By Ysolt Usigan

March 25, 2010

For the Sake of a Spring Glow, Clean and Organize!

Spring has officially begun — yippee! By the way, is it just me or do we always feel prettier during this time of year? For some reason, spring fever makes me feel awesome, which in turn gives me a glow. (It’s not just me, right?) Maybe it’s all of the cleaning we do. Sometimes making minor changes in our lives, like organizing our makeup bags or even donating clothes we never wear to a good cause, give us both a physical and mental ego boost.

If you haven’t started to organize and clean, please add it to your to-do list. Not sure where to even begin? We caught up with life coach and lifestyle expert, Meredith Haberfeld, for her tips on spring cleaning to give you a hand…

• Start small. Start with just one drawer or cabinet in your bathroom, and allow momentum to build from there.

• Out with the old. Throw away everything you don’t use. Personal care items you haven’t touched since last spring don’t belong touching you. If you are reluctant to throw things away but know it’s time, ask a friend to come support the effort. Getting rid of the stale things taking up space is not only healthy for your body, it actually makes room for new things to come into your life.

• In with the new. Replace and update anything that’s been sitting around a little too long, make up, moisturizer, your cosmetics bag. Refreshing the things in your life feels good and it breeds an environment for fresh thinking.

• Maintain clarity. Use a clear lucite organizer so you can see what you have. As a spokesperson for Bausch + Lomb, they just came out with the ReNu Fresh contact lens solution in a clear bottle, so if you are a contact lens wearer it’s a great way to see how much you have left. Being clear about what we have helps create calm.

• Pay it forward. Donate handbags and clothing you haven’t used in 2 years — it feels great to pass on something that is no longer useful to you, and may be just the thing someone else needs.

• Shake your body. Whatever your current fitness routine is, even if you don’t have one, spring is a great time to shake things up. The sun is coming and it’s time to get outside and move. Take a moment now to make a date with a friend to go for a walk or even a jog.

• Refresh your kitchen. Now is a great time to toss processed and sugary foods from your pantry, and stock your fridge with fresh vegetables, especially crunchy ones like celery and cucumbers, cut into little sticks for healthy on-the-go snacks.

• Relish in each little victory. Once you complete a mini-project, celebrate with something fun, even if it’s a short feet-up break of guilty-pleasure TV or a tea date with a friend. Once you appreciate your accomplishment, schedule the next mini project to tackle — your makeup bag, handbag, shoes, closet, etc. Let each project be its own little victory with its own little victory party.

I hope these spring-cleaning tips help you out a little, ladies! Let me know how it goes!

February 10, 2010

By Teri Evans
Who’s better off in business: the single entrepreneur with an unlimited supply of midnight oil to burn or the married entrepreneur with obvious time limitations, but also the support of a loving spouse and family?

Entrepreneurs are often categorized as intense visionaries who sleep little and cheerily work around the clock to be successful. One could assume that being single would then automatically help your business. But is that really true?

A 2009 Kauffman Foundation report, “Anatomy of an Entrepreneur,” found the stereotypical image of the single, free-wheeling entrepreneur may not be the norm. The Kansas City, Mo.-based nonprofit group surveyed 549 company founders across a variety of industries and found nearly 70% percent were married when they launched their first business, about 60% had at least one child, and almost 44% percent had two or more children.

So, who’s better off in business: the single entrepreneur with an unlimited supply of midnight oil to burn or the married entrepreneur with obvious time limitations, but also the support of a loving spouse and family?
“I think there are benefits either way, but they’re different,” said Melinda Carlisle Brackett, a San Jose, Calif-based therapist and business coach who works with entrepreneurs.

Here, a look at how being single or married can give you an edge when it comes to three important aspects of living a successful entrepreneurial life.

Flexibility
Who has the edge? Single entrepreneurs

“A single entrepreneur has the benefit of not stressing out about getting home to take care of building a relationship,” Brackett said. “They may date, but it doesn’t really take the same sort of energy.”
For example, having the flexibility to attend networking events in the evenings, while married entrepreneurs may not be able to, can certainly offer an advantage when it comes to growing a business. If your industry also requires constant travel, the flexibility of being able to hop on a plane at a moment’s notice can also offer an edge to the single entrepreneur.

“There are also some industries where going out and partying is more important than being perceived as stable,” said Meredith Haberfeld, a New York-based business coach, who works with many single and married entrepreneurs. “As a generalization, in more traditional professions, having a spouse can make you appear more stable to your peers, but in newer fields like new media or entertainment, being able to stay out late can be a benefit.”

Work-Life Balance
Who has the edge? Married entrepreneurs

Finding ways to balance work and family is often top of mind for married entrepreneurs because they grapple with it on a daily basis, while single entrepreneurs can — albeit unwittingly — shift their personal needs to the back burner.
“When you’re married, you’re always revisiting the priorities, asking yourself: ‘What am I doing this for? What’s the long-term goal?’” Brackett said. “That’s a benefit because it forces you to make choices you’re probably going to be happy with in the long run.”

To be sure, married business owners are also left wondering if their business is suffering because they need to spend more time working. Still, experts agree that finding some semblance of balance between work and play is critical for any business owner. Of course, that’s not to say single entrepreneurs don’t think at all about long-term goals, they’re just not necessarily forced to face them every day.

“The biggest mistake single entrepreneurs make is not planning for the day when they’re not going to want to keep that same pace, and I think there’s a price to be paid for that,” Brackett said. “They may be on top of their game, making money, and believe in their business, but not having that balance can create a ton of stress.”

Haberfeld suggests forcing yourself to sit down and put your priorities on paper, instead of always being guided by the squeakiest wheel.

“Then, structure your time each week to be in alignment with those priorities, and follow the plan,” Haberfeld said. “The balance is within one’s reach, but for some it’s a skill that has to be learned.”

Time & Energy
Who has the edge? Single entrepreneurs

“A single entrepreneur has more available time and energy to throw toward their business, and I think that unquestionably contributes to the success and thriving of a venture,” Haberfeld said.

On the other hand, being in a loving relationship can bring an emotional high and there’s an energy and optimism that goes a long with it, according to Brackett. “When we’re feeling good and optimistic we tend to get past our fears about taking that next step in business because we don’t feel so isolated,” she said.

Whether you have a lot or a little time, experts say what’s most important to being a successful entrepreneur is knowing how to manage it.

“While it’s quite obvious how the needs of a family can cut into time, I see that issue get in the way of almost all the entrepreneurs I work with,” Haberfeld said. “Navigating one’s way through that is a big leveler of the field to making a successful entrepreneur.”

By Kate Meyers

July 2009

Same place, different mind-set—that’s the challenge of a staycation. How do you exist within the same four walls, with the same distractions—messy basement, couch and remote, computer, junk food, phone—yet create a relaxing, healthy, away-from-it-all experience? According to a 2009 AP-Gfk poll, one-third of Americans have already canceled a trip due to financial concerns, and more than half have no plans to hit the road this year. For the recession-squeezed, or the downright too-exhausted-to-travel, we tapped the experts for advice on how a typical family of four can have an invigorating (and inexpensive) vacation without leaving home.

Plan to check out—at least mentally

The best way to feel like you’re getting away in your own home? Create a vacation plan—and stick with it. “Think about what your intention is for the time off, write it down, then put it up on the fridge,” says Meredith Haberfeld, a New York–based life and career coach. If your goal is to feel connected to your family, set aside specific time for family-only activities, dinners, and outings. Research shows that family rituals (like vacations) boost parents’ and kids’ mental and physical health. But just because you’re not getting away doesn’t mean you can’t focus on together time—it just takes a bit more effort.

If you’re winging it, you’re setting your staycation up for failure. “You need to have some clear goals and set up a schedule,” says Ken Robbins, MD, a clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. “Most people do a poor job because they don’t plan and then they answer the phone, they do an errand, people stop over, and before they know it, the week is over and they’ve done what they usually do.”

Rediscover your hometown

For a true mental getaway, explore your surroundings with a visitor’s eye—it will keep you away from the pull of the daily grind. One great resource is discoveramerica.com. Simply plug in your location and you’ll find a list of nearby offerings for museums, galleries, libraries, parks, and unique businesses (think candymakers, tea producers, breweries, bakeries). City magazines or weekend newspaper sections are another great resource for in-town events such as outdoor concerts, movies in the park, and theater performances. Or head to the closest college town to take advantage of some free campus offerings, like dance performances, lectures, and more.

Create your own swanky destination

Can’t afford to get to Canyon Ranch? You can create nearly the same healthy experience at home. “If you’ve always wanted to take a yoga, water aerobics, or spinning class, schedule a day where everyone does a few things at the local rec center,” says Melissa Thornton, a marriage and family therapist in Trumbull, Conn. Many gyms and yoga studios offer a free introductory trial or a discount for your first class, or log on to gymticket.com to score free passes to gyms in your area.

Try a little in-house pampering and healthy dining for the ultimate spa experience. Light candles, put body oils and rose petals in a bath, and play some soothing music. Try at-home facials and pedicures for a relaxing mother-daughter group activity. And when your tummies start to rumble, gather your family and head to the kitchen. You can try hundreds of Canyon Ranch’s healthy recipes—like Chicken Panzella Salad or Artichoke and Tomato Flatbread—just by signing up (for free!) at the resort’s website.

Get moving

A healthy staycation should include one active element every day, but that doesn’t mean you should schlep your family to the gym. “Combine getting outside and exercising with something else to create an adventure,” says Mike Munro, a fitness consultant in New York City. He suggests taking a train ride to a new hiking trail, or combining a hike with a midday picnic. You can also turn something as simple as a bike ride into a scavenger hunt. “Just ride through the city and hunt for a picture in front of a certain building, a keychain from a different part of town, and a drawing of a local monument,” he adds.

For families with teenage children, try setting a team goal, like a 10K race, bike race, or group walk. Put together a three-month training schedule, place it on the fridge, and let each family member check off his or her daily workout. (A general rule of thumb: Every two weeks increase your training by at least 10% but no more than 25%.) “Having this calendar helps you focus, and seeing all those check marks becomes a visual indicator of your progress,” says Munro.

Choose your event ahead of time, then use your staycation to focus on training.

For extra motivation, try training for a charity event. Several studies have demonstrated the link between volunteering and greater mental and physical health. In fact, a recent large-scale Vanderbilt University study found that people of all ages who volunteered experienced increased physical health and decreased levels of depression.  Check out volunteermatch.org for opportunities near your home.

Get away from your gadgets

A staycation can quickly go south if you let yourself get caught up with daily tasks like checking your email and returning phone calls. If you really want to get away, you should act like you’re out of town. “For at least a few days put the auto responder on your email and leave a message on your phone saying that you’re on vacation,” says Robbins.

Make a family pact to turn off BlackBerrys, iPods, and computers. “This is a great one for mental health because it disconnects you from the responsibilities, stressors, and routine of everyday life,” says Thornton. If a complete turnoff is impossible, then set very specific limits—like once a day for 15 minutes. Technological turnoff is not only good for families, but it may also calm the gadget-addicted. Edward Hallowell, MD, author of CrazyBusy: Overbooked, Overstretched, and About to Snap, says that personalities who feel the need to answer every email can work themselves into a state of toxic stress. So use your staycation to unwind and disconnect.

Make food fun

Use your time off to experiment in the kitchen as a family. Chris Heuston, a Colorado-based nutritionist and mother of three, likes to walk or ride her brood to the farmers’ market and let everyone pick some toppings for a personal pizza. If you want to score some great deals—or even some free produce—head to the market toward the end of the day, just as the merchants start to pack up their trucks. Many merchants don’t want to lug unsold produce back home, so they’ll sell it to you for a super-low price (or even for free).

Try whipping up your own pizza dough, dividing it into individual pies, and letting your kids make their own. Heuston’s favorite toppings include olives, red peppers, and basil, or goat cheese, potatoes, and asparagus. And when it comes to the kitchen, healthy doesn’t have to mean boring. Heuston suggests Iron Chef lunches. Simply lay out multiple ingredients and let everyone create his or her own meal. Heuston is also a fan of grilling. It’s easy and there’s less clean up. “Try things that you wouldn’t necessarily grill, like romaine for a Caesar salad or tomatoes for a salsa,” she says. “My kids love to make homemade ice cream in the summer and we’ll grill peaches to mix in.”
Keep the mood light and relaxed

Things tacky, wacky, or out of the ordinary can be memorable. If you’re lucky enough to have a local drive-in movie theater, go in your pajamas. Visit an oddball local attraction—like the world’s largest popcorn ball in Sac City, Iowa—or have a family mini-golf tournament. Sure, you may wish you were headed to the beach or the Grand Canyon, but set a positive example for your kids by keeping the mood light. The effects could be long-lasting—research shows that kids who feel good about themselves are less likely to be materialistic.

Robyn Moreno

July 2009

In this economy, many people are just focused on getting (or keeping) a job – dropping their hopes of opening a business or landing a job they really enjoy. But we don’t have to “get caught up in the panic or settle for work we don’t like”, says Meredith Haberfeld a Career Coach and co-founder of the Institute for Coaching. Meredith sat down with me and shared the three ways people can get their dream jobs.

RM: In this economy, is going for your “dream job” still a realistic goal?

MH: Rather than focus on the job they want, people should first focus on what they want out of their “dream” job.

They should ask themselves questions like: “What do I love doing all day? Is it talking to people, being outdoors? What kind of people do I want to work with? What do I definitely not want to be doing – working for corporate America, staring at a computer all day? How much money am I committed to making?
To help be specific, people should write down the aspects of their dream jobs that really excite them. So if your dream job is to be a veterinarian, then the draw might be working with animals. Or if it’s being an interior designer, is it being creative and working in a beautiful a setting that attracts you? Once you’ve answered those questions, you have your “deal breaker list of professional values.”

And with that list you can check to see if it matches your “dream” job. Often people find that the occupation they thought they wanted (probably because it sounded fun or sexy) doesn’t quite match, while other jobs they hadn’t even considered now make sense. So in that way, you have really widened your net, creating many more job opportunities.

RM: OK, so now that I’ve expanded my job horizons, what’s next?

MH: Next is what I call the “Live Research Phase.” Start talking to people who have jobs in the industry you’re considering and find out what it’s really like. You can do this by contacting friends, family, people in your community or even sites like Facebook or LinkedIn. You’ll be shocked at how much people actually want to help you.
So once you get on the phone or in a meeting with someone who’s in the field you’re interested in, find out what that world is really like. Ask them what they love and what they hate about their job. Ask them what are the things they thought that career was going to be like that it’s not, and what things do they like about it that they never expected. And just straight ask them for advice. You’ll find that after these conversations, more careers will be crossed off your list, while others might emerge.

What’s really great about this process is that you’ll find that the network you developed in this “research phase” is the same network that parlays you into the next job.

RM: So now I have a good understanding of my dream job, what’s next?

MH: The final piece is to understand the “Momentum Equation.” The “momentum equation” is that it takes a lot of energy to produce a new result. So it might take 100 units of energy to yield ONE positive result. For instance, you might spend weeks sending out resumes, responding to ads, writing cover letters, etc., and might just get one response. This is where many people get stuck. The name of the game here is to understand and be prepared that things might be slow going. It’s ok to be disappointed, call up a friend and biotch or whatever you need to do. But the important thing is to not give up, because the equation will change.
Soon it will only take 50 units of energy to yield one result, and eventually even less. It is building and keeping this momentum that will make the difference in your career, because even in this difficult economy everyday people are getting jobs they love. And so can you.

Meredith Haberfeld is an executive coach who’s guided entrepreneurs and leading executives from institutions such as Johns Hopkins University, Forbes, JP Morgan Chase, Credit Suisse, FuseTV and the World Health Organization. She also works as a life coach for assisting individuals, couples, and families in designing and living extraordinary lives.

August 2009
By Laura House

If you’ve recently been part of a “reduction in workforce,” consider that pink slip your ticket to freelance freedom. Lindsey Pollak, a consultant and self-proclaimed Gen Y career and workplace expert, predicts that “self-employment is the wave of the future because companies just aren’t that loyal to their employees anymore.” Though freelance life may have its stresses, Meredith Haberfeld, a career coach at the Institute for Coaching, points out that “designing your own days isn’t a bad perk.” Here, their advice for getting yourself out there so your company can grow. Some tips may seem like common sense: You know you need a business card, but we tell you how to actually get one.

1 Make a business card
This is how people will get in touch with you, so list every possible outlet—phone, cell phone, e-mail, website. But keep it professional and lose the wacky e-mail address (sorry, cutiepie_123@gmail.com). “A short tag line is fine,” says Haberfeld, “but omit mission statements, affirmations or hokey quotes.” VistaPrint (vistaprint.com, 42 designs are available for free, more customizable options start at 250 for $19.99) and Design Your Own Card (designyourowncard.com, 500 for $30) are thrifty good-quality options. Or splurge and get sleek cards from Moo (moo.com/en, 50 for $21.99).

2 Tighten up your résumé
People seem to be ignoring that once-golden rule about keeping résumés to one page. Read it here—two (or more) pages are not acceptable. “It’s hard to get someone to look at even the first paragraph of your résumé,” Haberfeld says, “so the shorter it is, the more likely it will hold someone’s attention.” Keep it brief, but Pollak also cautions against gaping holes between projects; fill them in with volunteer or temp jobs.

3 Build a website
A Web presence is crucial (just ask Julia Allison), but not everyone knows the ins and outs of HTML. If that includes you, don’t worry. Our experts suggest bartering for services. “A lot of Web designers are looking to gain experience, especially since business is slow right now,” says Pollak. “If you have a skill like writing, photography or bookkeeping, you can trade your services for theirs.” Elance (elance.com), Craigslist (craigslist.org) and Guru (guru.com) are great places to seek out a Web buff.

4 Network
Once your materials are in order, it’s time to start making yourself known. Take advantage of social-networking sites, join professional organizations and attend events in your field. Haberfeld challenges freelancers to establish three new contacts every day. Even if you don’t make a business deal, at least you’re now on their radar—and you had an excuse to leave the apartment.

5 Hold a mini focus group
Find out what potential clients think about you. Haberfeld recommends running your brand concept by three or four potential clients to gather feedback. Get their honest opinion of your services and how you present them, and make changes accordingly. But no matter the results, don’t get discouraged. “There is an effort equation when starting something new,” Haberfeld says. “For every 100 units of effort you put in, you can expect one result. Put the energy in, consistently, no matter what, and the results start flowing in.”

When Is It OK to Bad Mouth Your Job?
June 17, 2009
By Eleni Himaras

Having a bad boss or an awful job is one of the most frustrating situations there is. But is it ever acceptable, or beneficial, to vent such feelings in a professional setting?
The answer, unfortunately, is no.

“It reliably comes back and bites you, even if you think you’re speaking with someone who is ‘safe,’” says Meredith Haberfeld, the New York-based co-founder of Meredith Haberfeld Coaching and the Institute for Coaching.

Of course certain situations, such as exit interviews or questions from a new boss about your previous employer, are inevitable. It is possible to be honest and constructive at the same time, Haberfeld says.

1. Leave Emotions at the Door

Let the emotional aspect of the situation simmer before discussing it, says Haberfeld.

“Try as we might to be ‘professionals,’ we are also sentient beings and when our feelings are hurt, it has an impact, even in business,” she says. “Our feelings cloud our perspective, and our feedback is indisputably obscured by that.”
If the emotions aren’t cooling on their own, Haberfeld says to analyze the situation with the help of a friend or professional.

“If you notice you still feel an edge toward the place you left or are leaving, find someone to help you dismantle the story you’ve constructed about the place or the people,” she says. “This will lead you toward real insightful feedback about what worked and didn’t.”

If a question comes up in an exit interview that rubs against still raw emotions, Haberfeld says to qualify the answer by saying, “I know I’m hurt and upset, and my insights are probably not as accurate as they are going to be when I have a little distance from this.”

This response, she says, shows a level of maturity that will go a long way.

2. Keep it Short

If asked a direct question by a potential employer, Haberfeld says it is best to have a concise reply already practiced.
“It should be honest, balanced positive and negative to the former employer, and brief,” she says. “Practice this in advance so you can keep it simple and short.”

Sticking to this pared down response will keep the question from sticking out to your new boss. Candidates or employees who go into a full-blown rehashing of the ordeal typically come out looking worse than one who says very little.

“Most times, if you’re giving justifications or giving explanations for things that make someone else sound bad, it’s perceived that there was something negative going on that you aren’t being responsible for,” she says.
Every employer and company has some positive aspects, she reminds.

3. Vent Online, Carefully
Venting is healthy and necessary towards moving on, Haberfeld says. Thanks to the magic of the Internet, there are places to let frustrations fly.

LayOffMoveOn.com is a web site where the recently unemployed can share not only horror stories of his or her previous job, but the inspirational stories of getting past it. Chicago-based designer Jessica Lybeck founded the anonymous site after she was laid off from a part time position at an architecture firm.

“LayOffMoveOn is a blog cluster devoted to connecting people with tips to survive and thrive in this economy,” the site reads. “The conditions are tough…but DAMN we’re tougher.”

There are also generalized sites like JobVent.com that allow users to gripe by specific company or location.

Just remember that you may not be the only one scoping out these various web sites, so take a new twist on your mother’s advice: If you don’t have anything nice to say about someone, make sure they can’t use the Internet to trace it back to you. Leave out identifying details about yourself or any specific situations, and definitely leave the names out of it. This is just a venting ground, not a place for public retribution.

Shelly Schwartz
| 26 Feb 2009 | 05:01 PM ET

There you sit in your window office, embossed business cards and wall full of awards. An impressive career, by anyone’s measure. So why do your thoughts keep drifting to that bed and breakfast for sale in Cape Cod?

Whether driven by layoffs, the desire for more meaningful work or a general sense of, well, blah, about their careers, a growing number of US workers are making the midcareer switch, pushing their old professions aside (and the assurance of a steady paycheck) in favor of a new line of work that speaks to their talents and interests.

“There are a lot of people out there whose companies are downsizing significantly and they see it as an opportunity almost to do something they’ve always wanted to do but didn’t have the courage or were too involved in the realities of life to pursue,” says Judy Hoppin, a career counselor and president of the National Career Development Association. “People in my field are swamped with calls right now.”

Unfortunately, however, many embark on a second career with eyes wide shut, lacking clear direction and a realistic sense of the costs involved—sending them back to their boss six months later with hat in hand.
“You need a really well thought-out plan for your transition, including the time frame in which you want to be in your next job and how long you can freely explore without running low on funds,” says Meredith Haberfeld, a career coach for the New York-based Institute for Coaching.

How Much Will It Cost?
That starts with projecting the cost of changing careers, an exercise that will not only prepare you for what to expect, but help clarify whether walking away from your current profession is feasible for you and your family. “I am a pragmatist so I believe in having a solidly laid plan that fits your current financial situation,” says Haberfeld. “If you have six months worth of financial padding then the plan has to accommodate being situated [in a new job] where your basic life needs are taken care of in that amount of time.” That’s not to say you can’t pursue a second career if your savings are insufficient, of course, but you may have to stick with your current employer or find an interim position that pays the bills while continuing to work towards your goals.

When running the numbers, don’t just include the financial cushion you’ll need to support yourself during your job hunt—which should amount to six months to a year’s worth of living expenses. Factor in the loss of future earnings, since you may be calling it quits at the peak of your career, lost retirement contribution matches and the temporary loss of medical benefits.

There’s also the cost of classes or a new degree necessary to help you rewrite your career; vocational courses cost several hundred dollars, while a second degree can set you back tens of thousands.
“Any kind of schooling is expensive,” says Hoppin. “If someone is thinking about going back to school to get their master’s degree, for example, they would want to look at the cost-benefit ratio. Is it true that with this advanced degree you’ll be more marketable? And if you invest in this is it in the long run going to create enough of an income boost to pay you back for the money you’ll outlay.” You can help keep educational costs to a minimum by exploring community colleges or vocational schools, which are significantly less expensive.

There’s also the Lifetime Learning Credit for qualified tuition expenses, which may help defray the cost of higher education. You cannot claim an education credit, however, if your modified adjusted gross income (AGI) is $60,000 or more for singles and $120,000 or more if filing jointly.

The best bet, of course, is to complete any classes required before you bid farewell to your boss so you can hit the ground running when you leave.

If you’re leaving a job to start your own business, the cost of making a midcareer switch (and uncertainty of success) is greater still. There’s the interest you’ll owe on your business loan, monthly rent and utility expenses, the cost of supplies and foregone earnings while you build your customer base.

Hanging out your shingle
For Alison Greenberg, 37, who was 12 years into a successful career with a leading New Jersey law firm when staring out on her own, it was a small price to pay. “I walked away from a lot,” she says. “I was a partner. I had a good salary and opportunities for bonuses, but I wanted to be more of a community-based lawyer and to reinvent the practice of law for myself. I also lived in Manhattan so I wanted to work where I live and get more involved with community issues and politics.” She started her own business litigation and employment law practice in New York six months ago and hasn’t looked back since.

“I had two clients when I left and there was a lot of initial uncertainty of where the business was going to come from,” she says. “But I was always weighing the pros and cons of being part of a large firm and felt that to be true to myself and be able to represent more individuals and small business owners it would be better to go out on my own. It’s different now, and I’m living on a different budget but it’s very rewarding.”
According to Haberfeld, many working Americans suffer in silence at jobs they don’t like, but can’t put their finger on which occupation to pursue. If you count yourself among them, she suggests starting a list of all the elements you liked and disliked about your previous jobs, which elements you desire in your new career and which you do not.

Think, too, about all the careers you’ve considered in the last five years, making a list about what in each of them interested you. “Based on the lists you create, patterns will emerge,” Haberfeld says. “Identify those patterns and condense them into the most essential value that it represents for you.” That will help narrow down a list of career options, from which you can begin the research phase of your transition.

For its part, the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook (2008-2009) provides information on hundreds of different jobs, including earnings data, job prospects, working conditions and a summary of what those workers do on the job.

The Small Business Administration also offers a small business planner, which walks you through how to write a business plan, secure financing, manage and market your business and handle legal matters.
You can always, of course, hire a career counselor to perform detailed aptitude tests and skills assessments to help direct you towards viable career opportunities within your areas of interest. Be prepared to pay anywhere from $60 to $120 an hour for their time.

If money’s tight, there are also free online assessment tools that perform some of the same functions. Careercruising.com and O*Net.com are two examples.

Get out and talk
No matter how committed you think you are to making a career change, Haberfeld says it’s critical to gain as realistic a picture as possible of what that job entails—before taking the plunge. After all, a career in forensics is not what it seems on the television drama CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.
“Devastatingly, most people focus career change efforts on submitting resumes to job postings and job boards,” says Haberfeld. “But the most important piece of this transition is getting out on the skinny branches and talking to real people about what you are looking for. It’s finding people in the field you are interested in and asking if they’d be willing to spend 15 minutes on the phone or having coffee.”
If so, come prepared with a list of questions.

For example, ask whether they are happy in their career, what they like and dislike about it, which companies are the best to work for, which you should stay away from and what recommendations they may have to help you land a job in the field.

“Not only do those conversations help clarify a person’s vision, but more importantly those contacts you make doing your investigating turn into the critical network that ends up parlaying you into that next job,” says Haberfeld. “My recipe for this phase is three new contacts every single day. Those are the keys to the kingdom to any successful career transition.”

© 2009 CNBC.com

Love your job? Then save it!
Jia Lynn Yang
February 2009

“No matter what your position, contribute to the bottom line.

Don’t wait until your company says it wants to cut costs.”
-Career Coach Meredith Haberfeld

If you’re worried about getting laid off, here’s some consolation: So is everyone else. Follow these do’s and don’ts to raise the odds that your job stays, well, yours.

DO take credit… but don’t “walk around with a big neon sign that says I’M GREAT,” says career coach Marie McIntyre. “Look for opportunities to let people know what you’re doing.” One good strategy: Create a paper trail by copying your boss on e-mail (selectively!). And periodically take the initiative to send a summary of what you’re working on.

DO be a team player…No Matter What your position, contribute to the bottom line. Don’t wait until your company says it wants to cut costs says Career Coach Meredith Haberfeld.

DON’T ask for a raise or a promotion. Be patient, and be grateful for now that you’ve got a job.

DO volunteer for more work. Companies are making cuts, so someone needs to pick up the extra work. Do it with a smile, and you’re a dream employee.

DO arrive early and stay late. This is obvious and no longer optional. Make your commitment visible by pulling long hours. Also, lay off the text messaging or personal calls during business hours.

DON’T telecommute. “[Bosses] tend to fire people they don’t like or don’t know,” says Stephen Viscusi, author of “Bulletproof Your Job.” Working from home or part-time makes it harder for your boss to know you, so avoid it if you can.

DO chat up your boss and your boss’s boss. If you’re at the cafeteria, strike up a conversation. “Executives love to talk about business, and they’re often as uneasy talking with you as you are with them,” says McIntyre. Be ready with a question, like “I just read about something our competitor’s doing. What’s your take on that?”

DON’T be eccentric. Now’s the time to fit in completely. “Buy some Crest White Strips. Look like you belong there,” says career expert Stephen Viscusi. “Don’t wear perfume or cologne, because maybe you’re wearing the perfume of your boss’s ex-wife.”

DO feel your boss’s pain. If you feel as if you’re being marginalized, talk with your manager and find out what his or her priorities are these days. Ask your boss, “What are your biggest goals right now, and how can I help?”

DON’T be high maintenance. Even if layoffs are necessary, they can also serve as an excuse for companies to fire people they wanted to get rid of anyway. Why? The most frequent issue is attitude: People who are demanding, difficult, or whiny, or otherwise take up too much of their manager’s energy, are the first to go.
If you need something from your boss, there’s a right and a wrong way to ask. “Use the magic phrase, ‘I really want to make this work,’” suggests Deborah Brown-Volkman, a career coach who specializes in counseling financial services professionals. Be clear you’re committed to finding a solution that helps the company. “The worst approach is ‘I don’t have this, I don’t have that,’” Brown-Volkman says. Instead, show how your business will benefit from a fix. If you can’t, then let it go. And always be ready with a solution or two.

The bottom line: Make your boss’s job easier, not harder.

DO stay informed. Set a Google alert for your company so that you’re up on what’s going on. You’ll have a better sense for when layoffs are coming. Plus, smart employees know how their piece of the business fits into the larger picture of what’s happening at the company.

DON’T gossip about the company. It’s tempting to compare notes with co-workers, but obsessing about your fears will only distract you from being productive. “It’s a diversion of your energy, and whatever answers you’re coming up with aren’t that helpful,” says Meredith Haberfeld.

DO a self-review. Try this exercise: Imagine your boss, your boss’s boss, and the HR director all sitting in a room, categorizing people. What are they going to say about you? How much do they value your work?

DON’T panic! There may still be a way to save your job if your boss tells you you’re being laid off. “These are the words you always hear: ‘Listen, we have to let you go – it’s a numbers thing,’” says Viscusi. He suggests negotiating and offering to take less pay or work fewer days in the week.
“If they still say no,” he says, “now you’re calling their bluff, allowing yourself to open a bigger severance envelope.” That’s because if a company has trouble explaining why it fired you, there’s room for you to sue for wrongful termination. Some managers might decide it’s easier to throw some money in your direction now than risk losing more down the road.

May 4, 2008
By Matt Reeder

So, you’re one of the lucky ones. Name on your office door. Extra-glossy business cards. A bit of seniority.
Think again.

While recent MBA grads prowling for work face the unenviable task of breaking into the financial ranks for the first time (gasp!), the barrage of layoffs that’s spread into the upper ranks of the industry in recent months shows that title-toting execs face a formidable challenge of their own – protecting their hides. The recession’s official, more jobs will be cut and there’s no reason to assume your’s won’t be one of them.

With such rosy thoughts in mind, the folks over at BusinessWeek put together a helpful video detailing some of the practical steps you can take to protect your job. One suggestion, courtesy of executive coach Meredith Haberfeld, is to throw conventional wisdom out the window.

Keeping a low profile during tough times, she says, does nothing to secure your future. “Work your tail off,” she insists.”But make your successes and results visible. Not empty results.” She also suggests you find ways to show you care about the company’s bottom line, not just your own.

Elsewhere, the Harvard Business Review offers slightly less selfless advice. “Machiavellian as it may seem, holding on to your job when the economy softens is a matter of cool strategic planning,” write Janet Banks and Diane Coutu. And in addition to thinking like a survivor, they, too, encourage old-fashioned hard work. “If you’re not already wearing multiple hats, start imagining how you can support your company by leveraging experience your boss may know nothing about.”

“Work your tail off,” keep a high profile, and find a mentor, veteran job coaches say

By Carl Winfield

August 4, 2008

These are uncertain times for the U.S. labor market. Companies such as Merrill Lynch ( MER ), Sony ( SNE ) and Alcatel-Lucent ( ALU ), which have either posted losses or greatly diminished profits, are cutting staff as financial pressures mount. And while the U.S. unemployment rate has held steady at 5.5% for the last two months, there are no guarantees that workers—especially those between ages 50 and 60—will be able to avoid further cutbacks.

This does not mean older employees should start looking for positions at the local Wal-Mart ( WMT ) or the neighborhood car wash. Many have experience and knowledge they can leverage to keep their jobs. But with staffing budgets increasingly under scrutiny, it may pay to be proactive. The first and most important move workers should make: Look for new experiences with their current employer.

“People like to do what they’re good at,” says Melaine Kusin, vice-chairman at Heidrick & Struggles ( HSII ). “But it’s just as important to volunteer for special projects and develop skills that can be applied to other parts of the business.”

“Be Visible”

Employees can raise their profiles when they make the effort to join special committees or even help organize a companywide social engagement. “Conventional wisdom may say that you should keep your head down, especially during an economic downturn” says Meredith Haberfeld , an executive coach in New York whose clients include Credit Suisse ( CS ) and JPMorgan Chase ( JPM ). “But my suggestion is that you work your tail off to be visible about the results you’re producing.” Haberfeld also suggests executives toot their own horns.

But other consultants, such as New York-based Dale Kurow, advise executives to be careful about what they say in the workplace. “You want to be the ’squeaky wheel’ in the sense that you’re proactive,” Kurow says. “But if you complain, you’re probably going to be the first one out the door.”

Becoming the life of the party may be a good way to call attention to yourself but, once all eyes are on you, workers have to put up or get shut out. The best way for executives to keep their jobs or move to the next level is to develop an understanding of the whole business, rather than the part that relates only to them.

“You need to take the lid off your thinking and take a look at how what you do relates to the rest of the business,” says Kurow. “If you don’t know how your part in the business is connected to the others, chances are you’re not going very far.”

Cultivate a Mentor

Workers who are more engaged with the day-to-day operations at their companies have a distinct advantage over those clock-punchers who focus solely on the tasks in their job descriptions. But staying in a job is also about building relationships. While it’s advisable to work well with your peers, it never hurts to develop a close relationship with a mentor, particularly with someone higher up who can help keep you out of harm’s way when the axman cometh.

“Partner with the CEO,” says Ana Dutra , CEO of the Leadership Development Solutions group for Korn/Ferry International ( KFY ), “and with the corporate leadership.”

The job market is getting tougher to negotiate for workers in all age groups. But according to coaches like Haberfeld , you can keep your job as long as you don’t mind maintaining a high profile. Establishing yourself as a leader could make the difference between moving up or being moved out.

“The main element in your career plan has to change from doing what you have to do to impress your superiors to doing what you have to do to impress yourself,” says Haberfeld .