Stephen Dwyer’s Post

September inspires me to reflect and reset... 🌞 With #September comes a fresh start for many, almost like a new year. Last year, I started a new job and bought a school agenda for the 2023-2024 course year, so now I'm again using one for 2024-2025 and I love it; September has always felt like a new beginning for me! However, as I see posts about "returning to work" filling my feed, I feel like we need a reminder of how personal the concept of beginnings really is—whether it’s a new role, a new routine, or simply the start of another season. It's important to recognize that not everyone is coming back from a break—because not everyone had one. For some—especially in industries like #hospitality, #healthcare, #retail, and other essential services—the holiday season is their busiest time. While some enjoyed time off, others worked to ensure the holidays were memorable and smooth for everyone else. In these industries, the rhythm of work doesn’t follow the typical Monday-to-Friday grind. When I worked in hospitality, I didn’t look forward to weekends but Mondays! The same is true for production workers and other frontline employees who keep things moving behind the scenes. Here on LinkedIn, we often focus on #business support roles and office-based positions, that are absolutely crucial to how businesses run, but it’s important to remember that these roles don’t represent the vast majority of workers. For every person in a boardroom, there are many more on factory floors, in warehouses, behind kitchen doors, or at hospital bedsides. They are at the heart of production and service, keeping things running while others step away. This also brings up another often-overlooked reality: those who are currently unemployed #opentowork. While conversations focus on returning to work, it’s vital to remember the many people navigating the difficult and uncertain path of unemployment. For them, the idea of "coming back" or having a break looks completely different—they’re working hard in their own way, searching for stability and #newopportunities. Their challenges deserve just as much attention as those of us who are actively in the #workforce. This is a gentle reminder of how different life is for everyone: 💡 How can we be more mindful of these differences in our workplaces? 💡 How can we support each other, knowing that the life-work blend doesn’t look the same for everyone? 💡 How do we recognize the value of those who work behind the scenes? Let’s approach the "new year" with #empathy and understanding. Let’s embrace the #diversity of work and rest in our lives and make space for everyone’s journey. How are you embracing the start of September? What new beginnings are you diving into? 🌞

My generation has been obsessed with work/life balance. The motivation for this largely lies in seeing the generation before us work primarily to retire by age 65. While I agree we should not work to simply retire, I don’t want us to demonize work either. Work can be fun! Work is also a responsibility. The fact that a lot of jobs give weekends off is a modern luxury very few folks before our parents ever experienced. The *slams laptop shut til Monday* memes are a very new perk. Entry and part time jobs are not meant to provide what a higher level full time job does. No one should expect those jobs to provide for a family. At the same time, companies should not expect qualified and capable employees to stay in those jobs until someone dies or retires. The high flyers will leave. On the flip side, if your resume has a new stop every year, good luck landing a job that demands consistency and dependability. We brought many of the farmers out of the unpredictable weather into the predictable mill villages. As those jobs were outsourced overseas and the Internet grew, corporations tried to provide the predictableness and systems that worked in the past. These companies are quickly finding out that the new generation doesn’t care about those things as much. Flexibility is now the golden standard. The companies that thrive will embrace flexibility. The companies that sink will stay bloated in their policies and legalities that very rarely contribute to the bottom line. The workers that thrive will be independent but also team oriented. Even Maverick needs a wingman. Working to retire isn’t the way, but neither is expecting to live like a retiree in our 30s. The workplace is in the middle of a disruption. Work to live and live to work. If you’re not having fun, you’re not doing it right!

3 things to keep in mind before making a job switch Before you take the leap, here are three crucial factors to keep in mind: Career Growth : Does the new role align with your long-term goals? Make sure it offers the opportunities you need to develop your skills and advance your career. Work-Life Balance ⚖️: A great job should fit your life, not the other way around. Evaluate the company culture and policies to ensure they support a healthy work-life balance. Compensation & Benefits : It’s not just about the salary. Look at the full package—bonuses, health benefits, retirement plans, and other perks. Make sure the offer reflects your worth and meets your needs. Ready to explore new opportunities? At Prism HRC, we guide professionals through every step of their job transition, from finding the right fit to negotiating the best possible package. #CareerAdvice #JobSearch #CareerGrowth #WorkLifeBalance #PrismHRC

What are the alternatives to redundancy? Even in this last week, less than a month before Christmas, more redundancies have been announced at large and small agencies. No one is immune. Sometimes agency owners find themselves just months away from making these tough decisions; either losing a single, large account or not being paid on time by a few clients, can tip a business over the edge. With my HR hat on redundancy is seen as the absolute final option and you are taught to look at all the alternatives. I just wonder how realistic any of these alternatives are?: - Job shares - Reduced hours / increase in flexible working an part time - Voluntary sabbaticals / career breaks - Early retirement - Purchase of additional annual leave - Entire workforce minimal pay cut for short period of time If you have been in a business that was facing redundancy and have managed to find a way through without going ahead with redundancy, or you're a business leader who's had to reimagine a way of working to save jobs, drop your thoughts into the comments. Someone out there might make very good use of your opinions and it might save someone else's Christmas. x

As Gen Z steps into roles traditionally held by Boomers, perceptions around career breaks are shifting. What was once viewed skeptically—taking a "work gap year" or, as Tim Ferriss coined it, a "mini-retirement"—is gaining acceptance. I recall when The 4-Hour Workweek first came out; the idea of deliberate breaks from work seemed radical. Now, it's becoming mainstream. A recent survey by the Chartered Management Institute shows 53% of managers support extended career breaks. At Benskin & Hott Talent Partners, I've seen this shift firsthand. The stigma around mid-career time off is fading. Whether it's a planned sabbatical or a spontaneous pause after resigning, these breaks can be rejuvenating. It's not one-size-fits-all, and it usually follows years of hard work. But with HR teams becoming more open to such shifts, there's no better time to consider a career pause. If you're thinking about it, remember: do what's best for you.

🤔 Every person thinks whether it is right to stay in a #Private_JOB for a long time? #So_the_answer_is - if you are staying in the #Private_JOB for a long time then it can be absolutely fine! It really depends on your personal goals, job satisfaction, and career growth opportunities. Here are some things to consider: - #Job_Satisfaction: If you enjoy your work, feel valued, and are happy with your work-life balance, staying in your current job can be a great choice. #Career_Growth: Look at the opportunities for advancement within your company. If there are chances for promotions or skill development, it can be beneficial to stay. #Stability: A long tenure can provide job security and stability, which is important for many people. #Networking: Building strong relationships within your company can be advantageous for your career. #Financial_Benefits: Consider the financial aspects, such as salary, benefits, and retirement plans. #But most importantly, it only depends on the workplace environment..✍️

I despise being told I'm "living to work". DESPISE IT..... I get that work/life balance with a flexible slant is collectively what people want at present. I can't argue with the 645,000,000 polls that have been created about it. Might have added one or two of those myself.... And that's fine. Have it. I'm happy for you. 👍 We make hybrid working work nicely here. It's genuinely great. But that's not what my role is about now. And what I can't be doing with is being told that my way is the WRONG way. Yep, I likely put more hours in that you do in a week. And keeping all the plates spinning is hard. Some days I would LOVE an easier life. I obviously DON'T have enough time for a decent shave. #oldmanbeard But here's the thing. I'm going to retire earlier than you. Built on the time I put in TODAY. And it's going to be a PHENOMENAL retirement. I'm going to see as much of this world as is humanly possible before I can't anymore. ✈️ So how about I don't judge your retirement to your couch, in front of the telly, waiting to pop your clogs and scraping the cash together for the odd wee dinner out and you don't judge mine, eh? Different strokes, for different folks. #livingtowork #workingtolive #worklifebalance

Why Choose Loyalty: Career Success at One Company Only? Answers: https://lnkd.in/ggUf9W7t #CareerLongevity #OneCompanyJourney #WorkLifeBalance Hey there! 😊 I hope you're doing well! Have you ever thought about how some people spend their entire careers at just one company? What keeps them there, and why do they choose to stay? Let's dive into this interesting topic! There are several reasons why someone might stick around at a single organization: Stability: Many people appreciate the job security that comes with being in one place for a long time. It can be comforting to know what to expect day in and day out. Growth Opportunities: Some companies actively promote internal career growth, allowing employees to advance in their careers without needing to switch jobs. Company Culture: A positive work environment and strong relationships with colleagues can make a huge difference. If you feel valued and part of a community, why would you leave? Benefits Packages: Long-term employees often enjoy better benefits over time, such as increased vacation days and retirement packages. But staying at one job isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. Here are a few challe...

The article delves into the concept of the "portfolio life," which encourages individuals to cultivate a multifaceted approach to their professional and personal lives. By integrating diverse activities such as entrepreneurship, community involvement, creative endeavors, and continuous learning alongside traditional career paths, individuals can craft a more fulfilling and resilient life. This holistic approach not only helps in avoiding burnout but also fosters personal growth, enhances well-being, and creates a broader sense of purpose beyond conventional work roles. https://lnkd.in/gVGadKXP

The article delves into the concept of the "portfolio life," which encourages individuals to cultivate a multifaceted approach to their professional and personal lives. By integrating diverse activities such as entrepreneurship, community involvement, creative endeavors, and continuous learning alongside traditional career paths, individuals can craft a more fulfilling and resilient life. This holistic approach not only helps in avoiding burnout but also fosters personal growth, enhances well-being, and creates a broader sense of purpose beyond conventional work roles. https://lnkd.in/gVGadKXP