Thursday, January 30, 2014

Cool Job of the Week

For most women who spent 20 years watching The Oprah Winfrey Show, it couldn't get much cooler than a job actually working for her network. That's why this week's Cool Job of the Week is at OWN, the Oprah Winfrey Network, in Los Angeles, California.

Freelance Writer/Producer, On-Air Promos

Experienced writer/producer needed to create, write and produce promotional spots for OWN shows, including collaborating on graphics ideas, attending voiceover recordings, and editing spots. Requirements include a bachelor's degree and 2+ years' related experience.


Monday, January 27, 2014

Do You Ever Feel Like You're Destined For Something Bigger?

Do you?

I remember asking my husband this question early in our marriage. Well, before we had kids, anyway. But that covers about 10 years.

We were sitting in the middle of a restaurant and I remember he looked at me like I was a crazy person. Then he just sort of chuckled and said, "Uh, no."

But I've always had this feeling that I was meant for more than the gray cubicle I spent ONE day in during my last attempt at re-joining corporate America.

So imagine my delight when I saw this article by Scott Christ on Lifehack.org. Love, love, LOVE it! Enjoy!

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/10-signs-youre-meant-for-something-bigger-earth.html



Friday, January 24, 2014

Home Office Love

One of my favorite things is seeing how people live and work. I am obsessed with all things HGTV and my daughter and I take tours all the time of model homes in the area to get new ideas and see what the new trends are. And I especially love seeing people's home offices. So I thought I would feature a new one every week.

This first one I found, courtesy of ourgatorzone.blogspot.com is a brilliant use of space and gorgeous finishes. I'm not one who prefers being tucked away, but I also don't really need that at this point in my professional life. But if you need privacy or quiet for conference calls, this might be perfect for you.


There's nothing I don't love about this space, except for maybe the lack of a window, but it's hard to tell from the picture if there is one or not. I love the french doors leading in, the stunning white built-ins and crown molding, the dark-finish diagonal wood floors, and all that work surface! I also love the hanging light fixture, but love the addition of a desk lamp for tasks that require more direct light. The message board under the cabinet is a nice touch, too. It definitely feels like a feminine office, but that could be changed easily with a different chair.

I probably love it too, because the owner seems to be as tidy and organized as I am. Perhaps she's a professional organizer, a blogger, or the volunteer director of a charitable organization. What do you think?

If you're interested in having your own home office featured in the future, please send me a photo of your office. I'd love to see where you work every day!

Saturday, January 18, 2014

Finding Your Purpose

This has to be one of my favorite topics to talk about, EVER. I love how New York Times bestselling author, Gabby Bernstein, approaches it in her vlog, because it's something people really get hung up on. And if you like all things spirit-related like I do, check out her site at: http://gabbyb.tv/.


Friday, January 17, 2014

Cool Job of the Week!

I love, love, LOVE hearing about fun jobs and unique companies out there who are doing fantastic things. So I couldn't think of a better way to kick off my Cool Job of the Week post than with a great opportunity with my hands-down favorite company -- FlexJobs!

I. Love. This. Company.

I honestly can't say enough about this crazy-amazing organization. Founded by Sara Sutton Fell in 2007, FlexJobs.com is hands-down, the best job site out there providing legitimate flexible jobs -- including telecommuting, part-time, flextime, and freelance positions.

While some of us might have used pregnancy as a convenient excuse to do less in our lives, Sara actually decided to go ahead and start a company. And start a company (and a flexible work revolution) she did! She started FlexJobs from her home office and every single one of her employees work from their own homes. How do I know? I was blessed enough to be a part of the FlexJobs family for a while. I'm going to have to write a whole separate post on this company at a later date, but for now, here is the incredible opportunity they have for some lucky job-hunter.

Experienced freelance professional to utilize superb communication skills and digital media expertise to help manage and cultivate partnerships. Requires 3+ years digital marketing/relationship management experience. Part-time, remote position. 


Tuesday, January 14, 2014

It All Began with a Movie

I love movies. I love everything about them. I love going to the theater, getting snacks -- or if I'm lucky, an adult beverage. I love choosing seats. Up front with my feet up on the bar if I'm alone. (That's right, I actually go to the movies alone. And I L-O-V-E it.) Or if I'm with someone, I love seeing where they like to sit. I even like the previews. A lot of them. Not just because I'm interested in seeing what movies are coming out, but because of the anticipation I feel before the movie even starts.

So it shouldn't really surprise me that my passion for career-related topics all began with a movie. (I'm going to date myself here, but I'll just tell you right now that I'm 44 and proud of every second.) The movie was "Working Girl" -- and what a kick-ass movie it was. I was still in high school when it came out, but it gave me such a burst of inspiration when I saw it.



The story follows Tess, an administrative assistant who is doing everything she can to learn the skills she needs to get a promotion. While her boss is laid up from a skiiing accident, Tess learns that her supervisor stole an idea for a deal that Tess brought to her. Tess takes advantage of her boss being out of the office and takes over the deal-making process in her place. (Admittedly, I don't love the woman vs. woman aspect of the movie, but I managed to overlook it.)

From the opening credits with Carly Simon singing "Let the River Run" to the satisfaction of seeing her hard work pay off in the end, I loved everything about it. LOVED! (Okay, and it never hurts to have Harrison Ford as the lead male.) I wanted to BE Tess McGill (complete with love interest, Harrison Ford).

Since then, I have watched the movie dozens of times, for sure. It was my own personal cleansing ritual, if you will, that I would go through in between jobs. When I left one job for another to make my own way up the ladder, I would watch the movie to be inspired all over again. It still inspires me to this day. And it kick-started a lifelong fascination with all things career-related.

I love talking to people about their careers. I want to know how they chose their career. I want to know why someone stays in a job they don't love, love, LOVE. And I want to know what their dream job is. I want to know what the cool jobs are out there and let people know about them. I love entrepreneurs who have started their own small business to create exactly what they want in life. I even love to see where people work! Not the gray corporate cubicles, but in home offices that reflect their own style and personality. And most of all, I have a burning passion for work-life balance issues and how we can all make our work fit into our lives instead of the other way around.

So my wish for this blog is to share a little bit of all of this with you. And maybe you'll find a little inspiration of your own and create the Sassy Career you deserve.