Archive for March, 2012

Many Americans enjoy a cultural norm of changing careers at least once during their lifetime. A desire for something new to do from 9 to 5 seems to arise at the onset of a new decade, especially after 40—a time that heralds midlife and invites us to take stock of where we’ve been and where we’re headed.

Self reflection can be a good thing. It might even ward off the proverbial “midlife crisis”, a time of self-doubt and recognition of our own mortality.  It’s denial that we’re changing and aging that can set off a spin of irrational decisions that gives this time of life a bad name.

In fact, facing into the confusing questions that often accompany midlife and beyond can lead us to a greater understanding of what’s next.

Take for example, author Susan Crandell who wrote Thinking About Tomorrow: Reinventing Yourself in Midlife. Crandell, the former editor-in-chief of More Magazine, re-engineered her own life and became a freelance writer and book author.

Her inspiring book recounts the stories of a group of diverse individuals who embraced aging as a turning point, shook up their status quo and reinvented themselves in their second half of life.

Among the chapters that feature people whom Crandell refers to as “life entrepreneurs” is the story behind my annual Women’s Retreat in France, which I’ll be offering on May 28 of this year.

The profiles in Crandell’s book illustrate what can unfold when someone honestly and attentively asks: What do I want to do with the rest of my life?

To begin to explore this question yourself, consider the following:

• What am I longing to do or experience?
• Is there a part of an old dream that could be salvaged and integrated into my life now?
• What energizes and engages me? What would need to happen to bring more of that into my life?
• What helps me hear what is true for me? How can I increase that activity?
• What is most important to me at this time? Am I living my life in alignment with this priority? If not, what needs to shift so that I am true to what I value?

By exploring the compelling questions of midlife, you may come to experience George Eliot’s promising message: “It’s never too late to be what you might have been.”

One of the most difficult times in a job search is when you are waiting for a response from a prospective employer. Often there’s nothing else for you to do once you’ve applied for a job and the wait can be frustrating and keep you on pins and needles. Do you see yourself in any of these scenarios?

●      You’ve done your research on a position, submitted your materials on time and expect to hear in a timely manner from the prospective employer–but you don’t.

●      You’ve had an interview that you think went well, but you’re not receiving any type of follow up communication.

●      You receive a job offer, present a counter-offer and are left wondering if your conditions have been accepted and what’s next.

I’ve heard dozens of variations on the above scenarios from clients. Waiting is a sign of the times. Human resource offices are often understaffed and not prepared for the deluge of job applications circulating in the marketplace.

Consider the following tips to keep you moving ahead in your job search process:

1. Don’t jump to conclusions about what’s happening or make assumptions about why you have not heard anything. Avoid thoughts like: “I didn’t get the job” or “Guess I blew it” and try to get the facts.
2. Ask yourself what else you might do to prompt a reply (e.g. make a call or send an email to your contact at the organization and inquire about their time frame for hiring).
3. Shift your focus from the job you’re pursuing to something that’s in your control, like researching another job or organization, attending a job search group (such as the Unemployed Professionals Groups that are organized through Career Centers throughout the country) or checking in with a friend for support.
4. After any job interview, request the interviewer’s business card so you can follow up with a thank you and inquiry about your candidacy and when you will hear from them.

From vacations to under-staffing, there are many reasons why you might not hear from a prospective employer in a timely way. Keep in mind that while “your” job may be foremost on your mind, it is only one of many priorities facing the human resources office or hiring manager.