Weekly Newsletter Vol. 12 - November 22, 2023

Generating your Lead Story…

Navigating the “Job” Topic this Thanksgiving Dinner

We’ve all had our fair share of experiences on Turkey Day when you’re enjoying your second helping of stuffing and eyeing those mashed potatoes from across the table, but instead, you lock eyes with one of your relatives and are immediately hit with questions about your love life, politics…or your job.

When it comes to talking about work, it might be a welcome conversation if you just landed a new job, completed a major project, launched a new product, or received a stellar performance review. Alternatively, it could come with dread if you’ve recently been laid off, are stressed about an upcoming deadline, under pressure from your manager, or simply burnt out. Or, perhaps, your family just might not understand or support what you do for a living, which comes with its own challenges.

How might you approach the topic when your family doesn’t support what you do for a living? Approaching a discussion about your job with your family at Thanksgiving should be an opportunity to share your experiences positively and engage everyone in your professional journey. Engaging in a discussion about your profession when you do not feel supported can be disheartening, intimidating, or disappointing. Try to start off by expressing gratitude for the chance to talk about your work and then highlight some of the positive aspects, such as recent achievements or exciting projects, and what brings you joy and fulfillment from your job. At the end of the day it is a difficult subject to tackle, so just try your best, and use your judgment if you feel if it is the appropriate time or place for this discussion.

What if your family doesn’t understand what you do for a living? When sharing details about your job with your family at Thanksgiving dinner, you want to strike a balance between providing enough information to be interesting without overwhelming everyone with technical details.

Honestly, will Grandma even understand all your OpenAI lingo? Telling a joke to lighten the mood and entertain your family might be the angle you want to take!

How might you address the elephant in the room of bad job news? Then there’s the uncomfortable side of things if you have to tell them about your job loss or are asked about that promotion you didn’t receive. Telling your family about a job loss during Thanksgiving dinner requires a delicate and thoughtful approach. Choose an appropriate moment when everyone is gathered, ensuring the atmosphere is conducive to a serious conversation. Openly share your feelings about the situation, whether it's disappointment, frustration, or uncertainty.

Assure your family that you are taking proactive steps to address the situation, such as actively job hunting or exploring new career opportunities. Ask for their support, whether it's emotional assistance or practical help in the job search. While expressing your emotions are natural, try to avoid dwelling on blame or negativity. Focus on your determination to move forward and find new opportunities. Transition the conversation to positive topics after discussing the job loss, and express gratitude for the support and understanding of your family during this challenging time.

3 Creative Ways to Tell Your Family About Your Job at Thanksgiving:

1. Craft a Compelling Story:

   Instead of listing mundane job details, weave them into a compelling narrative. Share a story that highlights a particular project, achievement, or challenge you've faced in your job. This approach not only makes the information more memorable but also adds a personal touch, making it more interesting for your family.

2. Connect with Their Interests:

   Frame your job in a way that resonates with your family's interests or experiences. Relate your work to everyday situations or common experiences, making it more relatable for them. This connection helps them better understand your role and fosters a more engaging conversation.

3. Use Analogies or Comparisons:

   Simplify complex aspects of your job by using analogies or comparisons to more familiar concepts. This strategy makes it easier for your family to grasp the nature of your work. Analogies can range from comparing your job to activities they understand or drawing parallels with well-known industries or roles.

Ultimately, tailoring your communication to your family's interests and using relatable language can significantly enhance their understanding of your job or unfortunate job news, and make the conversation more supportive, enjoyable, and engaging during Thanksgiving.

Shortlisted Tips & Trends

5 Ways to Share Gratitude & Celebrate Thanksgiving in the Workplace:

• Recognize your Team: Thanksgiving is a perfect time to acknowledge and reward employees for their dedication, accomplishments, and hard work. Some ways to do so are by implementing an employee recognition program or offering tangible rewards, such as a bonus or gift cards.

• Express your Gratitude: Help create a positive environment where employees feel valued by expressing your gratitude for them and encouraging employees to share what they are thankful for, as well. Try starting a gratitude wall, or share written thank you notes with coworkers.

• Volunteer & Give Back: It’s the season of giving and a great way to give back is by participating in community service initiatives or supporting local charities. These charitable activities will help the community, and give your employees a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment.

• Celebrate over a Potluck Lunch: A wonderful way to bring people together is through a shared meal. Organize a Thanksgiving potluck lunch where employees can cook, bake, and bring in their favourite family dishes.

• Promote Team-Building Activities: Strengthen your team’s trust and collaboration within the workplace through activities that encourage them to work together, such as friendly competitions and games. These will help foster unity and appreciation for one another.

You can’t make this stuff up

_{(*Disclaimer: these are real experiences provided by RME's community of job seekers and hiring managers)}

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