I lovvvve dresses, and I put my hand up to having days with wardrobe malfunction. Choosing a dress, is like choosing a career path, or any other life-path. I was minding my own business last week, when someone asked me this question.” I need to move forward with my career but I don’t know where to start?“I can soooooo relate to that! If I think of how many dresses I have seating in my closet I am embarrassed to show you my CV.  So let’s just say that in this context Dress = Career.

Do you have one of those days when you can’t choose between the polka dot dress and the blue dress?
Why does making a decision have to be so complicated? Or does it? Does it ever feel like a math puzzle? Does it have to be hard, painful or confusing? I think we make way……….. more fuss than there is to make, about our career path. A little bit like choosing a dress on certain days.
Just do it already!
Did you know that wondering and thinking about a decision is actually more stressful than making it? Hours of personal torment, which simply could have been avoided by taking some action.
Everyone you know (including yourself), has a point of crescendo,”their change-curve”! This point means they’ve grown. Growing is good.

So which part of the change curve do you find yourself in right now?

What can you do when that happens? So let’s break it down for you:

1.     Be honest with yourself- Acknowledge it! Best way to start

So let’s face it, you’ve outgrown your job role or even the current relationship you’re in. Er yeah! What you going to do about it? Don’t let denial get the best of you.

Whether you’re stuck, unsure and sometimes completely aware of the situation, it’s time to move.

2.       Dig Deep – Accepting

Assess the situation. Are all the arrows pointing in the direction you’re afraid to look? Some very clear indicators; you’re unhappy, depressed or complacent. Alarm bells! Your emotions are trying to say something. Hhmmm I wonder what?

3.   Do more of this and less of that – exploring, seeing possibilities

Trying new activity may help, buried hobbies or ambitions which you have locked in your volt. Just treading the waters to start with and less procrastination please.

4.   ACTION!- It’s time to be like Action man. As I said earlier this year. Forget about the new-year resolution and just do it! Not moving could make you stale and affect other areas of life. And we all know what happens when food goes stale. Don’t be like a used by date

The struggle of not choosing - could cost you time, money, numerous headaches and your sanity. Personally I do not want to repeat this again.  Life is not a dress-rehearsal so what are you going to wear today? And most importantly what’s your formula? If you have one I’d like to hear it. Please comment below.

I work full time. I study Part time and I have started a part time business. And until recently nothing made sense but to own all my own work.

Sometimes you have these  moments that come unexpectedly in life.  Mine, was one Sunday afternoon, it was extremely warm. Me and a mate  were heading out to eat on Kings road, London.  Everyone was jolly, sipping wine and showing more skin that an organic chicken.  Inspired by an American socialite, I decided to rock a long purple skirt, a vintage Levi’s cut-up shirt and  my natural do! Which made me look quite sophisticated!

After taking fabulous snaps of London, discussing future plans, we decided to find a delicious nut-free a la carte place to eat.

We finally sat in an aesthetically pleasing looking restaurant.  It’s was a shame unfortunately because what looked great on the outside was not all it was meant to be on the inside.  We were seated immediately,  we ordered our food but then the waiter returned without my dish as it was no longer available on the menu.  He tempted us with the desert menu which he re-assured us, was completely nut-free. This time it was not the waiter’s fault, my eyes were bigger than my stomach.

My wake up call -  an  allergic reaction! Nearly choking to death, at the top of the stairs, of this amazing looking restaurant and finaly ending up in hospital.

During this reaction, there was a split second when I thought “What if  that was my last breath? I haven’t pursued my lifelong dream?” Having a international jewellery label and seeing a massive crowd wear it around the world!

Up until that very point  I was still procrastinating, I mean everything could wait, “oh I’ll do it tomorrow”, “it’s not that important”,” it’s not perfect”,” it can wait”, you name it I have used every excuse on the book. I honestly felt like I had all the time in the world!

Boy,  did I realise “time waits for no man!” I re-evaluated everything.  If I wanted this dream to happen, this unique handmade jewellery business, then I had to do it,  and do it Now!  I work full time, I study part time and I have started a business. Whatever doubts I had about myself, I had to overcome. If it meant reading a positive statement, talking or listening to positive people and emulating others who’ve made it. Entrepreneur Richard Branson has said this a number of times :” If it’s not broken don’t try and fix it!”. And damn it! It’s true. Only when you are established can you do things as you please! So I’m launching next week, watch me!

My advice for being your own boss - get rid of any negative people around you.  As negative people, are usually people who are too weak to follow their own dreams and will always find a way to discourage yours.  Oh! But always ask for help, you’ll be amazed at how many people want to help you along the way. My plan for the future is that my business KrischiVintage or ( as I like to call it “vintage in a cup“) becomes full time. That is my career transition and believe me, you will all be wearing it! Happy people, happy thoughts!

Kris CHI-

Kris  Boakye is a full time employment adviser who works part-time as creator and founder of KrisChiVintage handmade jewellery.  Her online Boutique is live on ASOS Marketplace Boutique . You can also connect with Kris on twitter @Krisxchi and  facebook.  Her website http://krisxchivintage.mysupadupa.com  launches next week.

If you are inspired by her story or a hopeless jewellery fanatic, then support this inspirational lady by leaving her a comment and RT to other accessory fanatics!

I went to university after working full time for a year and learning first hand what the term dead end job actually meant. I thought uni would give me more options, set me on a clear career path and help me to earn more money. After 4 years of studying, I’d say it did all three but what it didn’t do was actually help me to determine what I wanted out of life.
My first job after graduating was as an Employability Support Worker. I began to appreciate how blessed I was and the opportunities that I had been given that many people hadn’t. I realised how much I had taken for granted and I believe that rather than build a career in that field, I was there to learn that lesson because after 9 months I was bored stiff and ready to move on. A voice in my head was telling me that there was something more challenging out there for me and so I started to look for a new job.

At around this time I began to question how so many people could genuinely operate at their best during the traditional office hours. I didn’t like early mornings, would become really productive at around 4pm and by now was pretty sure that the 9-5 thing wasn’t going to work for me. I was also hit with the entrepreneur bug and was convinced that I would enjoy working for myself more than any job. But with no business idea and no clue as to where to start, I decided to stick with what I knew and get a new job.
In the interview I had for my next job, I was asked how I felt about it being a fixed term one year contract. “It’s ok” I told the panel, “I’m going to be starting my own business anyway so the contract is the perfect time frame for me.”. Well after almost 5 years of working with that organisation,  I barely recognised that girl. She’d become bogged down with bills and commitments, trapped in the 9-5 comfort zone and her dreams were tainted by the harsh ‘reality’ of life.

I convinced myself that life was hard! That everyone disliked working but were just getting on with it and so should I. But as I started telling people about my dreams of stopping working and starting my own business, I learned that everyone didn’t think like me. Some were happy with the security of work and had absolutely no desire to change that. Neither way was better or worse, it just showed me that I shouldn’t make my decisions based on what those around were doing or what I thought they felt.

I got a new job and after 6 months the little voice crept in again and I was way too comfortable in the job. Finally I said to myself, “I could continue making myself unhappy in the spiral of getting a better job, bigger house, newer car and a better job to pay for it all. Or I could stop, pause for a while and give up ignoring my gut feeling. I made the decision to leave my job, take a career break and figure out what the little voice has been encouraging me to do.” The little voice was right

Paulette Williams-is the Founder of  Allwayswinning  a positive Lifestyle Blog for UK Women Who Want it ALL.

This week I had the opportunity to sit on an interview panel.  This question kept niggling at me because most of the degree holding candidates were performing poorly and had difficulty selling themselves, or recognising and talking about their skills.  So I asked my colleague what she thought.

What’s more important natural smarts or school smarts?

She said both. I said natural smart.  So yesterday I asked a couple of people the same questions on FB, this was the reaction:

“natural born talent.  If we follow the talents and strengths we are naturally born with, life and work would infinitely be more fulfilling.” Thecareerstylist

“Good question. Both are important, but I think its natural born talent that has the edge. A talented individual will recognise (and be recognised for) their talent….and will then turn that into success. Academia is harder to recognise in the real world…”" Martin Waith

If  natural talent is truly unique, then why do we obsess with university?

“I suppose its a little like Luke Sky Walker needing training from Obi Wan in Star Wars – sometimes people don’t know the talent is there in the first place!” Alastair Cameron Theemployable

Can one enhance the other

My colleague has a degree but is naturally smart, a think- on-your-feet person.  I’m always baffled by her thinking.  It has nothing to do with her University degree or higher education.

I don’t have a degree but I read and research in depth, and spend time with very smart people, enhancing each others smarts.?

Mathy+ smart people = Very Very Very smart

I think it’s a little bit like money.  When you start off with good character, you tend to be wealthy with good character.  When you start off with bad character, you tend to be wealthy with bad character.  If you’re naturally joyful,  you tend to be wealthy with joyfulness.  If you’re naturally miserable, you tend to be wealthy with misery.  Don’t expect that to change, expect more of the same.

Well that’s just my theory,…… I mean my story. Test me I’ll prove it.

The interview panel

As surprising as it may be, I find that this reaction of not knowing “how to sell yourself” from school, is not unusual.

It bugs me, but usually when candidates answer in this manner, it  can only mean one thing:

1. I don’t want to oversell myself and sound like a arrogant fool
2. I’m not sure what to say, best way to say, and I’m down right nervous.
3. ***Wha’the job is this?! No focus with my career and life what, where do I go, how !!?? HellllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllP.

Next Article- what are your definitions of  Natural smart – and School Smart – Can one live without the other?

If you have any other possible reason why people still have the following issues, then tweet me, FB or just leave a comment.

Disclaimer- Mathy Lisika-Minsende is a mad career transitioner with no university but  12 years of experience.  Yes,  you’ve heard it loud and clear.  She cannot  be held responsible for the reactions you may have to this article.

The most difficult thing when transitioning or job seeking is to act as though you were already there. Act like you know, act like everything is normal. I know it sounds crazy. Is that like pretending? No it’s not pretending at all. It’s learning to know who you are entirely and accepting yourself in all your eccentricity. I wont be cliché on this. Sunday night, a friend of mine called, said she was frustrated. Why are you frustrated?!
“You know , when you keep doing mundane things on a day-to-day basis that don’t particularly make you happy but feels like you’re moving forward? On the inside it doesn’t feel like you’re being true to yourself, does it?
Me- “Yes, sure”
Surely, there has to be something that you are doing daily, differently that makes you stand out? You always look like you’re moving forward compared to  people who are content with where they are. It feels like they are living someone else’s life.
Me- “Err  ……I guess I’m just trying to be true to myself.”
‘’I was reading something about living your truth.” She said.
Me- “Okay?’’ .
”It means an individual who is not doing things for the sake of doing. You could have a low paid job or lose all your material belonging but you’re still happy with who you are.’’
You appreciate more.  The small things are not so small anymore.
I guess that’s what makes you move forward. So, you act like you know.

What is acting like you

• Not taking a job for the money but because it will bring you something that no material can replace.
• getting up in the morning even though you haven’t got a job anymore but keeping a structured lifestyle.
• Not hurrying to find yourself jumping back on the treadmill.
• You just came off of a treadmill  i.e. your previous  job, why you are rushing to create another one.
• Acting employed or Employable when you know you’re not quite there yet.
• Giving yourself a chance.
• Not giving into fear but dealing with the fear.
• Not being preoccupied by what others are doing.
• Not competing with everybody else. but taking it one day at a time.

I think it’s time to “act like you know; ” knowing who you are, not living    someone else’s life on other people’s standard. Ultimately staying true to yourself.
One of my friends quoted on their Facebook status – which I found very profound:  ”if you stand for something, some may stand with you. But if you stand for nothing, you stand alone!”
So today, be on purpose, be true about the things that you like doing, and know that it is OK  if no one likes your idea at first (they will catch on) or what you stand for. But believe me, when you stick to your purpose, it will ride the waves of every obstacles and every rejection you’ve ever received because you know you don’t stand alone.

If  you like this post please like, comment or share. You can also follow us on facebook.

Hello guys!

Happy new year! I can’t belive I’m still saying this. I hope you’ve enjoyed your New Year celebrations. I spent mine under the stars, in front of the London Eye waiting for the fireworks. A magnificent display!

2011 has been an eventful and exciting year. Lots has happened and more is set to take place in this New Year.

I know, I’ve gone mad and tattooed my website. We have so much to catch up on. Last year, was one of the most extraordinary career-transitions in my professional life, but in the midst of my job-loss dilemma and on also losing my father through cancer, I have found a way to build moral and stay motivated. Even made some friends along the way.

If you like this new layout, like us , follow our blog

We were continuously bombarded  with such bad news about job cuts and companies large and small going bust, that hope for our employment prospects was hard to see. More professionals between 30-50 have been failed through the system by default. Being in that statistical age bracket myself, I could clearly see the disadvantage. How could I turned it around in my favour? The  job coming to an end could mean finally taking that hobby enjoyed, and using it to generate an income, or take the opportunity to learn some new skills. I decided to do just that last year when my job came to an end.

Looking back. I’m extremely pleased with the results so far. I pursued at least 50% of the hobbies (50% of things unplanned) I’ve always wanted to have time for, made some hobbies an income for me and made other hobbies help other career-transitioners. Isn’t it time you did the something with yours? Pursuing my hobbies has not only allowed me to build on existing skills and create new ones, but has also brought me into contact with people I would never have thought of or been able to in the past.

It’s time to take it to another level

If you haven’t noticed yet, I’m on a mission. No, not to “heal the world and make it a better place”. I want to inspire other Job-seekers, career transitioners and Londoners. With so much, low morale and uncertainty it is time to colour this page (literally as I’ve done).

The one thing that really helped me to keep going in my lowest time was not just updating my profile, linked-in, twitter and CV but hearing other people’s experience.  I have this idea that more and more people will have the guts to talk about the elephant in the room. i.e: – jobs, careers, the whole lot.

Talking actually helps to deal with it all. It also helps to build community and makes you realise you are not alone.

Can you share a story with us about a previous or
recent career transition?

Could you  share it in front of an audience?

• Have you lost your job by default?
• Voluntarily walked out ?
• Started a  career?
• Started a business?
• Travelled
• pursuing a hobby
• Or just don’t know where to start?

Whatever career dilemma you might have been?
You really can,  help to change someone else’s perception about their career future and employment

Their’s a growing community of people online and offline who want to hear these stories and be connected. Help us to make it happen.

Send us your story via the contact sheet, send us an e-mail [email protected] , or even send us a personal video of yourself sharing your story.

This is a video of me last year.

Take a look at employability expert Shamila Mhearban’s previous challenges

Difficulties faced

Being professional and unemployed is tough. I know, I’ve  been there myself. The applications, which seem to disappear into a black hole; the effort and preparation for interviews, where the only feedback you receive is ‘not enough experience’ and the self-doubt and feelings of failure that follow. Job centre and recruitment agencies lack of personal or honest advice and support made me come to the glaring realisation that I was, to them, just a statistic.  I was not alone!  Time and time again, in my role as a recruitment consultant, I came across people who felt that the job centre, supposedly there to actively help them find their next role, only brought frustration and lowered self-esteem. So, rather than continue to be part of the problem, I decided to start becoming the solution for professionals who are trying to survive unemployment.

But first, the practical aspect to survive as an unemployed professional -

Money

The obvious one I know. How much do I have? How much can I get? Will it be enough?
This is something that every job seeker should ensure they know about. Providing you have made enough NI contribution you are legally entitled to government help through benefits if you are unemployed. These may not be available immediately if you have been fired or been made redundant.
However you could go to www.turn2us.org.uk to get a full breakdown of any benefits you may be entitled to.

Staying Motivated

Making the transition from working 40 hours a week, to zilch is difficult. Working in recruitment, a number of individuals came through the door with gaps of up to a year on their CV filled with the statement ‘looking for work’.
I know it’s easy to get consumed in your job search but only “looking for work” and having no other activities will leave you disadvantaged.  Apply for voluntary work (most will pay your travel costs) is a free way of ensuring that you keep your hand in the employment market and avoid having gaps on your CV – something that future employers will value. For example someone started as a volunteer for the charity VSO, whilst looking for work as a finance administrator, a role she wasn’t particularly excited by but it paid the bills. She now works as a campaigns manager at VSO and couldn’t be happier.  Explore every option – you may be surprised!
Go to www.charityjob.co.uk to get an up to date idea of any volunteer roles that may be available.

 
Doing something everyday
When looking for work set yourself achievable daily or weekly targets. Instead of pursuing the holy grail that is ‘A Job’ break it down to manageable activities. It maybe that you want to apply to a certain number of jobs or get in touch with a certain number of business contacts etc. and do them without fail. That sense of ‘doing something’ no matter how small, everyday will give you a sense of achievement whilst keeping your job search manageable.
Finally know your weaknesses and work on them. Are you completely confident with the CV that you’re forwarding to employers? How do you fare with interviews? How proactive are you with your job search?  Do you know your market?

How I became the solution
I set up Brighter Mondays to focus specifically on the above as I know how important they are. I work with candidates focusing on the job market to offer them practical advice and support in finding their next job through one on one consultations and workshops. I am running a workshop in Central London on the 26th January. Get in touch if you need help in any of the above areas and start 2012 looking forward to some Brighter Mondays!

“Help me find a career” you cry! Whether you want to change career, are currently going in and out careers, or looking to get started in one, What The Job Is This can help. Once you’re ready, the first thing you should do is speak to Mathy. She’s had more than ten years of experience helping people make tough decisions such as the one you’re facing.

Getting help to find a career is difficult. But luckily, you’ve found the right place. Normally, career transition advisors just simply don’t get it. Headhunters push you into wherever they make the most money. And everyone else says your mad for wanting to throw away a job ‘in this economy’. Mathy and her team, on the other hand, care what’s right for you. If your current job feels wrong, then you should quit. If you want to do something else, then you should do something else. You’re in control and that’s the first thing you need to re-discover when getting help to find a career.

A great way to get help when finding a career is to network. You can go on MeetUp and join business networking groups for free, or search companies on LinkedIn and go for coffee with people (they always say yes). Your cry of ‘Help me find a career’ is best answered by meeting people doing the things you’re interested in and asking them all the tough questions: What’s the pay; when do you get home; are you happy; what sucks about it?

But just know that you are not alone. Thousands of people are seeking help to find a career perfect for them. Yet most settle for mediocrity. You shouldn’t! As a reader of Whathejobisthis, you are now a member. Instantly. And consequently you can come to a Tell It Like It Is event where we have speakers talk about their career changing stories. Through this inspiration, you can gain ideas, ask questions, and pluck up the courage to push yourself forward into the area that you know is right for you.

• I want to quit my job
• I need to do something more fun
• This just isn’t for me
• Something doesn’t feel right
• I’ve got to where I wanted to be, but it’s not enough
• I have to make a difference
• I want to escape the city

A change of career ideas is fantastic. Whatever your reasons, know that you’re not alone and that you’re part of a small group making radical, life-enhancing decisions.

https://twitter.com/#!/L0zzayyy/status/198431218700795905

https://twitter.com/#!/Meeshelmybell/status/201106057760743424

https://twitter.com/#!/elizaeffect/status/199783061796290560

Change of career ideas

What is it that you’d rather do? Or do you just know that what you’re doing now isn’t right? You should come to a Tell It Like It Is event, where people tell their story of career transitions.

If you’re stuck for career change ideas, you definitely need to take some time out. Spend a weekend doing something you love. An activity of some kind. Recognise that perhaps it’s the time you’re looking for, not necessarily a whole new career. OR, spend a week trying out a new job – see what works for you. You want to test it out before dumping everything – try and develop a hunger for it.

When you change careers, you need a lot of energy for it. And this has to come from somewhere. Whether it’s inspiration or a real acknowledgment of what you could be doing, you’ve got to get it.

To develop ideas for changing career, go networking. There are tons of MeetUps where people get together based around an interest – including to share ideas. Here you can meet people, listen to their stories, ask them questions about their careers, and figure out what interests you and what doesn’t.

Or, for change of career ideas, contact Mathy. Helping you with this is exactly why Whathejobisthis was created. Mathy has had ten years worth of experience helping people get change of career ideas (and finding them!).