Career Comeback (Book Notes)

 Last month I was reading quite a few books about seeking a new job and career path once Olivia goes to college and I no longer am needed as a homeschool mom. I read another book Career Comeback - Repackage Yourself to Get the Job You Want by Lisa Johnson Mandell. 

Much of what was in this book I have read in other books. However, there were a few new ideas in this one that are worth noting:

- Create a career mission statement. Examine the following:

- Make a list of all the things you love to do, from baking brownies to horseback riding to knitting to reading.

- Make a list of all the things you'd love to do if money or time were no object, from travel to skydiving to starting a shelter for homeless animals to mastering a musical instrument.

- Make a list of things that really make you angry - the things you'd like to change in the world or fix, from bigotry to sexism to abuse to illiteracy to pollution to poverty.

- Take those lists and connect the dots. 

- Raise your "hip" quotient by becoming familiar with current culture. There were a lot of ideas - many of which I already do. Some I don't see a purpose in doing. Others, like the ones below, are ones I could do:

- Scan at least one current culture or news blog daily (e.g., huffingtonpost.com   wowowow.com   nytimes.com   gawker.com)

- Subscribe to at least one online newsletter. Find a top website for your own particular field or profession to keep current with your industry.

- Test drive a hybrid. 

- Do at least 30 minutes of heart-pumping activity five times a week or 50 minutes 3 times a week.

- Count your blessings and focus on all the things you have rather than the things you don't have.

- In creative fields or special events planning, you want to dress for work with a little more style and sophistication. Think talk show hosts like Oprah, Tyra Banks, Kelly Ripa, etc. Express yourself with color and style.

- Take Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) and Hyaluronic Acid (HA) supplements.

- Get Aging Eraser which is an antioxidant cream.

- Have a good elevator pitch which includes an introduction (your name), your profession, what needs you meet, and what makes you different from everyone else.

- Create a business card. Use VistaPrint.com.

- Get professional photos taken.

- Explore Change.org which is a nonprofit social networking site that asks what you want to change in the world, connects you with like-minded folks, and provides opportunities for work or volunteerism.

-  "Tell me about yourself" - focus on the strengths and skills you've developed that relate to that particular job. Keep the answer short and professional.

- "I see some gaps here in your job history. Tell me about them." Be honest and talk about the work skills you developed during those gaps. For example, if you were running a household, you managed complex schedules and financial issues. You developed flexibility, resourcefulness, and the ability to keep your cool while handling emergencies of all types. 

- Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life. (Confucius)