Career Lessons from Gen Y

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Gen Y is definitely a generation to be reckoned with.  We are told their generation will fundamental change the way the work world operates.  I believe it.

I came across this article in the New York Times in Dec 2010 called “No Jobs – Young Graduates Make Their Own” – which talks about how young graduates (Gen Y) who couldn’t find work after they graduated started their own companies on shoestring start-up capital.  Some succeeded and some failed but all learned important lessons about how to drive their own destiny and careers. ...  read more

Inspiration for the New Year

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Welcome to 2011!   I wanted to share with you a piece of paper I have had on my fridge for the last 5 years.  It’s an interview by Oprah of Maya Angelou on her 70+ birthday.  This interview happened a decade ago but Maya Angelou’s words seem timeless.  In case you have not read it,  I hope you find as much inspiration and perspective from it as I do. ...  read more

Play to your strength

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It’s the season to be thankful.  As we wrap up 2010, it is important to look back and take stock of all that happened this year.  There may have been both ups and downs but what is really important is what I have learned from them.

  • I learned that it takes patience to achieve anything.  The closer I am to finishing something, the more patient I need to be.
  • I learned that self-doubt is natural and human.  We all experience them at times.  The key is not to eliminate them as that’s impossible.  The key is to ignore them and keep going
  • I learned that I feel anxious whenever I don’t have enough to do.  Learning how to relax and do nothing is a skill
  • I learned that it’s important to do something totally creative to completely de-stress the analytical mind.  For me, I go salsa dancing every week to unwind
  • I learned to take action on the things I can change and communicate and then let go of the things I cannot change
  • I learned to achieve our dreams, I first must be super clear on what it looks like in every detailed aspect.
  • Most of all, I learned to embrace the ups and downs in life.  They are inevitable and unpredictable.  If I want my life only to go upwards, then I would be in constant fear of unexpected changes.  But if I expected a roller coaster in life, then I can  enjoy every part of the ride.

If this has been a rough year for you, don’t beat yourself up any further.   That perspective will not give you re-newed energy in the new year.   We are all human and therefore imperfect.  We are meant to have challenges in life so that we can grow stronger. ...  read more

What Not to Do with Resumes

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A friend sent me two articles last week that I wanted to share.  After reading them, I want to share some advice for what NOT to do with resumes.

First article is called “Linkedin – Top 10 resume words to avoid”. According to Linked-in, the following are the top-10 most overused terms.   I did a quick check of my resume and found that I am using 3 of the 10 terms listed. ...  read more

What do you want to be when you “grow up”?

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If you ask a kid, you will hear enthusiastic answers such as nurse, teacher, fireman, astronaut, doctor etc…   What about now, do you still ask yourself this question?   If not, why not?   We may be “grown ups,” but most of us don’t know the answer to this question as clearly as we use to as a kid.  I believe everyone should ask themselves this question at least once every two years. ...  read more