20 Ways to Get Through a Rough Patch at Work - The Muse

20 Ways to Get Through a Rough Patch at Work - The Muse20 Ways to Get Through a Rough Patch at WorkYour alarm goes off, and you cant help but groan and shrink back down under the covers. The thought of facing another workday makes you uneasy (to put it mildly). Things havent been going well for a while, and you dont have a clue as to how to make them better. Job searching isnt in the cards for you right now, so your only viable option is to grin and bear it. Or, is it? Career Coach Evangelia Leclaire explains that its common to hit a rough patch in your career where you feel complacent, disconnected, or disengaged. Maybe youre stuck in a rut, tired and uninspiredYou slip under the radar and feel like youre just getting by.But even though rough patches at work are bound to happen, you dont have to sit idly by and accept being miserable- not when 20 of our career coaches have far better advice for you. 1. Make Friends, Not EnemiesNegative work situations can be disappointing. But its i mportant not to let disappointment ultimately stop you from thinking strategically or acting professionally to accomplish a greater good. This is why its essential you find a way to connect with your colleagues and build camaraderie. You cant imagine how much this will change your situation for the better.Avery Blank2. Try Something NewRequest to lead an initiative, take on a new project, or plot out a fresh path for your sanity and success. If you dont binnensee that as an option at the office, take on something unfamiliar outside of work, something that wont stress or burn you out. Taking on a new project or charting out a plan for success will stimulate your brain, causing a surge and release of endorphins, and give you a feeling of expansion.Evangelia Leclaire3. Leave Work at WorkThe worst thing about suffering from a negative work situation is that it tends to impact every other aspect of your life. When you leave the office, try to avoid gossiping and complaining about it. It is a hard thing to do, but its important. If you feel this is impossible, then allow yourself a specific time each week to bring work home, and the rest of the time, leave it at the office.Neely Raffellini4. Stop Avoiding ItActing like a bystander in your career, perhaps by not pushing back where appropriate or assuming your efforts will speak for themselves (in the form of being granted a promotion), can make a work slump worse. Evading issues that bother you clearly doesnt serve you or your employer- you sink deeper into a slump and your job may suffer as a result. Turn things around by identifying decisions youve been avoiding. Confronting whats nagging you will not only dissolve your frustration, but will also allow you to make the most of your current situation.Melody Wilding5. Check Your AttitudeSo much of how were perceiving the world- things suck, Im stuck, Im bored- are really a function of the frame of mind that we have when were seeing the situation. Ask yourself if your thinking is coloring your perception of it. In the end, things are just things. How we feel about them is completely a function of our perception, and altering your attitude can mean all the difference.Bruce Eckfeldt6. Keep Showing UpDo the best work you can do. Shirking your responsibilities and withdrawing (i.e., increased absenteeism, lower productivity) will only make the situation worse. Jot down the root causes of the situation, and if theres anything you feel comfortable talking to your manager about, schedule a meeting to go over whats on your mind.Joyel Crawford7. Stand Up for YourselfOften what makes for a badeanstalt work situation is that your boss or co-workers, treat you unfairly. Maybe they give you work to do that is outside the realm of your responsibility. Perhaps you have a manager who talks down to you. Learn to say no You can do this respectfully and assuredly. Say, Are you asking me to do this and put my other work on hold? I cant do both. If youre being talked down to, ask to meet one-on-one with the person to discuss the importance of respect. The end result will be that you will feel better even if nothing changes, though chances are good that things will change.Theresa Merrill8. Shift Your PerspectiveIts all about perspective. Oftentimes in work, were miserable in a situation and cant see our way out. And that makes us even mora miserable, creating a vicious cycle. Fortunately, we have the ability to shift our perspective. Put yourself in another persons shoes. Look at the situation from another point of view and see if you might be interpreting things in one way where there could be many more ways to do so. This exercise allows us to see that weve got options, and it enables us to feel less trapped or frustrated.Kelly Poulson9. Dont Suffer in SilenceBe open and honest with your supervisor about the difficulty youre having. Share examples of why youre unhappy or restless. Its crucial that you dont simply complain Share specific exampl es of the challenges, but also offer some solutions or alternatives. It may be that your supervisor doesnt realize youre struggling, so giving him the opportunity to change direction for you would be good. There may be nothing to modify, but at least youll know that you did what you could to make things better.Angela Smith10. Utilize a Learning LogOne of the most helpful things you can do for yourself is to keep a learning log for yourself. Create a spreadsheet, and at the end of each week, write down one thing you learned. Youll probably be surprised to discover how many things youve learned over the course of a month. Just acknowledging this can help you through your rough patch.Rajiv Nathan11. Seek OpportunitiesTry thinking about what the job can do for you, rather than what you can do for the job. Are there opportunities for you to take on new responsibilities and learn new skills? Are there co-workers you can connect with for mentorship? Are there any committees or groups you c an join within the organization to gain exposure to bigger-picture plans to gain context for the work you do (opening the door for greater fulfillment)? Your company exists for your professional development as much as you exist to fuel its growth and success.Melody Godfred12. Uncover PositivityAccept that you cant always turn around a bad situation. Sometimes the best way to combat negativity is to surround yourself with those that support you and focus on the aspects that bring positivity to your career. If you can peel back the layers a bit and find something thats really good in your day-to-day, things may start to look up.Ryan schute13. Take ControlIs the situation something you can or cannot control? If colleague or client is causing you stress, remember that you can control how you respond. Often, a negative situation gets worse when you avoid a difficult conversation. Challenge your notion of whats negotiable (and re-negotiable). Dont like your commute? Ask for a flexible wor k schedule. Evil client giving you hell? Ask for a reassignment. Brave an honest conversation about your frustrations and turn a complaint into an ask.Jamie Lee14. Make a DecisionWhen youre dealing with obstacles, follow this mantra Change what you can control, influence what you cant. I use the wont do versus will do strategy. Rather than deciding you wont get into an argument with your rude colleague when youre hashing out responsibilities for a project, decide what you will do instead When John interrupts me next time, I will pause and take a deep breath, then move the conversation forward by asking a question about the next topic on the agenda.Alex Dickinson15. Review and AssessIts important to take a step back and review everything leading up to your current state in an objective manner. It helps to write or draw out the situation with pen and paper to visualize whats really going on. Be sure to include all people and timeline of events involved. Then critically assess, What is my role in this situation? Have you been accommodating, positive, optimistic, clear, and direct? Or do you find yourself being alienating, negative, pessimistic, ambiguous, and avoiding? Oftentimes negative work solutions are created out of misunderstandings or unvoiced animosity. Get to the bottom of it by following the 80/20 rule (80% listening, 20% talking), and collaborating toward a resolution.Emily Liou16. Be ProactiveTo start resolving a negative situation at work, first call a spade a spade. If your boss micromanages or otherwise makes your life miserable, address the issue head-on at your next meeting- without being confrontational. Always make it about the team and the companys mission first and about yourself last. The key is always to connect the severity of the aufgabe to the team and company, so that it doesnt seem too much about you and doesnt make you a complainer.Yuri Kruman17. Practice GratitudeTry focusing on what youre grateful for, whether its a paycheck or the great team member you have. Over time that gratitude may completely flip your perceptions of your current situation. Perhaps you can find more ways to boost your happiness outside of work (delve into that hobby you love, socialize with people who make you happy). Take advantage of the things youre grateful for while you figure out whats next.Annie Nogg18. Find an Ear and ConnectEven if youve tried to rise above your rut and still cant seem to break out of it, its helpful to get a fresh perspective on how to improve your situation. Talk to someone and brainstorm ways to pick yourself up. Ask for a story or example of when she pulled herself out of a rough patch. Listen with an open mind, and end with a few actionable ideas so the conversation leaves you with next steps. Its helpful to know that youre not alone. Loren Margolis19. Make LemonadeYou always have more power than you think you do, and although you cant control a lot of what happens outside of you, you can always control ho w you respond. Perhaps you need to learn how to be more assertive, set boundaries, or advocate for a different assignment that makes better use of your talents. Regardless of the nature of the negative situation, you can make adjustments to deal with it, even if it is just an attitude adjustment.Kristina Leonardi20. Reject BoredomAt times it can be easy to become bored with the monotony that accompany most positions. Consider creating a motivation tool thatll help you avoid this. Write in a journal or even create a short video that details a project youre working on or the challenge youre experiencing. Include the obstacles, what youre learning, your role, and accomplishments. Through the development process you can find ways to become more inspired, explore creative solutions that invigorate interest, and identify areas for professional development. This is not only a way to encourage yourself but also to determine where you can use support to grow in your position.Adrean TurnerPho to of frustrated man courtesy of Hill Street Studios/Getty Images

20 misused words that make smart people look stupid

20 misused words that make smart people look stupid20 misused words that make smart people look stupidWere all tempted to use words that were notlage too familiar with. We throw them around in meetings, e-mails and important documents (such as resumes and client proposals), and they land, like fingernails across a chalkboard, on everyone who has to hear or read them.No matter how talented you are or what youve accomplished, using words incorrectly can change the way people see you and forever cast you in a negative light. You may not think its a big deal, but if your language is driving people up the wall you need to do something about it.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moraIts the words that we think were using correctly that wreak the most havoc, because we dont even realize how poorly were coming across. After all,TalentSmarthas tested the emotional intelligence of more than a mi llion people and found that self-awareness is the area where most people score the lowest.Were all guilty of this from time to time, myself included.When I write, I hire an editor to review my articles before I post them online. Its bad enough to have a roomful of people witness your blunder and something else entirely to stumble in front of 100,000Point is, we can all benefit from opportunities to sharpen the saw and minimize our mistakes. Often, its the words we perceive as being more correct or sophisticated that catch us by surprise when they dont really mean what we think they do. These words have a tendency to make even really smart people stumble.Have a look to see which of these commonly confused words throw you off.Acceptvs. ExceptThese two words sound similar but have very different meanings.Acceptmeans to receive something willingly His momacceptedhis explanation or Sheacceptedthe gift graciously.Exceptsignifies exclusion I can attend every meetingexceptthe one next week. To help you remember, note that bothexceptandexclusionbegin withex.Affectvs. EffectTo make these words even more confusing than they already are, both can be used as either a noun or a verb.Lets start with the verbs.Affectmeans to influence something or someoneeffectmeans to accomplish something. Your job wasaffectedby the organizational restructuring but These changes will beeffectedon Monday.As a noun, aneffectis the result of something The sunny weather had a hugeeffecton sales. Its almost always the right choice because the nounaffectrefers to an emotional state and is rarely used outside of psychological circles The patientsaffectwas flat.Lievs. LayWere all pretty clear on theliethat means an untruth. Its the other usage that trips us up.Liealso means to recline Why dont youliedown and rest?Layrequires an object Laythe book on the table.Lieis something you can do by yourself, but you need an object tolay.Its more confusing in the past tense. The past tense oflieis- you guessed it- lay Ilaydown for an hour last night. And the past tense oflayis laid Ilaidthe book on the table.Bringvs. TakeBringandtakeboth describe transporting something or someone from one place to another, but the correct usage depends on the speakers point of view. Somebodybringssomething to you, but youtakeit to somewhere else Bringme the mail, thentakeyour shoes to your room.Just remember, if the movement is toward you, usebringif the movement is away from you, usetake.Ironicvs. CoincidentalA lot of people get this wrong. If you break your leg the day before a ski trip, thats notironic- itscoincidental(and bad luck).Ironichas several meanings, all of which include some schrift of reversal of what was expected. Verbal irony is when a person says one thing but clearly means another. Situational irony is when a result is the opposite of what was expected. O. Henry was a master of situational irony. In The Gift of the Magi, Jim sells his watch to buy combs for his wifes hair, and she sells her hair to buy a chain for Jims watch. Each character sold something precious to buy a gift for the other, but those gifts were intended for what the other person sold. That is true irony.If you break your leg the day before a ski trip, thatscoincidental.If you drive up to the mountains to ski, and there was more snow back at your house, thatsironic.Implyvs. InferToimplymeans to suggest something without saying it outright. Toinfermeans to draw a conclusion from what someone else implies. As a general rule, the speaker/writerimplies, and the listener/readerinfers.Nauseousvs. NauseatedNauseoushas been misused so often that the incorrect usage is accepted in some circles. Still, its important to note the difference.Nauseousmeans causing nauseanauseatedmeans experiencing nausea.So, ifyourcircle includes ultra-particular grammar sticklers, never say Imnauseous unless you want them to be snickering behind your back.Comprisevs. ComposeThese are two of the most commonly misused words in the English language.Comprisemeans to includecomposemeans to make up.It all comes down to parts versus the whole. When you usecomprise, you put the whole first A soccer gamecomprises(includes) two halves. When you usecompose, you put the pieces first Fifty statescompose(make up) the United States of America.Farthervs. FurtherFartherrefers to physical distance, whilefurtherdescribes the degree or extent of an action or situation. I cant run anyfarther, but I have nothingfurtherto say.If you can substitute more or additional, usefurther.Fewervs. LessUsefewerwhen youre referring to separate items that can be counted uselesswhen referring to a whole You havefewerdollars, butlessmoney.Bringing It All TogetherEnglish grammar can be tricky, and, a lot of times, the words that sound right are actually wrong.With words such as those listed above, you just have to memorize the rules so that when you are about to use them, youll catch yourself in the act and know for certain that youve written or said the right one.What other words do you or people you know have trouble with?Please share them in the comments section below, as I learn just as much from you as you do from me.Dr. Travis Bradberryis the award-winning co-author of the 1 bestselling book,Emotional Intelligence 2.0,and the co-founder ofTalentSmart, the worlds leading provider ofemotional intelligence testsandtraining, serving more than 75% of Fortune 500 companies. His bestselling books have been translated into 25 languages and are available in more than 150 countries. Dr. Bradberry has written for, or been covered by,Newsweek, TIME, BusinessWeek, Fortune, Forbes, Fast Company, Inc., USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, andThe Harvard Business Review.If youd like to learn how to increase your emotional intelligence (EQ), consider taking the online Emotional Intelligence Appraisal test thats included with theEmotional Intelligence 2.0book. Your test results will pinpoint which of the books 6 6 emotional intelligence strategies will increase your EQ the most.This article first appeared on Linkedin.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

Web Developer Job Outlook and Salary

Web Developer Job Outlook and SalaryWeb Developer Job Outlook and SalaryMost experienced web developers are in a great position in this years job market.Why are web developers in demand? With the proliferation of mobile devices, most consumers and companies have moved online, and web developers build and optimize websites.They also take app ideas and create actual software. And it probably doesnt hurt that there arent enough of them to go around.Its a career with a bright future The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates web developers will see an increase of 27 percent in employment growth through 2024.Web developer job descriptionWant to know what it takes to join this cadre of coders? Heres a web developer job descriptionGather geschftlicher umgang requirements and develop specifications for web-based applicationsProvide technical assistance to web administratorsIntegrate websites with back-end systems, such as databasesWrite test plans and test resultsHeres a broad list of web deve loper qualificationsIn-depth knowledge of internet protocols and applications in addition to a solid understanding of business strategyStrong communication skills and the ability to work both individually and as part of a teamWell-versed in a variety of web technologies and tools, such as AJAX, ColdFusion, JavaScript, SOAP, HTML, LAMP and othersBachelors degree in computer science or related field, plus several years of web-related experience. Work experience can sometimes be substituted for the educational requirementThis is an occupation that generally doesnt require a certification in web development. Most companies are looking for developers who have produced software that is already on the market and working effectively.Wanted a web developer who codes for lifeThe requirements dont stop there. A top web developer lives and breathes coding. Theyll often spend 60 hours a week coding at work, and 30 mora coding on their own.In addition, the best web developers contribute to the op en source community, and have their own websites and JavaScript libraries. They also might tweet about their most recent frameworks for Ruby or JavaScript.Soft skills also play an integral role in the work web developers do. These IT pros need to be able to work well with business users, founders (especially if theyre at startups) and customers. Web developers who are outgoing and able to articulate what they do on a daily basis are highly prized and can command very high salaries.Find out about a starting web developer salary and job description, as well as the starting compensation for 70 IT jobs in 150 North American citiesGET THE SALARY GUIDEThis post has been updated to reflect more current information.

4 Skills and Drills for Your Cover Letter

4 Skills and Drills for Your titelblatt Letter4 Skills and Drills for Your Cover LetterThe titelblatt letter- some people use it, others prefer to forget it. However, make no mistake that your cover letter is an essential part of your job search. From standing out from the competition to making an impression, to communicating what your resume doesnt, the cover letter is your elevator pitch without the elevator.Taking a closer look at your cover letter, or starting from scratch, can make a huge difference in the results of your job search. Three of the biggest areas to target include customizing, keywords, and included topics. Below weve compiled a great list of resources to help you customize each cover letter, keywords and verbiage to include or exclude, items to include or topics to cover, androad maps and checklists to make sure youre hitting on all the important items.Here are four skills and drills to boost a cover letter1. Customizing the Cover LetterHaving a customized cover l etter shows employers you took an initiative to learn about them and affords you the opportunity to make connections with the employer.How to Customize Your Cover Letter 3 Key TipsHow to Write Unique Resumes and Cover LettersHow to Write Customized Resumes and Cover Letters2. Words and KeywordsGrammar mistakes and typos are job search killers. Make sure your cover letter includes necessary keywords but excludes spelling mistakes.3 Ways to Boost Your Resume and Cover Letter with Keywords20 Words You Dont Want on Your Cover LetterUse Job Search Keywords to Land Your Next GigA Spelling List for Job Seekers3. Items to DiscussDo you know what to share or what not to share in your cover letter? Balance is importantHow to Show Personality in a Cover Letter5 Tips for Writing a Cover Letter That Gets Job Interviews6 Things Not to Say in a Cover LetterAvoid These Cover Letter Disasters4. Road Maps and ChecklistsSometimes its easier to have a clear plan in place. These road maps and checklists will help you create a top-notch cover letter.How to Write a Cover Letter A Road MapJob Search Checklist Where Are You Going Wrong?5 Questions to Ask Yourself About Your Cover Letter15 Ways to Improve Your Cover LetterDespite a love-hate relationship with your cover letter, its time to embrace it as a key to job search success. With the right words, stories, and connections, your cover letter can be what makes the impression on hiring managers.Get cover letter tips and job search advice straight to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter. You can unsubscribe at any time.Readers, what skills and drills for your cover letter do you utilize? Share your tips with us below

Goodbye Email for Co-Workers Sample

Goodbye Email for Co-Workers Sample Goodbye Email for Co-Workers Sample When you have decided to leave a company, it is a good idea to say goodbye to your co-workers and colleagues. Sending an email to each co-worker is a convenient, great way to send your farewell. It is also an effective means to stay connected; you want to keep your colleagues in your professional network, even after you switch jobs.   Read below for tips on how to say goodbye to your colleagues. You can also use the sample goodbye email below as a template from which to develop your own email to co-workers. How to Say Goodbye at Work You have found a new job, and youre ready to give two weeks’ notice to your current employer. Whats the best way to say goodbye? The first step is to let your boss and your Human Resources Department know that youre resigning before sharing the news with your co-workers. Here is more information about how to say goodbye with tact and professionalism. Tips for Sending a Goodbye Letter Tell Your Boss FirstIf you have decided to leave your job, make sure it is official before you start saying goodbye to co-workers.  Tell your boss, making sure any necessary paperwork is signed, and then say your goodbyes. Use EmailSaying goodbye to co-workers via email is typically best. You do not need to send official business letters. Email allows you to say goodbye as soon as possible, eliminating days spent responding to individual “rumor mill” queries about whether you are leaving. Send Individual Emails  Send individual emails, rather than group messages, so that your goodbye message to each colleague is personal and gracious. For each email, add something personal, such as a memory of a  positive experience you shared, or a project you worked on successfully. Only send goodbyes to people you worked with - there is no need to say goodbye to everyone in the company, especially if it is a large business. Keep It Brief  You might want to share what you will be doing next in your career, in addition to mentioning some memories you share with that particular co-worker. However, keep the message brief. Do not go into details about why you are leaving the job; depending upon their personalities, different people might interpret your reasons as a slur upon the company or those you have worked with. Include Contact Information  Include any personal contact information, such as your new email address or phone number so that people can keep in touch. You might also consider connecting with your co-workers on  LinkedIn  as a way of remaining connected if you haven’t already. Look at Samples  Review  sample letters  and templates for examples of how to say goodbye. These can help you format your own letter. However, remember to personalize any sample letters to fit your own circumstances. Edit, Edit, Edit.  Be sure to edit each email thoroughly, looking for any typos. Each letter is personal, but it is also a professional business letter. Sample Goodbye Email Message #1 (Text Version) Subject:  Sandra Jones UpdateDear Mike,You may already have heard the news, but I wanted to take a moment to let you know that I am leaving my position here at ABC Company.I have enjoyed my tenure here, and I appreciate having had the opportunity to work with you. I have loved working on group projects with you and thoroughly enjoyed having lunch with you in the break room. Thank you for the support, guidance, and encouragement you have provided me during my time at ABC.I would appreciate any continued advice you could provide as I start the next phase of my career.Please keep in touch. I can be reached at my personal email address (sandrajonesgmail2.com) or via my cell phone - 555-121-2222.Thanks again for your friendship and support.Best regards,SandraEmail: sandrajonesgmail2.comCell: 555-121-2222LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sandradjones Expand Sample Goodbye Email Message #2 (Text Version) Subject: News From JasonDear Anthony,I’m writing to let you know that I’ll no longer be working for United Terrace after next week. I’ve been offered a position at another company that gives me  the opportunity to advance my career.I’ve enjoyed working with you during these past five years. We did some great work and had some terrific outcomes. You’ve been both a wonderful friend and  colleague.  Please keep in touch. My email is  mynamemyemail.com  and my cell number is 555-555-5555. I’ll be sure to drop by your office before my last day to say goodbye.Best,Jason Expand More Goodbye Letter Samples Check out further samples of goodbye letter examples that illustrate how to say farewell to co-workers, clients, and business contacts and let them know that you have accepted a new job, are retiring, or are resigning. There are also letter examples you can send to colleagues, clients, and customers to congratulate them and wish them well as they move on to a new opportunity.

What Is An Interview

What Is An Interview What Is An Interview When asking what is an interview, most people are thinking of the job interview. While this is not the only type of interview out there, it is the most common. When youre searching for a new job or a first job, you can expect to go through an interview. Its a very important part of the job search process that can determine whether or not you get the job.An interview can be described as a conversation between an employer and a potential employee and they can be formal or informal depending on the type of job youre applying for. As the interviewee, its your job to convince the interviewer that youre the right person for the job.Its also your opportunity to learn more about the job position to make sure its something that you truly want. Sometimes, certain jobs turn out to be a lot different than what you expect and if this is the case, you can respectfully turn it down.The interview process includes the following steps: The first step is to apply for a position with a company that you have an interest in. Normally, employers will advertise when they have a job opening within the company and list the qualifications needed to fill the position. Applicants who believe they meet the qualifications will then apply for the job. The hiring manager will then go through the applications and resumes and choose the one they believe to be the best candidate based on the information in the applications and resumes. Once the applicants have been narrowed down to the best candidates for the position, these applicants are then called in for the interview. During the interview youll be asked a variety of questions and the interviewer will pay close attention to your responses. He or she will also be judging you on the way youre dressed, the way you present yourself and your attitude. There are different types of interviews that involve different types of questions. Some of the questions will revolve around your qualifications whiles others can be behavioral or hypothetical questi ons. All of the questions are designed to help the interviewer get a better idea of what type of person you are and what type of employee you might be. Depending on the company, you may be called back for a second and even a third interview. Small companies normally give one interview and large companies usually have more with the first one being conducted by someone in the human resource department. The interview should be ended with a sincere thank you, shake hands and follow up with a thank you letter. If you get as far as the interview, it normally means the employer believes you have at least some of the qualifications needed for the position and they want to learn more about you. This is your time to shine and set yourself apart from all the other applicants. The more organized and relaxed you are, the better the interview will go. This shows a sign of professionalism even if youre nervous on the inside.Customize ResumeMore Sample Job Interview Articles:What Is An Interview

How to Make a Career Change at 50

How to Make a Career Change at 50 How to Make a Career Change at 50 At 50 years old, you are much closer to retirement age than you are to the age you were when you first started out. If you plan to retire at 67, when you can collect your full U.S. Social Security benefits, you have about 17 years left of your career. Depending on how you feel about what you do to make a living, that can seem like a very short time or an eternity. Your occupation may no longer bring you the satisfaction it once did. Perhaps you were never happy with it and finally feel ready to explore other options. At this point in your life, you may wonder if the effort  it will take to make a career change  is even worthwhile. Whether you are 30 or 50, you shouldnt spend time working in a career in which you are unhappy. Your age,  though, will play a role in how you go about making your transition and your decision about what career to pursue next.   Before making a move to change your career, consider the pros and cons to determine if its worth the time and effort. Pros Many equate age with experience. Changing careers now is simpler than doing it later. Career satisfaction can have a positive effect on your health, relationships, and life. Cons You may face age bias in the job market. Remaining unhappy in your current job is not living your life well. Career dissatisfaction can lead to health issues. The Pros and Cons of  Changing Careers at 50 You may feel confident, at age 50, that you can take on any challenge that comes your way. Or, you may question whether you want to start over at this point in your life. With retirement on the horizon, you may wonder if it makes sense to stir things up. Ask yourself if its better to  spend every day looking forward to being close to two decades older. Rushing your life away, as you eagerly anticipate not having to go to work every day is not the best way to live. While there are no guarantees that a new career will make you love work, its unlikely you will become more satisfied with your current one over time. Making a career change now is much simpler than doing it later on. Career satisfaction will have a positive effect on your health, relationships, and life in general. Being in the wrong career is stressful. No, it wont be easy to make the transition, but if you go about it in the right way, it doesnt have to be difficult. You just have to decide what you want to do next and whether your choice is realistic. Then you have to figure out how to make it all happen. It is not easy, but it is doable. Whats Difficult About Changing Careers at 50? At age 50, theres a good chance you have quite a few expenses. You may be putting children through college, while also paying off a mortgage. At the very least, you may be responsible for rent and possibly car loans and other debt you may have accumulated over the years. The good news is, you may also have some savings put away. Anything that is liquid could be used to help get you through a career change. Dont dip into your retirement account though. There will be a penalty, and besides, you will need that money later. Breaking into a new field becomes more difficult with age. This is particularly true if you have to compete with younger workers for entry-level jobs. You may face age bias from some employers, but  many equate age with experience. Highlighting your transferable skills on your resume will help. Immerse yourself in a new career by doing an adult internship before you fully commit to it. How to Make  a Career Change at 50 You are more likely to be satisfied with a particular career if it is a good match for your personality type, aptitudes, work-related values, and interests. Therefore, before you go any further, you should learn about yourself by doing a self-assessment. You can hire a career counselor or other career development professional to help you with this step. Find out if your local public library offers this service for free. Another option is to contact the career services office. Check with  a local college or the one you attended, which may provide complimentary career services to alumni. Completing a self-assessment will leave you  with a list of occupations that are a good fit for you based on your characteristics. Next,  explore the occupations on your list. Although an occupation seems suitable, you have other things to consider at age 50. With just slightly less than two decades ahead of you to settle into a new career, the time you spend preparing for it is a more important factor than it would have been if you had done this earlier. You should avoid choosing occupations that require many years of education or training. While you may occasionally see a story about someone who made a late  midlife career change  and became a doctor or lawyer while in their 50s, that could be an unrealistic choice  for several reasons. By the time you finish your education, you would have only a few years left to work so your investment wouldnt pay off. You might also face age bias both in admissions and in getting a job when you graduate. It is much more practical to choose an occupation that takes advantage of  your  transferable skills  and doesnt require too much additional education and training. With that said, if its your hearts desire to pursue a career that requires multiple years of education and training, and you have the financial resources to do it, dont let anything stop you. Also make sure to learn about job duties,  employment outlook, and median earnings. Evaluate this data to help you pick the most suitable occupations from your list. Think about which job duties you like and which you dont. While you dont have to love every task, you must at least be willing to do all of them regularly. If any job duty is a deal breaker, take that occupation out of the running. Earning a lot of money is nice, but it wont make you any happier with a career that has few other redeeming qualities. Instead of choosing the occupation with the highest earnings, make sure the salary will cover your expenses, let you save money, and allow you to take part in the leisure activities you enjoy. Also, consider the employment outlook. If you cant get a job, there is no point in choosing that occupation.

These are the 15 cities with the most $100K+ jobs in May

These are the 15 cities with the most $100K+ jobs in May These are the 15 cities with the most $100K+ jobs in May Though a new graduating class is about to flood offices across the country, Baby Boomers are holding their ground. A recent report from Reuters using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics finds that three million Americans over 55-years-old have joined the workforce over the past three years. This accounts for 60% of all workers between 2016 and 2018.So where are the cities hiring for $100k jobs the most? Ladders put together a list of the 15 cities hiring the most $100K+ jobs in May using data from its continuously updated database of high-paying jobs.Follow Ladders on Flipboard!Follow Ladders’ magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and more!1.  San FranciscoJobs available:  26,924The Bay Area saw its biggest job gains in March  led by Santa Clara County and the East Bay. Check out these  jobs in and around  San Francisco.Sample job:  Social Media Marketing Manager, Social LabShutterstock2.  New York, NYJobs available: 21,726Tho ugh New York is creating more and more jobs, they are having a housing crisis. Check out these  jobs in and around New York.Sample job:  Email Marketing ManagerShutterstock3.  Washington, DCJobs available:  16,186Washington, D.C. has plenty of jobs in tech but is  lacking those with cybersecurity and business  intelligence skills. Check out these  jobs in and around Washington.Sample job: Sr. Manager, Digital Product ManagementShutterstock4.  Boston, MAJobs available:  13,462According to a recent analysis of the hottest job markets, Boston came in fourth place.  Check out these  jobs in and around Boston.Sample job: Senior Software Engineer IIShutterstock5.  Los Angeles, CAJobs available:  12,031This sunny city has plenty of jobs available in finance, sales, and healthcare. Check out these  jobs in and around Los Angeles.Sample job:  Director of Finance for a Non Profit Sports AssociationShutterstock6.  Chicago, ILJobs available:  10,642Good news! Despite unemployment rates increasi ng overall in Illinois, Chicago has seen a decline and leads the state in job creation. Check out these  jobs in and around Chicago.Sample job:  Senior Windows AdministratorShutterstock7. Seattle,  WAJobs available:  8,734Seattle is one of the Top 15 cities hiring for tech jobs, according to  24/7 Wall St.  Check out these  jobs in and around Seattle.Sample job:  Senior Windows AdministratorShutterstock8. Dallasâ€"Fort Worth,  TXJobs available: 8,432The Dallas tech job sector  continues  to remain strong. Check out these  jobs in and around Dallas.Sample job  Insurance AgentShutterstock9.  Philadelphia, PAJobs available:  7,174Philadelphia job openings in April grew faster than in New York, San Francisco, and LA, according to Philly.com. Check out these  jobs in and around Philadelphia.Sample job:  Insurance AgentShutterstock10.    Atlanta, GAJobs available: 6,837Atlanta is outpacing both job growth and salary increases over the past year,  according to Glassdoor. Check out these  j obs in and around Atlanta.Sample job:  Director of Technical Accounting ReportingShutterstock11.  Denver, COJobs available: 5,649Denver is also one of the Top 15 cities hiring for tech workers.  Out of the 1.4 million workers in Denver,   9.2% work in STEM.  Check out these  jobs in and around  Denver.Sample job:  Senior Network EngineerShutterstock12.  Houston, TXJobs available: 4,619Not loving the Polar Vortex? You may want to move to Houston. Check out these  jobs in and around Houston.Sample job:  Commodities and Purchasing Strategic Sourcing LeadShutterstock13. Austin, TXJobs available: 4,303According to U.S. News World Report Austin is the No.1 place to live in the U.S. in 2019. Check out these  jobs in and around Austin.Sample job: Senior Financial Analyst â€" RetailShutterstock14.  Minneapolis-Saint Paul, MNJobs available:  4,047Zip Recruiter called Minneapolis the best job market for those who want to work with small to medium-sized businesses. Check out these  jobs in an d around Minneapolis.  Sample job:  Manager Human ResourcesShutterstock15. Baltimore, MDJobs available: 3,937The top five industries for jobs in Maryland are    Architecture and Engineering Industry,  Computer and Mathematical Industry,  Management Industry,  Legal Industry, and  Business and Financial Operations Industry, according to Zippia.  Check out these jobs in and around Baltimore.Sample job:  Plant Manager (Food)ShutterstockYou might also enjoy… New neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happy Strangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds 10 lessons from Benjamin Franklin’s daily schedule that will double your productivity The worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs 10 habits of mentally strong people

Things you should never say in an interview (and what to say instead)

Things you should never say in an interview (and what to say instead) Things you should never say in an interview (and what to say instead) Some resumes are full of outlandish claims, but a few job seekers say even stranger things in interviews.It’s crucial to present yourself professionally, both in how you dress and how you respond to questions. You don’t want to sound like someone who’s clueless about how to behave in the business world.A recent OfficeTeam survey reveals some of the weirdest things hiring managers have heard come out of job candidates’ mouths. Here’s a look at some of the most out-there remarks, and what interviewees should have said instead.“My previous manager was an idiot.”Maybe they were, or maybe they weren’t. Regardless of how you felt about your former boss, you look bad when you trash talk past employers.Do this instead: Avoid negative comments - about previous supervisors, coworkers or job duties. Hiring managers like to ask candidates why they left their previous jobs. Even if the primary reason was indeed a bad boss, keep things positive and future-focused. You could say so mething like, “Though I sometimes had a different viewpoint than others, I really enjoyed my job and collaborating with coworkers. But after X years in the same position, I felt it was time for another challenge.”“I’m not interested in this job. I just want the medical benefits.”Honesty is great - up to a point. While health insurance may indeed be a key driver behind your job search, no prospective employer wants to hear they’re being used.Do this instead: Rather than focusing on what you want out of a job, highlight the many ways the company would benefit if they hired you. Show enthusiasm for the position and the employer’s mission and values. Talk about how well your skills and work experience align with the job requirements. It’s fine to talk about benefits, salary and perks, but leave those topics for the second interview or when you receive a job offer.“There’s no reason to interview anyone else, because I’m the best candidate.”Confidence is great, bu t you need to strike a balance. No one wants to hire an arrogant jerk.Do this instead: List all the reasons why you’re the ideal person for the job. Before the interview, study the job description again and come up with how you meet or exceed those requirements - and give specific examples from your past positions that illustrate those points.“What does this company do?”This is one of the worst questions to ask during a job interview.Do this instead: Company research is a must. You absolutely need to know not only what products or service a prospective employer provides, but also as much as you can find about their values, initiatives, competitors and business challenges. It’s important to ask questions, but frame them in a way that shows you’ve done your homework and are now seeking information you can’t glean from their website or social media channels.With some tact and preparation, you can rock your job interview and leave the good kind of lasting impression.Brandi Britton is a district president for OfficeTeam, the nation’s leading staffing service specializing in the temporary placement of highly skilled administrative and office support professionals. OfficeTeam has 300 locations worldwide and offers online job search services. Connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and our blog.

Index of Air Force Bases Listed Online

Index of Air Force Bases Listed Online Index of Air Force Bases Listed Online Note: Not all Air Force Installations and units have official websites on the Internet. Below are links to those that do. This listing contains only those sites available to the general public without restrictions. Offutt AFB, Neb. 55th Wing Air Force Weather Osan AB, South Korea 51st Fighter Wing Otis Air National Guard Base, Mass. 102nd Fighter Wing Patrick AFB, Fla. 45th Space Wing Pentagon, Washington, D.C. Air Force Art Program Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs General Counsel of the Air Force Installations and Logistics Peterson AFB, Colo. 21st Space Wing Air Force Space Command Pittsburgh International Airport, Pa. 171st Air Refueling Wing Pope AFB, N.C. 43rd Airlift Wing RAF Alconbury, England 423d Air Base Squadron RAF Lakenheath, England 48th Fighter Wing RAF Mildenhall, England 100th Air Refueling Wing RAF Molesworth, England 423rd Air Base Squadron Ramstein AB, Germany 86th Airlift Wing United States Air Forces in Europe Randolph AFB, Texas 12th Flying Training Wing Air Force Personnel Center Air Force Recruiting Service Rhein-Main AB, Germany 469th Air Base Group Richmond International Airport, Va. 192nd Fighter Wing Rickenbacker International Airport, Columbus, Ohio 121st Air Refueling Wing Robins AFB, Ga. 116th Air Control Wing 19th Air Refueling Group Air Force Reserve Command Warner Robins Air Logistics Center Rome, N.Y. Air Force Research Laboratory - Information Directorate Rosslyn, Va. Task Force Enduring Look Schriever AFB, Colo. 50th Space Wing Scott AFB, Ill. 375th Airlift Wing Air Force Communications Agency Air Mobility Command Selfridge ANGB, Mich. 927th Air Refueling Wing Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C. 4th Fighter Wing Shaw AFB, S.C. 20th Fighter Wing Sheppard AFB, Texas 82nd Training Wing South Burlington, Vt. 158th Fighter Wing Spangdahlem AB, Germany 52nd Fighter Wing

Survey reveals people think Siri and Alexa are female tech leaders

Survey reveals people think Siri and Alexa are female tech leaders Survey reveals people think Siri and Alexa are female tech leaders A new LivePerson  survey asked American consumers a simple question: Name a leader in technology.When it came naming famous male leaders, the majority of respondents had no problem ticking off names.  About half of consumers could correctly name  a famous male tech leader with the top choices being Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, or Mark Zuckerberg.But when it came to naming a woman in the same industry, respondents drew a blank. Only 8.3% of the 1,000 American consumers surveyed said they could name a woman leader in technology. And out of that handful of people, only 4% could actually produce a name. The problem: A quarter of them named virtual assistants   “Siri” and “Alexa.”Respondents could name A.I. before they could name female tech leadersThat’s right, there are people among us who think Siri and Alexa - the names of artificially-powered administrative assistants who live in our devices and do not sit in the corner office - are the most powerful female tech lea ders in America.This is a depressing reminder that the representation of real women in technology is still lacking. You cannot be what you cannot see, and technology has historically been a world where women are not seen in top positions. Only 9% of Silicon Valley executives are women, one 2014 report found. While women make up almost half of the labor market, only about  24%  of them are in science, technology, engineering, and math jobs.As Silicon Valley companies like Facebook face publicity relations disasters over the misuse of user data, the company may want to put its Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg in the spotlight.The survey found that even though the respondents could not name women in top jobs, they would trust tech companies more if they were there. Turns out, women in power inspire public trust in tech products. The majority of respondents said they would trust tech giants more if they knew these companies were being chaired by a woman.

Training Schedule

Training Schedule Training Schedule Training Schedule ?/*MAIN CONTAINER*/.article-content .img-caption img {margin: 0 0 25px 20px;}#QGP_container{overflow:visible; margin:0px auto;width:100%;}@media (max-width: 575px) { #QGP_container {overflow:auto; }} /* LINK STYLES */a.QGP-link:link, a.QGP-link:visited{font-size:14px; color:#1059ab; padding-top:10px; padding-bottom:10px; text-decoration: underline; line-height:20px;}a.QGP-link:hover {text-decoration: none;}a.QGP-clickhere:link, a.QGP-clickhere:visited{font-size:11px; color:#0161b2; text-decoration: underline;}a.QGP-clickhere:hover {font-size:11px; color:#0161b2; text-decoration: none;}.QCP_blach13{font-weight:400; display:block; line-height:20px;} hr{ background-color: black; height: 1px; border: 0; } /* from default bootstrap since it's not coming through */.list-unstyled { list-style: outside none none; padding-left: 0;} Product Training: Weekly Live Webinars Ready to discover efficiencies and ways to achieve a better return on your investment? Then Monster’s live training webinars give you the opportunity to do just that. Our courses were developed by experienced recruiters, experts and product specialists â€" and they’ll teach you how to: Create show stopping job postings Develop successful search strategies Better manage your candidates Get the most out of your solutions, and much more Choose a web-based session with live training specialists to learn more and sign up. Job Ad Best Practices Studios Power Resume Search SearchMonster Job Ad Best Practices Live Webinar (60 min) Find out how to reach and engage the best candidates, wherever they are. Your job ad has one job: Get the right candidate to apply. The first step is following all of Monster’s Job Ad Best Practices. We’ll show you how to: Increase your exposure Stand out from your competition Position yourself as an employer of choice Write a job description that is not only informative, but captivating Attract the right talent and encourage them to apply Sign Up Now Back to top Studios (30 min) Studios is a mobile app that gives recruiters the power to record, edit, and post videos to your Job Ads right from your phone. Video Job Ads allow candidates to learn about your company, role, and workplace in a more intimate and authentic way. In this training you will learn: The impact video job ads can have on your target candidates How to record, edit and post videos to your Job Ads Recording best practices and more Sign up with the link below, and make sure to complete this  Scavenger Hunt  prior to your training. Sign Up Now Back to top Power Resume Search Live Webinar (60 min) Learn how to match qualified candidates to your open jobs with this powerful tool. We’ll show you how you can search for real life qualities such as skills, experience, education, tenure in positions, willingness to travel and more, all with unprecedented accuracy. Plus, you’ll see how Monster’s proprietary semantic search technology can: Eliminate the need for long Boolean search strings Understand the meaning of words â€" and search for related terms to yield better results Recognize a candidate’s breadth and depth of experience Automatically include all related job titles for a position within the search Assess a candidate’s recent versus outdated skills Compare multiple resumes on the same screen, side by side Sign Up Now Back to top SearchLive Webinar (60 min) Searchuses precision search technology to find the exact talent you need. Plus, you can manage and contact candidates via email or text message- all from the same interface. No more toggling from one platform to another. This course will show you how to: Source the skills you need most and find top talent fast Message candidates directly with auto messages, emails and texts Access candidates’ public social profiles Manage candidates and track your campaigns Sign Up Now Back to top Training Schedule Training Schedule ?/*MAIN CONTAINER*/.article-content .img-caption img {margin: 0 0 25px 20px;}#QGP_container{overflow:visible; margin:0px auto;width:100%;}@media (max-width: 575px) { #QGP_container {overflow:auto; }} /* LINK STYLES */a.QGP-link:link, a.QGP-link:visited{font-size:14px; color:#1059ab; padding-top:10px; padding-bottom:10px; text-decoration: underline; line-height:20px;}a.QGP-link:hover {text-decoration: none;}a.QGP-clickhere:link, a.QGP-clickhere:visited{font-size:11px; color:#0161b2; text-decoration: underline;}a.QGP-clickhere:hover {font-size:11px; color:#0161b2; text-decoration: none;}.QCP_blach13{font-weight:400; display:block; line-height:20px;} hr{ background-color: black; height: 1px; border: 0; } /* from default bootstrap since it's not coming through */.list-unstyled { list-style: outside none none; padding-left: 0;} Product Training: Weekly Live Webinars Ready to discover efficiencies and ways to achieve a better return on your investment? Then Monster’s live training webinars give you the opportunity to do just that. Our courses were developed by experienced recruiters, experts and product specialists â€" and they’ll teach you how to: Create show stopping job postings Develop successful search strategies Better manage your candidates Get the most out of your solutions, and much more Choose a web-based session with live training specialists to learn more and sign up. Job Ad Best Practices Studios Power Resume Search SearchMonster Job Ad Best Practices Live Webinar (60 min) Find out how to reach and engage the best candidates, wherever they are. Your job ad has one job: Get the right candidate to apply. The first step is following all of Monster’s Job Ad Best Practices. We’ll show you how to: Increase your exposure Stand out from your competition Position yourself as an employer of choice Write a job description that is not only informative, but captivating Attract the right talent and encourage them to apply Sign Up Now Back to top » Studios (30 min) Studios is a mobile app that gives recruiters the power to record, edit, and post videos to your Job Ads right from your phone. Video Job Ads allow candidates to learn about your company, role, and workplace in a more intimate and authentic way. In this training you will learn: The impact video job ads can have on your target candidates How to record, edit and post videos to your Job Ads Recording best practices and more Sign up with the link below, and make sure to complete this  Scavenger Hunt  prior to your training. Sign Up Now Back to top » Power Resume Search Live Webinar (60 min) Learn how to match qualified candidates to your open jobs with this powerful tool. We’ll show you how you can search for real life qualities such as skills, experience, education, tenure in positions, willingness to travel and more, all with unprecedented accuracy. Plus, you’ll see how Monster’s proprietary semantic search technology can: Eliminate the need for long Boolean search strings Understand the meaning of words â€" and search for related terms to yield better results Recognize a candidate’s breadth and depth of experience Automatically include all related job titles for a position within the search Assess a candidate’s recent versus outdated skills Compare multiple resumes on the same screen, side by side Sign Up Now Back to top » SearchLive Webinar (60 min) Searchuses precision search technology to find the exact talent you need. Plus, you can manage and contact candidates via email or text message- all from the same interface. No more toggling from one platform to another. This course will show you how to: Source the skills you need most and find top talent fast Message candidates directly with auto messages, emails and texts Access candidates’ public social profiles Manage candidates and track your campaigns Sign Up Now Back to top » Training Schedule Training Schedule ?/*MAIN CONTAINER*/.article-content .img-caption img {margin: 0 0 25px 20px;}#QGP_container{overflow:visible; margin:0px auto;width:100%;}@media (max-width: 575px) { #QGP_container {overflow:auto; }} /* LINK STYLES */a.QGP-link:link, a.QGP-link:visited{font-size:14px; color:#1059ab; padding-top:10px; padding-bottom:10px; text-decoration: underline; line-height:20px;}a.QGP-link:hover {text-decoration: none;}a.QGP-clickhere:link, a.QGP-clickhere:visited{font-size:11px; color:#0161b2; text-decoration: underline;}a.QGP-clickhere:hover {font-size:11px; color:#0161b2; text-decoration: none;}.QCP_blach13{font-weight:400; display:block; line-height:20px;} hr{ background-color: black; height: 1px; border: 0; } /* from default bootstrap since it's not coming through */.list-unstyled { list-style: outside none none; padding-left: 0;} Product Training: Weekly Live Webinars Ready to discover efficiencies and ways to achieve a better return on your investment? Then Monster’s live training webinars give you the opportunity to do just that. Our courses were developed by experienced recruiters, experts and product specialists â€" and they’ll teach you how to: Create show stopping job postings Develop successful search strategies Better manage your candidates Get the most out of your solutions, and much more Choose a web-based session with live training specialists to learn more and sign up. Job Ad Best Practices Studios Power Resume Search SearchMonster Job Ad Best Practices Live Webinar (60 min) Find out how to reach and engage the best candidates, wherever they are. Your job ad has one job: Get the right candidate to apply. The first step is following all of Monster’s Job Ad Best Practices. We’ll show you how to: Increase your exposure Stand out from your competition Position yourself as an employer of choice Write a job description that is not only informative, but captivating Attract the right talent and encourage them to apply Sign Up Now Back to top Studios (30 min) Studios is a mobile app that gives recruiters the power to record, edit, and post videos to your Job Ads right from your phone. Video Job Ads allow candidates to learn about your company, role, and workplace in a more intimate and authentic way. In this training you will learn: The impact video job ads can have on your target candidates How to record, edit and post videos to your Job Ads Recording best practices and more Sign up with the link below, and make sure to complete this  Scavenger Hunt  prior to your training. Sign Up Now Back to top Power Resume Search Live Webinar (60 min) Learn how to match qualified candidates to your open jobs with this powerful tool. We’ll show you how you can search for real life qualities such as skills, experience, education, tenure in positions, willingness to travel and more, all with unprecedented accuracy. Plus, you’ll see how Monster’s proprietary semantic search technology can: Eliminate the need for long Boolean search strings Understand the meaning of words â€" and search for related terms to yield better results Recognize a candidate’s breadth and depth of experience Automatically include all related job titles for a position within the search Assess a candidate’s recent versus outdated skills Compare multiple resumes on the same screen, side by side Sign Up Now Back to top SearchLive Webinar (60 min) Searchuses precision search technology to find the exact talent you need. Plus, you can manage and contact candidates via email or text message- all from the same interface. No more toggling from one platform to another. This course will show you how to: Source the skills you need most and find top talent fast Message candidates directly with auto messages, emails and texts Access candidates’ public social profiles Manage candidates and track your campaigns Sign Up Now Back to top

Oliver Evans

Oliver Evans Oliver Evans Oliver Evans While never achieving his dream of steam-powered land transportation, inventor Oliver Evans (1755-1819) is best known as the inventor of the stationary high-pressure steam engine and a number of innovations in factory automation. Evans was born in Newport, DE, on September 13, 1755, to a family of Welsh settlers. Ironically, he was born in the same year that Josiah Hornblower was credited with building the first steam engine in the colonies, one state north of Newport in Belleville, NJ. At age 16, Evans became an apprentice to a wheelwright, learning the mechanical skills required for wagonmaking. Later, like many young men of his day, he worked in a mill, where he was hired to produce the cards used for combing wool, a process used to organize the wool fibers so they could be more easily processed down the line. Evans soon tired of the slow and repetitive work and designed his first invention: a machine designed to automatically produce card teeth at the unthinkable rate of 1,500 per minute. In 1782, Evans and two of his brothers purchased part of their fathers farm in Red Clay Creek, DE, to build a grain mill. At the time, the process of grinding grain and processing wheat into flour was a time consuming and unsanitary method. The process was extremely hand-labor intensive and the flour was often dirty as a result. Evanss idea was to harness the energy of a water-wheel to connect the milling process into one continuous system, moving the grain and flower both horizontally and vertically through the mill automatically without hand labor. Over the course of seven years, he developed and perfected five machines that, together, formed a production line that enabled a single worker to perform the work of five, processing 300 bushels of grain per hour. His efforts were recognized by George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, who both commissioned Evans to install a similar system in their mills. The Oruktor Amphibilos. Shortly thereafter, Evans turned his attention to the steam engine. It is said that his interest in steam power was piqued by a story told by his brother of how the son of a local blacksmith had discharged a gun with a bang louder than gunpowder by putting in water, ramming down wadding, and inserting the close end of the gun into the smiths fire. In an era in which only large, heavy, low-pressure steam engines were thought to be practical, Evans considered that by applying high pressure steam directly to a piston would increase efficiency and enable the engine to be made much smaller, and thus, have more practical applications, such as a source of power for wagons. In 1786, he applied to the Pennsylvania legislature for exclusive rights to build steam carriages to move over public roads. After denying his initial request, the Pennsylvania legislature granted Evans the rights to design a steam-propelled carriage. Unfortunately, he was unsuccessful in generating enough financing to r ealize his dream. A few years later, working off a patent granted in 1789, Evans produced an amphibious steam-powered wagon in 1804 called the Oruktor Amphibilos, or amphibious Digger, that was built on commission from the Philadelphia Board of Health. The vehicle was a 17-ton, high-pressure steam-powered dredge designed to deepen the Delaware River dock area. In doing so, he was able to finally demonstrate the utility of his high-pressure steam engine. In 1807, Evans founded the Mars Iron Works in Philadelphia and opened another factory in Pittsburgh in 1811 to build customized steam engines and boilers for mills, steamboats, and factories. Evans had great visions for his high-pressure steam engine, and in 1812, 17 years before the practical use of the locomotive began, he wrote: The time will come when people will travel in stages moved by steam engines from one city to another almost as fast as birds fly - fifteen to twenty miles an hour. Passing through the air with such velocity - changing the scenes in such rapid succession - will be the most exhilarating, delightful exercise. A carriage will set out from Washington in the morning, and the passengers will breakfast at Baltimore, dine in Philadelphia, and sup at New York the same day. Since there was no patent protection during the 1780s, Evans, like other inventors of the time, usually received no money for use of his ideas by others. Even after the U.S. Patent Office was established in 1790, he engaged in continuing battles to collect royalties on his patents and devoted a great deal of his time to filing patents, patent extensions, and enforcement of his patents. Evans died in New York City on April 15, 1819. It is believed that he was responsible for 80 inventions over the course of his lifetime. Tom Ricci is an independent writer. He developed and perfected five machines that, together, formed what was akin to a production line that enabled a single worker to perform the work of five, processing 300 bushels of grain per hour.

Engineering and Reshoring Creativity Matters

Engineering and Reshoring Creativity Matters Engineering and Reshoring Creativity Matters Engineering and Reshoring: Creativity Matters Reshoringbringing manufacturing work back to the U.S. from lower-cost countriesis a critical issue for the U.S. manufacturing industry and the national economy. Technical investments that can make manufacturers more competitive include Industry 4.0, the Internet of Things, additive manufacturing, automation, robotics, and big-data analytics. However, looking at the engineering design process itself is just as important. How can it be improved to boost efficiency and reduce cost? Eliminating unnecessary complexity or extra steps will streamline the engineering process, making this a significant factor in making onshore costs competitive. Take, for example, Mitchell Metal Products (MMP) in Merrill, WI. This contract manufacturer makes a variety of products for original equipment manufacturers across a wide range of industries. In 2016, the company submitted a bid to a U.S.-based manufacturer of lawn and garden equipment to manufacture a handle for a cultivator that was currently being made in Southeast Asia. During the bidding process, we had to display our value compared to the total costs involved with, and compared to, the offshore supply chain, states MMP President Tim Zimmerman. MMP president Tim Zimmerman explains how creative engineering design was integral to his projects success. This required a deep dive into the companys traditional methods of manufacturing to find ways to reduce costs enough to win the project and still make money. MMP assembled a cross-functional team that included most internal departments, two subcontractors, and the tooling staff. The result was a new process that increased the production volume of the cultivator handle subassembly product from 4,500 made overseas to 30,000 made in Wisconsin. In fact, this project received the first-ever National Reshoring Award in October 2017 from the Reshoring Initiative for bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. Creative engineering design was an integral part of this overall success. In the following, Tim Zimmerman discusses how creative engineering changes made the project viable. Q: What were the engineering challenges required for this project? A: There were two challenging factors we needed to address with our internal engineering talent in order to offer a cost to our end customer that was competitive with the offshore source. Both challenges were related to the kickstand component of the full assembly: 1) the kickstand bracket (a metal stamping component), and 2) assembly of bracket, wire form, springs, fasteners, and washers. The issue with each was the same: using traditional processes, the labor involved was too costly. Q: Tell us about the kickstand bracket. A: The kickstand is a subcomponent part of the cultivator handle assembly. The annual volume of assemblies at the time we made our offer was quite low, 3,000 to 4,500 assemblies per year. This type of volume does not support a large, progressive tool. Traditionally, the kickstand bracket would be tooled in stage tools, which creates multiple operations to complete the part. We did not have enough room in our costing structure to support multiple operations. On the flip side, our die design software was suggesting a 16-station progressive tool. The cost for us to build such a tool was prohibitive. The reason so many stations were being called for is because there are extruded holes on each side of the bracket. Their alignment through the entire extruded length of the hole is critical to proper performance of the kickstand. Winning the project to produce this kickstand required MMP to rethink traditional methods of manufacturing. The challenge for our engineering staff was to create a progressive tool with far fewer stations than the automated software was calling for. In the end we designed a toolwith half the stations initially required. This allowed us to bring costs into line. In order to reduce the number of stations, we designed two cam-driven stations, which replaced several stations designed to assure proper alignment of extruded holes. Two other stations were combined into one as well. The tool is working very well for us. It is a credit to the ingenuity of our staff that we created a robust, well-performing tool at greatly reduced cost. Tooling took seven weeks to finalize design, build, and put into service. From time to time, especially with challenging tool designs, we employ a virtual tool try-out where the tool design is run through a simulated production process, which we did with this project. We rented time on a simulator rather than host our own simulation software suite. This way, we have connection to simulators who have access to very robust steel data, which is essential if the simulation is going to be meaningful. Q: How did you deal with assembly of the kickstand? A: We conducted time studies of the proposed assembly process for the kickstand during the quoting process. It quickly became apparent we would need to semi-automate the assembly process in order to maintain the labor cost allowance we had available. Our engineers and tool department worked together to design an air-powered assembly cell, allowing us to assemble the kickstand bracket, wire form, fasteners, springs, and washers in a matter of seconds rather than minutes, as would be the case if the process was done manually. Not only was speed important, but the cell also had to be designed and constructed in a very cost-effective manner. Once again, the team came through and created a work cell that met our investment budget and brought throughput to a level that allowed us to submit an ultimately successful bid for the project. Although the process was quite straightforward, our team took great care to build the cell in an ergonomically friendly manner. Parts are loaded in a way that allows the operator to maintain great posture. As production runs became larger and larger, this factor greatly reduced and/or eliminated operator fatigue. The flow of parts into the work center is essential for allowing us to maintain efficient throughput. Good attention to detail in design, along with incorporating suggestions from operators who work in the department, allowed us to be successful. Sometimes the important innovations that become game-changers are not the technology itself, but the way the technology is employed, enabling operators to perform at high level. Q: Overall, what did it cost to make these engineering improvements? A: We incurred about $25,000 in cost, which we footed ourselves in order to land this project. We calculated we would save around $13,000 annually as a result, which placed the investment within our 24-month pay-back period. This may not sound like a lot of money, however, if we did not have the internal resources to design and build tools, fixtures, and work stations, the cost to have done this outside would easily be five to eight times the investment we made. Our internal capabilities are what allowed us to be successful. Q: Any advice for other manufacturers about bringing back work from overseas? A: An important concept was that we had to envision and somewhat design each of the ideas at the time we quoted the project. It then became absolutely critical the concepts be turned into actual tools to be utilized as planned in the production process. As a contract manufacturer, it is vital to approach every important new opportunity seeking an innovative way to approach it. This means that as an organization, we must quickly vet ideas and concepts, and do so with great confidence. It requires a mix of knowledge, experience, and access to the latest in technology, including die simulation software. Our design engineers also work very closely with our tooling department. It is the knowledge gained, both ways, that allows us to be successful and offer ingenious concepts to our customers. Design engineers learn great detail regarding our internal production operations as a result. The tool-and-die professionals learn much about cost-effectiveness and automation from the design staff. It is truly a win/win situation. Mark Crawford is an independent writer. For Further Discussion

1 in 4 workers would need to be in the hospital to call in sick

1 in 4 workers would need to be in the hospital to call in sick 1 in 4 workers would need to be in the hospital to call in sick With flu season upon us, it will be important to take the time off that you need if you get sick. You don’t want to spread your germs to coworkers who haven’t been hit by symptoms yet, or expose yourself to whatever else is lurking in your office. That makes new  research findings from Canada Life Group Insurance among UK workers that much more disturbing: Almost a quarter of them - 23% - would have to be in the hospital, or have “no other choice,” to call in sick.The research touches on “presenteeism” - sort of the opposite of absenteeism - when an employee goes to work despite an illness that prevents him or her from fully functioning at work.Here’s what else research has found, and  how to get serious about your health  instead of just showing up when you’re unable to perform well.Employees feel judged by others when they take sick daysThe Canada Life Group Insurance research  gave the primary reasons why people come in sick: 17%  of people  reported not wanting to look “weak” for not coming in over “a short-term illness” 14% are nervous about being seen “as lazy” 13% are nervous about being considered “not dedicated” 12% said that coworkers/company leaders “me feel guilty for taking time off even if I’m ill” U.S. employees judge others for coming in sickThe trend of workers coming in to the office despite illness isn’t limited to the UK.Results from the NSF Workplace Flu Survey show that 98% of American workers judge their colleagues for coming in to work sick. But only a sliver of them seem to feel negatively about it - 16% think their coworkers who do this are “selfish or don’t care about the well-being of their co-workers,” while 67% think those who do are “hard workers.”Only 26% say they’ve come to the office while battling an illness, and 57% say they’d encourage a colleague doing the same thing to head home “if they thought they were too sick to be at work.”Twenty-five percent say they’ve come in when under the weather “because their boss expects them to come in no matter what.”Here’s what happens when you stumble into work sickThere’s a chance that your performance will suffer, and you’ll make others ill - in fact, the Canada Life Group Insurance research  among UK workers found that 48% of respondents reported getting sick because of an ill coworker more than once.Paul Avis, Marketing Director at Canada Life Group Insurance, commented on the research in a statement:  â€œIt is incredibly worrying it would take something as serious as being hospitalized to dissuade a quarter of British employees from going into work, showing that a ‘stiff upper lip’ culture of presenteeism still pervades the British workforce,” Avis said. “People suffering from illnesses like flu and stomach bugs are unlikely to be productive and risk making their colleagues unwell as well by struggling into work.”How to beat ‘presenteeism’ at workWe all need to take our health seriously - here’s how to take a sick day  and feel less guilty about it.Employees, don’t come in - but consider lending a hand laterProtect both yourself and others.Results from the NSF Flu Survey show that you should take precautions by not reporting to work when you feel like you’re coming down with a cold.“While the inclination might be to power through an illness and go to work when you’re starting to feel run down, the best thing to do is stay home. Going to work not only puts your co-workers at risk of getting sick, but may further strain your immune system,” NSF says. “If you feel you must work while sick, talk to your boss about handling some projects from home or see if one of your co-workers might be able to help out on a project (you can return the favor for them in the future should they become sick).”Employers, it’s about policyIt isn’t all up to the employee.  2010 research from the Journal of General Internal Medicine  on an outbreak of viral gastroenteritis in a long-term care facility sheds light on what employers can do to fight the trend.“In the current era of frequent international travel and novel pandemic influenza virus outbreaks, vigilance is required to ensure that appropriate, common sense infection control procedures are in place, including enforcement of policies preventing health care staff from working while they are potentially infectious,” the research says. “These policies should include the availability of unrestricted paid sick leave, systematic processes for screening ill employees, and mandatory exclusion rules. A fundamental shift is necessary by health care organizations to view measures like unrestricted sick leave not solely as employee benefits, but rather as real investment opportunities that help protect patient safety.”

I found out I was making 53% less than my colleague heres what I did

I found out I was making 53% less than my colleague â€" here's what I did I found out I was making 53% less than my colleague - here's what I did It was an unusually warm day in March, and I was holding my second child in my arms while talking to my parents on the phone. My mom had learned about a website that lists salaries for people earning over $100,000.She was trying to figure out how much money my boss earned; an interesting question that I really didn’t know the answer to. She couldn’t find my boss in the system, so asked me to name other people who I thought should be on that list. I named a few, some of which she was able to find.Then, I named my counterpart: a colleague at work who had virtually the same job as me.Follow Ladders on Flipboard!Follow Ladders’ magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and more!I was astounded to learn that my colleague was paid 47 percent more money than I was. Forty-seven percent more. That’s a lot more money!That moment will forever be a turning point in my life. My typically positive, go-getter attitude could not overcome this hu ge discrepancy. It left me feeling angry. It left me feeling devalued. Really devalued.Over the next few months, I did what I do best: I researched. I read everything I could find about women and money and  pay gaps. That research evolved into larger questions about women and  leadership, which turned into an exploration of the concept of success. Figuring out how to define success lead me to ask myself huge questions about compensation,  benefits  and  work-life balance.I am the mother of two incredible young boys. When this happened they were 4-and-a-half, and not yet a year old. I love motherhood, and I try hard to cherish the moments with my kids. But I also know that I do not want to be a stay-at-home mom. I love my career. I worked really hard for it. I went to school for a very long time and eventually got a PhD.I worked as a consultant helping  healthcare  organizations implement evidence and improve the care they provide with the goal of improving people’s lives.Money had never been my primary driver. If it was, I probably wouldn’t have a PhD, and I definitely wouldn’t have a career in the “helping field.” Although money was not my primary  motivation, I wanted to be paid what I was worth. That’s why this information was so overwhelming. It tapped into a core question about my value in the world, which ultimately led me to interesting and essential questions about what I value.In the process, someone shared this life-changing statement:“Don’t define success by the job you have or how much money you earn, define success by describing every detail of what your life looks like on a random Tuesday morning when you feel joy, happiness and success.”This was mind-blowing for me.It helped me to see the things I love and care about most, and the things I value. I thrive on intellectually stimulating thoughts and conversations, and I want the pursuit of them to drive my days. I enjoy working alone, so while I like having meetings, I want the m ajority of my time to be me by myself. While I learned so much from managing a team of 20 staff members, being a manager was not my greatest strength in the world, and is not the most valuable use of my time. It is not what drives me to want to wake up in the morning and be excited for the day.With this new knowledge, I took a huge leap and did the most courageous thing I have ever done: I quit my job and I started my own  consulting  company.The process to get there involved a lot of soul-searching, a lot of discussions, and more tears than I would like to admit. In the end, I didn’t make the decision because of money. I made the decision to because of work-life balance. Do I hope to get paid closer to what I am worth in the marketplace? Yes. But I am learning so much more about how I want to create a work-life balance that allows me and my family to thrive.So many of us are trapped in this world of getting paid less than we are worth because we want a little flexibility to pick up our kids, or stay home when they’re sick. We also feel pressure to be “intensive parents,” signing our kids up for all of the best educational activities, spending quality one-on-one time with them â€" all of the time. It’s just too much! It’s a system that sets us up to fail.We talk about this huge problem of the mental load we carry around, but it feels as though the only people who understand what that means are other working mothers. It is isolating, and frustrating, but it doesn’t need to be like that.Once we know what we value in the world and what our value is to the world, we can work to reconcile the two and create the work-life balance that allows us to thrive and make what we deserve. We, as working mothers, deserve that.Don’t miss out on articles like these. Sign up!Julia Egan has a PhD from Penn State in human development and is the founder of  Balancing Bravely, a resource for working moms striving to create a work-life balance that allows them to thri ve. Sign up for  free tips and resources  and to read her latest posts on advancing your career, achieving financial freedom, balancing work and family, and finding a little time for yourself. Are you struggling the balance it all? Grab her  Work-Life Balance guide  to get you on the path to success.A version of this post previously appeared on Fairygodboss, the largest career community that helps women get the inside scoop on pay, corporate culture, benefits, and work flexibility. Founded in 2015, Fairygodboss offers company ratings, job listings, discussion boards, and career advice.  You might also enjoy… New neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happy Strangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds 10 lessons from Benjamin Franklin’s daily schedule that will double your productivity The worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs 10 habits of mentally strong people

How to Deal With Unexpected Changes in Life - The Muse

How to Deal With Unexpected Changes in Life - The Muse How to Deal With Unexpected Changes in Life Each night before climbing into bed, I set my alarm for the very same time: 6:45 AM. Then, I slide into my sheets, let my head hit the pillow, and find a sure sense of comfort in the fact that I know exactly what the next day will hold. My alarm will ring and my eyes will slowly creak open. I’ll hit snooze exactly once. When I finally tear myself away from those cozy covers, I’ll brew my coffee, grab a granola bar, and sit down at my desk to peruse my inbox. Yes, every day looks pretty much the same for me. Sure, it’s a little mundane. But, that predictability and certainty is also reassuring. Here’s the thing, though: Every now and then, I experience those dreaded days that somehow stray from the norm- whether by a lot or just a little. There was that morning when a last-minute request from a client threw my whole schedule on its head. There was that afternoon when a loved one’s trip to the hospital meant putting my work on hold. And, even more recently, there was that day when my morning errand to the post office resulted in smacking off my passenger mirror on the side of my garage. It’s in these moments that my love affair with my beloved, stable routine takes a turn. Why? Well, at the very first wrench tossed into my plans, I find myself totally paralyzed by the unpredictable. Even worse though is realizing that I’ve come to rely on something that is oh-so-fickle and fleeting: the concept of certainty. For a while, I assumed that I was the only self-proclaimed creature of habit who felt this way. But, then I stumbled upon this post from marketing expert Seth Godin, in which he emphasizes the fact that we’re all pretty much conditioned to rely on that sense of sureness. In the piece, Godin points to traditional schooling. “You're certain to have these classes tomorrow,” Godin writes, “The class will certainly follow the syllabus. There will certainly be a test. If you do well on the test, you will certainly go on to the next year.” The problem with starting your life this way and getting used to it? Life isn’t certain. Things are bound to crop up that take you by surprise. You won’t land that job you want. You won’t score that promotion. You’ll get a promotion you never saw coming. You might be asked to relocate. You might change careers entirely. Or, you might even get fired. Like it or not, the unexpected happens. And, as I know all too well, you’ll have a much tougher time rolling with the punches when you’ve come to expect that you won’t ever get punched at all. “We've trained people to be certain for years, and then launch them into a culture and an economy where relying on certainty does us almost no good at all,” Godin continues. Godin raises a solid point. It seems counterintuitive, but certainty is anything but, well, certain. So, take a page from him and remind yourself of the fact that absolutely nothing is a sure thing- and, while you’re at it, think of some different ways that you can become better at adjusting to your ever-changing circumstances, whatever they may be. After all, if life has taught me anything, it’s this: While it’s more than OK to hope for the best, it’s usually not a bad idea to plan for the worst.

3 Steps to Doing Less Work at the Office - The Muse

3 Steps to Doing Less Work at the Office - The Muse 3 Steps to Doing Less Work at the Office When you want to move up in the workplace, your first instinct might be to ask yourself, “What can I add to my plate to impress people and really prove my worth around here?” That may seem like a smart question to ponder, but in my opinion, it’s not always the right question to start off with. Instead, here’s a good place to start: “What can I subtract from my current workload so that I can clear away some muck, free up my time and energy, and start contributing at the highest possible level?” In other words: “What should I be doing less of around here?” After working as a psychologist and life coach for over 28 years- mentoring super-achievers across all kinds of industries- what I have observed, time and time again, is that the secret to success isn’t doing more. It’s doing less. Here is a simple auditing exercise to help you critically examine your work week and decide which tasks to keep- and which you ought to delete. Step #1: Create an Inventory of Your Tasks High-Value Tasks Ask yourself, “What are the top three most valuable things that I do for my employer or clients every week?” No matter your role, your days are filled with a lot of different tasks- e.g., answering emails, attending meetings, generating reports, filing paperwork, and so on- and it can be easy to slip into auto-pilot and grind along without ever pausing to look at how your tasks are helping your company to reach its objectives (or not). So, take a minute to think: Out of everything you do, which tasks deliver the highest value? Not sure? Think of it this way: Which tasks lead to a specific result, benefit, or win that can be measured in terms of dollars earned, subscribers gained, customers wooed, time saved, projects completed, disasters averted, or some other metric of success? Once you identify them, make a list. High-Meaning Tasks Next, ask yourself, “What are the top three most personally fulfilling things that I do for my employer or clients every week?” It’s a very similar question to the first, but this time, think of tasks that make you feel exceptionally engaged, alive, excited, and satisfied on a personal level- the kinds of tasks that make you think, “Yes! This is why I go to work. I love this!” Create a list of these tasks, too. Low-Value Tasks Ask yourself, “What are the three least valuable things that I do for my employer or clients every week?” Out of everything you do, which of the tasks on your to-do list feel especially frivolous, ineffective, inefficient, or just don’t lead to any tangible results? Add them to the list. Low-Meaning Tasks Finally, ask yourself, “What are the three least personally fulfilling things that I do for my employer or clients every week?” Out of everything you do, which of your tasks drain the light of your eyes? What feels like meaningless busy work or a poor use of your time, energy, and talents? Once again, make a list. Step #2: Got Your Lists? Make a Plan What should your next move be? When you look at your four lists side by side, it’ll probably be pretty obvious: Your goal is to keep doing your high-value tasks and high-meaning tasks. This is the good stuff. When you are engaged in these kinds of activities, you are contributing to your company at the highest possible level. Conversely, your goal is to stop doing your low-value tasks and low-meaning tasks. These activities aren’t helping you to grow or hone your skills, and they probably aren’t doing much good for your employer, either. Come up with a plan to retain only the gold- and phase out the silver and bronze. That could mean delegating certain tasks to an intern or assistant, petitioning for a new employee to be added to your department, or making a case for why certain tasks should just eliminated altogether, for the benefit of the company. Step #3: Face Your Fears- and Have the Talk You’ve made your lists. You know which tasks you need to keep and which you need to delete. Now comes the tough part: finding the courage to talk to your employer or client to discuss the changes you want to make and, hopefully, come to an agreement. This is the part where most people get scared- and stuck. You might find yourself thinking, “Will they misunderstand and think that I’m trying to shirk my responsibilities?” “Will they perceive me as a whiner or a flake?” or “What if they decide that my position isn’t even needed anymore, period?” But having this talk with your employer doesn’t have to be such an anxiety-fest. Here’s a script to help you position the changes you want to make in a positive light: “I recently took some time to audit my workload. I made a list of everything that I do every week to examine exactly how I am spending my time here. My goal was to identify which of the tasks on my usual to-do list are leading to specific, measurable results for the company- and which are not. I made some interesting discoveries and I’d like to share them with you. Can we set up a time to talk?” Your employer will be impressed by your professionalism and your desire to contribute at an even higher level. If you’re still feeling jittery before the meeting, take action to release some of that anxiety so you can present a calm, confident pitch. Run. Sweat. Pummel a punching bag. Run through your notes with a close friend. Talk to a coach or mentor. Rehearse your key points in front of a mirror. Review your list of high-value tasks to reaffirm all the ways you’re already making major contributions at work. Then, remind yourself that the entire point of this meeting is to figure out a way for you to add more value to your company or client, not less. There’s nothing shameful about that! If you don’t go after what you want, you'll never have it. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. Nora Roberts Whether it’s adding a new facet to your job description, subtracting a meaningless task from your to-do list, delegating a responsibility to somebody else, or requesting a raise, new workspace, or flexible schedule, never be afraid to ask for something that will allow you to be and do your best. Photo of fingers courtesy of Shutterstock.

Know Your Core Values for Job Satisfaction - FlexJobs

Know Your Core Values for Job Satisfaction - FlexJobs Know Your Core Values for Job Satisfaction 18www.marblearchinc.com. Core values are the critical ideas and codes by which you live your life, both at work and at home, and they play a large role in your overall job satisfaction. When a conflict occurs between your core values and the values you’re being asked to assume, the symptoms can be a feeling of dread when heading to work, a sick feeling in the pit of your stomach or even a sense that no matter how hard you work, you won’t ever really be at peak performance. My first experience of core-values based conflict sticks out strongly as a life lesson. My sophomore year of college I was hired as a reservationist for a local resort. I started and ended each shift with a smile as I helped families plan their vacations. The resort offered regular stays, as well as timeshare opportunities. Helping families plan a weekend at the beach was aligned with my values of supporting others through my work and showing appreciation for their patronage. I did very well in my role and was soon offered a new position, with the potential for much higher compensation. The new role was a blend of concierge, and timeshare presentation salesperson. Essentially, I would help guests book their dinner reservations, arrange day trips, even order anniversary flowers. I was expected, however, to also sell them on the idea of a 90 minute timeshare presentation, for which I was awarded commission. The first part of the job was a natural fit for me, the second led to nausea and stress for months. One of my core values is sustainability. I define sustainability as living a lifestyle that can be supported long-term without the overuse of resources such as money, products or relationships. I knew enough about timeshare to know that for some, it’s a wonderful bargain. For others, it becomes a financial trap and annual burden. I saw this too often to feel good about selling the tours, and yet I kept at it. I relished in planning a special anniversary dinner, but struggled with the constant goal of booking more presentations. It just wasn’t in line with my core values. Peak performance can only occur when your mind and heart are fully engaged in your work. My mind knew how to market the timeshare presentations, but my heart wasn’t in it. Since then, I have also experienced this conflict within other organizations I have been a part of. I now recognize that when I am in regular conflict with other leaders, or I dread voicing an opinion, I am not in an environment conducive to my peak performance. It’s time for me to identify the environment where I can be most impactful and most supportive. Core values create a filter for decision-making, a vocabulary for collaboration and are often a reflection of the creator’s passion and purpose. Each of these aspects combine to make core values a critical component of high performance. Understanding core values for job satisfaction: How can creating a list of Core Values impact you today? Creating a set of core values for an individual, an organization or a marriage builds a foundation upon which to communicate and connect. My husband and I have a set of core values for our marriage, which are the same for our company. When we experience conflict in our lives, we immediately go to our list of values on the fridge and identify which one we are out of sync with. Prevent conflict in your career by filtering out those organizations whose core values don’t match your own. Imagine you are interviewing with four different companies for a new position, how do you know which company will spark your fire? If you value change and innovation and the company you are considering joining values tradition, you may find yourself in a situation fraught with anxiety in just a few months. A misalignment of your values with those of your organization can be a difficult challenge to overcome. That misalignment is what’s behind the desire to run screaming from your desk every afternoon by 3:00. Knowing your values up-front can spare you from this anxiety and help further your career by filtering out the wrong jobs, leaving you to focus on the right ones. Core values bring a team together. Consider the discord within an organization that has no defined core values. Suddenly, individual core values are all competing rather than aligning. Many managers will place their own success and monetary gain first because there isn’t a larger vision to work for. And often, sales teams butt heads due to differing values of long-term customer service versus short-term financial objectives. Start your core values list right now by writing a dozen or so words that truly resonate with who you are and who you want to be. Next, filter the list to the five most powerful words and add definitions. Finally, begin to leverage this list towards your peak performance in your career and relationships. I’ve shown you mine, now you show me yours. What is one core value you couldn’t work without?