Kelly McGrath - Career Coach

Catwalk🐱

September 🇬🇷

Why I set intentions not resolutions ⬇️

While we don’t need the rolling in of a new year to allow us to reevaluate and reassess, I do find something cathartic in reflecting and creating space for the new. Instead of resolutions, I like to set intentions.

✨Intentions are rooted in the present, focused on creating abundance in our lives. Whereas resolutions tend to be a statement to change something, focusing very much on the end goal. As a result they often inspire negative thinking about your current situation.

➡️ For example, if you set an intention of “doing meaningful work that creates an impact”, at the end of each week take time to pause and reflect on this. Ask yourself: “Has the work I’ve done been meaningful? How have I created an impact?”

➡️ To keep yourself accountable on this, then ask yourself: “What could I do differently and what will I focus on next week?”

💡 Intentions let you have a (loose!) direction and focus which in turn creates the space for something to happen or naturally evolve without pressure.

Have you set any intentions for 2023?

Meow-y Christmas 🐾🐱🎄❤️

Is unlimited PTO/annual leave a con?! ✈️ Read on!

It certainly can be an unused benefit in a company where taking annual leave isn’t encouraged.

In order for unlimited PTO to be an *actual* benefit, it needs to be utilised and be part of the culture of a company. It’s no use having it as a benefit if the behaviour isn’t modelled by leadership and snr management.

There are some studies out there that show some employees can take *less* annual leave when they have unlimited PTO. This can be because people are more likely to use holidays/perks when they have an allotted amount. I recently saw a company announce on LinkedIn that they changed from unlimited holidays to 35 days annual leave for this very reason!

When used correctly and encouraged, unlimited PTO can stop people squirrelling away all their holidays for summer or the end of the year (hello burn out). True flexible working policies that support work/life balance can not only keep current employees happy, but can be a huge perk when attracting new talent.

Q. And what has this got to do with me sitting in a bridesmaid dress? 😂

A. The company I work at rolled out unlimited PTO at the start of the year, I set myself a goal of taking between 30-35 days (to make sure I was actually getting benefit from it).

For me unlimited PTO has been game changing. It meant that when I was a bridesmaid earlier this month, I didn’t have to ration out my leave or fly out before/after work. I got to head home the weekend before the wedding to spend time with family, before travelling to the west of Ireland 💒 Something I wouldn’t have been able to do before because my PTO would have all been used up or saved for Christmas. It’s also meant that I’ve been able to have ad-hoc long weekends doing very little without feeling like I am “wasting” my annual leave. Before unlimited PTO I felt every day off had to be “productive” and “meaningful”… which generally meant I felt guilty if I just wanted to rest or spend the day reading in a cafe.

💡Have you ever worked anywhere with unlimited PTO? And, in general, is it something you’d rate as a benefit if looking for a new job? Let me know 👇🏼

Wondering what career path is right for you? ➡️⠀
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Do you get that sense that deep down you could have a job that makes you happier... But, quite frankly, haven’t a clue where to start and are scared of making a “mistake”?⠀
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💡While some people know exactly what job they want to move into, for others it can take a lot of time to figure it out. Especially if you’ve been in the same industry for years and are worried about “starting over”. Always remember that you aren’t starting from scratch and that you have transferable skills and life experience. ⠀
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💡When I work with clients who are looking for a career change or new job we often start by exploring core values, innate qualities/personality and skillset. This helps us get underneath the surface and get clarity on how to find true career fulfilment bespoke to them - it can provide lightbulb moments of realisation and set the wheels in motion to take that next career leap. It can also be a great exercise to do if something feels like it’s “missing” from your current job but you’re not quite sure what it is.⠀
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⚡️1:1 Coaching: Drop me a DM if you’d like to find out more about working together. I currently have limited availability before Christmas, including 90 minute power sessions for those looking for a one-off intensive session on interview prep!⚡️

What makes a CV stand out? 🤔

When you’re building out your CV, make sure you’re not underselling yourself. This is not the time to play small or be modest.

1. Take stock of your current and past work/extracurricular activities
2. Bullet point key responsibilities, skills & achievements
3. Bolster each point with powerful action verbs, figures & results to support each statement and showcase your impact

⚡️ I’ll shortly be opening up spaces for my last round of coaching before Christmas, as well as launching limited spaces for one-off power sessions (90 mins) on topics such as CV planning, interview prep or overcoming interview nerves. Drop me a DM or email (link in bio)if you’d like to know more 📧

Does your ever growing ‘to do’ list feel impossible to complete? ✅

A helpful way to reset is to divid your list into three key sections:
1️⃣ Things that you HAVE to do
2️⃣ Things that you WANT to do
3️⃣ Things that OTHERS want you to do

By splitting your list out like this, it gives you clarity on your non-negotiable tasks and also highlights tasks that other people may be pressurising you to do (which may not be an actual priority for you!).

How do you feel about your ‘to do’ list for this week? Share below any tips or tricks you have to feeling on top of tasks 📝

35 🥂 in key numbers 🤓:

- Over 10 years in London
- Four years vegan
- Worked in three different countries (Ireland, UK, Australia)
- Changed career paths three times (radio production, social media marketing, recruitment)
- 11 years working in Talent Acquisition
- Five years teaching yoga
- Two years as a Career Coach outside of my “day job”
- One year married
- 9 months with our rescue cat 🐱

❤️❤️❤️