Written by Pamela Skillings

The media is full of stories about summer vacation fun and the annoyingly named stay-cation trend, but what about those poor schlubs who have been spending all of their sunny days at the office this summer? Are all Americans entitled to paid vacation time?

A recent poll by Take Back Your Time/Opinion Research Corporation found that 69% of Americans support a paid vacation law while 27% are opposed. And how much vacation is enough? The majority of respondents said three weeks sounded about right. Read more about the poll.

American workers are obviously sick and tired of  "vacation starvation" and the burnout symptoms that often result from a non-stop work schedule. U.S. companies offer the stingiest vacation allotments in the industrialized world — an average of 8.1 days after a year on the job. Meanwhile, our French colleagues average 25 vacation days per year and German employees take off for 30 annual vacation days.

And those of you with 8.1 days off each year are among the lucky. 25% of Americans receive no paid vacation leave at all.

But wait, there’s more. Recent studies have shown that half of U.S. workers don’t even take the vacation days they’re given. U.S. workers forfeited approximately 421 million vacation days in 2005. Often, employees postpone their much-needed vacation breaks due to heavy workloads and/or concerns that employers will disapprove. But what if your employer was required by law to give you a break?

Take Back Your Time is a U.S./Canadian initiative to challenge the epidemic of overwork. Take Back Your Time believes that the lack of vacation time in the United States is a serious problem and that a law guaranteeing paid vacations would lead to higher hourly productivity and reduce the escalating cost of health care by making all Americans healthier.

According to their research, men who don’t take regular vacations are 32% more likely to die of heart attacks, and 21% more likely to die early of all causes.  Women who don’t take time off increase their risk of heart attack by 50% and are twice as likely to be depressed as women who go on vacation.

Evidence also indicates that workers who take regular vacations are more productive and loyal employees.  Read more about the Take Back Your Time initiative.

Has any of this convinced you to take some of those unused vacation days already? Do you believe that every hard-working American should be lawfully entitled to a few weeks of paid vacation? Would a paid vacation law put undue burdens on employers?

I’d love to hear opinions from all of you who are currently sitting at your computers instead of sitting on the beach (and all of you freelancers and telecommuters who might be currently sitting at your computer WHILE sitting on the beach).

Written by Pamela Skillings

I hope you enjoy lots of fireworks, burgers, and cold beer this July 4th weekend.

Although Independence Day is meant to be a celebration of American independence from the British, it’s also a great opportunity to celebrate your independence (or impending independence) from Corporate America.

Or maybe you’ve been looking forward to July 4th weekend as a break from thinking about work at all.

Either way, have a great three-day weekend. Now step away from the computer (or put the BlackBerry down) and go out and enjoy some fresh air and sunlight!

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Written by Pamela Skillings

Given the seemingly-daily announcements of new corporate layoffs, it’s no surprise that my most frequently asked question of the moment is about how to start a career as a freelancer or independent consultant. Many of these queries come from the recently downsized. Some of them are looking for ways to make extra cash while hunting for their next full-time position. Others are fed up with layoffs and bad corporate behavior and thinking about making a permanent switch to working for themselves.

If you’re currently between jobs (or fear you may be soon), I recommend giving the freelance life a try. Even if you have no interest in working for yourself long-term, it’s a great way to create a temporary cash flow and make valuable contacts (those freelance clients will likely be hiring for full-time positions eventually).

Freelancing is also a good way to take control when the indignities of the typical job search start to make you feel powerless. Who knows? You may be so successful on your own  that you’ll never want to return to cubicle life. I know many thriving solopreneurs who started freelancing as a temporary arrangement between gigs and got hooked.

So how do you get started? If you’ve been laid off, you’re probably  itching to start making some money fast. That’s why I put together the tips below on how to quickly land those first paying gigs (for more in-depth advice on launching a career as a solopreneur, please also check out Chapter 8 of  Escape from Corporate America). 

1) Define your service offering. For some of you, this is a no-brainer. Certain career specializations lend themselves to freelancing more easily than others. For example, there is always demand for freelance writers, designers, and programmers. But there are also plenty of opportunities for those whose skills are not quite as easily packaged. Think about who might be able to use your knowledge, talents and experience on a freelance basis. Can you manage projects, advise on strategy, conduct research, or revamp processes (to name just a few examples)? It’s important to be proactive about defining what you can do. Don’t just wait around for potential clients to tell you what they need.

2) Set your rates. The question of what to charge can be a challenging one. When you’re starting out, setting your rate will be more art than science. Do your research on the going market rates for similar services by checking out listings for freelancing and consulting assignments on the sites mentioned in Tip #3 below. Join a networking group for independent professionals in your field (like Freelancers’ Union or Mediabistro for example) and ask other members about appropriate fee ranges. As a newbie, you’ll probably have to be a bit flexible. Once you’ve got some experience to back up your claims of greatness and a better understanding of your fair market value, you can always adjust your rates accordingly.

 3) Find assignments. There are potential clients out there looking for you right now. You just have to know where to find them.

• Start with online freelance marketplaces like eLance.com and Guru.com. You can browse through available projects and bid on the ones that interest you.
• Job boards like Monster.com and Hotjobs.com can also be good sources. Search for "freelance" or "contract" positions. Similarly, there are often freelance job listings on Craigslist. Many of these listings are placed by staffing agencies that frequently fill contract positions. Make note of which agencies have posted attractive opportunities and consider contacting them directly to ask about other openings.For example, Hired Guns is a NYC-based agency that specializes in contract and freelance work.

4)  Do your own business development. Not all great assignments are listed. That’s why it pays to reach out to your network and let people know that you are available for freelance or contract work. Describe the types of projects that you’re seeking and express your appreciation for any leads or suggestions. And don’t stop with the people that you already know. Spend a few bucks on some business cards for your freelancing business and pass them out at networking events and other gatherings (you can get cheap business cards at VistaPrint, but I recommend steering clear of the free ones with the VistaPrint logo that make it obvious just HOW cheap your cards are). While you’re at it, update your profile on LinkedIn and Facebook (and other social networks and industry directories)  to reflect your new status as a consultant.

5) Get to work. Once you’ve got your first assignment, the hardest part is over. Do a great job, get paid, and prepare for more work to roll in.

Of course, it will take time to learn all of the ins and outs of freelance life — invoicing, managing your time, managing your clients, managing your cash flow, and all of that fun stuff. If you have questions about these or other aspects of making the move from employee to independent consultant, let me know and I I’ll address them in a future post. Similarly, if you’re an experienced independent contractor with tips for those new to the game, please share your wisdom.

The important thing to remember is that you don’t necessarily need a 9-to-5 job to pay your bills. That can be very reassuring news for anyone who has been laid off or is feeling panicky about the less-than-promising job market. If you’ve ever thought about what it might be like to work for yourself, now may be the perfect time to try it out.

Written by Pamela Skillings

Last night, I had an inspiring dinner with three old friends who are living proof that it really is possible to change your career and your life — and that a little bit of support can go a long way in getting you started.

The four of us first met years ago when we signed up for one of author Barbara Sher’s Success Team networking groups. We got together once a week for eight weeks to share ideas, contacts, and war stories.

I remember feeling skeptical as I made my way to a stranger’s apartment for my very first Success Team meeting, but it turned out to be an extremely valuable experience. At the time, I was in the final stages of my escape from Corporate America and feeling a bit overwhelmed. I loved having weekly opportunities to report on my progress and get feedback and ideas from a group of smart and creative people who were rooting for me.

After our official  sessions ended, we tried to keep informal meetings going for a while. But everybody got busy and we eventually drifted apart.  Last night, we finally had a chance to sit around a table again and catch up on the last few years. I was blown away by the dramatic changes in my old friends.

Last time I saw Ellen, she was still struggling to find a way to leave the corporate grind for good and make a living from her passion for yoga. She now spends her days teaching yoga at some of Manhattan’s top gyms. She looks ten times happier, not to mention ridiculously buff.

Navid joined the Success Team because he was spending too much time working and felt something was missing in his life. Today, he is balancing the work of managing his small business with more hours spent running in the park, taking photographs, and writing poetry.  His experience even helped to inspire his wife Amy to join a Success Team and get serious about pursuing a career as a musician.

When I first met Adrienne, she was stuck in a job she had outgrown and trying to figure out her next career move. Since then, she has landed a much better job and also set up a thriving side business as an image consultant. She looks like a new woman — much more confident and  energized than the Adrienne I remember.

None of us magically changed overnight because of a few group meetings. However, we all agreed that the Success Team experience gave us a valuable boost  when we really needed it.

If you are going through a career change (or a major life change of any kind, really), I strongly recommend finding or creating your own support system of like-minded cheerleaders. The benefits are many. First of all, you’ll get lots of valuable advice and ideas and connections. Even more importantly, your team meetings will offer you opportunities to talk freely about your goals without being judged or criticized. You can  brag, vent, or cry without embarrassment. Your team members will hold you accountable when you’re feeling lazy and refuse to let you give up when you’re discouraged over a minor (or even major) setback.

Since my Success Team days, I have  discovered other great support networks — through both formal networking groups and lucky introductions. I have come to believe that you can never have too many. So I was thrilled to re-connect with Ellen, Navid (and Amy), and Adrienne and hear about all of their amazing accomplishments. In fact, we were having so much fun that the restaurant had to kick us out to close up for the night (we finally got the hint when they started flickering the lights).  So we are setting a date for our next meeting to discuss how we can help each other tackle the next goals on our to-do lists. 

If you’d like to connect with your own group, I highly recommend Barbara Sher’s Success Teams (especially here in New York, where groups are led by the wonderful Andrea Reese). If your focus is on career change, you also might want to check out one of my Escape Club groups. And you can always recruit your own supporters and build a team on your own terms. Start out by inviting some likely candidates to gather for dinner and brainstorming. If the chemistry is good, you can make it a regular event.

Written by Pamela Skillings

You can learn a lot about career change from a cartoon panda and an Israeli counter-terrorism agent.  I know this because it was so hot in New York this past weekend that I could feel my brain cells melting. So we decided to escape to the multiplex for some frigid air conditioning and screenings of Kung Fu Panda and You Don’t Mess with the Zohan.

Imagine my surprise when I realized that both films tackle the themes of career identity and career change. In Kung Fu Panda, Po the panda works in his father’s noodle shop, but  dreams of becoming a kung fu master. Zohan is an Israeli counter-terrorism badass who really just wants to cut hair (and wear sassy denim shorts).

While these films may not be cinematic masterpieces, they are definitely entertaining. And you may even find them ever-so-slightly educational on the subject of career change.  In fact, as I was finishing this post, I heard about an interesting article related to this idea in today’s Boston Herald.  Darren Garnick has some great points about how Zohan can be a role model for career changers (he also quotes some of my advice from Escape from Corporate America).

Once I started thinking about it, I realized that some of my favorite flicks feature heroes struggling with discovering their true callings. So I put together a list of my Top 10 movies about career change. Keep in mind that I don’t recommend following any of the examples in these films too literally.

1. Office Space

I have to lead off the list with the best movie of all time about escaping from a crappy job.
Lesson: Don’t waste your life on TPS report covers.

2. The Godfather
 

War hero Michael Corleone gets pulled into the family business despite loftier intentions.
Lesson: If you want to be Godfather,  you may have to sell your soul.

 3.  Fight Club

A disgruntled office employee finds a unique way to vent his work aggression.
Lesson:  Sometimes a bad job really isn’t better than a kick in the head.

4. Jerry Maguire

Cameron Crowe and Tom Cruise show us how to make a dramatic exit from a bad job and how  to start a successful business against overwhelming odds.
Lesson: Success is sweeter when it’s on your own terms.

5. American Beauty

A depressed suburban father finds happiness after quitting his job to work in a fast food restaurant and obsess over Mena Suvari.
Lesson: Stop and smell the roses.

6. The Matrix

A computer programmer discovers that his entire life is an illusion and sets out to lead his fellow humans in a rebellion agains the machines that are enslaving them.
Lesson: A virtual life is no life at all.

7. Iron Man

A billionaire defense industry mogul rejects the corrupt family business to become a superhero.
Lesson: Money can buy a pretty sweet house, but it’s more rewarding to kick terrorist butt.

8. Michael Clayton

An exceedingly good-looking "fixer" for a morally flexible law firm discovers a client’s dark secrets and tries to get out of his job alive.
Lesson: You can only stomach corporate dirty work for so long.

9. Ghostbusters

Three professors leave academia to start a ghostbusting business.
Lesson: Bustin’ makes them feel good.

10. Working Girl

A Staten Island girl finds a creative way to climb the corporate ladder.
Lesson: Fight for your ideas and you might just end up with a window office AND Harrison Ford.

Written by Pamela Skillings

I am thrilled to report that the legendary Guy Kawasaki has posted an interview with me on his blog, How to Change the World.

I have been a Guy Kawasaki fan for a long time and highly recommend both his blog and his latest book, The Art of the Start. (essential reading for all entrepreneurs)  Guy is also the man behind Alltop.com and Truemors.com.

He is a truly extraordinary person — brilliant, creative, and also nice enough to take the time to chat with a first-time author like myself. Go and check out my Q&A with Guy Kawasaki.

Written by Pamela Skillings

I am happy to announce the publication of my very first manifesto over at ChangeThis.com. For those who aren’t familiar, ChangeThis is a site that publishes 5-20 page manifestos by prominent and innovative thinkers (and now me).  Each manifesto makes a case for thinking differently about an important issue. 

My manifesto is called Escaping Corporate America: Changing Your Career Can Change Your Life. It’s all about my strong conviction that people shouldn’t settle for work that makes them miserable.

I also recommend spending some time browsing through the manifestos on ChangeThis.com. You’ll find great stuff from big-name brilliant thinkers like Seth Godin and Guy Kawasaki and lots of other interesting things to read. For example, Michael Lee Stallard has a fascinating take on employee engagement in his manifesto The Connection Culture: A New Source of Competitive Advantage.

Written by Pamela Skillings

What’s your fantasy job? Have you daydreamed about life as an oceanographer, travel writer, inventor, chef, or video game designer?  Maybe you dismissed your dream gig as unrealistic, but  some people really do make their livings in these undeniably cool jobs.  And you could become one of them.

Alexandra Levit’s latest book, How’s You Score That Gig? A Guide to the Coolest Jobs and How to Get Them, provides inside looks at sixty cool careers.  It’s a fantastic resource for anyone interested in exploring new career options. Levit interviewed people working in the most envy-inspiring fields and provides lots of practical info on qualifications, day-to-day job duties, and how to get hired.

 If the idea of sixty career options is a bit overwhelming, Levit provides a quiz to help you determine your "passion profile" and then groups jobs accordingly. Are you an Adventurer, Creator, Data Head, Entrepreneur, Investigator, Networker or Nurturer? I discovered that I am an Adventurer/Creator (as with almost every other career assessment I’ve ever taken, I refuse to fit definitively into any one category), so it’s no surprise that I’m enjoying my work as a book author so much.

If you’re currently struggling with the question of what to do with the rest of your life, How’d You Score That Gig? can help you generate some exciting ideas and start investigating your possibilities.

Written by Pamela Skillings

Just a quick post to say thank you to everyone who came out to Soho House last night to help me celebrate Escape from Corporate America! I hope you all had fun. I know I had an amazing time. I don’t think I’ve ever had so many great conversations in one night. The only downside was that the evening flew by so quickly that I didn’t get to chat in-depth with everyone.

The cocktails were delicious (thank you, Flor de Caña!) and the company was fantastic. Several of the inspiring corporate escape artists that I interviewed for the book were there.  My favorite financial planning expert, Ms. Sherrill St. Germain, came all the way from New Hampshire and was kindly offering advice to the revelers. Somehow financial planning is always more fun over cocktails.

Plus I got to meet many of my online friends in person. Somehow I missed Rose, though. I was looking for you, but never found you! Hope you enjoyed the mojitos and made some new friends.

I will be posting photos of the shindig and a more detailed report very soon. But in the meantime, I just wanted to say thanks for all of  the support and for making it a night to remember for me.

Written by Pamela Skillings

I had the incredible opportunity to write a piece for The New  York Times about my struggle to walk away from my job (and most importantly, my salary) to start my own business.

The story ran in the Sunday business section this weekend: Do You Love the Job, or Just the Paycheck?

I have always dreamed about seeing my byline in The New York Times. I might as well admit it — even though I know how earnestness is frowned upon in the blogosphere. :  )

After all, I’ve already written about my financial neuroses and job angst (as you’ll see if you check out the article).