From Advertising in London to Social Enterprise in New Zealand

From Advertising in London to Social Enterprise in New Zealand Success Story > From: Job To: Job From Advertising in London to Social Enterprise in New Zealand “I learnt that sometimes it's OK to leave things behind and admit defeat.” * From Advertising in London to Social Enterprise in New Zealand Gina Rembe had found her calling, but it was being suffocated by the costs and pace of living in London. So, she made a daring double leap and found a new place where she could work, and breathe. Here's her story. What work were you doing previously? I worked on the fringes of the advertising industry in London. I worked at DAD, as an event manager and later as a member of the partnership team working to secure high-profile brands to support the DAD Student Awards. Following my time at DAD, I joined the editorial team at Contagious Magazine. It's an award-winning B2B magazine and consultancy that monitors what's going on in the world of advertising, marketing, start-ups and technology; it then advises advertising agencies and brands as to how to take advantage of the developments in those spaces. Both jobs were amazing opportunities that taught me a range of amazing skills, including becoming a good researcher, negotiating sales, honing my strategic brain, writing and publishing articles, on top of working with brands like Louis Vuitton, Diesel, Google, Mondelez, McDonald’s, Nike, and many more. Alongside my day job I'd volunteered for The Do Lectures, a storytelling event in the fields of remote West Wales, and Good For Nothing, a social enterprise hack weekend and crew of generally awesome humans who use their skills to help others for free. What are you doing now? Now I'm working for Lifehack, a government-funded initiative in New Zealand created in response to the country's challenging mental health statistics. Currently, one in five young people in New Zealand will have had struggles with their mental health by the time they're 18. Lifehack is on a mission to enable a generation of flourishing young Kiwis, through designing programmes and initiatives that allow young people to co-design solutions for their peers. This could be in the form of programmes, services or apps. In addition, I'm working for Enspiral (the social enterprise and entrepreneurship network that Lifehack is based within) as one of the three co-catalysts. In a six-month long experiment we're working out what 'servant leadership' means in a non-hierarchical network, and are establishing our ways of working as a so-called 'social lab'. Why did you change? It got to a point where I felt that living in London I'd have to for evermore give up a work-life balance, earn not very much money, and do work that was good for the world in my limited spare time. Moving halfway across the world enabled me turn my passion into my day job â€" helping more awesome things to come into the world. When was the moment you decided to make the change? After a particularly hard period at work, I felt very confused, and was struggling with anxiety induced by the high-pressure life of mid-recession London. I had a very honest and hard conversation with my partner, who's from New Zealand, and decided that the time to leave London had come. Are you happy with the change? I couldn't be happier with the change. Having landed right in the middle of Enspiral, I'm now surrounded by amazing people who work on projects and ventures with a positive social impact. Whether it's well-being, like Lifehack, or collaborative decision-making, open democracy, or peer-to-peer learning â€" it's all around me. What do you miss and what don't you miss? I miss my friends and family in Europe terribly. I have to make do with Skype in the absence of real-life hangouts with loved ones. But the quality of life that I've gained is incredible. I don't miss the fast-paced and constant busyness that London lures you to create. Nor do I miss the (at least) hour-long journeys to anywhere. I do miss not being in Europe, where you feel so 'at the centre' of many things â€" culture, politics, etc. How did you go about making the shift? Ahead of leaving London, a couple of my mentors, Tom Farrand and Dan Burgess, put me in touch with the Wellington chapter of Good For Nothing. The person behind that turned out to be my future colleague, Sam from Lifehack (not that I knew it at the time). After finishing my job in mid-October, I spent a bit of time travelling around the UK, seeing friends, and going back to Berlin for family farewells. I then spent five weeks travelling around Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia before getting to New Zealand. Only after deciding to stay put in Wellington did I start looking for work. Luckily, I only had to apply for one job â€" the one with Lifehack. I had a good feeling about it, even after seeing just the job description, and everything worked out well. I went from applying to starting the job in just five days. Changing certain external factors, like where I lived, made a massive difference. Being in a new place was an opportunity to re-orientate myself, in terms of who I was, and what I wanted to do. How did you handle your finances to make your change possible? Luckily, I was able to save some money from the jobs that I'd had. Finding work quickly in Wellington also helped. What help did you get? When I was still in London I started a CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) course, which taught me to replace negative thoughts with positive ones. I also leaned on my friends and partner a lot for emotional and social support. What have you learnt in the process? I learnt that sometimes it's ok to leave things behind and admit defeat. Rather than battling your way through the hardest times, it's ok to change external factors, and make life easier. What do you wish you'd done differently? I think I learnt what I needed to learn through the exact way in which everything occurred â€" the people I met, the jobs I had, the skills I gained, the friends I made, and the mentors who advised me. Some lessons in life can't be rushed, but when the time comes to act it often needs to happen fast. What would you advise others to do in the same situation? If you think you might be struggling with your mental health, go to see your doctor. What resources would you recommend to others? Find the things that give you pleasure and encourage you to reflect â€" yoga, meditation, walks, surfing, writing, solo time in cafes, whatever works for you. What lessons could you take from Gina's story to use in your own career change? Let us know in the comments below.

Are You Tired of Writing My Resume?

Are You Tired of Writing My Resume?Why are you tired of writing my resume? Well, you got that very same resume from some company. So what do you think is the reason behind that resume being so useless for the company that it's given to.You are trying to create happy memories of when you would apply for a job and you would get selected. But the process has become such that it has become tiresome to complete all the steps. In fact, it may not be that you are tired of writing my resume but that it has become tiresome to apply for the jobs that are in the pipeline.The sad thing is that you would not get to keep that kind of happy memories for a long time. Even if you would keep applying for jobs, it would not be long before the good ones leave the job market. So what would be the solution to this dilemma? Well, the answer is there are a lot of ways to overcome that problem.Before you decide to do something, you need to realize that there is no way you can avoid these negative results of not applying for any new job. So, what you need to do is to look around for ways to maximize your chances of getting a job that is needed. For example, what if you were applying for a job in that industry. What if you were interested in that job, and you applied to the agency of that company.Now, what if you went to the agency and you had done your homework well and you showed them that you were knowledgeable about that field and that you were really qualified to do the job that they needed. Now, you can already see how all this could have a positive impact on the outcome of your application.If you apply for a job in that industry and get it, then it would have a positive impact on your reputation. In fact, that could also be beneficial because you could also use that experience to get another job. You have also learned that the career path is not an easy one.Your resume also has to be prepared for such an occasion because there will be a need for your resume to tell the story about how you have grown from your previous job. You can also do some follow up and continue building your skill.Start implementing all these ideas now. You will certainly find that by going through these ideas, your resume becomes more professional and will help you out in getting that first job that you have been looking for.

Big goals require big plans Losing weight after pregnancy

Big goals require big plans Losing weight after pregnancy The fact that good-looking people make more money is truer for women than men, which is especially unfair, because it is very hard to not gain a million pounds when youre pregnant; I gained sixty. This column is about my two-month quest to lose that weight, and the importance of making a plan for any large and difficult goal. I happen to have a book deal that is predicated on a grand speaking tour, and the speaking tour is predicated on me not being overweight, and the bookings need to start in September. If I cant line up speaking gigs, I cant promote my book, and if I dont promote my book, it wont sell and I wont get another contract. So losing weight became my number one job. This is what my agent said three days after I delivered the baby: I dont mean to be harsh, but you look terrible. This is what my husband said two days later: The stress of you having to lose so much weight so quickly will kill us both. Give back the money you got for the book. I did what works best for me when Im in trouble: I wrote lists and schedules. I wrote a schedule for two visits a day to the gym and lists for what I would do there each day. I wrote a schedule for the babysitter, who had to come to the gym with me because the baby is not on a bottle. (Yes, I got off the treadmill to breastfeed.) I wrote a list of food what to carry with me each day, and when to go food shopping, because if Im starving in front of a bakery with no food in my backpack Ill do the bakery. Finally, I scheduled the date I would go to my agents office to show her that I lost the weight. It worked. I lost twenty pounds just by delivering the baby. But I lost forty pounds in two months. People are shocked to see me, and they ask me how I did it. First I tell them that if you had to lose weight in order to earn a living, youd be able to do it, too. I gained insight into ultra-thin Hollywood; not being able to work if you take too many bites of cookie gives you a lot of self-discipline. But the bigger factor here is that I came up with a schedule and followed it. And I realized that I could do this for any goal, not just weight loss. Many times we are scared that we wont meet our most important goals. Decision points cater this fear they open the door to self-doubt and inaction. But meticulous scheduling up front, and a belief in your planning abilities will allow you to relax; tune out your worries and just follow the plan. You cant take this advice for everything in life. But making an extremely detailed, well-thought-out schedule to support an ambitious plan, is a great way to ensure you meet your most important goals the ones that will make or break your career. Some of you will realize that your career really is stalling because your weight makes you look out of control. For most of you, though, weight loss will not be all that important. But you might have other goals that you worry you wont achieve, such as switching careers, going back to school, or growing your consulting business. Make a commitment to yourself and to your most important goals by reserving time in your day and space in your head to meet your goals. Great ambitions are not met haphazardly, and many times are not met at all. You can increase your odds tremendously by planning meticulously. My next step is finding good places to book my speaking tour. I had been worried that this would not work out. But now I feel more confident. I am making a plan, as detailed as I made for the weight loss. And I know if I execute the plan on a daily basis, I will end up with a speaking tour that I like.

Why Employers Need to Listen to Employees Training Demands

Why Employers Need to Listen to Employees Training Demands The way we live and work has changed exponentially. As society adapts to rapid advancements in technology and changes in the way we work, work-based learning has become more important than ever before; it’s one of our most powerful tools for ensuring employees can keep up with the pace of change. Encouragingly, most UK organizations understand that staff development and the need for constant upskilling is critical to both business growth and productivity. However, it’s concerning that research conducted by Kineo â€" the specialist digital learning arm of City Guilds Group â€" found a marked divide between the training needs of employees and what’s provided by their employers. A disconnected system Our study found that the disconnect stems largely from two areas: boredom and access. More than two thirds (69%) of UK employees surveyed said that the training they are offered is not always exciting or engaging, while 80% admitted they had trouble accessing learning and development (LD) activity in their workplace. This feels like a significant wasted opportunity, especially given that the appetite is there: 79% of employees want their employer to put a greater focus on LD. Promisingly, our research found that employers are making concerted efforts to upskill their workforce for the future, with 80% of employees saying that their organization has taken steps to improve their skills and employability. But our research also revealed that current LD investment and provision may not be hitting the mark. Just 13% of employees in the UK would rate the LD opportunities provided by their employer over the past year as very effective â€" reflected in the fact that only a fifth feel very well-equipped to do their job to the best possible standard. When asked what they found most effective when it comes to training, employees emphasized that having more engaging and exciting content is needed. And they also called for more personalized, better-quality programs and shorter, micro-style learning. The tailored LD experience Before investing in LD activity, it clearly makes sense for employers to first check that their staff has the time to learn and consider how they’d like to access training. For instance, our research revealed that nearly a third (30%) of UK employees say e-learning and online courses would increase their participation in LD activity. Understanding what training employees are able and keen to undertake is critical if the money spent is to have any long-term benefit. And it’s also important to be flexible â€" there’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to work-placed learning, any more than there’s a ‘one-size-fits-all’ job. Taking a flexible approach is key, offering training on employees’ own terms, that fits around their schedules, preferences, and goals. Just as technology has revolutionized our personal lives to make everything more accessible and convenient, we need the same to happen within work. Harnessing tools and technologies that enable a better experience for LD means employees can learn on their own terms and feel more empowered and excited to do so. A time-poor workforce can still enjoy bitesize learning modules via a phone or tablet in between meetings, commuting, or on the shop floor â€" and immediately apply learnings while on the job. A productive, motivated and engaged workforce   Even if you think your organization has a great learning and development program, it’s crucial to keep asking your workers what they think, to get a sense of whether or not it’s working. Worryingly, 42% of UK employees say they aren’t asked for feedback during workplace training, and 21% aren’t even asked after training. With change pretty much a constant, it is essential that employers gather as much information as possible direct from their key stakeholders, i.e. their employees, to ensure that corporate learning is fit for purpose. As the UK navigates an increasingly disruptive and uncertain socio-political period, it’s never been more important to have a skilled workforce that’s fighting fit and prepared for the future. The time has come for employers to sit up and take note of how, where, when and what their staff learns most effectively and efficiently. It’s only by homing in on exactly what employees want â€" and setting those desires against business goals â€" that we can successfully build and execute training programs that provide a real return on investment. And only when that’s achieved will employers be able to reap the full benefits of having a productive, motivated and engaged workforce. About the author:  John Yates, Group Director for Corporate Learning, City Guilds Group.

How to Find The Best Resume Writing Services

How to Find The Best Resume Writing ServicesIf you are currently employed and looking for a position in Germany, then it is recommended that you utilize resume writing services that specialize in Germany. In addition to helping you gain the skills necessary to land the job, they will also assist you in learning the German language. Therefore, you will be able to make contacts that can lead to better opportunities. Also, your resume will be able to show your achievements and qualifications to potential employers as well as prospective employers and employees.Resume writing services can help you in a number of ways. These professionals have expertise in writing resumes for people of all age groups. Additionally, their experience can be beneficial in marketing the career of the candidate. This is because there are a lot of people looking for jobs. So, how can you get ahead in this competitive environment?There are a number of different professional resume writing services in Germany. If you are considering engaging the services of one of these companies, then be prepared to take a long hard look at their previous results. Don't just think about the job they have given you, but also ask what your qualifications are, and what they are offering to people who may be interested in hiring you. You have to be able to match yourself up with a company that will provide the best services possible to fit your needs.Be certain that they have employees with relevant qualifications and training who will be assigned to you to assist in your resume writing services. This can assure you that your specialist will give you the same level of attention that is expected. In addition, they should be willing to send you to workshops, trainings, or seminars that will teach you how to market yourself and to write a powerful resume. After all, it is only through a strong resume that you will be able to land the job you are seeking.At this point, you will have to know that resume writing is an art form. It is not something that anyone can learn overnight. With this being the case, you will need to make sure that you are receiving an ongoing service from your writer. Make sure that they can deliver on time and within budget. In addition, make sure that you are well informed of all the progress they are making.Of course, you will also want to pay attention to the types of writing services that they offer to you. Not all writers use the same types of styles. You want to be certain that you are working with a company that can offer you the type of resume writing that fits your needs. That way, you can be sure that you are receiving the best possible resume for your needs.Finally, make sure that the resume writing services you are engaging have the ability to move quickly. They should be able to respond to your needs with ease, rather than spending weeks or months trying to produce a resume that has not been completed. Instead, you should receive a quality resume on the sam e day that it is requested by the client.These are just a few suggestions regarding resume writing services in Germany. By using these tips, you can ensure that you are using the best possible service that can provide you with a top quality resume.

12 Reasons Why Hiring Managers Arent Reading Your Resume

12 Reasons Why Hiring Managers Arent Reading Your Resume Careerbuilder recently surveyed 2,298 U.S. hiring managers and human resources professionals and asked what would make them automatically dismiss a candidate from consideration. The biggest resume mistakes they communicated were:Resumes with typos â€" 61 percentResumes that copied large amounts of wording from the job posting â€" 41 percentResumes with an inappropriate email address â€" 35 percentResumes that don’t include a list of skills â€" 30 percentResumes that are more than two pages long â€" 22 percentResumes printed on decorative paper â€" 20 percentResumes that detail more tasks than results for previous positions â€" 16 percentResumes that include a photo â€" 13 percentResumes that have large blocks of text with little white space â€" 13 percentMany of these mistakes seem obvious or sound like errors that would only occur with entry-level job seekers. But I review the resumes of senior professionals daily and these mistakes (any many more) are commonplace. Heres what I fr equently see when I review resumes along with my recommendations for fixing these common resume issues.Lack of qualifications summary. The top section of your resume provides the 40,000 foot view of who you are and what you can offer employers. Think of it like a movie trailer. When we see a trailer we like, we are more likely to go see the movie. Capture your reader’s attention by focusing on a few of your key selling points and matching those high level points with proof that you have helped the organizations you have supported do things smarter, faster, and more efficiently.Summary is too long. Your summary should focus on two to four of your key deliverables. When the list is longer than this, the resume becomes unfocused and confusing for your reader.Summary is too generic. The goal of the summary section is to make you stand out from your competition. Phrases that convey personal attributes such as good communicator, team player, dedicated, etc. are overused on resumes and d on’t really prove that you possess that attribute. Focus on specific high level successes rather than tired phrases that can’t be quantified.Lack of keywords. Keywords are the words that convey your competencies within a specific job function or industry. A good strategy is to create a category following the professional summary section called Areas of Expertise and list your keywords there.Keywords aren’t specific enough. The keywords you have selected are much too general. Think about the specific types of skills a hiring manager would be looking for if they were searching for someone like you.Long blocks of text. Hiring authorities don’t read resumes. They scan them quickly for key content. Big blocks of text are too cumbersome to read and nothing stands out. Using them will make your reader lose interest quickly. A better strategy is to use bullets to highlight key pieces of information and accomplishment.Too much information about job tasks. A brief paragraph of 4-5 sen tences for each position is enough. Focus on the accomplishments in each role rather than the job tasks.No accomplishments. You have conveyed your job responsibilities but it is unclear what you accomplished for the organizations you supported. Employers need to understand your accomplishments within the context of each job and want to know how you helped these companies make money, save money, save time, grow the business, or keep the business.Accomplishments are too text dense. You have listed many accomplishments for each position and it is difficult for the reader to understand the full context behind these accomplishments. Consider breaking the accomplishments into themed categories and place similar accomplishments together within the body of the chronology. This strategy offers more digestible “sound bites” for your reader and makes it easier to comprehend your value proposition on a quick scan.Accomplishments lack context. You have given a metric to show how you improved something within the organizations you have supported but there is no context around these accomplishments. Your reader needs to understand the business conditions you were faced with so they can put your accomplishment into context. Without a business context, a statement about an improvement has limited relevance.Too long. Most employers don’t want to read more than two pages. You can consolidate earlier experience by selecting one or two key accomplishments from each position or by creating a section called Early Experience and simply listing company names, job titles, and dates.Education is listed before professional experience. If you have held at least one position since you graduated, your career your work accomplishments are more relevant than your education. Place the education section after the professional experience section to better position yourself at an executive level.Want more resume writing advice? Download my free resume writing e-book located at the bottom of   Barbara Safanis LinkedIn page.

How To Incorporate Your Social Profiles On Your Resume - CareerEnlightenment.com

Use one social network as your main presenceAre you most active on Twitter? Do you tweet about topics related to your industry on a daily basis? You might want to include a link to your Twitter account onlyand then let your tweets and bio guide employers to your other social profiles. Same goes for LinkedIn you can include several links on your profile. Don’t forget to claim a vanity  URL, though! If you’re going to share your social media information with potential employers, remember that it’s important to be consistent across all platforms. Not only must your resume  match  up  with  your  online  information, but your name and profile picture should remain consistent as well.Do you include links to your social media accounts on your resume? Why or why not?