Your Career Forecast: March / April 2017

ELLEN_FONDILER_CAREER_FORECAST_ARIES_2017

I work as a career and business strategist. But my secret passion is… astrology!

About once a month,  I post an overview of what’s happening in the cosmos and how it might influence your career. It’s called: Your Career Forecast.

Whether you’re job-hunting, running your own business, or wondering about the ideal time to ask for a raise or take a vacation, each Career Forecast will reveal the important dates and cosmic shifts that you need to know about.

I am joined by my dear friend, Heidi Rose Robbins, a master astrologer who will provide expert insight into what’s going on in the stars.

Let’s dive in!


OVERVIEW

What’s going on this month…

HEIDI: The Sun moves into Aries on March 20th, 2017. This is the astrological New Year. Aries launches spring and all things new. It inaugurates, initiates and dives in. It does not pause. It acts. With Aries, we slough off any sense of hopelessness and get to work. Use Aries to overcome procrastination. There is no better sign to bust through lethargy.

Mercury is a very important sign for Aries. Both Aries and Mercury are connected with brilliant ideas. On March 26th, Mercury will line up directly with Uranus—the planet of innovation, excitement and change. This is brainstorming and brilliant idea time extraordinaire. Go to your favorite coffee shop, open up a blank book and start scribbling. Or convene a group of allies and see what you can create together.

On March 29th, stabilize those ideas! Mercury is in harmony with Saturn. Saturn makes things happen. It organizes, stabilizes and commits. So, under this transit, we can commit to our new ideas. We can have serious conversations and speak with authority. Talk to your boss. Talk to yourself as your own boss. Commit to just one of your new brilliant ideas and take the first action step.

On March 31st, Mercury moves into Taurus. It’s been working at full capacity in Aries and now slows down to be a bit more methodical. Use Mercury in Taurus to sit still and review what has been created. If there’s a big project and you need to get into the flow, start slowly. Read slowly. Write slowly. Absorb what needs to be absorbed. Take the time to digest the material you need to digest. This is also a good time for eloquence—for communicating with beauty instead of just speed.

Venus moves into Pisces on April 3rd. This entrance also heralds a quieter time. Venus wants to spend lots of time dreaming when in Pisces. She want to put on music, take a bath, listen to a book on tape or watch a movie. She wants to consider ways in which she can turn her compassion into action, because she wants her love to make a difference in the world. This is a wonderful artistic combination. Problem solve through your deepest artistry. Dream your way into answers.

Mercury goes retrograde on April 9th. It will stay retrograde until May 3rd. You know the drill. Generally, it’s best not to launch into any huge new endeavor. Technical issues can abound and travel has a way of supplying interesting, unexpected turns and delays. But it’s a powerful time for reflection and retreat. It’s a time to review. If we could all just go off on a silent meditation retreat for Mercury retrograde, we’d probably come back ready to save the world. In lieu of that, find your own way to create a little more silence and reflection in your days.

Finally, expect the unexpected on April 14th when the Sun shares the exact same zodiacal degree as Uranus in the heavens. This is a day of change, electricity, upheaval or revelation. It shakes things up and wakes things up. It may very well wake us up. Try something out of your usual routine. Experiment. Push beyond your own edges. Stir up your day with something good.

Enjoy the month of Aries. It’s a feisty, potent month!

What does all of this mean for your career?

Let’s look closer…


JOB-HUNTING?

Here’s what you need to know…

ELLEN: As Heidi mentioned, March 20th, 2017 is the astrological New Year. A fresh start! If you’re job hunting, this is an excellent moment to decide what you really want out of your next position. Make a list of 5 qualities that you’re looking for. Do you want a flexible schedule? Would you like to develop a particular skill? Is there a particular salary you’re aiming for? Write down your “fantasy job description.” Set a clear intention for what you want.

Say to yourself, “There are tons of amazing companies out there. I know I can find a job that excites me.” Try not to sink into lethargy and pessimism. Ride the hopeful energy that’s percolating on March 20th. Optimism rules on this day!

If you’re feeling anxious about your job hunt, or feeling stuck and unsure about what type of job would make you happy, don’t isolate yourself. Staying home and flicking through your Facebook feed probably won’t help you get clarity. Instead of being alone, reach out and connect. Invite some friends out for a meal and have a career brainstorming session. March 26th would be an especially good day for this type of get-together—it’s a day that’s filled with innovative, exciting, let’s-figure-it-out energy. Plus, this year, March 26th happens to be a Sunday. Brunch, anyone?

ALREADY HAVE A JOB?

Here’s what you need to know…

ELLEN: As Heidi mentioned, Venus moves into Pisces on April 3rd, which happens to fall on a Monday this year. This is a dreamy, quiet, reflective type of day. You may find yourself wanting to snuggle in bed way past your usual wake-up time. You might feel inspired to “play hooky” and spend some quality time with someone you love.

If you can take this Monday off work—and give yourself a nice, long, 3-day weekend—go for it. If that’s not possible, try to step away from your typical workday grind. Visit a bookstore on your lunch break and let yourself wander. Listen to an inspiring podcast on your commute. Head out to see a concert in the evening. Fill up your inspiration tank, and don’t push yourself too hard. This is not the day to “buckle down,” “grind away,” and “make things happen.” As Heidi puts it, this is a day when you’ll “dream your way into answers.”

Mark your calendar for April 14th, too. This day is all about change and upheaval. Your boss might make a surprising announcement. A friend or co-worker could make a surprising proposition. It’s also a great day to try new things and shake things up. Instead of doing your weekly meeting in the conference room, take your team out to a bowling alley, or a martial arts class, or to the park for an afternoon picnic. Shake up the stagnant energy, get people moving, and new ideas will start flowing, too.


SELF-EMPLOYED OR RUNNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS?

Here’s what you need to know…

ELLEN: Got some big goals right now? (I know you do!) Good news: the stars are aligning to bring tons of motivation and determination. On March 29th, when Mercury harmonizes with Saturn, you’ll feel an urge to organize, organize, organize. Divide big tasks into small steps. Make all those phone calls you’ve been putting off. Boss yourself around!

March 29th is also a terrific day to ask yourself, “What would help me to feel more powerful and authoritative?” Hiring a stylist to help upgrade your wardrobe? Working with a vocal coach to help you develop a rich, resonant speaking voice? Whatever you need in order to feel “like a boss,” go for it.

On March 31st, when Mercury moves into Taurus, stay in boss-mode and keep working persistently on your goals. Taurus is represented by the Bull—slow and steady, strong, plowing forward. Avoid getting distracted by “shiny objects.” This is not the time to spontaneously throw yourself into a new project, or change your entire website on a whim. Stay focused on the important goals you’ve already set, and see things through to the end. Finish what you’ve started. You’ll feel so proud of yourself for being tenacious and getting things done!


IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

March 20th – Sun into Aries. (The astrological New Year. A fresh start!)

March 26th – Mercury conjunct Uranus. (Innovation, excitement, and change. A great day for collaboration and brainstorming.)

March 29th – Mercury trine Saturn. (Act like a boss. Get organized and re-commit to your goals.)

March 31st – Mercury into Taurus. (Stay focused on your goals. Make slow, steady, methodical progress.)

April 3rd – Venus into Pisces. (A dreamy, quiet, reflective day. Chill out and let your mind wander.)

April 9th – Mercury goes retrograde. (Try to avoid starting a big new project, if possible. Instead, hunker down and tie up loose ends. Back-up your computer. Organize your workspace. Focus on finishing and tidying, not launching.)

April 14th – Sun conjunct Uranus. (Excitement, upheaval, and surprises! Expect the unexpected today, and shake things up. Experimentation will be rewarded.)


YOUR CAREER MANTRA FOR THIS MONTH:

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” —Lao Tzu

In my work as a career coach, I spend a lot of time working with people who feel stuck and overwhelmed. People typically hire me when their career goals feel “too big.” The journey ahead feels “too long.” Too many steps to take. Too many hurdles to get over. They wonder, “Can I really do this? Will I ever get where I want to be? It feels like it’s never going to happen. I don’t know if I have what it takes.”

I always encourage my clients to stop worrying about “how long” it’s going to take. Instead, focus on the one step you can take today. Make one phone call. Send one email. Schedule one meeting. Research one grad school program. Take one step today, and another step tomorrow, and keep going. One month from now, you’ll be thirty steps closer to achieving your goal.

Ride the energy of Aries—new beginnings, fresh starts, innovation, optimism, and passion—and keep moving in the direction you want to go. Make a pact with yourself. Decide to keep marching forward, no matter what.

Until next time…

ELLEN_SIGNATURE


Learn more about my career & business coaching services here.

Learn more about Heidi and her astrological services here.

Ask Ellen: I Can’t Wait Much Longer

Dear Ellen,

I started a business about 18 months ago. I was so enthusiastic at first, but lately I’ve been having a tough time, both emotionally and financially. Looking back over the past 18 months, I haven’t made as much money as I hoped I would. In fact, I’ve been slowly burning through my savings just to pay my bills and stay afloat.

I don’t know if I should keep “pressing forward” and have faith that things will improve, or if I should quit now and figure out some other path. I know that building a successful business requires time, effort, and patience, but my patience is running out.

Do you have any guidance for someone in my situation?

Can’t Wait Much Longer

ASK_ELLEN

Dear CWML,

When you’re self-employed, there’s nothing scarier than staring at your bank account balance and realizing that lots of money is flowing out, but there’s not much flowing in.

You might start to feel panicky and really hard on yourself, thinking, “What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I make this work? Maybe I’m just not cut out to be an entrepreneur…” and other dark, gloomy thoughts.

Without knowing the exact details of your situation, CWML, it’s difficult for me to offer specific guidance. But here’s what I can tell you, for sure:

Tenacity is the secret to success.

When you look around at the businesses that are thriving and prospering, it might seem like they just sprang out of nowhere, or that each one is a fantastical overnight success. I can promise you: that’s never the case.

Crossfit, the workout craze that’s been booming in popularity lately, has actually been around for nearly 16 years. It’s only recently that it’s become a “household name.”

Fedex, Amazon, and the Tupperware company—those are three more examples of companies that are wildly successful, today, but that struggled to generate any profits for the first 3, 4, even 5 years or more.

My friend Susan Hyatt is a life coach and motivational speaker who runs a company that generates $1 million dollars a year, but that’s because she’s been diligently working on her business for nearly 10 years.

Tiffany Han is a podcaster and writer who shared the story of her $40,000 online product launch with total honesty and transparency. (Hint: it didn’t happen overnight.)

I could go on and on. You get the idea.

Figuring out what you want to sell, creating an enticing product or service that people actually want, building a fan base for your work… ironing out the kinks in your business… all of that takes time. Sometimes, a LOT more time than we’d like.

The entrepreneurs who are willing to ride it out and keep marching forward with almost super-human patience and tenacity—those are the people who ultimately succeed.

Now, all of that being said, you’ve got bills to pay and you need to earn money—in some way or another—to support yourself until your business can fully support you!


If you need to earn money quickly, here are a couple of ideas to consider:

• Drive an Uber or a Lyft.

Almost all the people I talk to who drive for Uber or Lyft do it to earn extra cash to support their main gigs. The great thing is that you make your own schedule! Turn your car into a money-making (and networking opportunity) to put extra money in your bank account.

• Outsource your skills.

Can you do graphic design, website development, video editing, software development or customer service? Think about parlaying those skills into extra income opportunities by signing up on sites such as TaskRabbit or ODesk. Like with Uber and Lyft, you can pick and choose how often you want to work and what jobs you take!

• Rent out a room in your house.

Do you have an extra room in your house that is not being used? Do you travel for work and often have an empty house during the week or on weekends? This empty space can be parlayed into extra income by listing your space on sites like Airbnb or VRBO.

• Clean your house and sell things on eBay.

Spend a weekend cleaning your house (the basement, garage, all those closets and drawers (a la Marie Kondo). You will be amazed at all the valuable treasures you will find. Computers, screens, iPod’s you no longer use. Great clothes you no longer wear. Furniture, dishes- you name it. Sell what you don’t want on eBay. Your junk is another person’s treasure.

There are endless ways to create a side hustle to generate money. Renting out infant gear to tourists. Pet sitting. Officiating weddings. With imagination and grit you will get there. Check out Chris Guillebeau’s podcast, Side Hustle School – for more great ideas.

If you’re feeling really stuck and confused about how to earn money, or which direction you ought to take your career next, consider talking to a good friend, a mentor, or a professional career/business advisor (someone like me) so that you can create a specific action plan for the next chapter of your life.

No matter what happens next, you can hold your head high and feel proud of yourself… knowing that you didn’t just fantasize about launching a business, you actually did it. Even if you ultimately decide to close down—or dramatically change—your business, you can do so without any trace of shame. At least you tried to start a business and make it work. How many people can say that? Not many.

Be proud of everything you’ve done, and stay optimistic for everything yet to come.

With love,

ELLEN_SIGNATURE


Image: Willie Franklin

Your Career Forecast: February / March 2017

Ellen Fondiler | Your Career Forecast for Pisces: February / March 2017

I work as a career and business strategist. But my secret passion is… astrology!

About once a month,  I post an overview of what’s happening in the cosmos and how it might influence your career. It’s called: Your Career Forecast.

Whether you’re job-hunting, running your own business, or wondering about the ideal time to ask for a raise or take a vacation, each Career Forecast will reveal the important dates and cosmic shifts that you need to know about.

I am joined by my dear friend, Heidi Rose Robbins, a master astrologer who will provide expert insight into what’s going on in the stars.

Let’s dive in!


OVERVIEW

What’s going on this month…

HEIDI: The Sun moves into Pisces on February 18th, 2017. Pisces is the last sign of the zodiac, and it represents “the end of an era.” The question is… “What comes next?”

At this moment in time, will we spiral into disillusionment and hopelessness, or rise together? Will we turn our backs on those who are hungry, homeless, and in danger, or lend a helping hand? Will we rely on reality TV shows and mindless drinking and snacking to cope with the harsh realities of the world, or can we find healthier options? Will we take a passive backseat, or take action to create a better world—marching, writing, fundraising, teaching, mentoring, and creating art?

Pisces is a time of intense vulnerability and sensitivity. It’s a time when we must learn how to feel our emotions fully, without sinking into self-sabotaging behaviors or trying to “numb out” or “escape.” Like the two fish in the ancient legend, we have to keep swimming forward, not sink into the murky darkness below.

Pisces is also connected to dreaming, imagination, intuition, and inspiration. Musicians, poets, photographers and filmmakers are all deeply influenced by Pisces. Throughout this month, be on the look-out for bursts of unexpected inspiration. If there was ever a time to channel your emotions into a creative project, this is it.

On February 25th, the planet Mercury moves into Pisces as well. Mercury rules writing, texting, blogging, podcasting, public speaking—all types of communication. But with a Mercury-Pisces combination, this might NOT be the best day to express yourself in a public setting. Instead, use this day for inward communication and reflection. Write in your private journal. Pour out your emotions. Take a long walk and see what types of messages come into your mind. Sit down with a friend for a wandering conversation over tea. You might have a surprising realization, or find inspiration for your next project.

On March 1st, the Sun sits next to Neptune. Typically, this would be a quiet, dreamy kind of day, but this year we’ve got three planets and the Moon in the sign of Aries, so it’s the perfect moment to take action around a creative project. Take a concrete step forward. Outline your next book. Hire a designer. Reach out to a possible mentor. Apply for a grant. This is not a “meditative” day. This is a “Go get it!” day, as Ellen would say!

On March 9th, Mars moves into Taurus. Mars is all about energy, action, and desire, and Taurus is represented by the bull—strong, determined, eager to “bulldoze” through whatever obstacles lie ahead. This Mars-Taurus combination will be hanging in the air for the next two months. This is great news if you’re chasing a big goal right now—whether it’s launching a new podcast, or paying off the rest of your student loan debt, or finding the perfect location for your new shop. You’ll feel more determined than ever, ready to move mountains and get things done.

On March 13th, Mercury moves into Aries. Aries is all about spontaneity, optimism, and being daring—like when you leap headfirst into a new adventure without worrying about all the fussy details. And again, Mercury is all about communication. What do you need to say? Who needs to hear you? This is a powerful day to start (or re-start) a communication-focused project. Maybe it’s time to revive that old email newsletter that you’ve been neglecting for months. Or start a new blog. Or post a video on Instagram. Be bold and decisive. Say exactly what’s on your mind.

Finally, on March 18th, Mercury and Venus sit next to one another in the heavens. We’ve got more communication mojo from Mercury, plus the loving, tender qualities of Venus. If there’s one word that sums up this day, it’s… eloquence. When Mercury and Venus align, words flow beautifully. This is a powerful day to “write from the heart.” Send a “thank you” note to someone you care about. Email an update to your customers about a project that’s filling you with intense joy. People will feel your warmth and enthusiasm. Your communication powers will be hugely amplified.

To sum it all up… this is going to be a very interesting month.

We’ve got the sensitive, emotional qualities of Pisces. We’ve got a number of planets in Aries, bringing bold new ideas and decisive action. We’ve got tons of Mercurian energy, too, which amplifies our powers of communication. Emotion + action + communication = a magical combination.

In astrology, though, there’s always a shadow side to every shining opportunity. Will we use our powers of communication to gossip, snark, and belittle people—or to heal wounds and promote understanding? Will we allow our emotions to run wild, instigating fights, creating even more division—or create more unity?

We all need to be cautious about how we’re using our words, our time, and our energy—especially during the time of Pisces.

As the saying goes, “With great power comes great responsibility.” This applies to all of us, because we’re all much more powerful than we realize.

What does all of this mean for your career? Let’s look closer…


JOB-HUNTING?

Here’s what you need to know…

ELLEN: When you’re searching for a new job, it can be tempting to snatch up the very first job offer that comes your way—especially if you’re unemployed and if money is tight. But when the Sun moves into Pisces on February 18th, it marks the end of an era, and the beginning of something new.

This is the perfect time to ask yourself:

What did I love about my last job?
What really bothered me about my last job?
What do I want to get / have / learn from my next job?
What type of career do I really want to build for myself?
What’s the next stepping-stone to get me there?

Use this time to reflect seriously on what you want. Imagine a whole new chapter of your career is beginning. What do you really want to do? You don’t necessarily have to take a new job that’s similar to your last job. You could pivot in a completely new direction. Or, you could negotiate for something new—like working from home, or extra vacation time, or new responsibilities that pave the way for a promotion in the future.

Think expansively. Dream bigger. It’s the dawn of a whole new era. What do you want to swim towards?

ALREADY HAVE A JOB?

Here’s what you need to know…

ELLEN: Working in a team has so many advantages. You’ve got people to bounce ideas around with, people to have coffee with, people with diverse skills that complement your own.

But of course, working in a team setting has disadvantages, too. Sometimes, emails go unanswered. People show up to meetings late or unprepared. Red tape gets wrapped around your ideas. The more people are involved, the more likely it is that projects get stalled… or never get finished at all.

If there’s something at your job that’s been “stalling out” for a while, good news! With the Mars-Taurus combination on March 9th, you’ll feel a surge of “bulldozer” energy. Now’s the time to rally the troops and get things done—for real this time!

March 9th would be a great day to march over to peoples’ desks to chat in person, rather than sending yet another email. Or hold a meeting—with free snacks and lots of coffee—to get people re-excited about the project that’s been neglected. Set a new deadline for the project. Offer exciting incentives—like prizes or cash bonuses—to get people into high gear. With Mars and Taurus aligned in the sky, your efforts will be doubly rewarded. Things might get finished even faster than you expected!


SELF-EMPLOYED OR RUNNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS?

Here’s what you need to know…

ELLEN: A friend once said to me, “Every business problem can be traced back to a communication problem.” Think about it. If customers aren’t buying your products, that probably means the language on your website is confusing or boring. If clients keep canceling appointments at the last minute, that probably means your “client policies” need to be re-written more clearly. If your employees are doing a half-assed job, that probably means you haven’t found the right words to motivate them.

Low sales, low morale, cancellations, unhappy customers who want refunds—usually, it all has something to do with how you’ve communicated in the past.

Here’s some excellent news: February and March are positively jam-packed with energy from the planet Mercury, which rules communication. Your writing, texting, emailing, blogging, and podcasting powers will be strengthened and amplified. Hooray!

On February 25th, do some writing in private, or meet with a coach or consultant to discuss some of the business problems you’ve been having. Brainstorm, reflect, and figure out some new policies and ideas. Do some behind-the-scenes work to upgrade your communication.

Then on March 13th, go public. Update your site. Announce a new project or policy. Post a video where you share strong feelings about something you really care about. Post new product descriptions that you’ve rewritten with tons of passion and energy—maybe, product descriptions that tell the fascinating “behind-the-scenes story” of how this product came to be.

On March 18th, keep the communication rolling! With Mercury aligning with Venus, today is all about words + love. Send a surprise gift to your mailing list subscribers. Write a heartfelt “thank you” letter to a business mentor. Email 10 recent customers, out of the blue, just to say, “I really appreciate you.” People will be enchanted and inspired by your words and thoughtful gestures.

Warm, tender feelings abound today—and it goes both ways! You might wake up to discover some “fan mail” in your inbox, or an appreciative text from a client who absolutely loves you. Bask in the love. Also, save the praise you receive in a special file. Re-read those love notes whenever you’re feeling discouraged, and remind yourself, “This is why I’m doing this. This is why I run my own business. All of the effort is worth it, because of emails, texts, and moments like this.”


IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

February 18th – The Sun moves into Pisces. (It’s the end of an era. What’s next?)

February 25th – Mercury moves into Pisces. (Today is all about communication combined with emotion and reflection. Turn inward. Journal. Meditate. What messages come into your mind?)

March 1st – The Sun conjuncts Neptune. (Take action around a creative project. No stalling. Go get it!)

March 9th – Mars moves into Taurus. (You’ll feel like a “bulldozer of love.” Starting today, and for the next two months, move mountains and get big things done.)

March 13th – Mercury moves into Aries. (There’s spontaneity, optimism, and a daring quality in the air. Say exactly what’s on your mind. Be bold and decisive.)

March 18th – Mercury conjuncts Venus. (Today is all about communication combined with tenderness and love. Spread positivity. Send gifts. Say “thank you” and “I love you.” People will swoon over your words.)


YOUR CAREER MANTRA FOR THIS MONTH:

“I don’t want to be at the mercy of my emotions. I want to use them.”
—Oscar Wilde

The month of Pisces can be a challenging time, especially for highly emotional, intuitive, sensitive people. Sometimes, anxieties about your career, your income, or the world around you can feel like “too much” to handle. It’s tempting to crawl into a Netflix-and-pizza-delivery cave, pull the blanket over your body, and hide out.

Our challenge—at all times, but especially this month—is to find ways to “use” our emotions instead of “drowning” in them. Channel your frustration into a creative project. Pour your discouragement into your work. As the late Carrie Fisher once said, “Take your broken heart and turn it into art.” It’s tough, but we can do it.

Until next time…

ELLEN_SIGNATURE


Learn more about my career & business coaching services here.

Learn more about Heidi and her astrological services here.

UNLOCKED Links: February 2017


Once a month, I curate the best links on how to find work that you love, be excellent at what you do, and unlock any door that stands in your way. Mostly, I gather articles and podcasts that capture my attention because they make me think or laugh. Here is the link round-up for February 2017!

Thought For The Month

Ellen Fondiler | UNLOCKED Links: February 2017

• If you can think it, you can do it! A British man earns $700 per month writing fish tank reviews. Another person makes saddles for pet chickens. Chris Guiilibeau’s new podcast shines a daily light on side hustle businesses from the bizarre to the unthinkable.

This is one of my favorite sites because it walks you through the process of figuring out what you want to do and finding work you love.

• Tim Ferris and Debbie Millman talk about designing a life, work, rejection and success. A great conversation.

• I am trying to take a break from the news and from being in front of a screen all day. I thought that reading biographies of some great past Presidents would help ease the pain of the one we have. Here is a list of the best of the best.

• What just happened? Here is Nate Silver’s analysis of what reporters and data geeks missed about the election (and what they are still getting wrong).

• As we learned with the women’s march, there is so much power in supporting one another to reach our goals. Here, 25 famous women talk about their mentors and how they helped them get to where they are today.

• I know we are all dreaming about impeachment. I hate to be a downer, but the man behind this man is no better. He’s trampled on the rights of women, LGBTQ folks and the poor. Then there’s the incompetence. Here is the back-story on Mike Pence, the man who could be our next President.

These are some great podcasts from public radio. Let’s all donate to keep these alive and thriving.

• Jerry Seinfeld has found a new calling with his show ‘Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee’ (I love it!). In this great interview, he talks about life after Seinfeld.

• I love reading wedding announcements (and obituaries). They pull the curtain aside and give us a glimpse into the every day lives of the famous and ordinary people that walk and live amongst us. The New York Times has been publishing wedding announcements for 165 years. Here is a sampling.

• I loved this story from Elizabeth Gilbert. It is yet one more reminder why we should be kind and open-hearted to everyone that crosses our path.

• Read this! This woman is a super hero.

• Do you work from home? Are there days that you think you will go nuts if you don’t get out of the house? This will make you laugh (and maybe push you to go to a co-working space a few days a week!)

• Arianna Huffington always has sound advice about how to stay sane and centered in the crazy world (hint: get lots of sleep). In this time of Trump, her wise words are a salve.

Happy reading and listening,

ELLEN_SIGNATURE


Image: Willie Franklin.

Ask Ellen: How Can I Get People Excited About My Work?

Dear Ellen,

For a long time, I had an impressive-sounding job at a pretty well-known company. When I introduced myself to people, their faces would light up and they’d say all kinds of nice, complimentary things. (“Wow, what a cool job!” “That’s so amazing!” “I love that company!” That sort of thing.)

But after doing a lot of soul-searching, I decided to leave that job and start my own business. My current business is kind of hard to describe—I do spiritual/healing work—and nowadays, when I tell people about what I do, their faces usually don’t light up. Mostly, they just look confused.

I have to admit—it’s really hurting my ego. I’m tired of feeling like people don’t understand me, or think that my new profession is some kind of joke. A big part of me really misses having a “neat and tidy job title” that immediately impresses people.

Can you relate to that? Do you have any guidance for me?

I guess I just want people to hear about my work and feel excited, like they used to.
I’m starting to feel like that’s never going to happen.

Formerly Impressive

Ellen Fondiler: Ask Ellen

Dear FI,

I started my career as an attorney—high-pressure cases, packed schedule, briefcase, power suit, the whole nine yards. When I introduced myself, most people were immediately impressed. Maybe even intimidated.

Then after 12 years, I decided I wasn’t interested in practicing law anymore. The hours were too long, the cases were too depressing (I specialized in death penalty appeals), and the environment just wasn’t right for me anymore.

I walked away from my identity as a lawyer and decided to open a bakery along with a couple of friends. Going from “courtrooms” to “cookies” isn’t a typical career transition, and plenty of people thought I was completely nuts. (“You’re doing WHAT?!” was the general response to my decision.)

But that was just the beginning. Over the course of my multi-decade career, I’ve been a lawyer, a baker, a landscape designer, a non-profit director, a fundraiser, and a documentary filmmaker. (Currently, I work as a career/business consultant.)

I’ve had many business cards and many identities, and I know how stressful and unnerving it can feel to make a big leap from one industry to another, even when it’s something you really want to do.

YES, it stings your ego when you describe your new business to someone and they seem baffled or disinterested.

YES, it hurts when you’ve become accustomed to people respecting you and asking you for advice, and then suddenly, you’re working in an entirely new industry and nobody knows you exist.

YES, it’s annoying when people stare at you like you’re completely crazy.

But that’s the price that you pay when you decide to make a major leap with your career. There’s going to be a slightly awkward transition period. There always is.

A few years ago, I stepped down from a prestigious position as a non-profit director. I managed a team of 5 people. I earned a good salary. It was a non-profit organization that I built myself, from the ground up, and I had a lot of emotional ties to the project.

The day that I stepped down, once again, it felt like a part of my identity was taken away. I wasn’t “Ellen Fondiler, Founder and Director of MEarth” anymore. I was “Ellen Fondiler, Lost Soul” or “Ellen Fondiler, Entrepreneurial Something-Or-Other” or “Ellen Fondier, Uh, Your Guess Is As Good As Mine.”

It felt strange and bittersweet to lose the “job title” that I had cherished for so long. Even though it was my choice to walk away, it was still a strange sensation.

But in due time, the awkward transition period ended, as it always does. I found my footing again. I chose my new path. I launched my new website. I printed my new business cards. And before too long, I had a new profession that I felt excited and proud to talk about. I stepped into my new identity and fully owned it.

My advice to you?

Worry less about what other people think about your new business.

Focus more on becoming the best possible entrepreneur you can be.

Proudly own your new identity, and hold your head high.

Don’t lose sight of your ‘Why’

Have fun on a daily basis.

And lastly, remember: you’ve found work that you love. That’s the ultimate dream for so many people, and you’re not just dreaming about, you’re doing it and living it. If that’s not “impressive,” then I don’t know what is.

With love,

ELLEN_SIGNATURE


Image: Willie Franklin

Your Career Forecast: January / February 2017

Ellen Fondiler | Your Career Forecast for Aquarius: January / February 2017

I work as a career and business strategist. But my secret passion is… astrology!

About once a month,  I post an overview of what’s happening in the cosmos and how it might influence your career. It’s called: Your Career Forecast.

Whether you’re job-hunting, running your own business, or wondering about the ideal time to ask for a raise or take a vacation, each Career Forecast will reveal the important dates and cosmic shifts that you need to know about.

I am joined by my dear friend, Heidi Rose Robbins, a master astrologer who will provide expert insight into what’s going on in the stars.

Let’s dive in!


OVERVIEW

What’s going on this month…

HEIDI: The Sun moves into Aquarius on January 19th, 2017—one day before Inauguration Day in the United States. Aquarius embodies the spirit of revolution. It’s all about coming together, joining forces, and making the world a more luminous place. “Freedom,” “Democracy,” “Authenticity,” “Reinvention”—those are the types of words that sum up what Aquarian energy is all about.

Under the sign of Aquarius, we have an opportunity to ask ourselves, “How can I use my personal gifts to create a safer, happier, and more beautiful world?”

As a new—and frankly, quite terrifying—President takes control of the White House, we all need to dig deep within ourselves and decide, “I’ll do everything in my power to make the world a better place. I’ll do my part. I’m ready for the challenge.”

On January 27th, there’s a New Moon in Aquarius as well. This New Moon is all about group projects, idea-exchanges, and exciting collaborations. Gather! Unite! Discuss! Print pamphlets! Write a blog post! Distribute information! On that same day, Mars moves into Aries, which brings great drive and gusto. If you throw a party, potluck, or host a team meeting on this day, it’s likely to be filled with invigorating conversations—maybe even some heated debates!

On February 3rd, Venus moves into Aries. This transit often brings bold new ideas. Given that Mars is also in Aries at this time, you’ve got a dreamy combination. Brilliant ideas PLUS the drive and motivation to charge forward and make it happen. Inspiration + Action! This is an ideal day to schedule a brisk walk with a friend, head to yoga, or do something physical to get your energy moving. You’ll feel even more invigorated if you start your day with a little sweat!

On February 7th, Mercury moves into Aquarius. Today’s slogan: “Think outside the box.” This is a fantastic day for creative problem-solving—and ditching old habits and systems that just don’t make sense anymore. On this day, you can ask, “Why are we doing it THAT way?” and “What if there’s a better option we’ve never considered?” It’s also a great day to “crowd-source” ideas. When Mercury meets Aquarius, it’s all about “the voice of the people.” Don’t isolate yourself. Ask friends for their suggestions. Create an online survey. Meet with colleagues and brainstorm together. You’ll reach a solution faster if you get several people involved in the process.

Finally, on February 10th, we’ve got the Full Moon of Aquarius. This Full Moon amplifies the energy that’s been building for the past several weeks: Reinvention. Revolution. We the People. Humanity as One.

On the night of the Full Moon, reflect on what you’re currently doing—or what you could be doing—to bring more light into a dark and complicated world. What are the social problems that break your heart—and how could you help out? What are some issues within your company—or industry—that you could help solve? What’s the “revolution”—whether large or small—that you’d like to participate in?

Don’t despair. Stay strong and focused. Do something each day that builds the light.

What does all of this mean for your career? Let’s look closer…


JOB-HUNTING?

Here’s what you need to know…

ELLEN: One thing I’m continually telling my clients is, “Job-hunting isn’t a ‘solo’ project.” You’ll have a lot more job options—and you’ll land a great job faster—if you get other people involved in the process. And you’re in luck, because this month is a particularly auspicious time to do that!

On February 7th, Mercury moves into Aquarius, creating a powerful day for crowd-sourcing and gathering info—and assistance—from the people in your community.

If you’re job-hunting, this would be a terrific day to post a note on Facebook to ask your friends for ideas, advice, and encouragement. If you’re looking for a job in the hospitality industry, for example, you could post a note asking, “What’s the best hotel you ever stayed at?” and see what your friends say. A few people might mention hotels that you’ve never even heard of. Then you pop over to those hotel websites, and… behold! Maybe one of those hotels has a job vacancy that would be perfect for you.

Ask for guidance. Ask for suggestions. Ask for personal introductions to hiring managers. Gather ideas from as many friends, family members, and colleagues as you can. It takes a lot of courage to do this—because you might feel a little “exposed” talking about your job-hunt publicly—but I promise: it will accelerate the process. You’ll wind up discovering job opportunities that never would’ve crossed your path any other way.


ALREADY HAVE A JOB?

Here’s what you need to know…

ELLEN: If you’re already employed, and you love your current job, hooray! Take advantage of the powerful Venus/Aries/Mars energy on February 3rd… and dive headfirst into a big project. On this day, you’re likely to feel extra-inspired, but also extra-motivated and energized. It’s a potent combination, so use this day to the fullest!

If there’s a project at work that’s been on the backburner for awhile—or that you’ve been avoiding because, “Ugh, it’s going to be boring/take forever”—February 3rd is a great day to dive back in, make a big dent, or even finish the whole thing! It might not take as much time as you thought. Even better, February 3rd happens to be a Friday, so you’ll stride into the weekend feeling so proud and accomplished!

Another date to put into your calendar: February 10th. Exactly one week after your Venus/Aries/Mars energy boost, you’ve got the Full Moon of Aquarius. This is a beautiful day to reflect on how you’re working to create a better world—or, on a smaller scale, a better team, department, or company. What’s one thing you could do to make your company an even better place to work? Maybe there’s an empty conference room that could be turned into a “brainstorming tank” with new whiteboards, pens, paper, paint, inspiring books, games, and other creativity-sparking supplies. Maybe you could lead the charge and create that new room this week!

When you seize the initiative to “make things better,” people take notice, and it’s always a great move for your career. Plus, you’ll inspire your coworkers to do the same thing. Win-win for everyone.


SELF-EMPLOYED OR RUNNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS?

Here’s what you need to know…

ELLEN: Ever since Trump’s election, I’ve been swinging from emotion to emotion: Disbelief. Anger. Optimism. Hope. But mostly: Stress. (I recently broke out in rashes all over my body, and my doctor tells me it’s probably stress-related. Blech!)

My point is: it’s a challenging time for so many of us—particularly if you’re freelancing, self-employed, or running a business. You already deal with a heightened level of uncertainty—like wondering how you’ll find clients, and wondering if your next product will be a financial success—and now, on top of all that, you might be wondering, “Is the entire world falling apart?!”

I can empathize. My advice—to myself, and to anyone else who’s self-employed—is to take full advantage of the Aquarian energy this month. It’s a time of personal, national, and global revolution. We need to harness this energy and use it.

If you’ve been struggling to get clients, for example, instead of doing the exact same things you’ve always done in the past, take a more revolutionary approach. On January 19th, you could… scrap your old website. Start fresh. Re-write all of your webpages with a more brave, authentic voice. Show the world who you really are. (OK, you don’t *literally* have to re-do your entire website, but… you get the idea. Revolutionize!)

On January 27th, we’ve got a day that’s ideal for group collaborations and idea-exchanges. Set up a date with a couple of your closest friends and confidantes, and discuss your business goals for the upcoming year. Swap ideas. Share resources. You never know… one of your friends might give you a “Eureka!” idea that changes your life! (Some of my best ideas come from the most unexpected places—like a workshop that I decided to attend spontaneously, or a coffee date with a friend I haven’t seen in months, or a book that a colleague recommended on her blog. You never know where that next “lightning bolt” is going to come from.)


IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

January 19th – The Sun moves into Aquarius. (A big invitation to come together, join forces, and making the world a more luminous place. Revolution! Let freedom ring!)

January 27th – New Moon in Aquarius and Mars moves into Aries. (Great time for group projects and sharing/distributing ideas. Gather and collaborate!)

February 3rd – Venus moves into Aries. (POWER DAY! Brilliant ideas PLUS tons of motivation to charge forward and make it happen.)

February 7th – Mercury moves into Aquarius. (Today’s slogan: “Think outside the box.” Collect fresh ideas from your friends, and/or from new and unexpected places.)

February 10th – Full Moon of Aquarius. (Reflect on what you’re doing, or what you could be doing, to bring more light into a dark, complicated world. Don’t despair. Roll up your sleeves and get to work.)


YOUR CAREER MANTRA FOR THIS MONTH:

“My friends, do not lose heart. We were made for these times.”
—Clarissa Pinkola Estes

When your new President feels more like a schoolyard bully… when Muslim families are being targeted for hate crimes more than ever before… when women’s reproductive rights are under attack… it’s easy to lose heart. You might feel discouraged, hopeless, or powerless. Like you’re just “one person,” and there’s not much you can do to make anything better. Like it’s “hard enough” just to worry about your own job-hunt, business, or how you’re going to pay your mortgage this month.

I can empathize with all of those feelings, because I’ve felt all of those feelings myself—not just recently, but at different points all throughout my 30+ year career.

I find comfort in Clarissa Pinkola Estes’ words: “We were made for these times.”

I’m going to choose to believe that—to believe that I’m strong enough to handle all of these challenges, that I was born for this, and that my work is necessary.

You can decide that you don’t matter, or you can decide that you do.

You can decide that everything’s hopeless, or you can decide that there’s still hope.

You can decide that this moment in history is “the worst it’s ever been,” or you can focus on all of the positive things that are happening in our world—all the good, brave people, all the important projects, and you can strive to be one of those people, too.

That’s what I’ll try to do—and that’s what I hope you’ll do, too.

Have a beautiful Aquarian month.

Let’s use this time to the fullest.

ELLEN_SIGNATURE


Learn more about my career & business coaching services here.

Learn more about Heidi and her astrological services here.