Change It!

Featured Article & Career Coach: Marcia Merrill, CCMC, JCTC
Marcia's Article: "Change It!"

Easier said than done, huh? Change, in and of itself, can be downright scary due to the fear of the unknown. However, if we're doing the same thing (that we know doesn't work), time and time again, but expecting DIFFERENT results.Well, that's the definition of insanity!

In some ways, we're all insane. Does this sound familiar-(a personal Ouch!??) Do you, or someone you know, continue to run around in circles either SAYING it'll be different this time? It might be finding a new love that'll be nicer to me or thinking "I'll lose this extra weight; exercise more; snack less"; "I will do something -quit my job; start a business; find more meaning... I just need a change!"

That works, right? We (it is more powerful to say "I, not, you or we!) "Ok, I own this!" Somehow what we say we want the most just doesn't happen! We don't get around to it. How come? We want it, right? [read more]

Food for Thought: Destiny is no matter of chance. It is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved. ——William Jennings Bryan

If you find yourself feeling there‚’s more to life than just going to work, doing your time, and coming home stressed, it‚’s time for a change! Make your work life and personal life exciting again by taking control of your career. Take advantage of the many resources available. Read career articles and note what certified career coaches are saying about achieving career success. Certified career coaches provide expert advice, guidance, and take time to learn about you, what you want to gain from your career, and will stay with you every step of the way to ensure desired outcomes and goals are achieved.

Think Protirement, Not Retirement

Featured Article & Career Coach: Vivian VanLier, JCTC, CEIP, CCMC
Vivian's Article: "Think Protirement, Not Retirement"

When Social Security was enacted in 1935, retirement age was set at 65 and people lived an average of 3 years more. People looked forward to receiving social security and pensions and spending their later years with hobbies, leisure activities, family time, travel and perhaps some volunteer work. They had worked hard all their lives and now looked forward to winding down and reaping the rewards of their hard work. That was old paradigm. That was also back in the time that people stayed in one job, one industry, and often worked for only one company during their work life.

Since the beginning of the 20th century, approximately 30 years have been added to our lifespan and these years have been added to the middle - not the end of life. These "bonus" years are often referred to as the "third age" and can be one of the most fulfilling periods of life, as baby-boomers and pre-boomers seek to live creative and purposeful lives. Instead of retirement, people at midlife are welcoming these years as a period of protirement!

The term "protirement" was coined by Frederic Hudson in the early 90's to define this new desire to "begin anew" - to not be limited to the traditional options of retirement but to embrace "an increased drive toward living life to its fullest on a day-to-day basis." Protirement is an act and attitude of looking forward to forging a new life chapter - proactively and fulfilled.

"Third agers," especially post 9/11, are asking what their life purpose is. Often their desire to express meaning in their lives equates to new careers or continuing existing careers in new ways. [read more]

Food for Thought: It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit. ——Harry Truman

Stop spending countless hours searching the web for credentialed career professionals. Certified Career Coaches.com provide you with key resources to help you get your plans underway and to help you effectively manage your career. Search our database to find a career coach. It'’s strategically designed to search by career coaching specialty, service location, and/or consultation preference.

Each search result will provide you with names of certified coaches, contact info, business names, profiles and highlights, and website links. You can even email the coaches directly via their posted articles or by clicking their "“Meet Your Coach" link. Visit us today!