A few favorite resources...

In my session last week with the awesome and amazing Seattle PyLadies, I referenced a few of my favorite career resources:

Marcia Reynold's book, Wander Woman, was a revelation for me.  It helped me understand my career restlessness, and really adopt and live my bloom where you are planted mantra.  It's a practical and reaffirming read.

Admittedly, I'm a MBTI devotee.  No other tool has been as insightful for me and my self-understanding.  I used In the Grip, focused on type and stress, in a many courses - most especially, negotiation, where stress is a given.  It's a must have for any professional to build their self-awareness.

Lastly, I love Sallie Krawcheck's honest advice.  I'm a big fan of what she publishes on LinkedIn, and I highly recommend her book, Own It.  It's a useful career playbook that focuses on capitalizing on your strengths and existing superpowers.

What else would you recommend?

Bloom where you are Planted.

It has been a busy but exhilarating week! 

I was fortunate enough to speak for the Seattle PyLadies on Career Tactics; share leadership wisdom and learn from other local women leaders at the University of Phoenix's celebration of Women History Month; and, provide encouragement and a point of view about how to return to work via the Puget Sound Career Development Association and Reboot Accelerator Seattle.  WOW.

What I heard back from all sessions is the deep desire professional women have to find their place in their work, a place where they can grow and develop.  I've always believed in the idea: bloom where you are planted.  Sometimes, if you can step back and assess what your priorities are and then find ways to meet those priorities right where you are now, it can take the pressure off.  

I have often found myself searching for the perfect job - and it doesn't exist.  As they say, the grass isn't always greener, if you water your own lawn.