The Oxymoron: Career Planning

Career Planning in 2012 ~ light on the planning | heavy on the career.  So, this is what it's come to, eh?

Here's a few facts to curl your hair, baby-boomer:

- U.S. Worker's Median Tenure in Current Job:  4.4 years.

- Average # of Jobs in a Lifetime:  Men - 11.4   

- Average # of Jobs in a Lifetime:  Women - 10.7

According to a few folks spotlighted on FastCompany this month, well...yes.  And we just might want to start getting comfortable with the notion that career planning 2012 looks nothing like its counterpart from the 70's - 80's - 90's....(at least not to those of us born in the 60's).

It's a quick read - check out  the FC article by Anya Kamenetz HERE!

College in America [infographic]

On average, college grads earn more $$ than those without a college degree.  It's difficult to debate otherwise.  However, Fast Company created this infographic about the debate, making two points: 

1. Whatever students are doing in college, it doesn't appear that "education" is the most important part of their day (witness how students spend their hours every week).

2. “Some majors don’t really qualify you for much.” Again, it's hard to argue against this point.  But that also assumes that every student is about nothing but the money.  And hey, if you've seen my fave quote (upper right-hand corner of blog)....well, here it is, whether you like it or not:

"Life is too short not to do something that matters."  

But I digress.

Tired of listening to me type?  Ok, here's the infographic:  

Source: youtern.com via Dennis on Pinterest

Job Search and Confidentiality [infographic]

I can still remember when the extent of "job search confidentiality" meant trying to print your resume and then fast-walk to the printer before one of your colleagues who might find your resume and discover your "job-search-secret."

Yep, things have changed a lot in the last 20 years.  There's millions of other things to consider (or at least just one):  social media.

Check it out below, and see the article in its entirety at Mashable.com.

Am I The Sum of What I Tweet?

Nice reminder by FastCompany's Amber Mac regarding the importance of "personal brand" (which, by the way, never takes a vacation).

U R What U Tweet:  5 Steps to a Better Personal Brand

My favorite is #4:  Never Stop Networking (reminds me of something Dave would say).


And while I'm thinking of networking, hey, let's connect on LinkedIn (feel free to send me an invite:  smithtx@gmail.com).  ~ Dennis

5 Job Search Tips for 2012

A new year means a new start, a new perspective, and breaking old habits. Before making your resolutions, consider revamping your job search tactics. Job search trends of 2011 included creating the infographic resume, using QR codes, and writing your own blog.

What strategies are trending for 2012?  Check out the full article on one of my favorite job search sites:  ResumeBear.  Click here for their top 5 Tips for 2012! 

The Most Popular Career Paths 1970-Now

Funny, I don't see "Recruiting" in there anywhere : )

7 Signs Your Rockstar Employee is Looking for a New Job

As we close out 2011, now is a good time to take a look at some of your rock star employees and see what's on their minds.  Losing and replacing even one employee can cost your company big-time money.

What are the signs your rockstar might be looking for a new job?  Check out Column Five Media's infographic below:

7 Signs Your Rockstar Employee is Looking for a New Job

View more documents from Column Five Media

Merry Christmas, 2011

Merry Christmas

The Smith's

Van Alstyne, Texas

2011