From Aerospace Engineer to Investment Director

From Aerospace Engineer to Investment Director Success Story > From: Job To: Job From Aerospace Engineer to Investment Director “I was on holiday, and I had this overwhelming fear of returning hometo my life as it was.” * From Aerospace Engineer to Investment Director Not only did Candice Hampson have moral issues with the work she was doing, she also found it boring. So, she set out to make a change. Here's how she embraced not-knowing (and some inevitable ups and downs) to find the first job she's truly loved. What work were you doing previously? I originally trained as an aerospace engineer. My first job was coding motion simulators for pilot training (including Canadian fighter jets) in Assembly and C++ languages. What are you doing now? I'm an Investment Director at Big Society Capital, the world's first social investment wholesaler. We invest in intermediaries in the UK, like fund managers and banks, who then invest in charities and social enterprises for both a social and financial return. We help enable charities and social enterprises to improve people's lives and solve problems like poverty and homelessness in the UK by making appropriate finance available. How did you feel in your work before you decided to make a change? I absolutely hated it. Not only did I have moral issues with the work I was doing, but I also disliked the work itself and found it incredibly boring. I liked working in teams, but that was about 5% of my day. The rest was solitary coding at my desk. And ithad nothing to do with anything I was passionate about. Why did you change? It just hit me one day that I needed to make a change. I struggled in my first job for two years before finding the right path to get out. When was the moment you decided to make the change? I was sitting on the dock of a dive shop in Honduras where I was on holiday, and I had this overwhelming fear of returning home and to my life as it was. I was so tempted to stay in Honduras and become a dive instructor! It was that moment when I knew I couldn't continue with things as they were; it forced me to examine the options available to me. How did you choose your new career? I considered a few options: volunteering in Africa for a development charity I had volunteered with in Canada before (Engineers without Borders), doing an MBA, or starting my own social enterprise. Turns out I wasn't accepted as an overseas volunteer, and I decided since I knew nothing about business, I should probably go find some stuff out before starting one so I settled on the MBA with a focus on social entrepreneurship. Are you happy with the change? Very happy. What do you miss and what don't you miss? I miss the perks of working for a larger company â€" clear opportunities for career progression, and stuff like gym memberships, physio appointments, bonuses, etc. I definitely don't miss feeling like a small cog in a mammoth machine. Where I used to work, you really felt like you were just a number, not a valued person with something unique to contribute. How did you go about making the shift? I applied for five different MBA programmes, as well as a volunteer role abroad and waited to see what landed. I moved to England around ten years ago to attend Oxford University's Said Business School, followed by a year at On Purpose, a community of like-minded people who want to have purpose in everything they do. I had no clue what would happen next, or that I'd still be in the UK nearly ten years later. While starting my MBA at Oxford, the market crashed. Big time. Even though I had gone in with the intention of working in social entrepreneurship in some way, I didn't really have much of a choice in the end as all tempting consulting and banking jobs evaporated overnight. Tom Rippin was just launching On Purpose at the time, and it seemed to be a perfect fit: a programme that built your knowledge, expertise and contacts in the social space in the UK while giving you a year of personal development time to figure out what you might want to do with your career â€" how you might want to, and might be best placed to, contribute to the world. With On Purpose, I completed two six-month placements in two purpose-driven organisations (HCT Group and the Young Foundation), and my current role in social investment is directly attributable to my work analysing the social impact of HCT Group, a transport-based social enterprise based in Hackney, London. What didn't go well? What 'wrong turns' did you take? Following my year at On Purpose, feeling re-energised and re-dedicated to the social sector, I started a new job at a small innovation and growth consultancy. The reason I joined that company was because some of their clients included the likes of Comic Relief, Oxfam, Just Giving and other great social sector organisations. Unfortunately, the way consulting works is you don't get to choose your projects. The majority of my time was spent working on projects for one of the UK's major banks. BORING. I felt I'd failed at my attempt to do something that mattered to me, and hadn't used the opportunity afforded me by On Purpose properly â€" to find meaningful work. So I started looking for new roles, and found my current job which is honestly the first job I have ever loved. How did you handle your finances to make your change possible? I can't lie â€" the MBA was expensive and drained my resources; although it did give me a great experience and great networks. The On Purpose programme, however, actually paid me £20k (at the time) for a year of work experience, personal development and growth, and targeted network building. I'm not really a big spender, so I found it actually OK to live on £20k in London for a year. What was the most difficult thing about changing? Explaining to my mum why I was doing what I was doing, and what I do every day now! She still doesn’t understand my job. Also, and more seriously, being so uncertain about the future. I came and attended the MBA with an idea of what I wanted to do in the end â€" start my own social enterprise â€" which never materialised. I then attended On Purpose with no clue where it would lead me. And now, after a few twists and turns, I'm in a job that I absolutely love;itlets me work on some of the most pressing challenges of our time from a bird's eye view of the market. I never would have predicted what I'd be doing now ten years ago. What help did you get? I'm extremely lucky in that I got lots of financial (and emotional!) help from my parents. Not everyone gets that, and I'm humbled and very grateful to them. I also had some great bosses (and not so great bosses) whom I've learned loads from. What have you learnt in the process? I've learnt that anything is possible. And that 'anything' could be stuff you haven't even thought of yet. I never knew a thing about investment, let alone how social investment worked. Big Society Capital didn't even exist when I finished my MBA. You never know what's around the corner, so stay true to your personal mission and don't be afraid to make moves that bring you closer to it. What would you advise others to do in the same situation? Go have tons of coffees. Flatter people who have careers you'd love by asking them about their own career journeys and how they got to where they are. Be mindful of other people's time, and grateful whenever it is given to you. On Purpose recruits twice a year for their Associate Programme. To find out more, visit www.onpurpose.org. What lessons could you take from Candice's story to use in your own career change? Let us know in the comments below.

Future Thinking Are You Really Living Your Best Life

Future Thinking Are You Really Living Your Best Life Life as we know it can often be a little mundane and the same, don’t you think? We may think we are enjoying life but when we start to analyse different aspects of it you may start to question some of the decisions you have made. There is so much focus on living in the here and now right now that you can often find that you are just trying to survive from one day to the next, never actually living your life and yet just getting by. Life isn’t about that though is it? We are encouraged to make the most of it and one of the best ways we can do that is through thinking about the future and making decisions now that effect us, not just for today, but also for tomorrow and moving forward with our lives. Are you really living your best life? I wanted to share with you aspects of your life and really get down to the nitty gritty of whether or not it is the best decision for you. I hope it gives you insight on some of the decisions you could make and some of the things you can start changing. Your career When it comes to your life, much of your time can be spent doing a job of some sort. Some people are so fortunate to enjoy the job and the career that they have, others may find it a chore and will see themselves willing their lives away. If that sounds like you then you won’t be alone. People can often feel trapped in their career and really don’t know which way to turn, so you may find that a change of career would be suitable. It might be that you are already specialised, perhaps in the health sector such as a doctor or nurse and be wondering about the highest paying states for travel nurses as relocation might be on the cards, or you simply like the idea of learning something new. Maybe you want to start again, and study for something more specifically. You may even have a hobby that you may want to turn into a job, or working for yourself has always been ambition. Taking the action to make it happen could be the best thing you do to help you feel more content on a day to day basis. Your financial situation Could your financial situation be causing you strain in your life? The answer might be yes and like so many, we can often be governed by our circumstances much more than we can be in other aspects of our lives. The truth is, money doesnt make you happy, but it can make life easier, and so you look at some of the things you could do to make a positive change. If your finances are under pressure right now take a minute to look at ways you could Improve it. Perhaps you need to focus on paying debts off, or looking at ways you can boost your income and make some general savings. Simple things like meal planning can make a big difference as well as looking at ways you can make some extra cash in your spare time.   Your relationships Relationships can be a real dampener on your life at times, and they are certainly not meant to be. A relationship, Be that’s a friendship or of the romantic kind, should lift your spirits, make you feel happy and fulfilled in your life, or give you something back. However, relationships can also drain you at times. You can find that your surround yourself with people that are negative and this can drain your physically as well as mentally. You can also find that relationships have run their course over time, you fal out of love with people, you have different directions in life you want to take, and this can also mean that it can become hard to move forward. The best advice is to always surround yourself with people that make you feel good. Your retirement Are you thinking about the future at all when it comes to the time in your life where you will no longer be working? This is a time we often see as being so far into the future that we give little or no thought to it, but it will actually be with you quicker than you realise. It is important for you to work out how you will find the lifestyle that you want and also spend some time planning the things you want to do. Do you have bucket list? Are there certain things you want to ac Herve before you hit retirement age? Knowing these things can really help you in terms of getting where you want to be in life much faster. Your travel plans On the subject of bucket lists when was the last time you thought about the travel plans you have or want to have? The truth is we can be so bombarded with life on a day to day basis, that we can forget that we need to enjoy it as well and many people find travel as one of the best ways to do that. You may want to think about planning certain trips, or at least ticking places off your overall bucket list to help you feel more inspired with life. I know it isn’t easy to really make such big decisions on a day to day basis, so maybe start to look at some of the things you can do actively everyday to ensure that you are living your absolute best life. Simple things can make big differences in your life. Feeling gratitude for what is going well One of the best ways to start making some difference in your life is to start focusing on some of the smaller things that you can start to change and do daily. It might be that you start feeling grateful for everything that is going well in your life. Ending your day with positive things that have happened or what you are particulate thankful for in that day. You could start your day in the same way, and even practice saying thank you mentally throughout the day when things are going your way. That parking space, that last coffee you just enjoyed, simple things but it can be extremely effective. Changing your mindset Your mind is the biggest tool that you have when it comes to how you feel, and working on your mindset can be one of the best things that you do. Changing it from negative to positive isnt going to be plain sailing, but it is part of a journey of rediscovery, and while it will feel forced at first, it will certainly help you to see much clearer and lead a better lifestyle on a day to day basis. Looking at your lifestyle Finally, your lifestyle can also be a big indicator on how you feel now and living your best life as well as how you will be in the future. Taking care of your mind and body will not only give you short term benefits but also long term ones as you start to see a difference in how you feel. Whether it is your diet or you choose to become more active, the small things can make a big difference. I hope that sharing this with you has certainly given you some food for thought when it comes to future thinking and living your best life.

Personal Branding Interview Pat Olsen - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Personal Branding Interview Pat Olsen - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Today, I spoke to Pat Olsen, who is a lead writer for the popular New York Times column, The Boss and also writes a 1st-person executive column for On Wall Street and Family Business magazines.   In this interview, Pat goes over her writing background, gives journalism advice and more. What inspired your The Boss column for the New York Times? I was writing for other columns in the business section when my editor wrote to several of us freelance contributors to announce that there would be a new column. Im not privy to how it came about, but its been my single most favorite thing to do. Who has been the single most interesting person youve interviewed in your journalism career? I wish I could pick one person but I have to go with the cop out. There have been so many who have inspired me, and they can be so eloquent. People who make it to the top of a company, or entrepreneurs who make it into the column, are different from you and me! There are a lot of young aspiring journalism majors now. Is it still possible to become successful in this area? What do they need to know? I could give advice for hours on this. I have tech writing experience, and Id recommend they get a second skill, too. I also have an M.B.A.   They cant be shy because you have to market yourself like crazy these days. Id find a mentor as soon as I could, and Id learn as much about the new media as I could. Id tell them not to think theyre settling if they cant get a job at that certain newspaper. I know a young journalist who really wanted to write for newspapers but got a job writing for a travel site instead. She likes it OK, or make that a lot after being unemployed for a long time. How has journalism helped build your personal brand? What opportunities were created for you? Writing for the NYT is just the best thing for exposure. I actually heard from a literary agent soon after I started. (It didnt work out that time, but I did eventually find another one and wrote a book.) Ive also gotten a couple offers of other assignments, too, which has been nice. Looking back at your career, what would you have fixed or focused more on? I love the short 1st-persons, but Im also drawn to the long narrative form, such as those in Nieman Narrative Journal, so I guess that means I wish Id focused more on that area. Pat Olsen writes on business, health, education, and general interest subjects from her New Jersey home. Shes a lead writer for the popular New York Times column, The Boss and also writes a 1st-person executive column for On Wall Street and Family Business magazines. (Her New York Times byline is Patricia R. Olsen.)   Her feature articles, essays, and profiles have appeared in numerous national publications, including ForbesLife Executive Woman, Dealmaker, the Chicago Tribune, USA Weekend, Financial Planning, Hemispheres (Uniteds inflight magazine), the San Francisco Chronicle magazine, MORE, Remedy, and Diabetic Living, among others.

Do you read a lot Then you might have dyslexia.

Do you read a lot Then you might have dyslexia. I was going to publish a list of books for you to give as gifts. Here are some ideas: Tromelin, the Island of Lost Slaves  A true story of slaves and captors shipwrecked together on a tiny island. The author says hes an archeologist of distress. The Radical Reader, A Documentary History of the Radical Tradition  U.S. history laid out by protest topics rather than by wars or Presidents. But I didnt read those books.  So Im going to tell you instead that I don’t like books. And I don’t read books. And I have  dyslexia. I would have never known I had  dyslexia  except that a mother brought her twelve-year-old dyslexic son to my apartment for a full-day coaching session. Her son had the beginnings of an online publishing business. He had kids his age writing for him, and he had sponsors. He wanted me to help him write a business plan and then work with him over the next year to execute it. My first question was, how is he doing this if he cant read? The kid’s explanation of  dyslexia  blew my mind: dyslexia  is not necessarily an inability to read. This boy could read everything his contributors sent him. And he could read ESPN all day long, which he did. But he  gets a headache when he reads new or challenging material. Or he falls asleep. In his case,  dyslexia is an inability to process what hes reading. I looked for a test to give to my kids. They both get headaches when they read pages of unfamiliar material. Or they fall asleep. Which means I had to go back six years to get the photo up top, but I have a million photos of my sons reading that look like this: Of course I gave myself the test first. It was a multiple-choice reading comprehension test, and the last choice for every question was Id be guessing. Which made me realize that I always guess when it comes to reading comprehension. Then I had all of us tested, and I was literally speechless. At first. Then it was like everything in my life started fitting together like a puzzle. I learned to read when I was three.  My grandma saw me staring at the pages and she told me enough so I could decode the rest. I remember the moment it clicked. I remember thinking I never want to stop decoding words. But I also remember in first grade, when I refused to do the reading curriculum. I said, I have been reading since I was three. The teacher said, You dont understand anything you read. I thought that was irrelevant, which I let her know, every single day. I read nonstop as a kid. But I read easy novels. Stories about kids my age, or younger. I couldnt keep track of stories in long novels written generations before me. Reading about unfamiliar people and places is way more difficult. I just thought I didnt like the authors. I thought I was opinionated. But actually, Im just a bad reader. Im well read.  Because most famous writers have written at least one short story, which I can always get through. I can talk about literary history and I can talk about good writing and bad writing. And I held my own in graduate school for English without reading anything. Believe me, its not that difficult. Its all theory and criticism, not story.  I discovered you can be affected by the revolutionary nature of a book without reading it. I read non-fiction constantly.  But thats because I love the feeling of reading. I love looking at words and I love ideas. But I dont read each line, beginning to end. I skim for the important parts, skip to the conclusion, and if I still dont understand, I start scanning Wikipedia to get the main idea. I got all As in college. But I never even bought the textbooks. I made up a shorthand for myself and I took transcripts of the course lectures. Then I used a fountain pen to copy my shorthand into a neater page of shorthand. And I memorized the course material that way. Then I became a writer. So I  joined a long list of  people who launched writing careers without knowing they had  dyslexia:  F. Scott Fitzgerald, Yeates, Flaubert, and Umberto Eco, who  said, I dont read. I write. When my son was three he was with other kids who were also autistic. And all readers. The teacher removed all the books in the classroom because, she said, the kids were hyperlexic they love reading   but they are not understanding what they are reading because they are dyslexic. Hyperlexia and dyslexia are genetic, (and both are autism spectrum). You can love to read and be bad at it; sometimes people love to read just because its calming. I often think about that boy I coached who read ESPN. What is my ESPN? I think it might be suffering. I could read about that all day, because it doesnt feel like reading so much as picking a wound. Have I told you about The Childrens Blizzard?   In the 1800s the US wanted people to move west so the weather bureau didn’t report impending storms.  One bright, warm day a huge snowstorm smothered the midwest in just a few hours. Kids were at school with no heat and no warm clothes. Each  chapter tells the story of a group of children and their horrifying effort to survive the cold. So maybe you need your own version of ESPN and childhood suffering. And as for the rest of the books, you can love a  book you don’t read; like falling in love with someone without having sex. Here’s an example: I read the table of contents of the Radical Reader to learn the vocabulary of social disturbance. The words I didnt know, I looked up online: monkeywrenching (eco-tourism for radicals) and culture jamming  (deconstructionism for consumers) and Lysistrata protest (sexual empowerment for the disenfranchised). I realized my penchant for protest is limited by my narrow understanding of what it is. I skimmed the introduction for a big idea, and I get stuck on, “Radicalism is as American as apple pie.”  I realize that the ubiquitous-as-apple-pie smilie always feels a little anti-Semitic to me, because American Jews even the most assimilated have no history of cooking with lard, because its not kosher, which means the pie crusts of the Jews are always sub-par. But that’s ok. I like a book where someone works to unhinge my assumptions.  I felt like I read the book because I learned something, and I formed a new opinion of my own. Thats all I need. You can process every word of a book and not let it change you. That’s finishing the book something competitive readers might measure. Reading a book is making space for a new idea in your heart, and it might be merely a page or a paragraph or a turn of a phrase. Reading is letting sparks flight where they might catch, there is danger and recklessness, and god I love reading so much, even though I rarely read a book.

How to Add Resume on LinkedIn For Job Search

How to Add Resume on LinkedIn For Job SearchAs an employee, it is important to know where to add resume on LinkedIn. LinkedIn is one of the most popular networking websites online and many people use this website for job search. So, in order to get access to the best opportunities available, it is very essential to know how to use this website for job search.The best way to find your ideal position is to be updated on all the jobs that are posted in LinkedIn. The first thing you need to do is to register with LinkedIn. When you register with LinkedIn, you will be given a username, a password and a link that will guide you to its main site. There you will see all the job opportunities that are listed on the internet.For your job search in LinkedIn, you have to remember to focus on the experience and education of the person that you are linking to. This will help you in narrowing down your choices and start searching. So, the first thing that you need to look at in order to find the be st job opportunity is their experience and education.You also need to search for a particular field of study as this will help you in finding the best jobs on LinkedIn. In addition, you should also see if there are any positions available in another location. By doing this, you will be able to find opportunities that are available in other states.You can also look for the company that you would like to join on LinkedIn. By looking at the company profile, you will be able to determine the job opportunity and also the compensation package. If you are not happy with the compensation package, then you can move to another company or industry.Another way that you can use LinkedIn for your job search is by searching for the companies in your area that will be offering jobs. When you do this, you will be able to find the best opportunity available. Thus, the more you are updated with the best opportunity available, the better the chances are that you will get the best job available.Now, whe n you know where to add resume on LinkedIn, you should check on whether the company is legitimate or not. Remember, it is not easy to earn a living on the internet. So, if you want to earn a decent income from your online work, then you need to make sure that the company is legitimate.Thus, in order to find out the best opportunities for the work that you are doing, you need to know where to add resume on LinkedIn. Remember, the best opportunity will be the one that is listed on the best website that will lead you to the best job opportunities available. So, always check out the website first before you start applying for the best job that you want to do. You should also always check the credibility of the website before you start searching for the best job.

5 Tips for Successful Job Search Networking - CareerAlley

5 Tips for Successful Job Search Networking - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. As you add contacts (or renew old contacts) during your job search, you should also refresh your relationships on a regular basis while looking for a job. This is important for everyone, but especially if you are currently unemployed. The refresh approach for each contact will depend on the nature of the relationship. For friends, relatives and business acquaintances, it is as easy as reminding them that youre out there looking for a job. If they know you they already know that you are looking for a job, so a simple email (or phone call) will usually suffice. For recruiters, a phone call (asking them if they have any leads) or an email (maybe with an updated resume or a brief on any pending interviews) should do the trick. While there are no hard and fast rules for job search networking, there are a few guidelines you should consider: Recruiters Recruiters who already know you Refreshing your relationships should be easy. A phone call or email letting them know that you are actively looking for a job should suffice. If using email, you should include a brief overview of your job search parameters as well as a recent copy of your resume. Followup with a phone call in a week. Once the relationship is reestablished, a once per month email should be fine. Do not stalk your recruiters, it will not help. New Recruiters If you are reaching out to a new recruiter, include detailed information on your background, details on your search criteria and an updated resume (a very specific form of a cover letter or introductory letter). Suggest that you will call within the next week to review your background. Current Connections Friends Family: This group is your most important support and networking group. These people know you the best and are the most likely to help leverage their connections to help you find a job. Make sure these contacts are current. Phone calls, emails and maybe a quick coffee will work. Former Colleagues: While the group above know you the best as an individual, former colleagues know what you do and how you do it. Their recommendations will be the most important and their leads and connections are the most likely to fit your career requirements. Make sure you connect with them, give them a summary of your job requirements. New Connections Former Colleagues (who may not know you) The best source for this is LinkedIn, where you can look at all contacts across an organization. Another source (and probably the better strategy) are the contacts you already have from former employers. Look at their contacts for some leads. If possible, ask your contacts to introduce you to those former colleagues you do not know first hand. People who dont know you These are people that you will meet at networking events, industry trade groups, job search support groups and career fairs. Try to join those groups that make the most sense for you. Some links to networking which provide a few views/tactics for keeping your network fresh. 4 Tips for Utilizing Social Networking Outlets for Your Job Search From CareerAlley, some additional tips for networking. Riley Guide on Networking This article from the Riley Guide provides an excellent review of networking. What it is, how to do it and what it isnt. The article provides a number of additional links on associated topics. Successful Job Search Networking This About.com article provides another view on networking (formal versus informal) as well as a long list of additional resources. The article mentions that 60% of all jobs are filled via networking (Ive heard as high as 80% as well). The Art of Career and Job-Search Networking Quintcareers also has a page dedicated to networking and they also stress that this is probably the most important part of your search methods. They provide detail on networking on the web, networking groups (like Diversity, Women, Military, etc.) as well as some publications on the topic. The Social Network as a Career Safety Net This NY Times article provides a real-life example of how social networking helped someone find other opportunities. While the current job market environment is likely to make it more difficult than the success of the individual in the article, it does stress the importance of networking. We are always eager to hear from our readers. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or suggestions regarding CareerAlley content. Good luck in your search,Joey Google+ Job Search job title, keywords, company, location jobs by

3 Clever Ways to Create More Career Opportunities

3 Clever Ways to Create More Career Opportunities 3 Clever Ways to Create More Career Opportunities 3 Clever Ways to Create More Career Opportunities April 14, 2013 by Career Coach Sherri Thomas Leave a Comment symptoms of diabetes p>   Who is really responsible for your career?   Who is the decision maker? Who is the driver?   You are.   If you’re in a career that fills you with small-ness, resentment, anger, boredom, regret or frustration, then it’s time to ask yourself two questions… “How much longer will I accept this situation?”   And, “What can I do to change it?” Well, I can’t help you answer the first question, but I can give you some ideas and suggestions for the second question.   ?? I believe that we are all the architect of our own career and we each have the ability to create a career that gives us meaning, purpose and joy.   In order to do that, you must become a rainmaker for yourself.   In other words, you must master the art of creating and identifying career opportunities.   There are three kinds of opportunities you’ll need to master â€" 1.   Banked opportunities.   These are opportunities that land in your lap and you say, “Yes, please!”    These are gifts that you willingly accept and cash in such as a new job, promotion, higher paycheck, or an opportunity to lead a bigger, higher profile or more exciting projects and teams. These are the opportunities you’ve worked so hard for, and then one day, they plop down in your lap.   These are the most popular and eeeeeasiest kinds of opportunities to receive.   2.   Deflected opportunities.   These are opportunities that land in your lap and you say, “Nope.”   An opportunity comes knocking and without blinking an eye, you’ve all-too-quickly assessed that you’re too busy, too inexperienced, or too unworthy… or that the assignment is too big, too intimidating or too off-your-radar to accept it.   Twice I turned down a promotion when I was a disc jockey at a radio station in Monterey, California to become morning show host because it terrified me and I didn’t think I was good enough.   I made a deal with my mentor that if the General Manager asked me a third time, I would take the promotion. Fortunately, he did.   And fortunately, I did.   What a wonderful, beautiful, awesome experience it was.   Three times I foolishly turned down a volunteer position on the national council of the American Marketing Association because I didn’t think I had time.   I finally accepted, and that amazing position turned out to give me the leadership skills and marketing expertise I needed to land my 6-figure job at a high tech Fortune 100 company. Stop selling yourself short and wasting your opportunities by saying “no” because they don’t fit in your ridiculously tight career box.   Open up the top of your box. Give yourself breathing room to stretch, grow and learn.   Maybe the universe does have a better plan for you.   Maybe the universe is your biggest cheerleader and trying to give you opportunities to advance.   Stop saying “no”, and re-train yourself to say “yes.”         3.   Hidden opportunities.   These  are opportunities that are there for you â€" but you must go find or create them.   These are the most missed opportunities of all. Today, I’ve been working at a Fortune 100 company for 13 years and recently my department went through a grueling re-org.   My boss left the company, her boss left the company and many of my peers left.   My world was crumbling. I found myself in quicksand and sinking fast.   The only way I could find another internal job and get the recommendations I would need in order to stay with the company, would be to reach out to my internal network and ask for help.  It felt embarrassing to send out a note asking for help.   But after I did, within 48 hours I received 2 job offers, 3 leads, and 2 letters of recommendation.   I wouldn’t have received anything if I hadn’t reached out and asked for help.   In my recent book, “The Bounce Back”, Cindy Hoyme talks about how she reached out to her network when she needed a new job.   Within 3 weeks she had 4 job offers. Would she have had those job offers if she hadn’t asked her contacts for help?   No.   She possibly, may have found other job leads, but without the recommendations from her network, it’s highly unlikely she would have been hired. Vid Vidyasagara talks about how he went from being a stagnated, under-challenged project manager to becoming a Sr. manager by asking if he could join two high-profile programs.  Would he have received a promotion had he not volunteered for bigger, higher profile projects?   No. A client of mine, John, created and sold his vision of a new career path for him and his team to Sr. leaders where he works, and now he’s on his way to more promotions, advancement and a higher paycheck.   Would this have happened had he not met with Sr. leaders?   No.     Hidden opportunities are around us all the time.   ALL THE TIME.   They just require a little extra work.   They require that you to do a little hunting and digging to seek them out. If you’re looking for a job have you reached out to your network to ask for job leads and recommendations?    If you want a promotion have you stepped up to take on more responsibilities and lead higher profile projects?  If you’ve reached the top of your career path inside an organization have you tried negotiating with Sr. managers to create a new or extended career path?     Never let your career stall. Instead, step up and take control.  Go find  your hidden gems.   Go collect all those opportunities that are yours to find and keep. Get your BOLD on, and start mastering the art of banked, deflected and hidden opportunities.   Once you do, your cup will runneth over ?? â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€" Sherri Thomas is a Career Strategist, international speaker and best-selling author of the award  winning book  â€œThe Bounce Back â€" personal stories of bouncing back higher and faster after a layoff, re-org or career setback” and “Career Smart â€" 5 Steps to a Powerful Personal Brand” â€" which is on AMAZON’s TOP 10 LIST for personal branding books. She is also President and Founder of Career Coaching 360 which provides resume help, interviewing support, and personal career coaching packages for executives and professionals who want to change their career. For a limited time, you can download the three FREE chapters of “The Bounce Back” at http://www.MyBounceBack.com