How to Be Happy at Work: A Practical Guide to Career Satisfaction

by Hirsch, Arlene S.

• ISBN13: 9781563709807
• ISBN10: 1563709805
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-10-01
• Publisher: Jist Works

Summary

Whether you're choosing your career for the first time, rethinking the choices you made years before, or deciding how to spend your pre- and post-retirement years productively, the right career can make all the difference in whether your work life is happy. Using the worksheets and real-life stories in this book, you will gain the insight to make the right choices, succeed in your career, and overcome your past career mistakes. Book jacket.

Author Biography

Arlene S. Hirsch is a career counselor and psychotherapist in private practice in Chicago She is a senior lecturer in career psychology at Northwestern University

Table of Contents

Part 1: Career Choice and Success from Graduation to Retirement and Beyond	1	(92)
Chapter 1: Career Choice: What Do You Want to Be...Now That You're Grown Up?	3	(22)
Career-Choice Generation Gaps	5	(8)
Looking Forward to Career Growth	13	(5)
Take a Personal Career Interest Survey	18	(7)
Chapter 2: Do You Know the Secrets of Career Success?	25	(22)
Rule 1: Motivation Is the Key to Success	26	(2)
Rule 2: Success Takes Hard Work	28	(2)
Rule 3: Follow Your Dream	30	(4)
Rule 4: Honor Your Talents	34	(2)
Rule 5: Manage Yourself	36	(3)
Rule 6: Take Calculated Risks	39	(8)
Chapter 3: Fail(ure) Is Not a Four-Letter Word	47	(22)
The Thrill of Defeat?	49	(2)
Common Causes of Career Failure	51	(11)
Turning Failures Around	62	(7)
Chapter 4: Oh No, 50!: Midlife Career Transitions	69	(24)
Are You Just Waiting for a Pension?	71	(1)
A New Phase of Life	72	(8)
Managing Late Career Change	80	(3)
Limitless Potential	83	(10)
Part 2: Career Security	93	(78)
Chapter 5: Achieving Career Security in Turbulent Times	95	(18)
Do Good Work	96	(1)
Develop Marketable Skills	97	(2)
Be Willing to Pitch In	99	(1)
Expect the Unexpected	99	(2)
Develop an Innovative Spirit	101	(1)
Learn to Manage Risk	101	(2)
Know How to Job Hunt	103	(2)
Feed Your Rolodex	105	(8)
Chapter 6: How to Love the Job You Hate	113	(20)
Strategy 1: Stop Watching the Clock	114	(1)
Strategy 2: Learn to Take a Compliment	115	(1)
Strategy 3: Pat Yourself on the Back (Occasionally)	116	(2)
Strategy 4: Take Criticism for What It's Worth	118	(1)
Strategy 5: View Politics as a Challenge	119	(4)
Strategy 6: Build Positive Relationships	123	(2)
Strategy 7: Stay Positive	125	(1)
Strategy 8: Take Responsibility for Your Own Happiness	125	(2)
Strategy 9: Don't Confuse Your Job with Your Life	127	(1)
Strategy 10: Have a Plan to Get Out	128	(5)
Chapter 7: Layoff Survivors' Dilemma: Put Up or Shut Up	133	(20)
Anxiety Rules	134	(1)
Get in Touch with Your Emotions	135	(2)
Devise New Solutions	137	(3)
Make a Commitment to Be Part of the Solution	140	(1)
Attitude Is a Key Variable	141	(1)
View This as a Learning Opportunity	142	(2)
Don't Let Others Hold You Back	144	(2)
Be Prepared to Walk Away	146	(7)
Chapter 8: Quitting Your Job	153	(18)
The Lies We Tell Ourselves	154	(6)
Timing Your Departure	160	(2)
An Emotional Journey	162	(1)
Saying Farewell	163	(8)
Part Three: The Path to Career Happiness	171	(92)
Chapter 9: Business Ethics: What's Your Bottom Line?	173	(24)
An FBI Agent Stands Up for Her Principles	175	(1)
A Lack of Ethics	176	(2)
The Argument for Business Ethics	178	(2)
When Co-Workers Do Wrong	180	(2)
There's Strength in Numbers	182	(1)
Fight Subtle Pressures	183	(2)
Find a Role Model	185	(1)
Defend Your Rights	186	(1)
Reshape the World	187	(1)
Trust Your Inner Strength	188	(9)
Chapter 10: Work/Life Balance: Making a Life While Making a Living	197	(24)
Take a Break	199	(2)
Thinking of a Permanent Vacation?	201	(2)
Starting a Whole New Life	203	(2)
Less Is More?	205	(2)
Moving Someplace Else Isn't Always the Answer	207	(2)
Alternative Work Arrangements	209	(4)
Pay Attention to Yourself	213	(2)
Start on the Right Foot	215	(6)
Chapter 11: Having Fun at Work	221	(22)
Laughter Really Is the Best Medicine	222	(2)
Laugh in the Face of Fear	224	(1)
Finding Everyday Fun	224	(3)
From Play to Success	227	(4)
What Delights You?	231	(2)
Take on a New Adventure	233	(1)
Improve Your Social Life	234	(9)
Chapter 12: We, Inc.: Working with Others or Starting Your Own Business	243	(20)
Managing Your Boss	243	(4)
Finding a Mentor	247	(4)
Starting Your Own Business	251	(12)
Appendix: Your Career Happiness Plan	263	(26)
Index	289