Understanding USAJOBs – Career Success

We are back at it … USAJOBs tips and tricks … looking for new employment or deciding to change careers is always a job in itself. I decided to share some information on USAJOBs (Free Job Site), for all to benefit from. USAJOBs is easy to use, but understanding what jobs to apply to, how to apply and how to get follow up information can be a bit tricky. In this video I go over some career success tips and information to better prepare you for understanding the USAJOBs process. Remember, I am here if you have any questions/concerns.

All the best,

Dr. Jaye

O*net Tips and Tricks – How to Find a Job using O*net

O*net has a plethora of information and ways of obtaining job search information for any job seeker. One of the fantastic tools that O*net has to offer is the ability to research open positions for particular position you are looking for.

In this video I discuss research tactics for researching open positions for your next career move. Please let me know if you have any questions comments or concerns. Happy job hunting 🙂

Dr. Jaye

O*net Tips and Tricks – How to Research Compensation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIIkd6y3lHo

There are many questions and concerns when it comes to using O*net www.onetonline.org. This super helpful platform provides specific information for job seekers and those looking to gain additional career information. O*net has a plethora of information and ways of obtaining job search information for any job seeker.

One of the fantastic tools that O*net offers is the ability to research compensation for the particular position you are looking for. In the below video, I discuss research tactics for learning more about compensation and salaries to gain knowledge, skills, and abilities for your next career move. Please let me know if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.

Happy Researching,

Dr. Jaye

O*net Tips and Tricks – How to Research Training Programs

Team Work

There are many questions and concerns when it comes to using O*net www.onetonline.org. This is a super helpful platform that provides some specific information for job seekers and those looking to gain additional career information. O*net has a plethora of information and ways of obtaining job search information for any job seeker.

One of the fantastic tools that O*net has to offer is the ability to research training programs for the particular position you are looking for. In the below video, I discuss research tactics for researching training programs to gain knowledge, skills, and abilities for your next career move. Please let me know if you have any questions, comments or concerns.

Happy job hunting,

Dr. Jaye

Get Your Goals On

You know I had to write about it … your life goals! We all have goals in life. Some goals are easily attainable, and others will take a ton of time, effort, and focus. The significant part about having goals is you can adjust your goals based on your needs. Your hierarchy of needs will change as you grow. Maslow (1943, 1954) stated that people are motivated to achieve particular needs and that some needs take precedence over others. Maslow’s theory works like this:

• If you have food – hunger need is satisfied
• If you have a viable home – shelter need is satisfied
• If you have friends/family to support – relationship/social need is satisfied
• If you have money to support yourself – financial need is satisfied

How do you know completing your smart goals is satisfying your hierarch of professional needs? You can start by asking yourself a few questions and gauging your happiness based on your truthful answers. When we decide to accomplish a goal, a series of things must happen to make completing the goal a reality.

• Get clarity of the goal – Write it down
• Make a list of steps to accomplish the goal – Write it down
• Inform a trusted friend/family member of your goal – Talk about it
• Make the steps toward the goal a daily reminder – Think about it
• Put the steps into action and find resources for achieving your goal – Act on it

It is that simple. Say it, believe it, and achieve it. I have included some resources to better prepare to for success toward creating and achieving your goals. Remember, allow yourself to let your goals change as you grow. Change is good and constant.

Happy goal achieving,
Jenice

Resources

OfficeArrow.com. (2008). Smart Goals Worksheet. Retrieved from https://www.mcckc.edu/counseling/goal-setting/docs/SMARTGoalWorksheet.pdf

Simply Psychology. (n.d.). Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Retrieved 2021, from https://canadacollege.edu/dreamers/docs/Maslows-Hierarchy-of-Needs.pdf

SMART Goals. (n.d.). Retrieved 2021, from https://www.baylor.edu/hr/doc.php/308719.pdf

S.M.A.R.T. Goals Worksheet. (n.d.). Retrieved 2021, from https://www.smartsheet.com/sites/default/files/IC-SMART-Goals-Worksheet-9237-PDF.pdf

Your Job of Choice

We are living in interesting times.  The COVID-19 virus has brought about several changes to our everyday lives.  For the vaccinated, it means remaining diligent about potentially not spreading the virus to the unvaccinated.  For the unvaccinated, it means ensuring to wear a mask and take the precautions needed to stay healthy and safe.  Overall, this whole “thing” is not entirely over.  Teleworking has become a common term used during interviews.  Organizations realize the old hiring processes require an overdue refresh based on new candidate requirements. 

The wild part about this time in our history, you have your choice of job options.  “Really!?” you ask.  With which I would confidently reply, “YESSSSS!”  Most candidates have their choice of job options.  If you have been trying to get into teaching, you can research adjunct positions.  If you want to try your skills at being a realtor, go for it since the housing market is hot.  If you have a business idea, you can start a small business.  The best part is that this is the first time in history where every job modality is open and available to apply.  You want to telework; you got it!  You want a compressed schedule, okay!  You want to work remotely while the regional office is in another state, it is possible!  

cheerful black man having video call and waving hand
Photo by Monstera on Pexels.com

The key to choosing the best job option for you is to think hard about what your actual needs and wants are from your new job option.  Are you a new mom?  Are you a new graduate?  Do you have student debt?  Do you have accessibility requirements?  Are you a disabled veteran?  Can you only work during the day/night?  Are you not available on the weekends?  Are you flexible?  No matter what your needs or wants are, there is a job option in the market for you.  Now, it is merely a matter of taking the time to create or update your cover letter and CV/resume.  The choice is up to you, now is as good a time to look and seek out employment opportunities as there has ever been before.  

Happy job option seeking,

Jenice

Resources

Jobs in Higher Education. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.higheredjobs.com/

Robert Half. (2021, July 07). 25 Best Job Search Websites in 2021. Retrieved from https://www.roberthalf.com/blog/job-market/10-best-job-search-websites

USA JOBS Shape America’s Future. (n.d.). Retrieved 2021, from https://www.usajobs.gov/

The Burnout Battle

It looks like telework is here to stay, folks. Now it’s time to combat that daily burnout battle that haunts teleworkers on a daily basis. We are all familiar with the shuffle from the bedroom hallway in pajama pants to the office space where you rush to find a collared shirt for the unforeseen, unsolicited, and unplanned video conference meeting. We all can get burnt out in various ways, including working in absolute convenience from home. Those of us who can work from home need to understand teleworking is a luxury.

The telework option has become popular based on organizations cutting overtures that seem to be the root cause of spreading infection – at this current time. But the one thing that has not been addressed is how teleworkers are supposed to bounce back from the burnout battle of no separation from home and work. You may have a designated office or closet to “close off” your workspace for those who are lucky. At the same time, others may have to use a combination of a kitchen and/or living room as a workspace. Either way, it may be hard to separate home from work.

While dealing with the burnout battle several times during the last year and a half, I thought I would provide some helpful burnout bounce back techniques that may assist with this continued teleworking aspect we may be dealing with for a bit longer. To start off, a body in motion is a happy body. Exercising has always been one of my favorite ways to shake off burnout. Getting your body moving can increase endorphins in your body that could help you to feel better. It may be cliché, but it is true. Get outside, get moving, get happy.

Have a chat with a friend or group of friends. Communication is another huge burnout bounce-back technique that has been proven to help affiliate good feelings with connecting with people. Whether it is a short chat (socially distanced) or a long facetime call, a chat and a laugh with friends is always a good time.

Breathing long and deep. Slow breathing may assist in improving moods and express feelings that allow connections with others. We all have some of the same feelings associated with a lack of connection and breathing deeply provides for a connection on an emotional level with yourself. This small, yet powerful action can assist with combating feelings of burnout.

Shut it off. Turning off electronic devices is a simple yet helpful tool that can assist with combating burnout. During these telework days, millions of people are staring into the laptop abyss and engaging in video/audio communication daily. Your eyes and brain need a break. The laptop camera is not a real person, and our social circle is larger than the “talking heads” of profile pictures you see every day. Powering down electronic devices several hours before bed can help to assist with declining the feelings of burnout and physical fatigue.

Rediscover yourself. When was the last time you engaged with past hobbies? Too often, the older we get, the less time we have for engaging in hobbies that made us extremely happy when we were younger. Now with working from home and no end in sight with telework options, it’s important to reengage in hobbies that were once out of reach because of a lack of time. One of the great aspects of teleworking is immediate access to your time based on not commuting. If you use to paint, pick up some paints and brushes. If you loved to read, go by your local library and pick up some books or order some books. Either way, find what makes you happy and reconnect with it. Trying some of these burnout battle bounce-back ideas may be a sure way to help combat you combat the battle of burnout.

Jenice

Resources:

Strangis, A. (n.d.). Bouncing Back from Burnout: Tools for Restoring Balance and Regaining Enthusiasm. Retrieved 2021, from http://www.nnoha.org/nnoha-content/uploads/2015/12/Bouncing-Back-from-Burnout.pdf

10 Tips for Coping with Burnout. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://allonehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Handout-Coping-With-Burnout.pdf

Simple Success Steps

We all have several ideas and aspirations for our future.  Sometimes our dreams come from thoughts, ideas, or experiences that we may have gone through.  We may have had several different types of careers and jobs that never aligned with who we thought we were to be. That is one of the main reasons why it’s important to remain practical, positive, and purposeful in your success journey.

There were a few common aspects that all successful people have. First, successful people don’t wallow in their failures. They use their failures as a tool for their next success. Second, successful people do not blame others for their inability to be successful. We all understand that there are things beyond our reach when it comes to being successful in certain professional arenas, but the good thing is we all still have a choice to choose what arena we want to play the game in. Finally, third; successful people get up each day physically or emotionally from whatever failure they’ve had and realize the blessing of the failure in disguise.

Success is more than just the ability to get what you want when you want it. Success has a lot to do with self-control and being able to understand the difference between what you want right now and what you need to do to get what you want later.

I wish all the success in the world for you and I,

Dr. Jaye

Resources:

Canfield, J. (2005). The Success Principles. Retrieved from https://www.jackcanfield.com/images/stories/the-success-principles-2-chapters.pdf

Edwards, V. (n.d.). Life Design Workbook. Retrieved 2021, from https://www.scienceofpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Life-Design-Workbook-.pdf

Seligman. (2015). Workbook for Goal Setting. Retrieved from https://wholebeinginstitute.com/wp-content/uploads/MC-Goal-setting-Workbook-Complete.pdf

Effective Collaboration

“I would like you to all effectively collaborate on this project.” Said anyone in a leadership position. What they don’t tell you is how to collaborate. Collaboration takes professional finesse to meet common organizational goals, the team goals, and the individuals goals. I have to admit, collaboration can be complex, and during this time of 100% telework for most of the workforce, collaboration can offer its challenges with actually completing a task. It can be difficult and one of the most rewarding aspects of a career.

There are some Important attributes of collaboration—the first being communication. Good communication will take you far in your professional career as long as you can effectively present yourself professionally. There are two significant forms of communication that most people are not aware of, there is communication itself, and then there is active communication. Just like listening, there is listening per se, and then there is active listening. The difference is establishing enough self-control in any situation to hear or present clearly, efficiently, and effectively. In collaborative workgroups, communication is vital.

One of the essential second attributes of collaboration is the common goal. Effectively present a common goal to better prepare your workgroup for the task at hand. Transparency is a part of sharing the common goal for your workgroup to understand why they are doing what they are doing. Keeping in mind some workgroup members may require additional details, whereas other workgroup members may not. Either way, it’s essential to share the goal overall to ensure all workgroup members feel their contributions are applicable.

And the third most crucial attribute of collaboration is establishing roles within the workgroup. Workgroup members must understand the roles they play to bring the appropriate talents, knowledge, and skills to the final collaborative project. Roles also provide clarification for a professional road map towards the end goal. Often the workgroup member assigning the roles usually is the leader, but that is not always the case. The critical aspect of role establishing within a workgroup, ensure the role fits the workgroup member.

Collaboration does not have to be complicated, nor does it have to be arduous. With the tools and technology that we have at our finger tips, it should be more accessible than ever to collaborate in an online setting than it was to do so in a physical environment. The important Takeaways in creating collaborative groups, keep your communication positive, practical, and purposeful. Be sure to establish a common goal for the workgroup to move towards and establish appropriate roles within the workgroup.

Happy collaborations,
Jenice

Resources
Callahan, Schenk and White (n.d.) Building a Collaborative Workplace. Full Circle Associates. https://www.anecdote.com/pdfs/papers/AnecdoteCollaborativeWorkplace_v1s.pdf

Getting Down to the Budget


There is no doubt about it; 2020 and halfway into 2021 have been rough on all of us. We are all still grappling with the aftereffects of 2020 and the Corona Virus. It has been a tumultuous time for everyone. We need to focus here seriously; we need to realize that creating a budget is more critical than ever. Inflation is insane, grocery prices are outrageous, gas is triple the cost it was a year ago, and kids are getting ready to go back to school. Everyone is stretching their dollars to the limit.

Let’s do it … it’s budget time. I know budgets are intimidating. If you are like me, I always felt like having a budget was like being on timeout with everything fun I wanted to do. But that is the exact opposite. A budget can provide you more freedom, joy, and transparency than you have ever felt before. A budget can strengthen your relationships and give you a sense of clarity about where & what your money is doing. “I need to know what my money is doing?” YES! You deserve and should demand to know what your money is doing at all times. I have found that when I know what my money is doing, I can eat better, sleep better, and be better. It is that serious; money has been said to be one of the main causations of divorce. According to Ramsey (2018), “The number one issue couples fight about is also a topic many couples avoid discussing — money.” The question is, why would married couples allow money to be the cause of their ultimate marital demise? Simple, people want to buy what they want, and when they can’t, they have a full-on adult temper tantrum.

We are better than this; we can master the management of our money. If you can do that, you can master anything. How do you start to create a budget? Simple, you need to know where your money is going and how much you have to spend. Once you gather this information, create a short and long-term financial goal plan. How do you plan on paying off your debt? How do you plan on making a savings plan? Or an emergency plan? Get specific. Once you have all this down on paper, have a conversation with your spouse or family/friends. You may ruffle a few feathers; people don’t like talking about finances. I don’t know why? Everyone has them … get a financial plan and make sure to discuss your financial plan with those you love and live with. I have included some tools for your financial success.

Happy budgeting,
Jenice

Reference:

Federal Trade Commission. (n.d.). Make a Budget Worksheet. Retrieved from https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/pdf-1020-make-budget-worksheet.pdf

Financial Wellness Program. (n.d.). Five Steps to Creating a Budget. Retrieved from https://www.umcu.org/umcu/media/Documents/FiveStepstoCreatingaBudget_January2019.pdf

Ramsey, D. (n.d.). Ramsey Budget Useful Forms. Retrieved from https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/useful-forms

Ramsey, D. (n.d.). Money Ruining Marriages in America: A Ramsey Solutions study. Retrieved from https://www.ramseysolutions.com/company/newsroom/releases/money-ruining-marriages-in-america

Organizational Diversity and Inclusion Action Plans

Photo by: Nicolas Swatz

Diversity and inclusion in the workplace is a must. In light of the recent and past events, I would challenge all organizations to create an action plan for diversity and inclusion. An action plan should include creating real, actual, tangible, active strategic plans for addressing and implementing diversity and inclusion policies and updated training for new and current employees. These actions should include the history of the organization’s workforce and an analysis of the organization’s actual issues of a lack of diversity and inclusion. This is the perfect time to put all the words that have been spoken into action.

The good news is organizations don’t have to make this a large budgetary line item. Implementing diversity and inclusion is super simple. First, create an on-going survey using an online internal or external tool to gather information about specific items that are pressing to employees. This survey can include fill-in-the-blank sections to allow for thorough feedback to be received. Once the survey is completed, organize the data and share the information with the entire organization. This is a fantastic way to ensure everyone has a say, and all are able to share and offer solutions. Keep in mind; there will be a mixed bag of feedback. All feedback is not going to positive. That is the whole point of finding out what employees are thinking, feeling, and suffering with. This action is of little to no cost to the organization.

Create signage stating “No Discrimination” to post on buildings and outside areas for all to have a visual that your organization will not tolerate discrimination. If we can post “No Smoking/Vaping” signage, a “No Discrimination” signage should be just as simple. Using a visual will provide those that feel the need to be inappropriate reminders of the organization’s new culture. This action is of little cost to the organization.

Assign human resource departments (or other qualified employees) the task of conducting individual as well as mass “No Discrimination” training and webinars. We have all been through the traditional diversity and inclusion training (normally completed in an online setting). This is too important of a topic for material to simply be sent out for employees to click through PowerPoint slides mindlessly. That is not effective enough anymore. We need human-to-human contact to grasp the full understanding for real change to happen. This action is of little to no cost to the organization.

Lastly, assign employees the responsibility of holding their peers accountable when inappropriate behavior is seen/heard. Employee evaluations should include any discrimination action taken by the employee to show the severity of the “No Discrimination” policy and standards of the organization. Most onboarding processes include a series of questions. Situational interview questions should also include discrimination for candidates better to understand the organizations culture of “No Discrimination”. This action is of little to no cost to the organization.

With the use of tools and technology, there are ways of quickly gaining an overview of the intrinsic disparities and cultural indifferences within an organization. For organizations to address discrimination in the workplace, real change is needed ASAP. There is no time like the present; this phrase is more than true right now.

If you don’t know where to start, you are welcome to start by utilizing my Prezi Presentation on “Diversity and Inclusion” as a first start.

Reference:  Dr. Jenice Armstead – Prezi Diversity and Inclusion

Knowledge Workers are Essential to Organizational Development

Knowledge Workers

Knowledge workers are a significant part of organizational development. Knowledge workers obtain the knowledge-based information and along with human resources management in terms of managing invaluable assets of a company. Knowledge management requires information to be given from technology sources to gain organizational growth. Technology requires that knowledge is gained for the utilization of technological growth, and the organizational aspect of intellectual property.

“Knowledge management is not merely about the latest technology, but managing knowledge within the company and treating it as the most valued asset for its success (Nor & Rosline, 2005).” Knowledge-based management or a “White Collar” position(s) is a term that is used interchangeably with the knowledge-based worker. A knowledge-based worker could be an accountant, consultant, professor, or educator.

Namely, a knowledge-based worker works in various places to include: client’s offices or in their own office (Nor & Rosline, 2005). Knowledge-based management is a challenge in modern business since the majority of the employees in today’s fields are knowledge-based managers (Nor & Rosline, 2005). Knowledge-based management is mostly positions or jobs that require non-routine work, which requires a high level of cognitive activity. Knowledge-based management is the new way of operational functionality of the new knowledge-based worker.

Dr. Jenice Armstead

Resources:

Nor, M Norzanah & Rosline, K Abdul. (2005). Managing Knowledge Workers in a Knowledge based Economy. Cardiff University.

Why Teleworking is an Organizational Keeper

Teleworking

Advancements in telecommunications, computerization, and transportation have had significant effects on how organizations are developing. In particular, these advancements have given rise to the “knowledge worker.” Imagine you are an organizational development professional who has been retained by a major corporation that employs knowledge workers. Changes in the economy have brought the need for organizational development and knowledge workers to the forefront of the business world.

The knowledge worker is defined as a person who uses their mind with the process of thinking and knowledge development to complete tasks in an unconventional way. The knowledge worker has been apart of organizational advancements by being coined as having the ability to work and solve problems by thinking creatively about a given solution for organizational development (Mládková, 2011). The knowledge worker formulates business strategies, plans processes, develops strategic competencies for business and human resources professionals, and organizes management implementation (Andrew Patrick, 2011).
Teleworking is a new method of working in business organizations. With teleworking, an organization can assign work, have meetings, and even check the status of the employee’s work process. This advancement in technology is one of the most effective changes in the federal government and civilians companies alike.

The advancements in organizational developments within telecommunications, technology, and transportation have had significant effects on business management with the ever-changing economy crisis and the influx of a new workforce. Business management telecommunications has gained a competitive edge for how organizational developments function, telecommunications such “Face Time, Skyping and Web Real-Time Videos” which allow for technology to increase strategy formulation (Patrick, 2011). Not all organizations utilize teleworking schedules, but for those who do the advantages are endless with “getting the job done at any cost,” without exhausting overhead expediters.

Dr. Jenice Armstead

References:
Andrew Patrick, H. (2011). Knowledge Workers Demography and Workplace Diversity. Journal
Of Marketing & Management, 2(2), 38-73.

Mládková, L. (2011). Knowledge Management for Knowledge Workers. Proceedings Of The
European Conference On Intellectual Capital, 260-267.

How to Write a Business Plan

Two Woman in Black Sits on Chair Near Table

Hey hey hey … it’s Dr. Jaye,

Are you in need of a business plan, yet don’t know where to start? Are you a business owner (large or small), and never needed a business plan and now find yourself having to gather all of your business information and put it in one place (i.e., a business plan)? Do you need a business plan to submit to the Small Business Administration for a loan? What to do? Well, I got you. Let’s jump into this super simple method for getting your business organized and set up for success!

Creating a business plan can be frustrating and confusing. Why do you need a business plan? What do you need to have in a business plan? What are some business plan options?  What can a business plan be used for? Well, I have answered all of these questions and more in my quick video “How to Write a Business Plan,” and I have also provided the template reviewed in the video. The best part about this transparent business plan template is it provides prompts and questions to better allow for successful completion of a clear and concise developed business plan.

Remember, writing a business plan does not have to be an overwhelming task. Take it one section at a time and do your research. There are tons of free resources to help you develop an amazing business plan. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions you may have. As always, I am here for you and your success!

Dr. Jaye

YouTube Video:  How to Write a Business Plan by Dr. Jaye

Reference: Writing a Business Plan. (n.d.). Retrieved April 29, 2020, from https://www.va.gov/osdbu/docs/vepBusinessPlanOutline.pdf

Step-by-Step = Goal Achieved

When we think of a goal, we are often in a state of motivation. A conversation sparked an idea, a movie prompted an inspiring thought, or perhaps a song brought forth a vision to embark. No matter the prompt, there are a few things that need to happen before you get to “happy slappy” about how great it is going to be once you accomplish “that” goal. The idea, vision, and thought are the easy part … the hard part is the work put into achieving the goal. I once heard a motto that I will never forget, “The work between an idea and a goal is the arduous steps that are required toward completion.” That statement has driven each and every goal I have set out to accomplish. You have to remember, there will be hard work involved to attain any goal that is worth your while.

It is in the middle, the hard part, the work, the sweat, and tears … that is where the goals start to come to fruition. That is where you discover who you are and what you are made of. Too often, when things get hard, we simply stop. But, it is in the “step-by-step” brainstorming and mulling over the tasks over and over where the motivation kicks us into high gear. Motivation is not something that you get from a PodCast, YouTube Video, or phone call from a supporter. Motivation is the still and small voice that reminds you of why you started on your “Goal Journey” in the first place. You are welcome to use that phrase to remind you of the hard work you will put in.

I have worked in the private, public, and federal sections. It was in the midst of one of the greatest opportunities that I found my passion for education. I recently found an old photo of myself. I was sitting at a Play School desk, and if you are a Gen-Xer you know the one I am talking about, heck you probably had one too. I actually remember the moment when I fell in love with learning … it was that moment. Fast forward a few years, I was in one of the darkest places in my professional career and reconnected with my love of learning. But, I had to allow something new to emerge. It was from a candid conversation with my supervisor that I realized my life purpose was to work in education. I researched and found the perfect Doctoral Business Management program for my needs, and started out on my goal toward earning a terminal degree in business management, with the goal of working in higher education.

Was the goal hard and far off? Yes. Did it take longer than I thought it would? Of course. But the point is I started. Just start. Start now, you cannot worry about the details if you have not made a decision to start. Start where you are and start now. Stop comparing yourself, your situation or your life to others. Truth be told, there are probably others comparing their lives to yours. Instead of all of the reincarnations of iterations of what we think we should be doing, let’s break the cycle and set an example for “Doing It Your Way” … oh … I think I feel a book birthing out of that last statement. Be the best you, you can be … unapologetically.

Patel, Deep. “16 Actions to Take to Achieve Any Goal.” Entrepreneur, 27 Aug. 2018, www.entrepreneur.com/article/318347.

Getting Positive, Purposeful and Productive …

Let’s keep this good, highly positive energy going. I have to say; it has been a while since I have written two articles in a row. Normally, I try to post at least 1 article a month. I found my time slipping through my fingers minute by minute. People always say, “We all have 24hours in a day – it is up to you to make the most of it.” Let’s digest the “24 hours” we all have:

  • 6 – 8 Hours – People normally spend sleeping
  • 2 Hours – Getting ready for work, school, date or other events, which can take up to (start to finish – bathing, dressing, make-up, getting kids up and ready, etc.)
  • 3 Hours – We seem to take up several hours to eat (in totality)
  • 2 – 3 Hours – Then there is the “Waiting” on something or someone, all together (depending on how fast traffic takes, public transportation, elevators, walking dogs, etc.)

What are we up to now? 16 hours

Okay, 24 Hours – 16 Hours = 8 hours (Purposeful Time Left)

And you guessed it, most of us work at a minimum of 8 hours a day – that is the rest of it. That is what most people’s 24 hours may look like, give or take some adjustments in tasks and responsibilities. That is how one can find time slipping through one’s fingers.

How is this positive, purposeful, or productive information, Jenice?!? You may be asking with learning this frustration realization. I am glad you asked. The key to taking back your time is realizing that you have more than enough of it … simple, but true. Now that most of us are finding ourselves teleworking, on a compressed or flex-schedule, we literally are being the gift of time. Each and every day, you get to choose (hopefully), how you spend your time now. 

Getting positive – if you still are employed in a safe working environment, be thankful. Getting purposeful – If you are working, then what you are doing is purposeful, and thank you for all you do, every day that you do it. Focused on Production – Production is not everything; poor quality is worst than producing nothing. Production is nothing without quality time spent ensuring the product is of good value. Instead of listening to all of the negative jargon all the time, do yourself a favor and find something to be positive, purposeful, and productive about. You will find you have more time than you could have ever scheduled on your calendar. 

Be well,

Jenice

Daum, K. (2014, November 3). 9 Ways to Save More Time. Retrieved from https://www.inc.com/kevin-daum/9-ways-to-save-more-time.html

Career and Success Tips: How to Use O*Net

It is true; we are living in unprecedented times. The unemployment rate has sky rocked beyond anything any of us could have imagined … but wait – maybe this is just the opportunity we needed to pursue the careers we are meant to be in. Stick with me for a second … I promise I will get there. Life has a way of making us believe that we need to settle for whatever job/career we need to pay the bills. Paying down and getting out debt is essential, but your professional happiness is just as important.

Like many, I have been detoured from doing many of the professional items that provided substantial motivation to “keep going” – and maintaining my professional happiness. The other day, I received a message from a LinkedIn networker. She mentioned she viewed one of my Youtube videos I published at the height of my “Job Classification” research. This contact mentioned that she was looking to learn more about the topic and was open to any advice I could provide. “That’s right! I am a subject matter expert in job classification,” I thought as I pondered my response to her.
I remembered that I purchased a “pop-up” backdrop for future videos. After figuring out how to the contraption up, adjusting the stand, and sitting down at my kitchen table … I began to record a video to better show her, instead of merely telling her about job classification. And why not take it a step further, there were several websites I could include which would also assist her with updating her resume and gaining information about job classification. At the end of the short video, I realized I had forgotten that I thoroughly enjoyed creating videos about business topics to assist others with their professional goals. That being said, I decided and made a promise that I would write up a quick blurb about the entire experience and share it with you as well.

Long story, longer – we should take this time to reevaluate what truly makes us happy. If this entire experience has taught me anything (thus far), it’s that we need to be grateful for our health, our friends and family and our lives. We are social beings, always have been and always will be. Instead of spreading fear and anguish to one another, let’s spread love, life, and encouragement.  I am encouraging you to revamp your job skills, take a hard look at your resume, or start working on or revisit that degree you never finished up. I hope the video I created on “Career Success” assists you with getting the clarification needed to pursue your dreams. If you have any questions – I am here. Believe me … I am here, and you are there … and we might be where we are for a while.

Be well,
Jenice

Dr. Jaye YouTube Link:  How to Use O*Net – Career Success

Dr. Jaye YouTube Link:  Understanding USAJOBs – Career Success

Online Development Success Tools and Advice

Online Learning

We all need to do our part during this difficult time in world history. COVID-19 has organizations rethinking strategic plans and innovative initiative plans that may have been stagnant in implementation or development. In education, millions of students/faculty are finding it imperative to convert courses to online modalities. I want to offer my knowledge, skills, and abilities to those who are finding it difficult to start/convert courses to online modalities. If you need assistance, advice or direction on how to utilize/convert to online – please contact me directly. I do not claim to know everything about every discipline, but I am willing to lend a helping “digital” hand to anyone that may be feeling overwhelmed with tackling the arduous tasks associated with converting a course to online. I have provided my credentials as a reference in the disciplines I have successfully created and implemented into online modalities. 

Be safe and healthy,

Jenice aka Dr. Jaye

 

Curriculum Program/Course Development Experience

Hillsborough Community College – 2019

Researched, Developed and implemented 1 open educational resource course for Hillsborough Community College

  • AS Program Student On-Boarding (Recruitment/Retention) course

Valencia College – Jan 2018 – Feb 2019

Researched, developed and implemented 13 Core Courses for Valencia College Bachelor of Applied Sciences in Business and Organizational Leadership

  • GEB 3213    Business Writing & Communications
  • MAR 3023    Marketing Management
  • MAN 3240    Principles of Organizational Behavior
  • AGG 3024    Accounting for non-Finance Majors
  • MAN 3343    Management Theory and Practices
  • MAN 4301    Human Resources Management
  • FIN 3402    Financial Analysis and Planning
  • MAN 4120    Leadership Challenges and Supervision
  • MAN 4165    Customer Relations for Managers
  • CIS 4304C Management Information Systems
  • MAN 4504    Operational Decision Making
  • GEB 4891    Strategic Planning and Decision Planning
  • MAN 4720    Strategic Management Capstone

Saint Petersburg College – Jul 2015 – Mar 2017

Researched, development, collaborated and implemented 2 open educational resources courses for Business Program, for Saint Petersburg College

  • GEB 1011 Introduction to Business
  • GEB 2490 Business Management Internship

Saint Leo University – Jul 2015 – Feb 2017

Researched, development, collaborated and implemented 7 courses, for MBA Program, for Saint Leo University

  • HRA 330 Basic Occupational Safety
  • HRA 335 Recruitment Selection & Placement
  • HRA 340 Organizational Training & Development
  • HRA 360 Total Compensation
  • HRA 425 Human Resource Internship
  • HRA 498 Human Resource Capstone for Graduation
  • MGT 331 Management of Human Resource

 OER References & Speaking Engagements

Saint Leo University, Leaders in Industry Presents: New Year, New Career Webinar with Dr. Jenice Armstead

Thank you to Laura Cheek, Associate Director of Career Services for Saint Leo University for inviting me to be the January 2020 “Leaders in Industry” speaker for Saint Leo University Career Services Department. The webinar featured vital information on “Tips and Tricks” to prepare for job interviews. I am honored to give back to my alma mater “Lion Pride.”

Interview “Pep Talk” Featuring: Dr. Jenice Armstead, ’06 ’09

Click here to watch/listen to the entire webinar session