http://www.leslietennant.com/index.php/site/index/ Career Planning and Spiritual Development Articles en wsansewjs@gmail.com Copyright 2010 2010-03-09T13:43:40+00:00 http://www.rejuvination.me/index.php/site/10_tips_for_blogging_your_way_to_a_new_job/ http://www.rejuvination.me/index.php/site/10_tips_for_blogging_your_way_to_a_new_job/#When:13:43:40Z Leslie Juvin gives 10 tips for blogging your way to a new job. If you’re making a career transition or trying to establish yourself for a better, higher ranking job, write a blog. Writing blogs are a great way to develop a greater understanding of your job function, industry, and career as a whole. Having a blog is also a great way for getting some exposure and interest from potential employers. The three main purposes of writing a blog to get a job are as follows: 1. Demonstrate substantial knowledge in your industry. 2. Exhibit your writing skills and analytical abilities. 3. Prove to potential employers that you are aware of latest industry developments. I’ll give you a 10 tips for making a blog that can help you advance your career goals. 1. Do some research. On style: Cruise the internet for blogs that you really love. Do so for a week or two before setting one up. Ask yourself what makes them so special? What do you enjoy most about their writing style and content? What do you not like about their blog? On content: What do they write about? Do they focus on one particular topic or do they talk about any and everything within a given range? 2. Develop your subject matter. Create a list of things that you’re passionate about.  To write interesting content, it helps to be interested in the field. I recommend focusing on an industry and writing about the topics related to that industry such as current news, trends, new products, opinion pieces, etc. 3. Make it personal or not. Decide if you want to make your blog personal or strictly business. Some people like to include developments in their own personal or professional development while others prefer to report on current trends. There’s no right or wrong way as long as you are comfortable with receiving criticism from readers. I do recommend that parents keep exposure about their children and personal lives at minimum. I also recommend leaving out addresses and contact information that might compromise your privacy. The point of your blog is to demonstrate your knowledge and capacity, not to reveal your personal life. 4. What are your weaknesses? Writing a blog can help you slowly eliminate your weaknesses and with time, can help you demonstrate your willingness to change. Perhaps you are an materials engineer and lack knowledge on a certain type of fabric. I would recommend researching the fabric and writing about the material and any news about it.  Another tip is to search job postings and observe any weaknesses or lacking you might have and build on them through your research and writing. 5. Make your writing a habit. I recommend writing blog entries anywhere from 1 to 3 times a week. Anything more might take away from your job hunting and networking time. It takes time to research topics and subject matter, so give yourself a time limit for researching and writing articles; this is great because it helps get you into the groove of sticking to deadlines. Stay committed to your blog. 6. Stay on top of trends. Tune into industry publications and news sources to help you stay abreast of the latest technology or industry developments. Just imagine how vivid and interesting your interview conversations will become thanks to your research and knowledge. 7. Don’t just report, analyze. Don’t be afraid to give your opinion and analyze current issues. If you have some tips and advice to give, give it. Being an maven or expert isn’t just about knowing your industry and news, it’s about being able to give solid observations and backing up your opinions with evidence. While you give a professional opinion, err on the side of caution and be diplomatic about your opinions. 8. Don’t get hung up on numbers. Use analytics to help you know who is looking at your blog (especially potential employers), but don’t get hung up on the number (or lack thereof) of people who look at your blog. Focus on writing quality content and use your blog as a presentation tool on your resume and during interviews. 9. How to advertise your blog. Post your blog link on top of your resume. Post it on your facebook profile and other social networking profiles. Mention it in your resume in the appropriate place, too. If you have a portfolio, drop a page about it in there, as well. Also, tag a link to your blog in your e-mail signature. 10. Have fun. Blogging doesn’t have to be boring work. It can be entertaining and interesting if you engage yourself in your interests. Ask your friends in the industry or former colleagues for their opinion or ideas. You never know where inspiration can originate. These 10 tips can help you make the most of your career transition and can help you develop understanding of yourself and the world around you. A blog is one of the many job searching tools that can lead you to a better, more enjoyable job. 2010-03-09T13:43:40+00:00 http://www.rejuvination.me/index.php/site/leslie_juvin_answers_your_questions_are_you_a_blogger/ http://www.rejuvination.me/index.php/site/leslie_juvin_answers_your_questions_are_you_a_blogger/#When:09:19:20Z Leslie answers your questions. Today’s question asks if Leslie is a blogger. Her answer? Maybe… Q: Leslie, are you a blogger? A: Maybe. My business doesn’t revolve around writing articles. My business revolves around real people, their lives, and helping them face the problems they meet on their career path. At this point, I don’t make money off of my blogs. I write articles as an additional service for those who employ my work of enhancing their careers and for those who are thinking of making a change.  I write when I am not busily writing resumes, letters, and talking on the phone with individuals who demand my complete attention. It’s impossible to write a quality article and a job winning resume at the same time, so I take note of themes or questions and get to them during my morning tea. My clients are people who have committed to making change in their lives and need a supplemental place of reference when they cannot immediately speak with me. I realize the value and importance of writing exceptional content relevant to career building. The themes I write about are common questions and concerns of clients or friends and it makes sense to record these commonly asked questions in a findable place. Then, there are non-clients whose needs are equally important. These people are thinking about making a career or job change. Perhaps, they’ve been forced by unemployment or circumstance to face their career dilemmas and need advice. They might eventually hire me, they might not. The purpose of each article is to provide concise, quality information that can help readers shape their decisions for their own unique and common life situations regardless if the reader is a paid client or an online user. The value in my writing comes from spreading knowledge, offering realistic solutions, and reducing, if not altogether eliminating, fear to face our life’s toughest questions. Am I the Perez Hilton of career blogs? No. So, am I blogger? Maybe. I’m passionate about making the most satisfying career and life possible. Whatever I’m doing on this blog section of my website, I promise to make it relevant to your career as it’s happening now. When this blog no longer serves you, I’ll stop and do something better. While you’re reading, check out this cool article about blogger stats for 2009 at The Future Buzz and feel free to come back when you’re done. News, Rejuvination News 2010-03-08T09:19:20+00:00 http://www.rejuvination.me/index.php/site/in_the_news_when_financial_pressures_lead_to_murder/ http://www.rejuvination.me/index.php/site/in_the_news_when_financial_pressures_lead_to_murder/#When:15:13:21Z With several reports of murder/suicides due to financial pressures, at what point should someone seek help before turning to violence for a solution? Sound off here. There have been two murder/suicides in my hometown of Orange Park, Florida this winter which many in the community believe might have been a result of financial pressures due to the recession. The Clay Today newspaper reported the murder/suicide of a man killing his daughter on her birthday before turning the gun on himself.  The report also notes another man who shot and killed his adolescent sons as they slept before taking his own life. What is alarming is that both incidents were reportedly caused by financial pressures that carried over problems to their marriages and personal relationships. Clay Today reports,   Another neighbor said she thinks the two deaths are linked to the recession, which she believes has created a great deal of depression, fear and anxiety.       “People are getting desperate,” Barbara Koranda said. “They’re getting financially desperate. This used to be stuff you only heard about in Jacksonville.” Since financial pressures weigh heavily on marriages, at what point and how do you think people should get help for their financial, career, relationship issues to avoid tragedies such as these? Source News, In The News 2010-02-17T15:13:21+00:00 http://www.rejuvination.me/index.php/site/careful_what_you_tweet_you_twit_the_fastest_way_to_lose_a_job_offer/ http://www.rejuvination.me/index.php/site/careful_what_you_tweet_you_twit_the_fastest_way_to_lose_a_job_offer/#When:14:32:46Z Edit your online ramblings carefully or pay the price of a job this guy paid with one simple Tweet. Inc. Magazine posted the Top 10 Awkward Social Media moments. Number seven struck closer to home for me: No. 7 What’s the fastest way to lose a job offer? Tweet about how much you’re gonna hate the job.  In response to an offer from Cisco, recent Berkeley grad Connor Riley tweeted: “Now I have to weigh the utility of a fatty paycheck against the daily commute to San Jose and hating the work.” A Cisco employee quickly tweeted back, “Who is the hiring manager. I’m sure they would love to know that you will hate the work. We here at Cisco are versed in the web.” Riley was dubbed “the Cisco Fatty” and ridiculed for bungling a prime opportunity in the midst of a recession. Some job seekers have asked me why they can’t seem to get a job. Their work experience seems pretty good. They’ve graduated from a good school. So what could it be? It doesn’t take long for me to scour the web and find the most unflattering information about them, posted by them! I’ve seen people write, “I hate my job… I can’t wait to quit.” or “I can’t focus on my work, so I’m going to play on the internet instead.” If a potential employer takes a look at that, they can automatically sum up that you’ll be nothing but a money waster. What are you posting about yourself online? Don’t get too relaxed about your online image. Whether you realize it or not, people are checking up on you - regularly. Be sure to clean up your online image and if in doubt, just don’t post your latest ramblings. Save it for your journal or for a text message with your best friend, but do not advertise to the world and most importantly, the people who will be giving you paychecks, that you’re unreliable. Check out the rest of the Inc. article here. Job Search 2010-02-09T14:32:46+00:00 http://www.rejuvination.me/index.php/site/leslie_answers_your_questions_how_far_can_i_go_without_a_college_degree/ http://www.rejuvination.me/index.php/site/leslie_answers_your_questions_how_far_can_i_go_without_a_college_degree/#When:16:14:16Z Don’t think a college degree is right for you? Learn how far you can go without a college degree and what qualities successful professionals share. Don’t think a college degree is right for you? I’ve been asked: How far can I go without a college degree? As far as you want to go. The possibilities are endless! Now, let’s get realistic. To be honest, I don’t know very many professionally and financially successful people without college degrees. Not only do these people have degrees, they have years of progressive professional experience. But, wait, Leslie: Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and all sorts of other ridiculously wealthy and successful people don’t have degrees! Surely, I too, can have the same success. Of course you can. Your possibilities are endless. But let’s take a few things into consideration: 1. These men and women didn’t necessarily need a piece of paper to start their companies. What they needed most was a unique idea and a determination to turn their vision into a reality with energy and a lot of work. They’re not ignorant or lazy; their mindsets are the same: focused, dedicated, and open to learning and making mistakes. 2. They may not have formal education, but these folks have spent hours upon hours of reading, working, learning from others, and making mistakes. If that doesn’t count as education and experience, then I don’t know what does. 3. They don’t hire idiots or lazy folks to work for them. They hire people with advanced degrees, folks with years upon years of specialized experience, who are hungry and motivated for success. Check out the job listings for Microsoft or Apple corporate, for example. You’ll be lucky to find a job posting for someone with just a high school degree. Even Bill Gates recommends young people to study computer sciences due to the lack of talent in the market. Degrees may be worth a dime a dozen these days, but they’re still worth something especially if you’re passionate about what you do and have the desire to stick with it on the long term. I advise that college should first be for the love of learning, not for the love of money. I’ll also throw in that I know a lot of college graduates who have done nothing with their education. They just got a degree because it’s what they believed would help them earn that “magic number” salary. These people didn’t work in college, get internships, volunteer with organizations related to their passions and degree, they just went to class thinking that was all to getting a great job and having a fulfilling career. Today, a degree doesn’t do that kind of service. You are required to show more than just a degree. So, college isn’t for you. What are your alternatives? Trade School There are affordable trade schools teaching culinary arts, medical services, building and construction, and all sorts of trades. Many of these schools cost a fraction of traditional college and many of the graduates earn the same as college graduates. Apprenticeship Along with trade schools, there are apprenticeships for carpentry, design, art, and so forth. Learning from a master in your industry is a great way to get experience, learn time tested methods, experience new trends as they are happening to your industry. Apprenticeships often go over looked. Start your own business or sell your ideas Do you have a skill or idea you think you could develop, market, and sell? Why not start your own business? Bu sure to understand that there is often a lot of money, time, and effort involved in having a business. I have a few friends who own successful start ups and they work - at minimum 60 hours per week. Licenses or Certifications There are plenty of certifications you can get to help you move up in the career world: data entry, home inspections, property appraisers, financial adviser, real estate agent, hair stylist and more. The opportunities for professional growth and wealth are limitless. With that said, you may not be willing to invest in a college education, but I hope you’re willing to invest in yourself.  If you plan to develop your career, be prepared and ready to study and learn more. All successful people share the mindset of focus, determination, and openness to change. If you’ve got that, then you can go anywhere. Career Planning, Young Professional 2010-02-04T16:14:16+00:00 http://www.rejuvination.me/index.php/site/_how_has_my_work_evolved_since_opening_my_doors/ http://www.rejuvination.me/index.php/site/_how_has_my_work_evolved_since_opening_my_doors/#When:04:00:02Z Leslie Juvin Tennant shares her story explaining the evolution of her work since opening Rejuvination’s doors in early 2008. Take a closer look into Leslie Juvin’s world of Rejuvination After five years of devoted studies in the art of relationships and social sciences, I first opened my doors as a life coaching company focused on self-improvement and spiritual well-being. As I recorded recurring conversation themes during coaching sessions, I realized my clients were increasingly worried about their careers and how their jobs played a vital part of their relationships and emotional well-being. They needed me to adapt to their needs and hesitantly, I had to find a way to incorporate work and life enhancing services. I initially doubted by abilities and understanding in the realm of career coaching so I turned to the most successful professionals and human beings I know for advice and insight.  I met with top human resource experts within my local network, retired CEOs, product developers, owners of start ups and internet businesses. I learned through their experiences and asked what was missing in career development today. I made sure I understood their varying personal motivations for work and life. I also had to rehash all of my formal education of business management, law, and finance I learned in college and from my various jobs. I am not shy to say that I read, know and apply many philosophies from today’s leading business culture thought leaders. Despite the research and knowledge, these two without experience were not enough. I needed to validate my skills with real life circumstances. The only way to know if what I had learned was applicable to the real world was to practice, so I offered my services free of charge to friends in dire need for change. These people were unemployed, broke, and scared about the future. If I could help those at their lowest point in life, then surely I could help someone who just needed to find a new job or a new direction.  In time, the results trickled in. These people were getting the jobs they wanted. More importantly, they were realizing the powerful affect their intentions and actions had on their job search - and in turn, their career, their relationships, and in whole, their lives. They were thinking about the bigger picture and what it meant to them. I realized that life and circumstance had helped me do what I had initially wanted to do, but in a back door way. As the old adage goes, I was teaching men how to fish. The more I worked with clients and recorded the results, the more I realized how I already had the means to help others. I just had to redevelop the methods. The same insecurities and fears that plague people’s daily lives applies to their careers as well. I ultimately convinced myself that I am a great career coach. Maybe that was the hardest part of the evolution. Throughout my personal experiences and by serving my network and clientele, I have learned how to adapt and cope through challenging life transitions. Losing a job or making a huge life transition during a changing economy is both frightening and challenging. What I’ve learned is that I can help people use transitions as a period of personal and professional growth. It wasn’t necessarily the way I had initially intended, but it’s the way nonetheless. When it came time to brand myself, I wanted to be careful about the word career and my specific title. I’m not a job search expert. I’m not an interviewing expert. I’m not a guru or a “Little Buddha” as many clients and friends have called me in the past. I don’t make stuff up. I don’t set the standards. I’m not a power player in my industry. I’m not a self-proclaimed expert. I can’t back up wild acclamations, so why even go there to call myself something that I’m not? On the contrary, I’m a woman deeply concerned in the spiritual and emotional growth in the lives of others; an observant person with the ability to make life work. Your success matters to me. If I can help someone live their truth by helping them get a better job and by teaching them how to communicate (by means of writing resumes, cover letters, and coaching) their true selves more easily in order to realize their desires better and faster, then so be it. I’ve developed the term Operative for myself. By definition, I’m here to help you fix a part of your life so the rest of it runs better. Whatever it is you need, I’ll help you take a thorough look around you to identify the solutions sitting right in front of you. It’s not magic. It’s not fancy tips and tricks. It’s just a practical way of incorporating traditional, time-tested etiquette basics and latest job market developments into developing your life and career, your way. This is how my work has evolved so far and for now, I will continue to evolve in order to meet client needs. I’m looking forward to the changes. 2010-02-03T04:00:02+00:00 http://www.rejuvination.me/index.php/site/in_the_news_behavioral_economics_smart_policy_or_controlling_the_ignorant/ http://www.rejuvination.me/index.php/site/in_the_news_behavioral_economics_smart_policy_or_controlling_the_ignorant/#When:13:45:29Z Thinkers at the Davos World Economic Forum believe that enacting behavioral economic policies on the way consumers spend their money is a smart and logical way to curb risky spending and long term economic crisis. Check it out and sound off! In light of the global financial consequences suffered as a result of reckless investing and over consumption over the last two years, some thinkers and panelists meeting in Davos World Economic Forum believe that enacting some behavioral economic policies to curb spending and debt accumulation is the answer to stopping financial woes before they start. One of the ideas mentioned was creating a seven day cooling-off period for customers who sign up for a store credit card. Staving off the “natural” inclination for immediate gratification, will keep consumers from making bad financial decisions. When I was in public high school, we were not taught the principles of personal finance. I had to enroll in a personal finance class as an elective in college - many of the adults, well into their thirties didn’t understand many of the basic principles of long term investing. That, to me, is a huge problem for nations whose aging public are responsible for their own retirements and health care. While this might sound like a rational idea, I can’t help thinking that this is an easy way to control the financially ignorant rather than taking the time and additional cost to teach basic financial principles to the public and trusting the public to be responsible with their finances. What do you think? Should you be told how you spend the money you earn? Do you think this is an excellent idea? Source News, In The News 2010-02-02T13:45:29+00:00 http://www.rejuvination.me/index.php/site/systematically_manage_tasks_with_these_5_simple_questions/ http://www.rejuvination.me/index.php/site/systematically_manage_tasks_with_these_5_simple_questions/#When:15:54:12Z When I was working in a boutique real estate firm, I learned how to approach and prioritize the day’s tasks and long term projects from my boss. We would ask ourselves five questions to each task or issue on our plate. We wouldn’t take more than one minute to make a decision on each topic. I really liked her style, so I’m going to share it with you. You can also apply these responses to just about everything in your life. See how it works for you. Can I cut it out? Are you on a project that is leading to a dead end? Do you have a business relationship or client that is heading nowhere fast? Just cut it out. Stop doing whatever it is you’re doing and if you have to close up loose ends, do so immediately. If we couldn’t help a client, we’d simply refer them over to a qualified person who could. Which leads me to the next question. Can I delegate it? Is there something you’re doing that someone else can do with better precision? Are you wasting your time on tasks that are not as important than your other tasks, but still require attention? Delegate it now. Do I respond? Is there a situation that requires your advice or a statement from you? Do you need to make a decision soon? If so, do the research it takes to come back with the best possible, well-informed question. Sometimes, there are hot situations that require no response at the present time and require some time to cool down. Work on your response mechanisms rather than by simply reacting to a situation. Personally, this is my favorite tip. So many of us believe that the faster we make our responses, the better. However, feel free to take some time to think and reflect on the topic at hand. At some level, this tip requires some discipline on your part. Can I postpone? This question works nicely with how you respond. Do you need more time to gather more information? Do you not have enough time to properly approach a new project?  This is the perfect opportunity to ask yourself why you have postponed before. Are you postponing because you’ve changed your mind? Maybe you do don’t feel like going with an idea anymore. If so, go back to question one and cut it out. Do I tackle now? Is there something that needs to be done today? Now? Put these items at the top of your to-do this. If you have to cut out something, make it an immediate priority to do so. What are you waiting for? Manage your tasks now! Ask yourself these simple questions when managing your projects and daily tasks. If you’ve tried this method, come back and post a response. Have another question you’d like to add? Post it now! Business Culture 2010-02-01T15:54:12+00:00 http://www.rejuvination.me/index.php/site/making_the_most_of_your_references/ http://www.rejuvination.me/index.php/site/making_the_most_of_your_references/#When:06:00:47Z Build relationships and get the best possible references for your career with these simple tips. I was inspired to write this article after providing references for several friends and former colleagues. I’m going to show you how to easily get the best references to help you land the next best job. CONTACT Contact your reference and express the importance and value their reference plays in helping you get a better job. ASK PERMISSION I know this goes without saying, but ask if they will help you even if you know they would be happy to do so. Sometimes, people might decline to offer a reference, so make sure they know it’s OK to say no with no hard feelings. WHY DOES THEIR REFERENCE MATTER? Don’t get just anybody to give you a reference. Get the person who is most successful in their field to share their experience about you. Additionally, tell your reference why they make would make the best reference for you and how their accomplishments play an influential part in your career. OFFER YOUR RESUME Offer your resume as a source of information. Take the time to explain your career with every job you’ve had. Your resume can help your reference define your career from their perspective. Additionally, your reference can be sure of any dates and gaps in your work history. WHAT SPECIALTY SHOULD THEY FOCUS ON YOU? How does their reference play a role in your potential job? Your reference isn’t likely to know everything about your career let alone know what you’d like for them to specifically discuss to help you get the job. Some references might focus on your work, while another might focus primarily on your personality, skills set, or accomplishments in your field. What is their specific knowledge on you? Coordinate your references so each can address your specific aspects. For example, “Mr. Banks would provide the best example of my journalism experience and writing skills, while Mrs. Brown can tell you about my volunteer experience in child welfare.” PREPARE FOR POSSIBLE QUESTIONS Do you have an idea of the types of questions they might ask your reference? Dates of employment? Reasons for leaving? Be sure your reference knows what questions they do not legally have to answer; refer to your local employment laws for more information regarding illegal questions. RESPECT YOUR REFERENCES Be sure to assure your reference that you will only use their time and recommendations sparingly and for those opportunities that seem solid. Let them know how they’ll be contacted and when, so that they’re ready and focused to give a stellar reference within a moment’s notice. PROTECT YOUR REFERENCES  Do not give out your references contact information to everyone you meet. Be sure to give their information out to serious job prospects and not to every employment agency you work with because they might hustle your reference for business. Give your reference information to companies who will respect your reference’s time. THANK YOUR REFERENCE Be sure to thank your reference for their contribution. Don’t forget to keep them up to date with your job search and notify them if you have earned the job. Apply these basic reference building skills to your job search knowledge bank and you’ll be on your way to your next best job in no time! Have questions about business etiquette? Ask Leslie @ leslie (at) rejuvination.me now. Job Search, Business Culture, Business Etiquette 2010-01-29T06:00:47+00:00 http://www.rejuvination.me/index.php/site/get_your_career_out_of_the_terrible_20s_alive_by_building_relationships_car/ http://www.rejuvination.me/index.php/site/get_your_career_out_of_the_terrible_20s_alive_by_building_relationships_car/#When:13:58:12Z Leslie talks about the three ways to build a productive life and career during the terrible twenties for a thriving thirties. My young brother called me for advice asking how to make the most out of his twenties. I couldn’t tell him exactly what to do, but I did tell him to keep the following three things in mind while he navigated his life in the terrible 20s. Your twenties are for the following three purposes: Building relationships, establishing a career, and coordinating finances. 1. BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS Now is the time to surround yourself with motivated and inspiring people. If you must spend time with others who are not motivated or are feeling lost, use the relationships as opportunities to either learn more about what you don’t want out of life or as an opportunity to motivate others who are lost and need help regaining focus. Either way, you’ll learn more about yourself which is sure to help you shape your life in positive ways. Stay Motivated Motivated people can keep you on your feet and can hold you responsible for your actions. They’ll help you see yourself in the best possible light and remind you of the things you are good at and help you improve your weak areas. Motivated people don’t allow minor set backs to keep them from their goals, motivated people are inspired by their interests and values and use them as a guide to creating a happier life. They also have contagious energy and will to turn their dreams into a reality. Who can’t be inspired by that? Develop Colleagues Find other young professionals or fellow students who are motivated for success and possess a strong desire to make a difference in their fields of interest. Before you know it, these same people will become experts in their field and will develop into perfect references for information, partners in future work projects, and interesting sources for conversation and self improvement later on. Identify Mentors Take the time to build relationships with mature professionals. This group can range from your friend’s parents, professors, bosses and older colleagues. They can give you much needed advice, introduce you to their friends and network, and give you insights on life and careers as an adult. Building relationships will also serve as a method later on for networking, marketing your work or business, meeting needs, in addition to helping you develop your reputation as a person and as a professional. Will people be able to trust you to get your work done on time, within budget, and with good ethics? What will your relationships say about you? Develop them now and don’t be afraid to make, correct, and learn from your social mistakes. 2. BUILD YOUR CAREERUse every experience and opportunity to help you figure out your career path if you haven’t already decided on one or to enhance your skills, knowledge, and expertise. Use Every Experience As A Career Building Block Even if you’re traveling, having fun, volunteering, think of every experience as a means to help you develop yourself as a person and as a professional. As a resume writer, I can tell you that even the strangest or simplest life experiences can transfer themselves nicely into a resume. Follow Your Instincts Allow your interests and deep seated motivations serve as a guide to helping you decide your ideal career. Is there a particular interest that never leaves your mind and you feel you could make a difference in the field? Did you have a job you really loved and wish you could build on that? Remember, a career is series of jobs, increasing responsibilities, and varying experiences - it’s not just one job or industry for the rest of your life. Refer to my article about changing industries. Strengthen your weaknesses It’s obvious that most of us aren’t experts in our field and that we have a long way to perfecting our job executions. Embrace your inexperience and channel your energy by learning from others around you, practicing and making mistakes, embarrassing yourself, wasting your time, and learning about yourself. Now is the time to improve your weaknesses and develop your skills. Building your career equates to building your resume. Ask yourself, is what I’m doing now going to make me look great on my resume? Will my resume help me get my dream job down the road? Am I a marketable employee or professional? The answers to these questions will develop in time and with practice.     3. BUILD YOUR FINANCES We must learn to master our finances now. Individuals are growing increasingly responsible for their own retirement and health savings, so we must learn to successfully earn, save and manage our incomes for short and long term growth. Learn to build and manage your finances now so that you will have the freedom to call your own career shots down the road. Who likes to be dependent on a bad job? Learn To Earn There is much talk about saving and managing income, but little about actually earning it. Learn to develop a side trade in the event that you cannot find work in your desired field or specific job. Take the time to learn basic financial principles of lending, saving, investing, buying and selling assets. Develop multiple income streams so that you’re not dependent on just one: your job.  Nobody likes to live paycheck to paycheck let alone being dependent on a job (often a bad job) for a living. Learn To Save Many of us get into the mental trap of believing that because we’re earning more we should spend more. What we fail to realize is that the more we spend on our basic cost of living, the more we’re responsible for in the event we lose our jobs. Identify what kind of lifestyle you want to live and what it takes to financially manage it. To be safe, learn to live on less so that you can face the worst case scenario of losing your job, living with an illness or personal crisis, or that the economy takes a downturn doesn’t destroy your confidence. Do you know how to budget each meal? Can you quickly calculate your living costs? Do you know how much you are paying in taxes each year? Do you really need to buy the latest gear every year? If you can live on less, you’ll be able to save more for the things you really want to do with your life, retirement, and health. Learn To Manage Hire a financial advisor, read financial guides and books, take a course on stock trading or personal finance and learn the basics (and more, if possible) about managing your finances. How many of us have lost sleep wondering how we’re going to make enough money to pay our bills? Also, learn to manage your emotions and impulses to consume. We don’t need to shop when we’re feeling down or insecure. We also don’t have to buy something simply because it’s in style and we can afford it. We also don’t have to spend money on our credit card just because it’s quick and convenient to have what we want now. Learn to develop a sense of self discipline and financial knowledge in your twenties. Having a family, owning a home, raising children, facing crisis and poor health are very expensive, require a certain level of financial knowledge, and demand commitment and responsibility. If you can keep focus on these three facets during your terrible 20s, you can build an exciting and rewarding career of your choice. You’ll be able to call your own career shots and can live according your own desires and calling. What are you waiting for? Get to work now! I look forward to seeing you in your Thriving 30s!   Career Planning, Young Professional 2010-01-27T13:58:12+00:00