According to Grammarist, a vocation is a calling, an occupation, or a large undertaking for which one is especially suited. It can be roughly synonymous with career or profession, though vocation connotes a seriousness or a commitment that these words don’t always bear. Keep reading at shorturl.at/nqvwT An avocation is something done in addition to one’s…
Okay, I’ve outlined some major reasons for bad bosses, and I’m sure there are dozens more, including just the fact that some jobs are stressful and that we all have different communication styles. But enough about that! Let’s get to some strategies to help you manage a bad manager. First of all, it’s important…
Do you hate your boss? I’ve certainly been there—I suspect most of us have! And just to warn you, I have a lot to say here, so this will be a 4-part series. Be sure to check Thursday and next week for all my tips on surviving a bad boss. Work is hard enough…
Do the holidays make you feel stressed and anxious? You’re not alone! Here are some tips for getting through the season. Take a few seconds to breathe. Inhale slowly and deeply, exhale slowly and deeply. I find it most effective to do three or 4 times. Repeat as necessary. Investigate a mindfulness practice. Some apps…
On Tuesday, I talked about changing perceptions of acceptable professional presentation. But while I’m certainly seeing some improvements in acceptance of self-expression some arenas, some are sadly still lacking. For instance, having hair that’s “too Black” can be a major barrier to success, particularly in more conservative fields. (See, for example http://www.takepart.com/article/2016/04/13/what-perception-professional-hair-means-black-job-seekers/) People who are…
Freak Flag My friend Iana has an amazing hair studio in Austin called Freakflag by Iana (seriously, if you’re in the Austin area, check it out! https://www.freakflagbyiana.com/) and I’ve been thinking a lot about what that means in terms of the world of work. Can you really be your artsy, quirky self at work? New…
Last time, we talked about time and how you spend it. I see so many people just getting by, day to day, hour by hour. And I really don’t want that for you. I don’t want that for you even if we’ve never met. Because I know that you have gifts to offer the world,…
If you live in a place that fell back this weekend, I hope you’re feeling particularly well-rested. The time change got me thinking about time and how we choose to spend it, as well as about how I wish I could explain it to my dogs. (The adorably obnoxious pre-dinner song and dance is now…
Hi everyone, and thanks for checking in. I have lots of speaking engagements coming, up, and I wanted to let you all know about them. On Thursday, August 23, I will be hosting a free webinar through the Japan Exchange & Teaching Program Alumni Association. If you are a JET alum, check the Facebook page…