I Have No Idea What Im Doing at Work - TheJobNetwork

I Have No Idea What Im Doing at Work - TheJobNetworkYouve been in your job for a little (or a long while) while, and it started out pretty well. You were accomplishing things left and right, learning the ropes. All welches well. Then, maybe, there was a new process introduced, or you were given mora, somewhat ambiguous responsibilities. Because you were doing so well before, you didnt even think twice about it until it became too late to ask someone, What am I supposed to be doing, again? Or until things started to go wrong. By then, the panic sets in. What am I supposed to do now? I have no idea what Im doing. googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1467144145037-0) ) Feeling like you have no idea what youre doing, or that youre irrevocably screwing up, is notlage an uncommon one. Everyone has had a momentor a period of timewhere they feel like theyre in over their heads. Anyone who claims they havent had that is either fibbing, or long overdue for a wakeup call. But just because everyone feels overwhelmed by tasks sometimes doesnt mean you have to endure it or let things spiral out of control.Am I An Impostor?Impostor syndrome is the nagging feeling that although you have made it to a certain point, youre not competent or smart enough to have made it to that pointthat you stumbled into your job and your achievements accidentally. This kind of self-doubt is fairly common, especially at work. When things start to feel overwhelming, it can be natural to look for someone to blameand whos mora accessible than yourself? That self doubt can lead to anxiety about being found out by others, who are every bit as competent and smooth as they appear to be.For more on impostor syndromeSo how do you cope when these feelings set in? Lets look at some strategies for what you can do if its happening to you at work.1. Understand that youre not alone.If youve messed up on a project or feel like you have no idea what youre doing, it can feel like the spotligh t is trained right on you and your comedy of errors. This will not be helped by the coworker who happens to be killing it right nowgetting everything right, pulling down praise, and making it all look so easy. What you need to remember is that at one point, you were that coworker getting things right. And you will be again, too. Plus, Mr. Overachiever will have his bad days as well.Nobody has every part of their job nailed down all the timeif you do, then that might actually be a bad sign, professionally. Everyones too busy worrying about their own stuff to judge you. And think about it this way as hard as you work to keep your uncertainty and feelings of failure from others, you can assume theyre doing the same.2. Dont panic.The realization that you dont know what youre supposed to be doing, or how to fix that, is a scary one. Dont let it panic you, because panic leads to chronic second-guessing yourself, which distracts you from what actually needs to be done. It can also scare yo u away from finding logical solutions to your situation and make things even worse.When you feel the downward confidence spiral start, its important to recognize that you feel helpless. Once you acknowledge that, you can try to take a step away and work out how to resolve the problem. If you let it go unchecked, you could keep piling mistakes upon mistakes (possibly endangering your job), or get so frustrated that you quit before you know whether you could have fixed things. Neither of these is a combination that leads to professional success or satisfaction. So acknowledging that overwhelming feeling is the fruchtwein important step, because it can help stop the negative spiral.3. See it as a challenge, not a dealbreaker.While youre stuck in I have no idea what Im doing misery, it can be easy to forget that this is an obstacle, not the end of your career. An obstacle is something you can get around. And unless youre a brain surgeon who finds herself in the operating room after havi ng skipped all of the relevant classes on how to operate, no one will die because you are unaya of what youre supposed to be doing.4. Fake it til you make it.Mind you, this is not a long-term solutionif you dont understand whats going on and dont do anything to resolve that, eventually someone else will catch on, fulfilling your impostor syndrome doomsday scenario. But if youre feeling unsure of what you need to do or how to do it, or you know youll need more time to figure things out, its okay to stall a little. Negotiate a deadline. Use a vague, Im on it-type confirmation. You dont need to announce to everyone that you dont have the first clue what you should do next you can buy yourself some time to work out your next steps.5. Admit it I dont know.If everyone could do everything without guidance, no one would have a manager. Part of your babos job is to make sure that you have everything you need to do your own job. While you may be afraid to acknowledge that you dont know what y oure doing, thinking that your boss will lose confidence in you or worse, its important to see your boss as a resource.True, saying, I have no idea what Im doing will not breed confidence, but you can frame it differently. Try, Im working on X, but I just need some clarification about the best approach. Can we talk through this? More likely than not, your boss will appreciate your openness and your desire to work through a situation thats challenging to you. He or she will also appreciate that youre taking proactive steps to do things better. This isnt a gotcha game your boss is invested in you doing a good job.6. Find an ally.If you dont feel comfortable taking your concerns to your boss or feel like its too late to play the I just dont know card, try finding someone else who can help. Is your colleague a whiz at Excel whocan teach you some tricks to get the info you need? Ask her. Is the partie working next to you familiar with how to process orders? Pick his brain. Not only is yo ur buddys information likely to help you fill in any gaps, but just talking it out can be useful. You may very well know more than you think you do, and a conversation on the topic might help you make connections that you didnt realize were there. Plus, it helps with the hey, maybe Im not in this alone factor.There are some caveats here, though. You dont want your chosen buddy to feel like theyre doing your job for you. Make sure theyre not busy with their own tasks when you want to talk. Also, dont ping them constantly with questions, emails, or sit-down conversations. If you are really lost, try to limit your queries to one or two big ones per day, and try to do whatever you can to follow up and track down additional information on your own.7. Ask specific questions.Try to avoid a panicky, What do I do? Make sure your questions are specific enough to help you get to an answer. (Why me? is never going to be helpful either, trust me. Ive tried it.) You want your asks to be construct ive. Make sure youve identified the task or the goal, and what you think are the steps to get thereor at least the next steps. Its okay to be wrong thats why youre asking questions But its important to have a base of what you think should be happening, if only so that you can correct those assumptions and replace them with correct information as you find it.Here are some examples of specific questionsIs this urgent?What is the timeline? What do I need to achieve as an end result?What step do I think I need to take next?These questions can help you figure out how much space you have to figure things out on your ownor if its urgent, whether you need to swallow your pride and get someone for emergency help. Youre likely to get better responses from people if you say, Heres what I believe needs to happen herecan you confirm? as opposed to, Tell me everything I need to do.8. Check in with others.If youve gotten to the point where you feel like you have no clue whats going on or what your e supposed to do next, there was a miscommunication somewhere along the line. Either things werent communicated fully to you, or you didnt make it clear that you didnt understand everything that needed to happen. Either way, theres no point in dwelling on mistakes or bad communication. All you can do is make sure that moving forward, everyones on the same page.This might mean having brief meetings with everyone else involved in a project to make sure that you know what theyre doing, they know what youre doing, and everyone understands The Plan. It might also just be a regular 10-minute chat with your boss (say, daily or weekly, depending on the timeline and urgency) to say, Hey, heres what Ive done, heres how I plan to handle it moving forward, am I heading in the right direction? This regular, outside feedback can prevent you from feeling totally lost and adrift on your own.These strategies can help you get through that panic moment, breathe again, and figure out how to fill in you r knowledge gaps. And once youve stopped feeling like an impostor and worked out your battle plan for understanding what you need to do and then accomplishing it, youve overcome a challenge that can become a source of pride in your next job interview.However, if you find that youre often in the position of not knowing what to do or how to do your job, it may be time to consider that youre not in the right job. This is not to say that you definitely cant do the job, but rather that the skills and demands are a little too far outside your comfort zone and interest level. You want your job to be challenging, sure, but if its all challenges and stress, is this really something you want to be doing for the next year? Five years? Ten years? Constantly feeling confused and overwhelmed might be a big sign that you should find something that fits your skills better.Your career should be about overcoming challenges, and not letting setbacks blow your confidence in your abilities. Even when th ings seem bleak, youve got the tools to work it out. Youre not an impostor, and youve got this

Women React To Ivanka Trumps Women Who Work Book

Women React To Ivanka Trumps Women Who Work Book Since hitting bookstores and e-reader accounts last week, Ivanka Trumps new book, Women Who Work Rewriting the Rules for Success, has already become a New York Times bestseller and, not all that surprisingly, a major source of controversy. Now that Trump has essentially rebranded herself as the self-appointed champion of working mothers everywhere (a move that was purportedly ordained by her fashion lines absatzwirtschaft team, sources have told the Times and Elle), some have wondered whether the First Daughter might actually have the potential to become the behind-the-scenes ally women need in an administration dominated by aggressively male views and decision making.Inarguably, her feminist shift is one drenched in commercial intent. But if the result could be having a higher priority distribution policyd on womens needs in the White House, does the end justify the means?If the reaction many working moms have had to Trumps Women Who Work treatise so far is any indicator no. The book is being panned by critics and moms alike as out of touch when it comes to the reality of the average American mom i.e., the one who cant afford to outsource childcare and housekeeping like Trump does. For all her pages of talk on how she manages to balance a family with a successful career, Trump uses the word nanny only once, instead positioning herself as someone who achieves solely from a place of ambition, not privilege. Its something she (not unlike dear old dad) has been criticized for before, but failing to acknowledge the working women (many of them moms themselves) who make her lifestyle possible in a book about working women is a pretty startling oversight. Heres what some of Americas RealWomenWhoWork have to say about it1. This woman made a spot-on observation about the books title.(Source Twitter)2. While this one had a special invitation for Trump.(Source Twitter)3.As this Twitter user pointed out, we cant forget abo ut ALL the working women in the First Daughters life i.e., the ones she employs in overseas sweatshops.(Source Twitter)4. This woman reminded us theres value in the work women do thats unpaid, too.(Source Twitter)5. This one thinks Trump should stop trying to be Sheryl Sandberg already.(Source Twitter)6.And this woman has an idea for a fun new book club.(Source Twitter)Fairygodboss is committed to improving the workplace and lives of women.Join us by reviewing your employer

4 Fail-Proof Strategies for Getting the Most Out of Your Business Day

4 Fail-Proof Strategies for Getting the Most Out of Your Business Day If youve ever caught yourself snapping at loved ones or stuck between two alternatives in a geschftliches miteinander decision, youve probably experienced entrepreneurial fatigue. Startup culture programs us tothink that it takes nearly nonstop work to make it to the top. People think of sleeping pods in offices, hackathons, and endless cups ofcoffee. Sometimes, the pressure to always be on can disguise itself asa flexible work schedule. In reality, the fact that you can work from anywhereis just an invitation to work no matter where you are.As an entrepreneur building a lifestyle business, I find that directing a 100-percentremote company can easily turn into an exercise in being a workaholic if I dont put limits on myself. I learned this the hard way with my first few businesses, where I used to work myself into the ground thi nking that that was what productivity meant.No matter how driven you may be, your body simply wasnt made to be on 24/7. Pushing yourself beyond the point of fatigue is not a sustainable strategy in the long term.If you want your business to thrive, then you have to give it the very best of yourself. That doesnt mean putting in grueling 18-hour days amped up on caffeine, ordering fast food for its convenience, and sitting the whole time. It means giving your business focused, productive energy and doing whatever you need to do to replenish that energy.Stand by Your Quitting TimeYou should give your business a significant portion of your time every day, but you dont have to be on call all the time. Institute a hard stop every day. Mine is around 430 P.M.After that, I spend time with my family or hang out with my friends.Its amazing what this has done for my productivity. Compared to when I was first starting out when I used to work any time I wasnt sleeping forcing myself to stick to a hard stop time gives my day more structure. I might put in fewer hours of work overall, but the ones that I do put in are hyperfocused. My overall productivity has remained the same, and I have more time to spend on other things I love.SleepStudies showthat people who get between seven andeight hours of sleep every night perform better on cognitive tests. Thats why Ive stopped believing in all-nighters. Ive found that the one-time increase in hours worked is something I wind up paying for days afterward. Its like sprinting the first two miles in a marathon your overall movement becomes slower even though you really push it for a short stretch.Your business is like a big marathon for your brain, so do what you need to do to get enough sleep for your body and wake up rested. The quality of your sleep matters, too. Sleep in complete darkness and avoidscreen time before bed (that means no checking your phone or tablet whilethe lights are off). Your brain maintains itself, heals,and organizes information while youre asleep,all ofwhich is crucial for your continued success as an entrepreneur.ExerciseExercise produces endorphins that boost your mental state and calm you down, helping you focus and make better decisions for your business. By improving your mood and lowering stress, youll avoid making rash decisions motivated by anxiety.Exercise also boosts energy and reduces fatigue by helping you sleep better.Thisstudyshows that these benefits can even come from low-intensity exercise, as long as its regular.For me, playing with the kids, taking a brisk walk around the block, or even doing some yard work all count if Im moving around and I break a sweat. Make an effort to get fitby exercising in the morning orduring the mid-afternoon slump, and youll have much more mental energy for your business.Reduce Decision Fatigue With RoutineDecision fatigue is an inevitable result of having to make decisions every day. When the volume of decisions you have to make istoo high, your mental energy getsdepleted, and your brain experiences a short-term burnout. Entrepreneurs who try to work through decision fatigue experience great lapses in judgment, have difficulty staying focused, and tend to be more pessimistic.The key to reducing decision fatigue is to schedule all your important decision-making moments earlier in the day, when you have more mental energy. Then implement as many routines as you can in your workday so that you have to spend less mental energy elsewhere. I find that scheduling time to review my employees work, answering emails, and any other easy tasks are best done at the same time each day, ideally in the afternoon. At this point, because I know they come at the same time every day, those tasks are like brushing my teeth something I just do instead of deciding to do.No matter which of these techniques you choose for reducing mental fatigue, thinkof these tips as energy boostsinstead ofbreaks. Productivity doesnt come from being gl ued to the helm of your business every waking moment. It comes from energized, focused bouts of work, balanced with well-deserved rest.-This article originally appeared on BusinessCollective.Dave Nevogt is a cofounder ofHubstaff, a time-tracking software for remote teams. Hubstaff allows managers to see time spent on projects, screenshots, activity levels, in-depth reports, and timesheets. Dave has been founding companies since 2004, with his first success coming at age 23. Follow him at dnevogt.

Columbian Team Rides to Victory at the Human Powered Vehicle Challenge Latin

Columbian Team Rides to Victory at the Human Powered Vehicle Challenge Latin Columbian Team Rides to Victory at the Human Powered Vehicle Challenge Latin A student from Universidad de Los Andes steers his team toward a first-place finish in the HPVC Latin America endurance event.mora than 40 engineering students from three countries gathered in Caracas, Venezuela, last month to put their design skills to the test during the 2013 ASME Human Powered Vehicle Challenge Latin America. Six teams competed at the event, which took place at Universidad Simon Bolivar from Feb. 22-24. ASMEs Human Powered Vehicle Challenge (HPVC) provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate the application of sound engineering design principles in the development of sustainable and practical transportation alternatives. In the HPVC, students work in teams to design and build efficient, highly engineered vehicles for everyday use - from commuting to work, to carrying goods to market. The four-member team from Universidad de Los Andes in Bogota, Colombia, welches the big winner at the competition, placing first overall as well as first place in the endurance and mens speed events and the design and innovation categories. In the womens speed event the only category the Universidad de Los Andes didnt dominate the team finished second. At the end of the three-day competition, the students had amassed six trophies and $1,400 in prize money.The 14-member team from Instituto Tecnologico de Morelia placed second overall at the HPVC Latin America, taking home a trophy and the $500 second prize, while three students from Instituto Tecnologico de Ciudad Juarez in Juarez, Mexico, came in third overall and received a trophy and a $300 prize.The three other schools participating in the competition were Universidad del Zulia of Zulia, Venezuela, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolas de Hidalgo of Michoacan, Mexico, and the host university Universidad Simon Bolivar. In plus-rechnen to the Latin A merica event, ASME holds two other HPVC competitions HPVC East and HPVC West. HPVC East will take place at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Mich., from April 26-28. The location and dates for HPVC West are to be announced soon. For more information on ASMEs Human Powered Vehicle Challenge program, visit www.asme.org/events/competitions/human-powered-vehicle-challenge-(hpvc).

How to Move From Frontend to Backend Programming

How to Move From Frontend to Backend ProgrammingHow to Move From Frontend to Backend ProgrammingFrontend development is traditionally focused on what users interact with Bringing digital designs to interactive reality.In contrast, backend development deals with the behind-the-scenes functionality that processes user actions.However, you dont need a protocol droid to translate between these two development dialects as user displays are now being controlled with more dynamic programming languages, such as JavaScript and HTML5. This resulting development grey area is bridging the gap between what used to be two distinct career paths, causing some frontend developers to consider crossing to the other side.Episode MMXIV A new choiceWhy would a developer want to move from frontend to backend development? Motivation to change is normally caused by the desire for more - in this case, more pay, more perks and more popularity. Additionally, many frontend developers naturally gravitate towards backend development due to their curiosity and interest in various programming languages.May the software constructs be with youBasic computer science concepts have become the Force to be reckoned with in the world of development - and yes, a developers strength flows from it. Techniques like object-oriented programming (OOP) and functional programming are commonplace among well-rounded frontend developers who frequently use languages like PHP and JavaScript, and also help build a foundation for backend development.As a frontend developer, learning the theories of computer science will help your transition to backend programming, while also increasing your frontend development capabilities. Familiarity with various backend development languages - such as Python, C, Django and Ruby - is also required to become a viable contender for backend development. So youll want to make sure your backend language toolkit is well stocked, whether you do so via self-directed learning or in a h igher education environment.Ready are you? What know you of ready?Changing job titles also requires a level of confidence when programming in backend languages. The traditional way to gain confidence is by doing, and that holds firm in this situation. However, frontend developers who become backend developers do have a tactical advantage over traditional backend developers when it comes to enhancing their experience profile They can create a well-rounded project from start to schliff without assistance.In addition to beefing up your development portfolio, another good way to make a smooth transition is to become immersed in online forums, websites and local groups geared towards backend developers, such as SyncFusion and CodeGuru.Is switching development disciplines your best course of action? Difficult to see. Always in motion is the future.Have you already made the transition from frontend to backend developer? Share your tips and experiences in the comments section. Wondering whe ther you should make the leap? Learn about opportunities that may await you.

How to Speed-Prep for a Meeting When Youre Crunched for Time

How to Speed-Prep for a Meeting When Youre Crunched for TimeHow to Speed-Prep for a Meeting When Youre Crunched for TimeMaybe you headed to a friends impromptu birthday dinner last night instead of brushing up on points for the morning meeting. You promised yourself, before hitting the pillow, that youd wake up early and outline your talking points, but- spoiler alert- that didnt happen.Or maybe you really didnt get that meeting invite until the last minute (well blame Gmail).In any case, here you are at your desk at 9 AM with a venti latte, a 30-minute countdown, and the angelic Tim Gunn sitting on your shoulder, whispering, Make it work. And, make it work, you must. Heres how.Forget PerfectThrow that triple-checking, OCD, type-A mentality into the recycling bin (because you can use it later, just not right now). Its time to use those finals-week cramming skills you got so good at in college.Utilize the little time you have to do as much as possible, focusing on the main points of t he meeting and nothing else. Youre not preparing for a championship episode of Jeopardy here- youre just trying not to embarrass yourself by knowing the client or new project no better than the clueless couples on The Newlywed Game do. If were talking in terms of game-show goals, you want to know the gist of the most popular Survey Says answers on Family Feud.Know Your Ws (and Outline the H)Whip out your notebook and fill out the following like a worksheet Who, What, When, Where and Why. Also, jot down the strongest three points you want to make in How youre planning to accomplish the goal that is the reason for the meeting. (Three is proven to be an easy and effective number of points to remember- check out this Forbes article onthe Rule of 3.) Drill yourself on said details.Then, make a list of the questions you need answered from the key players in the meeting before everyone leaves. With your remaining time, educate yourself on the questions you believe those players will be ask ing, and a brief answer (even if that answer is Im researching that right now, and Ill report on that at our next meeting).A Funny Thing HappenedAll right, this might seem a little counterintuitive, but take 60 seconds to skim the days interesting news headlines and come up with an anecdote, joke, or just a prompt to kick off the meeting. The casual chatter it will spark will warm the room, which will in turn help you think clearer about the points you only just reviewed a few minutes ago, improving your delivery. Plus, knowing that you have a conversation topic in your back pocket will calm your nerves and make you feel more confident when you walk through those conference room doors.Repeat After MeIm not going to ask you to look at yourself in your compact mirror (or worse- the office bathroom) to repeat positive affirmations to yourself. But, I will request that you replay past situations in which you totally B.S.-ed your way to success- like that time your creative writing profe ssor put you on the spot to share the thesis you didnt prepare. You didnt sweat, you just made up a plot on the spot, mirroring Ratatouille and inserting hipster language to camouflage the truth, saying things like with a new wave feel.Remembering how well youve done with short-notice before will boost your confidence. You should also remind yourself that most meetings and presentations that make you nervous are actually phenomenal, well-deserved, and potentially career-changing opportunities to shine in front of influential people in your career. Once you see the meeting as something positive and exciting, those nerves will turn into adrenaline, amping you up to blow everyone away.So go get em. Meeting and presentation prep doesnt always have to call for a script and practice- just trust your experience and power to rise to the impromptu occasion. And just think After you get through this corporate rendezvous, youll be home, snuggling in bed, where this will all be a dream.Photo of woman running meeting courtesy of Shutterstock.

Entry Level Optometry Resume Template 2018s Top Format

Entry Level Optometry Resume Template 2018s Top FormatEntry Level Optometry Resume Template - 2018s Top FormatCreate ResumeFrank Gabler100 Main Street, Cityplace, CA, 91019Cell (555) 322-7337example-emailexample.comProfessional SummaryI have been a Optometrist Assistant experience in assisting doctors during exams, helping patients choose frames and repairing eyeglasses. In-depth knowledge of eyeglasses and contact lens fabrication,SkillsPivot tables and chartsOrganizedTeam PlayerGood Communication SkillsFlexiblePretestingFrame RepairDependableCustomer Service-OrientedPleasant demeanorWork HistoryReceptionist/billng, 02/2013 to 07/2013Huffman Family Chiropractic 2021 S Memorial Dr. New Castle, IN 47362It was a temp position. Filling in for a pregnancy leave. I checked patients in and out. Verified their information. Answered multi-line phone, made appts, took payments, deposits, balance daily drawer.Sub teacher, 04/2011 to CurrentNew Castle SchoolsBilling, 05/2008 to 06/2010Huffman Family Chiropratic 2021 S Memorial Dr New Castle, IN 47362I was responsible for the monthly billing, verified insurance, payment plans, personal injury claims, input insurance payments, etc.Assistant, 11/1995 to 05/1997Drs. Horn Osborne Bundy Ave. New Castle, IN 47362I did the pretesting on patients, helped with frame selection, dispense frames when in, frame repair, contact lens training. Filing, made appointments.EducationHigh School Diploma 1987New Castle Chrylser High School New Castle, INCustomize ResumeMore Healthcare Resume TemplatesOptometry Resume TemplatesEntry Level Speech Pathology and Audiology Resume TemplatesSpeech Pathology and Audiology Resume Templates