The hardest step is usually the first one.

In addition to being the founder and president of Bonus Resumes, I also work part-time and climb at an indoor rock climbing gym. Climbing has reinforced, as well as, taught me valuable life lessons about growing and being the best person I can be: it’s difficult, it takes time and patience, trust in yourself and others, mental and physical strength, and support.

Sometimes I walk into the gym and think “Wow, I work in a rock climbing gym; I rock!” and then just work at the front desk greeting people. In order to rock, I need to get on the rock wall and push myself. It’s important to get myself out there, get involved, and attempt the things I fear - especially if these things seem difficult. A friend of mine once said “If it was easy, everyone would do it.” I’ve been able to relate this quote to climbing, relationships and my business.

It would’ve been very easy for me to make money working as a waitress a block away from my apartment. Yet, I knew that I wanted to gain experience in the outdoor industry and had to take steps to get that experience. I don’t make as much money as I would if I were a waitress. Just as I would not have gained the experience I needed to get into the outdoor industry. Read more »

Your body could be telling you to make a career move.

We use so many excuses to avoid looking for a new or better job. Are you unsure that you’re qualified for your ideal job? Do you worry that a new job might not be any better than the one you have right now? Are you afraid of the unknown? Or are you simply too exhausted to begin a job search?

Often, our bodies give us clues about decisions we need to make. How often do you listen to your body? It’s important to take time to pay attention to what you do on a daily basis and how it makes you feel. Are you going to work every day excited about the possibilities and about interacting with co-workers? Or are you feeling drained and anxious even before you get into your office? Physiological clues like these will allow you to determine if you are living and growing, or if you are stagnant and settling.

Here are a few exercises to help you face your fears, listen to yourself, and start moving forward: Read more »

I don’t know who invented this whole work-for-a-living thing but I’d like to go back in time and give him or her a piece of my mind.  As soon as we can talk we’re fielding questions of what do you want to be when you grow up?  An astronaut? A firefighter?  A president?

We identify with what we see on tv or around us and aspire to be that. Sometimes we’re right on point - our aspirations aling with our inspirations and we can do something that makes money and provides emotional fulfillment. Bonus!

Other times, we’ll we’re on a see-saw between financial security and emotional satisfaction, never quite finding that perfect balance.  Or maybe you’re like me and you have so many interests you don’t want to pick one see-saw you want to spend 20 minutes on each one.

Whatever the case, we all can use a little help narrowing our interests or reinforcing what we already subconsciously know.  The next step would be to take action!

Here’s a quick free quiz from Career Builder that sums up your interests and your style in plain English.

And check back soon for our bi-monthly career advice column from career coach Maria DeBonis of Bonus Resumes.  (If you have career questions for Maria, send them to info (at) singelwomenrule.com)

–Keysha Whitaker

Who’s in the driver’s seat of your job search?
By Maria DeBonis

A job search is like planning a road trip, and you must prepare accordingly. There must be a destination in mind, detailed steps to follow, and an estimated time of arrival. Without any one of those, you probably won’t get there. In a tough job market, your job search must be even tougher. But no matter what the market looks like, doing a job search takes focus and must be your top priority.

Obviously the ultimate goal is to get a job, but anyone can get any job; remember McDonald’s is always hiring! To get the job you want, you have to focus on key aspects of the job search. Read more »