The Questions of the Days

I recently I got yelled at by my one of my friends that I've been remiss in posting. Now I have a 25 year old and a 50-something on my case. (Sadly, they are right.)

I have spent a lot of time, though, talking with people about current issues. These conversations have been with college students, recent college graduates, some young in the business, some mid-career and people at my end of the spectrum. Common themes have emerged. 

Here are some of the questions with a high level answer to see if we can stir up some dialogs.

• Can I find the job I want in the city that I'd like to live? If the answer is yes, then you have a great Balanced Bits start. If not, then I would suggest that getting (or having) a job is far more important then being where you want to live. Learning to be happy where you are is a life skill for a person of any age. Find reasons to be happy, not upset.
• I'm in a job, but I'm still not in the career field that I want. Patience! It's good to know that you aren't where you want to be and that you have a vision, but by having a job you can more easily change jobs. Can you make that career change and stay at your current company? If not, have you spent enough time and built enough credibility so that you can make the shift? Turn up the networking!
• I'm in a job, but not in the location I want. See above.
• I'm not sure what job to pursue as many things interest me. Well, pick something. Pick something that ties to your prior experiences as it will make you a better candidate. You can pick more than one thing, but have different versions of your resume, etc. Please pick something to pursue that you believe will make you happy. You spend too many hours a day at work to be miserable. No time for patience here - be aggressive in finding that job. Use every connection you have to augment your job hunt.
• How do I break into a new business area and monetize my skills? Learn all you can about where you want to be. Networking is key. If it is appropriate, offer free services. Please don't think this answer is for recent college graduates thinking about internship. This is something I've done in my post-retirement life, too!

And let me add a final question: What is a balanced life? How about a life where you have a job that you like with enough income to support yourself along with a support structure of friends and/or family where you have the relationships you want and good personal time, too.

A cartoon in the most recent edition of "The New Yorker" magazine depicted two men sitting on a park bench. One says: "On the bright side, ever since the layoff and my divorce it's been much easier to balance work and family". 

Their cartoons seem to always be some of the best barometers of our social situations.

 

Comments

[edco]

Thank you Jon..
Yes, I did miss you..
ed

I didn't much "yell" as whine, did I ?

[senior living long island]

Most fresh graduates do not even think of retirement, most of them are focused on building good careers. While most middle aged workers, chances are they are starting to plan for the future.