The site is a trifle thin on content, but, if you fall into the category of a "minority", this is worth checking out.

In Transition

August 05, 1998

You've heard it here and just about every place else. Chances are you'll change careers, not just jobs, several times in your life.

We thought we'd put together a list of sources that could help make those career transitions a bit smoother. Unfortunately, after several searches, we came up pretty empty.

Oh, sure. There are plenty of "career counselors" who advertise their expertise. Just as there are loads of college course descriptions that deal with the subject. But each of these categories offered nothing more than web-based brochures. That's right. No information. No substance. Just a list of services.

How does any of this help?

Well, for one, it shows a need. Apparently, we need help figuring out how to transition smoothly. After all, look at the many career counselors advertising their services on the Web. They're earning a living helping us figure out what to do.

So clearly, there's an informational void that needs filling. But, if you look into that void, you'll see a hint of a trend to come.

CNBC offers a self-assessment quiz to see if you're ready for a change.

It's short and sweet-- a fill-in the radio buttons type of thing.

Once you fill it out and send it into cyberspace, you get instant feedback. Depending on the answers you submit, the quiz designers immediately push to your screen their suggestion as to whether you are ready to make a switch.

If you're curious, you can then see an analysis of each of your answers.

It doesn't help you understand how to set a career transition into motion, but it might give you some insight as to what you want.

There's also a quiz to determine which resume type is right for you.

The best thing about the site is that it offers a way to understand what you want and need. Yes, it lacks a step-by-step how-to of career transitioning. So does every other site. At least this has something.

There are three essential ingredients for success in the workplace today.

• The ability to flourish with change;
• the ability to take ownership and initiative;
• the ability to find a fit between a company's goals and your own values.

If you have these, you'll succeed in a transition. When you do, could you put up a site explaining how to do it?

Quick, What's the Answer?

August 04, 1998

Do you drift from job to job? Or are you in the midst of a career "transition"?

A couple of academics, Mildred Cahill and Sandra Martland spent 3 years studying career "drifters". (Perhaps they stuck to the "drifting" terminology because they were too busy studying to recognize that the term is now "transitioning"?)

Their results have implications for those of us who are excited by the prospect of change, who want to be part of new ventures, or who simply want a change of pace.

But, to be fair, before we chastise them too soundly for their limited viewpoint, let's look briefly at a part of the study.

They defined drifters as people who had finished high school at least 4 years ago who had made at least 3 changes in employment or courses within 10 years of graduation. But, when you look at that number, it's not bad, really. It means that people spent an average of 3+ years at each place. The recent standard seems to be about 8 years. And, in 1996, 17% of the people who left their jobs, did so to enter another field. according to the Center for Workplace Issues and Technology. Apparently, though, these figures and the rationale that created them weren't taken into consideration.

To help make a point about their study, they reviewed the literature about "drifters" and found there were 5 basic types:

• Personal/Psychological Drifters -- are chronically indecisive, have little or no self-esteem, and no opportunity to develop skills.
• Drifters by Necessity -- are those whose careers or industries have moved to new locations, but they haven't.
• Drifters by Occupation -- are those who work in seasonal or unstable occupations--this includes the self-employed.
• Multipotentialed Drifters -- have too many choices and don't really know what they want to do.
• Questing Drifters -- are after intrinsic rewards instead of money and may move from job to job just for the personal satisfaction the work brings.

Oh my. Does this mean that the next time our resumes are reviewed, does this mean someone will try to put us into one of the above categories? Well, if the person reading the resume has read the study, the answer could be yes.

Swell. That means we've got the choice of being catetgorized as psychologically inept, a master of making poor choices, or merely too idealistic to have a clue.

Guess what?

There are other reason that people choose to change employment. Transitioning is not bad. But the moral of the story is, be sure you have a good answer to the question: "So JoBeth (or Jim-Bob), tell me. Why did you leave X company (and Y company and Z company)?"

Repeat After Me

August 03, 1998

There are plenty of jobs. All I have to do is choose one.

Last June, Newsweek reported that there were "121.8 million jobs in America--more than ever before." This is good news. You are wanted. Even better, you are desperately wanted which makes the employment market a job hunter's paradise.

This is true for just about everyone. Techies, skilled trade workers, business folks, even hamburg flipping gurus. So, take advantage.

If you're already employed and are happy where you are, by all means stay. If you're in a valuable position, and honestly believe you're worth more than you're getting, ask. Some businesses are in the unenviable position of needing to accommodate some of their employees who request raises or perks, just to keep them on.

If you're hunting, remember that you're wanted. If not at this particular job, then certainly at another. When the offer(s) come, consider negotiating your compensation package. The company offers you the job for a reason--they want what you can do. If you further highlight this reason, and can specifically indicate how your unique skills are a splendid match to the job you're being offered, you may remind the employer that you're worth perhaps more than they originally thought.

Hold your own. Salary negotiations are rather tough and make many of us feel a bit egotistical or awkward. But try not to succumb to being the first to name a salary figure. One of our very favorite negotiating lines comes from Noel Smith-Wenkle, who suggests you say:

"I am much more interested in doing (type of work) here at (name of company) than I am in the size of the initial offer."

Sure, if you're interested in the position, let the employer know. Everyone wants someone who's enthusiastic. At the same time, leave room to negotiate, to find out more about them and what you're worth.

Part Time Creativity

August 02, 1998

Are you a creative soul who wants nothing more than to do your thing? Are you having trouble trying to do it?

Well, think about this.

As downsizing and outsourcing become more and more the way of corporate life, the demand for contract and freelance work rockets. Just look at the number of sites dedicated to showcasing the talents of the creatives.

Forget about the 9 - 5 routine. Forget about the wardrobe you've amassed for casual Fridays and power meetings. Check out the freelance sites. Splash your name around.

Creative Freelancers offers free listings for freelance designers, illustrators, writers, editors, and photographers. And, although it takes quite a while to load, their gallery is a place to put your portfolio on line.

Contract Employment Weekly lets non-subscribers browse through about a quarter of their constantly updated 3,000+ contract job listings. There are technical and non-technical opportunities. There's also a terrific marketing ploy. CEW brings up the number of jobs you can access that match your keyword search and tells you how many other jobs you cold have seen if you were a subscriber to their service.

Computer Industry Contract Professionals doesn't let you post your resume yet, but it does offer information and a forum of exchange for individuals interested in contract technical work.

If you're in the Boston area, try Camridge Publications who usually need freelance designers, writers, and HTML experts.

And, of course, there's Net-Temps, which offers a wide selection of contract and permanent positions.