How Do You Stay Fired Up Over Winter? View this email in your browser 
January 2019: How Do You Stay Fired Up Over Winter?
Ah, Canadian winter. Short, dreary days, long dark nights and a deep cold that feels like it will never end. It’s easy to get down this time of year. Is there any way to re-ignite our energy and find interest in our work? Sometimes it’s a just a temporary, seasonal rut, due to “Blue Monday” or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The early sunsets and long nights can bring on feelings of depression and an urge to hibernate. If winter blues are bringing you down, it probably isn’t the best time to make a change. If you can, ride it out a few more weeks and re-evaluate in the spring when you’re feeling more like yourself. 
In the meantime, this is an excellent time to put things in place so that you’re able to make a change in the spring. For instance, you can clean up your resume and LinkedIn profile. You can also consider doing some training and/or undergoing an objective career assessment, to lay a better foundation. Sometimes, however, it’s more than the season. If it is time for a change, how do you know what direction to choose? For example, if you’re overqualified for the job you’re doing, it’s easy to slide into feeling lackluster about work. Are you underemployed? There are a few ways to tell. Read more here.
Some Thoughts for Valentine’s Day
I have come to realize that picking the right long-term career can be just as impactful as picking a compatible life mate. So how do we pick a career that we’re better suited for? Read more here. 
In case you missed it, a while back I published an article about How Hiring is Like Dating, and How to Up your Game. This article is important for HR folks and hiring managers, but the insights are also useful for people going through the job application process.
Baby, It’s Cold Inside
Yes, it truly is cold outside, but in many organizations, it’s also cold inside, due to a cold organizational climate. Workplace bullying does not create a “warm” environment. Workplace harassment also creates a cold environment for the victim and observers, alike. Recently I was invited to speak at a symposium for federal government employees on the topic of workplace harassment. Harassment is a serious problem, but its high prevalence is underestimated because it’s such an awkward topic that people don’t discuss openly. I understand these sensitive and complex issues and can help people navigate career obstacles when they are facing these challenges. Purpose, Values and Employee Fulfillment Imagine a world where doing good was good for business. It looks like that world is coming. More than any other group to enter the workforce in recent history, “Millennials” are insisting on working in organizations that uphold their values. It isn’t fluffy, touchy-feely stuff, either. Happy employees are more productive, says a new study. Why does it matter? Part of the answer is because of predictable demographic changes that will give employees more leverage. Read more here.
You Still Have Time Before the End of the Fiscal Year
We still have about nine weeks left before the end of the fiscal year in many organizations. This is a great time to access professional development budgets which will lapse on March 31st. Use those funds to prepare for government selection (hiring and/or promotion) processes. And here’s a little extra motivation: with a federal election on the horizon, there is also a good possibility of a hiring freeze starting by spring or summer. My services are eligible for professional development funding. Get in touch to learn how. Let’s Talk! When winter comes along, it’s tempting to hibernate. It’s also a great time to plan your next moves. If career coaching or HR issues are on your mind, I’d love to help. Get in touch via Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn or email at helen@ioadvisory.com. 
