Setting your Foundation!
Career Advice for Women – How not to Get Screw*d! ©
I think a good foundation for setting yourself up for life, work and/or your career is to decide what kind life you want to have and what YOU want your work life to look like. You don’t have to have all the answers, but a framework does help. I have always been what I call a ‘career backpacker’. I have taken opportunities as they have presented themselves rather than knowing my direct path. I’ve another friend who was very clear on what she wanted and crafted a well-defined plan which included what professional development she would need to get there. And she did achieve her objectives. I love the line from Alice in Wonderland:
Alice: “Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?” The Cheshire Cat: “That depends a good deal on where you want to get to.” Alice: “I don't much care where.” The Cheshire Cat: “Then it doesn't much matter which way you go.
(Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland)
Which method is best – crafting your plan or career backpacking? Well, it depends on what YOU want. And it is important to take some time to reflect and think about that. I know women at all ages who often ask, “what do I want to be when I grow up”? And you know what, that is ok! Until it’s not and you really want, and are ready to make plans. There are a lot of resources to assist you including LinkedIn, Blogs and Books. I will try and list some below that I like. You can also check out and/or follow content expert such as Tara Harrold from Good Work Career Consulting and Dianne Newell from The People and Culture Link. I choose these ladies because I know them and like their blogs and social media posts, thus this is not a paid recommendation 😊.
I think in the first instance you need to get your foundations right. What kind of person do you want to be? What kind of life do you want? What does successful work-life balance look like to you? What are your values? Spend some time in this space first, truly and deeply reflecting. And, of course, know that over time your priorities change.
For me, I have always wanted to ‘be happy’. Broad I know. We moved around a fair bit when I was young, and although I enjoyed that, in my own family life I wanted to be settled and happy and engaged in work that I enjoy. Don’t get me wrong, we’ve still moved around as adults to take advantage of opportunities, but I was settled and happy, and felt in control of the change. When I reflect back over my path (thanks to the benefit of hindsight!) I can see why I have made certain career choices. A deep value for me is my family life and ‘leisure time’. Ironic since I have always worked and studied. BUT I like to get work done and then get home and enjoy my life. I definitely have a No A*sholes rule. There is a book on that too. Knowing your values and what is important to you is the foundation of working out your ‘career plan’.
As you know, for my book, Career Advice for Women – How Not to Get Screw*d! © I’ve been collecting thoughts and advice from women from all walks of life. I am going to leave you with the advice from *MH to add to your reflections. *Contributors have been de-identified.
MH
You don’t have to be the best at everything or anything, but you need to do your best
Don’t ever think just because you are a wife and mother you have “settled” for that
And my advice I live by daily: don’t ever try and keep up with the Joneses. Truth be known they probably want to be you!
If there is friction in any relationship work on the problem, don't hide from it. Talk about it before it festers in your mind and seems ten times worse than it actually is. That's advice for home, work and life in general.
MH: The best kick ass home manager I've ever seen. Knows how to manage finances. Took a business owner mentality and applied it to the home #successful. Always knows how to rock a pair of sneakers and knows how to find a bargain. Savvy shopper. Definitely a good human and great to have on your team!
In addition to Good Work Career Consulting and The People & Culture Link here are some resources I like and some books that are in my Kindle bookshelf. This is an eclectic mix. That’s how I roll. And I have so many more – bit of a crazy resource lady! And please feel free to share any resources you have come across and love.
Resources:
Think and Grow Rich – Napoleon Hill (all about Mindset). An oldie but a goodie (like me 😊
The Pathless Path – Imagining a New Story for Work and Life. Paul Millerd (this book is a surprise bestseller. I loved it.
Future Fit – Andrea Clarke. Loved this. Ask yourself – who is on your board of advisors?
The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women – Valerie Young. Got Imposter Syndrome – read anything by Dr Valerie Young!
I also like the book series from Coni Judge PhD – I started with Executive Presence for Women.
And love – Fat, Forty and Fired by Nigel Marsh
And to round it off Smart Girls Screw Up Too – the no nonsense guide to creating the life you want by Bella Zanesco.
https://medium.com/ Love this site. I have a bucket list item to have some writing in there.
Well that's me friends. Until next time, stay strong and strategic. And give yourself the gift of time for reflection.
Regards Kym
Lots of great advice and resources in there Kym - thank you! 😀