Dear Queen Camille,

I'm turning18 in two months and I really want to join the Marines, but to be honest, I'm a little scared. Even though both of my parents are supportive, I'm still intimidated by the thought of Basic Training. What do you think I should do? On the fence in San Diego.

Dear Reluctant Recruit,

I've gotta start by congratulating you on being aware of and then admitting to your fear!  Especially if you are also brave enough and value being of service to others enough to consider becoming a U.S. Marine (or joining ANY branch of the military)!

Let's break this down...F.E.A.R. (False Expectations Appearing Real) is nothing more than being hesitant because you don't know what's ahead.  When we are kids, we just step into things...no matter what, because we don't know about the potential consequences.  (Lookie at me...you grab a hot log off the fire and you learn pretty quickly not to do that again.) 

 Joining the military and signing up to put your life on the line and be part of something bigger than yourself - all to protect others... SHOULD be scary.  If you didn't feel that, I'd think you probably weren't mature enough and weren't taking the decision seriously enough. 

About Basic Training...obviously I have nevah been close to anything like it in my multitude of jobs...but it is meant to help you suceed.  It is meant to break old bad habits, get you in shape and think like a team...to have everyone else's back.  Of course it is extremely challenging both mentally and physically...but what worth doing isn't? 

Let's look at the worst case scenario...you absolutely hate being a Marine...and regret you signed up.  You do your tour and come out.....smarter, with lifelong values, experiences, comrads and accomplishments!  You also earn lots of thanks from your fellow Americans in the form of tuition breaks, discounted home loan programs, extra "points" when applying for government jobs, etc. 

Oh, and having experience in the military is a great introduction to the "real world" of work if you decide not to stay in long term.  I swear I can pick 'em outta any group...women and men who have served our country.  They seem to stand a bit taller, listen more respectfully and problem solve more logically.  Don't even get me started on their teamwork skills. 

Oh and if you are a Marine, you get to say that cool "hoo-rah" thing the rest of your life too!

Dear Camille,

I recently finished college and am so confused.  I keep getting offers to work these bogus sounding jobs on a commission basis, etc. but can't decide what I want to do.  That's not what I slaved away in school for.  Nothing seems fun...what would you do?

- Confused UCLA Grad

Dear Confused,

I can still remember wanting so badly to finally finish that second semester of my senior year in college.  I was ready to blow that place and get out in the the real world.  Yep...this is one of those situations where you have to be careful what you wish for.  I realized really quickly that the fun part was being in school...and while I loved the work I found after graduation, the responsibility part wasn't all it was cracked up to be. 

The best thing to do is start trying different types of work and make a list of your "likes" and "dislikes" in each position.   You will start seeing patterns and by eliminating what you DON'T want to do, what you DO want to do will finally emerge. Whew...are you with me? 

Did you know that Adecco and Manpower staffing agencies are some of the largest employers in the world?  Yep...there are other people...and not all grads...like you trying to figure out what kind of work they want to do.  Try temping and start eliminating!

Many temporary jobs turn in to full time positions...and not necessarily in that same role.  You get to see what the company is REALLY like from the inside.  Oh yeah, and while you are there, build a reputation for having a positive attitude and being willing to do any kind of job.  I promise you it will pay off.

Dear Camille,

My coworker is always stealing my ideas and then acts like they are his while at the same time being two-faced enough to pretend he is my friend.  Advice?

Thanks,

Robbed in San Diego

Dear Robbed,

Uh oh, somebody's Mom didn't teach them how to play nice in the sandbox.  What really gets on my last nerve is how often this type of co-worker seems to come out smelling like a rose while you are standing there wondering "hey, what happened?"

Lesson #1 - except in very rare cases, these people DO know exactly what they are doing.  They are basically spotlight stealers who don't have any original ideas of their own.  The first time this sort of behavior rears its ugly head, you have to go back to the person and let them know that you're on to them...and so is everyone else.  The next time, you have to keep your ideas to yourself. 

And Lesson #2 - branch out and find some other friends...this so-called "friendship" is going nowhere fast.

Wondering how to separate  yourself from the pack and build a reptation for excellence?  Read on...

Here's a motivator for you...commit to one - or a series of Primm & Partners webinars and complete the recommended action items to keep your work skill sets on the cutting edge! Webinars are cost effective and set at convenient hours so you can fit them into your busy schedule. Sign up here http://www.primmandpartners.com/services-individuals.html

Each session content is presented as a separate topic, so you can complete one or all courses.  I lead each of the courses personally, and with a webinar, you dial into a toll-free number so you can ask questions.  You also follow a slide presentation so you can submit questions in advance as well. 

Following are the current P&P topics - we are adding more all the time, so stay tuned!

Personal Brand Building

When you think realistically about YOU, what do you have to offer to a potential employer?  What are your traits and values and skills?  What are you known for?  What motivates you? Your brand evolves over the duration of your career...design it exactly as you want it to be! Loads of self-assessments and areas to examine on a regular basis in your custom -made world of work.

Resume and Marketing Collateral

A resume and other communication pieces are a permanent core of any professional's toolkit.  Hey, you need be ready to talk to anyone, anywhere, any time.  Create pieces uniquely tailored to your personal brand.

Networking to Your Goals

You probably noticed by now that social networking is king in the professional world.  It is also the power of your professional core.  It is all about going in with the intent to support others...not about what you can "get" from others.  This session gives an in-depth plan on where, how and with whom to network.

Interviewing

Interviewing is sometimes a pressure situation and we look back afterward to have brilliant thoughts as to how you could'a answered the questions.  After this session, you will feel comfortable in interviews whether over the phone, impromptu or planned in advance.  Know what questions to ask and prepare for, close the sale and follow-up.

Negotiating at Work

In today's workforce, the talent (that's YOU) needs to know the value of their skills and who is buying them.  Negotiating for exactly what you want in a work situation (within reason, now) is expected in today's transactional work environment.  Learn what is OK to ask and what you need to steer clear of.

Managing Across the Generations

We have four distinct generations in today's workforce and that means lots of potential disconnects when it comes to work ethic, expectations, values, communication styles, etc.  This session gives a terrific overview that you can use to strengthen your leadership, team and personal communication skills.

Eight Keys to Career Success

Lots of P&P clients say that they want to take charge of their careers and just plain don't know where/how to start.  This session will provide you with a tool to assess the critical points of a balanced, proactive career.  You will learn which areas need attention and build a plan from this information.

Those who constantly learn new skills will be those who survive the continuious changes at work.  For more information or to register, email us at camille@primmandpartners.com or give us a call at 619.298.1965. 

Oh, and another cool thing...all webinars/career development coursework and coaching is tax deductible!