Stepping Stone Jobs
What we name something matters. It sets a tone that alters our attitude. Give something a new name and the difference may seem insignificant or even trivial. However, if it changes our attitude, it can amount to a very big change. Recently, I heard the term "survival job." I understood this to mean a job that is often part-time and unrelated to one's primary career focus. One takes such a job because one's previous position has been eliminated, out-sourced, down-sized, off-shored, or otherwise zapped. I heard this term a few times and thought, "Why does the phrase 'hunker-down' come to mind?" The term suggests an image of bunkers, flack jackets, helmets, and a sound track of voices shouting "incoming!" That doesn't exactly give a warm, fuzzy feeling, does it? Maybe we can't change the immediate reality of making ends meet as rapidly as we might wish, but we can change our attitude by some imaginative and empowering nomenclature. Suppose a "survival job" becomes a "stepping stone job?" What difference would that make? Well, the whole notion of heaving a sigh of relief at getting through another day with body and soul in one piece changes. Our focus is on where we are going and what we are learning in the process rather than braving another day in the wilderness. After all, if are in this temporary situation anyway, why not make it a transition to something better? Why make it sound like a reality TV show where the whole world is on the verge of voting us off the island and into a shark-infested bay? It may be a small change, but it alters the internal landscape and engages the mind in a powerful way because it changes attitude. And with a new attitude, we will do lots more than just survive. About The Author Copyright 2004 by Tony Papajohn. Tony writes and speaks on success. Subscribe to his free SuccessMotivator e-zine at http://www.successmotivator.com. tony@successmotivator.com
Related News
Coaches' careers bounce toward common goal - Globe and Mail
Coaches' careers bounce toward common goalGlobe and Mail, Canada -4 hours agoBut without a higher profile and a friendlier employment environment, there's no telling when they might arrive. "We will always have a great football ... |
Local agency wins $2 million 'STEM' grant - TheDay
Local agency wins $2 million 'STEM' grantTheDay, CT -2 hours agoBy Anthony Cronin A local workforce agency actively promoting more science, technology, math and engineering careers on Wednesday won a $2 million grant to ... |
Gen Y and Holiday Jobs: Nearly 80% Seeking Employment During ... - MarketWatch
Military MBA Sees Bright Spot in Lackluster Employment Market ... - MarketWatch
Kelley School Study Finds Early Exit Yields Better Odds of ... - Talent Management
Top Medical Careers And Asistant Jobs - eMaxHealth.com
Top Medical Careers And Asistant JobseMaxHealth.com, NC -11 hours agoCertification means that one is competent and has more credibility and so increases the chances of employment. The employment chances of medical assistants ... |
Retooling SE Michigan's Workforce - Metromode Media
Rx for health careers event set for November 20 - HollandSentinel.com
Rx for health careers event set for November 20HollandSentinel.com, MI -Nov 18, 2008“In addition to manufacturing, West Michigan is quickly becoming known as a very prominent area for employment in the health care industry,” said Sandi ... |
Careers in Recruiting - Interbiznet Bugler (press release)
Careers in RecruitingInterbiznet Bugler (press release), CA -6 hours agoDecide what type of employment recruiter to become. Will you work for a recruiting company or become an independent? Do you intend to work on contingency or ... |
How to prevent your career collapsing with your company - Management-Issues
|
|
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Top 10 Resume Writing Tips to Get You the Interview
There are many reasons why you could be in the market
for a new job right now. Perhaps...
Job or Career
At this present time I have a job. It pays some of my bills, and again I have a job. I don't think of my job as a career because I don't have a passion for it. I dread going to work at times, so I know this isn't a career for me. I'm working at a clinic at the present time, and it's a stressful job, and not really my cup of tea.
Waiting For the Official Job Offer
At the end of the third job interview, Helene was told by the hiring manager, "Congratulations, I am going to recommend you for the position. Expect a call from HR." Helene breathed a sigh of relief because her job search of six months was finally over.
Ive Got the Big Bad B Word on My Job!
That "B" word---B O R E D O M.
Tales from the Corporate Frontlines: Career Opportunity and Employee Retention
This article relates to the Career Opportunities competency and explores issues such as internal growth opportunities, potential for advancement, career development importance, and the relationship between job performance and career advancement. Evaluating the Career Opportunities competency in your organization will determine whether your employees believe they have a chance to grow within the organization. Studies show that lack of career opportunity is one of the top reasons why employees leave an organization. Also, continually hiring open positions from outside the organization can be detrimental to morale when a qualified candidate is available internally. Topics covered in this competency are: perceived opportunity for advancement, existence of a career development plan, and organizational commitment to staff development.
Technology in the Workplace - Boon or Curse?
Like all new innovations, technology in the work environment can either work for you or against you. What is good for the employer or is not always the same for the employee.
Resumes, Networking, Headhunters ? Useless Without Marketing Sweet Spot
A career transition is no longer about getting your hands on a list of contacts, networking with headhunters, or going online to look for work. It's better than that.
Get Off Your Butt and Out of the Rut
It's amazing to see so many people who are prepared to sacrifice their lives for the sake of their careers.
Avoid Your CV Always Ending Up in the Bin
Cover Letters must grab the reader's interest so that they immediately want to learn more about the writer (you).
The Quickly Changing Landscape Of The Job Market
Does it seem that with every passing year it's getting harder and harder to find good paying jobs? If you think so, you're not alone in your thoughts. In fact, this is a common complaint that many people have and it is even
worse for those that do not have a college education.
What You Cant Ask a Job Candidate is as Important as What You Can Ask
As a human resources professional or business owner, you face many challenges during the hiring process, from sorting through stacks of job applicant rsums to making an attractive offer to the one person you believe best matches the specifications of your open position's job description. The whole procedure is more than time-consuming; it can be stressful as well.
Job Interviews: What to Wear
It takes between seven and seventeen seconds for a person to make an impression of us and much of that impression is based on how we look. It stand to reason, then, that what we wear to job interviews will make a far greater impact on our success than anything we're likely to say once those first crucial seconds have passed.
My Landscaping Business is Better Than Your Lanscaping Business...
Yesterday I was having a discussion with Mary who I know from a mother's group that I attend with my daughter Sammi. Through previous conversations I have determined that this woman is very talented in the areas of landscaping and interior design.
It is Still Possible to be Upwardly Mobile in America!
Yes, it's still possible to be upwardly mobile in America: it's called a career in sales.
Stop Searching for A Job and Start Attracting Professional Success!
1. Assess ? Evaluate your skills, interests and abilities. Understand the transferable value in the marketplace.
Finding a Job Under Tough Circumstances
Anyone can find a job. That's right, I said "anyone". And I meant it. But the caveat is: I didn't say what kind of job. You can go out and start flipping burgers, and whine about the tough breaks life handed you when your company down-sized, or you can reach higher, and go for that job you really want, and know you have the experience and enthusiasm for.
Goal Setting - Road Map To Achieving Your Career Goals
Goal Setting & Research
Employees, Get Used to Working under Surveillance
Let's face it. Monitoring employees' e-mail, tracking their Internet use, logging everything done at keyboards has become the norm in Corporate America.
Why You Should Never Complain About Former Bosses
You're at a job interview. You're doing great, answering questions left and right. You're enthusiastic, upbeat, confident. Then they ask, "Why did you leave your last job?"
Find Passion for Your Work
Most people spend approximately 25% to over 67% of their
waking hours working. Eventually, most everyone will want
to work in a career that they enjoy and are paid well enough
to live a prosperous life. Yet, far too many people end up
being miserable in their job and find themselves stuck in a
career that they did not choose. People then get
discouraged, produce less, and become disgruntled.
Unfortunately, people then blame themselves or those they
work for, when in truth there is rarely anything wrong with
them or the people they work for. Instead, maybe their job
selection process is flawed which causes them to fall into
the wrong positions.
|
Comment by Gary Chaison