Generation Integration: Roberta Matuson Unites Boomers, X-ers and Millennials in the Workplace

Unexpected layoff fallout – your kid disses you

CareerDiva, Eve Tahmincioglu just posted this story on her blog. Unexpected layoff fallout - your kid disses you . The story hits close to home for many. 

May 2009 find you gainfully employed. If you need help with your search, click here:Job Search Mentoring program

Rudeness Knows No Age

I was riding the MBTA yesterday in Boston, heading to meet a friend for lunch, when I witnessed the ultimate in rudeness on the train. A sixty-something year old woman boarded the train with a baby in a Baby Bjorn. (For those of you who are not familar with these devices, they allow you to carry a baby on the front of your chest.) She was with her husband and two small toddlers, who could barely make it to the back of the train without assistance.

I myself was standing, as the train was a bit crowded. I watched in awe as she walked by both young people and middle aged people who were sitting in their seats watching her go by. I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs, "For God sake, give this poor woman a seat!!!"

I've experienced this rudeness myself when I was 9 months pregnant and riding with my jacket open so it was quite apparent that I might need a seat. That's one thing. But come on guys and gals. The scenario I just described still has me fuming.

Mothers and fathers, please teach your children that in certain situations you give up your seat on the train. Maybe this will help prevent the next generation from growing up so self-centered.

Moving Forward While Others are Standing Still

It's the last week of the year and many people are kicking back. That's exactly why this is the perfect time to continue to move forward. Here are some things you can do to keep the momentum going as the year winds down.

Make a list of people you haven't spoken to in a while and place a call to them this week to wish them a Happy New Year. It is important to keep your network well greased, particularly in this economy.

Take a look at your to-do-list. If you've got things on the list that are more than a month old, chances are fairly good that you really don't need to do them. Cross them off the list and move on.

Take the next few days to think about what you would like to accomplish in the New Year. I'm not suggesting that you put together a New Year's Resolution list, as we all know what happens to those lists. Just jot down two or three items you would like to accomplish over the next year. Be realistic so that you have a fairly good chance of making things happen.

If you've decided that 2009 will be the year that you will find greener pastures then this is the perfect time to put together your resume so it is ready to go out the door come January 1st. 

You've only got three days left. Make the most of them.

Post Holiday Traumatic Syndrome

Ever notice how out of sorts you feel as the holiday season comes to a close? All that anticipation for a few nights of festivities. It's easy to let these feelings get in the way of starting the New Year off on the right foot.

No one could have predicted the downward slide of the economy. It was as if we were all at the top of the mountain and the next minute many of us were trying to crawl back up.

If you have recently been laid off, take the next few days to prepare yourself both mentally and physically for your climb back up the mountain. Ask a trusted friend to review your resume and prepare a list of people to contact the first week in January. Think about what other jobs you would be willing to do if your dream job is unavailable.

Try giving it a go alone, but if you find that you need more structure, consider hiring a Job Search Mentor or a Coach. 2009 will be challenging for job seekers, but many will make it back to the place where they started.

Click here Job Search Mentor Program  to find out how we can help you accelerate your job search. We are offering a 10% discount off of all fees for people who sign up by December 31, 2008.

Eight Reasons Your Job Search Isn't Working

In the spirit of getting people back to work, I'm sharing this excellent blog posting from Job Search Coach Rita Ashley.  Eight Reasons Your Job Search Isn't Working

2009 will be a tough year for job searchers. Why go it alone?   Click here to select the level of service you need to quickly find work in the New Year Job Search Program .

If you haven't figured out what you are going to give your soon-to-be college graduate, consider this gift of financial independence. It's a gift that will keep on giving.

Happy Holidays!

Roberta

New Group of Parents Making Tracks

Just when you thought it was safe to come out again, now that some of the helicopter parents have been reigned in, along comes the Lawn Mower parents. These are the parents that are mowing down administrators across college campuses when they can’t get the faculty to fix things for their beloved children!

I am sure it is hard for parents to let go when their children reach what is supposed to be an age of independence. But are these folks really doing their kids a favor when they intervene on their behalf? Where do you draw the line? Should a parent make an appointment with their child's boss to discuss his or her latest salary increase? Or should they save their next move for a more thorough discussion on how to best manage their child during times of stress?

Move over helicopter parents. There is a new game in town.

Unemployment Across the Generations

Workers of all ages are finding themselves climbing over one another hoping to grab those few interviewing slots. It seems like overnight the pendulum has swung. When it comes to hiring, employers are in the driver's seat. It doesn't have to be that way.

Finding work is more than finding a job. For most, it is a life changing transition. Why go it alone? This week I unveiled my new Job Search Mentoring Program. I am limiting the number of participants so I can give individuals the amount of support they will need to transition through this recession.

What are you waiting for?