by Pamela Skillings      Send to a friend

There was a very interesting article in the Sunday New York Times about the psychological impact of layoffs on Wall Street’s big players. The financial services sector has been hit hard by job cuts in recent months. The Times interviewed several anonymous Wall Street  professionals who spoke about the widespread anger, mistrust and angst at financial institutions these days and how they are tired of being treated like cattle.

The requisite expert psychologist  said that people who are drawn to the intensity of Wall Street careers are also more prone to anxiety, depression, and substance abuse than the general population. On one hand, the volatility they have grown accustomed to dealing with on the job has prepared them to handle the sudden shock of a layoff. However, they are also more likely to base their personal identities on their financial success. As one laid-off banker said, "There’s not a sense that you’re helping the world. I’m not curing cancer. If the money goes away, then what?"

This same banker was earning about $400,000 per year and acknowledges that her financial situation doesn’t merit any "pity parties." However, she is still having trouble sleeping and eating. She feels disoriented without her overloaded work schedule and dreads being asked, "What do you do?"

Even those who are relieved to be free of a stressful or frustrating job will likely go through some emotional highs and lows after a layoff. It’s normal and natural and temporary.  I have been through layoffs twice. The first time was much worse because I actually liked my job and didn’t want to leave it. I also was young enough to take getting downsized a bit personally. Why me? Didn’t I work hard and score solid performance appraisals? My more experienced colleagues tried to explain to me that it was only because I was the newest member of the department. It wasn’t personal. Still, I couldn’t help feeling vaguely like I had failed in some way. 

After a few margaritas and some therapeutic trash talking about my old bosses, I was able to see things from a healthier perspective. I buckled down, found a new job, and went on to get laid off again a few years later. The second time, I welcomed the pink slip and celebrated it. I had been working for months toward leaving to start my own business. I was thrilled to be starting a new chapter in my career, but there were still adjustments to be made. I had to get used to a new identity and the challenges of managing myself. 

Learn more about the psychological effects of getting laid off.

by Pamela Skillings      Send to a friend

If you’ve ever read a career advice book, you are probably already familiar with the idea of informational interviewing. The term was invented by the master himself, Richard Bolles, the author of What Color is Your Parachute? The idea is to go out and conduct research interviews  to gather information about a career, job role, or company that interests you. Sounds great, right?

Unfortunately, most people are too shy or otherwise intimidated to take advantage of this very useful job search and career change strategy. For years, I refused to do it. I was afraid to annoy people or look like an idiot.

However, I have since learned to get over these fears. It turns out that most people are actually pretty kind and generous about sharing their time and career advice if you approach them the right way. The key is to make it as easy as possible for your future mentors. Approach them in a considerate and non-stalkerish manner. Be clear about how much time you’ll need and arrive prepared with focused questions.

For more information about informational interviewing, check out the great resources at EmployAid.com. They have some good tips on how to conduct an effective informational interview. Even better, there’s a video showing an informational interview in action. 

by Pamela Skillings      Send to a friend

The big day has finally arrived. Escape from Corporate America: A Practical Guide to Creating the Career of Your Dreams is in stores today. What are you waiting for? : )

Thank you to everyone who has been part of the adventure so far and has offered expertise, support, and/or feedback during the process. The writing and researching of Escape from Corporate America was a labor of love and the focus of my life for more than three years. For years before that, Escape from Corporate America was the name of my own secret career plan that kept me sane while I did time in cubicles and conference rooms. So today has definitely been a long time coming.

I think the book is a great resource for anyone who feels stuck in an uninspiring career. It’s not just for people who are itching to escape…Escape from Corporate America also has lots of advice on finding a more satisfying career within Corporate America.

Want some unbiased opinions? Here are some of the cool things that other people have been saying about the book:

"With insight and humor, Skillings enumerates the stages of “Corporate Disillusionment” and the features of the “toxic workplace”—the bullying bosses, moronic co-workers, “terminal boredom” and rampant racism and sexism. A multitude of questionnaires, exercises and worksheets helps readers determine their dream job, assess expenses and assets, and plot an escape plan to break free of corporate life without going bankrupt….Vignettes of successful fugitives from the corporate world populate the book and an extremely useful “Escape Tool Kit” supplies information on where and how to find career coaches, health insurance, job listings and a wealth of other much needed resources when embarking on career change. Comprehensive, informative and witty, this book will be indispensable to those looking to start new careers with concrete plans and well-defined goals."

–- Publishers Weekly

“Escape from Corporate America isn’t just the best book ever written on creating the career of your dreams — it is the most stirring and useful book on careers that I’ve ever read. Pam Skillings inspired me first with her own story and then with stories who successfully escaped dreary, heartless, and sometimes nasty workplaces. This masterpiece will give you the skills to make the leap from a mind-numbing job to a great career and the courage to follow your heart.” – Robert Sutton, Stanford Professor and author of The No Asshole Rule

“This book might just change your life!” – Barbara Sher, best-selling author

“Pamela Skillings gives you the tools you need to take control of your career and have a more fulfilling life.” – Beth Schoenfeldt, founder of Ladies Who Launch

Read more reviews of Escape from Corporate America

by Pamela Skillings      Send to a friend

Flowers and jewelry make nice Mother’s Day presents, but a recent survey from CareerBuilder uncovered what working mothers really long for: more quality time with their families. In fact, many would be willing to trade a higher salary for a more flexible schedule.

The survey, which  reached out to 880 women who are employed full-time with children under the age of 18 living at home, discovered that:

• 43% of working moms said they would take a pay cut if it meant they could spend more time with their kids
• 34% said they would be willing to give up 10% or more of their salaries

You know that work/life balance issues have gotten serious when people are willing to give up a good chunk of their paychecks for some relief. According to the survey:

• 34% of working moms said they spend less than three hours per day with their children

• 24% said work had negatively impacted the relationships they have with their children
• 27% had missed two or more significant events in their child’s life in the last year
• 17% reported they had missed three or more
• 16% of working moms reported bringing work home at least three days a week

For many of these working mothers, a little bit more flexibility would make a whole lot of difference. The good news is that CareerBuilder.com has also found that more and more companies are recognizing the importance of offering options like telecommuting and flexible work schedules. 

If you’re struggling to balance the demands of work and parenthood, keep in mind that there may be ways to negotiate a more flexible schedule at the office. Even if your company doesn’t advertise the availability of these work arrangements, you may be able to work something out with your manager. The key is to approach it as a business conversation and look for compromises that will give you more flexibility for family demands without leaving your company in the lurch.

And if your current company doesn’t see the value of supporting work/life balance, there are other companies out there that do. To find them, start by checking out the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For (in particular, see the companies ranked highest for work/life balance, telecommuting and other benefits) and the Working Mother Top Companies rankings.

by Pamela Skillings      Send to a friend

Guest blogger Heather Johnson has some great advice on common career change mistakes and how to avoid them.

If you’re ready to take the plunge and shift your career, then you’re bound to be feeling a bit vulnerable.  As you make your transition, you will likely experience a myriad of  emotions including anger, anxiety, stress, excitement and terror.  With all of these emotions running wild, wrong turns sometimes start to look like good ideas  To minimize stress during your career change,  avoid these six common mistakes:

1.    Not having a plan in place.  Even if you have a clearly thought-out strategy to shift your career, it can still take a couple of months to complete.  If you just up and quit your current job with no plan in place, you may be facing an even longer and more stressful transition period. 

2.    Changing your career because you hate your job.  Don’t mix up your career with your job.  It may be that you’re at the wrong company but not in the wrong profession.  Don’t let a bad job make you rethink your career path.  Figure out if it’s your job or your career that you hate before making a drastic move.

3.    Making a change just for the money.  Remember the old adage that money can’t buy happiness when you feel lured by dollar signs toward a different career.  Even if a different profession inherently offers more money than your current field, be careful about switching for money alone.  If you switch and hate your new career, you’ll be spending that extra money to relieve your newfound stress.

4.    Changing careers due to pressure from others.  If you like your job and make a reasonable living, then you shouldn’t change your job because of what others have to say about it.  Your parents, spouse or friends don’t have to go to your job every day.  While you can certainly respect their opinions, don’t let those opinions dictate your career choices.

5.    Changing careers because someone you know is successful.  It’s human nature to compare yourself to your friends and family members.  But don’t make a hasty career change because you’re envious of the success a friend has had in a given field.  Put your competitive impulses aside and think about whether you would truly be happy in your friend’s shoes. 

6.    Searching for a new career without honing your skills.  Before you take the plunge and actually change your career, take the proper time to prepare. Do your homework on the field you’re interested in and seek out any additional training or knowledge you will need.  Make sure your resume is up to date and presents your qualifications in the best possible light.  Practice interviewing with friends and start building your network.

This article is contributed by Heather Johnson, who regularly writes on the topic of career exploration. She invites you to email her with questions and writing job opportunities.

by Pamela Skillings      Send to a friend

This past week, 30 Rock’s ultimate company man Jack Donaghy rebelled against his banishment to the 12th floor by quitting his corporate job at NBC/GE/The Sheinhardt Wig Company/The Ahp Chanagi Party Meats Corporation of Pyongyang, North Korea. 

Jack’s new gig is for the Department of Homeland Security. I’m sure that will end well.

At least he’ll always have that cool goodbye collage that his assistant made for him.

The Sheinhardt Wig Company: "Not Poisoning Rivers Since 1997."

by Pamela Skillings      Send to a friend

Okay, so I just finished watching Oprah’s "I Hate My Job Interventions" show with Marcus Buckingham. How cool is it that I actually found a work-related reason to watch an episode of Oprah?

Because I know those of you with corporate jobs don’t have the luxury of watching Oprah whenever you feel like it (I felt a little guilty about taking the time away from my computer myself), I’ll provide a little recap before I wrap up work and run out to enjoy a little bit of this beautiful day in New York City.

Here’s your "executive summary."

• Oprah kicked off the show by citing a CareerBuilder survey that found that 84% of U.S. workers are unhappy in their jobs. This represents an even higher level of job dissatisfaction than those I found while researching my book (though I did find that up to 80% of corporate workers fantasized about leaving their jobs).

• According to Marcus Buckingham, only a little more than one in ten workers say they actually have the opportunity to use their strengths at work.

• There were four women profiled. All were struggling with different job dilemmas.
  • Vanessa, a pharmaceutical sales rep, said she disliked her job and the fact that it left so little time for her daughter. "I feel overwhelmed, underappreciated, and overworked." Marcus Buckingham coached her to get better at saying no to work projects and turning off her computer between 5PM and 8PM to focus on her daughter.
  • Ayesha said her job made her feel "tortured all the time" and that she loathed all of the job duties she performed on a daily basis. Marcus Buckingham coached her on how to build a bridge to a career that would better utilize her strengths.
  • Rachel was a teacher who was overwhelmed by the demands of her job. Marcus Buckingham coached her on how to make time for activities that re-energized her — like walking her dogs.
  • Beth was under extreme stress in a job that she didn’t feel qualified for. Because she worked for her husband’s company, she didn’t feel like she could walk away from the job without damaging the relationship. Marcus Buckingham advised her to have a conversation with her husband about changing her job responsibilities.
  • Good advice for all four women: Don’t bury your dream under mountains of "shoulds" and "have tos"

• The bottom line, according to Oprah and Marcus, is that your real job in life is to find out why you are here. In order to make any kind of lasting contribution, your job must "feed" you in some way.

by Pamela Skillings      Send to a friend

I just saw a  preview for tomorrow’s Oprah show and am very excited because the subject is near and dear to my heart. The topic is I Hate My Job Interventions and the featured guest is Marcus Buckingham, author of the excellent Now, Discover Your Strengths.

Based on the results of a poll on Oprah.com, many of Oprah’s viewers could really use an intervention. The poll asks: "Are you happy in your job?" And as of this writing, 82.9% of 1995 respondents said No. Go add your vote and see the latest results.

As the blurb on Oprah.com says,  "Don’t waste another second in a job you hate." I couldn’t agree more and am eager to see if Oprah and Marcus will swoop into the cubicles of the disgruntled and downtrodden to save them from  their  miserable careers.

Marcus Buckingham’s theory is that the key to career happiness is to identify and focus on your greatest talents and strengths. The problem is that many of us have forgotten what those talents are or have never had the opportunity to really use them. I think everyone can benefit from his advice on how to understand and develop your key strengths. Buckingham is offering a free online course on the subject on Oprah.com right now if you want to learn more.

If you’re a career changer or contemplating an escape from Corporate America, I suggest you set your Tivo for this show tomorrow for a dose of advice and inspiration.  I’ll also be posting a review and recap here for those who miss it.