I have an MBA in Finance with a minor in Economics, but just as proudly a B.A. in Theater and a minor in Psychology. For the last 10+ years, I’ve been an organizational consultant specializing in business process improvement and project management, as well as some workplace and private coaching.
I’ve had an array of real-world experience in all kinds of jobs at various levels in the public, private, non-profit, and academic sectors. I helped start a transitional residence for formerly incarcerated women, led the start-up of an environmental demonstration project, helped design human-centered IT business processes, and even worked on the Chrysler loan workout. I’ve also worked as an extra on All My Children (loved it) and, when I was young, waitressed, ran an elevator, laced skates, built shelves for a community center, and handed out keys in a locker room. And I’ve rounded up cattle. (I just like telling people about that.)
About Work Coach Cafe
Work Coach Cafe is dedicated to the world of work – something that has driven me crazy more times than I care to admit…and yet also never failed to fascinate. All too often workplaces I saw reminded me of beehives that get shaken on a whim. And I found myself looking for chances to help people make sense of the madness. That’s one of the reasons I started this blog.
The advice you find here is almost entirely based on things I’ve learned first hand. (While I do have some formal training in career planning and development, I try not to let that get in the way.) I’ve been in your shoes – and I remember what it felt like. And I’ve been in “their ” shoes. I’ve applied for jobs – lots and lots of jobs. And I’ve helped hire people.
Hopefully, I can use what I’ve learned in the trenches to help my readers. While I don’t in any way claim to be an expert – lord knows! – I think I’ve come up with some useful tips and a work philosophy that people (including me) find helpful.
Please feel free to start browsing and add to the conversation. Your stories and ideas help make this blog a resource for others.
About Experts
Just a word or two about experts. I mention above that I don’t consider myself an “expert”. That’s because I don’t believe anyone knows everything – even about their chosen field, so the term itself can be misleading. I have met many talented, knowledgeable people in the career field and value their opinions highly. But…there are also those who claim to have every answer – or worse yet provide “you must do it my way” advice that can hurt your chances; if you meet someone like that, my suggestion is avoid that”expert” like the plague!
Anyone who claims to have all the answers while making little room for you to come up with your own ideas or make your own decisions is probably not someone you want to follow. Good coaches guide and support – they don’t take control of your decisions or your life. Even if we’re offered advice, we still need to use our powers of reasoning to decide if the advice makes sense for us. We always have choice.
Contact Info
PLEASE…I can no longer answer private questions and only respond occasionally to questions on the blog – sorry but it became overwhelming. If you’d like to reach me for any other reason, I can be found at RonnieAnn2007 at aol.com.
Best of luck!
When will you finish your book? I like what I see so far!
Thanks Eleanor! Expect to be working on it over the next few months. Hope to done by June. Appreciate your feedback.
Ronnie Ann
Nice blog, and it’s very helpful too. Will add it to my blogroll
Take the irk out of work? I would TOTALLY read that.
Thanks Mel. Take the Irk Out of Work is partially written in rough draft form and still needs a lot of rework, but maybe one day you will get to read it. Of course first I need to figure out how to take the irk out of writing a book! (-;
Wow. I did not read your bio prior to blogging with you. Have you read “The Art of Happiness at Work”?
I also have a site that looks good for organizing books. I’ll get back to you with that.
Thanks SurfaceEarth. Please feel free to use my e-mail address in the sidebar. And, no I haven’t yet had the pleasure of reading The Art of Happiness at Work. I imagine the Dalai Lama’s book has marvelous things to offer. Gee. Hate to think he’s my competition. But at least I can take SOME comfort in knowing we probably have very different life experiences to draw on – unless of course he was a fountain girl at Howard Johnson’s or a skate lacer at a Catskill Hotel – or worked on the Chrysler Loan Workout! (-; (And if he did ANY of that, please let me know.)
Congrats on the new gig.
Nice to see someone else who is passionate about the world of work…I’m definitely going to put you on the “job resources” part of my blog. I hope you’ll come see me there and get involved!
Thanks jimsmuse! Nice to know I’m not alone.
Just checked out your blog and love that you’re going to be telling us about cool jobs. Great idea! Good luck with your new blog and, in reference to one of your posts, thanks much for the vote for the best. Ahem. 
Congrats on the whole new look Ronnie.
And – regardless of the fab style – it’s always the substance of your writing that engages and supports people.
Well done.
Liz
Thanks Liz! Your support and friendship mean a lot to me. One of the best things I ever got from Work Coach!
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. Being caught between two worlds is a fascinating challenge – but I know you’re no stranger to that!
Cheers!
Ronnie Ann
Hi Ronnie Ann, I just read about your new cafe on Liz’s blog so thought I’d drop in and take a look around. I really like the resistors as in “resistant to change”. I printed out the Buddha poem – need to save that one. Great blog -I’ll be back to look around some more.
Lindy
Oh Lindy! How nice to see you here. What a treat. My worlds colliding – but in the nicest of ways. Smiling that you grok the meaning behind the images I use. A lovely treat for me. And so nice to know you’ll be wandering around my new cafe. See you soon, Turtlewoman!
Oh…and I’m waiting to see what May has brought to replace those lovely April flowers where you are.
I come across your site looking for blog sites envolving Information Technology and breaking into IT. I have graduated with my IT degree about 2 years ago and have been trying to break in since I was in school. All I want to do is start from the bottom, yet the bottom won’t take me. I need help because I really want to get started and grow and just getting the Help Desk or Desktop support is hard and I’m getting to the point where my situation is calling me to make a choice to go back to retail. I’m working in a mailroom and I’m there as a vendor, outsourced, and the chances to get into the IT departments here are also not in reach. I need help. Ask me anything because I’m just giving you the bare basics at this time.
Hi EC!
I just responded in a post:
How Do I Get My First Information Technology Job?
Let’s see if we can help!
Ronnie Ann
Just need to know how to approach in updating my resume and sending to a prospective employer who’s already given me a 2nd interview. I failed to include add’l assignments and duties that I know will get me the job and I also need to update the date of employment from currently employed to an ending date..
I was just laid off. Thanks Evelyn
Hi Evelyn!
Sorry about your being laid off. Hope this job comes through.
You don’t have to change the end date on your resume since it happened after you started the interview process. You can correct that if and when you’re hired and need to fill out employment forms. Not a problem.
As for adding additional assignments and duties to a resume they already have…not sure that’s the best approach. I think you’ll get more benefit from writing this in a short letter to the main person/people you interviewed with. A short sentence or two saying you are still very interested and just wanted to let them know a few more things that relate directly to this job; and then mention these items using bullet points.
Keep it short. Professional. And make your points.
Good luck, Evelyn! Please let us know how it goes.
Ronnie Ann
I’m soooo delighted to have found your site. There is a lot of helpful information and insight here.
Bravo! And thank you!
Liz
Thanks Liz (the second)!
I’m also glad you found Work Coach Cafe. We kindred spirits have to stick together.
Hope what I said on the other post helps. Please keep in touch!
Ronnie Ann
Eeeeeeeeh! I just noticed my comments were turned off. So sorry. C0mments very welcome!
Ronnie Ann
Ronnie Ann –
I have been looking for a questionnaire/survey that I can send to an employer that did not hire me after two excellent interviews. I’d like to know what their decision-making process was as well as how they rated my performance so that I can do better in any upcoming interviews. That is how I ended up on your site, which has now been bookmarked!
I think the tool would be of great benefit to many job seekers, and am hoping you can help.
Thanks! Jenny
Great question, Jenny. I honestly don’t know of any, but put the word out to see if anyone can help.
Hmmm…my initial instinct is that most employers might be reluctant to commit to anything on paper. But maybe someone knows a good guide for what to ask & how to approach these questions for those employers willing to talk to you?
All help welcome!
Hi Jenny and Ronnie Ann,
I was asked that question recently, and the consensus among the HR professionals I knew were that they will not answer the question directly because of liability issues.
The department managers in most cases refer the question to their HR department.
The answer was, “Your skill set was great, but we found someone was a great fit”. However, it never hurts to try, just don’t respond like a scorned lover chasing after unrequited love.
Thank you so much, Mark Anthony Dyson! Your wisdom and generosity of spirit are very much appreciated. Much luck in the work you do!
- Ronnie Ann
Hi Ronnie Ann,
I was directed to your site through a LinkedIn article today and I’m so pleased! As a person who worked in HR in a corporate environment, I think your advice is very relevant in today’s market. I am currently unemployed (ok, I quit – crazy boss), and plan to share your insight with everyone I know. I’ll be checking in daily.
Thank you!
Hi Jean!
Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Much appreciated.
I hope you’ll also share your own insights since this blog is as much about what my readers have to say as what anyone learns from me. As for quitting because of a crazy boss…been there, done that!
I wish you much luck in your search, Jean. Meanwhile, please feel free to add to the conversation any time!
~ Ronnie Ann
Hi, Ronnie Ann:
What’s the status of your book?!?!? Curious folks/readers want to know. LOL
Ah D…the book became this blog. But it may one day rise up again.
Thanks for asking. Who wouldn’t be flattered? Meanwhile…still have my fingers. etc. crossed for you.
~ Ronnie Ann
I really need your advice. I worked in a retail industry for 2 years, and I was terminated 3 months ago because I used my employee discount to buy a gift for my family. Two weeks ago, I applied a similar retail jobs in a big company. I was so nervous that I won’t get hired. So, when the interviewer asked me why I leaf my job, I said because the job wasn’t working out for me, and I had conflicts with my former company. Then, she said can you tell me a little bit more about this. I lied and said we have the schedule conflict. The interview was going well, and I am waiting for her feedback. Now, I regret that I shouldn’t lie on my interview, should I told her the truth if I have a chance to meet her again? Or do you think she will find out later? I really want this job, and don’t know what should I do now.
Hi Jackie,
As a person who has worked in HR (in a corporate setting) and as a retail manager, I think you made a huge mistake in not being honest. Ultimately, the potential employer will find out that you were terminated, although the details may not (should not) be provided. I think a better response would have been something like, “I violated a company policy and was terminated. I am deeply regretful of my error and will never make that mistake again.” At this point, it’s up to you as to whether you wish to reach out to the person you interviewed with, but I’m concerned that it may be too late. It’s never a good idea to lie to a potential employer. Best of luck in your job search.
Thank you for your advice. I realized that it may be too late to explain to him too. But I am concern that I got hired, will I get terminated again if he found out the truth later?
I have another question for you! I remember i did mentioned that I got terminated on my application form. But don’t know why that interviewer didn’t said why you were terminated, instead he asked me why you leaf your previous job? So, at this point, do i still consider lie on him? thank you so much for your help!
Thanks Jean for helping Jackie with her question. Your answer was excellent! Much appreciated. Please feel free to help out any time.
Hi Jackie!
My take on this is that honesty is always the better way of handling this. Otherwise, you will always worry a little and if they do find out, you may be let go. Bosses know we may have made mistakes in the past, but what they are most interested in during the interview process is whether we’ve learned from our mistakes (this is a positive) and how we handle things now.
Unfortunately, at this point there’s no way for sure to know what is the best way for you to go. It’s up to you to decide. Do you want to take a chance and be honest now, explaining you were nervous during the interview but learned your lesson? Only problem is, you were dishonest before plus you lied in the interview; some employers would decide to pass on you just for that. Others would see your effort to be honest as a plus. No way to knwo what thsi employer will think!
Of course, the employer may check references and get the real story, and then you won’t have the job anyway. Then again…you may be able to get away with it. Only you know what you can live with and what you need to do now. Trust your instincts and do what you feel is right. And from now on…let the truth lead. As long as you’ve learned from it and can honestly look your new employer in the eyes and show him or her that, then it’s clear sailing from now on.
But no one else can tell you what to do since either way, there is some risk. At this point, all you can do is trust yourself to make the right decision. Best of luck, Jackie!
~ Ronnie Ann
I need some advice. For the last 2 and half years, I was working part-time in a job that I really like, got along great with co-workers and took pride in doing a good job. Then company re-organization created a new manager for my department. I worked nightside so really only saw that manager maybe 10 minutes a day but always had pleasant interaction. Fast forward to January..I come in and am asked to talk a walk down to HR, although I’m not ‘in trouble’. I was then told that they were dissolving my position to create a new full-time position with horrible hours. (same job I was currently doing, just full-time Wed-Fri 3:30am-1:30pm, Sat-Sun 4:30pm-11:00pm). I was given a severance package and told that I could apply for the new full-time position but I may not get it. Come to find out…the manager wanted to hire a friend but was not allowed to because that person had previously stole from the company and left without notice! Of course I applied for the job because I liked what I was doing and don’t want to be unemployed! I had to re-interview for the job, one that I already did mind you, during which the manager brought up a comment I had made in passing about how I wouldn’t like to work the morning shift.(Honestly not many people would!) Turns out…I did get the new full-time position (my co-workers stood up for me) but my question is this: How am suppose to just forget that my manager basically tried to ‘throw me off the bus’ so to speak? I am not ungrateful, I’m glad that I have a job and I like my job but the hours do stink. And any sense of job security that I had is now non-existent. I am looking for another job, but do you have any advice on how to let go of the feelings of resentment and bitterness that I now have?
Lucy:
Warning! My advice will sound harsh. If you don’t want to hear my opinion, stop reading, now.
Here goes:
Stop whining, face the harsh reality of companies reorganizing and grow up!
No one threw YOU under the bus. You set yourself up for failure. Why would you tell your manager the new hours “stink”? I’m sure you made that same negative statement–and others– to several of your co-workers, who were losing their jobs due to the company restructuring.
Your new manager and/or the company do NOT owe YOU anything. In fact, you benefited by:
1) receiving a severance package;
2) reapplying for your previous part-time job and HIRED for the same full-time position.
3) receiving company benefits. i.e.: medical, dental, etc.
4) being able to pay your bills
Sounds like you’re a part of the gossipy group that stands around the water cooler to bitch and moan about what YOU are not receiving, how the company is treating YOU, what YOUR manager did to YOU, how YOU resent your manager, and how/why YOU are looking for another job.
Seriously, Lucy, give us a break! No one did anything to YOU.
If you feel this way, you have the following options:
1) QUIT and allow another unemployed person to apply, and maybe hired for the position;
2) ENJOY having a job, which allows you to pay your bills, and perhaps save a few dollars;
3) RESPECT and work with your manager. No one says you have to like him/her, but you must respect the person. Who cares if you are bitter or resent your manager?! He/she doesn’t give a damn if you feel resentment or bitterness. Actually, your manager would be thrilled if you quit or gave him/her a reason to place you on probation or fire you.
4) STOP spreading office rumors and gossip. You’re definitely part of the group.
However, by all means, stop whining and expecting someone to care about YOUR feelings of being betrayed. Grow up!
Hi Lucy!
D’s advice may seem a little harsh indeed, but she makes some excellent points. I think the fact that she’s been looking so long for her own job and facing some very unfair obstacles might have influenced her suggestion that you spend time looking at what you do have and not all the hurts.
Rest assured…we all do that at times. But if you want to stop feeling betrayed, try telling the story to yourself from another angle or viewpoint where nothing was intentionally done to harm you. Companies do what’s good for them and hopefully in the process treat employees as fairly as possible. If we feel it isn’t fair to us and we deserve better, we move on. Otherwise, to stay sane
it’s best to focus on where you can add joy and productivity to your day rather than what went wrong. Where we hold our focus feeds that energy inside us. So after a while, we make ourselves feel worse!
Maybe these articles will help a little:
Zen and the Art of Being a Receptionist (and Other Under-Appreciated Jobs)
7 Ways You Can Put Emotional Intelligence to Work
Don’t Let a Whiner’s Club Attitude Screw Up Your Interview AND Career Chances!
Zen at Work: Some Thoughts About Mindfulness
I wish you much luck. No one expects you to immediately stop feeling this way, but every small bit of time you spend thinking about ways to do your job well or suggest new projects/improvements or even thinking about things you truly love, will be a little less time spent on the other stuff.
Good luck! I’m rooting for you.
~ Ronnie Ann
P.S. I’ve had managers who “tried to throw me under the bus” and even worse. I learned that we can’t always understand all the reasons things are done (and sometimes it wasn’t exactly as bad as we’re making it into – business can be that way); but when we make it about what was done TO US and hold on to the hurt, then we are the ones who lose out in the long run.
Have you ever heard the zen words “be here now”? That means to the best you can, let the past go and focus on things that feed you and your spirit now. Holding on to hurt and blame is wasted energy and only hurts US.
Hope all that helps even if only a little. It’s one small step after another that gets us to where we really want to go. I respect that you recognize what you need to move on and wish you all the best making it happen. What you learn now – like how to deal with these things – only strengthens you for the rest of your life.
Thanks D as always for your excellent comment. I know you speak from the heart and want to help. Much appreciated. You have a lot to offer your next employer and I hope s/he finds that out soon!
~ Ronnie Ann
I need some advice. For the last 2 and half years, I was working part-time in a job that I really like, got along great with co-workers and took pride in doing a good job. Then company re-organization created a new manager for my department. I worked nightside so really only saw that manager maybe 10 minutes a day but always had pleasant interaction. Fast forward to January..I come in and am asked to talk a walk down to HR, although I’m not ‘in trouble’. I was then told that they were dissolving my position to create a new full-time position with horrible hours. (same job I was currently doing, just full-time Wed-Fri 3:30am-1:30pm, Sat-Sun 4:30pm-11:00pm). I was given a severance package and told that I could apply for the new full-time position but I may not get it. Come to find out…the manager wanted to hire a friend but was not allowed to because that person had previously stole from the company and left without notice! Of course I applied for the job because I liked what I was doing and don’t want to be unemployed! I had to re-interview for the job, one that I already did mind you, during which the manager brought up a comment I had made in passing about how I wouldn’t like to work the morning shift.(Honestly not many people would!) Turns out…I did get the new full-time position (my co-workers stood up for me) but my question is this: How am suppose to just forget that my manager basically tried to ‘throw me off the bus’ so to speak? I am not ungrateful, I’m glad that I have a job and I like my job but the hours do stink. And any sense of job security that I had is now non-existent. I am looking for another job, but do you have any advice on how to let go of the feelings of resentment and bitterness that I now have?
+1
Brady/Lucy:
Did you cut and paste from the same question, in the same discussion and expect different responses?
Stop wasting everyone’s time and grow up.
Thanks for watching out for me, D. MUCH appreciated.
FYI: “Brady” and Lucy have different e-mail addresses and Brady left a link that I delinked. Every once in a while I get phony comments and my approach is usually to deal with them as if real, in case I’m wrong. Plus, the advice can help others.
But in this case…well, I am so glad you saved me the time D in case I didn’t notice. I’m one of your biggest fans.
Thanks!
~ Ronnie Ann
Ronnie Ann:
Yer gonna make me cry!