Greetings Careerfolk, 

It's great to be in touch again. If this is your first time reading our newsletter, welcome. We have readers all over the world now, and whether you are in the southern or northern, western or eastern hemispheres, it seems as if we are all going through such similar experiences. In the past few months, I've spoken with job seekers and career changers from Switzerland to Senegal,  from India to Illinois, and it seems that everyone is experiencing the same challenges and suffers the same fears. The job search and career change is challenging, no matter where you are in the world, or how old you are. Let me just remind everyone of the amazing 64- year old Swimmer Diane Nyad who swam from Cuba to Florida, and her message to the world was:  

"1. Never, ever give up. 2: You are never are too old to chase your dreams. 3: "it looks like a solitary sport, but it's (takes) a team,".

Same goes for your career management. Remember her wonderful message if you are stuck! 

So, How Busy is your Life? 

I don't know about you, but I'm left wondering, where did our summer go? (that is if you are up in the northen hemisphere)  I have included a photo from one of my memorable moments visiting the New York Botanical Gardens, with my family. Take a look at the beautiful Lilly Pond).  

Anyhow, as I was saying,  I know your summer was as packed as mine, well, at least that is what I learned from the 20 job seekers I had in my Summer Careerfolk Cafe. The majority of the group were in almost full-time job search mode, and everyone was so busy - so I know, even when you are not working, life can just become a blur of activity.  That's why it's so important to take time to stop and reflect on where you are, and where you want to go. In fact, if you are about to embark on a career transition, or if you unexpectedly lose your job, the most important thing that you can do is take a tip from the Jewish New Year ritual, and take time to stop and reflect on where you are. To learn more about this annual ritual, please read on. 

In the mean time, I wish all my jewish clients, readers and their families a sweet, healthy, happy  and successful New Year. 

And if you are not Jewish, why not take the time out to reflect a little- You never know what you might learn about yourself. Read on below to learn how! 

Warm wishes, 

Donna

How The Jewish New Year Can Save Your Job Search

Most days we go through our lives at a rapid pace. Rare is the moment that we have the opportunity to sit down and think about the day ahead or the day that passed.  Our job search becomes part of the rhythm of the day. Just as we rush to make certain appointments, we e-mail resumes and cover letters on auto pilot. While this approach to life and your job search is understandable, sometimes it is important to stop the daily grind and take a moment to think. When was the last time you evaluated your job search efforts. Are you satisfied with your job search efforts and feel like you are doing everything you could be doing to be successful.

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year starts tonight.  According to Jewish custom, it is a time of deep introspection and it is also the opportunity for taking time to think. While the secular new year focuses on goal setting and of course having fun, the Jewish new year is the a time of reflection and thought.  Reflecting, in the Jewish context, consists of looking back the past year and thinking about your past actions. For example, what went right last year? What went wrong? How could I make improvements? How can I improve my relationships? The answers are not necessarily black or white, but the thought process helps to put life in perspective and gives us the opportunity to improve.

To read more click here

Where I'll Be Speaking or Training This September

Next Free Webinar for Job Seekers!  Virtual program, September 17th, 8.30-9.30pm EST (Limited spots available at this online event) 

The New School's Graduate Student Career Seminar on Entrepreneurship at The New School, New York, NY, September 12th, 6-8pm 

The New Rules for Career Success at Stamford Innovation Center, Septemeber 26th, 6-8pm

The Workplace, Inc.'s Health CareerX Academy, Job Search Programs (For registered students only)