Study: Many stall mid-career due to poor decision-making | Write better emails with the MADE formula | Calif. Senate passes bill reclassifying gig workers
People should consider 10 questions before deciding if they should leave a new job that feels like a mistake, writes career coach Caroline Ceniza-Levine. The questions cover whether potential damage to professional relationships is worth it as well as if they've explored all possible solutions. Forbes (9/7) Study: Many stall mid-career due to poor decision-making Research finds more than 50% of mid-career professionals struggle with strategic work decisions, slowing their advancement, write Laurence Minsky and Julia Tang Peters. They often fail to realize superiors expect them to drive change and should consider consulting with a mentor or career coach to help them embrace and leverage new ideas. Harvard Business Review online (tiered subscription model) (9/5)
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Making the Connection
Write better emails with the MADE formula Focus your emails with a quick overview, the action you want to see, some details and any proof you need to demonstrate, says communication coach Dianna Booher, who describes the MADE formula. "Once you learn how to summarize well up front, the rest of the email can be cut almost in half," she says. Fast Company online (9/10)
AB5, the California State Assembly bill that requires app-based businesses to treat contract workers as employees, passed the state Senate Tuesday night with a 29-11 vote. Proponents say the bill -- expected to become law -- offers wage and benefits protections to gig workers, but critics say the change will adversely affect the flexibility afforded to these individuals. The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (9/11),CBS News/The Associated Press (9/11)
Your Next Challenge
Are career tests worth it? The tests people take to match their IQ, personality, aptitude or interests to a career help build self-awareness, but career experts advise against placing too much faith in them, writes Geoff Williams. "For instance, on the Strong Interest Inventory, I always score very high on the artistic theme but have no desire to work in the arts," says career counselor Emily Frank. U.S. News & World Report (9/11)Highlight the employer as well as yourself in an application A resume is more effective if it demonstrates how your career mission aligns with the company's goals, while a cover letter should start with what you admire about the company, say career coach Maggie Mistal and career trends expert Sarah Stoddard. "This approach draws in the hiring manager's attention better than talking about yourself first and foremost," says Mistal. NBC News (9/9)
Balancing Yourself
Mixing the personal and professional builds relationships The support of co-workers after a cancer diagnosis taught Lynne Levy the importance of being open and personal in the workplace. "Whether a graduation, a marriage, or recovering from an illness, it is important to celebrate often," she writes. Workhuman (9/9)
The Water Cooler
A baby monkey named Gombe chilled out Finalists for the annual Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards include lots of funny photos, especially a squirrel getting a face full of dandelion and a baby monkey named Gombe hanging out. The awards were developed to increase awareness for conservation issues. Mashable (9/11)
