Career Planning | Mike McRitchie | Resume and LinkedIn Profile Writer | Telecom Marketing Content Writer

Working Remotely: Tips for Staying Focused and Motivated

January 30, 2022 by Diana Smith Leave a Comment

Staying focused on work can sometimes be challenging. That’s especially true when your home becomes your office and you go from being surrounded by your superiors every day, to having the comfort of your home at your disposal 24/7. Resisting the urge to chill and procrastinate for another hour seems like the biggest struggle, but fortunately, we have a few tips, which will help you stay focused on work and motivated every day.

Create a morning routine

No task will seem unachievable when you have a clear goal and an even clearer path to achieving that goal. One of the best recipes to success is creating a morning routine that will allow you to wake up, freshen up and start your working day fully invigorated. Instead of showering in the evening, consider having a quick shower upon getting out of bed. Follow the shower with a deliciously nutritious breakfast filled with proteins and vitamins that will keep you up. A cup of coffee is always a must to improve your focus, and feel free to include a morning ritual in there, as well. Create a pleasant morning for yourself, so that you can look forward to what follows.

Dress for success

We know that sweatpants, joggers and PJs sound like the best option for at-home work. However, those won’t make you feel like you’re on a mission to accomplish something great. Just because the interior is different doesn’t have to mean your exterior needs to change as well. So, make sure you dress up for work every day as you would if you were heading into the office. Put on office-appropriate make-up because you never know if a last-minute Zoom call will come your way. Not only will dressing up keep you motivated, but it will also bring extra points with your bosses who will see you as a professional employee who’s always in their full working mode.

Stay active at home

Physical activity is one of the best energizers. Making sure you continue with your regular exercises even when working from home is paramount to keep you focused and on top of your schedule. Pick up your leggings, your trainers and head out for a morning jog before your breakfast. Always make sure you invest in premium-quality leggings that will make every workout comfortable and enjoyable. Don’t forget to bring your bottle of water that will hydrate you and allow you to give your maximum energy during a workout.

Declutter digitally and physically

Spending more time at home than before can turn your house into a hoarder’s nest in a blink of an eye. If you’re seeing papers, files, empty snack packaging and bottles everywhere, it’s no wonder you lack motivation. The only solution to this problem is decluttering. Sort all the mess, throw away stuff that you don’t need and create a neat and tidy working environment just like you’d have in your office. Aside from physical clutter, a digital mess can also pose a huge threat to your motivation and focus. How many files do you have on your computer desktop? Are they sorted in any particular way or scattered without any meaning? Create folders for them, store them accordingly and delete if you find any unnecessary files.

Plan out your day with a schedule

A well set out plan is half a work done. So, invest in a quality planner, be it physical or digital. Note down all of your tasks for the day and plan out specific times to do them at. If possible, set a timeline for every task, so your day can be as efficient as possible. To-do lists are also very useful, allowing you to tick off each task as you complete it.

Reward yourself for a job well done

Nothing will motivate you as much as a reward will. In the end, your salary motivates you to perform your job well, so why not offer yourself minor rewards throughout the day to keep you motivated all the time. Whether you decide to go for a walk, watch an episode of your favourite tv show or sit and listen to a podcast, opt for a reward that you’ll give yourself once you have accomplished all the tasks for the day.

Staying focused and motivated won’t always be easy, but with proper guidance and enough of your determination, you will do it well. Make sure you have our tips in mind the next time you start your working week, and we guarantee your motivation and focus will be at their highest.

The Diverse Career Options in the Funeral Industry

January 28, 2022 by Contributed Post Leave a Comment

Image – CC0 License

When you are looking at career options, a lot of people don’t think of the funeral industry as one with a number of great career progressions. Ultimately, the subject matter is something that stops most of us from ever going down this route. However, the funeral industry is a dynamic and constantly changing one, making approximately $20.7 billion per year, and there are many career opportunities. If you are looking to build a business and get it noticed in this industry, there are a number of career opportunities that you could utilize.

Funeral Director

The funeral director is someone who oversees every aspect of the funeral home. The typical funeral director will be in charge of every aspect, from speaking with the bereaved and arranging the service to arranging the practical aspects, such as the hearse and church trucks. A funeral director is someone who has to be incredibly dynamic as they are dealing with all different types of people in particularly vulnerable positions. The goal of the funeral director is to bring the deceased’s memory to life through the service.

Ceremonialist

Also known as celebrants, these are people who work with the bereaved to make sure the departed has a worthy celebration. The role of a celebrant is, in many ways, a creative one. They will first meet with the people to plan the ceremony and will organize a rehearsal before the event, and usually lead the ceremony on the day. There are also additional administrative procedures. Celebrants are almost like the director of an event, who offers practical advice on a number of things, such as music and venues, and they can also help to write tributes or readings. Additionally, it can involve marketing the business to attract clients. This is a role that is, naturally, quite diverse. And this is a great option for people who want to be self-employed.

Other Roles Within the Industry

It’s also important to remember that it’s not just about the obvious roles, but there are many other types of roles that you could fulfill, which include some of the following:

Embalmer

An embalmer is someone who provides embalming services to funeral homes. This is a process where you preserve the human remains by treating them with chemicals. Some embalmers work for funeral homes, while others offer their independent services.

Pathology Technician

These are people who prepare specimens for examination in morgues and hospital settings.

Crematorium Technician

These are people who prepare the remains for cremation, perform the cremation, and arrange for the disposal of the ashes.

Funeral Supplier Salesperson

There is also the other side of the equation where funeral supply providers offer a number of essential items, such as limousines, hearses, caskets, and chemicals.

Working within the funeral industry is not a normal job, but it’s important to remember that you are the person that is dealing with a very sensitive subject matter. If you have empathy, sympathy, a caring nature, while also delivering amazing customer service, there are numerous career options for you within this industry.

How To Start A New Career When You Are Over 50

January 21, 2022 by Contributed Post Leave a Comment

Not everybody loves their job so, at a certain point in life, they need to make a change. That can happen anytime in a career including later in life. Others may be laid off and now need to start all over even past the age of 50. Although there is no good reason for it, finding a new career later in life is very challenging.

That isn’t to say that it is impossible. It will take more effort and determination, but luckily your life experience will help you navigate this tricky time of your life. In this article, we will go over what it takes to change careers when you are older.

Know your rights

Although there are sometimes big age gaps in some companies such as software houses, this shouldn’t affect your ability to get a job in an industry you specialize in. In fact, age discrimination is illegal.

If a company doesn’t have a better candidate than you then they can’t deny you the job based on your age. Your age should be able to help you get the job in a perfect world since you are bringing a lot of experience and knowledge to the team.

When you are faced with a challenge from a younger candidate that has fewer education credentials and a lack of experience in the field, you should be a no-brainer for the job. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work that way. If you feel that you are having trouble getting a foot in the door then you should call one of the many employment attorneys Indianapolis has to offer if that is where you live.

Find the right fit

One of the biggest benefits to looking for a new career later on in life is it gives you the opportunity to do something you’ve always wanted to do. Early on in your working life, you may have taken on a job you didn’t want due to financial pressures or lack of other opportunities. Often, a dream job stays just that. A dream.

Now that you are available and at a different point in your life, you can go for that job that you’ve always wanted and find more fulfillment in your work than you previously had.

You can focus on a job that has something to do with your passions or even a hobby. Your life experience may have set you up for a different career that you can now thrive in and is a better fit than what you were doing previously.

Update your education

A lot has changed since you were in college so it makes sense that you would have to take some refreshers even if you are staying within your chosen field. There may be some certificates that you should have that will look great on a resume especially given your experience and knowledge about the job. It may even involve getting another degree.

Not only will you acquire valuable and up to date knowledge, but you are also showing an employer that you aren’t looking to rest on your laurels. It will demonstrate that you are an eager lifelong learner and will be adaptable when the situation calls for it.

How to Get Over Impostor Syndrome

January 20, 2022 by Guest Post Leave a Comment

Do you ever feel like you’re in over your head in the workplace? You might be suffering from impostor syndrome, and it’s important to know how to get over this feeling. Impostor syndrome is a psychological phenomenon where people are unable to internalize their accomplishments, which leads them to believe they are not qualified for specific positions or tasks.

Many people suffer from the impostor syndrome and not just those in high-stress jobs like doctors or lawyers. Anyone can be affected by this feeling of inadequacy. Many famous figures have felt the effects of impostor syndrome as well: Maya Angelou once said that “I’ve written eleven books, but each time I think, ‘Uh oh, they’re going to find out now. I’ve run a game on everybody, and they’re going to find me out”.

It’s important not to let these feelings get you down during your workday! And if you do happen to feel unworthy, there are many steps you can take to overcome these feelings.

Keep reading to find out how. The symptoms of impostor syndrome include:

Feeling Like a Fake or Fraud When Success Happens

Fear that your accomplishments will make people think less of you in the future – Anxiety over making mistakes because they’ll prove how much of an “impostor” you are – Doubt that you’re as good at your job as everyone says (even though there is evidence, like all those awards on your wall)

Not Being Able to Accept Compliments

Being completely uncomfortable receiving praise from others for fear they don’t actually believe their words might not seem so bad now, but these feelings aren’t just annoying; they affect many areas of our lives, such as relationships and work.

What Can You Do About It?

Those with impostor syndrome are good at looking for flaws in their own performance, which is why it’s important to focus on what went well – not just the mistakes that were made.

Positive Self-Talk

Reward yourself when you’ve done something well or learned a new skill, and keep track of your achievements! Remind yourself who got you where you are today by naming all those people who have helped support and encourage you along the way. It might sound cheesy but positive affirmations could also help boost self-esteem. Avoid negative self-talk and think happy thoughts.

Write it Down

Write down three things about yourself that make you proud every day until they sink in. Keep this list somewhere accessible so if ever you feel like an impostor, take a look back at these reminders.

Don’t Compare Yourself to Others at Work

That’s not your job. Be confident in the skills you do have, and don’t be afraid of asking for help when necessary! Don’t put so much pressure on yourself; impostor syndrome is often worse than the situation itself, which can lead us to avoid important problems or challenges altogether.

Don’t Stress the Small Stuff

You might feel like you need to be the best at everything but remember, nobody is perfect. It’s better to focus on doing your job well than worrying about what other people are thinking of you – it doesn’t matter if they think you’re an impostor or not. When big or small mistakes happen, learn from them and move on.

Keep Up the Hard Work

Be proud of your accomplishments, and remember that you deserve to be where you are. You might doubt yourself but the only way to overcome these feelings is by challenging them head-on. It takes courage to face your fears, so don’t give up.

Recognize Your Own Abilities

You might feel like an impostor, but you’re also a hard worker, determined and creative. Focus on the positive things about yourself instead of your downfalls; it’s time to own what makes you great!

Keep Good Company

Surround yourself with people who believe in you and want to see you succeed. If they have a positive attitude, it’s likely that their words will quickly become your own!

Bonus Tip: Create Your Own Success Plan

If the impostor syndrome keeps popping up when you’re trying out something new, create a plan of action with specific steps on how to achieve what you want. This could help you feel more confident in your abilities and reassure you that your actions will get results.

Remember that Impostor Syndrome is Real… But so are You!

It’s very easy to let impostor syndrome get the best of us, but when you acknowledge it, work through it, and find ways to cope with this feeling – you might just come out stronger than ever before.

When it comes down to it, these feelings are completely normal, but they’re only temporary if we know how to manage them. Avoid comparing yourself to other people in similar positions who seem more confident. Not everyone’s path is the same, so that it might take longer for some than others – but that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve the success that comes your way.

If you’re lucky enough to have a great role model or mentor, then work with them and take advantage of their experience and expertise so they can help build up those areas where you feel like an impostor too.

Working with others who share similar qualities as you help boost self-esteem and build a more supportive network.

Even though it might be hard, don’t give up because the benefits of overcoming impostor syndrome far outweigh any small sacrifices you have to make along the way.

The key is to recognize that everyone has moments where they feel like an impostor, so focus on what matters – your work – and keep pushing forward. No one knows everything there is about their career or has all of the answers. Everyone has doubts sometimes. So next time you feel like an impostor, just take a step back and remind yourself that this feeling will pass with time.

Author Bio:

Adam Bielanski is the CEO of Sierra Pacific Group, who puts the “Vision” back in Visionary – Shaping today’s business leaders for tomorrow’s technology business. If you’re ready to start becoming an effective business leader, then connect with him on LinkedIn.

Get What Is Yours At Work

January 20, 2022 by Contributed Post Leave a Comment

Not everyone has a naturally fierce streak; some people are not prepared to push for what they want, which can mentally affect them.

Often if it happens in the workplace, it happens outside of the workplace. It might be things like your food order being wrong; it might be too worried to get a medical malpractice attorney – or letting everyone out at a junction.

It is not a bad thing to have a calmer soul that isn’t ready to get into fights and arguments all the time.

Standing up for yourself takes many forms, but sometimes it can leave you feeling liberated and joyful. And sometimes, it is the only way to make sure we get the recognition and reward we deserve.

Photo by Michael Dziedzic on Unsplash

You got You

You know in the movies, where someone will say, ‘I got your back.’ Well, in this instance, you need to have your own back. You need to get into the frame of mind that you are your own biggest advocate.

Only you can truly decide if you are being treated in a way that shows respect and makes you feel valued.

It is no one else’s role to stand up for you but your own. So, when something needs to be done – do it for you.

Is it right?

From time to time, we get het up about something that doesn’t really matter – and in that instance, it can be better to just let it go. You don’t need to argue about everything, and you need to consider if standing up for yourself right now is the most beneficial thing.

However, even if it is something small, if you feel like it will make a difference to you and how you feel, it is essential you do it.

Be intentional and tactful no matter the subject matter you are addressing.

Boundaries

You might not realize what your boundaries are until someone breaks them. This can be a very upsetting moment, but it makes it more important to think about what is and is not acceptable to you.

Setting boundaries early on can be beneficial, but it is better late than never. When you already have limitations, and people are aware of them – this can help prevent a lot of work from you.

When people know what you won’t accept, they are unlikely to force you to call them out in order to get what you are owed.

Self Depreciation

Many people do when trying to achieve something in a tricky situation, belittling themselves. Or make themselves appear smaller or less important. Doing so can give the other people/people the wrong impression – meaning they are less likely to take your request seriously.

Try to speak with conviction, and avoid self-depreciation.

Confidence is one of the most important aspects of getting what you want in your work environment. It is vital that you know and understand your value and how this benefits the company. So when you ask for what you deserve, you can do so with conviction.
Building confidence is a process, and here are 6 Tips For Finding Confidence in Your Workplace | Mike McRitchie | Resume and LinkedIn Profile Writer | Telecom Content Writer