A Career Coach Who Understands

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In my last post I discussed time management and the importance of looking after your health by fitting proper nutrition and exercise into your busy schedule. Today I am going to give you some tips on how to prepare some ready made meals that will make it easy for you to pass by the “Golden Arches” on the way home, have a healthy home-cooked meal instead and also save some money while you are at it.

Most grocery stores sell fully cooked rotisserie chickens in their deli department. This provides a quick family meal to go but it also offers a way for singles to prepare freezer meals without the time, fuss and muss of having to cook it yourself. All you need to do is assemble the meals in freezer containers so they are ready to reheat when you get home from work. Just pop the meal in the oven or microwave as you are heading to the shower and you are ready to eat when you are done.

Shopping List:

• 1 Rotisserie Chicken
• Frozen Vegetables
• 2 Microwave Pouches of Rice
• Pasta
• Tomato Sauce
• 1 Lemon
• 1 Small Jar of Your Favorite Asian Curry or Stir Fry Sauce
• Ready-made Chicken Stock
• 1 Package Sliced Mushrooms

Assembling your meals:

• Put a pot of water on the stove to start cooking 2-3 servings of pasta
• Grab your 6-7 storage containers. I like to use the disposable foil food containers with lids because they stack well in the freezer and I can write the date and contents on the tops then just rinse and toss into the recycle bin when I am done but these containers are not microwave safe so they need to be reheated in the oven. If you want to use reusable containers make sure they are freezer and microwave safe and choose ones that can be easily stacked in the freezer and you can see through them (unless you like your meals to be a surprise).
• Cut up the chicken. Remove the two leg/thigh quarters and place them in two of the containers. Divide one of the rice pouches between the two containers as a side dish and add a serving of the frozen vegetables to each. Put on the lid and label with today’s date and “Roast Chicken Dinner”. Pop them in the freezer and you now have two meals prepared.
• Dice up all of the rest of the chicken meat. Remove all of the meat from the carcass. Don’t throw out the bones though, they can be placed in a freezer bag and pulled out at a later date to make chicken soup.
• Divide the other pouch of rice between two more containers. Add a portion of diced chicken meat to each. Add a large portion of vegetables. In a small bowl combine the juice of the lemon with a couple teaspoons of sugar or honey, lots of black pepper (to taste) and enough chicken stock to make 1/2 cup. Add a 1/2 teaspoon of cornstarch and microwave until thickened stirring every 30 seconds. Pour this sauce over the contents of one of the containers and you have instant Lemon Pepper Chicken. Allow it to cool completely before putting on the lid and labeling. To the other container pour on your favorite curry or stir fry sauce, cover and label. That’s 4 meals done now and it has only taken about 5-10 minutes.
• Add a portion of pasta to 2 more containers. Add sliced mushrooms and a portion of diced chicken meat in each container. Sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Add tomato sauce to both and toss the contents so the pasta is well coated in sauce. Add more sauce than normal as the pasta will absorb some of it. Make sure it is completely cooled before putting on the lid and labeling with the date and “Chicken Cattiatore”. Now you have 6 meals completed. If you wish, you can just assemble the chicken, sauce and veggies to freeze and cook your pasta fresh when you prepare the meal.
• Any leftover chicken, vegetables, pasta or rice can be be combined with the chicken stock, add some spices and you have a ready-made soup that can be taken for lunches or frozen for a meal.

This same process can be done with any roast, ground meat, seafood, etc. Now that you know how easy it is to have ready-made meals there is no excuse for not eating properly no matter how busy your schedule is or how much you think you lack cooking skills.

Technorati Tags: 10 minute meals, make ahead meals, quick meals, single serving recipes

Recently I read a study that showed that single people tend die an average of 6-25 years earlier than their married counterparts and it made me stop and wonder why this may be and how to prevent a shortened lifespan for singles. It was suggested in the study that lack of support, a balanced lifestyle and decreased social interaction may be the reason.

When you are single there is no one else to share the little tasks that need to be done on a daily basis so you tend to be busier. Learning to balance things out and manage your time more effectively is extremely important. When it comes to exercise and socializing many busy singles say they simply do not have the time.

Using a day planner may be the tool you need to help you live a healthier lifestyle.

When things appear in an organized fashion in a day planner we are more likely to see them as a commitment and not overlook them. It is important to book appointments with yourself for social activities, exercise and downtime. It is also very important for you to keep those appointments and not shrug them off as frivolous. Don’t overcrowd your schedule. You have to remember that you are only one person and can only fit so much into one day.

Having the visualization of your appointments, meetings and daily tasks laid out on paper also allows you to become more efficient. For example, picking up the dry cleaning, doing marketing, picking up supplies, etc. may be able to be accomplished in one trip instead of three. This can free up some valuable time. Once you begin to organize your time so it works for you instead of against you you will then be able to fit in more “me” time to balance out your life.

Don’t forget a healthy diet. Eating well will give you the energy to get everything done so don’t skip meals or grab something from a fast food chain just because it is quick and easy. If you do not have time to cook there are many healthy alternatives. Most grocery stores sell ready-made fresh salads and hot meals. Take advantage of these conveniences.

Technorati Tags: fitting exercise into a busy schedule, healthy singles, time management for singles

There is no question that recent economic times has hit baby boomers the hardest when it comes to unemployment. Finding a job when you are over 50 is tough and getting tougher. Most people who fall into this category would gladly accept the pay of a 25 year old but rarely is it offered.

You aren’t looking for a job just to keep your mind sharp or to fill time, you still need the income as you were not quite ready to retire yet. So what do you do? Starting your own business using your years of experience is a good option to consider. Many businesses can be managed and run from home to keep overhead costs low at least until you are well established.

Creating a business network with other qualified baby boomers in your same situation is also worth exploring. Since we know there is a surplus of unemployed and over 50 individuals it will not be too difficult finding people with years of experience and client lists who would be willing to pool their knowledge, skills and resources into an income generating venture with you.

The first place to look would be ex-c0workers. If you were not the only employee who was made redundant or laid off you should re-establish contact with them to discuss the possibilities and brainstorm. With your years of experience, you know your market and you understand your client’s needs. You also have seen many mistakes and flaws in the workplace that you can improve upon.

The next place to seek out other unemployed and over 50 colleagues is through social networking at sites such as LinkedIn. Your business partners need not be in the same geographic location so long as it is easy to collaborate online or by phone. Use today’s technology to your advantage.

Your business may be run entirely online with a global client base. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination and creativity. With the advent of the internet, you are able to put a team together online from managers to clerical staff spread out over the world and all managed and coordinated on your computer. Internet based service companies are among the fastest growing businesses today.

Technorati Tags: finding a job over 50, jobless over 50, starting a business over 50, unemployed over 50

While some people seem to be born leaders, the truth is that anyone can be an effective leader if they develop the core skills necessary for effective leadership. You should work on developing these skills whether you plan to climb the corporate ladder or not. These skill sets can help you get the most out of your position no matter what level it is at.

A good manager will develop the following leadership skills:

• Giving and Receiving Information – Learning to gather information from staff and reporting to your supervisors is a skill that requires knowing the right questions to ask and how to ask them.
• Understanding Needs and Characteristics of Employees – Every staff member has different needs and characteristics based on their marital status, whether they have children or not and their personality. A good manager will take these into consideration when assigning tasks and duties to get the most out of their employees.
• Knowing and Understanding Employee Resources – The best leaders know and understand their staff’s strengths and weaknesses and will use those strengths to the best advantage of the team.
• Managing Employees – As the team leader it is necessary to develop the  people  skills needed get the most of your team. This includes setting rules and enforcing them.
• Counseling Employees – Since your team is comprised of individuals there are bound to be some difficult times. Learning how to give advice is essential.
• Setting the Example- Good leaders know that if they expect their staff to get their hands dirty they need to be willing to get in the trenches themselves. “Do as I say and not as I do” is not a good habit to get into. A team is only as good as it’s leader so you need to lead by example.
• Representing Your Employees – As a team leader, you should have the skills to speak for your team. You are the go-between for relaying staff ideas and concerns to your superiors.
• Planning Skills – Excellent planning and organization skills are vital to good leadership. Mapping out the work to be done, who will do it and when will ensure you always meet your deadlines and goals.
• Evaluation Skills – You must develop analytic skills to evaluate both employees and plans to make sure your team objectives are being met.
• Delegating Work – As a team manager it is your job to delegate the workload to your team members. Learning to allow others to perform the work without micro-managing them is important.
• Training Management – Your team needs to stay on top of the latest technology and information as well as develop new skills. Securing additional education and training for your team as well as training and orientating new team members is a core management skill.

Technorati Tags: leadership skills, leadership skills development, management skills, management skills development

If you have found yourself unemployed in the recent economy you will know that finding a job is extremely difficult. The current stats show that for every job posting listed there are 5 people unemployed. This makes for very stiff competition in the job market.

If you are considering retraining or going back to school with the intent of finding better opportunities the list below will show you the best careers to consider. These are occupations that are expected to add jobs at an above-average rate over the next decade, as well as those that provide an above-average income. If you gain the skills necessary for these jobs you have a better chance of not only finding a job, but also for growth and advancement and above average income.

Top 50 Careers List for 2011

• Actuary
• Financial adviser
•  Financial analyst
• Logistician
• Meeting planner
• Public relations specialist
• Sales manager
• Training specialist

Creative and Service Jobs:

• Commercial pilot
• Curator
• Film and video editor
• Gaming manager
• Heating, air conditioning and refrigeration technician
• Interpreter/Translator
• Multimedia artist
• Technical writer

Healthcare Jobs:

• Athletic traine
• Dental hygienist
• Lab technician
• Massage therapist
• Occupational therapist
• Optometrist
• Physician assistant
• Physical therapist
• Physical therapist assistant
• Radiologic technologist
• Registered nurs
• School psychologist
• Veterinarian

Social Service Jobs:

• Clergy
• Court reporter
• Education administrator
• Emergency management specialist
• Firefighter
• Marriage and family therapist
• Mediator
• Medical and public health social worker
• Special-education teacher
• Urban planner

Technology Jobs:

• Biomedical engineer
• Civil engineer
• Computer software engineer
• Computer support specialist
• Computer systems analyst
• Environmental engineering technician
• Environmental science technician
• Hydrologist
• Meteorologist
• Network architect

While going back to school may not have been in your plans 5 years ago, today it makes more sense to train for the future and for the jobs that offer the highest potential for employment. You may already qualify for many of these careers or maybe just need to add a few more skills to qualify.

Technorati Tags: best career choices 2011, careers in demand 2011, job opportunities 2011, jobs in demand 2011

Finding and holding on to a job once post graduate work is done, is not an easy task; however, with a few tips, some post graduate career advice from a qualified career coach and determination on your part, you can find a job that will work well for you. Here are a few things you can do to find a job:

Most importantly, create and maintain a resume that is clear, strong and filled with information about you and your work history. In this resume you should be clear about your experience, any awards you might have achieved and your background. Then, it is important to also create a positive and strong cover letter. The cover letter should be brief but accurate in stating who you are and why you would be an asset to the company. Next, do some research on companies who have a graduate recruitment program. This is an excellent way when looking for a good job. Also, try the Internet when looking for a job. There are online sites that have subscription based services and sites where you can find many entry level job openings.

In addition, keep in mind social networking sites. There are many such sites online; so check them out for jobs. Also, it is wise to check out any post graduation work employment program—a program offered by the college you graduated from. This kind of program is created to help graduates find work. And, don’t forget networking as a great source of finding work. Relatives, friends and contacts can often give you good ideas on finding a job.

Most importantly, don’t forget your college’s alumni network. Since you studied and worked with some of these people, you have some common interests and often someone in the alumni can be of help. Professors can also be of help when looking for work. If you had a good relationship with one or more of them, perhaps they can be of help. In addition, check out at least 10 companies where you might want to work. Study and read their publications. Those that interest you, contact them and see if anything is available. When you call or visit them, ask to speak to the Human Resource Department.

Be sure to seek post graduate career advice from a career coach. They can make the world of difference in helping you get your foot in the door of a desirable company and landing your dream job right out of college.

Technorati Tags: finding post grad employment, finding work after graduation, Post Graduate Career Advice

Never before has the cards been stacked so high for recent graduates of college. With a down economy, and many companies not sure who to hire, or if they will even hire anyone, a recent graduate could find themselves with a hard time finding work in their degree field. Just because it’s not easy, doesn’t mean it’s impossible, and it is not a sign for anyone to give up. Understanding how companies recruit can really help set a candidate apart from many others, and give a new hope for those that are finding it difficult to get into their chosen career. Consider the following ways that companies recruit, and align job searching accordingly. Take the following as post graduate career advice you can take to the bank.

The first thing to look into is headhunters. This is hit or miss, but many companies are hiring middle men to look for qualified candidates and then get them hired with a major company. While some people find this a bit odd, this can be the only way to get a foot in the door of some larger companies. The hunter ends up getting paid a fee for recruiting a new hire, and the company gets qualified applications without having to do the leg work. Everyone wins, and if you don’t know how this work, you’ll get left behind. There are a lot of different agencies that work in this field, and getting in good with them is a matter of simply placing a phone call, and visiting an office to drop off a resume, experience, and interview. The results can be quite satisfying, and easier than other methods.

The second thing to realize is that most companies are using a human resource department. This isn’t a surprise, but it should be noted because most departments are unaware of the expertise of recent graduates. That is why it is crucial for everyone to have a well written, up to date resume with contact information, experience, and statement of work. Even if the work isn’t top notch, it should be utilized to further explain candidacy to a potential hiring company. Human resources might not know how to decipher certain skill sets, which is why it’s important to write clearly, and concisely, to express maximum meaning in a limited space. Without this, a candidate might be passed up, simply out of ignorance from human resources.

The final piece of post graduate career advice is simple, do not forget the newspaper. Yes, the print media might be dying, but one things is for sure, major companies continue to place job listings in the paper. This is done for maximum effect, and search of qualified candidates. Many people have the Internet, but companies aren’t always quick to adapt to listing jobs online, therefore getting the newspaper can be helpful, and while many search online you can find a job listing easier and faster, and end up in a large company with ease.

Technorati Tags: How Companies Recruit Postgraduates, post grad recruiting, Post Graduate Career Advice, post graduate recruiters

Post graduate career advice is very important for any individual that is seeking great employment opportunities that are commensurate with the degree that they have obtained. In order to increase their chances of obtaining employment that they desire, and are qualified for, it is paramount that individuals seek to obtain the best methodology, techniques, and advice, possible in order to make their employment dreams come true. Postgraduate career advisers can be helpful in assisting individuals in obtaining meaningful employment.

A very important CV Tip is to be sure to tailor the academic credentials that you choose to list in your CV, to the specific type of audience that will be reading your CV or application. It is important to get a thorough knowledge of what the employers for the job that you are seeking are specifically looking for from job applicants. Seek to ensure that you list the academic credentials that are pertinent to the job, and the needs of the employers who will be reviewing your application. You should make an earnest effort to list your credentials in order of their priority for the job that you are seeking to obtain.

The work experience that you have is an important component of your CV or job application. In many cases work experience is much more important than academic achievements, due to the fact that work experience shows an actual ability to perform the duties that are required in the job that you are seeking. It is paramount that you include the dates of employment for each job that you have held, and only those jobs that require skills that are pertinent to the job that you are applying for should be listed.

A big mistake that many postgraduate job seekers make is developing a cluttered CV, with the hopes that a great deal of information will impress those that are reviewing the CV. Although it is important to present all of the pertinent information that is needed on your CV, it is equally important to develop a simple and concise CV. Due to the fact that most employers spend less than a minute scanning your CV, it is important that it is easy to read, with all pertinent information being readily available.

Post graduate career advice will save an individual much time and expense. This advice will greatly increase the chances that a postgraduate will efficiently find good employment.

Technorati Tags: CV Tips for Postgraduates, getting a post grad job, Post Graduate Career Advice, post graduate career opportunities

I know in these down economic times when unemployment is at an all-time high it is difficult to even contemplate giving up a job for any reason. In his book “No More Dreaded Mondays” Dan Miller asks, “Is your job making you stupid?” and that is indeed a very good question to ask yourself when you have become extremely unhappy with your current employment situation.

Many of us only thrive when we are in creative mode or are actively engaged in thought processes. Unfortunately, many jobs or bosses tend to try to stifle that trait. The “Do it because I said to do it and do not ask questions” type of attitude is a difficult pill to swallow if you are a creative type. If you are forced to remain in this situation and find yourself repeating the same actions over and over without thought you are effectively shutting down your ability to think on your feet. Over time, performing tasks as if you are a robot becomes second nature.

The old adage, “If you don’t use it you will lose it” is very appropriate for this situation. Once you turn your brain off it is hard to turn it back on again. When you find yourself becoming very dissatisfied with your job and the thought of Monday almost makes you feel physically ill, perhaps it is your brain protesting and it is time to take a look at just why you hate your job so much.

If you decide that your distaste for your job is the lack of input on your part then it is up to you to find a way to inject your creativity back into the workplace. Does your company offer incentives for suggestions on how to improve productivity?  If you know that there is a better way to do something, why not offer your solution? Is your boss the type that is sympathetic to their employees needs? If so, make a point of discussing your need for innovative thinking. If, on the other hand, your boss is most likely to respond with, “If you don’t like your job I can think of 20 others who would love to have it.” it is not likely a good idea to let them know you are unhappy with your lot.

Perhaps it is time to consider going out on your own and becoming an entrepreneur? If you feel your job is making you stupid and you no longer can face another dreaded Monday you can take your knowledge, your experience and your creative thinking and turn it into a positive step forward. If there are no jobs available that fill your needs then you should consider creating one.

Technorati Tags: becoming an entrepreneur, employment options, starting your own business

What everyone should know about a career coach

A person who specializes in helping other people find, reach and achieve their career dreams is known as job or career coach. This field of profession is continuously growing due to the fact that there are plenty of people who are dissatisfied with their current job. If you are in a position that you need to re-enter the working world, find a the suitable position for you or find a job that perfectly fits your personality and desired lifestyle of choice, then you are a prime candidate for hiring your personal career coach.

At the initial stages, a job coach typically asks a several questions that are specifically designed to draw out information about the client’s life goals and job experience. Another purpose of the questionnaires is to allow the job coach to determine the client’s personality and qualifications for potential positions. During these questions, it is normal for the job coach to record the whole event. After assessing the client’s answers, the job coach then talks to the client. Informing the client on his or her weaknesses and strengths, and consulting with the client in formulating future goals.

Although, the job coach and client work together, but in the end, the client has the last say on what goals he or she is going to set and pursue. The goals can be setup in a way that one goal is a stepping-stone to reach another goal. An example of these goals can be like a goal to move higher in the corporate ladder, or goal to attain higher level of education. These stepping stone goals are designed in such a way that the client will land himself on a job that he or she truly loves and enjoy doing. After the goals are in place, the next aspect that needs to be discussed would be the timeline of achieving the goals.

After the timeline setting of the goal, the client can proceed on achieving such goals, while the job coach offer advice and encouragement. A job coach’s encouragement may come wide range of forms. Sometimes a simple congratulations greeting would do, while sometime the occasion may demand for a more involved and complex form of congratulations.

Another useful aspects of having a job coach is that they help a client find a job by providing critical information about possible job openings, and imparting specific strategies and advice when it comes to applying for a specific position. Also, a job coach helps a client put together the vital paperwork to make a great application. The career coach may also do simulation interviews to help the client through the process.

Technorati Tags: career coach, job search, singles career coach