Ecclesiastes 3:6 "A time for search and a time for loss; a time to keep and a time to give away"

Ecclesiastes 3:1  For everything there is a fixed time, and a time for every business under the sun.

When you get some time to examine yourself, especially if you are busy searching for your next career opportunity, you may find that your mind wanders off in many directions.   Perhaps, you think, you could make a living as a fisherman or fireman or circus freak like you dreamed of doing when you were a child.  Maybe what you've been doing isn't what you really want to do or what you feel God has planned for you in life.   We should always be asking ourselves hard questions about our direction in life, but most of the time, we excuse ourselves as just being way too busy.

Always having been one to spend a lot of time in reflection (some might say way too much), I imagine the many different courses my life could have had, has had, is on, and/or could take, and frankly, it's both terrifying and exciting!  Like the next person, I enjoy the comfort that is the American standard of living, but if all we are concerned with is physical comfort (i.e. "making a living"), are we experiencing "life" or just "physical existence?"  Years ago, I remember being in a dead-end job, thinking, "God, is this it?  Is this all there is to life?"   When you pose that question directly to God, you probably should have your seat belt on and tray tables in an upright position.  It's at that point that I think He must deem us teachable, and class usually commences shortly after we pose such a question.

I'm reading Bob Buford's Half Time (Changing Your Game Plan from Success to Significance) right now, and I highly/especially recommend it for anyone approaching that "reassessment" period in his or her life.  I'm guessing that a lot of people are experiencing "reassessment" as they find themselves looking for work during this economic downturn that has turned out so many long-tenured, experienced workers.

As you think about your life and career---and this is largely the point; YOU MUST TAKE TIME TO REFLECT---lose yourself in your dreams and imagination.  You may be holding yourself back from something wonderful that matches with what you believe is your life's mission.  Sure, some people are so far underwater with the cares of life that they can't hope to reach their life's vision in the foreseeable future.  If in frustration we give up and stop dreaming, we become real-world versions of Star Trek's Borg.  Realization of some dreams just takes more time and commitment, and some changes in life require greater commitment than thinking about it one afternoon and deciding to act.

It's a good thing it takes many years to get to adulthood.  When we're "grown up," we have finally reached a point where we can possibly learn about ourselves---if we are willing to take the time and effort. 

Contracting: Reality in the Current State of Things

I remember reading some years back that "in the 21st century, many people would be free agents, contractors," but I didn't really believe it.  There are so many reasons for hiring a person, none the least of which is ownership and productivity.  However, after being a contractor for just about a year, I'm not dismissing that as an option anymore.....but then again, I wonder if I can make a living with multiple income streams, some of which involve gardening and woodworking.

I've spent most of this past year in a focused, informed, network-savvy job search.  I've done some presentations at professional groups, had some interviews, even 2nd and 3rd interviews, but no offers.  In the past, I've averaged a couple of calls a week, and on a good week, I would have two interviews with two separate companies.  Not so at the present time.

It's not that I don't like my present contracting situation--it honestly doesn't pay too badly.  It's just that there are no benefits--especially health insurance--and that puts a damper on things. (Disclaimer:  I do not support the socialized medicine that our current administration is pushing.  When a high-ranking Canadian official comes to the US for surgery that he could get "free" in Canada, that says a lot about the highly-touted Canadian system and others like it.)  So, a major concern is health insurance, and if you've had to buy insurance privately, you know why that is an issue.  If you haven't, pray that you never have to, and have an AED nearby when they tell you the rates.


The other thing about contracting is that no matter how involved you get in the business, no matter how great your co-workers are about making you feel at home, you will always be a NON-EMPLOYEE.  I'm not saying that my current contracting company treats me badly; they don't.  It's just that as a contractor, you do not share in any of the "company" things, and there are some issues you have to steer clear of, as no one wants a co-employment issue to crop up. 

Companies like contractors because they aren't as difficult to get rid of (pretty much a phone call will take care of it), and companies want to bring in just the right skills for just the right job.  Of course, that only happens in the bizarro world.  Though a contractor does bring established skills that are useful to a company they contract for, he or she must also get a lay of the land and understand the issues surrounding the work they are contracted to do.   Perhaps some contract positions/temp employees may be able to "drop in" and perform a job adequately, but others need time to assimilate to the work environment, learn what has been done, and understand the political situation to be effective.  

I wonder if when regular employees see contractors filling positions that could be and would be better be served by a regular employee, they may become less engaged (a hot topic these days), as they may be concerned that their position may be given to a contractor or that they are always preparing for the eventual departure of the short-term contractor.

Companies like to tout contracting as being cheaper, but in reality, after the fees by the contracting company (the contractor's employer of record) are taken into account, the cost is about the same.  The only difference is that you have a worker who does not have the same investment in the company's success as a regular employee and who is looking for his or her next contract from almost the start of the job. 

Rebecca Metschke has done it again.....see the article that sparked my comments on contracting.

Are You the Boss of You?

from The Interview Edge by Rebecca Metschke

 

Earlier this week, The Wall Street Journal ran an interesting piece about the “age of going solo” – working for yourself. While it focused on the ins and outs of how to succeed as a consultant, I was struck by the snapshot of today’s workforce in the article’s setup.

With unemployment stuck on “high” and millions of people in the “long term unemployed” bucket, seismic shifts are taking place in the composition of the workforce.

According to author Richard Greenwald, 20% to 23% of U.S workers are “operating as consultants, freelancers, free agents, contractors, or rmicropreneurs.”

Think about that. Close to one quarter of working Americans are employed on a contingent basis.
Goodbye, defined career paths and benefits – hello, project-to-project work.
With the employment picture looking gloomy for literally years to come, contracting may be in your future, too (if you haven’t gotten there already).

I know many folks who were forced out of traditional jobs during the last recession – and quite a few are still working for themselves today.

Contracting/freelancing/consulting isn’t easy, especially if all you’ve ever known is the 9-to-5 world…but it can be rewarding. Many independent employees will tell you they don’t ever want to go back.
Bottom line: given the lackluster employment outlook, you may very well end up being the boss of you, whether or not that’s what you were planning.

The Interview Edge- a comprehensive guide for people who are serious about their careers. Available in instantly downloadable format.

Virtual Worlds in Training and Technology in Life and Career

I run into a lot of people (OK, most) who think that I'm over the edge because I see Second Life and virtual worlds as something other than a game that has business and other value.....thought I'd share the link to a book review below and say to all job seekers, "You cannot afford to fall behind in keeping your skills up with regard to the latest technology and tools."  I spend too much time listening to people tell me how foolish it is to pursue edgy technology and how it's a waste of time and money.   My standard response...."Where'd you tie your horse up when you came in today?"

For those who don't know, I'm "old" compared to most technophiles (49), and frankly, working with my peers is very boring at times.  They tell me that technology that I envision using in the future (that's even available now) isn't worth it, too much trouble, is just for playing, and that I should focus on serious work in the present.   I remember hearing that same kind of thing in 1983 when I got my first computer, then again in the late 80's/early 90's when I spent "too much time" on bulletin board systems.  In both cases, PCs and the Internet have become ubiquitous, and the same people who tell me about the silliness of things such as virtual worlds, software applications on hand-held devices (aka phones and such), networking you computers and TVs, or that such technology is for "kids" or the truly geeky have to interrupt our conversation to take a call on their cell phone. 

I've come to the realization that I probably won't ever be an executive, because I just can't act that stiff and pompous---not that all executives are that way.  I'd rather be digging around, figuring out the answers to problems than sitting in an office shuffling papers and trying to figure out new ways to make a buck by shuffling papers.  Nothing against making a buck, but watching how so many of my fellow Americans play games with numbers to make a buck....well, count me out.  I'd rather actually work to produce something or lead a group of people to produce something---something I've been successful in doing in the past.


Training and Collaboration with Virtual Worlds: How to Create Cost-Saving, Efficient and Engaging Programs (published by McGraw-Hill) is now available in the bookstores and online.

            If you have read on virtual worlds, you will find this book to be quite different.  There is no hyper-excitement about the new and "cool" media, discussions on how to change your clothing, appearance, or how to build corporate campus.  There are no suggestions to rush in and "establish presence" until it is too late -- something that still dominates "positive" articles and presentations on virtual worlds.  At the same time, you will not find angry outbursts about complete worthlessness of virtual worlds for corporate use -- something that dominates the "negative" end of the spectrum -- either.

            Instead, you will find objective material and hard data that will help you understand the new media.  You will learn in what areas virtual worlds can add significant value and where the use of virtual worlds can be counterproductive, how to start your corporate program, what do you need to make your project a success.

            The book sums up best practices and recommendations from real life corporate experiences in virtual worlds. Experts from Cisco, EMC, IBM, Intel, Michelin, Microsoft, TMP Worldwide, University of Kansas Medical Center, World Bank, and CEO of Linden Labs hold nothing back frankly discussing their corporate Second Life projects, methodology, financials, timelines, and results.  The authors pay special attention to security issues and concerns, as well as real-life implementations and use of simulations to achieve competitive advantage and high ROI.

          Finally, you will find a lot of practical information: which virtual world to use, available entry options, recommendations on contents creation, existing tools, and programs.

            Virtual worlds develop fast. They change corporate training and HR even faster. The book site and wiki at http://www.TheVirtualWorldsBook.com/wiki will help business and training professionals stay abreast of new virtual worlds developments.

Posted by Alex Heiphetz in Books, High-tech Training, Learning, Training Design, Training Management, Web/Tech | Permalink

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Career Diversification

Once again, Rebecca covers a topic that is so critical, yet I'll bet that the majority of readers of this blog NEVER think of it. Stated another way, never stop asking yourself what you want to do/be when you grow up. If you do, you may find yourself disgruntled with the jobs that are "available" to you.

Rebecca's line "Nothing about the market is static" is very true and applies to life in general. Nothing stays the same, despite our wish for it to do so, but then, it is also true that "Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose." ("The more things change, the more they remain the same." Alphonse Karr). Life is in constant change, and as jobs/careers are an important part of life, you can count on them to change; however, if you're like me, you now notice that the changes are predictable and are the same ones you endured at a previous job or from a previous boss. So, things change, and things don't change. :)

Thanks, Rebecca!

______________________________________________________________

October 27, 2009

Career Diversification

The employment landscape is littered with people who’ve allowed their skills sets – and their careers – to become inert. The more competitive the job market, the greater a liability this becomes.  Nothing about the market is static. 

Economies fluctuate. Industries and products alike progress through inevitable stages. External influences – like foreign markets – shift and transform. The one thing you can count on is change.  If you want to succeed professionally, you need to be just as dynamic as the market –and you must avoid tunnel vision. 

Think like a company:  figure out how you can diversify. How can you broaden your reach? How can you break into new markets? How can you extend your brand?

The key is to ensure you’re as marketable as possible. What do you need to do to augment your skills? Is there some sort of project or initiative that would give you good experience and exposure? Volunteer for it.
How might your background and experience apply to another industry? Are there competencies you should pick up that will make you a more attractive candidate should you want to attempt that kind of transition? Who do you need to meet?

Stay on top of trends. Know what’s “hot” and figure out what you need to do to position yourself to get closer to it. Find out what you need to learn…and figure out how to pick up that knowledge or proficiency.
Think ahead and always be looking to broaden your skill set. You’ll be much better positioned to survive during the lean times, and ultimately to thrive.

Rebecca Metschke is the author of The Interview Edge, a comprehensive guide for those who are serious about their careers. Visit http://blog.TheInterviewEdge.com for free tips and strategies to gain a professional advantage.

Turned another year older recently, and I find that I no longer get excited about my birthdays.   It's not that I'm uptight about getting older (am I in denial?), it's just that it doesn't seem to be so big a deal.  The family is kind and wishes me well, as do some friends, business associates, my dentist, my graduate school, and a few others.

What was once the biggest holiday of the year next to Christmas is now a day I hope can just come and go without fanfare.  I do appreciate peoples' kindness, but it's really not a big deal.  Am I alone in this feeling?

Perhaps because it was such a big deal when I was a kid, my birthday is so tame now.  I look at what kids have for birthday parties now (especially a "Chuck E. Cheese's type of party) and what parents spend, and I wonder if there really is any celebration of the person.  The birthday boy or girl can't wait to get gifts, the kids can't wait to get party favors, and the parents can't wait for all of it to be over.   And when it is over, the countdown to the next year begins!

One thing my wife does every year on my birthday is to thank God for me--some of you may be laughing at this point.  It's very humbling to hear your spouse pray like that for you.  Here's a woman who has seen all of my moods, and many of them I am not very proud of, and she still loves me.  I don't think birthdays are about gifts; I think they're about knowing that you're loved and appreciated, and maybe, just maybe, you've made someone else's life even a little better for having been born.

As one radio talk show host once said, every man in middle age thinks it's the "big one" every time he has an ache or pain that is new to him.  He's right, of course, but so what if it would be the "big one?"  I have been blessed in every year I've been alive (even though some years I would have to search for the blessings), and if I die before finishing this blog entry, I know that I will instantly be in the presence of Jesus---an even more humbling experience.   He loves me, and He knows me far better than my wife--scary--and still loves me.  Can it get any better than that?

Retooling Yourself for the Future

by Rebecca Metschke

Rebecca Metschke is the author of The Interview Edge, a comprehensive guide for those who are serious about their careers. Visit http://blog.TheInterviewEdge.com for free tips and strategies to gain a professional advantage.

How marketable are you right now? What will you need to do to make sure you’re still relevant five years from now? 

When the economy is in recession, workers focus on their marketability. They’re either trying to hang on to their jobs or attempting to land new ones. Nobody wants to be deemed redundant, or expendable, or a weak candidate. Those are labels no one can afford to be tagged with. People spend time thinking about how they can shore up weaknesses and increase perceived value.

Unfortunately, though, when the job market finally rights itself, a lot of those same people will just as suddenly put thoughts about how to stay relevant on the back burner. And that will be a mistake.

Even when the economy begins expanding again, we’re still going to be looking at a dynamic job market. Remember back just a few short years ago when the market was red hot? People were still facing layoffs. Companies were still merging – or outsourcing – or streamlining operations – resulting in head count reductions. Of course jobs weren’t being lost at the pace they are now, but the point is…you’d better make sure you’re marketable.  

If you don’t keep up with the pace of change, you will always be vulnerable. (Emphasis mine.)

Your skill set needs to be broad and relevant. You need to be sure you’re making a meaningful contribution to the organization. You need to identify future trends early and understand what you need to do to adapt and thrive. 

This will require initiative on your part. Nobody’s going to do this for you; it’s your responsibility to make sure you’re as marketable as possible.