Welcome to the Weekly Reads, where I highlight articles that I found on the web and that are focused on career advice, lifestyle, beauty or anything I think would round-up as useful for the young, modern, working woman. Just get yourself comfortable, pour a cup of coffee – or tea – and enjoy this week’s reads!
Last week was intense. I had two full-day workshops throughout the week alongside a two week’s workload so you can imagine how that went. I basically worked non stop while making sure I close all my activity rings every single day. And let me tell you, it was not easy. Most days I had to squeeze in a workout or a long walk at 10 or 11 pm to make sure I get all calories and activity minutes in before the day would end. I got to the weekend super exhausted and still had to spend half of my Saturday to wrap up work.
Nonetheless, I am off this week so that is quite exciting. I am planning to get get some reading in, relax, go on long walks and even start an online course/certification. Hope you’ve had a good weekend and are starting the new week in good shape!
The Weekly Reads
Difficult conversations. Here are three steps to having difficult — but necessary — conversations. Last week I was in a full-day workshop around conflict management and this article was recommended as a read, so I thought I’d pass on the knowledge.
Upskilling. Have you heard that Google is now offering formal learning opportunities that can boost or even jump-start your career? The Google Career Certificates program offers certifications in data analytics, project management, and user experience design. The courses are remote and flexible for working students and can be completed in about six months, and it seems that Google will view the courses as equivalent to a four-year degree in its own hiring process. I have a bit of a career switch in mind myself and will not say no to a good course.
Essential qualities of a mentor. An excellent read on how to approach mentorship and what it takes to be a (good) mentor. I personally love doing this and giving back whenever I can and teach/coach those around me. It’s such a fulfilling experience, especially as Jennifer says when you don’t give them the answers but you enable/empower them to get to them on their own.
As a mentor, you are not there to make the mentee happy. Your job is to guide and challenge them the best you can with the knowledge you have.
Staying active during the cold season. How to stay active and productive in winter. I basically have the same resolution and I love the physical calendar activity idea. As I shared before, instead I am using my Apple Watch to track it and I am planning to get a perfect month for November.
Tips for negotiating a flexible work schedule. With work from home in the picture for the better part of the year, it’s become extremely difficult to juggle all the different roles and activities around us. Whether it’s childcare and virtual schooling, a new life change, or an active lifestyle, you might benefit from a new work schedule to maintain your emotional and physical well-being. “The urgency level, to advocate for ourselves and our needs, has never been higher.” Ms. Career Girl shares a few tips on how you can handle that conversation, and if you are going to remember one thing, let it be that asking is teh first step and well, it never hurt anybody.
Thank you for reading and I hope you are having a great start into the week!
