Office Lady from Hong Kong is back - and still not happy at work - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog

Office Lady from Hong Kong is back - and still not happy at work - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog A while back I got a comment from Office Lady in Hong Kong who wrote that: I?ve been miserable at work and, although it took me almost a year, I eventually built up the courage, and I?ve finally quit my job!! I think it?s one of the best decisions I?ve ever made! And most of all, I?ve found a new job too! No one knows how it?ll go, but a change is definitely due and I?m looking forward to a fresh start. Your site has definitely pushed me on. :) One happy Office Lady in Hong Kong So how did it go? Well, Office Lady is not yet happy at work, and she is asking for our advice: Im now at another job and Im again thinking about leaving (hence Im here again). Yes, it pays better than my last job, my boss is awesome (I dont think how anyone can have a better boss), I have benefits and so on. But the work doesnt inspire me. Its boring. And I believe I have more potential and more to offer. My job is like acting as a middle-person, passing on requests and documents between our headquarters in the US and our regional offices all over Asia. I dont make anything. I dont make the documents. People give me documents, I give them to someone else. People give me documents, I compile them in the right order, and give them to someone else. In my previous job, what drove me to quit was that eventually, I actually DREADED going to work. Id actually panic in bed on Sunday night. Here, I dont dread it, but I just plainly find no point in going to work. I drag my work out throughout the day, just so I have enough to keep my occupied. Question is, should I leave just after 5 or 6 months here? And go find something that would engage me? Risk losing my income, benefits and not finding a boss as great again? What a great question and one that many people face. What do you do when work isnt all that bad, but not all that good either? Is OK good enough? What would you advice Office Lady to do? Thanks for visiting my blog. If you're new here, you should check out this list of my 10 most popular articles. And if you want more great tips and ideas you should check out our newsletter about happiness at work. It's great and it's free :-)Share this:LinkedInFacebookTwitterRedditPinterest Related

12 strategies to help you get promoted - Margaret Buj - Interview Coach

12 strategies to help you get promoted Do you feel like youre stuck in your current job? Are you ready to move up? Its tough to climb the corporate ladder, but if you want a job that excites you and pays well, youll likely have to make the climb at some point. If you want to get a promotion, youll need to be a patient team player while also being an ambitious self-promoter. Promotions are not a given. It used to be that employees progressed along specific career paths during their careers, but the impact of technology, globalization, and flatter organizational structures, has changed that paradigm. Today, we have to create and manage our own career paths through one or multiple organizations. And remember that a promotion is not always an upward path. Sometimes especially in todays business environment you may need to make a lateral move to position yourself for a later upward move. Here are 10 strategies to incorporate into your promotion plan: 1. Concentrate on doing the best you possibly can in your current position. Excellent performance reviews arent sufficient to get you a promotion, but theyre necessary for it. So are good attendance, punctuality and a willingness to go the extra mile when the company needs it. Showing up 5 minutes early and leaving later can turn into a fortune of extra income over your lifetime when you are the one that gets the promotion. 2. Be visible Be a self-marketer, not a self-promoter,’ says John Lees, author of Take Control Of Your Career. ‘Self-marketing focuses on the needs of the buyer rather than the qualities and features of the product, and is not about projecting an ego.’ What’s your employer’s biggest challenge? How can you help them overcome this? Sell yourself and let it be known that you are seeking a promotion. I know someone who sends out a monthly email to his boss and his bosss boss to keep them updated on his progress on various projects and to share any accomplishments and accolades that occurred in the previous month. 3. Develop mentoring relationships A strong relationship with a manager or someone higher up in your department can open a lot of doors for you. For one thing, youll likely learn a lot about the organization and about the jobs you might want to get in the future. One recent study found that in four out of five promotions, those promoted had a mentoring relationship with someone higher in the company who helped spread the good word about them. Some companies have formal mentoring programs, but even if your company does not, there are still ways you can build relationships with people in higher positions in the company. 4. Quantify results While promotions are not necessarily based on your past performance, you can certainly make a much better case for a promotion by showing detailed information about your past successes. Those who get results get ahead. Keep a record of everything you do that enhances the companys bottom line, that puts the company or your department in a good light, that is creative and innovative, and that shows your loyalty and commitment to the organization. 5. Acquire new knowledge and skills It goes without saying that one of the best ways to succeed in getting a promotion is to expand your knowledge and skills sets in areas that are critical to the organization. As technology and other environmental forces change rapidly, you need an ever-increasing skill set not only to perform your job, but to stay marketable. Experts also suggest that employees who want to get ahead should not only keep current with industry news and events, but to also pay attention to trends and events outside their specialty. 6. Master office politics Relationships with others become more important as your career advances. Senior roles demand a higher level of political sensitivity, so show that you can navigate the minefield of office politics. Communicate openly and transparently and, if you must confront someone about a situation, go through formal channels. 7. Build your network The more people who know you, know your strengths and abilities, know your value to the organization, and know (at least some of) your ambitions, the more likely your name will be discussed when opportunities arise. It really is not enough to work very hard if nobody knows about you. An added benefit of networking is that you will learn much more about the company if you network with people in other areas of the organization. 8. Be a team player Because so much of work is now accomplished through teams departmental or cross-functional it becomes even more important to share successes with your team and to avoid pointing your finger when there are failures. And by being a team player, you only build your reputation and increase your value to the organization. 9. Embrace change Research by The Academy of Management found that inability to cope with change makes bosses unwilling to promote otherwise capable employees. Whether it’s a revision to your hours, budget or team, don’t moan about how unhappy you are actively seek ways of making the changes work for you instead. 10. Ask for more responsibilities Volunteering to help out other departments or teams or simply asking for more responsibilities increases your value within the organization. Asking for more work shows your interest and desire to help your department and company to succeed as well as putting a spotlight on your value to the organization. 11. Create your own opportunities After studying the needs and challenges of the organizations, if you see an area that has been neglected and you have key skills in that area write a proposal for a new position. And even if the company does not go for the new position, you have again shown your initiative, creativity, and value to the firm and these things can only help you the next time you request a promotion. 12. Prepare for a ‘no’ Even if you’re denied a promotion, now is the best time to lay foundations for the future. Ask when you can reapply: in three or six months, for example, or after a certain milestone has been achieved, such as landing a certain number of new clients. Follow up with an email thanking your manager for their time and confirming the details you discussed. How do you develop your promotion plan? I’d love to hear your ideas! If you’d like some help in getting promoted, please answer a few questions on http://www.talkwithmargaret.com to apply for a complimentary 20-minute consultation with me.

Tough (Question) Tuesday Whats your favorite part of today

Tough (Question) Tuesday Whats your favorite part of today From workisnotjob.com Ever since the beginning of the year, Ive spent a few seconds each night before bed writing what I liked best about that day in my 5 Year Journal. Sometimes its related to my business, other times its personal, and theres no discrepancy in the bigness (I got picked up by Forbes!) or smallness of it (I had the best subway karma today!). I realized a few days ago that it was over a week since I wrote in it the first time I fell off the wagon since I started it January 1st and I missed it. So join me in recording my nightly answer to the question: Whats your favorite part of today? Meet ya in the comments section! *******************************************************************************************************

How Resume Writing Service In Indianapolis Can Help You Get Your Resume Out There

How Resume Writing Service In Indianapolis Can Help You Get Your Resume Out ThereWhen you start to market yourself with the use of resume writing service, you will be surprised how quickly the industry has changed. The hiring process is so different from what it used to be. Many companies have now started using resume writing services. For example, when you are trying to apply for a job at a professional organization, you will probably be required to have a resume.For example, you will probably have to fill out a number of documents. These include a resume, cover letter, cover letter portfolio, an employment application and many more. If you are well prepared and have all the necessary documentation ready for the interview, you may be required to have the interview in person. On the other hand, you can use the services of a resume writing service in order to create your own resume.In order to create your own resume, you will need to have it prepared for the interview. This can be ver y tricky if you have never done any resume writing or if you do not have any experience in the area. It will be necessary for you to use resume writing service in order to make your own resume.When you use the services of resume writing service, you will be required to create a sample resume. You will need to keep the sample document to hand when you use the services of resume writing service. If you find the sample resume to be your masterpiece, then you will definitely be better off using the services of resume writing service in order to get your resume out there. It will also help to keep your personal information secure.If you are a freelancer, you may be able to use the services of resume writing service, but make sure that you are able to use the services of a resume writing service that has had experience in the industry. For example, you can use a resume writing service that has been in the business for a long time in order to create your own resume. On the other hand, you may not be able to use a resume writing service, which is well-established in the industry.Resume writing service has to be able to give you a lot of ideas. It is very helpful if you have experience in writing resumes. You can also look into hiring an agency, which can take the stress and worry out of the process.Resume writing service is very helpful in terms of creating your own resume. You can choose a resume that suits your own profile. If you want to make a resume and be hired in the fastest possible time, then you should use the services of resume writing service.

Why Almost Everything Youve Learned About Resume Writing Services in Nashville Tn Is Wrong and What You Should Know

Why Almost Everything You've Learned About Resume Writing Services in Nashville Tn Is Wrong and What You Should Know I'll highly recommend your organization. It's safe to say you are receiving an executive resume writer that has a history of receiving their clients results. Your writer and our team ensure your documents are targeted to reach your employment objectives. Rush orders are readily available. If you're searching for the best resume writing services Silicon Valley offers, you are going to be looking for quite a long time. The dearth of transparency and inability to receive quick answers could possibly be a turnoff, particularly if you're short in time and can't wait to reach out and hear back. The lengthy turnaround time might also be a turnoff to some job-seekers. The Resume Writing Services in Nashville Tn Pitfall Take a look at our writing services reviews and find out how top rated essay writing companies get the job done. It's extremely important to read ca refully essay services reviews, because you would like to prevent low excellent services. If you're frustrated as you don't get any interviews, do not worry because the service can help you. You're a personal services business. It is possible to even check out several reviews and pick the business that is most suitable for your requirements and reasonably priced budget. Our experts revolve around placing your projects background and education into the ideal light. In addition, you may certainly count on my recommendations of your business. With respect to employment, the automobile industry remains a stronghold in the region. Top Resume Writing Services in Nashville Tn Secrets They also provide unlimited revisions, which means you will be sure to love the last version of your resume. If you contact them, you will secure the very best package that will fulfill your requirements. This is the very first portion of the review, containing critical information for virtually an y student. The review is going to teach you all you want to understand and then you're able to place your purchase confidently. If you're thinking that you will need a person to compose my essay at the moment, you can just rely on our honest reviews. Hillary isn't a certified resume writer that is something to stay in mind. If you decide to employ local agency resume writing, you're making a superior move. When you're searching for work, it's no light-hearted way. The Nuiances of Resume Writing Services in Nashville Tn Steve can help you with your resume along with anything else that you are coping with including that business idea you haven't gotten around to. A fair number of customers in Silicon Valley will not have the ability to pay for this expense. For some of them you will require help, while others you're able to write by yourself. The Secret to Resume Writing Services in Nashville Tn If this is the case, you require a good resume. Our reviews contain details like the score of the clients, our rating, starting prices, Discounts, and grade of the papers.

How to Answer Can I Contact Your Current Employer

How to Answer Can I Contact Your Current EmployerIf anyone asks where you were today, you were at a dentists appointment. Right? The vague appointment, always in the middle of the day, is a classic tactic for interviewing for new jobs while youre still at your current one. You just put up your out of office message and hope no one notices that youre awfully dressed up for a Wednesday. However, your slick cover story could be blown if the interviewing company contacts your current one. googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1467144145037-0) ) How does one avoid this potential explosion of awkwardness?Look, everyone understands that the sneaky interview is kind of the dirty little secret of the working world. Everyone does it at some point, in hopes of trading up their current position, or pursuing a new opportunity. That doesnt mean you want your intentions broadcast across your current companyespecially if you dont get the new gig. Ideally, the interviewer will a ccept your list of non-current-boss references without question. But theres a chance he or she might ask you the dreaded question Hey, do you mind if I contact your current employer?DO understand that theyre not trying to double-cross you.No one is snitchingthe person interviewing you merely wants to get a sense of what youre like as a current employee. He or she knows its awkward, but its a valid question. After all, your current boss might know youre interviewing for a variety of reasons (like your job is ending due to a layoff, your job is temporary, etc.)so it certainly cant hurt to ask.DONT panic, and assume that everyone will soon know about your secret interview.Its definitely okay to say that youd like to keep your job search under wraps for now.DO have some current colleagues in mind that you could include as a reference.If you have a trusted coworker who has a clear sense of your abilities as an employee, but who can also be trusted with a secret (and who has been told ahe ad of time that youre on the hunt), then offer them as an alternative reference. That way, you can say to the interviewer that youre not comfortable if she talks to your current boss yet, but that you have another reference at your current company whom she could talk to in the meantime.DONT act cagey, like you have something to hide.Be up-front that youre not comfortable offering up your current boss as a reference at this time. Emphasize that your available references are well aware of your abilities as an employee, and let the interviewer know that theyre happy to talk to him or her in the meantime.DO leave the door open for the future.After you say that youre not comfortable with the interviewer talking with your current manager, make aya they know that its not a final no. Let him or her know that when the timing is right, youd be open to them contacting your current company.If all goes well, you can sneak back into your office with a spring in your step, and secure in the knowle dge that your secret is safe for now.

Im the CEO of My Own Business Here are 4 Things I Wish I Wouldve Known About Financing it

Im the CEO of My Own geschftlicher umgang Here are 4 Things I Wish I Wouldve Known About Financing it Its bedrngnis uncommon for entrepreneurs to have financial regrets after stspeciesing a small business. These can range from wishing you had created a larger emergency fund to feeling guilty that you spent too much on what would later turn out to be irrelevant expenses.While I cant turn back time on these decisions, I can round up advice for female entrepreneurs on what to do moving forward. Bookmark these tips and follow along with them before making any sudden moves in financing your business.1. Look into bootstrapping the business.In 2009, I purchased a division out from Intuit to run as a stand-alone business. The purchase was one that I could have made with the help of bank loans or investors. I chose bedrngnis to use either option. Instead, I financed the purchase by bootstrapping it. Bootstrapping, for those unfamiliar with the term, is the act of self-funding a business. Thi s is typically done by using existing money in savings (retirement accounts may be utilized), strategic budgeting and making purchases via personal credit cards.The upside to bootstrapping is that you do not get trapped in third-party debt. You can finance a business with the help of a traditional bank loan or investors, but both of these options come with strings attached the loan must be repaid with interest, while investors require an equity stake in your company.Bootstrapping allows you to gracefully sidestep these obligations. If you feel like youre more than capable of successfully doing it, go for it The only caveat is that you have to be willing to go all in. When I bootstrapped the purchase of the business, I stayed on a strict budget for a very long time. Discipline is key in bootstrapping. You must be willing to stick to a budget, make calculated, careful decisions with how your money is spent, and stay committed to the style of financing.2. Apply for relevant business gr ants.Have you thought about applying for a business grant? If your business qualifies for a grant, you may be awarded that funding and most grants typically do not require the recipient to pay anything back. Check in with grant databases like GrantsForWomen.org for a comprehensive list of available grants. Start bookmarking grants you might be eligible for, any necessary requirements needed before applying and application deadlines.3. Utilize (free) financial resources from the Small Business Administration (SBA).Did you know that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers small business funding and assistance resources beforefemale entrepreneurs get to the finance stage? Its true Even better, many of these resources are free The SBA is a federal agency that helps small businesses across the United States to get started, grow, and expand using a variety of resources. Many of these resources are free to use on the SBAs website, including these two extremely helpful resource s for starting and financing businessesBusiness Guide. This interactive guide covers the ins-and-outs of getting started with your business. It touches on everything from planning, launching, managing and growing a small business.Lender Match. This online tool connects small business owners with banks interested in providing funding.This is, of course, just the beginning of everything that the SBA has to offer female entrepreneurs check out their website for even more resources.4. Learn the art of negotiation.Katherine Schneider, owner of 7 Day Websites, has spent the last 15 years self-funding several businesses. However, it took her years to learn the art of negotiation. Not understanding how to property negotiate led to Schneiders biggest financing mistake overspending.As a woman in business, early on, I would have sales representatives talk me into products that were extremely overpriced, Schneider explains. They would use the friendly approach followed by pressure, so I would feel badeanstalt and pay for it. I would spend $10,000 on signage to find out later I could have paid $2,500Schneiders solution? Get tough She started focusing on negotiating everything and saying no when it was necessary. The thick skin she created allowed Schneider to make better financial decisions and stick to her guns.Negotiating, and not feeling bad about someones feelings, is an important skill for any female entrepreneur to develop. Schneider says. Its not personal. Its business--Deborah Sweeney is the CEO of MyCorporation.com which provides online legal filing services for entrepreneurs and businesses, startup bundles that include corporation and LLC formation, registered werber services, DBAs, and trademark and copyright filing services. You can find MyCorporation on Twitter at MyCorporation and Deborah at deborahsweeney.