Using Linked in for Networking

As we discuss networking, I can't believe how quickly you can make connections on Linked in. I do recommend you try it if you don't use it already...and many, many do. You can start off asking people you know to connect and the system also recommends people in which you can ask for a connection. There are actually multiple ways to connect. It is for more professional activities. Here are some things you can do: Make connections to those in your career OR a career you may be pursuing. Join groups that relate to your profesisonal interests. For a fee, become part of a job search network. You will create a personal profile which you can put much info about yourself including resume, interests, list website, recommmend books and more. What I find most useful: Making connections to what you want quickly. Joining groups to find info you need and contributing to the conversations. Making business contacts. Getting out info you want your collegues to know such as posting your articles, website, product info, etc. Checking out other people Some may use to look for potential hires Again, I'm sure so much more... I have a passion for work around happiness and work/life balance. I am starting a website around happiness and was able to connect to like-minded people. Not only do they want to meet with me but they also want to see my website and be a part of it. This will only help generate more traffic as well promote these organizations and their blogs and websites. All win/win. Give it a try...it can really help you to see that your dream job is out there and others can help you in your pursuit. Next we'll look at Facebook! Have a great day!

Labor Day is over and its back to work for many

Welcome back from your Labor Day holiday. Are you refreshed or did you just want one more day off? Out of the blue, I took one more day off and it was great! My topic for this week is networking. I finally decided to really get into it. Not only to see what's out there for me professionally, but to think about how to make connections for those who would like to check out my happiness website..a clearinghouse for happiness resources, activities and more. I was shocked at what Linked in could do. I highly recommend it for professional connections and its great if you are starting a side business that you may one day have as your career. This week we will talk about how to network yourself. Stay tuned..

Demanding Workload and Staying Happy-All options open

Happy Monday morning!
I decided to take some of my own advice. I personally think it's always good to keep all options open. I applied for my 1st job after 15 years. I thought why not. It's good to compare what you have to what is out there. It's important not to think the grass is always greener either. I've decided a few things about this comparison:

1. I will always go with my gut. I didn't my job before and that was a hard lesson learned.
2. I will weigh out all my most important must haves- certain $, friendly, fun work environment, flexible, organizations rep for laying people off and most impiortnat- is this the work I really want to do.
3. Weight out retirement situation
4. Oddly- when I get selected for a position, I think it's important to spend a day observing. That may sound untraditional but if they really want me they will let me do it. I'm letting my gut kick in. If things are good, there is nothing to hide.

Remember to keep your options open. It's makes you feel better when you know your destiny is in your own hands.

Demanding workload and staying happy- all options open

Talk about a demanding day- It sure was. I have found something that really helped me recently. I decided to look at other work options. I began to creatively think about what I really like to do. My ultimate goal is to get my website finished and work that as well as be able to make a living from it and the off shoots of it. There are other interests I have such as training and career coaching. I have done both professionally on various levels and since I love the work, why not look into what jobs are out there. So, I registered on all the job websites.

You know, it just made me feel better. To know that I could find a dream job. Working a little extra really seems so easy when you are doing what you love. For now, this is the route I am going. Just keeping options open.

I would recommend that to anyone to always keep that resume updated and be open and see what's out there. Remember to think about what you love to do. And if you do something for free and enjoy it, try to imagine how you do it and get paid. These are ways to work yourself into a dream job. In the meantime, keep that good attitude at work and stay happy. Life it too short!

demanding work load and staying happy

This is our theme for the week- demanding work load and staying happy. WOW- will we have a lot to cover on this one. This could be a re-occurring theme and may need to be really spread out! Let's begin with how to approach your boss...

Tips I have learned:
Know who your boss is as much as you can. Know their trigger buttons and what they are most passionate about at work.
I find if you come in smiling with a positive attitude, that is the first and very important step
Find out what the goals are of your area and what the bosses biggest issues are. Then you know what type of work to concentrate on...because you can't do everything!
Ask boss to help you re-prioritize your work so you can be responsive to what's important
If everything is important, then let boss know what is going on and let boss make the call on what you need to do
If you need help, talk with you boss about some creative ideas on how to structure your work.

Anyone have anymore, please add and have a great week!

Life Balance- Taking an Evening Off

Good Morning. I did not feel my best yesterday and I did only the things I like after work...walking the dog and working on my happiness website. It was 7:30pm and people were aksing me to do some fun things but I really wanted to just get in my PJ's and stay in. Well I actually did it, and it wasn't easy at first. I read a great book, watched some TV and re-heated food. Very relaxing. I have to say, not only do I feel better but have my energy back AND have a great attitude at work today.
Some may ask...how do I do this with committments in the eve. Here are some suggestions:

• ask for help from others and see what you can cancel on. If you're sick most don't want to be around you anyway
• Order dinner
• get you PJs on- they will get the hint
• If all you can do is end your eve early, get into bed as early as you can...and get that fav drink, book or whatever gets you to sleep ASAP.

Your goal is to get as much sleep as you need. Everyone at work will appreciate it and you won't have to call off...hopefully :)

Life Balance- Staying with the topic

I decided to stay with this topic a little longer. Today was nuts at work! And this is not the time of the year for nuts! I spent some time over the weekend really trying to put some of my advice into place regarding how to keep work more manageable. So, I talked with my assistant and we talked thru some ways we could be more efficient and projects she would enjoy taking on.  Also discussing what may need to go if we run out of time. I also talked to 2 others to get advice. A colleague and trusted friend said  to keep re-prioritizing and asking your boss what she needs today. One day at a time. As they say- when your give your organization what they want most, typically everything else is forgiven. That usually means money :). Now that work is over, I am going to walk the dog, eat a good meal, work on my happiness website and watch my favorite football team play in the pre-season.  Sounds like a great night! Keep the balance people! 

Life Balance keeps you more productive at work- SO TRUE

I spent a lot of today thinking about how I am going to keep this life balance. It's summer and it's usually a little slower yet still it's busier than usual. I drove home trying to think of ways to get thru what is about to hit: the busy time for the next several months. Here are some things I thought of:

• Think of the support activities I do and see if any of it can be delegated
• If you have support staff, utilize them on most important tasks or on things that are less important that you can let go of doing
• What really matters is what makes money typically so concentrate on that
• If there are too many things to do that make money, see what you must do NOW...prioritize
• Try and combine anything you can
• Stop leading so many endeavors and let other professionals take over...it's others turn now
• Give yourself a certain number of hours in general that you will work per day- 10 max for me.
• Think of times of day that are most productive and work during those times- EX- I'm best in the morning so extra hours there are fine
• Work from a location that allows me to spend less time commuting

What works for you...feel free to share! Happy Wednesday!

Life Balace Keeps You More Productive at Work-Day 1

How Life Balance Keeps You More Productive at Work- Day 1
Well, I have a very good example. My Dad had a stroke last week. He is in the hospital and now is entering rehab. Talk about stressful! I have decided to go home tomorrow and work with him at the rehab center and just visit with him for the day. A common case of dealing with older parents. A couple of things that make me feel grateful:
1) I can check my email on my phone if I want to or not
2) I have a  project I can work on if Dad is napping or we run out of things to talk about :)
3) I can check Voice mail.
These are great resources to have if you are really busy and don't want to totally be out of the loop. These same resources can be a hindrance if you utilize them unnecessarily. So think about it. Can you just concentrate on your out of work issue or must you work when these things happen...even if it's a vacation and not something as serious? Time to think about your work load, your priorities and what you need to do to have balance.
By the way- I have decided that I can spend a day away from work but if I have a moment and feel the urge, I will do some work. After all, we have vacation days for a reason!

Think about what you do on a day off...are you still working, do you take the day off away from work to refresh, or are you somewhere in the middle?

Life balance Info

Life Balance at Work week

Hi All::
I thought it might be fun to have a theme for each week...and also allowing for issues that come up on the spot to be thrown in as well. We want to be spontanious! I have been thinking about happiness in general as I work on my happiness website. I find at work that Fridays are so much easier for me. Most people are calmer. Friday has a feel to it. You can tell people just want to get to the weekend. It has frustrated me for a long time that we work so much in the USA in general. We don't especially value things like personal growth and balance. The issue is, when we get those things, we are so much better at work! It's a catch 22  as they say. I actually think Mondays can be good because I've noticed that many people in my workplace don't get really rolling with emails and such until at least Monday afternoon. It gives me the morning to get other things done and start my week off right. Think about when you have those times to get things done and really take advantage. It puts you in a better mood to handle the bigger issues of the week.

Next week- our theme will be how life balance makes you more productive at work. Please join and and follow my blog and feel free to post your reactions, thoughts and comments.

Hi All:
I thought it would be fun to have a weekly theme for the blog. We will always allow for other issues to pop in here as well. I have been thinking a lot about happiness in general as I have been working on my happiness website. We seem, especially in the USA, to put so many hours each day into work, allowing for us to be accessible thru phone, email, etc for off hours as well. It's interesting how personal growth and life balance aren't as valued yet when we get those things, research shows we are more productive at work. A catch 22 as they say. Our theme for next week: life balance and how it relates to work and career. Have a fabulous weekend!

How to be more productive on a calm day

Sometimes it's really easy to just lay back when and if you ever get a reasonably calm day at work. But boy does it feel great when you actually work on things you have been putting off. Here are some suggestions to do on this day...again, if you ever get it.:)
Go form some needed relationships in your work area- maybe you need to check in with a boss, another department, an assistant- forming good relationships gets things done.
Call some clients and check in and ask if there is anything they need from you
Take a few quick breaks to deep breath, drink more water
Clean up that mess you've been putting off!
Organize- even if it's a small thing-you'll feel so much better

Cherish these days as they may not come along often and as always, continue to hone in on the perfect job...especially since today could be that perfect day!

Keeping job happiness when you are over-worked

Here we are...middle of work week for some. I find myself really busy and trying to remember that I need to stop for a minute and take a breathe. I've read that it helps to stop periodically so you can get yourself together and be more productive. Then people will say: if I stop for even a minute, then I have to stay later to get things done. I recommend a few things there. Talk to your boss about priorities and talk about a reasonable work day. Also, plan for those times you can work later. It shows great work ethic and helps the people in your life know that sometimes you do have to work late. Don't allow people to think you respond to emails at very late hours. If you are working  way past your time, put the email together and  send it the next day. People will begin to expect you to be working late and responding late and that should not be the norm. Remember, to keep your balance means your are much more productive when you are at work. Don't let your workplace eat you alive!
Some quick things you can do:
eat lunch
drink lots of water
take 60 seconds to stop and breath severla times a day
smile a lot
have fun at work
be really nice to people
Do your toughest tasks when you are most alert
Have any more, please add!

Job Happiness on a Monday?

Well I talked a little bit about how good Fridays can be, or whatever day nears the end of your work week. Now we are at Monday, or think about whatever day begins your work week. I found myself very lathargic and my energy ran low at times throughout the day today. I struggled through a meeting and was exhausted after I got home. Now it's interesting that as soon as I changed my clothes and got comfy, I could work again, if needed. If you ever feel like your first day back to a work week is, um, challenging, what are some ways to help you get through that?
Here are some thoughts:
Can you work frohome?
Wear the most comfortable outfit possible, depending upon work policy, and most important, the most comfortable shoes. When your feet hurt, the rest of you hurts!
Plan to go to lunch out with someone
Try and buld in some time to get things done and not all meetings.
Eat healthy during the day and drink tons of water
Plan something fun for the evenings- something to look forward to
Be friendy and compliment a couple people- it makes them and you feel better

Do you have any more helpful tips? Please add!

Friday is good for happiness!

If you work a regulat M-F job, Friday is most likely one of your favorite, if not your favorite day. It really shouldn't be that way, should it. If we are living our dream job, then Monday is great too! I find myself getting a little more excited when Thursday comes because I know I'm close to the weekend. That is my hint to do 2 things. Try and make M-W just as good AND keep pursuing my dream job/career until I feel that way. As we all walk through our career journeys, let's just enjoy every good thing that happens to use in our workday, whatever day that is. No harm in loving Friday and why not at least Thursday too! I hope all of you are having a great day!

Wow! What a day of meeting optimistic people!

As I continue to walk through this job happiness journey, I can't believe how much it means to really focus on this topic and find that so much is right in front of me! I talked with 3 very passionate people today. They were passionate about their their work! They smiled and just lit up when they spoke about it. I am part way there in my job but I am a little more general in my interest to be more involved in positive psychology and happiness in general. I find the whole area fascinating! I move towards this endeavor every day and find that writing this blog moves me closer! These women reminded me that once again, people are out there who love what they do. They talked a lot about very talented people having fear stop them from realizing their dream. If you are one of those people, check this out. I hope it helps! www.mindtools.com. Tell us a story of how you overcame a fear related to your career!

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wednesday- laid off- a day in the life

Good Wednesday morning At this moment I sit with about 25 people who have just lost their jobs. My job at times interacts with this group and it can be heart wrenching and inspirational! As our laid off friends move through the grieving process of losing their former job, there is so much hope. Whenever this happens I always think, I just want them to have enough money to live. Do they have time to either find a better job or get into a training program. Watching their journeys over the years has made me think about ways to plan my life, get thru trauma, make it work and muffled thru frustration and see the growth. I have seen so many succeed in getting new and better jobs and do things they never thought they could. As I walk thru my journey I am continuously reminded of how lucky I am. I also remember that we all should pursue our dream job...its out there...others do it, why not us! Please let us hear from you if you have a dream job or an inspirational story about your pursuit of a better job.

It's Tuesday

Today we had a meeting about the business plan for our area. We were told we would have to do even more with less, even though everyone is over-worked now. We had to think of creative ways to be more efficient. Although that doesn't sound like the most fun meeting, I was able to start the conversation regarding the old "we can do everything." We talked about what is within our scope and what wasn't and prioritizing. Some are really getting it. If you try and be all things to all people, you probably don't become your best at anything. Our leadership wants everything done...so now where does the extra work fall? Who knows? I'm thinking lots of people are in my situation, especially with more work, less people mentality. I'm actually trying to look at my work in different ways. I have realized I may have to prioitize the things that my employer says are most important and makes the most money. I may have to convince them to drop some things, maybe even things I like to do. We can't do it all. If you struggle with this, think of ways you could let the small stuff go and if there is no small stuff, decide if you can have that heart to heart with you boss. Make sure to come with potential solutions like re assigning work, taking on an intern, stick with what's most needed by your customers, focus! Hope your day is wonderful! Remember, the happier you are at your current work situation, the more open you are to letting your dream job in!

OPPORTUNITIES...OPPORTUNITIES!

Good Monday morning:
I was reminded this weekend of how opportunities for job and career change can happen any time, any place. This weekend, my friend, who would really like a major job/career change met someone in a neighbor's drive way who is in the same line of work. They started talking and now there is a connection made. Will this work out? Who knows yet it always gives me hope and reminds me that these types of opportunities happen every day, every where and often in the most unexpected of places! Lesson- it reminds us to keep our eyes open. You really don't even have to try, just be aware and when something comes along, move on it. At worst you'll make a good contact. At best, you find a new job or dream career.
Q: Have you ever had a time where this has happened to you?  I'll start- I met the President of a company at a swimming pool at a Convention. He gave me great advice and tips about finding what I want in a career and I got to tell him about me. I was very young but if I was more aware, I would have kept in touch with him.

AHHH it's Friday!  I have been back from vacation for 1 week. As I moved through the week, it got better and better! I appreciated and looked for every good moment and thing at work I could find and things kept getting better...interesting how it works that way! I had an experience this week I'd like to share. I had the opportunity to meet a person who is famous through sports and is now working in my field. I began to think about the importance of networking. All the books will tell you it's how most people find a job. I made a connection with this person. He knows a lot of people and has a lot of influence, especially in the region where I live. My passion is helping others find their happiness. Imagine if this person could connect me to so many others and this could help my passion turn into a thriving business. Also I find when I share this passion of helping others find happiness, people are so receptive to it and they almost always  provide me helpful information about how to move forward.  Remember it doesn't have to be hard.  If you have a dream job or a dream and want to figure out how to make money at what you love, tell everyone you know who is positive. Watch what happens. If you would like to share this info here, please feel free to add a comment about your dream!

Good morning Friends...
Just thinking about how having a support network is so important! When you work several hours several days a week, having at least 1 person you can really count one is so important. At home with friends and family, hopefully you have someone that you can chat with about your career dreams and even vent every once in a while. I caution you, watch complaining too much as it just keeps you in negative head space which is detrimental physically and mentally! So ,what about a confidont at work? HMMM, that can be tricky. This is where your gut gets a workout. Do they appear to have your best interest at heart? I am lucky because I have worked at the same place for several years and have 2 people I can trust to discuss work related issues! Is having that person at work right for you? If so, make a friend, ask questions, learn about them, see how they react. Maybe you'll just find the confidont you need to support your professional growth and be a sounding board to help you have more fun at work. Remember, the more you enjoy your current work siutaion, the more you stay positive and the more opportunities you allow into your life... all factes of your life! Have a great Thursday!

A good sunny morning. Last night I told my 2 friends I would blog about them this morning. To say they are negative about their jobs is the world's biggest understatement.:) I asked them to think of what they like about their job and in their usual joking fashion, I got answers like: driving home, lunch, turning the computer off... That got me thinking... what can you be grateful for when it seems like there is nothing.
It pays your bills, perhaps it's close to your home, maybe there is at least 1 person you really like at work or a client that you enjoy? Think of that one thing and focus on that to get through the day. If that doesn't work, think of all the good things in your life.

There are times that it is time to look elsewhere for employment and that is just fine. In the meantime, keep smiling at work, don't sweat the small stuff, think before you speak and who cares about everyone else's egos. Just do your thing, smile and do the work that most matters to your employer.

UPDATE: If you are trying to comment, you may now do so even without a registered ID. Just click anonymous when it asks for your profile. Thank you

Day 2- A good day- be grateful

Day 2 back to work- already so much better. I have found that getting a really good night's sleep helps put things in perpective and gets you to a better attitude. I'm a big believer that if I am grateful for what I have, it only gets better. Make no mistake- saying what I love about my job doesn't mean that I don't  move on, it just means that I appreciate what I have and opens my mind up to let even better things in.

Job gratitiude: good hours, get to change locations, a boss with a big heart, a few really good friends at work, an assistant who is cool and a great worker, some decent stability, good vaca time, longevity

Q- if you feel like answering- what are the things you are grateful for regarding your job situation- doesn't matter if you have a job or not.

First day back to work

Well- this was my first day back to my paying job after 2 weeks being away. I must say...it was a challenge. What kept me excited was thinking about doing this blog. I believe if you say something, share with others and keep the great attitude, you will move closer to what you want in life. If you read "About Me", you know that I want to move into my dream job and hope to interact with others who are interested in this topic. So, the day started with me sobbing! I made a phone call to someone I love and he helped make it all better...and I almost hit a deer on the highway...YIKES! I am very energetic normally yet had a really hard time staying awake this morning, and I wasn't sleep deprieved! Thank goodness for diet coke. Things got better as I went through my 600 emails or so. Then there was the afternoon meeting...only 8 more things to do when it's actually our downtime! On the way home, almost hit another deer, NOT KIDDING! What the heck does that mean!?
Q: if you feel like answering- how do you gain a better attitude when you're at work and having a rough day?