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In today's episode of Coffee and Career Hour, we'll explore the cultural and personal reasons behind the reluctance to take time off work, even when you're not feeling your best. We'll underscore the importance of utilizing PTO not just in the summer, but year-round, emphasizing that taking breaks is not only okay but crucial for your well-being.

Discover the transformative effects of regular PTO on your mental health, physical well-being, and overall work-life balance. We unpack the myth that PTO should only be for extravagant vacations and highlight the value of staycations that genuinely allow you to relax. We make a compelling case for the necessity of regular breaks to avoid burnout and enhance productivity.

Lastly, we dive into the power of consistent self-care. Drawing parallels to a regular fitness routine, we emphasize that self-care is a long-term investment in your health. We share our own summer plans, from a family road trip to a San Diego visit, to illustrate the rejuvenating power of stepping away from the daily grind. It's time to prioritize ourselves and use our PTO wisely, whether for a getaway or simply for mental health. By doing so, we not only boost our personal well-being but also increase our professional effectiveness.

CareeRise: www.careerrise.org

CareerConfidence: www.mjcareerconfidence.com

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Building a vibrant community at work isn't just a lofty goal; it's a tangible, achievable reality that can transform your workplace. Small gestures like celebrating birthdays or organizing team lunches can create a sense of belonging among colleagues. Join us on this episode of Coffee and Career Hour, where we unravel the secrets to building a positive and engaging work culture through personal experiences and practical strategies. Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned employee, you'll walk away with actionable insights on fostering authentic connections and maintaining professionalism while cultivating a warm atmosphere.

We'll share heartwarming stories and tips on how to take proactive steps towards knowing and appreciating your co-workers. Simple actions like taking breaks together, organizing informal gatherings, and celebrating achievements can significantly enhance team cohesion. Listen as we recount the joy and camaraderie that come from memorable team-building exercises, such as a blindfold and rope challenge designed to boost communication and trust. Even if you're not in a leadership role, discover how you can take the initiative to bring your team closer together.

Recognizing and celebrating wins, whether big or small, is key to building a supportive workplace community. From acknowledging personal milestones to sending a heartfelt message of appreciation, these gestures go a long way in boosting morale and productivity. We delve into the ripple effect of these actions on employee engagement and overall workplace harmony. Tune in to find out how you can start making a difference today, with simple yet impactful acts that show your colleagues they are valued not just as workers, but as individuals.

CareeRise: www.careerrise.org

CareerConfidence: www.mjcareerconfidence.com

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In this enlightening episode of Coffee and Career Hour, we unravel the myths surrounding networking and show you how every casual encounter—whether at a neighborhood party or a local store—can turn into an opportunity for meaningful connection. You'll walk away with a fresh perspective on how to integrate a networking mindset into your daily life, making each interaction an occasion to learn and grow.

We also dive into the cultural barriers that make asking for help a challenge, especially in a society that values independence. As independent women who have navigated these waters, we share our own stories of hesitation and the eventual rewards of reaching out. Learn how leveraging old acquaintances and modern platforms like LinkedIn can unlock doors to unexpected opportunities. We use real-life examples to highlight the transformative impact of approaching potential mentors or colleagues with openness and positivity.

Finally, discover the profound importance of building genuine relationships through networking. We go beyond the superficial elevator pitch, emphasizing the value of openness and transparency in creating deeper connections. Using the metaphor of a garden, we detail how investing time and effort into nurturing close connections can enrich every aspect of your life. You'll find that networking, when tailored to your unique personality and industry, can become a natural and enjoyable part of your journey.

CareeRise: www.careerrise.org

CareerConfidence: www.mjcareerconfidence.com

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Balancing a thriving career and the demands of motherhood is no easy task. Join us on Coffee and Career Hour as we unpack Armine's experience while navigating maternity leave, postpartum, and preparing to go back to work. Armine's experience underscores just how vital maternity leave is for both mother and baby, offering insights into how varying company policies can influence the duration and quality of this crucial period.

For those navigating maternity leave policies within their own companies, this episode is a must-listen. We explore essential strategies such as meeting with HR representatives, understanding paperwork, and familiarizing yourself with key laws like the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the California Family Rights Act (CFRA). Practical tips, including maintaining an email thread for important deadlines and leveraging resources like the Employment Development Department (EDD) website, provide listeners with a roadmap to smoothly manage their leave.

This episode delves into the nuances of disability insurance benefits, family bonding periods, and the flexibility they may offer. Armine's candid revelations about her personal transformation and new identity as a mother offer a heartfelt connection for listeners, with an open invitation for ongoing support and conversation. Tune in and gain not just knowledge but a sense of community and shared experience.

• Resources:
  • American Pregnancy Association: https://americanpregnancy.org/
  • US Department of Labor: https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/benefits-leave/fmla#:~:text=FMLA%20applies%20to%20all%20public,of%20a%20serious%20health%20condition.
  • EDD: https://edd.ca.gov/en/disability/faqs-fmla-cfra/#:~:text=The%20FMLA%20and%20the%20CFRA,Take%20medical%20leave%20for%20yourself.
  • What to Expect App: https://www.whattoexpect.com/mobile-app/

CareeRise: www.careerrise.org

CareerConfidence: www.mjcareerconfidence.com

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Are you ready to elevate your professional brand? Let's embark on a transformative journey to master the art of resume creation. In our latest podcast episode, we discuss the layers of traditional resume writing, revealing how to curate a document that not only reflects your job history but also highlights your personal brand. Whether you're starting fresh or shifting career gears, we zero in on the power of transferable skills and the profound personal growth that comes from this reflective process.

Resumes can be tricky to craft so we share insider tips on crafting bullet points that resonate with recruiters and how to use a master resume to your advantage. Tailored language, a strategic structure, and alignment of your experiences with job descriptions transform your application from a needle in a haystack to a beacon for opportunities. This episode isn't just about refining your resume, it's about gaining clarity on how your current and past achievements pave the way for your future successes.

But there's more to professional branding than what's on paper. Your LinkedIn profile is your digital introduction to the world, and keeping it in sync with your resume is crucial. We discuss how to optimize each section of your LinkedIn page, creating an online presence that attracts opportunities and showcases your journey. We share personal experiences with reflective writing on LinkedIn that led to enriching discussions and enhanced personal brands. It's time to embrace your potential fully and confidently step into the job market, armed with the tools and strategies discussed in our episode.

CareeRise: www.careerrise.org

CareerConfidence: www.mjcareerconfidence.com

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The month of May is always a period of transition for students as they get ready to embark on their next journey. In our latest episode, we share our stories about transitioning from student to full-time professionals. We recount our own post-graduation journeys and the decisions we made during a time of uncertainty and transition.

Our conversation then turns to a cornerstone of career development: authenticity. We delve into the intricate dance of blending self-expression with professional conduct. We look at the internal battles within professional spaces, the embracing of diverse backgrounds, and how letting your full self shine at work isn't just refreshing—it's essential.

In this episode, we invite you on a journey of personal growth and trust in the unknown. As we share stories of leaps taken and the growth that ensues, we aim to empower you to face life's transitions with courage, knowing that the nerves that come with new beginnings are universal. Join us for an episode that champions personal evolution and the beauty of embracing change head-on.

CareeRise: www.careerrise.org

CareerConfidence: www.mjcareerconfidence.com

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Join us as we delve into the power of self-awareness and the vital internal work that paves the way for career advancement. It's not just about climbing the corporate ladder. In this episode, we explore the intricate dance of behavior, language, and energy that can distinguish you in the professional world.

As we navigate the complexities of professional growth, we share personal stories, including our own transformative experiences from our past and present jobs. We dissect the concept of "pivot jobs" and the surprising satisfaction they can hold. Our discussion is steeped in the belief that by nurturing your current role with a leadership mindset, you're setting the stage for future triumphs. It's a conversation that challenges you to look beyond the job title and to the heart of your value and contribution to every task.

To wrap up this thought-provoking episode, we tackle the multifaceted nature of preparing for that next big career move. Professionalism isn't just about showing up on time and dressing the part—it's a holistic approach that includes internal development. We share insights on the importance of dressing for success, even in virtual settings, and how to adopt the mindset that will have you primed and ready for the leadership role you're chasing. This episode is an empowering guide that is set to inspire action and confidence in your journey to the top.

CareeRise: www.careerrise.org

CareerConfidence: www.mjcareerconfidence.com

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Join us in our latest episode to examine how the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) can illuminate the intricacies of our personalities to help us in finding career fulfillment. We share our journeys through the MBTI, shedding light on the importance of using such tools to gain self-awareness with the guidance of career counselors.

We delve into the dynamic interplay between extroversion and introversion, sensing and intuition, and all the ways our natural inclinations can shape our work lives. It's about embracing your detailed planner or your adaptable maverick—recognizing that every trait has its place under the office lights. By sharing our own experiences, we hope to reveal just how transformative an awareness of our personality can be in aligning our careers with our true selves.

Finally, we recognize that not everyone can access the official MBTI, which is why we look at alternative personality assessments like 16 Personalities and Truity. They offer a different lens through which to view ourselves, without the price tag. As we tease future episodes on assessments like the Strong Interest Inventory and CliftonStrengths, consider this an invitation to join us in the quest for career clarity. These tools are more than just quizzes; they're stepping stones to finding where you belong in the grand tapestry of the professional world.

16 personalities: https://www.16personalities.com/

Truity: https://www.truity.com/

CareeRise: www.careerrise.org

CareerConfidence: www.mjcareerconfidence.com

Follow Us on IG!

• @ careerise_
• @ __careerconfidence

Follow Us on LinkedIn:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-jos%C3%A9-hidalgo-flores/
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