Running Advice Needed!!

<p>Day 1 down...on to day 2 now!! So far, so good!! Being "back in the groove" of eating better is so refreshing! </p> <p>I started out my day with a yummy <strong>gold delicious apple</strong> for <strong>1 point</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhN9DcEGZdTfmDrXNX2mzzchJLsDpOx8V15nkXiRw_s7AmkTIWW3S4xKTDD7Q7rbuwNpjuX7cPfifXeVHcK8NFGht-c-q7tf0ux0htm8jxD1c9Fo1KJbJGzjgHdJ3h0tHrU-CXcugBFCF/s1600-h/DSC045373.jpg"><img alt="DSC04537" border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw16mKoHbLxujyyRTVxPBOYYkQD0NJaDcTqWRnxrjaWjEUoNOzAfMVxS0sOYgsRD5oPO0EDnvpoarmi-IaJhY9Ar4C44qERxXCEjSJXvANUTsuAYb75zaLphGzO239Ba5Y0GWKEw_TxGPT/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC04537" width="554" /></a></p> <p>I planned on making oatmeal when I got to work, but got busy and didn't get it made. So around 11am I had a <strong>banana</strong> for another great <strong>1 point</strong> snack. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaxKK7bqIxnj88AeoUGd_xWC8dYYvxqqRsPCeylE-d2aDn822cGhjsZVHxjKl97f7R-6iaroYZbXXw3KIpZcpiL-YYwc7AFe_WsmHC6bkgJmQ9sOUMAll8wqX2ePelMNmTKsmJ2M48d06W/s1600-h/DSC045383.jpg"><img alt="DSC04538" border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQO_XHYnEuV-fJQGdyc17-Y02zjeUnQ9LnrVfCoWRLmTg36OXUopUU3KBQQOB8G40mqjaPQhnQi2JBdaot7P2OmCyKYsqwO9V_VG7JHtW8dtMXbUlbn1SsWXhPxDTgYdpdl86MbeINwEK/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC04538" width="554" /></a></p> <p>And of course I had to have my <strong>"morning mush"</strong> for <strong>3 points</strong>! Oh how I missed you mush!! And I didn’t get a picture of it…but I know you guys know what it looks like…pre mush anyway!! :)</p> <p>To expand one of my bullet’s about my busy summer…like I said I got a promotion. I am now the associate director in my office, which is great, but also requires more demand! So like today, I couldn’t leave for lunch at a “normal” lunch time because of meetings and helping some of my staff. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining at all. I love my job now more than I ever have! But I said all that to say this…I needed a quick easy lunch!</p> <p>So I hurried home, let Abby (my little puppy) out to go potty, and heated up a <strong>Smart One’s dinner</strong> for <strong>6 points</strong>. I only like a select few of these frozen dinners and don’t like to have them too often. For one I get burnt out and two, they are full sodium, I would way rather make my own stuff!! But it worked great today!!</p> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800" border="0"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEZgGVQM1gpp7xlHselhe51Xnb9H-o-W9a3LP777zD2CmFoumYDH-d289qDsNJ2dTzhdNOOzqQXd-5GpCar0jbU0tGsBJjGxUgKEf0_Kbu28e5Zm73U0T4tmkGwco5Q4p67xwlilbX2NC/s1600-h/DSC045403.jpg"><img alt="DSC04540" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLhq8EoAyXRywyOlUoNZ5Ciec1_yvfTFOgrDPgRzlaN8ELlEsmow2Bk7F5gmtTp0QibtW3GM5NOCmdlgKDVSLzf_hsXb4YjUYzcx7h2IAHbMTqjzqTs6_MwxF82L1aej6FD_ik_-ukDCQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC04540" width="404" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9ed1ZCraNnLdaxmK1GVayokWbYwJZrjfpUCPwYahYAQ5cMqNMSukvfT3dg1XOw1j3kZ-YZiDC_46lvKvd7JMPnRkazpZrWLIPaRMvBqHmTkk_ldyHjVmpeArR9ZB1u4AbaqtN1Ppaye3/s1600-h/DSC045393.jpg"><img alt="DSC04539" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhij7ZbGt4LUbvDQaNXFHjmIQpl-XG8AuHyETXtVbbreylXau7PfCBE0NyOYFOHAndQWzPPsAkDpXe-2fehoEiTaMTc1ilXELwjSTGzan3plQHh0n9pCQcUNiPSO-wa41XOn1SLZRmDidke/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC04539" width="404" /></a></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p>The work day flew by. And before I knew it 5 was long gone and it was already after 6 and I was still in my office. I knew I needed to get going because Kyle and I had a scheduled <strong>7 mile run</strong> and it gets <strong>dark</strong> so early these days, we didn’t want to be running at dusk or in the dark! So I called it a day!</p> <p>Got home and Kyle was already changed and ready to go. So put on my kicks (a new pink pair of asics!!) and we headed out the door. I started out great, but the sore-ness caught up with me quick. By mile 2 my legs were in a great deal of pain. Running those 10 miles on Sunday I think I used muscles I didn’t even know I had!! Wow!! We ended up calling our run short and only did 5 miles instead of 7 because of the pain in my legs. I decided it’s better to listen to your body than push through and get injured!</p> <p>Kyle started up the grill when we got home and we grilled some <strong>chicken breasts</strong> and I steamed some <strong>veggies</strong>. It ended up being an easy, delicious, and filling <strong>6 point</strong> supper!</p> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800" border="0"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5XJC96IfySK6uk_FxNV4U-1Iq4gc_u8egk7DOuS1yJyrTH1eAxFcBxNSB5ckrIEGgIZhKJjBXUYwh9jx6H3rSdmQLa9dePFT0boW5CysVR0pMAv4MpTIRtQuOwqr_tKbNy_0AVBaL05Ca/s1600-h/DSC045413.jpg"><img alt="DSC04541" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh177LfStw9pwKZOGv6Ld5jyatCGKauhXa6SzzFD_Guc2bEQF5Zn-tCT9UgyX3OFkZoucpL8WvF3c0hfW1xNRuz3gnM14kcudearo1DPST3cNuWOknhcUedr2PFyR1GcYo_Q3AcnCSdK1O-/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC04541" width="404" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyj5TcBtbpIShct-IWUPAcvDG8n7uGshyphenhyphen4SegFZ9JuzNSZgMENY9wKfBizdKDbEfv_V3mJiDQDmjbZwNdyB5pbeQXsVzFH_QHbv9uEWbQ6mEEn0jHkK5ZIcmB772veb-L0GXrP6oNuQOsG/s1600-h/DSC045423.jpg"><img alt="DSC04542" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VPWfvOlIsN6K1seADUXwvJgSJb3imd6CghqhDwkNIuu124Uy-Tzom2cIYFh1BhuBcNOUc1PZftAF8HqPtf8zwnX1LvGhP2KVW57db6uxTlTwLoOPZg1k8-mczN_QgARGrcUMJfl5Un3o/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC04542" width="404" /></a></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p>So I’m curious…those of you runners out there who have ran long distances, <strong>how many days of rest after your long run do you give yourself?</strong> And does your <strong>body adapt</strong> to those <strong>long distances eventually</strong>? We ran 10 on Sunday, rested on Monday, and ran 5 today. I’m not sure if we should have ran that 5 today for how my body is feeling. I know everyone is a little different, but I would love any feedback and/or advice you guys have!! We have a 12 mile long run scheduled for Friday and I’m quite nervous for it!!</p> <p><strong>TUESDAY’S STATS</strong></p> <p>POINTS = 17/22 <br />WATER = 96 oz <br />EXERCISE = 5 mile run</p>

Running Advice Needed!!

Day 1 down...on to day 2 now!! So far, so good!! Being "back in the groove" of eating better is so refreshing! I started out my ...

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Advice for Workers of Every Age, at Every Stage

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/vb/ar5d5y469qr5zygf80vb.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" iq="true" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/vb/ar5d5y469qr5zygf80vb.gif" /></a><br /></div>"Where is this relationship going?" is a question that can mean several things for a romance. It can signal demise or it can reignite long-lost passion. Whatever the outcome, asking it means you're taking control of things.<br /><br />Your career isn't exactly like having a significant other, but some of the same rules apply. Coasting through your professional life without asking any questions of yourself or taking into account your ambitions can limit what you achieve. And it doesn't matter if you're at your first job or you're about to retire, you should always be thinking about where you are and what you want out of your job.<br /><br />With that in mind, we put together some suggestions for workers at every stage of their careers. Many issues you face as a high school student aren't the same as what you'll face midcareer. But you'll also notice that some advice is relevant to you no matter what your age is. So here are some topics to think about as you navigate your career when ...<br /><br />... you're still in high school:<br /><br />Pick a job that doesn't interfere with school. First jobs can teach you about the value of work and earning a paycheck, but the real benefit is learning how to balance personal and work lives. At this age, you should be more focused on getting your education and a diploma than on climbing the corporate ladder.<br /><br />Take your job seriously. Don't become a teenage workaholic, but don't shirk your responsibilities, either. Show up on time, perform your tasks and treat your boss with respect. It never hurts to have a good reference and a boss willing to have you back, maybe during your summer breaks during college or full-time when starting your career.<br /><br />... you're still in college:<br /><br />Find a job that relates to your major or your interests. Working and going to school isn't easy, and you'll be even less inclined to enjoy your job if it bores you. While you may not find your dream job right now, any opportunity to see if you enjoy working in your ideal industry is a good learning experience.<br /><br />Look for internships. Now is a prime opportunity to get experience that can build into a full-time job after graduation, and it's also the one time in your life when you can live very cheaply. Internships don't often pay well or anything at all, but they often count for course credit and always build your résumé, so take advantage of them while you can. <br /><br />Start job hunting a semester (or more) before graduation. Every May, the job market is flooded with new graduates ready and eager to find work. If you start sending out résumés, going on interviews and networking ahead of your classmates, you can have a job lined up before you even get your diploma. You can really enjoy walking across that stage even more when you've already accepted an offer.<br /><br />Remember that you're a working student. Although a lot changes from high school to college, some things stay the same, namely, the need to remain focused on school and taking the job seriously. Don't forget to study for an exam because of work. (And don't forget to show up for work because you were having too much fun.)<br /><br />... you're at your first "grown-up" job:<br />Learn from others. You're a sophisticated, likable person with great ideas; you're also the newbie. Don't be afraid to speak up and contribute to the team, but remember that you have a lot to learn from colleagues and your boss. They can teach you what to do and what not to do at that particular company and in the professional world.<br /><br />Look for a good foundation. For the average worker, an entry-level job does not mark the beginning of a lifelong relationship with that particular employer. You're likely to have several jobs throughout your career, so don't look at a first job as if you're going to be there forever. Look for a job that interests you, offers networking opportunities and, most importantly, lets you develop skills that will help you down the road. <br /><br />Don't burn your bridges. When you move on to a new job, do not e-mail your boss with a diatribe about what an incompetent fool she is. Don't tell your colleague how sorry you feel for him because he's still stuck in that prison of a company. Peaceful partings can ensure you have good references and a good reputation. (This advice is good for everyone, regardless of age.) <br /><br />... you're in the middle of your career:<br /><br />Assess your life goals. For a second, forget about your career and think about what you want your life to be, both now and in the future. Are you on track to achieve what you want? This isn't just about a work/life balance, but also an opportunity to see if your job situation helps you achieve the personal goals and lifestyle you want.<br /><br />Take stock of your professional worth. Midcareer is a vague period because it comes at different points for many people and not everyone's professional life progresses at the same pace. So, this period isn't about your specific age as it is about the status of your career.<br /><br />At this stage, you've had at least one job, if not several, and are accruing experience and expertise in a field. Ask yourself what your résumé would look like if you were to job hunt right now. What are your strongest skills? Where do you need improvement? What career opportunities would be available to you? Now is the time for you to decide if you need to change directions or if you're happy with your situation.<br /><br />... you can retire:<br /><br />Decide what you want your golden years to look like. The template of what retirement should look like is long gone. Today, mature workers are taking different paths when it comes to their careers, and you can decide what works best for you.<br /><br />Because people are living longer, many older workers have no desire to leave the work force and spend another 10 or 20 years at home. Instead, some are scaling back to part-time jobs with their current employers. They still get a paycheck and the company retains their expertise. Others are switching professions entirely and venturing into their dream jobs now that they have the time and money to do so.<br /><br />Decide what you need to have the life you want: Some mature workers can't afford to leave their full-time jobs, even if they wanted to, due to financial needs. As you get older, you have to plan for the cost of health care, medicine and other living expenses, none of which is cheap. Deciding what your future looks like should account for your ideal situation and inevitable factors. <br /><br />By Anthony Balderrama writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><a href="mailto:http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong> </a>

Advice for Workers of Every Age, at Every Stage

"Where is this relationship going?" is a question that can mean several things for a romance. It can signal demise or it can reign...

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10 Ways to Damage Your Career

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/hm/ar5b1cg6zkhwlmrbdghm.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" iq="true" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/hm/ar5b1cg6zkhwlmrbdghm.gif" /></a><br /></div>All workers share the common fear of getting fired. Today, people are not only scared of being fired; they fear getting laid off from their jobs. Neither is a situation any worker wants to face. What's worse, many factors that play a huge role in making these decisions are out of your control, such as the economy, performance and longevity in the company. To best avoid being faced with a pink slip of any kind, employees should make sure they aren't doing anything to themselves that might affect this decision. <br /><br />Avoiding self-destructive habits at work seems like common sense, but reasonable thinking is sometimes forgotten when employees try to stand out or learn new habits, styles and techniques in order to stay afloat in their lines of business.<br /><br />To avoid your own career self-destruction, avoid these 10 habits:<br /><br />1. Not keeping track of your accomplishments<br /><br />Let's say the boss is deciding whether to keep you or your co-worker on board. He sits you down and asks, "Why should I keep you?" If you have nothing to show or tell to prove your case, chances are, you'll be the one getting the boot. Additionally, it's good to keep a running list of awards, promotions and accomplishments to showcase when it comes time for annual performance reviews or when asking for a pay increase. Plus, you never know when you'll end up looking for new work. If you don't keep track of all the good you've done, you might not remember them when it's time to update your résumé.<br /><br />2. Not keeping your skill set current<br /><br />The business landscape is ever-changing, as exemplified by this tough economy. Right now, you're just trying to keep your job and the best way to do that is to show your employer they are getting the maximum return on their investment: you. Keeping your skill set current, along with expanding it, will show your employer you're worth their money, especially when companies are looking for ways to reduce expenses.<br /><br />3. Not delivering results<br />Common sense will tell you that business is about accountability. If you don't contribute to the bottom line, if you cost money instead of make money or if you harbor a sense of entitlement for simply having put forth effort, you are guaranteed to fall by the wayside.<br /><br />4. Efficient does not equal effective<br />Those who think that communicating via e-mail, because it's faster than actually talking with people, fail to recognize the importance of personally connecting with others in today's highly automated, technological and competitive environment. One thing that will keep you afloat in this economy is your relationships with people, and those relations can't be grown through e-mails, text messages or BlackBerry chats.<br /><br />5. Thinking you're irreplaceable<br />There is no room for "divas" in the workplace. There are millions of people looking for work right now and, chances are, more than a few of them could do your job. As soon as you convince yourself that you and only you can do the job "right," your star will surely start to fall. <br /><br />6. Knowing all the answers<br />Knowledge is power. Professing to know it all, however, will stall your career as it shows that you're uninterested in learning about new ideas and approaches. To stay afloat in today's job market, workers need to ask questions, stay current and listen to new ideas.<br /><br />7. Surrounding yourself with "brownnosers"<br />The old adage remains true: You are the company you keep. If you associate with brownnosers, it's most likely because you like having others boost your confidence. This fact will not be lost on those around you. Managers and other professionals will have no problem replacing you with someone who accepts and encourages intelligence and creativity in others.<br /><br />8. Taking all the credit<br />Give credit where credit is due. Most managers are smart enough to realize when you inappropriately take full credit for positive outcomes despite the help or input received by others. If you credit other people where they deserve it, you'll be seen as team player, a key element to any successful group. Plus, you'll probably find that you start seeing the same acknowledgement from your co-workers. <br /><br />9. Not tooting your own horn<br />Chances are your boss doesn't have time to keep a running tab on each of his employees, so how else will your boss know how valuable you are to the company unless you tell him? Bragging is one thing, but letting colleagues in your industry know of your success through case studies, promotion bulletins or other such tools is another. It's important to recognize the value of letting others know about your accomplishments as long as you go about it in the right way. <br /><br />10. Losing perspective<br />Those who fail to recognize their shortcomings are destined for the unemployment line.<br /><br />Intuitive business people recognize that, despite their best attempts to do everything right, they may sometimes approach roadblocks and need to seek the advice and perspective of a respected friend, colleague or even a business coach. Acknowledging that you aren't perfect will earn you respect in the office.<br /><br />By Rachel Zupek writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a>

10 Ways to Damage Your Career

All workers share the common fear of getting fired. Today, people are not only scared of being fired; they fear getting laid off from their ...

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How to Make a Comeback in the Work Force

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/1h/ar5b3wr73rmvpjhjq01h.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" iq="true" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/1h/ar5b3wr73rmvpjhjq01h.gif" /></a><br /></div>Thomas Jefferson once said, "Every generation needs a new revolution." No statement has ever seemed more true today as older workers approach retirement, but aren't ready to stop working. Rather, they want to revitalize their careers.<br /><br />This growing trend isn't limited to boomers staying in the work force. It encompasses women returning to work after maternity leave, workers wanting to change careers in general, even those who are sick of retirement and just want to make a comeback. <br /><br />To Marc Freedman, author of "Encore: Finding Work That Matters in the Second Half of Life," such a comeback is called an "encore career," in which people find work that provides meaningful and significant contributions to the greater good in the second of half of their lives.<br /><br />"Instead of freedom from work, they are searching for the freedom to work," Freedman says. "Instead of accepting the notion of a career as an arc that rises in youth, peaks in midlife and declines into retirement, they are charting a new trajectory -- one that for many will reach its apex of meaning and impact when others in past generations headed for the sidelines."<br /><br />In fact, 5.3 million to 8.4 million people between the ages of 44 and 70 have already launched encore careers, according to a recent MetLife Foundation/Civic Ventures survey. Fifty percent of people of the same age not already engaged in new careers say that they want to be and they want to move into such fields as education, health care, government and nonprofit work. <br /><br />Don't call it a comeback<br /><br />Though many workers want to make a transition back to the work force for various reasons, many don't know exactly how to do it. Lots of workers don't know the options they have when they want to come back to work -- or the obstacles they might face.<br /><br />"Workers returning to the work force should not assume they will be able to pick up where they left off, even those who left recently," says Jennifer Berman, managing director of the HR advisory, consulting and training group at CBIZ Human Capital Services. "Returning workers need an understanding of what industries are hiring for what types of positions. From there, they'll need to conduct an inventory of what skills they possess that are marketable to those opportunities and how they will obtain the skills they may lack."<br /><br />Many options exist for workers who want to learn fresh skills in a new industry or career. These programs can open doors to full-time work, provide experience in areas that you've previously lacked or allow you to get your feet wet in a new profession before committing to it permanently. <br /><br />Here are some options available to workers who want to rejoin the work force:<br /><br />1. Returnship<br /><br />Returnships are similar to internships, except they are for experienced professionals. They're designed for workers who have left the work force and want to re-enter the corporate world, most commonly in a different line of work than the one they left. A returnship could also be an internship in new field in order to give you the opportunity to test the waters before making a career change.<br /><br />Several companies, such as Sara Lee Corp. and Goldman Sachs, have already implemented similar programs. Sara Lee, for example, launched the Returnships @ Sara Lee program in October 2008. The initiative was put in place to provide flexible opportunities for midcareer individuals to re-enter the work force after an extended leave. Participants also have the potential for a permanent position after completion of the returnship program.<br /><br />Brenda C. Barnes, chairwoman and chief executive officer of Sara Lee Corp., says the program "provides a win-win situation for candidates and for our company by offering flexible work arrangements on a trial basis, while at the same time allowing Sara Lee to tap into a deep talent pool of underutilized professionals."<br /><br />If you have your eyes set on a company and you don't know if it offers a returnship-type program, Berman suggests developing a proposition to create one.<br /><br />"In these tight times, almost every industry has trimmed staff to a point where there are real needs. Few employers will turn away free labor that offers a real value," she says. "Learn what the organization is missing or needing. Develop a proposal for the services you could provide in exchange for consideration for a future hire, introduction to another business unit or detailed recommendation."<br /><br />2. VocationVacations<br /><br />VocationVacations, another type of mini-internship experience, offers clients the chance to test-drive a dream job under the guidance of expert mentors who are passionate about what they do, says Brian Kurth, president of the company. Approximately 20 percent of "vocationers" have either switched full-time careers, gone back to school or have taken the steps to land their dream jobs.<br /><br />"What better way to return to the work force from early retirement, maternity leave or an extended layoff than to test it all out first?" he asks. <br /><br />VocationVacations offer one- to three-day, hands-on, career immersion experiences under the guidance of mentors who are experienced in the field in which a "vocationer" is interested. The company offers more than 160 types of vocations in everything from acting to yoga. <br /><br />Though a VocationVacation is different from a returnship in that you pay to participate, the expense should be thought of as an investment toward your future. After all, you do get a one-on-one mentorship, sound career-coaching advice and other perks. Kurth says some mentors feel so strongly about their vocationers that they've hired them full time. For more information, visit their Web site.<br /><br />3. Mom Corps<br /><br />Mom Corps, a staffing solution firm, places women returning to the work force in part-time, permanent, full-time, flexible and contract or project-based work arrangements. Companies such as KPMG, Merrill Lynch, Home Depot and General Electric are able to access a pool of professionals who have opted out of the traditional workplace, but still have the talent and time to take on work.<br /><br />"By hiring a contract or part-time worker during the economic downturn, companies are able to operate at a lower cost and still see results," says Allison O'Kelley, CEO and founder of Mom Corps.<br /><br />Unlike a returnship or other options, Mom Corps offers flexible job opportunities suited to candidates' qualifications and scheduling needs. Workers still have the option of returning to the work force, yet don't have to immediately dive in full time. Employers can post jobs, search for candidates and view résumés matching their criteria, and candidates can do the same while looking for companies.<br /><br />Benefits of return programs <br /><br />Still not sold on a return program? Here are several benefits to consider:<br /><br />1. You are essentially able to "try before you buy," Kurth says. Return programs allow workers to determine whether they truly like the field they are entering and if they don't, they have saved themselves a lot of time by not pursuing something they don't enjoy or aren't cut out for.<br /><br />2. Workers, though unpaid, get experience in a company, which is great for their résumé and networking pool.<br /><br />3. Employers get free work from seasoned professionals.<br /><br />4. Return programs give returning workers an opportunity to not only test out an experience, but also obtain additional skills, Berman says.<br /><br />5. Return programs are instant networking, Kurth says. Everyone you'll work with will know people who know people, etc.<br /><br />By Rachel Zupek writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong> </a>

How to Make a Comeback in the Work Force

Thomas Jefferson once said, "Every generation needs a new revolution." No statement has ever seemed more true today as older worke...

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5 Ways to Fit in a Part-Time Job ... When you're already working full time

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/sd/ar5b1zf5wkb6fj0tkmsd.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" iq="true" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/sd/ar5b1zf5wkb6fj0tkmsd.gif" /></a><br /></div>When you're already working eight-plus hours per day, the last thing you really want to do is put on a happy face and go to another job. But in today's tough economy, some workers don't have a choice.<br /><br />"I work two jobs because I need the money in this economy. My full-time-job salary goes to all my student loans, bills and car payments, while my second paycheck goes towards things that I need or want," says Laura Gutierrez, a full-time marketing assistant for a Minneapolis-based law firm and a part-time liquor store associate. "I make it work because I have to. It's nice that my second job is really flexible and can fit around my unusual hours at the law firm." <br /><br />Gutierrez is just one out of millions of people working two jobs. In November 2008, 38.6 million people were working part time, defined as working less than 35 hours per week, according to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Of those people, 7.1 million were working part time for economic reasons. <br /><br />When Catherine Patterson accepted a full-time account executive position for a Chicago-based public relations agency last year, she also accepted a decrease in pay ("Completely worth it," she says). But, she knew she needed to start saving money, so she took on a part-time job as an associate at Potbelly Sandwich Works, where she works two or three shifts per week.<br /><br />"When I started at Potbelly, I knew the economy was heading for the tank but I didn't foresee it would get this bad," Patterson says. "I am immensely grateful that I have my Potbelly job in addition to my PR job." <br /><br />Marcy Morrison, owner of Careers with Wings, agrees that many people are working multiple jobs to increase their cash flow. People have to not only deal with usual cost of living increases, but as the job market worsens, more workers are taking salary cuts and dealing with the layoff of a spouse or partner, Morrison says. In order to make ends meet, taking on another job might not be a choice.<br /><br />"Others might take on a part-time opportunity to increase their skill set to become more marketable in the work force," Morrison says. But the larger percentage of people who take on an additional job for monetary reasons "can find relief in meeting their financial obligations" by working a second job, she says. <br /><br />Indeed, Dana Hughes has been working two jobs simultaneously for over a year to help pay the bills after her husband was downsized 17 months ago. During the week, she works full time as a communications manager for a nonprofit membership association; on weekends, evenings and holidays, she works as a freelance graphic designer. Hughes, who is also a mom to three young children, says it's often challenging and stressful working all the time; it requires her to be very organized and efficient at managing her time.<br /><br />If you're thinking about taking on a part-time job in addition to your full-time gig, or if you do this already and need help, here are five tips on how you can make it work and how others make it work every day:<br /><br />1. Consider what you're doing. "There are lots of ways to make money that don't require physical labor or long, demanding hours," says Katie Mattson, a life coach. "If you have a talent for writing, pick up a few freelance gigs. Bottom line: Try to work a second job that doesn't demand too much from you so you don't overload your system."<br /><br />2. Find jobs that mesh well. Beth Zeigler is a full-time professional organizer for her own company, Bneato, but for part-time work, she writes for a blog called Apartment Therapy. She writes about inspiring home spaces, how to make space work and organizing -- her expertise. "Not only have I become more of an authority on organizing while writing for AT, it's given my business exposure that I never would have had otherwise," she says. <br /><br />3. Make time for yourself. "Make sure that you budget adequate time for yourself in the week to recharge your batteries," says Dave Crenshaw, author of "The Myth of Multitasking: How Doing It All Gets Nothing Done." "While holding multiple jobs may help cash flow in the short term, in the long term, the loss will be tremendous if you find yourself unable to hold any job due to stress or health concerns."<br /><br />4. Find something that works with your schedule. Erin Shanahan worked full time at a publishing company, but needed help paying off some debt, so she found a nonprofit looking for someone to telecommute whenever possible as long as it was 15-20 hours per week. "I would put in my full day at one job, go home and work two to three hours for the other one. I also usually put in at least one full weekend day," Shanahan says. "I made sure to take a night off here or there when I needed to and to do something for fun each weekend to keep me from feeling too stressed out."<br /><br />5. Be honest with both of your employers. Have an honest conversation with your boss about both of your jobs -- you never want one to start interfering with the other. When Laura Kassenbrock relocated, she took a job that she soon found out was not challenging enough. She found a better fit, but was afraid the short stint would look bad on her résumé. "I made a proposition to my current employer: Keep me on part time and I could do the amount of work I was doing in 40 hours in 20," she says. "It saved them money and allowed me to follow my passion and have extra income to pay my student loans."<br /><br />"Always work on your long-term vision. You don't want to be stuck with working two jobs forever," Morrison says. "Set goals and get organized on how and when you will reach your ultimate goal and take steps each day to get you closer to that goal."<br /><br />By Rachel Zupek writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1253585622158">CLICKING HERE!</a></span></strong><a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM"> </a>

5 Ways to Fit in a Part-Time Job ... When you're already working full time

When you're already working eight-plus hours per day, the last thing you really want to do is put on a happy face and go to another job....

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Long Time W/No Blogging = Weight Gain

<p>I can’t believe it’s been almost 3 months since I’ve blogged! But I’ve been a busy girl!!</p> <p>Here is a quick re-cap of my past 3 months!!</p> <ul> <li><i>I got a promotion at work. </i></li> <li><i>Kyle and I are still training for the 1/2 marathon in October.</i> </li> <li><i>Spent lots of time w/friends & family over the summer.</i> </li> <li><i>Worked a lot!</i> </li> <li><i>Gained 12 lbs! Yikes!!</i> </li> <li><em>I turned 25!!!</em> </li> <li><i>Iowa Hawkeye football season started about 3 weeks ago!  (we have season tickets!!)</i> </li> <li><i>Two of my closest friends at work left. :(</i> </li> <li><i>Worked some more…are you seeing a trend here!! In August I worked over 70 hours/week!</i> </li> </ul> <p>Enough of that! All that matters now is that I’m back and ready to kick these lb’s I gained!! Not really liking these tight size 10’s!!</p> <p>Since I’ve been working so much I haven’t been to WW since July. But I hope to go back next week. I hope they haven’t kicked me out…I don’t think you can get kicked out when you’re a lifetime member…or I hope so anyway!!</p> <p>Today is Day 1 (again) for me! </p> <p>Yesterday Kyle and I stocked up at the grocery store on all kinds of good, healthy food! Feels good to have a nicely stocked fridge!! Oh and we also did a long run, our longest yet training for the 1/2 marathon…<strong>10 miles</strong>!! Wow, it was pretty hard, but I had such an accomplished feeling when we got done! </p> <p>I started my day out this morning just like I did so many mornings this last winter and spring! <strong>Oatmea</strong>l with <strong>blueberries</strong> and a <strong>sliced apple</strong> for a total of <strong>4 points</strong>! It was wonderful!! I felt so satisfied! But did forget to snap a picture! I so want to get back into that habit, I know it was a huge part of my success in losing weight!</p> <p>I couldn’t wait for my morning snack! I haven’t had my “morning mush” in a LONG time! I did the same combo of <strong>yogurt</strong>, <strong>1/4 c grape nuts,</strong> and <strong>1 1/2 c strawberries</strong> for a total of <strong>3 delicious points</strong>!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0BjAkHUPkbA1ITdDzpfEEDzRkGNuNOSu3dQuNxEv78ooB9pjzmUfR8I-7xKW3Cd4xebUBQJIVNpTbO6_NyzzFbbJcVvR9SZzO1F7VM0_VGz2BhxQAHAQTmTWUTjPLKIyxGNUpy2k2-fNS/s1600-h/DSC04530%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC04530" border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmt5uPfDTW6x0liTBNPkoL1U8cQuFua4FW1Kf_VCmW-gZVN8L_kJBXwOW-JnY-AFdyyjFVT22OVB9qkPkqJsq6GAphtVmzqQ5N6-BQAVWhyphenhyphenKYROJEQXG3dxhIwZgz-6xiPXB9iRMISoqEn/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC04530" width="454" /></a></p> <p>  </p> <p>I had a late lunch today, but it was worth it because Kyle happened to be home when I got there! I made a <strong>chicken salad sandwich w/cheese</strong>, had <strong>1/2c cottage cheese</strong>, some <strong>carrot chips</strong>, and <strong>1 c grapes</strong> for a total of <strong>7 points</strong>. </p> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800" border="0"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjizemrh6ZHPRuTkA388xlJNB-Z5J_JI06CHednEKNK0vXNaVWglqHDxvcOda-s4_o-q-WQRb4fjMYCXCAoyYjYF5DLPYBXTQUwy2R2Ow4lVwtQeDfzIJ_31Ijr81XAjyE5aRXqJtFv1ts3/s1600-h/DSC04531%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC04531" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96jQiRQjYoMGX9_Lc9AVgjv4Bl-ECzpKNDrNYicOhhXSsqR7GQXqvk-RDXqJAx0YnGwXVzRdZod8TEn4kI_S_NUj46YrFU_pb-Sud9z-N8Y5nERmArOWNvPEkbQmll27RrDrsuXqdgvG_/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC04531" width="404" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3BMEO_E43PIpfTBT2joTQnJHqpUVpR6mN0nkxx7M4A1l-IZwjtJGhIgHykRShMg5NiMxWrgOnBEMwJ9E6xmNHMnx1weydnNNo1nVE5AE5neM62JuNtrGGUgNRIGFaY3_zMz_r-PKsVysU/s1600-h/DSC04532%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC04532" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5LHAKvqgk_d4Lx32KNuQ0sIAE7nCjd9JtuE0pibPm0M-pwZM9sQ_L5Hs6JCCm15MBkTU1mKETYVXU98SUGsS_vMUxtOoXeChzMzDr4eUBSGJAoOi3je5rCYgxogC9UFOMasADWuSPifpE/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC04532" width="404" /></a></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p> </p> <p>Look what happens everyday after I leave my house from lunch…my cute little puppy jumps up in her chair and watches me drive away!! So cute!!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8O5lZ4DRSFIcM751GY2DpvehKoA2ccq6VuU-Wop2RJhk2YCq98E87Om0_XpSL179j2r51N54D_rgHmfhncG-t2SGm4Pjl-RikXW0xi89ooz0zjDAXuiL_LPhlVvcnZBShb-c4Rtm14s31/s1600-h/DSC04533%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC04533" border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEindcnBwQvp82sRHZOIQJyGlIbS29pa_7FdLMjf0yUuJFjmMEW9YfdG3jUdmYLjD63zgIons1jk92v5p35zZ8_y3NiOs37f41ulzTHAWA750VwKKtWhRoUrXbMh0pdF_UKVhpwb_yXuzHmQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC04533" width="604" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Work dragged on so much today! But 5 o’clock finally came around and I jetted out of there right away! Kyle was working late so when I got home I got right to work cleaning, organizing, doing laundry, etc!! Feels so good to get some of that stuff done. And I re-organized my closet…I need to take a picture, ‘cause it looks awesome!!</p> <p>It was raining all evening and was dark by the time Kyle got home so we didn’t get a run in today, but I welcomed a day of rest. After running 10 miles on Sunday my legs and hips muscles are SUPER sore!!</p> <p>Since I was a cleaning/organizing fool I didn’t get supper made. So it was easy food! Kyle and I both had cold cereal! I had <strong>3/4 c honey nut cheerios</strong> and a <strong>small sliced banana</strong> for <strong>4 points</strong>. I love this combo!!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWWfIg7EFiQ8mgUiQbx2CBJaAiYqAZ9ZkqQ19f-AnLIpL0zXp5gzhsYUBEQ8rEtKANvU8NApgw1eEewxUtM60KHQXJvOZbkNxQ11nxcT0WqXIQVL65C9ckbBl1wkafpA9QOSkV_7uzTCPu/s1600-h/DSC04534%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC04534" border="0" height="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjYVeXUqvtov-_vK3mE1tLFc1n2O7KNBEcZvGCxA_E_CTy7tH8GcmILDQAAou5KbOBz3VNkOBbTaE3Nv5E96vlW5czxmQHKN68etB2B98jorFpC7cga88Sxa-iKTmx7-fU2GUo6sMztgb/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC04534" width="504" /></a> </p> <p>Well my first day “back on the wagon” was great! Hoping to see that # on the scale go down!! Looking forward to doing some catch up on everyone’s blog and see how ya’ll are doing!! :)</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><strong>MONDAY’S STATS</strong></p> <p>POINTS = 18/22 <br />WATER = 70 oz <br />EXERCISE = none…does cleaning count?!?!</p>

Long Time W/No Blogging = Weight Gain

I can’t believe it’s been almost 3 months since I’ve blogged! But I’ve been a busy girl!! Here is a quick re-cap of my past 3 months!! ...

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Why You Might Want to Work on the Weekends

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/d3/ar5d4bw5zbcbv1ps9zd3.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" iq="true" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/d3/ar5d4bw5zbcbv1ps9zd3.gif" /></a><br /></div>Weekends have an almost mythical place in the lives of the working man or woman. Those two days hold so much promise. In those approximate 48 hours, you can accomplish anything: partying, relaxing, sleeping, reading, running errands and so much more. The opportunity to finally achieve something the workweek has prevented is a priceless gift.<br /><br />Whether or not you actually cross anything off of that to-do list is another story. Blame it on years of schooling that taught you to behave all week and maybe you can go to your friend's birthday party or the movies on Saturday.<br /><br />Put aside your notion of the weekends as the only reason to wake up on Monday mornings and you'll see that working on Saturday and Sunday can actually be good for you. You just have to change the way you think.<br /><br />At your convenience<br /><br />Part of the beauty of the weekend is that you don't have to worry about someone else taking up your time. On a Tuesday, for example, everyone else is working, which means they're probably coming to you with problems or trying to schedule face time with you. A weekend workday lets you get things done on your own terms without interruptions.<br /><br />Reduce weekday stress<br /><br />Although you're used to seeing the weekends as a two-day detox from work, Saturday and Sunday can lower your stress level during the week. As much as we'd like to think everyone's schedules revolve around our own, we know from experience that's not true. Personal obligations, such as your spouse's office party, your child's school play, a night at the opera or even a happy hour that goes overtime, can interfere with productivity Monday through Friday.<br /><br />If you're able and willing to work on the weekend, you can handle weekday disruptions without panicking. If you have a project due in a week, then any time you lose today working on it can be made up later. Tell yourself that what's not finished today can be taken care of on time and you'll be fine.<br /><br />Extra money<br /><br />Weekend work can bring you extra money in two different ways. First, if you have a job where overtime pay applies to Saturday and Sunday shifts, you're earning more money than you would in a regular workday.<br /><br />Another way to fatten your wallet is to take an extra job. If your weekday job isn't the kind of position that needs weekend work, you can find a part-time job to fill that extra time. You'll not only make more money, but you'll also add skills and experience to your résumé.<br /><br />Learn time management<br /><br />For some workers, going into the office or working from home on a Saturday morning isn't an inconvenience because they don't let it dominate the day. If you want to squeeze in a few extra hours of work or want to get ahead for the next week, you can use some of your weekend without sacrificing it all. For example, get up early on Saturday and block off a few hours so that you know you need to be done by noon so you can go to a movie or to watch your child's soccer game. <br /><br />When you know that getting distracted from your work will result in less time for yourself or your family, you're more likely to work hard. You might realize that those few early morning hours on the weekend are more productive than a full workday.<br /><br />A better reputation<br /><br />A good balance between your job and personal life is a must, so you don't want to talk yourself into working seven days a week without a break just to be known as the office workaholic. However, if you're willing to give up a little bit of your time once in a while -- maybe one Saturday a month or a few hours of your Sunday every few months -- in order to finish a project or lend a hand to the boss, your efforts will be recognized.<br /><br />If your job isn't a 9-to-5 position and you work evenings or only certain days, your co-workers might ask you to cover their shifts once in a while. Although you might always have the weekends off and be tempted to tell them no, picking up weekend work gives you the extra money mentioned above, and it also shows you're a team player. Plus, you could find out that you prefer working on the weekends and being off during the week so that you can enjoy your time off while everyone else is toiling away at their jobs.<br /><br />By Anthony Balderrama writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong> </a>

Why You Might Want to Work on the Weekends

Weekends have an almost mythical place in the lives of the working man or woman. Those two days hold so much promise. In those approximate 4...

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