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February 2, 2022 Re-entering the workforce

Have you had to take a break from work? Maybe you were one of the 38 million people who resigned in 2021. Or, perhaps you had to take a break for personal reasons—starting a family, health issues (physical or mental), caretaking for an aging parent. Or maybe you felt undervalued or underappreciated at work, and decided to take a break to reassess your life’s path.

 Whatever the case, know that your reasons for quitting are valid. Other people may pass judgment, but they likely do not know or understand the full story. And you are under no obligation to justify yourself.

Besides, you now have the opportunity to find something better than you had before—a role that is well-suited to your personality, interests, and skillset. A position that pays well and offers excellent benefits.

The problem is, how do you reenter the workforce once your break has come to its natural conclusion?

What if a potential employer asks about your work gap? What if your skills are rusty? Or, what if you’d like to switch career tracks entirely?

These are all scary prospects, but fortunately, they are not insurmountable. If you’re thinking of dusting off your resume and searching for a job that sparks your interest, here are 5 tips:

Reflect

If you’re thinking about beginning a job hunt, don’t just jump in! The last thing you want to do is rush things and end up with a job that is not suited for your talents and interests. Instead, take the time to practice meaningful reflection. This could involve journaling, creating a vision board, meditating, or talking with a trusted friend or career coach.

When you’re reflecting, ask yourself questions such as:

  • When am I happiest? When do I feel like I’m thriving?
  • What are my favorite work memories? Least favorite?
  • Where do I shine? What are my top skills?
  • What are my interests? What excites me?
  • What are my career goals?
  • What does my ideal future look like?

Write a resume for the job you want

You never want to lie on your resume, but it is possible to tailor it for the job you want. Highlight the skills and experiences that are relevant to your dream job. Make them stand out. For instance, if you would like to work in management at a company, it’s a good idea to emphasize your leadership skills and roles. Did you spearhead an important project at your last company? Do you lead your daughter’s girl scout troop? Have you led volunteer initiatives? All this experience counts and can appear on your resume.

Brush up on relevant skills

If you’re thinking about making a major career change OR if your skills are a little rusty (this is especially true for tech industry workers), it’s a good idea to update your skillset. Enroll in online courses, take a community education class, or sign up for a certification program. You could also take independent classes from informal online schools (such as Udemy or Teachable); although they will not earn you a formal certificate.

Another way to brush up on skills is to talk with people in the industry who have (or have had) a similar role. Ask if you can conduct casual interviews and ask questions about the skills required for the job. Talking with someone who has been “in the trenches” can reveal aspects of the role that you may not have considered.

Create a calendar

If you want to take the major step of reentering the workforce, it pays to have a game plan. Otherwise, you might feel rudderless or unsure of what to do on a given day. Having a plan can keep you focused and prevent you from mindlessly scouring the internet every day.

I recommend creating a calendar and making daily goals for yourself. The goals do not have to be large, but they should contribute to your job hunt progress. You might include items on your calendar such as:

  • Reflection/planning time
  • Skill-building
  • Sending out five emails requesting informational interviews
  • Spending three hours perusing job listings
  • Rewriting your resume
  • Writing a cover letter
  • Filling out two applications

Be Courageous

Most importantly, believe in yourself! Know that you have the grit to dive back into the workforce and the determination to be an outstanding employee. Have conviction in yourself and believe in your skillset. You DO bring value to the table, and it’s up to you to articulate that value.

Before beginning the interviewing process, be sure to practice speaking about your resume, background, and skills. Talk aloud to your mirror or practice with a friend or spouse. Anticipate questions the interviewer might ask and practice answering those questions. Go over this information time and again until it feels natural to you. Preparation and Practice are two vital components of courage.

This is your moment. Employers are hungry for dedicated, talented employees, and they ARE hiring. Even if you’ve taken a break from the workforce for a while, you can get back on the horse with a little reflection, skill-building, and planning. The most important part is believing in yourself and your abilities.

MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE. 
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE. 

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January 12, 2022 3 Keys To a Successful Transition

Are you one of several million people who has recently left your job? Or, are you thinking about making a career change? Or are you, perhaps, hoping to switch roles or responsibilities in your current workplace? Whatever the case, it’s crucial to start thinking about and preparing for the transition ahead. Smooth transitions are usually not accidental. They take a good deal of reflection, forethought, strategy, and adaptability. Today, I’d like to discuss three keys to a successful transition.

Before we dig in, I need to give credit where credit is due. Dr. Jean Davidson, an experienced coach and consultant, is the originator of the “Three Keys” concept. She founded Davidson Consulting and Coaching in 2004, and has helped many individuals and teams step into the best versions of themselves. Dr. Davidson’s eBook, 3 Keys to Finding Hidden Treasures in a Difficult Transition, discusses transitions from a unique angle, and in this blog post I’m going to paraphrase some of that information. (If you find this information helpful, I highly encourage you to download Dr. Davidson’s complimentary eBook from her website!)

Let’s dig in to the “3 Keys.”

1. Notice where you are in the journey

There is power in observation. It pays to slow down, reflect, and think about where you are in your transition journey. Do you think you’re close to the beginning of your journey? Toward the end? Or somewhere in the middle? What roadblocks are you facing now, and which ones do you anticipate in the future?

This intentional reflecting is important, as it helps us identify our current state, where we’d like to go, and what might be standing in the way of us getting there.

2. Look for treasures and use them

Though you might not realize it in the moment, there are valuable lessons to be learned during a transition. Oftentimes, we’re too busy trying to get through the transition that we don’t absorb the life lessons and wisdom we gain from experiencing it. And this attitude makes sense—transitions can be difficult and uncomfortable. The last thing most of us want to do is dwell on them!

But that’s precisely where you’ll find the lessons, the “treasures,” buried in the folds of uncertainty and stress. What types of lessons?

Perhaps you’ve learned about your personal resiliency. Maybe you’ve shifted to a career that pays less but grants you more time off, thus teaching you how to appreciate personal time. Or maybe your transition has taught you something about your support network—those important family members and friends who have your back (and, conversely, maybe you’ve learned who doesn’t have your back and who you might need to distance yourself from).

All of these lessons are true treasures. We simply have to look for them. (Dr. Davidson goes into more detail on how to do this in her eBook.)

3. Identify what to let go of

As you move forward in your transition journey, you will likely discover that some things no longer serve you. Some of your habits, tendencies, attitudes, or even relationships may no longer fit into this new chapter of your life. Reflect on your new path forward and consider what you need to leave behind. Some of your decisions about what to reject might be relatively easy (ditching your habit of overworking, for instance, or ridding yourself of the tendency to be too much of a people pleaser). But other decisions may be more difficult (Do you let go of that harmful friendship, or do you attempt to repair it? Are you really ready to put an end to certain bad habits?).

I challenge you to be frank and honest with yourself. What do you need, going forward? And what will inhibit your progress or, worse, drag you back to square one? Cut the things from your life that will only weigh you down—the self-expectations, the harmful relationships, the toxic beliefs, the bad habits.

After you determine what to let go of in your life, follow through! Make a plan for how to rid yourself of these things and take action. Communication and honesty will go a long way in this process.

Transitions can be tough, but they can also open new doors and provide an opportunity for you to reinvent or rejuvenate yourself. Take your time, learn from your journey, and let go of anything that is harmful or holding you back. Walk forward on your new path with clarity and confidence.

MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE. 
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE. 

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December 15, 2021 Finding Light During the Darkest Months

In the northern hemisphere, we are entering the darkest time of year. For many of us, we wake up in darkness and finish work in darkness. And that absence of sunshine can be difficult, even if you’re surrounded by the twinkle of holiday lights or the love of family members or friends. For some, this is an immensely difficult time of year—a time characterized by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and/or isolation. While some people enjoy “hibernating” in their home during the winter months, others find it difficult and yearn for human connections.

In truth, people can find themselves in “dark patches” at any point during the year. We might find ourselves depressed or frustrated with our personal life, finances, or career, or we might simply be grappling with burnout. But actual darkness can amplify those feelings and frustrations, and make us long for any sliver of sunshine (metaphorical or not!) that we can get.

How can we find light and levity amid all the darkness?

Aside from taking steps to aid your body (exercising regularly, taking Vitamin D), there are several ways to boost your spirit and your mood. Let’s talk about some of those mood-boosting methods:

1. Focus on Gratitude

This might sound a little…squishy, but gratitude does work. According to Harvard Health, “Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.”

If you’re thankful for what you have, you develop a more positive mindset, and that can go a long way (it even can affect your physical health!). Foster gratitude by setting aside time each day to reflect on the positive aspects of your life. What is going well right now? What are you thankful for? You might also choose to jot down some of your thoughts in a gratitude journal.

2. Fight Pessimism

Many of us have negative narratives that constantly run through our brains. I call this your “saboteur.” This is the voice that tells you you’re not good enough or capable enough; it tells you to sit down and stay quiet because you don’t have anything valuable to contribute. It’s time to start talking back to this inner voice!

Start by paying attention to your thoughts. When you catch yourself thinking pessimistically, hit the pause button. Reframe your thinking so you focus on the positive and start seeing solutions, instead of barriers. And don’t forget to be kind to yourself. You’re smarter, braver, and more capable than you think you are.

3. Tune in To Positive Media

What we surround ourselves with makes a difference—the daily TV shows, movies, music, podcasts, and radio shows. Attitudes of fear, anger, mistrust, or sensationalism can easily leak into your subconscious. Even if you believe you are immune to negative news stories or terrible TV shows, you probably are not. We tend to become what we consume.

Make a conscious choice to read, listen to, and watch media that is affirming, productive, or uplifting. That doesn’t mean you have to tune out the news, but it does mean you should be mindful of your time and what you’re allowing into your life. Balance trashy TV shows with more thought-provoking content. Sprinkle in informative podcasts in between celebrity gossip. Think of the media you consume as nutrients that nourish your brain and emotional wellbeing.

4. Tap into Your Network

You don’t have to slog through your slumps on your own. Dare to reach out to trusted friends or family members and seek their support. Let them know what you need from them—someone to listen, someone to grab a cup of coffee with, someone to lend a little support—and be honest about what you’re going through. If friends and family members are not enough, consider seeking support from a licensed therapist.

5. Busy Yourself with a Hobby

Adopting a productive hobby can be a healthy way for dealing with dark periods. Do something that interests you and lifts your spirits. This could be baking, woodcarving, learning an instrument, practicing photography, painting, writing—anything that captivates and energizes you. If you’re not sure where to begin, try browsing through online course offerings through Udemy, Coursera, or Teachable.

(My online leadership course is hosted by Teachable. Feel free to check it out!)

6. Breathe

When you feel the weight of the world pressing down on you, take a time out. Pause whatever you’re doing and focus on yourself for a few minutes (or longer, if that’s what you need). Concentrate on your breathing. Take a deep breath in through your nose, hold it for several seconds, and puff it out through your mouth. Do this several times, counting to yourself as you go through the motions.

You might also try other relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation (apps such as Calm or Headspace can help you get started), listening to relaxing music, stretching, or going for a quiet walk. Recognize when you’ve hit a wall and need to practice a little self-care.

Though we’re entering a dark time of year, your mood doesn’t have to match the night sky. Try a few of these techniques and let me know what worked for you. And remember to seek additional help if you need it. You’ve got this!

MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE. 
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE.

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