Are you one of the 88 percent? …

“Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to take control of what you do have power over instead of craving control over what you don't.” - — Steve Maraboli

Working longer?

Working harder?

Working with less support?

Working with less resources?

You are one of the 88% of workers whose job responsibilities have changed as compared to three years ago. USA TODAY, in a survey (CEB Succession Management Survey of 23,000 senior leaders/managers), found that 88% of respondents reported that their job responsibilities have increased. 88% is very high, but not surprising. During the recession, many were asked to do more with less and often requiring:

More hours at work …

Less hours at home …

More duties and responsibilities …

And often – no more pay!

BTW, only 7% reported no change in their responsibilities or workload – the lucky 7%!

This is the way work is developing post-recession. People are asked to do more with less and no compensation appropriate to the increased responsibilities. And it won’t change anytime soon as companies are hiring only when absolutely necessary and will work their staff harder to stretch their payroll dollars. Is it wrong?  That is open to discussion. In my opinion, there is a limit – and we are at the brink of that limit. The limit is when personal lives are affected – families, community and health. They are the “biggies”: and when affected, one needs to ask – is it worth it? 

My suggestions …

If you are in this boat – don’t work from a point of fear:

• Talk to your boss – explain the situation you find yourself in, and ask for ideas to reduce the situation.
• Look to streamline the work you do – if acceptable to the company.
• Move on – yup, the big one. If worked like a dog, take your bone elsewhere. Pounding one to work, work, work is disrespectful. And as I have always said, if you are disrespected, move on – and fast!

You are in control …

And you cannot be controlled. You are the master of your universe. Remember that! You have the right and privilege rot say – enough already!

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 26 years providing career & corporate management services in

2014!

125 Wolf Road, Suite #128

Albany, NY 12205

Phone: 518-641-8968  

dmoran@next-act.com

Author: Accept-Commit-Permit: Three Essential Steps to Achieving Happiness &

Success in Career (and Life!) ... Exclusively at Amazon.com:

http://tinyurl.com/lluzsyd

Job Market Report - Feb 6 2014 - Still climbing but slowly ...

For Immediate Release

For Information: Dan Moran 518- 641-8968

Job Market Slightly Better Past Seven Days

(Albany, NY, February 5, 2014) The job market in the region, state and nationally rebounded a bit after an off week last week showing continued strength and employer confidence. “ We saw a very health run up a few weeks back and then a bit of flatness last week. This past seven days has seen the job market– measured by job postings which are a leading indicator of hiring – rebound this past week which is a good indicator of employer confidence and continuing plans to hire”, stated Dan Moran, President and Founder of Next–Act, a career transition management firm in Colonie. 

“If there is continued turmoil in the financial markets, we will need to watch this carefully as market turmoil usually results n a slowdown in hiring”. 

Job postings in the Capital Region were 1850, up  from 1775 the week prior. Other markets in NYS posted mixed results, especially in Metro NYC where the market dropped significantly. The Capital Region still outpaced Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse for jobs in the market and the Capital Region is much smaller in population and employment than other NYS markets.

National Job Market

Nationally the market was flat up very slightly from the week before. Postings were 599,000 up from 593,000 the week before. 

  

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

    

Join the “crowd”: The only way to control your destiny--be in it for yourself…

"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to success is more important than any other one thing." --Abraham Lincoln

Working for the “man”? Fed up with your boss? Just had it with the work rat race?

Fire yourself and be in business for yourself - a little bit at a time.

Huh? Yes, that’s the reaction of a group I spoke to recently when I brought this topic up. I got those looks like…

"… Okay Moran, what do you mean a little bit at a time? Have you lost it...?"

No, not really. There is a whole new movement in the marketplace today; a movement that is being fueled by individuals just saying to hell with traditional work. Over the past few years, the number of people who elect not to take another job but rather start their own business is soaring. Better than 35% have the desire to do so, while about 12% annually are actually opting for self-employment, in their own business, driving their own destiny. Before this percentage was normally 2% of those looking for a job – this is a huge 600% increase.

And why? 

They want to be in control, and not controlled. They want flexibility and freedom. 

In some cases they launch full steam, full time. In others, it is a gradual process. They are the new and budding Employedpreneur (www.launchwhileworking.com) The ambitious professional who undertakes launching and running a business while working full-time.

Think of the possibilities:

Enjoy cooking and thinking about being a caterer? Rather than jump in with both feet, try catering a few holiday gatherings this year, see how you like it and determine if you can make a go of it.

Handy with a trade? Try a few projects (paid please) for others and see if it “fits” you and if you can turn a profit.

Like to write? Publish a blog--market it--and see how it is received and read in the market.

… and the list can go on and on.

There is even a website dedicated to this new movement: www.launchwhileworking.com.

But what does it take to be successful in your enterprise? No matter what level of expertise you have, you must:

…  Listen to advice

… Trust your instincts

… Have the ability and drive to take action

… Be willing to take measured risks

The first step, however, is to answer the big question: Is your own business right for you?

This is critical. Being in business for some is in perfect alignment to their personality and interests. For others, it is not a match and can be a nightmare. Get this answer first.

If you can’t get the answer yourself, get professional assistance. I have used an assessment tool--the EF: Entrepreneurial Five-Factor Assessment©, which I developed to help guide (or not) clients to their own business. There are other tools as well on the market; just be sure there is validity and experience to back them up.

Be in control. Drive your destiny. Break the shackles of traditional work and you will grow and prosper--and you will work hard!

Give Yourself Permission…

… it is the release to let you soar!

Dan Moran

President & Founder

Next-Act, Division of DVG, Inc.

Career Management & Transition Specialists

Corporate Management Services

Celebrating 26 years providing career & corporate management services in

2014!

125 Wolf Road, Suite #128

Albany, NY 12205

Phone: 518-641-8968  

dmoran@next-act.com

Author: Accept-Commit-Permit: Three Essential Steps to Achieving Happiness &

Success in Career (and Life!) ... Exclusively at Amazon.com:

http://tinyurl.com/lluzsyd

Job Market report 1 30 14 - A bit soft -

For Immediate Release

For Information: Dan Moran 518- 641-8968

Job Market Settles back a bit after huge surge

(Albany, NY, January 29, 2014) The job market in the region, state and nationally cooled a bit this past seven days after quite an impressive increase the past few weeks. “ The market performs in this manner. We see strong surges for a few weeks, and a week of cooling which we have seen this past week. Not unusual at all, and on the heels of some promising job market reports nationally”, stated Dan Moran, President and Founder of Next–Act, a career transition management firm in Colonie. 

Job postings in the Capital Region were 1775, down from 2100 the week prior. Other markets in NYS saw similar results. The Capital Region still outpaced Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse for jobs in the market and the Capital Region is much smaller in population and employment than other NYS markets.

Market concerns are rising

 Employers are very concerned over rising health insurance costs and the effect of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), minimum wage increases and as a result may hold back on hiring and that is very concerning. “ I am hoping we are seeing a pause in the market this week and not a longer term issue where employers are, as forecasted, concerned over rising employment costs. National surveys are indicating that employers are planning actions to control costs and some actions may include delaying hiring, cutting hours to under 30 hours per week and reducing other benefits. 

National Job Market

Nationally the market slowed quite a bit – more than normal and expected. Postings were 593,000 vs. 673,000 the week before, quite a drop. 

  

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

Your Affair is Over – The Zing is lost …

Never underestimate the power of passion  – Eve Sawyer

It is so common to reach that point. The point when the zing is gone, when the excitement and drive is lost. When it just isn’t fun.

No, I am not talking about your relationship with someone special. I am talking about the relationship between you - -and the company you work for. Yes, we do fall out of love with a company, and not necessarily our job.

Over the past few months, I have heard from clients and those I have met that they now know the zing is gone in their career or job. They know they need a change.

But here is what is different.

Unlike the past several years as the recession started – maybe ended – and recovery took hold, people were held back by fear.

They do not appear to be held back any longer. Confidence is returning. People are making positive change.

What causes people to lose their zing?

• Changing culture of the company – A huge cause for so many. The company is acquired. Management may change. The spirit just changes and the culture that drew you to the company is gone or radically changed.
• A new set of characters to work with – Some of your most special and deep relationships are formed on the job, and sometimes, those folks just leave for new and better things. You are left, without the connection that kept you there or motivated you
• Lost connection with leadership – The boss you thought was the best ever all of a sudden is gone, reassigned or given a new role, that doesn’t include you. You find yourself reporting to a new boss who you do not respect. Disconnect with leadership is  the major reasons people move on from a company.
• And the big one --- you just don’t believe anymore – You lose the passion for what you do with an organization, and you question your purpose. You learn finally that work is not just about money. It is about passion, doing good, giving back and growing. Money is far down the list (and to some reading this I can hear your mind churning Man, Moran is nuts and you will come to that realization.

So what do you do if I am describing you?

Give yourself permission to move on. Giving yourself permission is a defining moment in your life and career. It is the point when you accept that the relationship has ended and it is time for a new beginning. This is the one step – the most important step – that will release you to experience new options and possibilities. You just have to accept that it is okay to do so.

You will form new relationships. You will connect. You will find the passion again. And thank you for reading this. - Dan

Are You Working – Or Achieving Career Leadership?

It has been an interesting few weeks …

After the “slumber” of the holidays, the “world” has appeared to wake up! Many business owners I have talked to are amazed at the significant uptick in business they have seen in the past two weeks. And I join that crowd. It is always active in January in my business as people wake up after their slumber and begin to take action in relation to their job or career.

But this year has been different. Active would not be the right word – “open the flood gates” is a better description.

Why? People are more confident. The economy continues to improve and the job market is stronger here in our region, statewide and nationally. I know there are many who would disagree – but the numbers are the numbers – it is much better, but not where we need the job market to be. We still have lingering unemployment issues – long-term unemployment, a mismatch of skills available and the employer’s needs, etc. Last month’s national job report is a shining example.

Nevertheless, the signs are there that if one is disenchanted with their career path, not engaged in their work or not liking their job, now is the time to begin making changes.

Given what is happening, I thought it timely to discuss the difference between those who just work for a paycheck, and those achieving leadership in their career. I think this is very important as I see over and over again people who were fed up with one job, jumped to another and found they were still not engaged, passionate or achieving. In short, they haven’t achieved their “fit”.

Over the years, I have conducted my own informal survey of those truly successful in their career to determine the common factors. I write about this in my book, and would once again like to review with you. I call the factors the Four – P’s

Understanding the Four P’s of Career Success

The big question – what does one look for where they will find success? It isn’t just pay, or skills or experiences that count. To be truly successful, you must connect. I have learned over the years the Four-P’s that define success in a job or career. When you find your Four- P fit, you will find success.  Those truly deem successful in their mind are:

• They are Positive – If you are positive about what you do, you will enjoy it and you will excel. If not in a positive role or workplace, you won’t connect. You won’t be happy, and it will show to others, and your performance will reflect this too.

• They have Purpose – Successful workers go to work everyday because they serve a purpose, and that may be to their family, to the community, environment or some other cause. They identify with it, and this drives success.

• They see Potential – Rather than seeing obstacles to hold them back, they see potential in what they are doing, and they strive toward it – always and everyday. They don’t let small stuff get in the way – they work around it. They find a reason to do, rather than not do something or pursue an opportunity.

• Above all, they have Passion – You may have heard the quote by Dale Carnegie:

"You never achieve success unless you like what you are doing".

It is so true. Those truly successful in their career and in their life have passion for what they do. They have a burning desire to achieve, to grow or to contribute. They are not working for pay or a pension; they are working because they love what they do. That defines the difference between many: Some work for just pay – others work for their cause.

If you are in the midst of a job or career change voluntarily, or have lost your job due to layoff, closure or some other reason, reflect on what is your best connection (your Four-P fit), commit to finding the career and job that will allow you to achieve these factors.

If you do, you will as Confucius states: Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life”.

And thank you, as always, for reading this. – Dan

Dan Moran

President & Founder

Next-Act, Division of DVG, Inc.

Career Management & Transition Specialists

Corporate Management Services

Celebrating 26 years providing career & corporate management services in

2014!

125 Wolf Road, Suite #128

Albany, NY 12205

Phone: 518-641-8968  

dmoran@next-act.com

Author: Accept-Commit-Permit: Three Essential Steps to Achieving Happiness &

Success in Career (and Life!) ... Exclusively at Amazon.com:

http://tinyurl.com/lluzsyd