Now What Do I Do?

by Cannon, Jan, PH.D.

• ISBN13: 9781931868990
• ISBN10: 1931868999
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-05-15
• Publisher: Capital Books Inc

Summary

As featured in the Wall Street Journaland Woman's World-- "Now What Do I Do?" is designed to help women over 40 face the challenge so many face: How can I get out of a dead end job? Find a new career? Start my own dreamed-about business? Discover where I can make the most difference for the rest of my life? Written by a respected Boston career counselor who has specialized in women at this mid-life stage, "Now What Do I Do?" provides a new way of looking at the self, jobs, and opportunities because Jan Cannon firmly believes that an entire career can be started, developed, and completed in the active years before Social Security or retirement benefits begin. Dr. Cannon encourages women to learn about themselves and to value their years of paid and unpaid experience. While it includes the "nuts and bolts" of career research, resume writing, and interviewing, the emphasis is on developing a clear sense of one's strengths, talents, interests and mid-life goals and then finding the right job. The workbook-like format - illustrated throughout by examples drawn from Jan Cannon's clients - is easy to use and includes self-assessments and exercises. Its upbeat, positive message: You are never too old to move in a new direction.

Table of Contents

Preface	ix
Chapter 1: Is It Time for a Change?	1	(8)
What's the right job?
The importance of YOU in your work
The trap of a quick decision
Chapter 2: Who Am I?	9	(8)
Getting in touch with the self-needs, desires
Decision-making style
Dare I try something new?
Chapter 3: How Am I Doing?	17	(16)
Life circumstances
Level of energy
Financial status
Chapter 4: What Shall I Do?	33	(18)
Describing your ideal job
Identifying your interests and skills
How others see you
Chapter 5: Student? Employee? Entrepreneur?	51	(10)
Identifying possible occupations
Integrating self-assessments with occupations
Deciding which path to pursue: student, volunteer, entrepreneur
Chapter 6: Job Search Preparation	61	(14)
Information gathering
Targeting
Planning
Chapter 7: Job Search Tools	75	(22)
Resumes
Networking and interviewing
Finding the help you need
Chapter 8: Job Search Strategy	97	(4)
Finding job leads
Job hunting
Negotiating the deal
Chapter 9: Should I Become a Volunteer?	101	(10)
What's in it for me?
Finding opportunities
Look before you leap
Choosing a cause to support
Chapter 10: Working for Yourself	111	(20)
Deciding what to do
Developing a business plan
Getting funds
Chapter 11: Getting Sidetracked	131	(8)
"Real" issues about age
Staying "up" in the process of career change
Techniques for getting "unstuck"
Chapter 12: Creating a Support Group for Change	139	(6)
Chapter 13: You Can Do It!	145	(8)
Resources	153	(8)
About the Author	161	(2)
Index	163