Are you familiar with ikigai? It’s an Okinawan concept that best translates as something like “reason for being.” It’s often used to describe that perfect job that is fulfilling, meaningful, and satisfying. In Japan, though, the idea has also been used to justify too much time spent working, potentially contributing to the once-infamous karoshi, death…
DetailsDetermining social and etiquette norms can be challenging, especially if you’re neurodiverse or just that little bit awkward. I know the feeling all to well, and I’m a pretty social person. Still, in any new situation, I have that moment of doubt: how am I supposed to handle this? Can I cuss around these people?…
DetailsIf you’ve started a new job recently, you may be struggling to figure out how to get to know your new colleagues, especially if everyone is still working from home. How much effort you put into it depends largely on factors like whether this is a job you really want to continue with versus…
DetailsThe dinner interview can be so unnerving, especially now. Can you say no if you’re not comfortable being in person yet? How should you behave if it’s a fancy restaurant? What should you order? The process is intimidating at the best of times, and given our current situation, it becomes even more fraught. …
DetailsFinally, if you’ve lost your job, do be sure to hit the job boards and look into finding recruiters. The temptation is often to do this first, and while that won’t hurt you, I list it last for a reason. Most career experts agree that many jobs aren’t ever posted on the boards, so we…
DetailsNow that you’ve got your network working for you, it’s time to tackle updating your resume and social media profiles. Take small steps toward each of these—it’s a lot, and the work can be emotional. Update your resume with extra attention to what you accomplished in your last job. If you’ve left on less-than-stellar…
DetailsAfter you’ve lost your job, the third step to take is the one you know is coming, and I’m sorry to beat you over the head with it, but it’s important. Yes, it’s time to network. This doesn’t have to be painful, and it doesn’t have to be immediate. Give yourself a little…
DetailsThe second thing to do if you’ve lost your job is to make sure you’re eligible for unemployment. In most places, you’re eligible if you lost your job through no fault of your own, though specifically what that means varies considerably from state to state. Whatever your employer tells you, be sure you check your…
DetailsThe first thing to do if you lose your job is to determine what the official reason is. Have you been laid off? Fired? Quit? These are important distinctions that will have a big impact on your next steps, so take the time to take the time to learn what the official record will…
DetailsA friend and I gave a presentation on mental health today to a group of bright young STEM students in high school and college, and that got me thinking about the state we’re all in right now, and some ways we can handle it. I don’t know about you, but I’m finding that things…
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