Happy New Year … think I am crazy?

“If every day is an awakening, you will never grow old. You will just keep growing’. – Gail Sheehy

“Okay – you may be saying what gives Moran”?

I have shared my thoughts about new beginnings as Labor Day approaches the last few years , and I want to do this again because it is so important.

I am one that believes that there are two New Year’s celebrations of the year – the calendar New Year January 1st, and Labor Day – a day that opens new beginnings and a return to “doing business.

I find that as we pass that big day on the calendar, I hear from more and more professionals who have been on the sidelines for the summer and are now ready to engage to change their situation and begin their move. It is the time of the year when I often pose the question, and will pose it to you as we enter this new season of life:

Are you just “working” – or achieving leadership in your career?

This is a tough question to answer, and makes many feel uncomfortable.  The day-to-day of your job or your business consumes you and often doesn’t provide the time for you to pause and reflect on where you have been,  and most important, where one are going in career. In today’s employment market, it is critical that you put yourself first and not just work – but actively manage your career. Think of yourself as the CEO of your own company – You, Inc. This is the reality of today. It is about managing your career, not simply working.

To better understand what career management is, the following description accurately describes what career management is and is not. The last line is so important:

“The ability to actively manage one’s work life, make choices and career decisions in a rapidly changing environment.  It is accepting responsibility for the strategic and proactive management of your career and being career-resilient and in control your own career actions and satisfaction. Career management is not job hunting – job hunting results when one does not manage their career.

The trend continued. I continue to see  a significant increase in the number of professionals, executives and lately business owners who are not looking for a job, but rather seeking help with outlining and managing a career plan. They are looking at alternative strategies – the “three-legged stool”, employedpreneur, virtual work engagements, etc. There are soooo…  many opportunities.

47% of the working population is reevaluating their career direction –  71% are disengaged to their work - Do you have a plan?

Developing a career management plan is an essential tool as you navigate your way through opportunities and challenges. It is becoming bigger – a career management plan is becoming more of a life plan.

The key – it must be specific, measurable and hold you accountable. The plan outlines your goals and establishes planned and measured actions. For example, it could be as simple as:

• Work with specialist to update resume 1/1/00 and 7/1/00 and update career journal

• Determine, with a professional, if I am right to be in my own business and drive my own destiny by 10/31/11. Determine, once and for all, my career direction which will feed my life direction.

• Attend one networking event and establish three contacts monthly

• Meet with career specialists twice yearly to discuss plan, strategy and opportunities.

• Passively monitor job activity in my chosen profession

Some of my clients will not be pursuing a new job or business opportunity for 1 – 2 – 3 or more years, but they are planning now, creating a career journal (accomplishments, successes, what you learned and of course, what didn’t work) and using me as their guide and face to the market, so to speak. They are truly in control of their greatest personal economic resource – their business or their job.

 Determine to take control and be in control of your career. It is truly a life change you will never forget.

Happy New “Second” Year!

 And thank you for reading this. – Dan

Dan Moran

President & Founder

Next-Act, Division of DVG, Inc.

Career Management & Transition Specialists

Corporate Management Services

Celebrating 25 years providing career & corporate management services in 2013!

125 Wolf Road, Suite #128

Albany, NY 12205

Phone: 518-641-8968  dmoran@next-act.com

Job Market Report - Enjoy the weekend --

Job Market Remains Flat But At  Strong Levels – Labor Day Holiday will affect market

(Albany, NY,  August 28, 2013) –  As the Region approaches the Labor Day holiday, job postings are down very little in the capital region, across the State and even up slightly nationally. “ The holiday will tend to put a damper on hiring activity for a week or so – but all indications are that the Fall will be very, very strong for jobs. Forecast from all sources are consistent – employers will hire more employees in the second half of 2013 – now – that in the first half. Jobs are abundant in all sectors in our region as well,  stated Dan Moran, of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie.

Job postings the past seven days were 1830 compared to 1990 the week before – a very little change. “Our market is still showing consistency and strength”.

Other markets in NYS posted similar slightly-lower results.  The Capital Region continues to still outpace Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, all larger markets with more employers and population.  

One Trend Causing Concern – More Hires are Part-Time vs. Full Time

In many markets in the nation (not necessarily the Capital Region), a significant percentage of hiring has been for part-time  jobs. “It appears that companies are filling what were full-time jobs with part time workers and analysts feel this is the result of potentially significantly higher costs of health insurance as the result of the Affordable Health Care Program. Part-time workers are exempt from the requirement to provide health insurance and therefore, protects a company from this cost which is still an unknown.  “This trend will likely continue until employers know the full cost of mandated health insurance”.

National Job Scene

On the national level, job postings were up very at about 564,000  compared to 563,000 the week.  

About Next-Act

Next-Act, a division of DVG, Inc. is a career management & transition firm directed by Dan Moran, the Founder & President of the firm. Moran contributes over thirty years experience in career consulting, business and human resources management. In 2013, his firm will celebrate 25 years in business. Moran is noted for his expertise in helping today’s “boomers” move on to fulfilling second careers, while helping executives and professionals achieve their career goals. The firm also provides human resources consulting and corporate services to companies. Moran is also a certified facilitator for C.J. Hayden’s Get Clients Now! &  Get Hired Now! programs.

Dan Moran

President & Founder

Next-Act:

Career Management & Transition Specialists

Corporate Management Services

Celebrating 25 years providing career & corporate management services in 2013!

125 Wolf Road, Suite #128

Albany, NY 12205

Phone: 518-641-8968

eFax: 586-279-4212

   

dmoran@next-act.com

Visit the Assessment Center: next-act.com/assessment-center.cfm

Manage Performance & Achievement: next-act.com/prescriptive-performance-analysis.cfm

40’s – 50’s – 60’s – Don’t Know What to do next? Lost that passion?

“If there is no passion in your life, then have you really lived? Find your passion, whatever it may be. Become it, and let it become you and you will find great things happen FOR you, TO you and BECAUSE of you”. – Alan Armstrong

If you have passion for what you do, your day will not seem like work at all. Sadly, most do not and we have a sort of epidemic in our nation today – an epidemic of a disengaged workforce who are not passionate about the work they do. In fact, recent studies point to 71% of workers being not engaged in the work they perform, and therefore, not happy in their career.

At the same time, the job market is changing.  People are now faced with making career choice decisions that their parents never were faced with. It is referred to as re-careering or more simply, making a late –career-stage change. For some, this strikes fear – but it should not.

Re-careering is really a new buzz word for career change. What’s different is the type of careers people are opting for, the number of career changes one undergoes, the process and the "new terms" people want to work with -- their own terms this time.

Oftentimes re-careering is connected to baby boomers who seek new work options after a successful career in a job or industry. Other times we hear of people who have spent 10-15-20 years in one job and just want a new and complete change. Some have owned businesses and sold or closed them, and seek a new opportunity.

Still others are faced with a career “defining moment” – their industry is impacted by changing or advancing technology, competition, corporate downsizing or other career-defining moments (when one’s career direction or job undergoes change --  normally not on their terms). For others, a career-defining moment may be changes in their company, their relationship to their boss or a change in their lifestyle (elder care needs, physical requirements et al).
Many others just lose their passion in what they have been doing. What was fulfilling is no longer. The job becomes work – not delivering value any longer. When devoid of passion for what you do, you go through the motions – growth stops.

Changing Generations
Older generations likely worked in one job or industry for their entire career and then retired. Changing careers was frowned upon. When I told my father-in-law that I was leaving my job to open my own business -- with no income or clients -- he thought I was nuts (he did come around and was so helpful and supportive).

The millenniums, X, Y, and boomer generations are different. We will change-it-up when feeling discontented, bored or "been there, done that.” It is not unusual to undergo two-three-four re-careers -- or reinventions over the course of one’s  working life. We seek work that is on our terms -- that provides the right setting,  interaction with people, rewards and opportunities that fit interests, personality and values.

It has been said many times and is so true -- people fail in jobs or careers not because they cannot do the job, but rather, the job or career just doesn't "fit" them (more about fit further on). If you are feeling this way, it is time to re-career and reinvent yourself.

Taking the first step toward Re-Careering
Once you have made the decision to seek a new direction and change (the most difficult hurdle as most people are fearful of failing in a new career --- and that can be immobilizing) you are ready for the first step and seeking the answer to the most difficult question:

What do I want to do next, or
What do I want to be when I “grow up” …

This is the most difficult step -- discovering what you want to do next in your career, and many turn to career transition specialists to help with this critical assessment. Others opt to do it on their own using web-based sources or other tools.

Successful career matching is found by evaluating four factors: Personality, Interest, Temperament and of course, Reality of your situation which includes skills, education, income requirements, geography etc. With an understanding of the four critical factors, you can be matched against successful career profiles to find the ideal matches that “fit” you. You may have heard in the past “square peg in a round hole” when describing a co-worker or someone that just didn’t make it in a job. It’s not that they were a bad person – they just didn’t fit the job, career or maybe the company.

Follow you passion
But that is just the beginning – discovering what you are passionate about is just as critical. You may be passionate about helping others – or giving back to the community – or want to turn a hobby or interest into a career --- follow your passion and truly enjoy what you do. It has been said many times – if you follow your passion, you will never “work” another day in your life.

Do not fear re-careering or career change. Embrace it as a new beginning and new opportunity to do what you want, on your terms and for your benefit. It’s not selfish – it is just the right thing to do for yourself, your family and those you associate with.

Change it up! Find your passion! And thank you for reading this. - Dan
Dan Moran
President & Founder
Next-Act
Career Management & Transition Specialists
125 Wolf Road, Suite #128
Albany, NY 12205
Cell: 518-641-8968
eFax: 586-279-4212
dmoran@next-act.com

Job Market Report August 22, 2013 - Still looking good!

August 21, 2013

Job Market Flat Past Seven Days Showing Strength and Consistency

(Albany, NY,  August 21, 2013) –  Job postings continued to hold at the highest levels we have seen in quite some time, and analysts agree – this is good. “As I have repeated, consistency is the key – we are holding at higher number of jobs than in recent years, indicating strength in the market and employer confidence – and that is huge!. This is on the heels of a NYS Dept. of Labor report indicating that unemployment was down in all regions of the state indicating that the recovery continues”, stated Dan Moran, of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie.

Job postings the past seven days were 1990 compared to 1980 the week before – hardly a difference. “ On a day-to-day basis, the Region is producing over 2,000 jobs – and in all sectors it appears. In addition, the public sector has curtailed cutting jobs and the public sector continues to add jobs at a strong pace”.

Other markets in NYS posted similar results.  The Capital Region continues to still outpace Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, all larger markets with more employers and population.  

National Job Scene

On the national level, job postings were down slightly at 553,000 compared to 561,000 the week before, up slightly.

About Next-Act

Next-Act, a division of DVG, Inc. is a career management & transition firm directed by Dan Moran, the Founder & President of the firm. Moran contributes over thirty years experience in career consulting, business and human resources management. In 2013, his firm will celebrate 25 years in business. Moran is noted for his expertise in helping today’s “boomers” move on to fulfilling second careers, while helping executives and professionals achieve their career goals. The firm also provides human resources consulting and corporate services to companies. Moran is also a certified facilitator for C.J. Hayden’s Get Clients Now! &  Get Hired Now! programs.

Dan Moran

President & Founder

Next-Act:

Career Management & Transition Specialists

Corporate Management Services

Celebrating 25 years providing career & corporate management services in 2013!

125 Wolf Road, Suite #128

Albany, NY 12205

Phone: 518-641-8968

eFax: 586-279-4212

   

dmoran@next-act.com

Visit the Assessment Center: next-act.com/assessment-center.cfm

Manage Performance & Achievement: next-act.com/prescriptive-performance-analysis.cfm

It is Okay to Make Mistakes in your career – in fact, it is good!

“Take risks: if you win, you will be happy; if you lose, you will be wise.” –Author Unknown
People go to all lengths to avoid making a mistake as they feel that mistakes are weakness and can be devastating. As a result, they live in a world of caution and oftentimes, that can zap growth and development. I see it in my practice all the time and work with companies whose employees don’t innovate due to fear of making a mistake.

Here is the real truth: Everyone makes mistakes. The real key to success is making good on a mistake you made, or being watchful to the pitfalls you can avoid. You learn from each mistake you make and hopefully you do not do it again!

In your job, there can be mistakes one can make that can be termed career-killers. The real career-killers – mistakes that can cause you to disconnect from a job or having your boss ask you to leave include the following:

Not accepting responsibility
When you make a mistake in your work, fess up to it – accept responsibility. In his book on leadership Good to Great, (http://www.jimcollins.com/article_topics/articles/good-to-great.html) Jim Collins identifies a key traits: When in the face of crisis when a mistake has been made, followers look for someone to blame; leaders look in the mirror and accept responsibility.

Not being a team player
No one likes a prima donna who is just focused on me – me – me. Being a team player, and contributing to joint efforts will help one define their success. Demonstrate that you’ve got the greater good of the organization at heart.

Working with a fear of failure
Many work every day doing the same thing over and over. They appear not to believe in themselves. If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will. Instead of saying, “I’ve never done that try  “I’ll learn how.” Find learning opportunities in every situation.  Consistently being risk-averse can be more hazardous to your career than making mistakes and learning from them.

Undermining people or the company
Talking behind the backs of others, undermining  managers or the company, discussing a confidential matters, or  spreading gossip.   Not only will you find yourself isolated, but others will not trust you and when  not trusted, your growth stops. Don’t engage others in  inappropriate discussions. While there is such a thing as free speech, it’s not so free if it costs you your job!

Being disrespectful
Being disrespectful to others – treating everyone as  you would expect to be treated – is important.  Being condescending to others, pretentious or making someone feel like they aren’t good enough is so damaging to all. There is no place in a job for yelling or calling someone out in front of others.

Being one of the “walking dead”,  without goals
You know them – the people who just come to work every day, do the bare minimum and simply collect a paycheck. They get by for awhile, but when business conditions require cost cutting, guess who’s the first to go. Always work with a set of goals – long and short term.  Talk your goals over with your manager.

My son, Greg Moran, CEO of Chequed.com (www.chequed.com) wrote a book a few years back, Hire, Fire, and the Walking Dead: A Leader’s Guide to Recruiting the Best (http://www.amazon.com/Hire-Fire-Walking-Dead-Recruiting/dp/0832950017) is which he discusses the “walking dead” .They are the ones that show up to work every day but do not seem to accomplish anything or be engaged in their work. They are there – partially – and having  people in a company who are the walking dead hurts productivity, morale of other employees and eventually customers. He refers to them as the George Constanza’s (Seinfeld character) of the workplace.

Checking your people skills at the door
Researchers found that if employees are disliked, it’s almost irrelevant whether they’re good at what they do, because other workers will avoid them. Go out of your way to communicate, establish strong working relationship with others, smile and be engaging with others, it will work wonders for you. Developing and applying effective people skills can offset shortcomings in other areas as well!

Make mistakes. Learn from them. Don’t wallow in pity when you mess up – accept, learn and move on. Mistakes along the way are on the path to greatness and personal achievement.

And thank you for reading this. – Dan

Job Market Report Auguest 14 2013 - and it is still very strong!

August 14, 2013

Job Market Flat Past Seven Days Showing Strength and Consistency

(Albany, NY,  August 14, 2013) –  Job postings were flat this past seven days leveling at higher levels than seen in quite some time and after seven-day increases of 11% and 23% in recent weeks, all good signs that the rebound is holding steam in the 3^rd quarter. “Consistency is key. When you see weeks of ups and downs in job trends, that indicates uncertainty on employers part. However, we are not seeing this – we are seeing the opposite  - consistent results at levels higher than anytime this year for sure.  This is great news for those in the job market seeking jobs, and those considering entering the job market. The time is ripe now”,”  stated Dan Moran, of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie.

Job postings the past seven days were 1980 compared to 1990 the week before.

Moran continued, “We we are seeing is more people looking for new jobs and careers than ever before. As reported in recent surveys, job engagement – a number that reflects what percentage of the working population were pleased with their current job or career and feel that they are productive is at all time lows. Over 70% (71% to be exact) of those  working are not happy with what they do and do not feel engaged in their job. That is devastating to companies as they can expect significant turnover – people leaving jobs for new roles – in the short term.

Other markets in NYS were down a bit as well.   The Capital Region continues to still outpace Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, all larger markets with more employers and population.  

National Job Scene

On the national level, job postings were down slightly at 553,000 compared to 535,000 the week before, up very slightly.

About Next-Act

Next-Act, a division of DVG, Inc. is a career management & transition firm directed by Dan Moran, the Founder & President of the firm. Moran contributes over thirty years experience in career consulting, business and human resources management. In 2013, his firm will celebrate 25 years in business. Moran is noted for his expertise in helping today’s “boomers” move on to fulfilling second careers, while helping executives and professionals achieve their career goals. The firm also provides human resources consulting and corporate services to companies. Moran is also a certified facilitator for C.J. Hayden’s Get Clients Now! &  Get Hired Now! programs.

Dan Moran

President & Founder

Next-Act:

Career Management & Transition Specialists

Corporate Management Services

Celebrating 25 years providing career & corporate management services in 2013!

125 Wolf Road, Suite #128

Albany, NY 12205

Phone: 518-641-8968

eFax: 586-279-4212

   

dmoran@next-act.com

Visit the Assessment Center: next-act.com/assessment-center.cfm

Manage Performance & Achievement: next-act.com/prescriptive-performance-analysis.cfm