As the end of 2012 looms closer, I’m already slipping into reflection mode about what I’ve done this year for my business. I have accomplished many of my goals, but of course, I could have done a lot more. Ever since I started working for myself, I’ve valued the integration of my work and life. For example, when I downsized my living situation, I was able to focus a lot more on writing vs. consulting because I didn’t have to earn as much money as I did when my expenses were higher. As a result, I chose not to take on any additional long-term consulting clients in 2012. I didn’t want to. And financially, I didn’t have to.

As I begin to think about what I want to experience in 2013, one of the things I’ve been reflecting on is the possibility of moving back to DC sometime next year. When I packed up my apartment in August 2011, I vowed that I would never rent another studio for $1,200 a month. My rent had already gone up the year I moved out of the city and I keep hearing that costs are steadily increasing. So if I wanted to live in DC again, my income would have to go WAY up. I would have to get a full-time job.

Or would I?

Continue Reading

On any given weekday, you’ll find thousands of gainfully-employed ladies complaining about their jobs on social media. I often see tweets and Facebook posts about how people are dreading going to work on Monday or that they can’t wait until Friday so they can get away from their boss from hell. A recent Conference Board survey confirms that over half of American workers are unsatisfied in their jobs. Especially after a particularly bad or hectic day, it can seem impossible to stay positive with all the challenges you may face at work.

No matter what you’re going through at your 9 to 5 though, it’s important to remember that your boss is NOT ultimately responsible for your job satisfaction. You are. If your career isn’t going the way you want it to, it’s up to you to either change it or get out of there and seek out new opportunities. You can’t go around blaming other people for “making” you unhappy in your job – at some point you have to take matters into your own hands. Try these actions to increase your happiness at work – starting right now.

Continue Reading