The vision of an ideal career is often revealed gradually, over time.  For years, the entrepreneur in today’s story only knew that she wanted to do something on her own one day.  It was the activity of planning her 10-year class reunion that brought specificity to her vision.  The lesson here?  Don’t discount the significance of your intentions, even when unspecific.  That underlying intention (do something on my own, do something with children, do something with the arts, etc.) may be just the thing that prepares you to recognize opportunity when it materializes. 

“Entrepreneur Follows Her Passion & Finds Ballooning Success.”

Here are some helpful guidelines for following up once you’ve applied for a job.  The most important thing to remember?  Do it!

“How To Follow Up On A Job Without Being Annoying.”

Not sure we’d call these job search “rules” but there are some good points to consider.  We still believe in the value of a well-crafted resume, however agree that networking to create opportunities is an essential strategy.  Creative approaches such as putting together a job proposal  could be the differentiator, though you’ll probably still need to have that resume in your pocket, since employers expect it.  Take a look for some smart tips on becoming someone who “knows the future” and positioning yourself as the “informed new guy”.

“How the Job Search Rules Are Different for Career Changers.”

by Kirsten Meneghello, Now What® Facilitator

One of the bravest things a person can do is make a dramatic career change while seemingly in the prime of their life.  Although the person might be outwardly successful in what he or she is doing, earning good money and enjoying the respect of colleagues, they know deep inside that it is time for a change.  But throwing it all away and starting over again?  This daunting task is never easy but is often incredibly rewarding.  I recently had the chance to talk to a good friend of mine who made such a leap, and his story is inspirational and a lesson in courage.

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Like necessity, boredom is often the mother of invention.  Such was the case for James Shields who, rather than remaining “bored to tears” was “bored to design”.  Initially just doodles on work papers, his designs took on more importance when he started paying attention to  them.  This fueled his desire to be in an environment where creativity was valued and to do what he enjoyed.  After being laid off from his corporate job, Shields made the decision to live off his art, eventually pursuing a childhood dream to create a coloring book for children where staying inside the lines wasn’t required.  Now calling himself a coloring book engineer, Shields was not only bored to design but also born to design!

If you are bored at your job, let that be the impetus to examine where your talents truly lie.  What would you like to design in your career and life? 

“Frustrated Painter Leaves Corporate America to Pursue Art Full-time.”

Today we bring you ten women from different professions who reflect on what they’ve learned about being successful.  Commenting on work-life balance, overcoming hurdles, and the importance of mentors, each has a unique perspective.  If youwere being interviewed for this article, what would you say is the most important thing you’ve learned from your own career about success and work-life balance?

“Career Advice from Successful Women.”

The women in these four stories are great examples of using what life gives you —even if it’s a “year of horribles” —to create something meaningful.  In each case, change came by starting out small and and letting one step lead to the next.

Is there an experience you’ve come through in your life which may be positioning you to make an impact for others?

“Reinvention: Crafting a More Fulfilling Job, With No Money Down”

When brothers Shep and Ian Murray started Vineyard Vines, a tie company based on Martha’s Vineyard, they were told it was a dumb idea.  When Rick Wetzel of Wetzel’s Pretzels decided to run with his wife’s idea to sell big, soft pretzels at the mall, he sold his Harley to raise funds.  The genesis of the Marshmallow Fun Company was a homemade toy that Kim and Beaver Raymond created for their son.  In today’s post, learn about the  humble beginnings of these and other companies that now net millions.  While there are many factors to consider before making the leap to start a business, stories like these remind us to humor ourselves a bit before we disregard what could be a fun and lucrative venture.

“People Who Quit Their Jobs and Made Millions.”

Earlier this year in The Answer May Be On The Prairie, Laura shared her aerial view image of the prairie town, where people made a living using their individual skills and talents.  She noted some striking similarities to the reinvention occurring in today’s workforce, which appear to be “leading people back to selling their wares and focusing on their skill set the way an artisan would”.

In today’s post, Adam Davidson shares his take on what he calls a revival of craft manufacturing.  He suggests we are entering an era of “hyperspecialization” in which it is possible for people to make a living “specializing in something they enjoy”.  Davidson also touches on the issue of happiness economics which examines factors other than income that impact well-being.

What are the factors that drive your happiness economics?

“Don’t Mock the Artisanal-Pickle Makers.”

Job hunting can feel intimidating at any age, even to an experienced career professional.  Yet once you get beyond those initial feelings of having to put yourself out there again, it can actually be freeing to realize that because your criteria is different at this stage of your life, that in turn frees up the possibilities.  Take a look at these examples and perhaps they’ll  generate some ideas for you.

“New Careers After 40 .”