When I started writing articles for this site, over six years ago, I have a very simple outcome in mind. I wanted anyone who landed on my website to be able to use the advice, tools and techniques, to create their career to enjoy. This guides the topics within my website, and I get inspiration on the content from day-to-day conversations, and themes that arise when I am working with clients, either 1:1 or in a workshop. However, many people arrive at my blog through social media. Where a stand-alone link has been shared, and you “bounce” in and out of the site, not realizing what a goldmine of advice sits waiting for you. So, today I want to get back to basics and share with you how this blog can help you create a career to enjoy.
First things first, let me (re)introduce myself. I’m Clara, a book-obsessed chocolate-loving Brummie, who happens to be a qualified Career and Return to Work Coach. I’ve been working with people to support their careers and well-being for over 20 years now, and plan to continue for at least the next 20! I want this blog to work for those that can’t work with me 1:1; I wholeheartedly believe that everyone deserves a career to enjoy. But it’s not a simple process to get there. Having spent over two decades with career goals, CV development, confidence and interview tips, it’s easy for me to see the wood for the trees. You, on the other hand, are an expert in YOU. Your talents, experience and sector. So, this space on my site is a way of bringing my knowledge and insight into your world, and hopefully, help you guide yourself into a future you deserve.
So, let us bring it back to the blog. I’ve centred each article around the topics that I think the “category” of my clients would need. Let’s give you an example.
If you are looking to change jobs, either internally or externally I would recommend you have a look at the Career Category.
If you are returning to work after a break, and are looking for a confidence boost, then it makes sense to look at Return to Work
Should you need a boost in your confidence, regardless of your job title, then … you know what I’m going to say .. filter the articles against the confidence category.
When life needs some recalibration, then you can find a range of advice and thoughts around balance, right here.
And a lesser used, but just as impactful category is for those running their own business or considering going out on their own as a sole trader, or self-employed. You can uncover those articles in Be The Boss.
Within all of that, I’m aware that our life and career do not exist in a silo; there are lots of cross over. So you may find that you search for a particular phrase. The most popular one (unsurprisingly) is around CVs. To save time, I’ve done this for you. Just click here. You can thank me later.
One common thing that clients are looking for when they work with me, is an insight into what else they can do. That inspiration, I’m not too proud to say, is sprinkled all over the blog. You just may not know it yet. It began as Inspiring Parents, and then grew into the (currently on hiatus) Career Journeys and Featured Clients. Interviews with parents just like you, to show you what else is possible. It’s easy when we are limited to the same people and places, to not know what other career options are available, until you are exposed to the paths of new people.
The final place for inspiration is, if I’m honest, my favourite thing to write about. Books! The personal development book reviews are a monthly place where I share with you some titles that I feel can not only help your personal and professional development but open up you to new and challenging ways of thinking. And, if you don’t have the time (or inclination) to read/listen to them, I will let you know the key themes that you can apply straight away.
Now, I don’t assume, for any second, that you don’t know how to use a blog or a search engine. It is 2022 after all. But, I wanted to give you a gentle reminder of the wealth of content that sits on my website. If you are ready to make a change but don’t have the resources to work with a Coach 1:1, then this site is a great place to start.
Which blogs have helped you the most? I’d love to hear about them.
If you haven’t already, come along to Creating Careers to Enjoy, and join over 500 people, who happen to be parents, who are creating a balance that works for them
Clara Wilcox is a straight talking, practical and experienced coach helping clients navigate the tricky waters of returning to work, career changes and professional development. The Balance Collective is a social enterprise focused on improving the lives of parents, by working together to build inner confidence and promote a healthy work/life balance.
