Letters! We get letters!
In a letter to the editor at ComputorEdge magazine, where the print edition of Career Opportunities appears, Robert V. writes... Your think piece "When Opportunity Knocks" was excellent ---- and this is from the experience of someone in their eighties. Although I did not make many career changes I was able to do what you suggested several times. More important, I was able to find surprises and successes in another way.
I always knew how to find my friends, and eventually used my computers to make the search easier. When things started to get dull, I'd get on the phone with someone I hadn't talked to in over two years. While being brought up to date on their doings, opportunities I didn't know existed came to light. Try it sometimes, you'll be pleasantly surprised and might profit as well. Thanks for the kind words, Robert!
Elsewhere Online: Life After Layoffs: Discarded and Demoralized
This article points out, again, why it is so important to develop a new attitude in today's workplace. Anyone who believes that there is a "safe" job within any corporation is setting themselves up for a dramatic fall. That fact is, layoffs often happen for no discernible reason other than you are too expensive to keep on the payroll. There is no way to combat this, expect by providing some exceptional level of value to your company. Even then, the bottom line will often outweigh your contributions. Several of those interviewed in this article mention the loss of community and even "family" when they are laid off. In this day and age, you need to develop relationships with individuals, not "the company." Seek out those people who you would befriend whether they worked at your company or not. These will be the people who will stay in contact with you long after your job, and perhaps even the company, have disappeared. Finally, develop your own projects whenever possible. Don't tie your entire self-worth to your job. It limits your success and makes the separation of a layoff even more destructive. Life After Layoffs: Discarded and Demoralized byThomas Hoffman
IT workers who have been victimized by layoffs say their dismissals have left long-lasting emotional and professional scars.
(Via Computerworld.)
Interview with Stephanie Meyer - August 30, 2006
This interview with private school librarian, Stephanie Meyer, was recorded "on-the-fly" in her home office. We talk about how high-tech has effected her librarian career and how Internet-based tools can help the students she serves.
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Technorati Tags: career, job, jobs, work, workplace, podcast, podcasting, technology, high-tech
Special Thanks!
 I want to take time out for a special thanks to Chris S. from Auckland, New Zealand for his substantial donation to the WelchWrite Blogs and Podcasts! This donation goes a long way towards the purchase of an Edirol R-09 recorder as well as web site costs. Thanks again, Chris! I wish you a perfect Spring and Summer up (!) there in the Southern Hemisphere! (SMILE)
Last Year on Career-Op: Other people's problems - August 25, 2005
It can be a hard lesson to learn, but when you succeed in your high-tech career, or life in general, there will be those around you who are less than enthusiastic about your success. Call it fair-weather friends or simple jealousy, but it can be difficult when those who supported you in the past suddenly show a different side,. Worse still, these people can cause you to doubt your own actions, even when you think you are doing what is best for you. Pressure from friends and acquaintances should never drive you to make career decisions that aren't in your own best interest. [ Continue reading] Listen: Other People's Problems
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Technorati Tags: career, job, jobs, work, workplace, podcast, podcasting, technology, high-tech
Career Opportunities podcast celebrates its 2nd Anniversary and 200th podcast at the Podcast and Portable Media Expo, September 29th and 30th, 2006.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Douglas E. Welch The WelchWrite Company, Inc. 818-781-6955 career@welchwrite.com http://welchwrite.com/career/ Career Opportunities podcast celebrates its 2nd Anniversary and 200th podcast at the Podcast and Portable Media Expo, September 29th and 30th, 2006. Los Angeles, California, September 7, 2006 — Career Opportunities, the podcast that is "Helping to Build the Career You Deserve", will celebrate its 2nd Anniversary and 200th episode this month. The official anniversary date is September 24, 2006, marking the day when host and writer, Douglas E. Welch, joined the ranks of the first 20 podcasters. "It was amazing to be involved at the very beginning of podcasting and see how far it has come today, " says Welch. "I am so impressed with the power of podcasting. It truly has the ability to break the distribution stranglehold that large television and radio networks have had on mass media, especially in the US. Podcasters like myself can reach out to the world to find an audience, no matter where their passion lies. Podcasting is an intimate media where you have the opportunity to 'whisper in the ear' of your listeners and develop deep, interactive relationships" Career Opportunities (http://welchwrite.com/career/), based on the 10-year-old print column of the same name, is produced twice-weekly, and includes audio versions of Welch's weekly column, special interviews and Skypecasts, live open teleconferences where readers and listeners can ask questions and discuss career issues. Career Opportunities will be part of the 2nd Podcast and Portable Media Expo, September 29th and 30th, in Ontario, California, producing a live show from the booth of the LA Podcasters (http://lapodcasters.com), a regional podcasting group from Los Angeles California. The LIVE Career Opportunities panel discussion happens on Friday, September 29th at 1:00 pm on the show floor. Career Opportunities is also a member of Friends in Tech (http://friendsintech.com). Friends in Tech is an alliance of technology podcasters. Members are regular guests on other member’s podcasts, bringing their unique knowledge, talent and insights to a new audience of listeners. Members also join together to create exclusive content for the Friends In Tech website, including FiT Tips, a collection of short audio hints to help ease listener’s computer life, Retro-FiT, a regular podcast review of all Friends In Tech podcasts and, their holiday specials, with a bit of light-hearted, technology-based, fun. For additional information, Contact: Douglas E. Welch The WelchWrite Company, Inc. 818-781-6955 career@welchwrite.com http://welchwrite.com/career/ Career Opportunities podcast celebrates its 2nd Anniversary and 200th podcast at the Podcast and Portable Media Expo, September 28th and 29th, 2006. # # # Technorati Tags: california, career, job, jobs, work, workplace, podcast, podcasting, losangeles
Just do it! - August 25, 2006
** Note: We are only 1 month away from our 2nd anniversary. Email or use the comments link below to let us know how we're doing -- DouglasDoes your company provide you with a 401k plan, tuition reimbursement, free classes or any other perks? Are you taking advantage of it? Why not? The truth is, these perks could disappear tomorrow for any number of reasons. You need to make a move, now, to take full advantage of everything your company offers, otherwise you miss out! [ Continue Reading]
Comments, Questions, Reviews?Technorati Tags: career, job, jobs, work, workplace, podcast, podcasting, technology, high-techIf you find this podcast helpful, please consider a donation towards our purchase of an Edirol R-9 digital recorder.
Instead - from the archives
Many of you have been working in high-tech careers for so long that you might not be able to imagine what other careers you might have pursued. In some cases, you might even be wondering how you developed the career you have. We all have interests beyond our careers (or should have). Maybe it is time to find an outlet for the other interests in your life. Reviewing what career you might have chosen can often lead you to new areas of your high-tech career. [ Continue Reading]
If you have a moment, please consider completing my Listener Survey over at Podtrac.com. It is a great way to help make Career Opportunities even better. 
Thank you for your time!
Comments, Questions, Reviews?Technorati Tags: career, job, jobs, work, workplace, podcast, podcasting, technology, high-techIf you find this podcast helpful, please consider a donation towards our purchase of an Edirol R-9 digital recorder.
Elsewhere Online: Ten Things to Learn This School Year
 Guy Kawasaki has some great advice for students, and the rest of us, in this post from Let the Good Times Roll, his blog. Items include How to negotiate, how to have a conversation, and, most importantly, How to figure out anything on your own. This last one should be at the top of everyone's list. It has served me well over the years and will do the same for you. Ten Things to Learn This School Year
I’m on the campus of UCSB this week at family camp, and it's inspired me to blog about what students should learn in order to prepare for the real world after graduation. This is an opportune time to broach this subject because the school year is about to begin, and careers can still be affected. (Continues)
(Via “Let the Good Times Roll” by Guy Kawasaki.) Technorati Tags: howto, how-to, career, job, jobs, workplace, tutorial, presentations, presenting, powerpoint, business
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On Small Business: The Kindness of Friends
Crossposted from My Word with Douglas E. Welch When you are creating your own business, you can, and should, take whatever help is available. One friend agrees to help you with the web site, another volunteers to take photos and still another offers to answer the phone a few days each week. Great! This frees you up for "more important" work and helps move the company forward. Eventually, though, all this help can lead to a bit of a trap. As your company grows, you need more than help , you need prompt and professional action. Often, taking advantage of opportunities requires that you respond as quickly as possible. This is where the relationship with your friends can start to break down. In one personal example, a client needed photos on a regular basis. A friend offered to shoot some photos, which were excellent, but the client now has an on-going need for photos -- sometimes as often as once a week. Their friend can't respond to such quick demands and so he ends up waiting for weeks before his friend can "get around to it." While his friend's assistance has been invaluable in the past, there comes a time when you simply cannot rely on "the kindness of strangers..er..friends" anymore. You probably already know that you've reached this stage, but most of us simply ignore it. We like to think that something is better than nothing, but the truth is, relationships like this one can begin to hold you back. The time has come to find a professional who will work on your time schedule with a budget you can afford. Don't let your business be slowed down by relationships that no longer meet your needs. Sure, take any help the friends can offer, but when they aren't available, you need to develop more professional relationships to ensure that your company continues to grow. Comments or Questions? Use the Comments link below! Technorati Tags: build, make, howto, how-to, job, jobs, work, workplace, organization, tips, education, business, work ethic
When Opportunity Knocks - August 18, 2006
Sometimes we miss some of the biggest career opportunities in our lives simply because we don't ask. There are hundreds of career possibilities in the world today, many which pass by on a daily basis, but you need to be attuned to them and grasp them when they come into view. Opportunity will come knocking, but you have to be there to answer the door. [ Continue Reading]
If you have a moment, please consider completing my Listener Survey over at Podtrac.com. It is a great way to help make Career Opportunities even better.
Thank you for your time!
Comments, Questions, Reviews?Technorati Tags: career, job, jobs, work, workplace, podcast, podcasting, technology, high-techIf you find this podcast helpful, please consider a donation towards our purchase of an Edirol R-9 digital recorder.
Follow-up - from the archives
In your high-tech career not only is it important to get the job done you must constantly be checking that problems have not returned. Nothing is more aggravating to a computer user than a problem that seems to go a way only to return at the worst possible moment. It doesn't matter whether you work in a large corporation or as an independent contractor, follow-up can take your career from average to excellent. [ Continue Reading]
If you have a moment, please consider completing my Listener Survey over at Podtrac.com. It is a great way to help make Career Opportunities even better.
Thank you for your time!
Comments, Questions, Reviews?Technorati Tags: career, job, jobs, work, workplace, podcast, podcasting, technology, high-techIf you find this podcast helpful, please consider a donation towards our purchase of an Edirol R-9 digital recorder.
Over coffee...
Working in my journal over coffee at my friend's restaurant. You never know when ideas are going to appear, so it is important to keep your journal with you wherever you go. Some of my best Career-Op columns have been captured this way.
What I'm Reading...
Recently Completed: Revved! by Harry Paul & Ross Reck, Ph.D. Told in the form of a story about a fictional HR superviso Katie Adams, Revved! tells the amazing story of her comeback from the edge of failure by learning to care about other people. A bit weak in the story department, but I know many people who could use a refresher course in how to treat their employees and co-workers. If you, or someone you know is faltering at work, this might be a good gift. Also reading...
Crazybusy | Culinary ArtistryTechnorati Tags: garden, gardening, grow, build, make, career, job, jobs, work, workplace, creativity, outdoors, toread, read, library, book
Consumerism and your career - August 11, 2006
There has been much talk about excessive consumption over the last few years and how it effects our lifestyle and our lives. One aspect that seems to be ignored, though, is how excessive consumerism can effect your career. Frequently, when talking with people I find that they have made major concessions in other aspects of their lives only so they could obtain the supposed trappings of success...the expensive car, the elegant clothes or the large house. Basing your career choices solely on the amount of money they provide can lead you into the, all too familiar, trap of having all the material goods you have ever wanted, but finding yourself very unhappy with the life you need to maintain in order to acquire all those material goods. [ Continue Reading]
If you have a moment, please consider completing my Listener Survey over at Podtrac.com. It is a great way to help make Career Opportunities even better.
Thank you for your time!
Comments, Questions, Reviews?Technorati Tags: career, job, jobs, work, workplace, podcast, podcasting, technology, high-techIf you find this podcast helpful, please consider a donation towards our purchase of an Edirol R-9 digital recorder.
Career-Op Skypecast from August 4, 2006
Our 3rd Skypecast where we discuss changing careers, hybrid careers, crisis computing and more. Watch the blog for more information on our next Skypecast.  Play PodcastJoin us for our next Skypecast on Friday, September 1st, 2006 at 6 pm PDT Past columns referenced in this Skypecast: Inertia, August 15, 2003High-tech Hybrids, January 17, 2003End Game, April, 13, 2001Crisis Computing, June 14, 2002Getting By, December 10, 2004
If you have a moment, please consider completing my Listener Survey over at Podtrac.com. It is a great way to help make Career Opportunities even better.
Thank you for your time!
Comments, Questions, Reviews?Technorati Tags: career, job, jobs, work, workplace, podcast, podcasting, technology, high-techIf you find this podcast helpful, please consider a donation towards our purchase of an Edirol R-9 digital recorder.
A slap in the face - August 4, 2006
Vacations are a wonderful and necessary part of any career, but returning from a vacation can often feel like a surprising slap in the face. Pent-up demand for your time, emergencies, crises and the simple act of getting back to work can feel so foreign after even a few days away. So, while it is important to take vacations to prevent career burnout, it is also important to put some thought into returning from vacation. [ Continue Reading]
If you have a moment, please consider completing my Listener Survey over at Podtrac.com. It is a great way to help make Career Opportunities even better.
Thank you for your time!
Comments, Questions, Reviews?Technorati Tags: career, job, jobs, work, workplace, podcast, podcasting, technology, high-techIf you find this podcast helpful, please consider a donation towards our purchase of an Edirol R-9 digital recorder.
Join the Career Discussion via Skypecast - August 4, 2006
This Friday (Today), August 4, 2006 at 6 pm PDT will be our next Skypecast. Join us for our regular open discussion audio chat which may appear as a Career Opportunities Podcast. Bring your career questions and concerns. Let's talk! You will find full instructions, and links to the free Skype program, at https://skypecasts.skype.com/. Please be aware that Skypecast is a public meeting place, like your local pub, and it is in beta, so technical issues and people issues may abound. When you join the Skypecast, please wear headphones ( to avoid audio feedback) and mute your microphone by default.
I will be using the "Ask for the Microphone" feature in Skypecast to call on each person who wants to speak. You will find this button at the top of the Skypecast web window that opens when you join.
Join the SkypeCast next Friday, August 4, 2006 at 6 pm PDT
Long Memories - from the archives
Regardless of where you pursue your high-tech career, there are a number of pitfalls that can make your work more difficult and your career less secure. One of the most common of these pitfalls happens to be unreliable technology systems and the effect they have on your clients. Computer users have long memories, especially when it comes to technology that fails regularly and with sometimes damaging results. Even worse, they will remember, and often refuse to use, systems in the future, based on these bad first impressions. [ Continue Reading] Comments, Questions, Reviews?Technorati Tags: career, job, jobs, work, workplace, podcast, podcasting, technology, high-techIf you find this podcast helpful, please consider a donation towards our purchase of an Edirol R-9 digital recorder.
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