As a career consultant, I’m on the lookout for books to recommend to my clients, especially those faced with unexpected job loss. Career Comeback passes the test. One preliminary note: The cover refers to failed business ventures, but this topic does not appear to be covered. Publishers, not authors, usually write cover copy, so we […]
Career Planning
Harvard Graduates In The Mailroom: Buying a Lottery Ticket Or Investing In A Future?
An article in today’s New York Times Magazine asks, “Why do Harvard graduates work in the mailroom?” You can read the article here. Author Adam Davidson refers to the best-selling book, Freakonomics, which noted the peculiar behavior of drug dealers. They accepted low pay and dangerous conditions on the slim chance they would hit the […]
How Can Companies Identify Hidden Superstars?
Recently a question was posed in an online forum. Jeremy Lin was not expected to be a star. He was waived by other teams and wasn’t considered good enough to hold a starting position. Surely many companies have employees who aren’t performing to potential, creating a huge opportunity cost for these organizations. What can they […]
Career Planning: Do you count on a bonus for personal extras?
Today’s New York Times “Social Q’s” column addressed this question: For the last 7 years, Anonymous had received a “generous cash bonus” from her boss – “in addition to the regular company bonus.” She explains, “I do many personal errands for him during the year.” This year: no bonus. She wonders why. (I’m assuming the […]
Career Planning: Coworking spaces in the architecture
This article describes an office system that Plantronics uses to motivate employees to work from home. Read the full story here. What caught my eye was the way Plantronics adds coworking space as an option. Employees can work from home, work in coffee shops or join a nearby coworking space. A coworking space is just […]
Career Planning: When You Fall Out Of Love With Your Work (Guest Post)
We tend to think of “Career Planning” as moving to a better job in the future. But sometimes instead you need a career divorce. That’s today’s topic – and a good one from author and “dreamer in residence” Valerie Young. You started out loving your chosen career — at least in the beginning. But over […]