By Guest Blogger Deborah Shane

Writing my book in 2010, “Career Transition: Make the Shift (Your 5 Steps to Career Reinvention),” was a reflective and cathartic process.

I got to see more clearly that career transition is actually always in motion, even if you are in the same industry and company for a long time. When things outside of us change, we are really changing, too — or we should be. Most times we are not even aware, unless it’s some tumultuous turn of events. I spent almost 24 years in broadcast radio sales and management until 2006, and most of those years were great years for our industry, company and market.

Subtly though, things started to shift internally and externally. Commissions, procedures, cut backs, smaller budgets, management, the economy, and technology all stated to impact things. They affected all of us, but we trudged on.

Transition to where it was all going was already in motion. Why don’t we pay more attention to these early signs and shift with them?

I could feel the “winds of change” pick up . Gusts of wind started blowing through our company. I sensed impending industry change. I wanted to ignore it, but it was hard to ignore that the “cheese was moving.” My instincts and intuition have always been a strong part of my career success.

Who was I? Sniff, Scurry, Hem, or Haw from Who Moved My Cheese?

At first I was Sniff-Hem. I was investigating other opportunities, but pining over that I was investigating. Then, I became Sniff and Scurry and was eager to go out on my terms and not worry about Who Moved My Cheese, but finding new cheese. I knew it was time to move on. I was ready for the next adventure in my life.

“Why can’t things stay the same,” I thought?

Because they can’t and they don’t.

I have learned to pay attention to and trust my instincts. When I announced I was leaving in 2006, people told me I was “out of my mind.” I smiled and answered them, “Maybe, but it’s going to change anyway” — and it did.

In looking back on my professional transitions, I have learned 4 truths and principles that have helped me keep the faith, keep going, and move forward despite conditions.

1.  Have a vision.
It’s never too early or late to transition.

2. Be courageous.
Don’t be afraid of change; embrace it with a spirit of adventure and curiosity.

3. Bolster your self-esteem and self-respect.
Believe in the value of who you are and what you have done and do.

4. Always be relevant and persevere when you believe.
Set yourself up to be successful by doing whatever it takes and keep going.

If we look back on our job and work history, we can see that we have consistently been transitioning.

Make your shift by starting to shift.

Sniff and Scurry went out and started looking for new cheese instead of
wasting time pining over that there was less of it and then gone!

Guest blogger Deborah Shane is the author of the book “Career Transition: Make the Shift,” as well as a branding strategist, nationally published writer, speaker, and media host.

Get more tips on changing careers in “Jump-Start Your Career Change.”

Image: jscreationzs / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

We asked, “Do you like it when engaged coworkers talk about their wedding plans at work?” And here’s what you said:

• Yes; I enjoy hearing about other people’s wedding plans. 18%
• Sometimes, but these conversations can get annoying if they go on too long. 53%
• No; I think that people should keep their work and private lives separate. 30%

Total respondents: 1189

The message is clear — if you’re asking random colleagues for their opinions on wedding invitations or place settings, you’re probably going too far. Of course, it’s normal to develop friendships with people we spend eight or more hours a day with — but be careful not to confuse proximity with intimacy. And when you’re in the workplace, it’s always wise to keep non-work-related conversation limited to 10- or 15-minute breaks. You don’t want to develop a reputation as a slacker!

(For tips on coping with inappropriate colleagues, read “Office Friendships: Beware of Workplace ‘Frenemies.‘”)

On a related note, we also asked, “Did you invite, or would you consider inviting, current or former coworkers to your wedding?”

•  Yes: many current and former coworkers are my closest friends. 24%
• Yes: I have a few friends I would invite. 37%
• Maybe: it depends on whom I’m working with at the time. 19%
• No: I don’t really have anyone I would invite. 9%
• No: I don’t think it is appropriate. 11%

Total respondents: 830

Charles Purdy, Monster.com’s senior editor, advised, “Whether you’re inviting your boss for ‘political’ reasons or your best buddy who just happens to be your colleague, you can avoid hurting the feelings of coworkers you don’t invite by making a clear distinction between your workplace relationships and your social relationships — that means having wedding discussions and distributing invitations, and so on,  outside of the workplace.”

What do you think about mixing weddings and the workplace? Share your thoughts in the Comments section — and share your ideas for future poll topics!

 Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

1. RN – Labor and Delivery, CoreMedical Group (San Antonio, TX): “Our L&D department offers private labor and delivery, recovery, post partum suites.  We have 17 L&D Units, we have approx.  3000 delivery per year, and we are looking for someone with 2+ years of experience. …”

2. RN – Emergency Dept, JFK Medical Center (Atlantis, FL): “JFK Medical Center has evolved into a 460-bed acute care medical/surgical facility and healthcare complex specializing in cardiovascular care, neuroscience, oncology services, orthopedics and bariatrics. …”

3. Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, North Shore-LIJ Health System (New York, NY): “At North Shore-LIJ, transforming care begins with empowering you to go as far as your talent and ambition can take you. …”

4. RN Circulator – Ambulatory Surgery Unit, Sutter Health (Crescent City, CA): “Located on the scenic Northern California Coast, Sutter Coast Hospital first opened its doors in 1931 and has continued to evolve to meet the changing needs of the residents of Crescent City, California and Brookings-Harbor, Oregon. …”

5. RN – Rehab Unit, IASIS Healthcare (West Monroe, LA): “The  Charge RN is responsible and accountable for directing, planning and organizing the nursing activities on the Rehab unit for an assigned shift with focus on patient, physician and staff needs. …”

6. RN – Pediatric Case Manager, Community Care Inc.​ (Greensburg, PA): “Community Care, Inc.​ is looking for an RN with exceptional leadership skills to work in our Pediatric home health department.​ …”

7. RN – ICU & Med-Surg, Saint Anthony’s Health Center (Alton, IL): “The Registered Nurse assesses patient’s psychological and spiritual needs; contributes to the individualized patient care and coordinates plan of care with physician and Health Care Team; implements the plan of patient care and evaluates the outcome of patient care, offering quality patient care for patients of all age groups.​ …”

8. Travel Registered Nurse – ER, Med-Staff Oklahoma (Oklahoma City, OK): “Med-Staff Oklahoma is among industry leaders that provide local and travel healthcare jobs.​ The travel industry has never been better.​ You can learn new skills while living along the coast in California, the mountains of Wyoming or the natural beauty of Arizona. …”

9.  RN – Clinical Supervisor, Maxim Healthcare Services (Charlotte, NC): “Maxim Healthcare Services is currently seeking a Clinical Supervisor – Registered Nurse / RN to be directly responsible for clinical activities of office staff.  …”

10. Nurse Navigator, Baylor Health Care System (Waxahachie, TX): “The Nurse Navigator is a Registered Nurse who facilitates patients continuity of care with the healthcare team in an efficient and timely manner. …”

Look for nursing jobs in your area.

What’s your definition of a cool job? Tell us, so we can make the next edition of “Cool Jobs” even cooler for you!  And follow @MonsterCareers on Twitter for cool-job tweets, as well as career advice, job-search tips, and more.

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

By Charles Purdy, Monster.com Senior Editor

I really like this May 11 LiveScience.com article: “Senior Citizens’ Advice to Grads: Live a Little.”

I think it’s a great starting point for young people who are thinking about what to do next, after college — and I just wanted to add two cents.

The advice here is great: Travel, take risks, choose excitement, and have fun while you’re young. But this doesn’t mean that young people just get to party for a couple years — because a young person can (and should) do all these things with an eye on her long-term career goals.

Having fun (at any age) can be a resume builder. Take travel: there’s the kind of travel where you lie on a beach with a cold drink — and then there’s travel that helps you learn new languages or that provides internship opportunities.

And you can have fun by following your career-related passions now — this is my standard advice for young people: Don’t wait for your dream job offer before you start working in your field. If you want to be a journalist, start blogging or vlogging. If you want to be an engineer, start designing things. Or if you want to be an entrepreneur, start putting together a business plan.

The seniors have great advice: Live a little. But keep in mind that you can live it up without stepping away from your life’s goals. (For more tips, read “Turn Post-Graduation Panic into Action.”)

What’s your career advice for young people and new grads? Share your thoughts in the Comments section, or join the conversation with @MonsterCareers on Twitter.

1. Corporate Communications & Marketing — Social Media Manager, McGraw-Hill (New York, NY): “Reporting to the Director of Corporate Media Relations, the Social Media Manager is responsible for developing and implementing The McGraw-Hill Companies’ online and social media strategy. …”

2. Account Manager – Social Media, Copy Writing, & Content Syndication, Bayshore Solutions (Tampa, FL): “The Account Manager – Social Media, Copy Writing, & Content Syndication actively implements assigned projects including Account Planning, Content Strategy, Copy Writing, Social Media Management, Content Syndication, Conversion Optimization, and other strategies.​ …”

3. Social Media Analyst, Omnicom Media Group (New York, NY): “The social analyst will be reporting to the Social Product Director.​ The analyst will support the Director by driving analysis for specific client projects. …”

4. Marketing & Social Media Manager, Fishbowl (Alexandria, VA): “Fishbowl is looking for a leader to help take our full-service offering for local restaurant clients to the next level.​…”

5. Account Executive, LivingSocial (Chattanooga, TN): “The Outside Sales team is the engine that has fueled LivingSocial’s incredible growth.​ As the most outward-facing representative of LivingSocial’s brand, our Account Executives interact everyday with our great merchant customers, and revolutionize the way local businesses approach advertising. …”

6. Solutions Architect – Social Media/Marketing, Volt Workforce Solutions (Chicago, IL): “We’re searching for an innovative and experienced Technical Leader to help existing and future clients realize their full potential in a digital world. …”

7. Senior Consultant, MicroStrategy, Inc. (Boston, MA): “We are looking for motivated Senior Production Consultants who want to be a part of a high-paced seasoned team of professionals working with clients to facilitate the use of MicroStrategys Business Intelligence products. …”

8. Public Relations Senior Project Manager, Burson-Marstell​er (Detroit, MI): “Assume the role of a consumer public relations generalist with superior strengths in writing, media, program plans/​execution, and project management.​ …”

9. Account Executive, New York Times Company (Boston, MA): ” As a Sales Rep dedicated to the Insights program, you will work to grow revenue from Boston-area small and medium size businesses, focusing on this new product that features businesses and their blogs throughout Boston.​com. …”

10. Director, Public Relations, Pizza Hut (Plano, TX): “Pizza Hut is seeking a PR guru who is maniacal about getting the brand in the public eye, driving compassionate efforts like “Share a Slice Of Hope” and getting the Pizza Hut brand talked about through surprising and unique things that people can’t help talking about. …”

What’s your definition of a cool job? Tell us, so we can make the next edition of “Cool Jobs” even cooler for you!  And follow @MonsterCareers on Twitter for cool-job tweets, as well as career advice, job-search tips, and more.

Job seekers in 34 countries now have access to millions of jobs, unparalleled search technology, and professional networking, all within Monster.com

Monster, the worldwide leader in connecting people to job opportunities and the flagship brand of Monster Worldwide, Inc. , today announced the integration of  BeKnown, its professional networking app on Facebook, into the Monster site experience across 34 countries in North America, South America, Australia and throughout Europe. Job seekers can use Monster’s unrivaled semantic search technology to find the right jobs and now instantly see how they’re already connected to those opportunities through their Facebook and BeKnown contacts. The site integration also greatly expands employers’ social recruiting reach by getting their jobs in front of a growing professional network among Facebook’s 901 million members.

“Each month, more than 100 million people visit Monster to access millions of jobs worldwide, using our world class semantic search technology,” said Sal Iannuzzi, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer for Monster Worldwide. “We’ve now combined the power of Monster’s search technology with BeKnown, our professional networking app on Facebook, as another great way of connecting employers and seekers that doesn’t exist elsewhere.”

This latest milestone continues Monster’s strategy to use any means or method to connect job seekers with employers across a wide variety of platforms including the web, mobile and social using the world’s most advanced technology to match the right person to the right job.

BeKnown networking built into Monster allows members to:

• See inside connections at jobs from over 300,000 companies
• Search for jobs – be matched to the right jobs – and immediately see how they’re connected to people at the companies they want to work for most
• View/Apply for jobs and contact connections to help get a foot in the door
• Create a professional networking profile available in both Monster and the BeKnown app on Facebook
• Take control over profile visibility and network connection invites on Facebook
• Network and keep personal and professional lives separate with privacy features users have come to expect from Monster

BeKnown networking built into Monster allows Employers to: 

• Automatically expand social recruiting reach and engage top talent through referrals
• Invite recruiters and employees to join BeKnown to increase referral opportunities
• Access public profiles linked between Monster and BeKnown, for up-to-date candidate information
• Engage the emerging workforce wherever they spend time online, on Facebook or Monster
• Turn Facebook fans into potential hires with free Jobs App for Facebook timeline powered by BeKnown
• Showcase their recruitment brand with a BeKnown company profile allowing job seekers to learn more about their  company and engage as they search for jobs on Monster

“When we launched BeKnown in June 2011, our objective was to leverage Monster’s industry expertise and use the world’s largest social site as a platform for enabling a professional networking platform,” said Matthew Mund, Vice President Product Management for Monster. “Over the past 10 months, we’ve continued to expand BeKnown’s features and functionalities for both users and companies. Combined with the power of Monster, BeKnown is well poised for growth.”

BeKnown is also accessible for free via mobile apps on Android, iPad and iPhone devices. For more information on BeKnown, visit http://beknown.monster.com, follow BeKnown on Twitter and Facebook, and visit the BeKnown blog for regular updates. For great tips on using BeKnown and other online networking tools, download our free ebook Monster’s Guide to Online Networking.

By Charles Purdy, Monster.com Senior Editor

I was recently interviewed by Forbes magazine for an article on how the world of work is changing: “10 Jobs That Didn’t Exist 10 Years Ago.” The article describes how technology is changing job duties and job titles — and, of course, the the skills that job seekers need.

Take jobs in social media. Ten years ago, we didn’t even know what “social media” was. Now, in any given month, Monster may see hundreds of new social media jobs posted. The number of social media-related jobs (which are jobs turned up by a search for the keyword term “social media”) on Monster has increased 52% over the past year (from May 2011 to May 2012). About 205 positions are available a month, up from an average of 155 a month only a year ago (Sep 2011).

I’m quoted in the Forbes article as saying, “I don’t believe that new needs have been created. We’ve just created new ways and adopted new technologies to get them done.” And I believe this is true. Companies use social media for advertising, for customer service, for public relations, and so on — these are all things that companies have always needed to do. The technology is just different now.

And this points to a truth that we all have to embrace: In order to have a successful career in just about any industry, you have to make a lifelong commitment to learning. The days when you could walk out of college with a degree, get a job, and then do that job for 30 years (relying on your employer for training) are over — just ask any marketing or PR person who didn’t stay up-to-date with how social media was changing that field. In 2010, we conducted a poll on professional development. Fifty-nine percent of respondents said they  hadn’t taken a class related to their career in a year, and 60 percent said they hadn’t read a book related to their career in a year. These numbers seem awfully high.

And that’s because no one can predict with assurance where the jobs of the future will be, or what they will involve. As someone who represents Monster.com, I’m often asked for “hot industries” — sure bets for new grads. And I always answer with a note of caution: No one knows for sure what the hot industries will be in 2022. It’s up to today’s grads to stay engaged with their industries and their careers, so the hot industries of tomorrow don’t take them by surprise.

Get More Tips for New Grads:

• 10 Job Search Mistakes of New College Grads
• Essential Workplace Skills for New College Grads
• The Monster Guide to Online Networking

Follow @MonsterCareers on Twitter for daily job-search and career-advice tweets!

By Vickie Elmer for Glassdoor.com

Guest blogger Vickie Elmer regularly contributes articles on careers and small business to the Washington Post. She has collected a slew of journalism awards, large and  small. Her career and workplace articles also have appeared in Fortune, Parents, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, the Financial Times, the Chicago Tribune, Newsday and many more.

1. “How much company property (office supplies, etc.) is it OK to take home per month?”
The responses to this question show that only a few are taking home office supplies in large amounts — it’s perhaps interesting that slightly more people would not limit the amount they take (4 percent) than see somewhere between $26 and $75 as an acceptable range. Here are the results:

• 0 dollars’ worth: Even a paperclip is stealing. 66%
• 1-10 dollars’ worth: A few pens get taken by accident: it’s acceptable and even expected. 26%
• 11-25 dollars’ worth: A few paper towels here, a few sticky notes there: it’s a perk of working. 3%
• 26-75 dollars’ worth: I’ve never even bought my own stapler. 1%
• 75 dollars’ worth and higher: If it’s not nailed down, it’s up for grabs. 4%

Total respondents: 4,515

2. “If you had proof that a work friend was promoted because he or she was having a secret affair with a manager, would you report it to HR?”
When it comes to the course of romance-based workplace favoritism, it’s an even split: half of the respondents say they would turn in a wrongly promoted friend no matter what, while for the other half the issue is more subjective. Here are the results:

• Yes: That’s just not fair, friend or not. 50%
• No: Friendship is more important than playing by the rules. 18%
• Maybe: It depends on whether the promotion affects my career path. 32%

Total respondents: 2,400

3. “If you knew a colleague had embezzled a small amount of money, what would you do?”
When it comes to money, our coworkers are less forgiving of transgressions than when we’re talking about love. Here are the results:

• Report him or her, because stealing is wrong. 70%
• Report him or her, because I wouldn’t want to be perceived as an accomplice. 15%
• Do nothing, because it’s none of my concern. 7%
• Do nothing, because I don’t want to be a snitch. 3%
• It depends on whether I like the colleague. 5%

Total respondents: 3,827

What do you think? Is stealing a few pens from work acceptable? Is it wrong to be a workplace “snitch”? Share your thoughts in the Comments section — and if you have ideas for future Monster polls, please let us know.