Looking for guidance or inspiration? The Now What blog is packed with free advice, tips, and real-world insights to help you navigate work and life with confidence.
As one reader shares, "Amanda embodies what an ideal HR professional should be—empathetic, understanding, and solution-focused. She stands out by prioritizing needs while creating a truly unique and supportive approach."
Dive in and see what resonates with you!
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Apply To The Job
I have a secret to share with you: you don’t need to have all the qualifications listed on a job posting before applying. Recently, I met with a client who was excited about a job opportunity but felt discouraged because they didn’t meet every requirement. My response? Apply to the job!
I'm Thinking of a Career Shift - Now What?
Are you considering a career shift? Whether you’re feeling stuck in your current job or have a burning desire to pursue something new, it’s important to navigate the transition thoughtfully. Let me share my story.
Leaving Your Job with Grace
A friend recently asked me how I managed to leave a job gracefully. It’s an interesting question because, looking back, I've always left my jobs on good terms. I stay in touch with former colleagues, would be happy to run into any of them again, and never worry about receiving a poor reference.
Managing Up
Here’s the situation: My manager and I were aligned on a particular issue and how to handle it. When we went together to present our solution to our boss, my manager completely changed his stance. Suddenly, I felt abandoned, standing alone in a spotlight.
Why Should You Care?
I sat there thinking, “Why am I crying about this email I wrote so long ago?” Yes, they provided a stable job and room for professional growth - all the things good employers should do. But those things aren’t what made me loyal to them for over eight years.
Off-boarding Essentials: Insights from an HR Director
Navigating being let go or experiencing a layoff can be challenging. As someone who has overseen employee offboarding as a Director of People and HR, I understand the complexities firsthand. Whether from the perspective of an HR professional or an employee facing termination, there are valuable insights I’ve gained that I’d like to share with you.
Thanks for the Feedback
The most recent piece of feedback I received stopped me in my tracks. First, I was embarrassed. I knew my delivery wasn’t my best work but it was even more mortifying to realize that others noticed it as well. It felt like leaving the house on a bad hair day, hoping nobody would notice, only to find out it was worse than I thought.
Don’t Take it Personally
I can count the number of times I've cried at work, in front of my boss, on one hand—maybe even on one finger. I was put in an extremely difficult situation where I had to make a decision that went against everything I stood for. Before I could check in with my face, tears were streaming down faster than I could catch them.
Dealing With Bullies at Work
Dealing with a workplace bully starts with not trying to understand their motivation. Their actions are a direct reflection of themselves and their own issues, it is not a reflection of you. While it’s natural to take their words or actions personally and let them ruin your day, it is not worth it. After reminding yourself that their behavior is not a reflection of your personal worth, step back and consider your next moves…
Navigating Social Media Connections in the Workplace
Your social media profiles serve as windows into your life, so as you start creating a professional reputation for yourself, you need to think carefully about your social media presence online: who can see it, what you are posting, and what kind of message you are sending to the world.
Mastering Your Individual Development Plan
In moments of uncertainty, I recognized the importance of a roadmap – an IDP. It would have provided clarity and direction, helped to articulate my aspirations, identify areas for growth, and craft actionable strategies to achieve my goals.
Job Vs. Career V.s Calling
Recently, someone asked me a question that got me thinking: “What is the difference between a job, a career and a calling?” Let’s break it down.
Get to the Point
One of the most important skills in your professional toolbelt is the ability to get to the root of an issue. Throughout my career, I’ve seen countless instances where people dive headfirst into solving a problem without truly understanding what they’re tackling. Often, when people attempt to find a solution, they’re asking the wrong questions.
What Does Taylor Swift Have to Do with Your Career Success Anyway?
In honor of Taylor Swift’s latest album release, let’s hit pause and tune into a different kind of melody - Taylor’s business acumen. You don’t have to be a Swiftie to know that Taylor Swift has a knack for setting goals and crushing them (see her 12 Grammy Awards and multibillion dollar generating world tour). So, why not take a page from her playbook and step into your professional growth era!
Create Your Personal Board of Directors
During a casual lunch with a colleague, they mentioned their ‘personal board of directors’. I said, “I love that concept!” Interestingly, they replied, “I learned that from you!” On my drive home, after laughing at myself a bit, I started to think about how important and valuable a ‘personal board of directors’ is.
On a Personal Note…
The other day, it was brought to my attention that I hadn't properly introduced myself. I started this site because I am deeply passionate about this corner of the professional world and I have a lot to say! My goal is to provide valuable content that equips you with actionable insights for your career.
So You’ve Started a New Job
Whether you're interviewing for your first job ever or just a new job in general; there are basic fundamentals of interviewing that everyone must know and spoiler alert they're mostly common sense!
I've Landed An Interview - Now What?
Whether you're interviewing for your first job ever or just a new job in general; there are basic fundamentals of interviewing that everyone must know and spoiler alert they're mostly common sense!
Do I Need an Elevator Pitch?
The answer is yes, you need an elevator pitch so that when someone says “Tell me about yourself” you are ready to go. The good news? It’s not as hard or daunting as you might think! A lot of times I find people are overthinking their elevator speech when they probably already have one, they just don’t know it.
I Hate My Job…Now What?
Working a job that leaves you feeling drained or devoid of joy is hard. It’s tough to find motivation when the daily grind becomes a source of dissatisfaction. I’ve been there! When you get to this point, it's important to take a few steps to navigate the situation effectively.