Squiggly Careers

This is the second episode of the Squiggly Career Stage Series – 5 podcast episodes and practical tools to help you succeed in your career. We’ve focused on 5 stages where we know people need some extra squiggly support and in today’s episode Helen and Sarah are looking at Squiggly Career Returners, to help people build career confidence after a break. Sarah and Helen share their insights on returning and interview two people to learn from their experience; Julianne Miles MBE, Co-Founder and CEO of Career Returners and Mila Fadeeva, who returned to her career in Strategy & Operational Excellence after a 10 year career break.You can download the free Career Stage Guide to support this episode at https://www.amazingif.com/listen/career-returnersFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email helenandsarah@squigglycareers.comMore ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:1. Download our free careers tools https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/ 2. Sign-up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint https://bit.ly/skillssprint20243. Sign up for PodMail, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/sc-podmail4. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’ www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yemurai Rabvukwa, a senior cybersecurity associate and tech career strategist, is joined by Sarah Gregory, a senior delivery project manager at Upreach, who champions students from disadvantaged backgrounds. They delve into the intense pressures today’s graduates face while entering the job market, underlining the importance of a growth mindset. They share insights on overcoming early career challenges, the value of transferable skills, and the critical role of mentorship and networking in achieving success. This conversation is vital for anyone starting their professional journey.

Small talk may be a necessary evil, but it can be mastered! Discover why small talk is crucial for connection and how to make it less awkward. The hosts share tips on starting conversations and the importance of genuine listening. They dive into personal styles, navigating transitions from casual chatter to deeper discussions, and ending conversations positively. With anecdotes and practical strategies, they help demystify small talk and boost your confidence in social interactions.

Explore the vital role of awareness in shaping your career trajectory. Discover the nuances of self-awareness, situational awareness, and relational awareness. Engage in practical exercises to reflect on your work experiences and identify strengths. Learn strategies to navigate overwhelming moments and enhance communication skills. Foster better teamwork through understanding your impact on colleagues, utilizing mapping exercises for relational insights. Transform awareness into action for professional growth!

This discussion focuses on using scenario planning to boost career resilience. It highlights how to spot risks and opportunities through a practical matrix. The hosts reveal strategies for navigating uncertainties by considering various outcomes. They share insights on leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance career planning. A case study illustrates how to apply these methods to real-life situations, emphasizing the importance of proactive actions and building a robust professional network for career crafting.

Feedback can propel career growth, but it often feels daunting. This talk dives into three 'stop and start' practices to make feedback more effective. Discover how a learning-first mindset can transform feedback from a chore into a valuable tool for development. The importance of recognizing strengths alongside weaknesses is highlighted. Plus, learn creative strategies to combat self-doubt through positive affirmations. Own your feedback journey and turn communication into a regular, constructive practice.

Dan Ariely, a renowned expert in behavioral economics and author of 'Predictably Irrational', dives into the intricacies of decision-making in career choices. He reveals how irrational choices often stem from psychological barriers like inertia, which can trap individuals in unfulfilling jobs. Ariely advocates for 'squiggly sabbaticals' to explore new roles and encourages listeners to prioritize skill acquisition in their career planning. The episode offers strategies for balancing immediate job tasks with long-term personal growth aspirations.

Explore the quirks of decision-making influenced by emotions in a captivating discussion on 'Predictably Irrational.' Discover how money can complicate relationships, illustrated by a Thanksgiving dinner scenario. The contrast between immediate pleasure and long-term wellbeing is dissected, unveiling the complexities of workplace feedback. Learn the power of narrowing choices to enhance decision-making and embrace commitment through the 'burning boats' concept. Engaging insights abound, encouraging listeners to navigate their unique career paths with confidence.

In this discussion, Amelia Nagoski, co-author of 'Burnout', sheds light on the stress cycle and the necessity of completing it to prevent burnout. She emphasizes the difference between modern stressors and historical ones, advocating for the importance of processing stress effectively. Amelia also shares insightful strategies for dealing with difficult colleagues, including physical activity to restore a sense of safety. Moreover, she highlights the crucial roles of sleep, creativity, and the power of connection, such as physical touch, in enhancing emotional resilience.

Incredible insights from a videobook on burnout shed light on systemic causes affecting women's well-being. The hosts tackle the significance of finding purpose in work and discuss practical strategies for stress relief. They emphasize the importance of discharging stress through exercise and creativity, encouraging workplaces to foster enjoyable environments. Personal meanings in work are explored, highlighting the distinction between collective missions and individual contributions. Tune in for actionable tips to combat workplace stress!