Content on this page requires a newer version of Adobe Flash Player.

Get Adobe Flash player

Archive for the ‘Career’ Category

Calling All Workaholics: Work-Life Balance Redefined

Friday, May 3rd, 2013

By Guest Blogger Erin Schwartz

If you love your job, then you’re never really working, right? As much as we’d like to believe that, even the most rewarding of professions can start to be a drag when we’re pushing beyond 50, 60, or 70 hours each week.

workaholic_name_badge

We’re a nation of workaholics, and it’s that collective drive to succeed that’s helped lead the U.S. to prominence in the world market. As a nation, we’ve increased our productivity levels by 400 percent since 1950.

On an individual level, however, many people take their career motivations too far. Overall, priorities should be balanced between work, family and fulfillment, from hobbies to travel to volunteer opportunities.

(more…)

Sleepless in Seattle

Monday, April 22nd, 2013

Hello Girls!

Seeing that I missed Wordless Wednesday (our site was down), I would love to blog where I have been this week, in PICTURE.

It all started Sunday morning. I kissed my three men goodbye at 5am and headed to the airport. I was going to Seattle Grey Mercy West. No, I wasn’t. I’ve just always wanted to say that (I’m a big Grey’s Anatomy fan) ;)

campus_aerial_1_web

Microsoft Campus

But for real, I WAS flying to Seattle. Where the first-ever Starbucks resides (which is so quaint and unassuming, by the way). And where the mother ship that is Microsoft lives. I went to spend a few days at the Microsoft campus, where Bill Gates and other uber-brilliant techies are changing the world we live in for the better. After being a Brand Ambassador for Microsoft Office for over three years, I went to see where the magic happens.

And magical it is.

(more…)

The #WomenOnTheFence and #GetOffTheFence FREE APP is here!

Friday, April 19th, 2013

Since launching the Get Off The Fence Movement on Wednesday, we have received so many positive messages, calls, emails, tweets and more. I so greatly appreciate all of your support and feedback, and I am taking notes on all your suggestions. This is brand new to me, and really, what do I know about starting a movement?! I’m reminded of one of my favorite quotes…

Because at the end of the day, I have no idea what I’m doing, nor how to start a movement. I only know how to act on what feels right in my heart. And this could not feel more right. Sometimes, we have to give birth to that idea that lives only in our heads, and not be afraid of criticism or failure. Well, okay, honestly I am afraid of both, but I have to try. At least try.

(more…)

Four Mistakes To Avoid When Starting a Home Business

Friday, January 25th, 2013

By Guest Blogger Erica Bell

2013 is looking like a great year to get off the fence and become an entrepreneur. Starting a business from home sounds like a dream and indeed, running a home-based business has its perks! You can be close to family, work on your own schedule and build your passion into a business. However, common mistakes are often made by those starting a new home-based business. Mistakes from forgetting about government regulations, to not sticking to an effective schedule and business plan, to not marketing your new business properly. Home business owners have a lot to keep track of.

As you get ready to launch your home business, here are some entrepreneurial mistakes to avoid:

Ignoring Planning

(more…)

Certified and Shortlisted

Wednesday, January 16th, 2013

A few nice things to share today. Kind of like a WordY Wednesday…

I have been coaching, mentoring and consulting since the age of 24. That’s quite a while. But I decided last year to heavily invest my time and energy into actually getting certified. After a 10-week course, class every Monday night, and a weekly exam every Tuesday, a lot of exhaustion, I got word yesterday… I PASSED!!

I’m thrilled to announce that I am now a Certified Life and Business Coach. My certificate is in the mail. ;)

I also got other nice news yesterday. I am honored and proud to announce that Women On The Fence® has made it to the final shortlist of the 2012 Canadian Weblog Awards in two categories- Business & Career and Family & Parenting. It is such a wonderful feeling to be recognized by your Canadian contemporaries. We haven’t won (winners announced end of January), but just to be included amongst such blogging talent, is a true honor. And I am proud to share it with YOU – you are the women who make this community what it is. You.

(more…)

“Jodie Foster Was Here” – And Why That Matters

Monday, January 14th, 2013

Talk about ON THE FENCE. That was the theme in all the social media channels last night during the Golden Globes- “I’m on the fence about whether Jodie Foster’s acceptance speech was epic and brilliant, or a complete nonsensical mess.”

I too watched alongside millions of people, as Jodie Foster took the stage to accept the Cecille B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award. Jodie remains one of my favorite actresses since portraying rape victim Sarah Tobias in The Accused. Her performance in that film is stunning, and I have followed her career ever since. But there was something so RAW, so REAL, about her acceptance speech last night.

When I watched it live, I didn’t quite understand what was going on at first. In fact, I tweeted this, and many of you agreed with me.

(more…)