Blog by - The Career Passion® Coach

The “foolish” move that changed my life

Apr 01, 2025 |

Twenty-eight years ago, on April 1st, I packed my car with clothes, toiletries, a printer, and a bulky desktop computer. I pointed my little Acura Vigor toward Austin, Texas, where I knew exactly three people—two nieces and a nephew. I had no job waiting, no apartment lined up, and very little cash. But I had a dream.

I had decided to build a business as a communication consultant, helping executives speak confidently in front of large audiences. I didn’t know exactly how I would do it—but I knew I had to try.

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Is it perseverance or stupidity?

Jan 22, 2025 |

Two years ago, we had weather like the last few days – 20s overnight, and a dusting of snow or a little sleet in the morning. In 2023, I had a new personal goal: to walk every single day and get a total of 21 miles logged each week.

I was doing great until January 29, when the temperature dipped to 30 degrees. I was determined to walk and doubted there was any precipitation that mattered. I went to my porch “to see if there was ice.”

I gingerly tested the stoop. And promptly fell, sitting HARD on my left ankle.

The result...

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How easy is your life?

Jan 09, 2025 |

Life is the ultimate “do-over.” Every year, every month, every day and even every hour can provide a new beginning. The problem: We try to correct our mistakes, make up for our deficiencies, and self-critique with harsh resolutions: “I will lose 20 pounds by Valentine’s Day.” Or, “I will go to the gym 5 times a week.”

Affirmations work better than resolutions. First of all, they are positive. Rather than trying to “fix” something in you, an affirmation

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To-Do or Not-to-Do

Dec 21, 2024 |

The holiday season brings a flurry of activities. Professional associations have holiday parties. Your church has a special event, or two. You have three separate family events – his, mine, and ours. Even your neighbor has an open house! Making it to all these events can be a challenge – along with the major responsibility of

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The nerdy reason to look...

Sep 25, 2024 |

OK, I admit it. I was a complete nerd in high school. Driven by grades, grades, and grades.

It didn’t help that I had 5 siblings who were smart and ambitious, too. My brother Bernie led the pack with a solid 4.0 GPA. So, that was a lot to live up to.

I used to get a rush in September because it held the possibility of so many new beginnings...

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How to ask for the Job without begging

Aug 02, 2024 |

We’ve all been there—sitting at the end of a job interview, wondering if we’ve said enough if we’ve shown our best side, and most importantly, if we’re going to get the job.

Guess what? There’s one more thing you can do that almost guarantees that you’ll get the job:

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Want a guarantee that you’ll get the job?

Jul 25, 2024 |

We all know how nerve-wracking job interviews can be. But did you know that a few words at the end of the interview can almost guarantee you’ll get the job? Ask for it. Yes, you read that right! Asking for the job can be a game-changer. Here’s why:

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Want More Freedom?

Jul 04, 2024 |

Got freedom?

The 4^th of July gets me thinking about freedom. As Americans, we are probably the most free society on the planet. Yet, many of us feel we are “locked into” jobs that are not satisfying. I think some job distress comes from an overall feeling that ALL our time is committed. When we aren’t working, we have

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Is your salary enough? Prove it or move it.

May 16, 2024 |

It seems like getting a fair wage is tougher than ever, especially for seasoned salaried professionals. Here are some of the reasons why:

Your dollar just doesn’t stretch like it used to: Think about it—everything from your morning coffee to

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April Fool? Not.

Apr 02, 2024 |

On April Fool’s Day, 27 Years ago, I left my hometown of Des Moines, Iowa with nothing but a car, a computer, and a load of clothes. Armed with the courage to chase my dreams, I arrived knowing just

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You don’t know? Yes, you do.

Mar 07, 2024 |

Feeling lost in your career journey? You're not alone. Most of us feel lost sometimes, unsure of our next move. But guess what? Deep down, we often have a clue about what we want. We just might not want to admit it – even to ourselves.

So, if you're stuck in the "I don't know what I want in my career" loop, let's break it down. Here are five straightforward tips...

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Love Your Career Past? Or hate it?

Feb 15, 2024 |

It is natural and normal to regret the past. Whether you are job seeking, changing careers, or wanting a promotion, it’s normal to regret career decisions of the past.

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My father told me so

Jan 16, 2024 |

Where do you get your advice?

A client recently told me that she stayed three years in an abusive work relationship because her 85-year-old father told her she couldn’t afford to leave.

Yes, three years with a toxic boss who made her feel small, called her stupid to her face and called out fictitious “mistakes” in front of others. There’s no other word for this behavior: Abuse. And abuse has no place in the workplace.

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Begin Again with Affirmations

Jan 08, 2024 |

“You CAN Begin Again,” was the sermon we heard each January from the pastor of our church. I never tired of hearing the message. A New Year can be a wonderful source of motivation: Everything is renewed again and again. Any mistakes and shortcomings you have can be overcome. You are in a constant state of evolution—always moving forward, going higher and higher in achievement.

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Put the Brakes on the Holidays

Dec 14, 2023 |

As the year draws to a close and we find ourselves caught up in the whirlwind of holiday shopping and planning, it’s time to put the brakes on and stop to reflect. Remember that the most precious gift we can give to others doesn't come wrapped in shiny paper and bows.

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Rock your job hunt during the holidays!

Nov 28, 2023 |

The holidays are here, and while some may say it's a tough time to job hunt, I’m here to tell you that it's also a golden opportunity to prepare for your future career.

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Use Coincidence as Your Career Catalyst

Nov 02, 2023 |

I live by intuition and I have learned that it’s important to see coincidences as messages that need attention.

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Lights, Camera, Career: Learn from Tom Cruise's Career Dedication

Aug 03, 2023 |

So, we all know Tom Cruise is a total legend. Well, he's back in the latest "Mission: Impossible" flick, "Dead Reckoning Part One," and he's absolutely killing it! This guy's dedication to his craft is off the charts, and I can't help but admire him. I mean, he's 61 and still doing his own crazy stunts without any CGI!

Talk about commitment and passion for what he does! What if you used Tom’s dedication in your own job search?

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From Setbacks To Success: How Grace Can Transform Your Career

Jul 24, 2023 |

Hey there!

It's been quite a rollercoaster ride for me in the past year, and I wanted to share my story of ups and downs with you. Buckle up!

Picture this: Last year, I was enjoying a fantastic vacation in Alaska when fate had other plans for me. I slipped, fell, and broke my hip. Ouch! But hey, thanks to my healthy habits, I bounced back after surgery and even nailed my physical therapy.

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Score your dream job with this simple strategy

May 25, 2023 |

Let’s face it, competition for jobs is fierce. Today, you have to go the extra mile to attract attention and get an interview. Here are 5 discreet, practical strategies that will put you head and shoulders above the competition. No one has the time to do this for ALL job leads, but when you feel it’s the perfect opportunity, go for the SCORE.

S - Search on LinkedIn to find employees or company executives you can contact. Connect with an employee, learn about the company, and ask them to forward your resume.

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