Retirement When is the Right Time

Retirement When is the Right Time One of the most common questions I get asked about second-act careers is, How do I know when is the right time to retire from my big job in order to pursue something new? In truth, there is no one formula for determining the optimal retirement date. In the old days, people worked until they were 65 (give or take a few years), had a retirement party, and then moved on. But in todays job market, few people have a pre-defined retirement date some retire at age 50 while others work until age 70 or later. Deciding when to quit, and how best to move on, is a complex decision. Thats why I wanted to share this NPR interview with Alan Bernstein,  co-author of  Mastering the Art of Quitting: Why It Matters in Love, Life, and Work.  Its a fascinating discussion about how to best figure out your options when youre trying to decide if you should go or if you should stay. I recommend that you tune into the full interview by  clicking here. But in the meantime, here are three key takeaways from the discussion: 1. It is always easier to disengage once you are actively moving towards something you want. I couldnt agree more with this statement more. My clients always find it easier to  make a change after they develop a  vision for their second act, even if they havent yet worked out many of the specific details involved. Quitting without a destination in mind is as risky as embarking on a long journey without a map (or GPS)  in hand. 2. Write down your thoughts it will help clarify your direction:  Just the act  of imagining and writing down your thoughts is enormously helpful. Putting your thoughts on paper will help you to see meaningful patterns and crystalize your thinking. Not sure what to write about? Here are three  critical questions to ask yourself: What benefits do I derive from continuing on this path I am on? How do these benefits measure up against the possible benefits of changing my course? Are the benefits of my job mainly extrinsic (salary, prestige, stability, etc.) or intrinsic (challenge, fulfillment, feeling valued, etc.)? Keep in mind that quitting your job doesnt mean that you have to give up everything connected to that career in order to move forward. Think about what you enjoy most about your current job and then find ways to integrate the best of those building blocks into your next act. 3. Recognize Quitting Takes Courage: There is always anxiety and fear involved with letting go. But the feelings of exhilaration that goes along with moving towards a desired goal will help you power through it. Bottom line? If you love your job and your company loves you or if you need to stay for financial reasons then by all means keep right on working. But if youre just hanging around because its tough to walk away from a long-time career, and the prestige, perks and predictability that come along with it, now might be the time to consider putting Plan B into action. Related articles that you might also enjoy: 3 Financial Realities That Could Impact Your Decision to Work in Retirement

Punished by Rewards

Punished by Rewards Alfie Kohn is the author of Punished by Rewards; the Trouble with Gold Stars, Incentive Plans, A’s, Praise, and Other Bribes. The title says it all; everything you think you know about rewards is wrong. What Kohn calls “pop behaviorism” is ruining performance at home, in school, and at the office. Khohn spends the first part of the book reminding us about the work of B.F. Skinner, who believed that all human behavior was simply a response to stimuli in our environment. Skinner considered free will to be an illusion, and believed you could control anyone through a series of punishments and rewards. Kohn argues that this idea has seeped into every bit of our popular and business culture, and it’s created an army of zombie students and workers on their way to the lowest common denominator of performance. Embed from Getty Imageswindow.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'6Mf7J87TSetDevcgboN1QA',sig:'vNJhBSm4Dgy-AqpnEcYkY9pcrQhpvXrkhBjpsBYSYpU=',w:'354px',h:'272px',items:'148194704',caption: false ,tld:'com',is360: false })}); Numerous studies in the 20th century proved conclusively that rewards do not improve behavior or performance. Study participants who are promised rewards for performance almost always perform worse than those who are not rewarded. Daniel Pink cited the same studies in his book Drive, which studied motivation. In study after study, people who were promised rewards for behavior performed worse and discontinued the behavior when the reward ran out. Yet we continue to bribe students in school and our children at home. We offer extra privileges for “good” behavior and punishments (or retracted rewards, which are the same thing) for “bad” behavior. We offer bonuses to workers for reaching goals; we send our top salesmen on cruises. Why is this system so ingrained in our society if it doesn’t work? Kohn’s theory is that rewards benefit the system instead of the people in it. We’re paying to perpetuate something that’s more comfortable and easy to control (sit down, be quiet, obey orders) rather than seeking to actually improve performance. Here’s why rewards don’t work, according to Kohn: Rewards and punishments are not opposites; in our brains, they are two sides of the same coin. They are simply a way to control behavior. Most people build up a resistance to the manipulation, so more and more is required to change behavior (whether it’s a reward or punishment.) Rewards rupture relationships. Rewarding performance creates a sense of scarcity among students or workers, and creates competition and reduces teamwork. The overall performance of the team declines as the low-performing members give up because they’ll never win and second-place finishers get discouraged because their effort was in vain (no matter how well they performed.) Team members stop helping each other learn and grow because they perceive each other as rivals. When a reward system is not sustainable, the removal of the reward feels like a punishment, so performance decreases once more. Rewards ignore reasons. When you give a child a piece of candy to stop her from crying, you don’t have to deal with why she’s crying. Rewards and punishments relieve the giver of any responsibility in solving the root cause of behavior. You’re treating symptoms and ignoring the underlying causes. It’s not good medicine and it’s not good management. Rewards reduce risk. People who are promised rewards focus only on the parts of the task that are tied to rewards. They ignore data or obligations that are not tied to pay points. They ignore customers or prospects that are not perceived as worthwhile. They also tend to see tasks as the obligation standing between them and the reward, so they do the minimum possible and the easiest tasks that will get them the reward. Not exactly a recipe for greatness in any organization. The problem is that rewards are easy and motivation is very, very hard work. In one study, people who were paid to do a task showed a significant decrease in interest in it; payment actually killed the joy of doing it. Kohn hopes that his  work will help companies end their pay for play plans and prompt parents to give up extrinsic motivators. But he fears that we’ve been making the assumption that we can reward people into better performance for so long that we won’t be able to stop. Even when the results are punishing us all every day.

5 Tips to Nail a Salary Negotiation

5 Tips to Nail a Salary Negotiation You have showcased an impressive C.V, navigated your way through the interview stages and celebrated receiving a job role.   However, the hard work has only just begun as you approach the task of negotiating a salary.  Discussing money can seem somewhat taboo in the UK as an air of awkwardness will inevitably ensure.  The prospect of salary negotiation can fill interviewees with dread as the discussion can reflect that of a poker tournament rather than the boardroom.   Here, the debt advisory service Scottish Trust Deed present their 5 need to know to negotiate the salary you deserve. 1. The past is irrelevant Candidates can be unsure of the questions that will be asked throughout the interview process.   However, ‘What is your current salary?’ is a question that is almost inevitable.   When this question arises, it is important to remember that you are not duty-bound to disclose this.   Some candidates fear that the answer will present the opportunity for the interviewer to move the goalposts in terms of the salary available which will mean you will obtain a salary falling short of what was previously designated for the role. A new position often equates to new accountabilities and expertise that rely on the knowledge gained from previous experience.   With this is mind, a salary should always reflect the needs of the role in hand and therefore, if your previous role is completely removed from your prospective one, it is completely irrelevant in terms of salary expectation.   When asked ‘what is your expected salary’? it is wise to answer with a statement that runs along the lines of, ‘A salary that is a fair representation of the knowledge and experience needed for the required role.’ 2. Well off the top of my head Always have an idea of your salary expectation BEFORE stepping into the interview room.   If you look like you have been caught off guard or that you are thinking on your feet then not only will you say something that you may regret, but it gives the impression that you will accept any proposal that is offered to you. Research similar roles in the industry and establish an average salary.   It is also wise to talk to a recruitment agency that is a specialist in your chosen industry.   They will be able to provide some clarity and reality on what to expect. 3. So, this is awkward Approach a salary negotiation pragmatically.   Everyone steps onto the career ladder with the objective of receiving a rewarding salary and the interview is under no illusions with regards to this.   Therefore, there is no reason to feel apprehensive when discussing your desired salary and the lack of awkwardness will project confidence. 4. Experience over salary Sometimes, the experience is worth more than its weight in gold and it is important to see the bigger picture.   If the salary is less than you were expecting but the experience and learnings offered are rare, then sometimes it is best to swallow your pride and accept the role. 5. Not just the money Remember, it is not just a salary that can be negotiated.   Work perks, bonuses, and annual leave are all things that can be negotiated.   In terms of gaining a work-life balance and quality of life, these can play a bigger part in your day to day life and wellbeing than a salary. About the author: Scottishtrustdeed.co.uk is a financial advice company specializing in debt advice for those who are struggling with their monthly debt repayments. Established in 2009, Scottishtrustdeed.co.uk’s aim was to help individuals who were in a black hole with their debts by negotiating with their creditors and bring them back to financial stability. It was originally owned by Simple Financial Solutions Limited before it was acquired by Paloma Digital Limited in 2015

Five Musts for Your SoCal Visit

Five Musts for Your SoCal Visit Southern California is a top global destination for vacation. It is home to exceptional sandy beaches, beautiful weather and has many waterfront attraction sites to say the least. As the best destination for recreation and fun in summer, SoCal offers scenic views, lots of fun activities, cultural attractions and free things to do. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returnee and despite your reason for being in California, business or vacation, there are so many things to see and do in this area. Here are the 5 musts for your visit to SoCal: Top 5 Must-Do Things in Southern California Hike at the Runyon Canyon The Runyon Canyon has amazing view of the Hollywood sign, Los Angeles and nearby snow-capped mountains. Enjoy quiet hikes during the weekday if you don’t like the many people hiking over the weekends. You won’t just get to capture exceptional shots of the beautiful scenery and breathtaking views, but also workout to train your body and shed off excess fats. Don’t forget the free yoga classes to relax your mind as you workout your body. Bike along the Strand The Strand runs 22 miles along the beautiful coastline. It is one of the best paved biking trails in the US. Take a biking tour along this path to explore the beautiful beach towns with distinct looks and attractions. The biking path is lined with many fun stops, endless beach views, and of course, enough workout to kickoff your metabolism. As you bike along the Strand, you’ll see the Beach of Venice, the Manhattan Beach Pier and the Santa Monica Pier, among other attractive sites along the route. Tour Hollywood Universal Studios Los Angeles is the world’s capital of entertainment. On your visit to Southern California, a behind-the-scenes studio tour is a must. As the most legendary tour in the city, the attraction was founded in 1915, immediately after the opening of the theme park. The Studio Tour gives visitors the opportunity to see a Hollywood movie studio’s real working backlot. The tour is narrated by Jimmy Fallon and involves the best 3D experience worldwide, including the heart-pounding King Kong 360 3D by Peter Jackson, a filmmaker who won an Oscar award for his great productions. Shop along Rodeo Drive Los Angeles is home to some of the best shopping centers worldwide. Explore the Santa Monica Place or the Grove, the Citadel Outlets for bargains galore or the hip Highland Park neighborhood to shop till you drop. Stroll along the Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, a renowned place worldwide, to window shop and indulge in the epitome of style and endless luxury. Swim at the Laguna Beach Southern California is home to many beaches. The Laguna Beach is one of the must-visit Orange County venues with breathtaking views and lots of things to do. Although the Pacific has strong tides, the Laguna Beach is generally calm and clean. Stroll on the clean, white sands on the beach, play volleyball, bask in the sun or simply swim in the warm waters. These are just a few of the many things to do in California as the list is endless. However, make sure you engage in these five musts the next time you visit SoCal.

Resume Guidelines

Resume GuidelinesIf you are just getting into the job market, then you may not have any idea on how to start writing a resume. This can be somewhat of a challenge, but the more experience you get with writing resumes, the easier it will become.What is the typical resume? Most people will simply write their name on the cover page and the resume information that are required in the job posting. This may not be enough, however, if you are looking for an advanced degree in psychology or something completely different, you will need to add other items to your resume. The following tips should help you write a resume that is effective and easy to read.Focus on the Objective. You should focus on the objective of the job posting. Without this focus, the rest of the resume will not stand out. In addition, focusing on the objective will keep you focused on what needs to be done in order to get the job.Give Special Attention to the Qualifications. This is where you should really get involved. L ook at the description of the job, but focus on the qualifications and what will be expected of you for the position. You want to make sure you add these because they will be part of the reason for hiring you.Highlight Areas You Have Expertise. You will want to highlight areas of expertise you have. If you are a public speaker, highlight areas of training or speaking that you have so that you can show that you are a valuable asset to the company.Focus on Any Potential Skills. You want to make sure you include any skills you may have. This is a key part of the resume and will increase your chances of being hired. However, don't spend too much time on skills, just focus on one or two areas. Resume Guidelines are important. If you have questions about the types of content you can include, check out your local university for a list of things that are acceptable. Also, make sure that your resume is professional in appearance and is free of spelling errors. Make sure you include all of th e contact information that is required and that the resume has enough spacing between the header and the first paragraph.When you are ready to write your resume, focus on the key points of the job and focus on the skills you have. Include all of the information that is required and try to keep it as professional as possible. You will be surprised by how effective a well-written resume can be.

97 Paul Lyons - Mental Toughness - Jane Jackson Career

97 Paul Lyons - Mental Toughness - Jane Jackson Career The Magic Ingredient for success is Mental Toughness Paul LyonsAfter qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in his home town of Manchester, England Paul Lyons joined Michael Page International as a recruitment consultant, later emigrating to Sydney where he became Managing Director for Michael Page Australia and then Managing Director for Michael Page Asia Pacific based in Hong Kong.Paul Lyons chats with Jane Jackson in this episode of YOUR CAREER Podcast.With his entrepreneurial mindset and being someone who always seeks an interesting challenge, Paul established Ambition with his colleague Nick Waterworth and together they built the business as an international recruitment success story with offices throughout Australia Asia and in the UK.Three years ago Paul established Mental Toughness Partners, a network of coaches that assists individuals and organisations throughout Australia and Asia Pacific to develop their mental toughness, resilience, and wellbeing.Mental Toughness is a per sonality trait which determines, in large part, how people respond to challenge, stress and pressure, irrespective of their circumstances.As a CEO for 25 years in Australia and Asia and with extensive business and coaching experience he brings a wealth of career management expertise to the microphone. Enjoy his interesting career journey and our conversation!  To help build your confidence and resilience in your career, join The Careers Academy online membership, where you will gain comprehensive career management and career transition support plus tools and tips to build your self confidence and personal resilience.Where to find Paul:www.mentaltoughness.partnerswww.paullyons.comTwitter: @paullyons_aus

Protect Your Business From Every Angle On Day One

Protect Your Business From Every Angle On Day One Financial Protection You do need to make sure that your business is protected from financial issues. But how do you do this? Well, the best choice here is to invest in the right insurance plans. General liability insurance is a good place to start. With general liability, you will protect your company from a range of legal issues that could come with a massive bill to pay. Make sure that you shop around as premiums will vary from company to company and find one that suits you. As well as general liability, you should also make sure that you invest in workers compensation. With workers compensation, you can guarantee that you won’t have to worry about an injury or issue in the office bringing a massive bill on what’s probably a relatively small company. Back It Up It’s easy to forget that in business you are a victim to technology. You need to make sure that you are making the most out of the systems that you’re using. But you also need to make sure that if anything goes wrong, you aren’t back to square one. These days a lot of the information and data that businesses rely on are going to be on cloud servers and hard drives. That’s why you need to make sure that you have a backup system in place, ready to go at any sign of trouble. You can do this by speaking with an IT support specialist. They’ll be able to set up everything you need for you without any trouble at all. Preventing Hacks There are lots of ways to prevent hacks in your business. The right step for day one would be to invest in the best software such as single sign on solutions  for enhanced security.   With a solution like this, you can make sure that every time data is accessed on your system, it is completely secure. Remember, it’s your responsibility to protect all the data and info of your clients or customers. Another way to prevent hacks would be to invest in 24/7 monitoring for your computer systems. By doing this, you can make sure that experts are always keeping a check and making sure that there are no issues that could be a sign of someone breaking through. Stay Legal Last but not least, you do need to think about the legal aspect of your company security. In Europe, the GDPR is a major concern right now, but there are similar laws for every country and continent around the world. You need to know what these laws are, how they impact your business and how to stay on the right side of them.