As I was reading the New York Times today, a very interesting  story on the front page caught my eye. Out of the thousands of jobs that have been lost since the beginning of the recession, 82% were held by men. I guess this does not come as a surprise as we keep hearing stories our guy friends and husbands losing their finance jobs left and right while tales of women getting laid off are less common.

The Times attributes this to the fact that men are employed in industries that are all but being wiped out by the financial crisis, and that women work mostly in less cyclical industries like healthcare and education.  Although is it certain that the most hit areas are male dominated, it might also have to do with the fact that women are willing to work longer hours for 80% of the pay.

Will this shift in breadwinning responsibilities bring us closer to bridging the pay and presence gap for women in the workplace?

We want to hear your thoughts!

Take time to answer the following questions. Don't just read them. Grab pen and paper and write down what comes to mind as you look for answers. It probably has been a long time since you thought about these things. You might be surprise with your answers!

1.Values.  What is important to you in your career going forward?  Is it developing programs to help children in South America, or opening the Samba studio you have been daydreaming about? Pick the top 5 values that are essential to your satisfaction, and don’t compromise.  

2.Experiences.  When was the last time you felt energized? Think about work and life experiences and activities that you find most enjoyable and activities that bring the real YOU to life.  What is it about these activities that you enjoy? Does your career involve activities that bring out the best in you?

3.Work environment.  Are you the corporate type or do you dream about working on your own? Knowing your ideal environment will guide you towards the right career.

4.Personality.  Are you a big idea person or an implementer?  What are the talents hidden in your personality?  We all have preferences on how we gain our energy and choose to deal with the world.  The right career has to fit your personality like a glove.

5.Skills.  You are gifted at so many things, but what are those skills that you are really proud of and you really enjoy? Ideal careers allow you to use your strongest skills while you enjoy your work.

6.Dream job.  Do you have a dream job?  Don’t worry about being ridiculous, think the impossible.  Look into what aspects of this job do you find attractive.  Your ideal career should have similar aspects.

7.The past.  Explore your past and think about what you liked and disliked about your jobs?  How did you choose to be in your field?  Did you follow your passion or did others influence your choices.  Looking into the past will help you make better choices in the future.

8.Talk.  Verbalize your goals and talk about it to others.  If you know someone who does what you want to do, ask them about what they enjoy and dislike about it. If you don’t know anyone, opening up about what you want can lead to the right person. Hiring a Coach might be extremely helpful to clarify your goals.

9.Time.  Where are you on a timeline?  Are you planning to have a family in the near future and need a career that allows flexibility or are you able to work more hours?
 
10.Action.  What’s stopping you?  You will be surprise to know that the most likely obstacle between you and a more fulfilling career is lack of action. It all begins with one step…take it!

Get in touch with our coaching team today. We will help you get started!  

At Talent Circle, we have decided that, no matter how tough the markets out there, we will keep a positive attitude -towards ourselves, our clients and our candidates. There is enough emotional wealth in the air, we just need to make sure we do a better job at distributing it!

Maybe because we are all a bit emotional in NY nowdays (elections around the corner, markets riding us hard) I want to share an inspirational tale today. Last weekend, I ran into my friend Ana. She is a beautiful woman, but on that night she was truly glowing. You could tell, she was just very very happy. While catching up, I learned that a few weeks ago, she had decided to quit (by choice) her job at a top-tier investment bank in New York, and went to work as an apprentice florist with a well-known expert in New York City...and today, as she spends her days among flowers and plants, I can assure you, she is one of the happiest people you will cross during these trouble times.

As you probably guessed...I am not suggesting that you leave your job in Wall Street and become a florist. But, as you sit there and feel the world tumbling down, think about what you are really passionate about. Allow plenty of it in your life. I promise, a job will never feel the same way.

Ana, I am so proud of you!

Just back from the World Economic Forum in China. Wow...you really have to see it to believe it. What a vibrant, booming place! 

On the talent side...I am more convinced than ever that mobility holds the key to the future. Middle East and Far East-based companies are starving for top talent, while top talent in NY is starving...go figure!

So, today's tip: as you re-write your CV, dont be shy to highlight your global edge. Stay geographically open, and you might be on a plane to Dubai before you know it!