is why I think Gen Y'ers need to get a good entry-level job that will help them build the skills and connections necessary to be happy in what they do when they are at the middle of their careers. Sometimes a good entry-level job is just working for a reputable company.
I also think more Gen Y'ers do realize the value in just having a job since the recession hit. Still, there are others that feel they are entitled to more just because they have a degree. In general, most people do nowadays--that's not enough to be distinguished and get chosen for the corner office!
I know I write a blog to 20-somethings and members of Gen Y too. (I am on the border for the whole Gen X/Y thing...born in '78!) And I don't want to ever talk down to new grads, but I firmly believe that it's the expectation of an entry-level job that have everything to do with happiness. If you think it'll be a dream job and then you find yourself filing eight hours a day, of course you'll be disappointed. But if you get a job that paves the way for better things--offering the ability to build skills and network--that's the whole goal of an entry-level job. You have to create happiness in other ways.
And come to think of it, being in my early 20s again with the whole world ahead of me served me with a great deal of happiness. I was miserable at some jobs, too, but they certainly helped me get to where I am today...completely happy with my career. I knew the jobs would pay off later...they helped me figure out what I wanted and didn't. They helped me expand my skills and build my network. That is the whole goal of an entry-level job. (That and to start paying off your debt and being independent!)
My advice? Hang in there. Save the job-griping for happy hour and remember that you'll get to where you want to be eventually.
"Only 45 percent of American workers are satisfied with their jobs, according to the report released by The Conference Board, a non-profit organization that distributes information strengthen businesses. But less than 37 percent of workers under age 25, the lowest percentage among all age groups, reported being satisfied with their jobs.
The survey was first conducted in 1987, (long before even the oldest members of Generation Y entered the work force) and the under 25 workers were the most dissatisfied then as well (that would be the Gen X’ers). This is probably a strong indicator that no one, Millenial or Gen X’er (or anyone for that matter) finds great satisfaction in entry-level jobs. No one really expects to anyway. Everyone knows the first few jobs (years) are all about paying dues."
Well said, Sharalyn.
She goes on to say: "Interestingly enough, the next age bracket, 25 to 34-years old, is the MOST satisfied at work at just over 47 percent. By most definitions, the oldest members of Generation Y are between 30 and 32. Clearly Generation Y as a group is not resoundingly unhappy with their jobs. By age 25, most men and women are advancing in their careers, officially out of entry-level positions, and can start to see a hopeful and bright career path."
This is why I think Gen Y'ers need to get a good entry-level job that will help them build the skills and connections necessary to be happy in what they do when they are at the middle of their careers. Sometimes a good entry-level job is just working for a reputable company.
I also think more Gen Y'ers do realize the value in just having a job since the recession hit. Still, there are others that feel they are entitled to more just because they have a degree. In general, most people do nowadays--that's not enough to be distinguished and get chosen for the corner office!
I know I write a blog to 20-somethings and members of Gen Y too. (I am on the border for the whole Gen X/Y thing...born in '78!) And I don't want to ever talk down to new grads, but I firmly believe that it's the expectation of an entry-level job that have everything to do with happiness. If you think it'll be a dream job and then you find yourself filing eight hours a day, of course you'll be disappointed. But if you get a job that paves the way for better things--offering the ability to build skills and network--that's the whole goal of an entry-level job. You have to create happiness in other ways.
And come to think of it, being in my early 20s again with the whole world ahead of me served me with a great deal of happiness. I was miserable at some jobs, too, but they certainly helped me get to where I am today...completely happy with my career. I knew the jobs would pay off later...they helped me figure out what I wanted and didn't. They helped me expand my skills and build my network. That is the whole goal of an entry-level job. (That and to start paying off your debt and being independent!)
My advice? Hang in there. Save the job-griping for happy hour and remember that you'll get to where you want to be eventually.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Ten New Year's Resolutions for Entry-Level Workers
The dawn of a new year can be depressing if you focus on all the things you could or should have done the last 12 months. But if you look to the future, you can turn things around, especially if just starting your post-college career.
How? By making a few career-related New Year's resolutions and committing yourself to achieving them in the next 12 months.
Need some ideas? Feel free to borrow one of these:
Ask More Questions
I will acknowledge that my college degree, while valuable, hasn't taught me everything I need to know to be successful in the world of work. If I don't understand something, I'll say so -- and then ask my more experienced colleagues for guidance. This will earn me my colleagues' admiration by demonstrating my curiosity and willingness to say, "I don't know, but I'm willing to learn."
Reach Out to Colleagues I Don't Know
I won't wait for people I don't know to welcome me to the organization -- I'll seek them out and introduce myself. This will show self-confidence, approachability and respect for others, which in turn will help earn my colleagues' respect.
Find a Mentor
I'll establish a collaborative relationship with a more seasoned professional in my field who can be a sounding board and support my career development, providing me the benefit of new career wisdom.
Document My Successes
I'll create a spot such as a box, folder or file drawer where I can store proof of my professional activities and achievements, such as brochures I've written, budgets I've developed or educational plans I've created for clients. This will give me organized evidence of my accomplishments for both future employers and myself.
Learn a New Job-Related Skill
I'll pick a skill area like writing, developing Web sites or presenting to large groups and work on it by taking a course at a nearby college or university or through a local community education program to build on an existing strength or learn how to better manage a weakness.
Volunteer to Work on a Challenging Project
I'll look for or create a way to push slightly outside my professional comfort zone to gain new skills as well as the experience to help me climb the ladder within my current organization or advance elsewhere.
Build Expertise in My Field
I'll read industry publications and attend professional conferences when time and money allow, expanding my knowledge base and demonstrating my ongoing commitment to my chosen field.
Expand My Network
I'll get involved in at least one professional association to meet people outside my own organization. I'll also set up periodic meetings with fellow professionals in my area to learn about what they do and how. This will acquaint me with more people in my industry and help them get to know me so I can get (and give) career assistance when I need it.
Spot Solutions as Well as Problems
I'll go to my colleagues and superiors not just to air concerns, but also to propose ways to effectively address them. I'll cultivate a reputation as someone who both sees and solves problems.
Get a Life
I'll revive a favorite pastime or pursue a new one so my entire identity isn't built around my career. This will give me the type of work/life balance that will make this coming year a great one, both professionally and personally.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
