Navigating Stress and Uncertainty in the Job Search
During times of extreme stress or worry, it’s common to have difficulty concentrating, completing tasks, paying attention, and processing information. When we feel overwhelmed and stuck, executive functioning skills that manage emotions, filter out distractions, and adapt to new situations are compromised. I see this often with job seekers who come to me for help. … Read more
Speaking up for Your Value: Negotiating Salary & Promotions
Sometimes employees feel stuck at work because they’re not receiving the increase in salary or responsibilities that they expected at this point in their career. They may be earning the same pay for the last few years in spite of excellent work performance. They may have inherited another employee’s tasks or role, without a change … Read more
Regaining Confidence after a Toxic Workplace
When working in a toxic workplace or for a hostile manager, your confidence and self-esteem may be in short supply. You can feel stuck. Incompetent. A failure. At least that’s how I felt when it happened to me. During my first professional job after college, I worked for a manager who criticized everything I did. … Read more
Have an interview? Keep searching anyway.
Don’t stop job searching just because you have a job interview. Even if you’re on your second or third round (or more), keep on searching and networking. Until you get the offer letter in your hands, it’s not a done deal. Anything can happen during a job interview process. Employers can decide not to fill … Read more
The Problem with Perfection
If you set unreasonably high standards for yourself and worry excessively about making mistakes, you could be a perfectionist. Ironically, striving for perfection can actually set you up for failure. Studies show that perfectionists usually perform worse in the workplace, feel less motivated, and are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and isolation than people … Read more
Why Company Fit Matters
You’ve found a role that seems like the perfect fit for your skills and experience – but what about the company? Is it a good employer to work for? Researching a company’s cultural fit is a critical part of a job search, especially when you’re looking for professional stability and career fulfillment. The culture of … Read more
A Lesson in Self-Care from My Cat
My cat, Callie, is my daily self-care reminder. She never hesitates to let me know when she needs to sleep, play, or get my attention — no matter what I’m doing, or what time it is. At first, I thought Callie (and cats in general) are self-centered. But I’ve realized these are acts of self-sufficiency … Read more
A Message from a Store’s Flower Box
Recently, my husband and I were strolling down a shop-filled street in Newburyport, a seaside town north of Boston, when these gorgeous window boxes caught my eye. Purple is my favorite color, so I literally stopped in my tracks. After admiring them for a moment, I looked up at the store’s sign to learn the … Read more
The Job Search Can Be Overwhelming
It’s no secret that job searches and career transitions can be challenging and time-consuming, as well as emotionally draining. Here are a few facts and tips to help you navigate the frustration, loneliness, and self-doubt that can arise during the employment search. FACT: You are not alone! Although it can feel like it sometimes, you … Read more
Need a Job Fast? Consider a Transitional “Bridge Job”
For most job seekers, landing a full-time job is the ultimate goal. However, the realities of an increasingly competitive job market, compounded by employer layoffs and restructuring, can make this process take longer than expected. Transitional work – strategic, short-term roles sometimes referred to as a Bridge Job – can keep your income flowing and … Read more