"My List Is Bigger Than Your List!  And I’ll prove it!"

Sound familiar?

At this time of year, the “too busy” conversation that we know and love gets as loud as Rudolph’s hooves landing on a tin roof – and just as unnerving.

Finding the perfect job isn't easy.  We would all like our dream job to land in our lap.  

Unfortunately, those chances are about as good as the Elf on the Shelf moving itself every night.

I work with people to review their skills and competencies, work/life issues and career desires.  We can "create" the dream job scenario.  But making it a reality takes work.

However, it is totally possible.

Once you figure out WHAT you want to do and HOW you want to do it - GO AFTER IT.

Recognize Strengths

Be willing to accept help from your kids

What it is:  Openly acknowledging with gratitude the independent and unique abilities of your kids--especially when they are better than you at something. 

When I advise women returning to work, we discuss finding a career you love.  I also suggest employing a partner/spouse in the process of developing family goals and objectives for achieving work-life balance.

But what if you are single?

The holidays bring cheer, happiness, love and...STRESS.  If life seemed hectic BEFORE the holidays, then holiday activities only exacerbate the situation.  We are busy running around buying gifts, wrapping presents, baking cookies, attending parties, running parties (for each group/activity/club/work) and donating our time and efforts to charitable causes.  Oh, and our real jobs and home life doesn't stop during all of this.

Little Miss Know It All?  Give Her a Break!

Every once in a while I notice that my children have fallen into the trap of thinking that I am the family expert.  I have to admit, it’s kind of nice for awhile.

Before working, you may have channeled Martha Stewart during the holidays - chopping down your Xmas tree, making everything homemade, designing new ornaments and decking the halls with beautiful garland.

Now times might be different. You work. You don't have the time to create a winter wonderland at home.  

Don't worry.  That doesn't make the holidays less special.

1. Be Like Santa - Make A List of What's Naughty and What's Nice

“That’s sounds great, but it won’t work for me.” Too often, this line of reasoning prevents people from making changes that might positively impact their lives. Working parents in particular find themselves in situations that pull them away from their careers and families, causing stress and guilt. In the following guest post, Mom Corps CEO Allison O’Kelly explores the relationship between career choices and work/life alignment, as well as some of the flexibility blockers that may be more within our control than we realize.

This time of year brings merriment and joy - and sadness.  Holiday lists are made, halls are decked, cheerful music is played and people are generally in a nicer mood.

I was watching The Voice when an ad came on for Sprint, "This Thursday is Black Friday!" I seem to have a vague memory that this Thursday was suppose to be something special, a day where we were supposed to do something, but for the life of me I can't remember what.