Please Help Change The Narrative

By: Anonymous

This was written by the friend of a healthcare professional I know personally and have a lot of respect for. I am very grateful she had the courage to share it with me. It is being printed here with her permission:

 “Please help change the narrative! I feel sad that so many people see the world in a polarized, black and white way right now. We read and hear frightening statements from the media, politicians, and social media pinning one group against another and leaving out much of the story. 

A black and white world is a much more dangerous world as we’ve seen countless times in history when tolerance and kindness have been thrown aside for what was, at the time, seen as a ‘higher’ agenda. And then, years afterward, we’ve seen that the ‘higher agenda’ blinded people to the discrimination and persecution of innocent human beings. The black and white story that has been formed around the handling of COVID-19 is harming friendships, marriages, families, communities, and relationships between parents and children.  It is also harming the trust in democracy and the freedoms this country is based on. I’ve cried many tears lately over this sad situation. 

My hope is that offering these thoughts will inject some 3-D color into the world...injecting some tolerance, understanding, and opening up the conversation to address the full person and not the label of “unvaccinated” or “vaccinated”. 

The vaccine alone is not going to stop the spread; therefore, each person needs to weigh the benefits vs risks for getting the vaccine themselves. An unmasked vaccinated person that is exposed to COVID-19 is much more likely to spread the virus than a masked unvaccinated person. We don’t live in a black and white world. Masks and social distancing are proven risk mitigators. Would you consider having conversations with the people around you about what would help you feel safe and making masking and social distancing requests instead of judging them for being vaccinated or not?

I haven’t gotten the vaccine, partly because of a medical condition that puts me at much higher risk for heightened inflammatory and autoimmune reactions. After hearing the reports of the more contagious Delta variant, I've been reassessing my choice, interviewing several doctors with questions about the risks of short- and long-term side effects from the vaccines, and doing lots of reading and research because I take the health of my family and my community very seriously as I expect you, the reader does. 

The risks that the doctors I've talked to (and other doctors and scientists around the world) haven't been able to adequately assess and address concern me, like the increase of autoimmunity markers and resurgence of latent viruses like Shingles, Herpes, & Epstein-Barr. As well as the findings that the vaccine’s adjuvant LNPs, (which are the inflammatory substances that vaccines need to create the immune response) used in the mRNA vaccines, which were supposed to stay localized at the injection site, have been measured in quantities above what anyone anticipated and never have seen before in the tissue of the ovaries, spleen, bone marrow, liver, adrenal glands. And lastly, the possibility of Antibody-Dependent Enhancement which is theoretical at this time but has happened quite a few times in recent medical history (and ADE’s were a problem in other Coronavirus vaccine trial attempts in prior years) and won’t be able to be adequately measured until a year or two goes by. 

Another consideration has been reactions I’ve heard first hand: my spouse's friend’s colleague had a stroke, a mom from my kids’ school warned me she had had body pain and fatigue for months after her 2nd shot, my friend who is a doctor of audiology treats a patient per week with sudden onset loud tinnitus/hearing loss, my infectious disease doctor has had some of her patients who were in full remission have flare ups of all their symptoms, and my Aunt has had arthritis type pain down her arm to her hand on her injected arm.

The fact is, what I keep coming up against, when it would make life much easier to just go get the jab given the social and practical discrimination that is occurring, is that we just won’t know for a while (most vaccines are tested for at least 2-5 years) what the effects will be long-term, which is why the doctor I spoke with on Tuesday and many others will say in response to the specific questions I have about these risks, ‘We believe the benefits outweigh the risks’. I hope those that profess their safety are right and these vaccines will be helpful for everyone and for my family eventually, but I’m choosing to wait until we know more. 

 Also, given the recent data, I think we need to bring in more tools and solutions than the current vaccines:

·         Many vaccinated people are getting and passing the virus, and contrary to random media blurbs, this variant was never caused by unvaccinated people…viruses mutate and scientists and doctors have been expecting and warning of this since the beginning

·         The CDC states that the viral load in vaccinated persons is just as much as in unvaccinated persons

Some exciting news I’ve read recently… 

·        An Intranasal COVID-19 Vaccine is coming down the pipeline from a partnership between a UK research lab and Texas Biomedical. Due to the application, nasal spray vaccines in general have much fewer side effects, especially systemic side effects, than intramuscular injectable vaccines. It was found to decrease both disease severity and transmission and is heading to human clinical trials. 

·         There are also an increasing number of early treatment protocols (some already available) that greatly reduce the chance of both hospitalization and death including a promising new drug out of Israel that so far has had no significant side effects and is heading into Phase II trials. 

·         And in the UK, AstraZeneca’s Antibody Drug which was Found to Prevent Symptomatic Covid-19 by 77% in trials.  

I think that it takes courage to get the vaccine and am grateful for those people that are willing to do so, even without long-term safety data. It will advance the science and eventually give more credibility, or not, to the safety claims, so that is a gift to humanity and a very worthwhile medical experiment... but do I think any sentient being should be pressured to get an injection before long-term safety data is available or criticized if they choose not to?…No, I don’t. Meanwhile, I hope with all my heart that people can be more considerate, understanding and respectful to all people and uphold and honor the basic human right of body sovereignty”.

Rebel With A Cause / Companies And Industries To Consider If You're Looking For A Job Or Want To Start A Business

By Robin Carlen

Recently, when I was driving down a local city street looking for a place to grab a quick lunch, I saw that a restaurant I used to frequent had a big sign in front that said: Closed Due To Covid-19. A gift shop I used to enjoy visiting had dark windows and the blinds were closed. And the restaurants that were still open had outdoor dining only, with large white tents hosting just a few patrons.

The continued impact of Covid-19 on small, local businesses, who employ people, pay taxes, and contribute to our economy, bothers me a lot, and that is why I’m writing this post. I also want to provide hope to those of you who may be looking for another job or are considering starting a new business, so keep reading.

As we start a new year, I believe most of us are hoping and praying that it’s a better one than 2020 was. However, as you know, it’s still unclear when things will really start to improve. Many essential services and online businesses are booming, which is very good news. However, for many smaller brick and mortar establishments, especially those seen as “non-essential”, it has been anything but easy.

I ask myself, “What can I do, even in small ways, to help improve the outlook for local businesses and the people they employ?”

Here are just a few things to consider:

The next time you need to purchase something, buy it at a local business. Amazon can deliver in the blink of an eye, and it is very convenient to order online, but if you can, try and support local brick and mortar businesses by also buying from them.

Frequent smaller businesses instead of only doing your shopping at the bigger ones. While I want the large retailers and grocery stores to continue to prosper, I hope these won’t be the only local businesses left standing once the pandemic is finally over. Where I live there is a small, family-owned grocery store that has been there for years and a hardware store with a similar history. As often as possible, I am going to support them.

Support local franchises. It’s easy to forget that they are independently owned by people who pay local taxes and give back to the community they are in. An example of this is a Togo’s I stopped by a few weeks ago. They were hosting a free concert outside in the parking lot to try and attract more people. Unfortunately, they are in a part of town that doesn’t get as much traffic and that, along with the pandemic, has made it even tougher for them. I was told they will be continuing to host these concerts to try and bring in more business but can only do it for so long.

Buy from local artists, solopreneurs, and other (non-essential) small business owners too. The “essential” businesses definitely have an advantage, and of course, it’s important to support them, but what about those who have been called “non-essential”? I remember, not that long ago, attending Open Art Studios in a nearby city. While virtual is nice and very convenient, there is nothing like seeing someone’s talent, craft, skill or products for sale in real life.  

If a local business is hosting an event, class, or soiree, try to attend or provide support in some way. I know many people are being forced to stay at home right now, but that won’t always be the case.

If we all do our part to support local, even in a small way, maybe we can make a difference. It’s certainly worth trying, don’t you think? If you have other suggestions, please share them below.

If you have been impacted by a layoff or your own business has closed, read this article in the Financial Times entitled, “Prospering in the Pandemic: The Top 100 Companies”. It may very well provide you with some companies to target, or industries to consider, as you are looking for another job or thinking about your options when it comes to starting another venture.

Keep an eye on my website if you are interested in upcoming webinars that I will be hosting on a number of topics. To be added to the mailing list for newsletters or for notifications about events, visit this page: https://www.robincarlen.com/contact

How To Answer Salary Questions In The Interview Process (Even During A Pandemic)

By Robin Carlen

I’ve had several of my clients ask me recently if they can really afford to be picky when it comes to talking about their salary expectations with a prospective employer, especially when considering that millions of people are out of work as a result of the Coronavirus, and the unemployment situation is even worse than what we faced during the Great Recession (2007-2009).

My short answer is:  YES, YOU CAN!

Let me explain why you should definitely, hands down, no holds barred, do this:

1.    Remember You Have Value and It’s Worth $$$

Millions of people have lost their jobs and many business owners are experiencing serious problems, even including the closure of their businesses. We are living in unprecedented times, and no one quite knows what the outcome will be once this is over. Based on some conversations I’ve had recently, many people who are still employed are not only worried about what might happen to them, but they are often being asked to take over part, or all, of the work left behind by departed coworkers. You may wonder if you have the right to complain when you still have a job and some (or many) of your coworkers no longer do. Shouldn’t you just be a good worker bee (or overseer of bees), put your nose down, and work even harder than ever before?

Even under these extremely difficult circumstances, does this change your value? Absolutely not. You are still important to the company you work for; if anything, you have become more valuable than ever. There will always be people who will try to knock you down a notch or minimize your value (I know, because I’ve been there). If you work for a manager who does this to you, that’s even more of a reason to consider looking for another job. Stat. As Eleanor Roosevelt said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent”.

Action Item:  Make a list of the successes you’ve had in your current and prior jobs. What have you done that has impacted the business by increasing revenue, improving efficiency, reducing costs? What are your key accomplishments? What positive things have customers or clients said about you?

2.    Know How (and Where) To Do Your Research

Most companies base their pay practices on what is known as a “Compensation Philosophy”, which they then formalize into a “Compensation Plan” that they use to guide most (if not all) of their decisions around employee pay. What exactly is a “Compensation Philosophy”? A Compensation Philosophy guides an organization in making decisions related to internal employee pay and how it will compare to external competitors. Companies vary when it comes to their views on this in the following ways:

·         They can “Match” the market by paying comparable wages

·         They can “Lead” the market by paying higher wages

·         They can “Lag” the market by paying lower wages

·         They can use a combination of these three options depending on current market conditions, business conditions, the value of the job, how in-demand the skills/experience for that job are, etc.

Remember that base pay is not the only variable to keep in mind when considering a new job. Incentives (benefits on top of base pay) are also very important. If you settle for less when it comes to your base pay, you lose, not only because your benefits are directly related, but also because it will be harder for you to make up for “lost” wages.

In a down economy, how much will it really help to do your research? Aren’t you better off just saying “I’m flexible” when you are asked about your salary expectations? No! Why? For the reasons stated above in #1 and more.

Action Item: Especially if you’ve been a strong performer, have in-demand skills, show a history of being promoted, and have key accomplishments you can point to, refuse to settle. Abide by the belief that “Knowledge is Power” because it really is. Along with writing out your accomplishments, spend some time doing (valid) research about the job(s) you are interested in and their worth in the marketplace, do research on companies you really want to work for (including speaking with people who are or have been there), and you will be in a much better position to talk numbers from a position of strength.

3.    Learn Best Methods and Practice Them

One of the first stages involved in the interview process is often a phone screen, where one of the primary goals of most recruiters is to learn about an applicant’s salary expectations. This saves the company a lot of time that will be wasted if an applicant is brought on site only to discover that they are out of range for the job. Knowing how to answer the question, “What are your salary expectations?” takes skill. It not only involves WHAT you say, but it also involves HOW you say it. I recall very well having to deal with what I would call (in nice terms) “overly confident” job applicants who were very demanding about what they wanted. Companies may need your experience and skill set but they will not forget how you came across during the interview process. Management and H.R. are concerned (and rightly so) about an applicant’s communication and people skills and how they will fit into the team and company culture.

What is the best response if you are asked questions related to salary? What (if any) questions are now illegal to ask (and how should you handle it if you are asked them anyway)?

Action Item: There is a lot of information available online and there are many good (and not so good) resources you can use to learn what you need to know. To help my clients, and anyone who is interested in gaining more skill about this during a difficult time, I’m offering my online workshop, “How To Answer Salary Questions In The Interview Process – What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You” for only $.99 (regularly $34.95). This offer is good through June 30, 2020.

To find out more, or to sign up, go here

A Smile Is Worth A Thousand Words, Especially During A Pandemic: Much-Needed Words of Praise for those on The Other Front Lines

By Robin Carlen

While you may think the need for career coaching would immediately spike after the Covid-19 crisis hit, people were understandably much more worried about their most basic needs, which were staying healthy and having enough food and resources to get by; at that time, they were primarily concerned about their lives, not how to find their next job. If you think about it, you might agree with me that Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs was highly applicable, especially at first. I believe things are beginning to shift as unemployment continues to rise and more people are looking for jobs, but initially, that wasn’t their priority.

I started working part-time at a local XYZ large national grocery store chain to get out of the house and do something productive. My grandparents owned a grocery store years ago, and I remember hearing stories of how they worked long hours to grow and sustain the store, developed strong relationships with their customers, and even provided care packages to families in need during the holiday season. Owning a grocery store was good, honest work that was well respected and provided an essential service.

Unfortunately, I am no longer working at XYZ large national grocery store chain. To many of you, that may mean nothing at first, but let me explain why I believe everyone who likes to eat should be concerned about the reasons I left.

It’s not about me at all; it’s about the thousands of people who are still working in these types of jobs on the other front lines (as I like to call them), across the nation, and how they are being treated. Unlike me, many of these employees worry about what might happen should they complain about their jobs and working conditions. Many, if not most of them, have families to take care of. While, for me, the job was only temporary, for many of those I worked with, it was their career. And a very honorable one at that. I worked with some wonderful, hard-working people to whom I will always be thankful for their kindness and willingness to extend a helping hand.

I decided I had to go public about what I experienced because I’m sure XYZ is, by far, not the only store where these types of things are happening. I’m sure they are happening across the country, and that is a problem we all share.

Poor Pay and Highly Stressful Working Conditions

When I coached employees at a large automobile manufacturer in Michigan, I remember thinking that the UAW (United Auto Workers union) was really looking out for them, both when it came to wages and working conditions. After all, isn’t that what unions are supposed to do? When I went to work for XYZ, I was shocked to find out that the pay was barely above minimum wage for a bagger and only a few cents more per hour (yes, you read that right) for a cashier. I was lucky if I got both of my breaks on most days, which I often desperately needed, because I had to stand on my feet behind the cash register for hours, trying to figure out a variety of transactions without much training to help me, and lifting heavy items while assisting the seemingly endless lines of people buying hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars, worth of groceries per transaction. On many days, the store was shorthanded, so sitting down or even being able to use the restroom when needed was a challenge. Normally, being in decent physical shape, this would not have been difficult for me to endure, but under those circumstances, it was.

Customers Mistreating Me and Other Employees

My first week at the store, I walked up to the stand where I was supposed to break another cashier, just in time to witness a man who was screaming at her because his carton of eggs had cracked and spilled onto the grocery belt. He had placed the eggs right next to the edge of the belt and then crammed the rest of his (many) items alongside them, and when his groceries shifted, the eggs turned over and cracked. She was graciously trying to clean up the mess, and instead of being understanding or even trying to help, he was yelling. I calmly reminded him that she was working so he could put food on his table and that she didn’t deserve to be treated that way. When he left, she cried. After hours on your feet working in grueling conditions, it only takes one cruel person to bring your emotions to the forefront. While working there, I also had a few moments where I held back tears until I could make it to my car. I told her she shouldn’t be ashamed for her tears; he was the one who should be ashamed for his behavior.

I had one man tell the woman he was with that he was sure I had no brain cells working in that job. Another man told me I could be a carrier of the virus and how did he know I wasn’t going to give it to him? This was said with a smirk on his face as though he was enjoying trying to make me squirm. Another new cashier was told by a customer, “Because of me, you have this job!”, to which she replied, “Because of me, you have food on your table!” Bravo to her. These are only a few examples out of numerous insults that I and others had to endure from customers.

It’s important that I mention the many appreciative customers I helped; they took the time to thank me for what I was doing. I wouldn’t be writing this article if I didn’t feel very strongly that the other customers we all had to deal with need to be called out for how they behaved and awareness needs to be brought to this situation. When you’re already feeling beaten down from working in circumstances that are beyond difficult, even if those people who treat you poorly are in the minority, it can take a huge toll.

Not Enough Employees to Support Store Operations

On one of my last days there, 4 people called in to say they weren’t coming to work, and this wasn’t uncommon from what I was told. The store also had numerous people who quit, even before I started working there, because they were worried about contracting the virus. This placed much more pressure on those employees who were still there, especially in the front of the store where they had the most contact with customers. On my last day, a woman yelled at me asking why there weren’t more lanes open. The reason was that we had 5 front-end employees who hadn’t shown up to work that day, which of course I couldn’t tell her. I believe that keeping workers is probably XYZ’s #1 challenge right now, along with other stores like it across the nation. That is a big problem for the store but it’s also a big problem for all of us as consumers.

Lack of Support from (Some) Management

The last straw for me was the night a front-end supervisor came up to my check stand and told me to log off and take my break. I was in the middle of a transaction and had a line of customers waiting. When I’d closed my lane after my shift was over on another occasion, without first having someone there to reopen it, I was reprimanded for doing so. For this reason, I continued to help the woman I was already working with, sure someone would be sent to relieve me. The supervisor came back a few minutes later and screamed at me right in front of the customer. I was shocked at how unprofessional he was, and so was the customer, who asked his name so she could report his behavior to the store.

In fairness, I want to say that there were others in management who seemed genuinely concerned about the many new (and long-term) employees who were working at XYZ during a time when the working conditions were far from easy. They, too, were dealing with unprecedented times.

I decided to go public about the horrible treatment I, and other employees, had to endure from customers for two reasons:

1.       People Working on The Other Front Lines, Deserve to Be Treated with Respect and Decency

I am concerned about those employees, and good managers, who are still working at XYZ, and other stores just like it, trying to provide people with food and other essential goods and services during exceedingly difficult times. They are risking their lives every day to serve others. Especially now, don’t they deserve the highest level of respect from the public, from those they are only trying to help? I realize they are in “customer service” jobs, which are notorious for poor treatment, but should that be an excuse for them to have to just stand there and take it?

2.       Food, Glorious Food! Consider This If You Like to Eat

To those people who were so awful to me and my comrades, think about this for a moment:  What would happen if more grocery store/retail cashiers, baggers, floor personnel, back end workers, and truck drivers decided they had finally had enough? If you think the lines you’re having to stand in now are long (which we heard many complaints about, although we could do nothing), what will they be like if there are not enough people left to provide you with your basic necessities? How will the groceries, and other items you buy, be delivered, get unpacked, be merchandised/loaded onto shelves, and be sold to you if there aren’t enough workers available to do those jobs? It’s already happening now. I can say this because I witnessed the shortage of workers firsthand. What will happen if things get worse?

My Suggestions to Anyone Who Takes Service Workers for Granted or (Even Worse) Belittles Them:

BE GRATEFUL you aren’t in a situation where you are forced to work every day knowing you may be exposing yourself to a potentially deadly virus.

BE PATIENT the next time you go shopping and realize that the person who is helping you may be a new employee who has just recently been hired because of the pandemic. No matter who they are, or their experience level, they are doing the best they can. Try showing some much-needed empathy.

SHOW RESPECT to those in service. Unfortunately, this is not a new problem; it is just a problem that has been magnified a thousand times by the current circumstances we’re in.

REMEMBER THAT ESSENTIAL SERVICE WORKERS ARE ON THE OTHER FRONT LINES. Our nurses, doctors, fire and law enforcement professionals are receiving a lot of well-deserved publicity for all that they are doing to help during Covid19. Please be aware that there are others in service who are also risking their lives every day. They are doing this so you can put food on your table, pick up the prescription you need to survive, receive that important order you placed online, and so much more.

It will have been worth every day that I worked at XYZ large national grocery store chain if I can call attention to what I consider to be the vitally-important work that the people on the other front lines are doing every day. They are also risking their lives so your life can be better.

The next time you see one of them, thank them for their service. Better yet, give them a smile if you can. A smile is worth a thousand words, especially during a pandemic.

Please consider forwarding this article to anyone you know who values eating food, and receiving essential services. Please do whatever you can to support those working every day on the other front lines.

10 of the Best Sites for Finding Remote, and Hybrid, Jobs

By Robin Carlen

In my work as a career coach, I’ve recommended a number of online sites to help clients who are looking for a job, usually in real life, where it’s expected that they will show up at the office at least part of the time. During the pandemic, it became common for companies to allow people to work remotely. While some companies are now requiring their employees to return to the office, remote and hybrid work is still an option for many people. I’ve recently updated the resources listed here to help you to find remote or hybrid employment. While many sites charge a subscription fee, most of those I refer to in this article are free. Any requiring a subscription fee, will be listed as such. I’ve personally checked each of these sites and/or have clients who have used them to search for real jobs.

1.      Remote.co - Free

https://remote.co/remote-jobs

Remote.co is a resource for companies (and job seekers) that see remote work as an opportunity. They provide expert insights, best practices, and valuable support for organizations (and people) who are exploring or already embracing remote work as a viable way of life. There are various job categories such as Accounting and Finance, Design, Developer, and more. The company founder is Sara Sutton, the CEO of Flexjobs.

2.      Indeed.com - Free

https://www.indeed.com

You are probably very familiar with Indeed but may not realize it’s also very useful for finding remote jobs. The site is simple to navigate if you know how to use it: Go to the home page of the site, and in the WHAT field, enter the Job Title for the position you are looking for. In the WHERE field, enter “Remote” to bring up remote positions. You can do an advanced search to find those jobs that are the most current.

3.      Wellfound.com (Formerly Angel.co) - Free

https://wellfound.com

Well Found (formerly Angel List), is a site you should definitely take a look at. You can apply for a variety of jobs at startups through established companies. In the location bar, do a search for “Remote” job opportunities.

4.      WeWorkRemotely.com - Free

https://weworkremotely.com

Those who run this site claim it’s the largest remote work community in the world. While there is a cost for employers to post jobs, job seekers who are looking for a remote position can use it for free.

5.      WorkingNomads.com - Free

https://www.workingnomads.co/jobs

Working Nomads curates lists of the most interesting remote jobs in many professional career areas. The jobs are separated by categories, such as Development, Marketing, Management, System Administration, Design, and more. The inspiration behind this site comes from two people who got tired of their 9 to 5 corporate jobs and dreamed of a life where they could work remotely, which allowed them more flexibility and the ability to travel.

6.      SkipTheDrive.com

https://www.skipthedrive.com

This job board lists flexible, remote, and hybrid jobs. For easy access to positions of interest, you can filter your search results by job category.

7.      Google Job Search Engine - Free

https://www.google.com/search?q=google+for+jobs+united+states+remote&sca_esv=9fdca5576095e55b&sca_upv=1&rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS786US786&udm=8&biw=1920&bih=911&sxsrf=ADLYWIJ4RJ1AQJU14_MC1d0geX9vQKQ0nw%3A1714857389462&ei=raU2ZvbUG7OFwbkP7cur8As&ved=0ahUKEwi236fM9fSFAxWzQjABHe3lCr4Q4dUDCBA&uact=5&oq=google+for+jobs+united+states+remote&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiJGdvb2dsZSBmb3Igam9icyB1bml0ZWQgc3RhdGVzIHJlbW90ZTIEECMYJzIIEAAYgAQYogQyCBAAGIAEGKIEMggQABiABBiiBEjlDVC0BFiiB3ABeAGQAQCYAYoBoAGHAqoBAzAuMrgBA8gBAPgBAZgCA6ACkQLCAgoQABiwAxjWBBhHmAMAiAYBkAYIkgcDMS4yoAelCQ&sclient=gws-wiz-serp&jbr=sep:0

Google has a search engine for all kinds of jobs at a variety of companies (not just Google). Once you’ve accessed the site using this link, click on the job category you are interested in to find out what remote jobs are available.

8.      PowerToFly.com - Free

https://powertofly.com/jobs

I did a search for remote positions just to see what jobs and companies would come up and was pleasantly surprised to see PepsiCo, Salesforce, UnitedHealth Group (among others) with active listings. You can do a search based on a job you’re interested in. Just be sure to include “Remote” in the Location field.

9.      Flexjobs.com - Subscription

https://www.flexjobs.com

I personally know clients who have used FlexJobs to find legitimate positions at good companies. Those who run the site claim to screen every job to be sure it’s legitimate. This is a subscription service with various options and payment plans. I would recommend you start with one month to see if you get any interest from recruiters or hiring managers before you commit to spending more money.

10.  VirtualVocations.com - Subscription

https://www.virtualvocations.com

Virtual Vocations is a job service that provides job seekers with hand-screened telecommuting job leads that offer real pay for real work. There are jobs from account management to writing. This is a subscription service with various options and payment plans. I would recommend you start with one month to see if you get any interest from recruiters or hiring managers before you commit to spending more money.

Living A More Abundant, Fulfilling Life

By Robin Carlen

Are you living an abundant, fulfilling life? What exactly does that mean to you?

I think the answer to this question is different for each one of us. Over the years, particularly when I’ve been at a crossroads in my life or career, I’ve thought a lot about this in the effort to come up with my own definition. Is it money? Is it fame? Is it career success? Is it through a relationship with a significant other or family? Is it found by trying to live a life spent giving to a greater cause, as Mother Teresa, Gandhi, Rumi, and many other spiritual teachers, have done? Maybe it’s a combination of things. I believe that each of us has to find the answer to this question ourselves, and it may be very different for you than it is for me.

My passion for both reading and film goes back many years. Even as a very young girl I had my nose in a book and spent hours in my room reading about faraway places that I dreamed of seeing someday. Movies also allowed me to escape my early life in a small town and learn about different cultures and lifestyles.  Both have offered me a treasure trove of insightful information, comfort, guidance, and answers to oh so many questions. I’ve read a lot of books and seen many films (both Indie and big box office releases) over the years. Here are just a few of my favorites when it comes to this topic:

1. “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy” – by Sarah Ban Breathnach

This is the first book I read by Sarah Ban Breathnach, who is one of my favorite authors. In her books, Sarah goes into detail about the challenges she has experienced in her own life, her rise to fame as a best-selling author, and how she discovered what really makes her the happiest and most fulfilled in life. She describes simple abundance as: 1. An inner journey; 2. A spiritual and practical course in creative living; 3. A tapestry of contentment. This book is broken down by months and then days and is full of inspiring stories. She includes quotes from authors, many whom I’ve never heard of before. It is a treat to read, and I’ve gone back to it over the years when I needed a pick me up or just some plain old inspiration. I also loved her books “Something More: Excavating Your Authentic Self” and “Moving On: Creating Your House of Belonging”. She is truly a gifted writer.

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2. “Your Money or Your Life: 9 Steps to Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Abundance” – by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez (Updated 2018)

I was drawn to this book years ago because I was searching for ways to make a good living without having to sacrifice myself, my values, or my time (in excess) in the corporate world. This book goes into detail about how we often trade our time for dollars at a cost that many people realize is too much for them to bear, especially after situations occur that they can’t control, such as not getting the promotion they’d hoped for, being laid off, and more. The authors help you to really think about what it would take for you to live a happy and abundant life. It’s about achieving financial independence on your own terms and is full of great advice. I couldn’t put it down.

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3. “Think and Grow Rich” – by Napoleon Hill

With over 80 million copies sold, Napoleon Hill knows something about the laws of prosperity. In this very well-known, bestselling book, he covers what he describes as the 13 Steps to Riches. He shares the stories of numerous millionaires (including Andrew Carnegie, Henry Ford, and others) and the practices they used to become successful, coming up with ideas individually and then together collectively, in what I consider to be similar to early “mastermind” groups. It took me several attempts over the years to make a dent in this book, as there is a lot to digest, but it’s full of inspirational guidance that has helped many people. If you focus on the principles N.H. is trying to teach you, I believe it will only be to your benefit.

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4. “E Squared” – by Pam Grout

I decided I had to buy this book after reading the synopsis and customer reviews, which (overall) are very positive. The power of the mind, and of our thoughts, has always fascinated me, as I come from a long line of family members who have been reading spiritual-related books for years. This book may require that you take a leap of faith, and keep an open mind, as you’re reading it. I am reading it now and so far, the experiments I’ve done have had some interesting results, to say the least. The author believes that we live in an abundant universe, and I have to say that I agree. 100%. Things just seem to work better in my life, and business, when I remember that and am careful about what I focus on.

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5. “The Pursuit of Happyness” (Yes, That Is The Correct Spelling) 😊

Have you ever been in a place where money was tight and you were worried about your finances, causing you additional stress and some (or many) sleepless nights?  If you haven’t yet seen this film, rent or buy it asap. This true story about Chris Gardner will inspire you stop lamenting your situation and take some action. I won’t spoil it for you by going into too much detail, but the scene where he and his son spend the night in a bathroom was beyond moving. This man would not stop running after his goal (literally) and refused to give up, even when faced with very challenging obstacles. After watching it, I could come up with exactly zero reasons why any difficult situation I might have been going through during that time was as bad as I thought. It’s a “no more excuses” kind of movie.

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 6. “Joy”

This movie is based on the true story about Joy Mangano, the divorced Long Island mother who invented the self-ringing Miracle Mop. She did so in 1990 after becoming frustrated with what was then available in the market, and by the year 2000, her company was selling $10 million worth of Miracle Mops per year. It may sound like a real “miracle” to many of us, but Joy’s road to riches was far from easy and took a lot of sacrifice and perseverance. She had a very stressful life as a single mother trying to support her entire family, was having severe financial problems, and even had to deal with a business deal gone bad before finally making it. The biggest message I got from this movie was the power of never giving up, no matter how difficult things get. There will be a brighter tomorrow; we just have to hold on and try to stay positive.

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7. “Good Will Hunting”

This is a very moving, and inspiring, movie about overcoming difficulties and limited beliefs you may have about yourself and how easy it can be to feel trapped by your upbringing and those significant experiences you’ve had in life. If you have talent yet don’t believe it, your talent will be wasted. This movie comes with a very strong message that we are capable of much more than we think we are. It is also a big reminder for all of us not to stereotype, which can happen easily in our world so focused on rank and title. As the movie shows, a genius may be right in front of you in the form of the school janitor or any (fill in the title) you see every day. It’s so easy to judge and miss talent in raw, sometimes unrecognizable, form unless we open our minds to the possibility and give someone the opportunity. This is also a reminder to value what each of us has to offer and to be courageous enough to move on if the place we’re currently in isn’t right for us.

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 8. “The Neighbor’s Window” (A short film)

I cheered when this film was recently named Best Live Action Short at the 92nd Annual Academy Awards. If you have a chance to see it, I highly recommend you do. It is a story that so clearly shows why we should never look at another’s life with envy. We only see a part of someone else’s experience and there is so much behind the scenes that we will probably never know. This also made me realize just how much I have to be thankful for, even at times when I feel like I’ll never cross the finish line (whatever that really means) or am faced with what seems like an insurmountable problem. A word of warning: This movie has a sad (but very meaningful) ending and has some raw scenes, so you should show some discretion when it comes to where you watch it.

This post contains affiliate links. This means, if you decide to make a purchase, I may get a commission at no cost to you. I only recommend products I believe in and have firsthand experience with.

What Alzheimer's / Dementia Taught Me

By Robin Carlen

I had to think carefully about whether I should write this article because, in doing so, I would be exposing some very personal things about my life. After months of debating, I decided to embrace Brene Brown’s advice about vulnerability and take the plunge. I’m a big believer in people sharing their stories so others can learn how they handled difficult situations instead of feeling so alone. During my mother’s illness, I read whatever I could find to help me cope with what was happening to her and to me, as her caregiver (for three years at night during the week, plus helping out at times during the weekdays, and full time every other weekend). I am so grateful to those people who wrote about their own experiences because they helped me to get through a very tough time in my life. Being a caregiver was the most difficult job I’ve ever done, but it brought me some gifts that I’ll always be grateful for. The experience of caring for a loved one changed me and reinforced (or completely altered) how I view my work and my life. Here are some of the things I learned:

 1.      Pursue Work You Love And Don’t Settle For Less

Gone are the days where I’ll stay (for months or years) with a consulting job, company, or boss because the situation provides “security”. I truly believe that holding onto a job or a company because we think it’s secure, provides us with no guarantees. The only security is making an effort to stay on top of the skills and experience we need to be competitive in the marketplace while doing work we value and (hopefully) love. Steve Jobs had this to say on the subject: “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.” Does this mean your situation has to be perfect? Of course not, but I believe it means that the things you enjoy doing in your job or business need to outweigh the things you dislike. If that’s not the case, it’s time to look for a new opportunity. Forging another path takes courage and involves risk, but you will gain nothing by staying in a situation that no longer serves you.

2.      Work Only With, And For, People And Companies You Respect

When dealing with a parent (or other family member or friend) who is seriously ill, your relationships with those closest to you will change, hopefully for the better, but at other times, they will be different or may even end. This has been one of the most painful things I’ve had to face. When you’re in a major valley in your life, some people will be there for you and others won’t. Some will treat you with respect and others won’t. You are the only one who can decide what you will accept and where to draw the line. I’ve set a new, higher bar for my relationships in my personal life and at work. If a company I’m associated with isn’t respecting me, my feedback about issues, or my efforts to affect change, that can no longer be ignored. Does this mean everything always has to go my way? Definitely not, but if I’ve tried to bring issues to the forefront that are important to me, and it seems no one is listening, it’s time to evaluate whether it’s worth staying or time for a change.

3.      If You Want To Try Something New, Start Pursuing It Now

Would you like to start a business, pursue another job, or go back to school? When your mind wanders, and you see yourself in a different situation or living a different life, I believe it’s because your true desires are coming to the surface. They are hard to push down and forget about. When I think about my mother, the reality that life isn’t fair, and time is precious, often comes to mind. There are so many amazing opportunities available to us if we will only take advantage of them. To start living a life you will find more rewarding, you don’t have to make sudden or extreme changes; instead, take baby steps. Start writing a business plan, looking for another job (with such a great job market, now’s the time), or exploring educational programs. Do something now, not tomorrow. You will never have enough time. You have to make the time.

4.      Speak Your Truth And Take More (Calculated) Risks

This is much easier said than done, but when I realized how precious life and my time is, I came to the conclusion that I really have nothing to lose, and everything to gain, by speaking my truth and taking calculated risks. For me, there is no longer any alternative to this way of life. I want to live with authenticity, and sometimes that means speaking up or going out on a limb about things that are important to me. Doing so is a risk because people aren’t always going to like what I have to say. While caring for my mother, I had to put most of my business efforts on hold. I recently made the decision to continue coaching and training, which I love, but I will be expanding my business to include additional services (stay tuned and check my website in the coming months for more information). This is a bit scary for me, but when I start feeling like I might be better off playing it safe, I say to myself, “So what if things don’t go as planned?” and remember that failure is just the realization that something isn’t working. I can always forge a new path in a different direction, and so can you.

5.     The Tough Times Will Get Better, So Hold On

I tell you this because, at times, I thought the tough times were never going to change. When you have days where you wonder what’s happened to your life, why the person you love had to go through such an experience, and your dreams of ever living a “normal” life again seem in the far, far distance, hold on, because things will get better. Fortunately, in most areas of your life, you hold the key to making any changes that need to happen. If you can, do something small every day to work towards what you really want. I read someplace that keeping a gratitude journal can be very helpful in changing your mindset and in manifesting more positive things in your life. Once I started that practice, I not only felt better, but I noticed some good things were starting to happen. If you can, find a support group to join, whether you’re dealing with a personal issue or one at work. We are lucky to have so many resources available in the Bay Area (and beyond). Take advantage of them, because they will help you.

6.      People And Living A Fulfilling Life Are More Important Than Work And Material Things

This has always been true for me, but it became even more clear because of my caregiving experience. When I look back on my life, I want to know I’ve checked off as many things as possible on my bucket list, have accomplished my most important goals, and have truly loved, even though that may involve getting hurt. As the great Rabbi, Harold Kushner said, “No one ever said on their deathbed ‘I wish I’d spent more time at the office.’ “

Old Ways Never Open New Doors

By: Robin Carlen

One of the biggest concerns of my clients over 40 is that they are “too old” and can’t complete with the younger people who are also looking for jobs. While I spend a lot of time coaching them about the tools and processes they need to be successful in their job search, equally as important is their willingness to look at their attitude about age to be sure they aren't sabotaging themselves.

If you are struggling with your age when it comes to your job search, or career change, these are some of the things you can do to change your “old ways” of thinking and acting to "new ways" that will improve your chances of landing your next job:

Old Way: Stop telling yourself: “I’m too old”, “There is just too much competition out there”, or “Employers don’t want to hire people my age.” I understand this can be hard to do. We can all fall into the negative thinking trap when it comes to issues we think are impacting us, and I'm no exception. Staying in that negative place doesn't help, though. Challenge yourself to change how you are looking at your situation.

New Way: Start telling yourself this instead: “I’m over 40…50…60, and I have a lot of experience to offer that is a benefit to employers. I will land another job, even though it might take some time.” The time it will take you to find your next opportunity has to a lot to do with the jobs you are targeting, how strong your experience and skills are, and the effort you are making. And if your attitude about your age is negative, that will also have a significant impact on your results.

Old Way: Stop believing the fallacy that, when a company hires another candidate, it’s because you are lacking in some serious way. A biotech scientist I worked with was one of two people being considered for a job she really wanted. When the company hired the other person, she told me “I know it’s because I’m over 40. I’m just going to stop looking”. She was in tears as she said this and on the verge of giving up, but I convinced her to continue. About a month later, she was hired into another scientist role at a great company.

New Way: The reasons certain candidates are hired can be complex, and usually age has very little to do with it. Instead, they are usually hired because of their experience, skills, and fit. There are steps you can take to stand out against the competition, but the fact is, there is still competition, and sometimes you will “lose”. If you let the challenging times get you down, and give up too soon, you will never find out what other opportunities will be coming your way.

Old Way: "I’m competing against a lot of people who are not only younger than me, but also have more current skills and experience. Why should I even try?” Yes, it is true that, as we get older, the people we are competing against will be noticeably younger, and often they will have critical skills that we don’t. But sometimes they may not be the best candidate for the job, and you may be a better fit. More on that below.

New Way: You have skills that those who are significantly younger than you don’t, and you also have a depth of experience and knowledge based on things that have happened to you on the job---and in life--over the years. This is invaluable to companies who need what you have offer. When you are going through a job search, it’s very easy to forget this. Instead of focusing on what you don’t have to offer, focus, instead, on what you do have to offer. Make a list of your strengths and accomplishments to share with prospective employers. Also look for companies that value people with experience and knowledge that can benefit the company and its customers.

Old Way: On occasion I come across a client who “cops an attitude” about how they are going to approach employers and the job search. They’ve never used LinkedIn, and they tell me they don’t want to open an account for whatever reason. Or, they refuse to consider that resume format, job search strategies, interviewing protocol and other components of the job search have changed significantly since they were last looking for a job. In essence, they are not open to new ways of doing things. And this can be a big impediment to finding another job.

New Way: It's true that recruiters and hiring managers will sometimes be concerned that candidates over a certain age may be too rigid, “stuck in their ways”, or lacking in certain key skills. Consider what you can do to be sure you're not perceived in this way and be willing to do the work involved. You can do this by ensuring you're up to date with your job search tools, processes, and skills by taking a class if you need to.

Contact me at robin@robincarlen.com or (650) 773-5630 for more information about career coaching services, training and events. To subscribe to our newsletter, visit the website at: https://www.robincarlen.com

(Originally posted on March 20, 2016)

Why Losing Your Job Could End Up Being One Of The Best Things That's Ever Happened To You

By: Robin Carlen

Losing a job can have a way of making you feel like you’re no longer needed, or even worse, no longer important. Just because the company you worked for has a re-org, is bought by another company, or decides they no longer require your services, it doesn't mean there is something wrong with YOU. Please read this again, because it’s very true. Based on my experience with many job seekers, I believe that you will land again and (hopefully) will end up in a better situation.

Like most people, I myself have gone through a career transition. I think it was particularly painful because there was a lot going on behind the scenes that other people I worked with knew nothing about. It was my secret for several months that I could no longer be a part of managements’ philosophy or ‘support’ how employees were being treated, so I announced that I would be leaving to pursue other opportunities, which of course was just the tip of the iceberg. That was a difficult time in my life, but looking back, it was one of the best things (career wise) that has ever happened to me.

These are some things I learned that I hope may be helpful to you or anyone you know who finds themselves going through a career transition:  

1. This time in your life is only temporary, although right now it seems like it will go on forever. Take steps to keep your spirits up and surround yourself with supportive, positive, people. 

Action: Reach out for support from your family, friends and trusted colleagues. One of the worst things about being out of a job is the isolation that can accompany it. Visit a family member or friend you haven’t seen in awhile. Go out for a walk, meet a friend for lunch in a nearby park, and set a date to see a movie. Send an email or call your colleagues to ask how they are doing and if you can meet for a cup of coffee. Volunteer to help others and possibly even make a work connection at the same time. Participate in one (just one) networking event if the thought of networking intimidates you. It's very important to get out of the house and not be stuck at home, which can foster inactivity and depression.

2. You are valuable no matter whether you have a job or not, whether you have the title and money you want or not, or whether other people think you are valuable or not.  

Action: Sometimes things just don’t work out, and there is a lot you can’t control. I learned a long time ago that it's dangerous to attach your feelings of self worth to any job you have or company you work for, because nothing is permanent. To remind yourself of all you’ve accomplished, write a list of all the things you did at company “X” (and prior) that made a contribution to the company. Did you achieve goals that saved money, reduced expenses, and/or improved team performance? Write these down and be prepared to use them to help you land your next job. Remind yourself that you were (and are still) a valuable employee AND person. 

3. Keep your mind on the positive by monitoring the negativity you're exposed to.

Action: I know this will sound biased, but bear with me because I think it’s relevant. The amount of negativity we're being exposed to on a daily basis, particularly in the media, has increased tremendously. I have no business telling people what they can and cannot watch, but I hope you will at least consider how you feel after you’ve seen negative news and other programs. Do they make you feel better? Do you feel more motivated? Are you happier? Or less so? Consider reading your news online and avoiding those things that are upsetting. Also stay away from the naysayers who tell you negative things about your job search or 'what they've heard' about the job market. You need people to be positive and supportive of you, especially right now.

4. You never know where this transition may lead you. It led me to work I love that is more closely aligned with my skills, experience and values, and it can do the same for you. 

Action: Think about the skills and responsibilities you most enjoy using. Decide what your non-negotiable values are that can't be left at the front door (i.e., be ignored) in order for you to be successful at your next company. How can you leverage and use them more often in your next job? Consider the alternatives of starting your own business or consulting. There are many options available today, and they don't always involve being a full-time W2 employee.

Contact me at robin@robincarlen.com or (650) 773-5630 for more information about career coaching services, training and events. To subscribe to our newsletter, visit the website at: https://www.robincarlen.com

(Originally posted on December 11, 2015)