Balancing Work and Life: Practical Strategies for Mid-Career Women

 

 

If you're feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders, trying to be everything to everyone while keeping your career on track (and maybe even dreaming of a little Me Time), I totally get it. Been there, still doing that!

 

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This stage of life can feel like a never-ending balancing act, but it's also a time when we can truly shine and create a life that we love.

Let's explore some ways to navigate this juggling act and find a rhythm that works for you, where your career and personal life can thrive together.

The Juggling Act: Unique Challenges at Mid-career

 

We've gained experience and confidence but we're also facing some unique challenges. Maybe you're sandwiched between caring for kids and aging parents, or perhaps you're feeling like you’ve plateaued in your career. You might be questioning your path, wondering if this is all there is.

 

Juggling GIFs | GIFDB.com

 

But hey, we're all in this together. We've got this!



Shifting Our Mindset: A Balanced...

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How to Showcase Your Skills on Your Resume That Set You Apart

 

 

Let's be honest. Job hunting sucks! 

 

It Just Sucks Episode 8 GIF by The Bachelorette

 

When you’re a mid-career professional, you've got years of experience, diverse skills, and a proven track record, but somehow, your resume seems to get lost in the shuffle.



Many of us struggle with making our resumes truly stand out. Our unique strengths can easily get buried under generic phrases and a long list of job duties. 



But here's the good news: you have the power to change that!


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This blog will help you unlock the hidden potential of your resume and showcase the skills that set you apart. By the end, you'll have a clear strategy for creating a targeted resume that grabs the attention of hiring managers and opens doors to new career opportunities.



‍ Step 1: Unearth Your Hidden Superpowers 

 

The first step to building a killer resume is a self-assessment. Take a moment to reflect on your career journey so far.

 

What are you most proud of? Think about the projects you...

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10 Steps to Move from Being a Cubicle to a Remote Worker

 

 

Picture this: It's a Monday morning, and instead of battling traffic and squeezing onto a packed train, you're sipping your coffee in your sunlit home office, ready to tackle the day on your own terms.

 

Coffee Animated GIF | Coffee gif, How to order starbucks, Seinfeld


Sounds like a dream, right?

But for countless mid-career women, this dream is becoming a reality – and it could be yours, too.

 

Here's why remote work could be the perfect fit for you:

 

1. More time for what matters: No more wasted hours commuting or dealing with office distractions.

 

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Imagine having an extra hour or two each day to spend with your family, pursue a passion project, volunteer, or simply relax and recharge. Remote work gives you the gift of time – and time is something you can't get back.

 

2. Less stress, more balance: Studies show that remote workers report lower stress levels, better sleep, and improved overall well-being.

 

September Weekly Challenge #3: Get more sleep! - Challenges - let's talk

 

When you eliminate the daily grind of commuting and office politics,...

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10 Questions to Ask Yourself for a Mid-Year Career Check-In

 

 

Can you believe we're already more than halfway through 2024?

 

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It feels like it was just yesterday when we were making our New Year's resolutions and setting ambitious goals. Time sure flies when you're busy! But instead of letting the passing of time stress us out, let's take a moment to reflect and re-energize our careers.

 

As a career coach who specializes in working with mid-career women, I've found that mid-year check-ins are incredibly powerful. They offer us a chance to pause, reassess our priorities, and make sure we're still on track with our ambitions.

 

So, grab a cup of tea (or a glass of wine), get comfy, and let's have an honest conversation about your career goals.

 

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Where are you now and where do you want to be?

 

Why Mid-Year Check-Ins Matter

 

Think of your career as a marathon, not a sprint. Mid-year check-ins are like those water stations along the route – essential for rehydration, refueling, and...

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5 Questions to Ask Yourself (and How to Get Promoted)

 

 

Being mid-career can be a time of immense potential...and immense frustration.



From the outside looking in, you're doing great but moving up feels hard. It’s annoying. It’s infuriating. It’s… fixable. 

 

Goodgr Frustrated GIF - Goodgr Frustrated Frustration - Discover & Share GIFs | Annoyed gif, Gif, Giphy

 

So what now? Well now, I’m going to give you 5 common questions you might be asking yourself and uncover the steps you can take to finally get that promotion and/or raise that you deserve.

 

Challenge 1: "Why aren’t people acknowledging my great work?"

 

The Issue: You nailed that presentation, but your boss only praises your other colleague. You constantly share brilliant ideas in meetings, but they seem to go in one ear and out the other. Meanwhile, less experienced team members are getting tapped for exciting new projects. It feels like no one notices your hard work or your potential.

 

The Solution:

 

1. Document your wins: Start a "Wins" file (or Brag Folder as I call mine) where you keep track...

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A Letter to Moms: You're Doing a Great Job, Don't Let Guilt Tell You Otherwise

 

 

Dear fellow moms,

 

Do you ever find yourself lying in bed at night, replaying the day's events and second-guessing your every decision as a mom?

 

Did you snap at your toddler for spilling their milk... again?

 

Did you miss your work deadline because of a last-minute school pickup?

 

If so, welcome to the club, mama. You've officially been initiated into the world of mom guilt.


Feeling Guilty GIFs - Find & Share on GIPHY

 

Unmasking Mom Guilt 

 

Mom guilt is that relentless inner critic that questions every decision we make as mothers. It's the feeling that we're constantly failing, no matter how hard we try. It's the worry that our kids are missing out because we're working, or that our careers are suffering because we're moms.



But here's the secret: we all feel it.



It's the universal language of motherhood, spoken in hushed tones and knowing glances.



Embracing the Imperfect 

 

Let's be real, there's no such thing as a perfect mom in the real world. We're all just...

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5 Hacks to Own Your Time, Not Let It Own You

 

 

Let's talk about something we’ve all struggled with time management. As we climb the career ladder and life’s responsibilities increase, the demands on our time seem to multiply, leaving us feeling like we're constantly playing catch-up.

 

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What if I told you that by mastering a few simple time management techniques, you could reclaim your schedule, boost your productivity, and finally achieve that elusive work-life balance?



The High Cost of Poor Time Management

 

Let's be real, when we don't manage our time effectively, chaos ensues.

 

Missed deadlines, forgotten appointments, and that nagging feeling that we're always a step behind and forgetting something. It's not just about work either. Poor time management can spill over into our personal lives, leaving us with even less time for family, friends, and those hobbies we used to love and have time for.

 

But here's the good news: You can change!

 

Five Time-Management Strategies...

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6 Ways to Jumpstart Your Career This Summer

 

 

Forget the idea that summer means hitting pause on your career. With a bit of intention, it's actually the perfect time to make smart moves toward your goals!

 

Summer Is Here GIFs - Find & Share on GIPHY

 

Summer often brings a slightly slower pace at work, giving you the mental space to refocus, learn, and grow. Whether you're dreaming of a promotion, a career switch, or just want to feel more energized in your work, summer is yours to seize.

 

Let's dive into actionable tips to help you take advantage of the season and get closer to where you want to be professionally.

 

Tip 1: Set Specific Goals

 

Don't just drift through summer expecting that career magic will suddenly happen in the Fall.  What do you REALLY want to achieve by the end of the year? More visibility at work? A promotion? New skills in a cutting-edge field?

 

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Action Step for You: Break down your big-picture goal into 2-3 smaller milestones you can aim for this summer. This makes progress feel achievable!



...

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10 Hard Interview Questions and How to Crush Them

 

 

Imagine this: You're in the interview. Everything's going well, then suddenly – BAM! – the interviewer asks a question that throws you off. You freeze, your mind races, and all you can manage is a weak answer. Later, you replay the moment and think of an amazing answer. Doh!

 

Sad Rain GIF by WE tv

 

We've all been there! Unexpected interview questions can trip up even the best of us. But here's the thing: you can be ready for them! Preparation is the secret weapon to nailing those tough questions and walking away feeling confident. Let's dive in!



The 10 Hard Interview Questions and How to Crush Them

 

1 "Tell me about a time you failed."

 

Why they ask: Employers want to see how you handle setbacks and learn from mistakes. Nobody's perfect, and owning up to a failure shows maturity.

 

How to answer: Focus on a specific example, but be brief with the initial mistake. Emphasize what you learned and how you applied those lessons to improve in later situations....

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Power Up Your Network in 2024!

 

 

Feeling a bit lost or disconnected in your career? Like, when you finally take a moment to catch your breath and look around, do you think “Is this all there is?” Or “I don't know what I want to do next but it ain’t this!”

 

Why Is Everyone So Unhappy at Work Right Now? - WSJ


It's a completely normal experience, especially for women at this career stage. Many of us find it challenging to expand our network or feel unsure of how to tap into its potential. Let's tackle this head-on with advice designed just for you.

 

1 Problem 1: "I feel out of touch/out of the loop after a career break."

 

Taking time out of the workforce happens, whether it's to raise a family or tackle personal circumstances. But stepping back in can feel intimidating. First, remember you have valuable skills and experience.

 

The Equalizer GIF by CBS
 

Here's how to reconnect and update your network:

 

Reconnect with Purpose
Reach out to former colleagues and see what they're up to. You can send them a quick message via...

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