The Saturday edition of the Globe and Mail is a weekend tradition in my house. So, I was pleased to be interviewed for this past Saturday’s edition on Asking for a Raise - Soul Search Before You Ask.

Career development challenges

Which direction should I take my career?
Should I apply to this job posting?
Should I take this job offer?
Promotion? I guess that is the next logical thing...

I have observed over the years that personal decision making as it relates to career direction, job opportunities, and other issues that impact how you make a living is a weak skill set for most people.

Why is that? I think most people aren’t good at career decision making for 4 reasons:

1. Not enough practice

How ma…

Restructuring your work space

Questions for you: Where do you do your best work? Are there places where you do a certain kind of work better? What is the right space for you for a certain kind of work activity?

Me: I need to have multiple work environments for my best productivity. For example, I do my best writing either sitting outside on the deck (as I am now), in my living room, or, believe it or not, in a cafe. There is something about the ambient noise that allows me to write creatively.

Howe…

When you get right down to it, your career is shaped largely by just a few key decisions, conversations and actions. I call these "key career moments."

Take a look at my full Monster article - Make the Most of Key Career Moments to learn more.

My most recent Monster.com article was published today. The topic is Recovering from a Career Setback.

“You’re good at your job. You fit well with your team and within the organization. You receive solid performance appraisals and have a track record of accomplishment. Then, when the chance for that promotion you’ve been working toward finally arrives, you get passed over…”

Go here to read the article.

There is a growing and disturbing trend among US and Canadian companies to implement a policy of work confirmation-only references. In other words, their policy is to confirm employment, and that’s all. This is a major career management hurdle for all of us.

We all deserve references for work well done. They are, in effect, part of our compensation, a reward for work well done. So, given that you cannot impact company policy, what can you do?

What this trend does is highlight the importance of r…

Heath Row at the Fast Company Blog picks up the torch on the ongoing issue of references and the increasing reluctance of employers to provide them.

If the subject interests you, read my recent post... A Brief Guide to Personal References. Legal issues, or not, you must earn, nurture, and call upon your references as you develop your career.

The importance of career investments

Not investing in yourself is like floating down a fast river without a paddle, map or knowledge of what’s around the next bend. Things may go fine for a while, but at some point, you’re going to realize you made a giant mistake.

To avoid such unforeseen disaster in your career, you need to invest in it to proactively and thoughtfully create a plan for achieving your career and life goals.

And if that doesn’t convince you, here are 10 reasons why investing in you…