Sometimes I like to go back and look at what I’ve written over these past 3+ years (eeek!) since I’ve been blogging about work and careers. One of my favorite posts – although admittedly not my biggest traffic-getter – is about something I call job morphing. Job morphing is a way of taking a work situation – any work situation – and not just making the best of it, but finding those tiny bits of straw you can spin into something much better – occasionally full-blown career gold. In effect, it’s a self-steered path toward career change from the inside.
Although I admit I still work on these almost every day, here’s a (slightly edited) list of career and job tips from the original post:
20 Career & Job Tips to Help Open Up New Possibilities
- Let go of self-doubt.
- Be alert.
- Be daring.
- See yourself succeeding.
- Be open to possibilities – even from least-likely sources.
- Stay tuned in around you.
- Build networks – and not just with those in higher positions.
- Be visible.
- Step up when opportunity presents – or look to create it yourself.
- Find a niche.
- Learn new skills.
- Don’t be afraid to take on new things.
- Attitude, attitude, attitude.
- Do the best job you can.
- Present solutions and/or improvements – not just problems.
- Stay positive and optimistic – but also stay real.
- Be there for others.
- Don’t let obstacles – or misses – stop you. Know they’re temporary and try again.
- Be a go-to person.
- Focus on what’s possible rather than getting stuck in what’s wrong.
These are things I myself have done and continue to do (as best I can) to make a difference in my career and life. I’m not saying they’re magic potions (well, maybe one or two) that will transform your career in the blink of an eye, but…if applied properly…you will see some amazing changes take place. Each one on its own can make a difference – but the more you add to the mix, the more opportunities magically appear.
If you’re curious to see how I applied these things to some of my own less-than-optimal work situations, here’s my original post with stories only slightly masked to protect the innocent – namely me:
Job Morphing: 20 Ways You Can Improve Your Job and Career
Would love to hear your job morphing stories and any other thoughts you’d like to share about how we can create our own opportunities at work and beyond.
Some more career posts you might enjoy:
Emotional Intelligence at Work: The Art of Peace Not War
Your Attitude at Work: Know Your Own Triggers
Is It Your Job or YOU That’s Driving You Crazy?
We’re Responsible for Our Own Work Relationships
7 Ways You Can Put Emotional Intelligence to Work for Your Career
Zen and the Art of Being a Receptionist (and Other Under-Appreciated Jobs)
Hey Ronnie Ann,
I like nothing better than a trip down memory lane because I know that within every story we revisit lies a new chance to see and pick up the precious ‘golden-thread’ you speak of.
My best ‘one-thing-leads-to-another’ (job morphing) story happened only a few weeks ago and it began with a resume re-write that saw a very early piece of work experience re-introduced after years of being left on the cutting room floor (in this case a list of products & appliances).
Only a few weeks after this list was back on this resume, an employer got in touch after finding it online (Yes, an employer called a jobseeker and it wasn’t 1955!).
An invite to an interview is the point we’re at now, by no means the end result but a real reminder of the little things that will get you there in the end.
Maybe it’s also proof that ‘job-morphing’ works just as well when we apply it to our past as it does in the present!?
All the best for now,
Paul
My favorite posts don’t always get the most traffic, either. What’s the matter with people?
I like this list! As you have used the word “beyond” in your title, I see students using these, as well as retirees/volunteers.
When do employers ask for references? I had two final interviews last week (Thur & Fri) with different companies, both asked for my references. But its Monday and I have not yet heard anything. This is driving me NUTS!!! When will I hear? If they like a candidate and have a package ready, why not just go ahead and give the offer? If I am second choice, well, I have no choice but to wait since they will keep me hanging till the first choice accepts the job. This is sooooooo frustrating!! I am restless, have ruined 3-4 weekends in a row, and cannot wait to leave my current place.
Do employees usually ask all final candidates for references? Damn… so then my chance is still 50/50?
Hi Paul! Thanks for the great comment and of course story – stories being your specialty.
Fun to think the past can be revived when the time is right. I myself have earlier experience bits and pieces that get to sleep until needed. Even within a job, you can pull from prior experience when you spot an opening calling for those skills. Staying alert really helps. 
Hi Muse!! I know I owe you an e-mail. Will get to it soon. And yes…the word beyond was definitely intentional. Maybe students in YOUR new school? Ahem.
Hello newyorking! Unfortunately each place is different when it comes to references – and almost everything else.
When I was leading an interview process, I always waited until I was actually ready to make an offer so as not to bother anyone unnecessarily. If the references didn’t pan out, I moved to the next. (The next is not always second best, btw. Sometimes you have to make a choice, and luck helps you get the best – your second choice. I know that sounds confusing, but the hiring process is not and never will be a science – even as some try to make it so.)
Some places ask for references from all their finalists. Others wait until basic background checks are done and then, if that looks good, they ask for references.
Waiting is simply part of the game. I’m sorry. This part can take MONTHS, so you are actually within a very normal time-line. There are soooo many parts to the process.
In know it’s hard – even maddening, newyorking. But no one is purposely ruining your weekends. Really.
Although I hope you get a positive answer soon, this could go on – so your best choice is to let go, know you’ve done your best, and focus on other jobs – YES, I said other jobs. Why? One…it keeps you occupied. Two, you might find something better. And three…at the very least, you might find a new networking contact that can help you in the future.
Here are some articles that might help too:
12 Ways to Stay Sane After a Job Interview
What the Heck Goes On Behind the Scenes After a Job Interview?
Best of luck. I hope you get some good news soon!
~ Ronnie Ann
Ronnie Ann, I was concerned that your response would be what it is! While I completely understand, it is driving me crazy especially! Sigh… I wish there was a standard process. How long does it typically take between when the decision has been made and an offer is extended? Is it the very next day, especially since the people I spoke to need someone urgently? In some case I have found out the very next day that someone else has been hired. I hate the waiting game, its so hard…
Sorry I couldn’t surprise you, Newyorking.
I know you want a standard process – you are not alone there – but there isn’t even a standard answer to your question about the period between decision being made and offer being extended. Depends on size and policies of the company, it’s internal processes, and how many people have to sign off on offer terms, including salary. I’ve seen it take less than a day up to a week or more. Sorry no to surprise once again.
Hope the waiting ends soon and the result is a real live offer – I mean for you!
Good luck. ~ Ronnie Ann
~ Ronnie Ann
I found your blog on linkedin through the group
Job Openings, Job Leads and Job Connections! and I’ve thumbed through a couple of your posts. I’ve been struggling to find a job and lately I’ve become discourage with the search, but your blog provided a little boost and some great advice. I’ll be back! Thanks for taking the time to inform the employed and unemployed alike of techniques and words of wisdom for the job search!
Thanks Jacqui! This is a grueling process that can knock down even the most talented and capable folks.
What I’ve learned from my own life and from my blog is, no matter how long it takes, there is a job with your name on it. Don’t be shy about contacting people from school, past jobs, friends, relatives and trying to engage them in the adventure of helping you find that next job. Sometimes it’s all how you approach people and sometimes it’s just about finding them at the right time.
Someone I know was really down on herself and couldn’t think of how to even make time to look for a job while her current job was weighing her own so much. But I challenged her to call 2 new people EVERY week. At first she said there isn’t anyone she hasn’t tried. But after thinking about it, she came up with some names. True story: She had a job offer withing 3 weeks after I challenged her. Now I’m not suggesting it’s always that easy, but worth a shot!
Also…don’t be afraid to get creative and reach out to jobs (or even volunteer or temporary work) you might not at first consider. We never know where things can lead or what new paths may open that get us to where we really want to be.
I wish you much luck. And yes…do drop by and see if there are some ideas that might help. You’re always welcome, Jacqui. You are definitely not alone.
~ Ronnie Ann
FYI, I received and accepted an offer, and am very happy with my new job! Your site definitely helped me calm a bit because I went through a very restless phase during my job search process. I do hope the economy improves – it is NOT good to be in the job market.
Hi Newyorking!
GREAT news. Wuhoooooo!!!
Thanks so much for letting us know. I’ve just been answering some comments that make me sad for what the folks are going through, so you really made my day. And I know it helps others to know there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Glad this site helped. And I hope one day soon each one of my readers will be able to echo your beautiful words “I received and accepted an offer, and am very happy with my new job!”
Best of luck in your new job and everywhere else, Newyorking! So happy for you.
~ Ronnie Ann