The Gig Economy…You Know You Want to Hear Me Sing

Ok, so the gig economy doesn’t have anything to do with singing. In an excellent article in the Atlantic  titled, “The Freelance Surge is the Industrial Revolution of Our Time,”  we learn that the gig economy describes the way  work is changing. Freelancers rule!

Here’s a summary…”Today, careers consist of piecing together various types of work, juggling multiple clients, learning to be marketing and accounting experts, and creating offices in bedrooms/coffee shops/coworking spaces. ”

This intrigues me because I am part of the Gig Economy. My current occupation is college professor/consultant/speaker-workshopleader/blogger. The way I work is more common than I would have thought.

Interestingly, in 2005, the government stopped calculating ‘freelancers’ so we really have no idea how many people are working this way but estimates have at about 42 million people.

As freelancers we face all kinds of issues. This month I found out by accident that my health insurance (which came through COBRA) had been cancelled. I got no letter, no warning from my insurance company. Just shut off. When I called my insurance company, they said, “We have no obligation to tell you that your insurance is lapsing.”

Thanks, no really, thanks a million.

I am one of the lucky ones, I have a way to get health insurance. If you want to read more about the reality of health insurance for freelancers, check out this post in the NY Times, “Safety Nets for Freelancers.”

I love working this way but it takes a lot of discipline, hard work, flexibility and perseverance. What’s my secret?

1. Focus. I am clear about what I need to do and don’t wander around the house until I accomplish certain things.
2. Finish. Get it done. Period.
3. Fun. I reward myself when I’ve finished something that I totally did not want to do.

Freelancer? How do you get it done?

Photo credit: LindaGeezblog.com

Are you a 21st Century Leader?

I came across this excellent article called 20 Questions Determine a Brain’s Leadership Fate. The questions made me stop and think about my own leadership and whether I am adapting. Check these out:

1. What solution did you rock lately?

2. When did you last thank a bloke? (Yes, written by someone who’s English is not American!)

3. Do you cultivate curiosity? (Good job, you’re reading blogs!)

4. Are you outsourcing brainpower? (List key facts that allow others to build on what you and they know)

5. Do you collaborate to find stellar solutions?

6. What innovations mix up your day?

7. Do others deem you quaint?

8. Can you celebrate gender proclivities?

While this post talks about how these ‘exercises’ actually change and improve brain function (cool), it’s also a reminder that regardless of whether we’re employed or not, we have the opportunity to hone our skills. Reaching out and participating in group activities, appreciating others, teaching, learning and collaborating improve our mood and challenge our ideas. Pick one of the above and work on it, even a little. Your brain and your mood will thank you.

One of my favorite sayings is “Would you rather be right or happy?” Many of us get stuck in being right because our brains have ruts, literal ruts. Expand your mind, be wrong, laugh and while your at it, thank a bloke.

Ok, Now That’s Funny (Did You Really Say That During an Interview?)

Tis’ the season to need a laugh and here you go.  This link will take you to stories of  things that people have said in job interviews. They simply couldn’t have made them up. To tell a funny interview story on myself; I once called an executive by the wrong name (his name was Leo I was calling him Bill) during one part of a job interview. Why didn’t he say something? (I got the job anyway, phew.) Here are a couple of my favorites to get you started.

Hiring managers report:

• When I told a college student that the position would not work with his schedule, he asked, “Can I hire an assistant?” No.  Goodbye.
• Candidates have asked me if they can work under the table. Huh?
• We had an applicant who put down as a qualification that he had his haircut by Charles Worthington and had done some hair modeling. He was applying for a financial analyst. That hair thing is so important in the numbers game.
• Q) A goal you worked very hard to achieve?
  A) My Girlfriend! Umm.
  Q) Your scores on the resume don’t match from what you just said?
  A) Oh! I might have sent you the wrong resume. This resume was for XYZ company! Speechless.
• An applicant said she was a “people person” not a “numbers person” – in her interview for an accounting position. Perfect.

And my favorite…

I once had a friendly well-dressed guy fill out his application with sparkly purple ink. I asked him about it and he said that he felt the purple would help to make him more memorable. Memorable? Yes. Employed? No.

Please share your funny interview stories; I’ll post them after the first of the year.

Best Career Strategies 2009 – 26 Ways To a More Effective Job Search

A few years ago, standard advice for a job seeker would have included: get a degree or spiff up your resume. I found a report that is a compilation of suggestions from various individuals about the NEW job search and how to really take a new approach to landing in this hyper-competitive job market.

Their suggestions range from, “Be the CEO of YOU, Inc.” to “See Yourself in 3 Dimensions”. I particularly liked, “Get very, very clear on the type of work you truly want,” describing that this market will not tolerate the, “I can do anything you need” attitude. For each job there are many individuals with the specific skills to that job. It’s an employers market.

Being the CEO of you suggests these strategies:
1. Develop a mission/vision statement. Understand who you are/where you’re going.
2. Develop a plan. Include having the right relationships (vendors, customers, etc.).
3. Developing a strategic board of directors.
4. Ensuring your product is up to date, up to par, get training, learn, and grow.
I would add the standard “network”, with the caveat to use as many of the social media tools as possible. Use of these tools demonstrates an ability to adapt and pay attention to trends. If visibility = opportunity, then the more visible you are, the more likely you are to get noticed for positions. Keep the funnel open

There is something here for everyone. I would add involve your family in a positive way. You are showing them how to cope in difficult circumstances. Also, have fun. Do something everyday that you might not be able to do if you were working.
http://www.bestcareerstrategies.com/

Fun and Interesting Inexpensive/Free Things To Do in Rochester
Visit the Rochester Public Library Downtown. If you have small children and you haven’t yet taken them to the children’s room, you are in for a treat. Not only is the room delightful but they have a chance to explore the ‘secret doorway’. For events go to: http://rochester.kidsoutandabout.com/
The Business section has an abundance of information to help learn about potential employers. The librarians are patient and helpful. How about Rochester history? Job hunting help?
http://www3.libraryweb.org/home2.aspx

Are You a Tree or a Bird?

Looking out the window this morning, I saw a goldfinch fly by pines, beeches and oaks and I thought, ‘Am I a tree or a bird?’ A tree has deep roots, stands tall and observes. A bird flits around seeing new things. At first I thought I was a bird. Big picture is my style. Then I realized I had more tree in me. My point is: thinking of yourself in new and fun ways may make it easier to project those desirable qualities to others.

I looked online for a quiz: ‘what kind of animal am I’ but they had pop-up ads, were too complicated or asked for personal information. Think about what kind of animal your personality represents. I used to think of myself as a cheetah. Now I think I’m more like an owl. Understanding yourself, how you relate to others and how you adapt to the herd, pod, flock or murder (crows) may be a measure of your hire-ability (I think I just made that up!)

Here’s a fun game to play with your family in the car. Ask each person what kind of animal they think they are and why. The answers may surprise you.

Fun and Interesting Free/Low Cost Things to Do
Traveling with Kids – Ideas
1. Game for two players – Have each child guess if there are more license plates that end in an odd number or an even number. (plates that end in a letter don’t count)
2. Start this game out by saying, “I’m going on a trip and I’m bringing…” . The first player should name an item that starts with the letter “A.” The next player names something that starts with the letter “B”, and so on.
3. For online printable games & puzzles, check out:
http://travelwithkids.about.com/cs/carplanetips/a/amusekids.htm