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The lies we tell ourselves

Businessman or employee holding showing card with text I hate my job

Yesterday, I was listening to a podcast with a famous host who was reflecting back on life. I don’t remember all of the details, but there was one particular thing that stuck out.

The host talked about working hard on her stellar career for years, chasing dreams and taking risks. She had done it because it was what she was supposed to do. It paid well and she lived a comfortable life. But, underneath it all, she wasn’t actually happy. She convinced herself that what she was doing was right and ignored any signs to the contrary.

Eventually, she woke up from the fog and began to take things in a new direction. What she really wanted in life and her original dream no longer aligned.

As those types of transitions typically are, it was difficult for her. She had to stop and think about what she really wanted, and that was scary. She worried about what other people thought of her. For a long time, she wished she could have her life back the way it was. Back before she thought about what it was she wanted.

In the long run though, she was happy she made a choice to update her path and ultimately to find the place she was meant to be.

Her story made an impression on me. Many of the people I work with have similar experiences.

So often, someone will ask me, “What industry do you specialize in?” They’re trying to get a better understanding of my coaching practice. They want to know if I only work with sales people or IT folks or in a particular sector, such as healthcare.

Interestingly, the answer really is that I typically work with people who want to find something different. And, they don’t always know what different looks like – at least not yet. They had a moment like the podcast host where they realized they weren’t happy — and they got determined to fix it.

Finding a new direction in life can be one of the scariest things we do from a career perspective. We often lose our old identity as “manager” or “director” or whatever our fancy title was. The status we have earned over the years hangs in the balance.

Often, we even have to take a pretty significant pay cut. Starting can involve starting at the bottom. And, of course colleagues, relatives, and friends are quick to make judgements — and to tell you about them.

The other thing that’s tough is that figuring out what exactly it is you want (after so many years of ignoring yourself). It takes time. Many people expect a quick fix. You know, they want to have things to be figured out in a month or two. In reality, it’s not unusual for this sort of transition to take a year or two.

I can only imagine that this is a similar feeling to getting a divorce. A number of my married friends romanticize about what it would be like to be single right now. But, when you talk to those who are single, you realize that it’s not as fun as it looks.

In the end, the most important thing is the practice of listening to yourself. The sooner you pay attention to what it is you really want, the sooner you’ll figure things out. Continuing to push these thoughts out of your mind only makes a transition harder later.

I hope these tips have helped you. Visit CopelandCoaching.com to find more tips to improve your job search. If I can be of assistance to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to me here.

Also, be sure to subscribe to my Copeland Coaching Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher where I discuss career advice every Tuesday! If you’ve already heard the podcast and enjoy it, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts or Stitcher.

Happy hunting!

Angela Copeland
@CopelandCoach

Featured Job: Senior VP, Sales & Marketing @ ABB

ABB is a worldwide company and global leader in power and automation technologies. With 140,000 employees (and 822 current available positions), this is an exciting opportunity to join a company that is making real waves in energy efficiency and climate change.

Check out this recent article on how ABB is rethinking the way street lamps work across the globe to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions: http://bit.ly/1NY8Eo5

The Senior Executive & Vice President, Lead Division Manager NAM will represent the Global Division in the Country and lead Local Division Sales on behalf of the Product Business Units to grow geographic coverage and channel penetration. This also includes supporting the System BU to implement the strategy and actions in the country. Along with leading customer collaboration initiatives across the Country to support profitable growth for the Division, this individual will also align initiatives with the Group and Division strategy to execute locally.

This position is based in Memphis, TN. To learn more, or to apply online, visit the ABB website here.

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Featured Job: Newscast Director @ Cox Media Group

Cox Media Group is seeking a Newscast Director in Memphis, TN.

WHBQ-FOX 13 Memphis, the COX Media Group owned FOX affiliate in Memphis, TN is looking for a director/technical director to execute clean, creative and dynamic newscasts. The Newscast Director will be proficient in the technical components, and will have the vision and drive to help a team of producers and production crew to come up with new and compelling concepts.

 

Job Responsibilities:

•Candidate must be detailed oriented and able to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

•Candidate will provide creative input and will work closely with the newscast producer.

•Must be able to lead a large production team.

•Director will be responsible for clean technical execution of the overall look of the newscast.

•Will work weekends as a director who both calls and punches the show.

•Will contribute to our digital platforms by adding video, images, and other content as assigned.

To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Cox Media Group website here.

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Featured Job: UI Engineer @ Apple Podcasts

Apple Podcasts is seeking a UI Engineer in Santa Clara Valley, CA.

Apple is looking for a top-notch front end developer to help build the best Javascript driven applications for mobile, desktop and web. You are equally comfortable starting from scratch with a new application as you are with diving into an existing project to make it better. You can craft great looking interfaces without using a single image. You know what ‘cruft’ is and have some great ideas how to combat it. You understand the principles of Javascript frameworks and are comfortable contributing to large code bases.

To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Apple website here.

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Navigating Holiday Parties

My latest Memphis Daily News column is out, “Navigating Holiday Parties.”

Office holiday parties can often feel like a drag. There’s frequently an expectation that you must attend and bring your spouse. In addition to the stress of taking time out of your personal life for a work event, you must find childcare, pick out the perfect holiday attire and convince your spouse that this evening is important.

When you arrive at the party, there are a number of things to keep in mind. For example, you may want to start drinking right away. It’s an open bar and wine will surely make the uncomfortable evening ahead move faster. Although a little fun at your holiday party is good, it’s important to do it in moderation. The last thing you want is leave a negative impression that follows you through your career.

To find out which other bad party habits you should check at the door, read the rest of my column here.

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Featured Job: Graphic Designer @ The Peabody Memphis

The Peabody Hotel is seeking a Graphic Designer in Memphis, TN.

Primary responsibility is focused on the development of guest-oriented and media related promotional assets to include advertising, design, marketing services, production and graphic brand. Consistency for The Peabody Memphis and other areas as requested by the Director of Marketing & Communications and/or the Director of Sales and Marketing.

  • To create promotional/collateral/sales/catering/food and beverage support material concept: including, but not limited to: art direction, design, copywriting for the following departments: sales, food and beverage, catering, housekeeping, security, rooms division, concierge, human resources.
  • To assist in the print production of guest-oriented promotional/collateral materials for the above departments while overseeing each step in the production process.
  • To assist in establishing The Peabody Memphis’ standards with regard to guest-oriented and printed/collateral materials. To ensure Peabody brand standards are maintained; whether these materials are generated in-house, by an outside advertising agency or through any other outside suppliers.

To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Peabody website here.

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Featured Job: Product Manager @ Elektra Records

Elektra Records is seeking a Product Manager in New York, NY.

With its broad roster of new stars and legendary artists, Warner Music Group is home to a collection of the best-known record labels in the music industry including Asylum, Atlantic, Cordless, East West, Elektra, Nonesuch, Reprise, Rhino, Roadrunner, Rykodisc, Sire, Warner Bros. and Word, as well as Warner/Chappell Music, one of the world’s leading music publishers, with a catalog of more than one million copyrights worldwide.

The Product Manager for Elektra Records is responsible for developing comprehensive strategies for marketing our artists as well as coordinating all efforts (internally and with outside parties) on all projects.

High Level Job Description:  

To create and execute innovative marketing campaigns for designated artists, and coordinate the efforts of each department in executing strategy.

Detailed Job Description/ Responsibilities:

  • Oversee all aspects of artists’ product development from concept to completion.
  • Provide tools, direction, and information to individual departments, while coordinating each department’s efforts in execution of marketing strategies.
  • Develop marketing plans tailored to each individual artist with knowledge of marketplace, genre, and available resources.
  • Create and organize artist content, while developing plans to maximize value of such content.
  • Develop and maintain a consistent image and brand for each artist.
  • Manage project budgets, and successfully execute plans while working within budgets.

To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Atlantic Records website here.

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Featured Job: Director of DC Product Support @ Nike

Nike is seeking a Director of DC Product Support in Memphis, TN.

As IT Production Support Director for Nike’s Distribution Center, you’ll act as the liaison to the Supply Chain Partners, Facility leads, and Global IT leadership. The IT Production Support Director will be responsible to develop, plan and execute Distribution Center (DC) Regional support models to meet current and future growth opportunities.

The IT Production Support Director – Distribution Centers will:

• Provide leadership and direction in goal setting, coaching, performance and motivating a team comprised of Nike and vendor partner resources.
• Oversee coordination, triage and resolution for all facility system issues, including proactive maintenance of all facility IT systems.
• Partner closely with project delivery efforts to ensure appropriate implementation of new functionality, managing risk to DC production operations carefully.
• Drive adherence to a standardized, global production support operating model.
• Evolve the structure and capability of the DC production support organization in alignment with the global DC technology landscapes.

To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Nike website here.

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Featured Job: Marketing and Promotions Manager @ House of Blues

HOB Entertainment, a division of Live Nation Entertainment, is seeking a Marketing and Promotions Manager in Cleveland, OH.

In this role, you’ll have full responsibility and accountability for the success of the Marketing Department. Direct and coordinate all activities relating to Marketing, Promotions and PR for the Restaurant, Retail, Gospel Brunch, Special Events and Foundation Room (if applicable), as well as overall awareness for the House of Blues venue.

Essential Functions:
· Develop sustainable promotions and in-venue programming that creates growth in existing business segments and provides opportunity for new business growth
· Create, manage and execute strategic venue marketing plans, media buys, branding strategies, and consumer communications for the House of Blues Restaurant, Special Events, Gospel Brunch, Retail and Foundation Room
· Create, develop and maintain venue direct marketing collateral in all print and digital formats including but not limited to: advertisements, e-mail campaigns, web banners, rack cards, promotional fliers, sales packages, brochures

To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Live Nation website here.

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CCP81: Jonathan Blocker, Gibson Guitar

Episode 81 of the Copeland Coaching Podcast is now live! This week, we talk with Jonathan Blocker in Memphis, TN.

Jonathan is the Plant Manager at the Gibson Guitar Factory in Memphis. But, before Gibson, Jonathan worked at appliance manufacturer Electrolux, climate control producer Lennox International, and medical device company Orchid. He holds a degree in Industrial Engineering from Kettering University in Detroit, MI.

On today’s episode, Jonathan shares some of the history of Gibson Guitars, how he has been able to successfully transition between multiple industries, and his tips on creating a successful career.

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Listen and learn more! You can play the podcast here, or download it for free on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. If you enjoy the program, subscribe today to the Copeland Coaching Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher to ensure you don’t miss an episode!

To view photos from my Gibson Guitar factory tour, check out my Facebook page. To learn more about Gibson Brands, visit their website here.

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