If the economic indicators are right, it looks like we will be in for a bumpy ride for a while longer. Difficult economic times always make for interesting career times since increases in unemployment usually force people to rethink their lives in ways that the status quo does not typically encourage. So too, do other unexpected events in our lives.
Having battled cancer through '06 I thought I had moved past my challenges to begin work on the Brown-nosing book project. '07 seemed to be a recovery year and just when I thought I was about to pull it all back together, an unimaginable tragedy at the end of the year caused me to rethink everything, all over again.
As a result of an tragic accident, I lost a very dear family member and friend early in '08. She lingered in a coma throughout the holiday season before losing her battle. Her husband and my cousin, Dan, continues to work to overcome the head and body injuries he sustained when they were both struck by a car as they attempted to render aid to another accident victim. Their sons, Sam, Alex, and Ben, having struggled with the reality of those months, have moved on and are now back in school doing what college age boys do (OMG!).
The uncertainty of life has once again fortified my belief that we should not spend one moment of our precious lives doing work that does not make our souls sing. Some of us are lucky; we can sing pretty much anywhere. The rest of us find ourselves unbalanced as we manage our responsibilities to our families and provide for ourselves while ignoring or delaying our psychological and spiritual needs. When we are not living up to our full potential the tension from within is palpable.
I'm on the mend from losing my friend. Thanks to many of you and your constant encouragement my book, Brown-Nosing 101: A career survival for the rest of us, is finished and available. I've also started working on the website - www.brownnosingonline.com where you can find a link to the book. In the meantime, have YOU thought about your career strategy in the midst of recession? Watch those Brown-Nosers amongst us --- they haven't stopped positioning themselves to take advantage of the challenges yet to come.
Life is short - accelerate your potential. Use these skills - visibility, positioning, networking and connecting - to get ahead.
Think about it --
Linda

I'm so sorry for your loss of your friend/family member. I will keep her husband (and you!) in my prayers. Sending love!
Trish
Posted by: Trish Knight | April 11, 2008 at 05:58 PM