Why the Career Superwoman is a Figment of My Imagination

It’s a bird. It’s a plane.

No it’s an ambulance coming to take Career Superwoman to the hospital.

Like so many women attempting to balance the demands of an ascent up Career Mountain with marriage, family and business, I too suffered from a case of undiagnosed career burnout.

Fresh from an unexpected tour of Bed, Bath and Bedpan, I asked myself whether today’s modern woman can have it all and successfully attain the super heroine trifecta:

7 figure salaries, perfect families and slender figures…and most importantly should we? Read the rest of this entry »

Beauty is in the eye of the employer… or so it seems.

Jessica Stillman’s January 2008 article “Should You Hire the More Beautiful Candidate? Ask An Economist “ intrigued me.  Are good looks really an advantage and necessary in today’s competitive job search?

According to an article by CNN.com, citing a 2005 Federal Reserve study, the research is in the favor of beautiful people gaining premium jobs and raises.

What about the rest of us mere mortals, including myself, who weren’t in the line where God handed out all of the beautiful genes. Are we doomed to low-paying wages and bad jobs? Read the rest of this entry »

How to Repair a Damaged Work Reputation

How to Repair a Damaged Work Reputation

Dear Career Vanity,

I recently experienced a layoff in September 2007.  While applying for other positions, I realized that my former bosses and co-workers were spreading vicious rumors to my new clients about my work habits and “questionable business practices”.

I am shocked because my evaluations were excellent and I was promoted within the company.  Because I am a business development professional, my work reputation with past clients and future employers is also at stake. How should I confront the company and repair my name from ruin? Read the rest of this entry »