Not quite back to regular programming since Congress has another week of recess/district work period so we’re still easing our way back to reality. It was lovely to get out of DC and the crazy that constantly tells you that life is not normal. I got to visit with family and relish in nature’s beauty. I feel a little more energized and am looking forward to the rest of the year. Here’s Tuesday Truths!

• I’m back to thinking about productivity and how I can best use my time. As we careen to the end of the calendar year, I’m always looking for ways to really maximize my efficiency to do more. I’ve used two of the apps that was listed in this article (Trello & Rescuetime) and they’ve certainly helped to free my mind of clutter so that I can keep my to do lists in one place without having to mentally worry about it. Do you have any other tools to add?

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• My friends have been having children later in life and some of chosen to take time off to care for their little ones. If you’re looking to get back in the job market after taking a hiatus, you may find it helpful to join this network. I haven’t used it and would enjoy getting your feedback.

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• When you’re stepping into a leadership role that is attached to a myriad of problems that were created prior to you start working for an organization, how you manage expectations as well as how you effectively work with the existing infrastructure can help to build trust so that you can have positive results. Transparency is also equally important so that people aren’t waiting for other shoe to drop. Having a plan on how you plan to make changes and when will help people understand how these changes will improve the organization.

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• And then there are times when you can’t control anything and you end up with a bad boss. It can take a toll on your mental health when you have a supervisor who doesn’t value your contributions. Here are 5 strategies to help you get through the day.

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• I often get asked out for coffee from people looking for career advice. I tell them that I’m not a career counselor so the best use of our time together is when they come prepared with questions about how to get from point A to point B. Mapping out your career is meant for reflection and for conversation with your closest friends and colleagues. Invest in yourself by using these steps to think about your professional path.

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• If you need more time to figure out your next career move, perhaps you can have a bridge job so that you can have income while you contemplate your next professional transition. Don’t let anyone make you feel bad for making this career choice because only you can be happy with the choices that you make.

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• There was a time when I had a life that didn’t revolve around talking about the current presidential administration. It really wasn’t that long ago and yet, I can’t remember what life is like where I spend time talking about hobbies, discussing sports or even the latest tv show. If you’re in the same boat, you’re really not alone. Welcome to a new “normal”.

Thanks for reading/sharing – see you next Tuesday!

— Madalene