Write it down…get clear on your goals, start taking action, get results! (Sept. 21, 2009)

By Beth | Published: September 24, 2009

Want to make changes in your career but feeling overwhelmed by where to start? You need small, actionable goals to do each week to move you towards new role.

Step 1: make a list of all the ADVANTAGES of taking on something new in your career – how you benefit professionally, emotionally, financially, etc.

Ie) “If I changed jobs, I would finally be challenged and excited by what I do” or “If I switched jobs, I could potentially make more money.”  There are many, many ADVANTAGES to consider.  Each benefit will be very personal, so don’t hold back.  This is a list for you and you only; any reason is valid and it will be more powerful if your ADVANTAGES come from the heart.

Whenever you’re feeling low or unmotivated to keep plugging away on your job search, refer to your ADVANTAGES list to get revved up again!

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Tough Job Market = Opportunities for Moms? (May 31, 2009)

By Beth | Published: September 24, 2009

I read this article in the New York Times and it really hit home.

“In a Rocky Job Market, New Pressure on Moms” (see below for link)

With the economic downturn, it has become even more important for some families to move back to a dual-income household. That means more women are searching for jobs while juggling childcare needs and trying to maintain the role they held as stay-at-home moms. It is a lot to balance.

For moms heading back into the workforce, a career coach is a useful resource who will map out a job search strategy; re-write a professional resume which incorporates unpaid experience gained while staying at home with kids; and provide the tools needed to face potential employers with confidence.

There are lots of unique professional opportunities for moms out there – you just need someone to guide you through how to find the right position/employer for you.

I recently helped a mom who’d been out of the workforce for 7 years. She landed a fulfilling weekend job that is a great supplement to her family’s income. She doesn’t have to pay for childcare because her husband is home on the weekend and she’s able to be the full-time caregiver Monday to Friday, actively involved in the day-to-day life of her kids. It is busy, but exciting – especially since the job is something that is totally hers and independent of her role as a mom.

Sometimes all it takes is a little guided self-discovery and professional career advice to make the move to employment that works for the whole family…

Here’s the article – enjoy! “In a Rocky Job Market, New Pressure on Moms”

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Emotional Eating Rollercoaster (Oct. 24, 2008)

By Beth | Published: September 24, 2009

Ahhhh! It has been a crazy week. My twins are sick. My Luba figured out how to escape from her crib and my Hillary has been crying for what feels like 3 days.

I’m emotional because I just can’t seem to calm and console my little sickies. I’m stressed because I’m not prepared to move the girls out of their cribs yet, and I worry they’ll launch themselves overboard and get hurt. I’m also sad -my babies aren’t really babies anymore – they’re moving to their “big girl” beds!

We’ve all had these moments of overwhelming emotion and stress. In my case, out comes the chocolate and cookies and salty snacks and just about anything I can stuff down my mouth. I find it’s a real challenge to stop and assess my hunger level when I’m on an emotional eating rampage.

I’ve been an emotional eater for as long as I can remember. I eat when I’m sad and when I’m happy. I eat when I’m depressed and when I’m feeling joyful. Food soothes me when I’m down and I tend to celebrate happiness and fun with food and drink.

I know my emotional eating and lack of control is what keeps me from losing those last 10 pounds, no matter how much I work out.

But now that I have 2 little girls, I KNOW I need and want to adjust my behaviour FOR GOOD. What kind of role model can I be if I keep this up? To meet my goals to improve my own confidence and to show my girls healthy behaviour and positive body image, I need to recognize the triggers that cause me to overeat.

My sister put it in perspective for me yesterday when she called at my lowest point in the day. I had eaten pizza and chocolate and cookies and was feeling terrible about it…

She told me that behavioural change is extremely difficult. That I should cut myself some slack. As long as I recognize what causes me to overeat and that it is really hard to stop myself when I’m under stress, I will slowly be able to exchange the unhealthy behaviour for a more healthy approach.

It is about awareness. It is about forgiveness. Because no one can eat perfectly all the time – and it is healthy to enjoy treats in moderation.

So instead of bingeing on pizza and chocolate AND cookies when I’m stressed and overwhelmed this wekk – I’ll give myself permission to eat pizza and chocolate, but skip the cookies. And to tell myself that it is tiny baby steps until I can really change this life-long issue of mine. It won’t happen overnight, but every positive change I make, no matter how small, will contribute to living my healthy and happy life. And to being the mum I want to be for my daughters.

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Resources – Front Page Box

By Beth | Published: August 30, 2009

Tips, ideas, networking and support for moms.  Articles about fitness and career topics to educate and motivate you. Check out the Weekly Challenge moves and get to know Career Fit Mom a bit better through the Blog.

Enter Resources Now…

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Mom of the Month – September 2009

By Beth | Published: August 17, 2009
Mom of the Month Sept 2009 Brenda 207x300 Mom of the Month September 2009

Meet the September Mom of the Month - my friend Brenda!

After having her daughter and taking a year maternity leave, Brenda knew she was interested in making a career change.  While she didn’t really struggle with the decision to return to work, she felt less than enthused about returning to her previous industries – magazine publishing and digital marketing.  She wanted her paid work to be more fulfilling – having a baby changed her perspective on what is important to her.  She felt lost when it came time to make the transition and wasn’t getting any pick-up on the resumes she was sending out.  This only increased her feelings of frustration and poor self-esteem.

Career Fit Mom helped Brenda identify the types of positions she should apply for and how to best market herself to recruiters and human resources professionals.  Brenda says, “You helped me find the job I wanted and created a kick-ass resume to grab the attention of those doing the hiring.”

Once she started gaining traction in her job search we began interview counseling to build the confidence she needed to perform well in an interview.  The preparation really paid off and Brenda ultimately landed a job she really wanted – in non-profit communications.  She is challenged in her work, engaged with clients who need the support of her fabulous charitable organization and is really “giving back.”

Brenda has since become a regular fixture in our Group Fit Class, stating “Now that I have the job I’ve been looking for, I’ve joined Group Fit to make my next change – to a healthier, fitter role model for my little girl.”

I’m so proud of all that Brenda’s accomplished!  Making these big changes wasn’t easy but by collaborating with Career Fit Mom, she built the confidence she needed to recreate her life in a rewarding way.

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Fitness Bottom Box

By Beth | Published: August 17, 2009

For moms looking to lose weight, get in shape, find motivation and connect with other women while working out.

Enter Fitness Now…

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Career Bottom Box

By Beth | Published: August 17, 2009

For moms who want to return to the workforce after a hiatus to raise children or who are currently working and want to change industries or jobs to better suit their family-life. 

Enter Career Now…

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    “Beth Yarzab is the fitness instructor at a moms group I have attended for 9 months. Beth's fitness class is a big part of the motivation that keeps me involved in the group. I have twin baby boys, and make sure that I am up and ready early to ensure I make Beth's aerobics class on time. As a mom, this has been a great motivation to get up and ready early in the day.

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