Murray Hill Institute
Newsletter

August 2004
Volume 1, Number 2

  Q & A
 

Our online discussion continues with answers to Sarah M., who asked in our prior Newsletter:

Q: “I have been doing the same kind of work for many years (I work in a large corporation) and although I like my job, it is hard to retain the same level of interest and enthusiasm that I had at the beginning. What are some of your readers’ best tips for avoiding burnout and continuing professional growth after one has ‘maxed out’ on upward mobility?”

A: Katy S. of Yonkers, NY writes:
“I was in a similar spot a few years ago, and investigated the training programs that my corporation offered. I took a seminar in contract negotiation, which I was interested in but had always tended to avoid. I began to negotiate simple contracts when I completed the course and now do it regularly—it provides variety and gives me an opportunity to meet more people from outside the corporation. Even if the new skill you are learning is not one that you can immediately put to use, it freshens your whole outlook to learn something new.”

A: Joanne S. from Dayton, Ohio, writes:
“Is there a younger worker or intern in your department that you could help to train or mentor? If not, how about volunteering your job-related skills to help a non-profit enterprise that you would like to support? Using your skills in a new role or setting can help you to appreciate them more, and the beneficiaries of your help will appreciate them too!”

Work and life balance is a concern for women and men alike.

Q: Debbie Y. from Crystal Lake, IL asks:
“Now that my children are in school, I am thinking about going back to work. The type of work I do is difficult to do part-time or from home—it would require a full 40-hour week with occasional overtime. What are some of the things I need to take into consideration in making this decision? I’d like to hear from other readers who have made this transition.”

Send your answers, and ideas for future questions to: info@murrayhillinstitute.org

Click here to download August Newsletter