The Career Butterfly

What are your dreams? Are you still chasing them?

I had a dream these past few years that I could never fully put to rest. Three and a half years ago, when I returned to work, I thought I would return to high-tech in a similar position to what I had done before. But that proved harder than I expected so I settled for other jobs and then eventually put my heart into this podcast.

But the dream never went away and this week I returned to Microsoft in a long-term contract position for a role similar to what I did long ago at Intel. Tune in to hear how I landed the job and what I learned along the way - tales of networking, rejection, and a whole lot of perseverance!

This week, we take our own pause to discuss the pause the world is taking. How is coronavirus and the economic instability affecting you and your family? We also look ahead to the future and the ways that we may all emerge strong from this crisis.

Aditi Patil was on her fourth relocation for her spouse's career when she decided there should really be a community to support people in her position. There wasn't an existing group so she took it upon herself to create one, We are Pistachio. The name represents the way she describes relocating spouses: tough, open, happy, global - and just a little bit nutty!

Aditi had a solid career with Citibank, a love for leadership and development, and a recent coaching certification when she first relocated with her husband and two young children. Along the way, she'd face challenges and find opportunities, including an opportunity to volunteer with refugee women as a Leadership & Development coach for the United Nations.

Today, she lives in Seattle where she has returned to her own career, founded her new community, and teaches for the University of Washington Women in Entrepreneurial Leadership program.

This episode is all about the things we are afraid to ask for, the reasons behind that fear, and ways to overcome this. We cover everything from fear of rejection to people pleasing. On the solutions side, I refer to The Work by Byron Katie and her fantastic book Loving What Is: 4 Questions that Can Change your Life

1. Is it true?
2. Can I absolutely know it's true?
3. How do you react when you believe that thought?
4. Where would you be without that thought?

What are YOU afraid to ask for? Let's dive in to this together!

How long would you look for a job? Would you have the patience and perseverance to stick it out for 4 years?

Senior Software Engineer Lori Hill did just that! She learned a lot along the way and she shares all those tips in this interview. Here are just a few:

• Network with the people who have the job you want
• Learn about the interview process in your industry and then master those skills
• Interview in "sprints" - and then learn what you need to do better for the next round
• Keep building your experience based on what you learned
• Surround yourself with a strong team of supporters

Today, she's still thrilled with her job at NBCUniversal and paying it forward by speaking about her experience and bringing other women up behind her.

These are unprecedented times. We are caregivers. We are a world in crisis. What does that mean for us? Tune in to find ways to not get lost in the chaos.

And, to meet this need right here in this community... I'm launching my Book Club. The first book is Rising Strong by Brene Brown. I'll be going live in the Ready Pause Go Facebook group every Thursday at 10pm PST so we can chat and share!

March 19 - Chapters 1-4

March 26 - Chapters 5-8

April 2 - Chapters 9 - 11

Read along and join me in the live chats!

Amanda Accioly had a decade in finance when she decided there must be something more out there for her. It wasn't that she disliked her career - she enjoyed it, she had a comfortable six-figure income, and a nice office. The problem was that, after she had kids, it didn't feel like enough.

She wanted to have more time for her family. She also had an internal voice that told her there was another way to share her talents with the world. So she started freelancing - first in a Done-for-You business operations capacity and, eventually, with the business strategy work she does now with her company The Lux Way.

Tune in to hear her journey from freelancing alongside her full-time job to leaving the corporate world to focus on her new business. She shares the challenges, the gifts, and specific advice for others looking to carve this same path.

Also mentioned in this episode:

The Swing Shift

Do you have a fixed mindset or a growth mindset? Tune in to learn the characteristics of each and why, regardless of where you are today, developing a growth mindset is critical for anyone coming out of a career pause.

Mentioned in this episode:

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Dr. Carol Dweck

Rather than looking at the return-to-work journey as black or white, permanent or temporary, full-time or part-time, today I delve into seasonal possibilities.

Seasonal job opportunities can be driven by all kinds of things: the weather, the school year, the holidays, the voting calendar...

Right now, in the United States, it's the season of political campaigns and those campaigns are in need of volunteers! Have you thought of how applying your passions for a candidate or a cause could shine at the top of your resume?

In this episode, we look at all kinds of different seasonal opportunities.

Friend of the show Lindsey TH Jackson is back to share her upcoming book, From the Ashes: A 30 Day Renaissance to Looking Good, Feeling Good, and Living Well.

In her previous interview, Lindsey shared all about her own career pause following the closing of her business and the birth of her second child. Today, she shares with us the book she was writing at that time and why she's just now ready - 5 years later - to share it with the world. She calls it the book she wrote to her future self.

Today's interview is a step away from our typical career focus, but intentionally delves deeper on issues of wellness and how that drives the confidence we need on this journey.

The book - and the guided 30 day group - will be available this Spring. Visit Lindsey's website to add yourself to her list to be notified.

Also, we briefly touch on issues of safety and violence in this episode. If that is an issue effecting you or someone you know, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline or trusted professionals in your own community for help.