I'm soooo excited!

My weighin today (this is NOT what I'm excited about):<br /><br />Today's weight: 162.8<br /><br />Gained: +0.8<br /><br />Total Loss: -76.4<br /><br />I gained 8/10 of a pound. That's not good, but not horrible either. I know why I gained, I ate too much food. Last week is history and now I have a plan.<br /><br /><strong>My Weight Watcher Meeting Today </strong><br /><br />I love my leader, Janis. She's the absolute best leader I've ever seen (and I've seen quite a few in the last three years). It was just what I needed to get my diet mojo back. The meeting was about the Lose for Good campaign. It's where Weight Watchers donates up to $1 million to feed the hungry, based on how much weight their members lose.<br /><br />The Lose for Good campaign starts tomorrow and lasts for six weeks, ending on October 10. Janis told us to set a goal of exactly what we wanted to weigh six weeks from now. She told us to write it in membership book next to today's weighin. I wrote 152.<br /><br />At next weeks meeting we're suppose to bring in one item for the local food bank per pound we want to lose. Since I want to lose 10.8 pounds I'll bring in 11 items. Then we have to stand up in front of everyone and Janis will ask us two questions. She wouldn't tell us the two questions, it's a "surprise".<br /><br />If we make our goal on October 10 Janis will give us $5. These aren't real dollars but are for an auction she does at the end of the year. A really cool auction where you can bid on great prizes (things like a weekend for two at a Mt. Hood resort).<br /><br />This got me really excited. I'm determined to be one of the winners come October 10.<br /><br /><strong>1. Lose 10.8 pounds by October 10 - six weeks from today</strong><br /><br /><strong>2. Exercise</strong><br /><br />~~~cardio 7 times a week, with one non-gym day of cardio. Biking or walking.<br />40 minutes minimum cardio workouts<br /><br />~~~strength training 6 times a week, 3 upper body workouts, 3 lower body workouts<br />40 minute minimum strength<br /><br />I already do this, but I just need to keep doing it and do different exercises. Mix it up a bit.<br /><br /><strong>3. Food</strong><br /><br />~~~Journal everything. Weigh and measure. No more estimating Points. Be exact.<br /><br />~~~Eat fewer processed foods. No sugar-free ice cream.<br /><br />~~~Eat more "filling" foods.<br /><br />~~~Points limit per day = 20 base + 4 APs + 5 weeklies = 29 max. per day<br /><br /><strong>4. Visualize.</strong><br /><br />~~~Put notes all over the house, the car, my cubicle with the number "152" written on it.<br /><br /><strong>5. Water</strong><br /><br />~~~~Drink more water. Being too busy is not an excuse to slack on the water.<br /><br />I'm super excited about this. I feel like my goal is within my reach. I can do this!

I'm soooo excited!

My weighin today (this is NOT what I'm excited about): Today's weight: 162.8 Gained: +0.8 Total Loss: -76.4 I gained 8/10 of a pound...

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Slowing down but speeding up

Twice this week I drove past the gym on my way TO the gym. Another time this week instead of turning left onto the road to go TO the gym, I drove straight on the road that takes me to the freeway, which is the way to work. Each time I had to turn around and drive back to the gym.<br /><br />Yesterday I was driving to work, on the freeway where the speed limit is 60 mph, and I was thinking about work. Traffic was light. I glanced down at the speedometer and it read 85 mph. I couldn't believe I was going that fast. I drive fast if I can, around 70, but 85! I immediately slowed down to a more reasonable 70 mph.<br /><br />This is how people get in terrible accidents and either kill themselves or kill someone else. They get distracted, don't pay attention, and do really stupid things.<br /><br />This is exactly how people gain all their weight back. The weight they fought so hard to lose. They get in a hurry. They don't put their health first. They're distracted. Everything and everyone is more important than paying attention to what they're doing. And this is exactly what I've been doing. Moving too fast through life, distracted, forgetting my main focus should be losing weight and eating healthy.<br /><br />I've done this many times in my life. Lose a lot of weight, get bored, distracted or tired of the whole thing, and then I gain all my weight back, plus some. It's a vicious cycle I've fallen into for the last 30 years. In the beginning it was only ten or fifteen pounds I needed to lose. This time it was 104 pounds.<br /><br />I've lost 77.2 pounds since February of 2008. I still need to lose another 26.8 pounds. That may not sound like a lot to some people, but for me it may as well be another 100 pounds. I am struggling to lose this last bit of weight.<br /><br />I'm going to re-focus on getting to my goal weight. I'm going to do what it takes to get there. I know what to do, this isn't rocket science. I need to speed it up a bit now, but slow down in other areas of my life. I need to keep my eye on the prize.<br /><br />I have a plan that I'll write about tomorrow. It's not terribly exciting, but it's a plan that I think will work for me.<br /><br />Now I'm heading out to my Weight Watchers meeting. I'm hoping for a loss, but I won't be surprised with a gain. I have a plan so I have hope for the future.

Slowing down but speeding up

Twice this week I drove past the gym on my way TO the gym. Another time this week instead of turning left onto the road to go TO the gym, I ...

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5 Pointers for Moving from Peer to Boss

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/zf/ar5d7sn6tl6kv3qmq1zf.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/zf/ar5d7sn6tl6kv3qmq1zf.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div>In today's economy, reorganizations are common, and you may find yourself suddenly overseeing employees who were once at the same level as you. While transitioning into a supervisory role can be exciting -- and possibly signal a new phase in your career -- it also means a shift in dynamics with colleagues, especially those who will now be reporting to you.<br /><br />Your success taking on a leadership role is dependent on building positive working relationships with direct reports and being able to exercise authority when necessary. Following are some steps to help make the switch from peer to manager as smooth as possible:<br /><br />Meet with your team<br />One of the first items on your agenda should be to meet with those you will oversee. Arrange one-on-one conversations with each direct report to make sure everyone understands the following:<br /><br /><br />- His or her role in the department, including exact responsibilities. These may have shifted due to recent staff changes or focus areas for the firm.<br /><br />- What your expectations are and how they may differ from a previous manager's. For example, you may ask a copywriter to be more proactive in the research phase of new campaigns. Or you may request an experienced member of your team to begin taking on more tasks.<br /><br />- How accountability will be measured.<br /><br />These meetings also will allow you to better understand your team member's personal and professional goals, and what you can do to help them reach their objectives. In addition, give employees a chance to voice any questions or concerns they have about the change in management so you can work together to solve issues before they become problems.<br /><br />Set boundaries<br />Understanding the everyday responsibilities of your new position is the easy part; the subtleties of your role are often harder to gauge. For example, is it appropriate for you to go out with the team after work? Are you allowed to joke with colleagues like you've done in the past? Although there are no standard answers for questions like these, one thing is clear: You'll need to set new boundaries as a supervisor.<br /><br />For instance, in your previous role, you may have confided in co-workers when you were frustrated with management decisions. But now that you are a member of the management team, you must set the example. This means using discretion and offering support and guidance, not complaints, however harmless they may seem.<br /><br />Don't play favorites<br />You may be closer friends with some co-workers than others, but as everyone's boss, you must treat each staff member with the same respect and concern. Giving choice assignments to only certain individuals, for instance, hints at favoritism. More important, paying special attention to a select few could cause you to overlook other talented team members. Also, your responsibility as a manager is to ensure every employee is a productive contributor to the organization, so delegate projects fairly and ensure each person's workload is reasonable.<br /><br />Be firm when necessary<br />Despite your best efforts, some employees may test your authority by ignoring directives, missing deadlines or being perpetually late to work for meetings. Take a steadfast approach when handling these situations. Each person on your team should already be aware of your expectations, and performance issues should be addressed and documented. It may be tempting to relax the rules, especially for people you've worked with for many years, but doing so will only encourage the type of behavior you're trying to quell.<br /><br />Seek guidance<br />No matter how challenging your job as a supervisor may seem, you are not the first person to be faced with these issues. In fact, there are likely many individuals within your firm who have also had to navigate new relationships with co-workers after moving into management roles. Speak to them about the steps they took to overcome obstacles to success.<br /><br />Becoming a manager is often the first step on your path to career advancement. Don't let a poorly executed transition derail your progress. By communicating openly and often with your team, setting boundaries and seeking guidance from others who have been there before, you'll ensure your move from peer to boss is smooth sailing.<br /><br />Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 360 offices worldwide. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.rhi.com.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">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:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a> </div>

5 Pointers for Moving from Peer to Boss

In today's economy, reorganizations are common, and you may find yourself suddenly overseeing employees who were once at the same level ...

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Confused About Changing Careers?

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/s8/ar5d2vt5xk5dg6qw4zs8.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/s8/ar5d2vt5xk5dg6qw4zs8.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div>Rarely is the decision to change careers made without some anxiety and doubt to accompany it. It's such a life-altering decision that even those who are bursting with excitement to launch a new career sometimes feel overwhelmed by the obstacles and "what ifs" along the way.<br /><br />"Changing careers can feel like you're standing in the vortex of a tornado. You're watching thousands of things swirl by, you can't see anything very clearly, and you're very hesitant to take a step in any particular direction. Too often, this uncertainty is all it takes to keep someone chained to a career that makes him or her miserable," says Katy Piotrowski, author of "The Career Coward's Guide to Changing Careers."<br /><br />Piotrowski has observed hundreds of career changers and says that it's natural to run into roadblocks. "Remember, your goal is to find a career that offers what you want and need. It may take awhile to discover the right solution for you, and you may have to change your course a few times, but that's OK. If you persist in your pursuit for the right fit, new, more realistic options will soon become apparent."<br /><br />Below are three common career-change roadblocks and Piotrowski's tips for approaching them:<br /><br />Will changing careers significantly lower your earnings?<br />Before scrapping your interest in a particular career because of its lower income, Piotrowski suggests you do the following:<br /><br />Do some research to find out how professionals in that field make it work for them. Do they have multiple jobs? Expand their work areas to generate more income? "For example, my neighbor is a potter. In addition to making and selling beautiful wares, he teaches pottery-making lessons," says Piotrowski.<br /><br />Assess what the likelihood may be that you could eventually earn enough income within a reasonable amount of time.<br /><br />Consider cutting your expenses and banking the money saved before making the career change to see if you can survive on that level of pay.<br /><br />Keep in mind that the skills you've earned in former careers will help you progress faster than someone with less experience and may allow you to earn better pay more quickly than the average worker in your new career field.<br /><br />Don't have the right education or training?<br />"A lack of a certification or degree can be a maddening roadblock for career changers. Rather than throw away an excellent career possibility, consider these avenues to work around or through such barriers," Piotrowski says.<br /><br />Begin at the bottom. Beginning in an entry-level position makes it easier to get started in your chosen field. Once you're in, you will be more likely to discover avenues to obtain the training you need, and may even be able to have your employer pay for it.<br /><br />Aim for a position that requires less training. "For example, if you want to be a physical therapist, but don't want to complete several years of college to get your degree, you could become a physical therapy technician instead. Frequently, technicians can be trained on the job or with just a year or two of formal instruction."<br /><br />Torn between two or more careers?<br />When it comes to choosing between multiple career passions, there's no rule that says people must pick one or the other. Below are Piotrowski's suggestions for juggling multiple career-change opportunities:<br /><br />Create a "muffin tin" career. "Typically, when you think of having a career, you imagine it to be a single profession that you immerse yourself in and develop over time. Another possibility is to select more than one career and to execute them simultaneously. So, instead of developing a single 'loaf' of a career, you might create several 'muffins,'" Piotrowski explains.<br /><br />Become a serial careerist. If the "muffin tin" approach is too scattered for your tastes, consider committing to one career for a few years, then pursuing another, and perhaps another. There's no rule that says you have to stick with one specialty your entire life.<br /><br />Selena Dehne is a career writer for JIST Publishing who shares the latest occupational, career and job search information available with job seekers and career changers. She is also the author of JIST's Job Search and Career Blog (http://jistjobsearchandcareer.blogspot.com/). </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">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:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a> </div>

Confused About Changing Careers?

Rarely is the decision to change careers made without some anxiety and doubt to accompany it. It's such a life-altering decision that ev...

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To Go or Not to Go - Is Graduate School a 'Safe' Harbor for Weathering the Recession?

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/46/ar5c5146w30drfs3f946.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/46/ar5c5146w30drfs3f946.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><p>Attending graduate school might seem like an ideal way to wait out the recession. By the time you've earned a degree, the thinking goes, any uncertainty surrounding the economy will be ironed out, and job prospects will be brighter. For Generation Y workers, who have been hit hard by the downturn, this strategy can be especially appealing because many graduated with four-year degrees not long ago, and a return to school would not be a difficult a transition to make -- especially if it pays off in the end.<br /><br />A poor job market shouldn't be your primary reason to go back to school, however. In addition to the cost and time required to complete a graduate program, there are several factors that could mean a return to the ivory halls isn't the right move for your career. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:<br /><br />What will the job market really be like?<br />Ideally, any program you attend should be directly applicable to the professional discipline you pursue and make it more likely you'll find employment following graduation. Research the field you want to enter and consider its future career prospects. Remember, it may take several years to earn an advanced degree, and the demand for workers in that industry can change dramatically between now and then. Long-term growth is forecast in areas such as health care and green technology; these professions may warrant your consideration. A good source for information on future employment trends is the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, whose "Occupational Outlook Handbook" outlines expected job prospects for hundreds of positions.<br /><br />Would bolstering your work experience be better?<br />If you've just earned a four-year degree and don't need an advanced degree to pursue your chosen position, bolstering your work experience may be your best option. Keep in mind that there are ways to gain experience other than through full-time employment. Consider temporary work, internships or volunteer opportunities. In addition to adding to your work history, spending some time "in the trenches" can also help you better formulate your career goals and determine what form of advanced education -- if any -- is right for you.<br /><br />Have you considered the alternatives?<br />You don't have to pursue a formal degree to strengthen your roster of professional skills. Attending classes at a local community college or pursuing an industry certification could give you the boost in marketability needed to land a new position. Other alternatives, such as volunteer work or internships, are also effective ways to obtain applicable skills and continue learning without the time and monetary commitment a graduate degree requires.<br /><br />When jobs are difficult to come by, going to graduate school can feel like a way to achieve professional progress. Earning an advanced degree has proved beneficial for many people's careers. But before you jump in headfirst, give careful thought to your decision and determine if going back to school is the only way to reach your goal.<br /><br />Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm, with a global network of more than 360 offices worldwide. For more information about our professional services, please visit http://www.rhi.com/. </p><div></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">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:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"> </span></strong></div>

To Go or Not to Go - Is Graduate School a 'Safe' Harbor for Weathering the Recession?

Attending graduate school might seem like an ideal way to wait out the recession. By the time you've earned a degree, the thinking goes,...

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The Secret to My Success ... in This Economy

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/65/ar5c6cy6s40w6bbg5865.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/65/ar5c6cy6s40w6bbg5865.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div>In today's economy, personal and professional failures are abundant. Personally, we're tired of hearing bad news. Instead, we wanted to know how people have stayed relevant and successful.<br /><br />Here's what we found out:<br /><br />Ann M. Clemmer, Stampin' Up!<br />Ten years ago, I became a Stampin' Up! demonstrator to bring in a little extra money. Five years ago, I got the opportunity to leave my job in the television industry. I felt that if I was ever to try this stamping job full time, this was it. The first year I did this full time, I doubled my best sales year. I've made it twice into the top 100 demonstrators of the U.S. and hope to again this year, as I bettered my best year by about 19 percent.<br />Secret to success: There's always someone making money in every economy. Listening to the news can help you decide where to go, but it also can bring you down. I've often felt that the only 'no' that counts is the last one I accept. If someone doesn't want what I'm selling, I just keep looking for the next person who does. My mantra is that I'm only one new customer away from where I want to be.<br /><br />Candida Canfield, Dinner in Hand Founder<br />I conceived Dinner in Hand while returning home from work on the train and realizing what a pleasure it would be to have a fresh and delicious dinner delivered to my door. Planning, testing, networking and evolving have been keys to my success. I initially tested the service on 22 families and I learned many lessons, including the need for hiring an exceptional chef.<br />Secret to success: In this economy I have learned to be flexible, be willing to kill an original concept and experiment with new ideas in order to grow.<br /><br />Joshua D. Crumbaugh, Platinum Mortgage<br />I am the head of marketing for a regional lender. With the mortgage implosion, then the credit crunch and the recession starting, I was extremely concerned that I wouldn't be able to hold on to my job throughout the worse crisis our industry has seen. I'm proud to say that over the past two years we have grown by nearly 1,000 percent.<br />Secret to success: I kept my job by digging in, studying my ailing competitors and learning from their mistakes, which combined with our top-notch customer service, has turned us into one of the fastest-growing lenders in our industry. Image and knowledge are everything. Whether it's B2B marketing or applying for a position, image will make all the difference in the world.<br /><br />Karen Burns, editor<br />I've had 59 jobs -- fired from only one -- doing everything from ditch digger to consultant. But most of my jobs involved writing. I wrote marketing materials for corporate America and then supported myself by writing brochures in English for French companies. When I moved to Seattle, I became a scientific editor, based on my lifelong love affair with grammar and on my extensive writing background.<br />Secret to success: I spent a lot of my free time studying up on the finer points of grammar, style usage and diction -- but my employer didn't know that. A willingness to go the extra mile has always helped me. Plus, I am fanatic about meeting deadlines. I think those are two reasons I've always managed to find, and keep, jobs.<br /><br />Lev Ekster, CupcakeStop<br />I was on my way to securing a position at a law firm, but the change in the economy took that off the table. During late nights studying, I took breaks to trek to a popular bakery to wait in line for a sweet treat, but was disappointed with what was supposed to be the "best of the best" the city had to offer. I decided I could do better. Thus, the concept for CupcakeStop was born. It's New York City's first mobile cupcake truck that offers high-end, delicious, fresh-baked cupcakes of every variety.<br />Secret to success: No matter how good or bad the economy is, without a good product, fair price and exceptional customer service, I don't believe a business can be successful. I'm looking for CupcakeStop to be around for a long time to come and for that goal to be reached, I know it's necessary to be consistent and never sacrifice quality.<br /><br />Rich Close, The Recycled Retriever<br />I own a business called The Recycled Retriever, which started as a Web-based business from our home. My partner and I researched eco-friendly pet products on the market. We were unable to find one place that offered nothing but Earth-friendly products. We developed The Recycled Retriever as a resource that pet owners could utilize knowing that the products they purchased from us were not only good for their pets, but great for the Earth. As the Web business began to grow, we decided to take the concept to a retail-store version and now have a storefront open in Provincetown, Mass.<br />Secret to success: Taking a risk and going forward with the idea. If I didn't try it, I would never have known whether it would be successful or not. By believing in the idea and putting it in motion, success was destined to come.<br /><br />Rob Allen, franchise owner, ShelfGenie<br />I worked as a mental-health counselor for nearly 10 years before trying my hand as an IT professional for an Atlanta-area Fortune 100 company. I remained in that field for 23 years and most recently worked in auto logistics for two years. Due to the struggling economic situation, I have been laid off twice in the last five years. Tired of peddling my résumé and given the current job climate, I decided to open ShelfGenie, a franchise that designs, builds and installs glide-out shelving solutions into existing cabinets throughout the home in South Atlanta.<br />Secret to Success: In times like these, one must take calculated risks and invest wisely when seeking money-making opportunities. Opening ShelfGenie, a home-based business with little expenditures and minimal staff, has been a key element to my success as a business owner.<br /><br />Thea Zagata, Gumdrop Cookie Shop<br />Before starting Gumdrop Cookie Shop in 2007, I worked in public relations for 10 years. I left my career to start my business because I wanted leave the fast-paced agency lifestyle and create my own schedule. I knew I wanted to start a business in baking yet still exercise my PR skills, so I wrote a business plan which helped me come up with a unique and new-to-the-market product.<br />Secret to success: With my history in PR, I was able to do all of the publicity myself without having to spend a lot of marketing dollars. I also think finding a smart balance with where to spend your time and when to outsource is key. It's important to apply your skills where they make the most sense.<br /><br />Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBwriterRZ. </div><br /><div></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">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:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a> </div>

The Secret to My Success ... in This Economy

In today's economy, personal and professional failures are abundant. Personally, we're tired of hearing bad news. Instead, we wanted...

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Success Stories: I Thought I Didn't Have Time for School - 10 people who made it work

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/0h/ar5c5865zdpscydpgr0h.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/0h/ar5c5865zdpscydpgr0h.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div>For many workers, finding a balance between personal and professional commitments is a constant battle. In a March 2009 CareerBuilder survey of more than 8,000 workers, only 13 percent said they were very satisfied with their work/life balance. Fifteen percent said they were dissatisfied.<br /><br />Between work, family, friends and all of life's little extras, it often seems there are just not enough hours in the day. So what happens when you add to going to school in the equation? Today's economy has many people returning to school in lieu of working full time, while others have chosen to enhance their education to make themselves more marketable to employers.<br /><br />In the same CareerBuilder survey, 21 percent of workers said they were going to school to make themselves more viable for employers. Of that group, 7 percent go to school full time, 3 percent attend part time and 5 percent take classes online. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Have you toyed with the idea of going back to school, but didn't think you could? Here are 10 stories from workers who thought they didn't have time for school and how they made it work.<br /><br />Aimee Cirucci, writer/editor/public relations specialist<br />After seven years working in various marketing communications jobs, I quit my job, sold my home and, at age 29, moved back in with my parents for six months while I found work and made my dream of going back to school for a graduate degree a reality. I wish I hadn't let seven years pass thinking this wasn't possible. I am currently finishing up an MS in communication management. I received a teaching assistantship that covered one year of my education and discovered a deep love of university teaching. I applied and was accepted to the Ph.D. program and will likely begin in 2010. I really do think that if you leap, a net will appear -- for me it has completely been the case. The hard part is just getting the courage to take that leap.<br /><br />Jessica Lieu, account executive<br />I decided to jump head-first into [a] master's program six months after being hired as a full-time PR account executive. While I was initially hesitant to tackle work and school at the same time, I decided that being in both academic and professional worlds at the same time would up my learning curve.<br /><br />I currently juggle a 45-plus hour workweek with night classes, papers, presentations, group projects and a borderline caffeine addiction. While it can be overwhelming at times, the payoff is in being able to draw parallels between my academic and professional worlds, and using these parallels to improve the quality of my work. If that means sacrificing the occasional happy hour or weekend to prepare for class or write a paper, I think that that is a fair trade-off.<br /><br />Joshua Fahrenbruck, corporate communications<br />I just completed my undergraduate degree, and am planning to start on my MBA next month -- while working full time and getting married. I have been employed at the same company for seven years and went back to school to make sure I could continue to be upwardly mobile. I had 12 credit hours when I started; two-and-a-half years later, the degree was complete. A second reason for finishing my degree was to make sure, if I do choose to find another job, I would be marketable and could maintain or increase my level of compensation and benefits.<br /><br />Kami Gray, wardrobe stylist<br />I decided to go back to school to become a costume designer for films. I've loved fashion all my life and just decided to go for it. For financial reasons, I couldn't stop working; for the next two-and-a-half years, I earned a second BS in fashion design while working full time, going to school full time and raising two middle-schoolers. I worked hard in school and managed to become the salutatorian of my graduating class. With a little luck and perseverance, I landed a job as a wardrobe stylist for national TV commercials. About a year and a half ago, I combined my love of fashion with my love of healthy eating and living and wrote a bestseller, called "THE DENIM DIET: Sixteen Simple Habits To Get You Into Your Dream Pair of Jeans."<br /><br />My take on going back to school? Do it and do it now! Yes, I'm still paying off student loans, but school is invaluable. Confidence and a can-do attitude can take you places and for me, it all started with getting more educated.<br /><br />Keith Lukes, vice president of business development<br />I went back to school [for my bachelor's degree] in 1996. Right after I started, my wife and I had our first child and my career was starting to take off. As I rose through the ranks, I was working 50-70 hours a week, while taking two to three classes each semester. Trying to balance all of that with a newborn was difficult, but I knew without a degree I would not be able to advance my career. Finally in 2001, I graduated with my bachelor's degree in communication systems.<br /><br />At my graduation ceremony, I joked that I was an "11th-year senior." Three months after graduation, I took a position with a small IT firm. Without my degree, it is very unlikely I would have been given that opportunity. I have made partner and I am currently our vice president of business development. The degree helped get me in the door and the education I received has been extremely valuable throughout my career. If I had not gone back to school, I am confident that I would not have achieved the same successes.<br /><br />Kelly Stettner, administrative assistant<br />In 2006, I began investigating options for finishing my bachelor's degree. I applied for financial aid and enrolled in a program while pregnant with our second child; I had our son in July 2006 and began the low-residency degree program that fall. After two on-campus semesters, in which I did the bulk of my work at home and went to the Brattleboro, Vt., campus one weekend each month, I switched over to a strictly online option through the same program. That worked even better for me, and I was able to graduate this past January. I am now looking into master's programs.<br /><br />Nathaniel Williams, president/CEO<br />I am president/CEO of a human services agency. I attained four graduate degrees in four years while my wife and I had four kids. I hold a master's degree in human services, a master's degree in public administration, master's degree in business administration, and a doctorate degree in education. I'm now adjunct teaching at one of my alma maters two nights a week. I found time for school by strategically planning and partnering with all the people in my life; I did not do it alone.<br /><br />Sally Berry, tourism professional<br />I went back to school full time while working, and got my master's degree in management in January 2008. It took two years and I am a single parent as well. I also traveled for my job at the time and was always doing homework in airports, on flights and at night in my hotel room. It was so difficult, and I thought it would never end. But it did and I am so happy and proud to have my master's degree. My advice would be to pare down your obligations and your standards of housekeeping and cooking; maintain the very basics to keep home and family operating. It was good for my kids to see me work so hard and they all pitched in and helped. School and work is a short-term challenge, but the degree lasts forever!<br /><br />Susan Peters, mortgage consultant<br />I graduated in September of 2008. I balanced school, work and family for three-and-a-half years while I pursued a degree in business management. I attended class one night a week for those three-and-a-half years at a local campus and graduated with a 3.99 GPA, a feat I never dreamed was possible. Both my husband and I attended college at night when we were into our 50s, and we were met with great success. All this was accomplished while we were putting our three children through college the conventional way and holding down very full-time jobs.<br /><br />Terese Irwin, special events manager<br />I have worked full time since just before I turned 21, when I left college without a degree. Although I started school again just two years later, it took me another 10 years to complete my bachelor's degree and two associate degrees. I finished my bachelor's of business administration last December. I swore I was finished; after 12 years of part-time school and full-time work, I was tired. Although I absolutely love my job, [given the economy,] I had to look at reality: My bachelor's degree alone was not going to open the doors I'd like to walk through. I have enrolled in graduate school and start again this August to pursue my master's degree in international affairs.<br /><br />Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBwriterRZ. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">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:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a> </div>

Success Stories: I Thought I Didn't Have Time for School - 10 people who made it work

For many workers, finding a balance between personal and professional commitments is a constant battle. In a March 2009 CareerBuilder survey...

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3 Emerging Skill Sets - Coming Soon to Your Career

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/qp/ar5d1bw5zs46khhpg3qp.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/qp/ar5d1bw5zs46khhpg3qp.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div>Times are tough, no doubt. But innovation thrives on challenge, and every downturn leaves a fresh new wave of opportunity in its wake. Often the solutions demanded by society involve change, and will recycle our existing skill sets for a whole new purpose.<br /><br />Don't miss the next trend in your chosen discipline. A number of emerging industries will produce new jobs in the near future, and some cross-functional projects mean opportunity across more than one skill set. Here are just a few that you should know about:<br /><br />1. Health Informatics<br />Health informatics will put technology in place that provides hospitals and other health care providers with access to an electronic network of vital patient information -- like medical histories and prescriptions. The information age finally meets health care administration.<br /><br />The facts<br />The health informatics initiative won't succeed unless employees (that's you!) bring the specialized skills needed to build and expand the network. All other pieces are in place:<br /><br />· The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 includes $20.6 billion to help providers drive adoption and develop the IT infrastructure needed.<br /><br />· The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects Health Information Management employment to grow nearly 18 percent by 2016.<br /><br />· The BLS projects a need for more than 6,000 new professionals each year through 2014 -- but only 2,600 graduates have entered the field this past year.<br /><br />Your opportunity<br />To succeed, health informatics will demand a wide variety of specialized positions across IT and health care. It will engage conventional experience from both areas -- such as registered nurses and LPNs/LVNs, or IT implementation specialists and IT project managers -- if you're looking for a new twist on your current career.<br /><br />But new positions will also thrive in this hybrid field. Look for new HIM job titles in your next job search, like health IT professionals, HIM coders, HIM medical records professionals and various health informatics specialists -- including trainers, researchers and analysts.<br /><br />Get online to check out the job titles mentioned above and listed below for related descriptions, and see if you might need any additional training to meet requirements:<br /><br />Nursing<br /><br />- Telemedicine clinical professionals<br /><br />- Chief nursing information officers<br /><br />- Clinical IT liaisons<br /><br />Health care administration<br /><br />- Medical and health services managers<br /><br />- Document scanners<br /><br />- Data entry clerks<br /><br />- File clerks<br /><br />IT specialists<br /><br />- Senior programmers<br /><br />- Senior clinical analysts<br /><br />- Database analysts<br /><br />- Developers<br /><br />- Business analysts<br /><br />- Software engineers<br /><br />- Data integration specialists<br /><br />2. International Financial Reporting Standards<br />International Financial Reporting Standards is a single set of high-quality, global accounting standards. It will allow U.S. public companies to present financial statements under the same rules as foreign companies and standardize accounting across international subsidiaries. Ultimately IFRS should also help capital formation in the U.S. and stimulate growth in today's global economy.<br /><br />The facts<br />Much like the introduction of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in 2002, companies realize that compliance is no small endeavor. Auditors estimate that it will take 18 to 24 months to install an IFRS-based accounting system.<br /><br />· IFRS was accepted unanimously by the SEC in August of 2008.<br /><br />· More than 100 countries require or accept IFRS reporting today.<br /><br />· If the SEC mandates IFRS in 2013 -- large public companies will be required to use IFRS in 2014, with all public companies following suit by 2016.<br /><br />Your opportunity<br />IFRS will offer opportunity for more than just accounting and finance personnel. "To prepare for IFRS, U.S. companies must first understand that the shift will not only affect the accounting and financial departments, but will have resulting impacts on all aspects of the company's operations," says Mike Gillan, Regional Manager of Kelly Financial Resources.<br /><br />Based on European conversions, the IT department could incur as much as 50 percent of the total convergence cost. The shift will also greatly affect the HR department. For example, Daimler AG trained more than 3,000 employees in departments from accounting and treasury to controlling, investor relations and tax while launching its conversion process.<br /><br />3. Green-collar jobs<br />As the United States looks to alternative sources of fuel and innovative ways to make our energy stretch farther, green-collar jobs are coming more in demand. Positive employment impacts are expected in fields ranging from mass transit and energy-efficient automobiles, to retrofitting buildings, to wind power, solar power or biomass fuels.<br /><br />The facts<br />Millions of U.S. workers expect to benefit from our transformation to a green economy -- across a wide range of familiar occupations, income and skill levels.<br /><br />· The ARRA provides hundreds of billions in funding for smarter systems, advanced energy efficiency and loans for renewable energy power generation.<br /><br />· By 2012, green job statistics project 29,000 new jobs in advanced biofuels; 140,000 in energy efficiency; 110,000 in solar energy; and 185,000 in wind energy.<br /><br />· Statistics project 37 million renewable energy jobs overall by the year 2030, as much as 17 percent of all U.S. employment.<br /><br />Your opportunity<br />Look for the Green movement to potentially impact a wide array of job titles, including:<br /><br />Scientific<br /><br />- Chemists (analytical, organic, inorganic)<br /><br />- Geologists/hydrologists<br /><br />- Air quality technicians<br /><br />- Laboratory assistants<br /><br />- Industrial hygienists<br /><br />Industrial trades<br /><br />- HVAC technicians<br /><br />- Electrical technicians<br /><br />- Metal fabricators<br /><br />- Machinists<br /><br />Engineering<br /><br />- Civil engineers<br /><br />- Environmental engineers<br /><br />- Industrial engineers<br /><br />- Electrical engineers<br /><br />- Mechanical engineers<br /><br />- Petrochemical engineers<br /><br />- Chemical engineers<br /><br />- Software engineers<br /><br />- Safety engineers<br /><br />- Engineering technicians<br /><br />Kelly Services is a world leader in workforce management services and human resources solutions, providing employment to nearly 650,000 employees annually -- with skills including office services, accounting, engineering, information technology, law, science, marketing, creative services, light industrial, education and health care. For more information, please visit www.kellyservices.com. </div><div> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">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:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a> </div>

3 Emerging Skill Sets - Coming Soon to Your Career

Times are tough, no doubt. But innovation thrives on challenge, and every downturn leaves a fresh new wave of opportunity in its wake. Often...

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The insomnia

For about two weeks I've been waking up at about 3 a.m. (after going to bed around 10 or 11p.m.). It's like a switch is turned on in my head and I'm suddenly wide awake. I immediately start thinking of work, of all the things I need to do, and I can't go back to sleep.<br /><br />I've tried all my tricks that I've used over the years to go back to sleep, but they're not working for me. I usually just give in to it and get up. Often writing down some of my work tasks, checking my work email, even sending work emails.<br /><br />Around 4:30 a.m. I get dressed for the my workout and drag my tired butt to the gym, getting there around 5 a.m. My workouts are still pretty good, some mornings better than others, some mornings I can tell the lack of sleep is catching up with me because I'm just so tired.<br /><br />I know how bad this is for me, but I seem powerless to stop it. Several years ago I read a book about stress and the effect it has on your body. Weight gain was only one of the issues, the authors even claimed it could more serious problems such as cancer.<br /><br />Besides the serious health issues is the simply problem that I'm tired. Very tired. So tired that some days I don't think I'm going to make it through the day.<br /><br />I have no problem going to sleep at night. In fact, I'm practically asleep before my head hits the pillow. Literally.<br /><br />Sometimes I take a sleeping pill, just other the counter stuff. This will make me sleep through the night, but then I wake up groggy and exhausted. I hate that feeling.<br /><br />My only hope is when my current project at work ends things will be better and my sleep pattern will return to normal. Our first beta deployment is tentatively scheduled for September 28 in San Francisco. I hope I live that long. Right now, I'm not so sure.<br /><br /><strong>The food</strong><br />I'm doing pretty good. I've been eating too much at night lately, but I just don't care. The only really unhealthy thing I've eaten this week were those tortilla chips a couple nights ago. I ate more than the two servings, more like five servings. But I didn't eat the whole bag, which is good. In the "old" days, about two years ago, I would have eaten the entire bag.<br /><br />I ate out twice this week, the sushi (too much but all healthy) and the Italian Chop Chop salad without the salami that left me starving. That reminds me, I ate Sweet Tarts at the movies and a couple cups of movie popcorn. My weigh in on Saturday is probably going to be bad. Again, right now I just don't care.<br /><br />Lately I don't have time to eat my mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks at work or drink all my water. I have too many meetings and too much to do. I keep telling myself I need to slow down, not be in such a frantic rush all the time, but I just can't seem to follow through on this thought.<br /><br /><strong>This post<br /></strong>I feel like I'm rambling. I'm writing just like my brain is running lately. Disconnected thoughts that aren't really focused. It's almost like I'm heading towards some sort of mental breakdown.<br /><br />I know the stress is getting to me. I see a spattering of "I don't care" in this post. That's really not like me. For me to not care about eating too much or not worry about my weigh in, is a sign something is terribly wrong in my life. I guess my brain can only worry about so much at a time and right now my job is my central focus.<br /><br />Balance in all things, right? How does one do that when one part of your life consumes you? Sucks all your energy and leaves you left with nothing for yourself.<br /><br />It's 4:36 a.m. I have to go to the gym now. Thank God it's Friday. Seriously. Thank God.<br /><br /><em>8am - back from the gym. I feel 100% better now...in fact, I feel like dancing! I care! I really do care about what I eat and my weight. I want to get 100% back on track...and that's my goal this weekend. To set up a real plan on how to do this when faced with overwhelming work issues.</em><br /><br /><em>I really changed up my upper body workout this morning. I did four machines I haven't used in a long time and four dumbbell exercises I haven't done in months. Everything was new, except for Sadie (the old "StairMistress"). I'm so in love with her I hate doing other cardio. I did the bike and elliptical yesterday so I do take a break from her occasionally, but she's my first love. :)</em>

The insomnia

For about two weeks I've been waking up at about 3 a.m. (after going to bed around 10 or 11p.m.). It's like a switch is turned on in...

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Do You Have a Toxic Job? - How to know and what you can do

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/z4/ar5d1g264yh58gz8fsz4.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/z4/ar5d1g264yh58gz8fsz4.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div>Toxic chemicals are dangerous stuff -- hence the label toxic. That's why you can't just toss hazardous waste in a trash can or dump nuclear materials in a river. If you get uranium in your drinking water, you're bound to feel sick or find yourself with several extra limbs. (The latter is pure speculation, I admit.)<br /><br />Bad workplaces aren't all that different. You might not grow a third arm from a toxic job, but you will slowly realize that your mental and even physical healths are suffering from undesirable work conditions.<br /><br />Sure, you could quit, but how many of us are eager to leave our jobs in this economy? Until you find a better opportunity, you need to work with what you've got, and what you've got is a toxic workplace.<br /><br />Caution: You're entering a hazardous work zone<br />If you enter a lab with hazardous materials, you're going to see placards with the skull and crossbones or radioactive symbols posted at the door. If you enter a toxic workplace, it's not that easy; you have to look for the clues. Job seekers can start when they arrive for the first interview, says Roberta Chinsky Matuson, president of Human Resource Solutions.<br /><br />"When interviewing, be aware of your surroundings," she says. "Do you hear the sounds of laughter or does it feel like people are going through the motions until it's quitting time?"<br /><br />Matuson also warns of an interviewer who couldn't be less interested in you or the interview.<br /><br />"Clearly this is a sign that this person has checked out. Is this really someone you want to work for?"<br /><br />Similarly, if you're given a tour of the space, look at how employees are behaving. Even if they're not laughing, they shouldn't look like work zombies who are afraid to look up from their tasks. Do they seem intimidated or even scared of the boss? If you get the job, you'll be one of those people. At this stage, you can walk away and look elsewhere. If you're employed and already one of those zombies, you have a little more work to do.<br /><br />Unearthing the toxic elements<br />Not all toxic situations announce themselves. When your workplace is toxic, you have to recognize the signs.<br /><br />First, assess your own state of mind. If anything associated with your job gives you a bad feeling, things might not be so great. A gut check is a good gauge, says consultant Joni Daniels of Daniels & Associates.<br /><br />"If there is a knot in your stomach as you go to work, it could be a sign that the workplace is a toxic one for you," Daniels says. "If you or the office is walking on eggshells until 'someone' leaves the building [or] room, they are toxic. If work is taking up a lot of emotional energy and you can't mentally, intellectually or emotionally 'let it go' -- it's toxic."<br /><br />Dulin Clark, who is a career coach for the MBA program at Penn State University's business school, agrees with Daniels. He suggests looking at your own emotions and behaviors and working outward to understand workplace toxicity.<br /><br />"Primarily, [workers] needs to pay attention to how they feel when they are in the work environment," Clark says. "Feelings of chronic stress, building frustration, lethargy, low motivation and problems sleeping are just of the few the signs of being in a toxic workplace environment." Clark points out that some of the most recognizable causes are excessive criticism, poor treatment and lack of appreciation -- things that bug you and of which you're constantly aware.<br /><br />Excessive gossip, extreme competition and duplicitous co-workers indirectly pollute your work culture and may therefore be more difficult to recognize. Competition can have an especially negative impact on you because it's often mistaken for healthy workplace motivation.<br /><br />"Certainly doing your best and achieving excellence are highly admirable career strategies," Clarks says. "However, the best co-workers and leaders look out for the well-being of the team and unit."<br /><br />If you recognize too many of these elements in your work situation, you probably have a toxic workplace. Now you have to do something about it.<br /><br />Find your hazmat suit<br />Hazardous materials workers get to wear protective layers to keep the dangerous substances away at a safe distance. Your average employee has no such defense. You have to choose between three options: Leave, work through it or sit tight until something better comes along.<br /><br />1. Leave<br />Removing yourself from the situation makes the most sense when you know things won't likely improve. If the move feels right and you can handle it financially, then maybe it is the best option. But many employees don't have the luxury of leaving a job in this economy.<br /><br />2. Work through it<br />Finding a way to solve the problem is the ideal solution if you like your job or can't quit. Clark suggests addressing the issue with the person responsible for the toxicity.<br /><br />"If the toxicity is the result of one person's actions or behaviors, then often the situation can be made more tolerable by an honest and direct conversation with the person," he says. "It is also often helpful to confide in a trusted colleague, both to relieve the tension of the toxic feelings and also to get advice and feedback about how to handle difficult situations."<br /><br />3. Make do<br />Sometimes the best temporary solution is just to get by like many people do in imperfect work situations. That doesn't mean you shouldn't try to improve your circumstances. Far from it. Follow the above steps for handling troublesome bosses or co-workers. Vent to a friend. Do whatever you can to ease the knot in your stomach and sense of dread. While you're doing that, also look for a new job. This way you have the security of a paycheck and the comfort of knowing you won't be there forever.<br /><br />Whatever you choose to do, make sure it's in your best interest. Now that you know you're in a toxic workplace, you have the tools to keep yourself out of harm's way.<br /><br />Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/abalderrama.<br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">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:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"> </span></strong></div>

Do You Have a Toxic Job? - How to know and what you can do

Toxic chemicals are dangerous stuff -- hence the label toxic. That's why you can't just toss hazardous waste in a trash can or dump ...

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Has Casual Friday Become Too Casual?

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/2l/ar5c4y26zx7qx465632l.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/2l/ar5c4y26zx7qx465632l.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div>Friday is, hands down, the best day of the workweek. Not only is it the last working day, it's usually in conjunction with pay day, summer hours and, if you're lucky, a casual dress code.<br /><br />But how casual is too casual?<br /><br />Remember Casual Friday at TV's favorite paper company in Scranton, Penn.? One Friday at Dunder-Mifflin, Oscar showed up wearing sandals, Stanley in a sweat suit, and Meredith had the gall to don a mini-dress sans undergarments -- not a pretty sight when she ends up exposing herself while using the copy machine. When Angela complains about her co-workers' attire, Toby calls an office meeting and cancels Casual Friday when it's clear that certain staff have interpreted the term too loosely.<br />Although this might seem like an extreme example of "too casual," it's not far off from what employers have seen in their own offices.<br /><br />Richard Laermer, CEO at RLM Public Relations, says he once had a male intern wearing capri pants, plus many sockless employees and a few with holes in their jeans. All of these are no-nos, he says.<br /><br />"I've sent people to the corner [near our office] where there's an H&M, Banana Republic and a Gap," he says. "I have said, 'Go get something to wear that doesn't make you look 12.'"<br /><br /><br />Mary Harris, an etiquette consultant who specializes in business etiquette for small and large companies, says she visited a client's office on Casual Friday and saw everything from football jerseys to sweat suits.<br /><br />"Our culture has gotten so relaxed that casual to many [people] means what you would wear around the house on a Saturday," she says. "It's gotten lost that the meaning is still professional but somewhat relaxed."<br /><br />Casual confusion<br />It's no wonder that the meaning of casual has been lost on employees -- after all, it's defined as "without formality, relaxed." Yet, what is casual for one person or company may be totally different for another.<br /><br />"Few employers expected, when 'business casual' or even 'casual casual' policies were instituted, that anyone would interpret them as allowing flip flops, major views of cleavage or stomachs, intimate garments or athletic wear," says Sue Thompson, a professional speaker on workplace issues. "Many employers are just fed up with people dressing like they are still in college and have just rolled out of bed."<br /><br />As a result, some companies have had to embark on stricter -- or at least more defined -- dress codes in the office.<br /><br />I Love Rewards, a web-based employee rewards and recognition program provider, implemented a dress code in 2006 that would hopefully refine the line between casual and business casual: First Date Dress Code.<br /><br />"It's exactly what it sounds like. Come to work dressed as you would for a first date: classy and sophisticated," says Razor Suleman, founder and CEO of the company. "I think casual is a vague term and can mean anything from shorts and t-shirts to a suit with no tie. This is why First Date Dress Code works. We created it, we set the guidelines and the employees made it their own."<br /><br />Economic effect<br />Some companies have chosen to define their dress codes in a different ways and for different reasons. Laermer recently decided to allow his employees at RLM to wear jeans every day as a result of the economy.<br /><br />"People want to give their folks 'something,' since more money is not going to happen. When I realized there was not going to be a 'Summer Friday' this year, I decided that in this era of recession and blues, we need to be comfortable," he says. "I believe we (and I especially) are happier to come to work and push as hard as we have to during this difficult time. It's a lot about working early and late and I don't want to be thinking about ties."<br /><br />Casual counsel<br />Having trouble deciding what is "too casual" for the office? Here are five tips for you to dress professionally, yet still allow you to be comfortable in the office:<br /><br />1. Culture check<br />"In choosing casual dress for your current or applied-for job, consider the corporate culture," says Susan Fitter Sloane, founder of Global Manners. Dress in a way that is consistent with your company's values, whether they are conservative or liberal.<br /><br />2. Blend comfort and professionalism<br />"Keep in mind that dressing professionally and being comfortable are not two mutually exclusive things," Thompson says. "You may be psychically uncomfortable in business attire, but there is no reason the clothing you purchase should be ill fitting and uncomfortable."<br /><br />3. You are what you wear<br />"Remember you are an important part of your employer's image," Suleman reminds. "The way you dress reflects the type of company you work for and speaks volumes to your customers and clients on how your company sees itself and its people."<br /><br />4. Be economical<br />"Dressing professionally does not have to cost a fortune," Thompson says. "'I can't afford it' is no excuse. The problem may be that you do not know how to dress well or carry it off." Check your local Goodwill for some very nice, freshly dry-cleaned, high-end suits or separates, she suggests. They may need to be hemmed, slightly altered or have buttons replaced, but these are easy fixes.<br /><br />5. Make good choices<br />When there is a truly casual atmosphere on the job, at least don't wear anything that represents what you do away from the office like going to the beach, exercising, cleaning the garage or rearranging your attic, Thompson says. "What would you wear to work if you knew the president of the company would be asking you to come to his or her office that day? Always be ready."<br /><br />Thompson reminds employees the following: "It is not your civil right to dress as you please. A casual, dress-down day is a privilege; learn do it with style."<br /><br />Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBwriterRZ. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">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:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a> </div>

Has Casual Friday Become Too Casual?

Friday is, hands down, the best day of the workweek. Not only is it the last working day, it's usually in conjunction with pay day, summ...

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Favorite TV Workplaces

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/vf/ar5c6nb634dz1hwph7vf.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/vf/ar5c6nb634dz1hwph7vf.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div>After a long day's work, workers often look forward to a relaxing evening at home, enjoying their favorite TV shows to escape the chaos that they (hopefully) left at the office.<br /><br />But what happens when the workplace follows us into the TV? These days, more and more shows are set in work environments, making it easier for viewers to relate to realistic characters and storylines.<br /><br />In a recent CareerBuilder survey, when asked which TV show reminds them of their work environment, 15 percent of workers said "The Office." "Deadliest Catch," "Grey's Anatomy" and "Lost" trailed with 3 percent each, and "CSI," "Rescue Me" and "Ugly Betty" followed with 2 percent each, respectively.<br /><br />Here are some of our favorite TV workplaces and why:<br /><br />1. 30 Rock<br />Work environment: TV network<br />Why we love it: Because it's entertaining (to say the least).<br />Summary: Set behind-the-scenes of a fictional, live sketch-comedy show, its characters are beyond hysterical. Between Kenneth, the overeager, quirky, entry-level studio page; Jenna, the conceited, flirtatious and often flighty actress; and Tracy, the unpredictable, self-centered and "crazy movie star," we barely have time to focus on Jack Donaghy, the interfering network executive and Liz Lemon, the narrator and head writer for the show.<br /><br />2. The Cleaner<br />Work environment: Drug intervention<br />Why we love it: Because it's inspirational to workers and people everywhere.<br />Summary: William Banks, an extreme interventionist, is inspiring in his passion and dedication for his work, referring to it not as a job, but as a calling. "The Cleaner" focuses on Banks and his small team, all of whom are recovering addicts. Together, they use unconventional, often extreme measures "by any means necessary" to get rock-bottom addicts on the road to recovery.<br /><br />3. Glee<br />Work environment: Secondary education<br />Why we love it: Because it portrays the ups and downs of what it takes to be a great educator.<br />Summary: Will Schuester is an optimistic teacher who takes on the difficult task of restoring the formerly awesome glee club. Despite opposition from his co-workers (specifically, the hilarious gym teacher), Schuester demonstrates that with a little determination, even the toughest tasks at work can be handled.<br /><br />4. HawthoRNe<br />Work environment: Hospital<br />Why we love it: Because it teaches workers to stand up for themselves and others at work.<br />Summary: Whether she's your boss, your colleague or your nurse, chief nursing officer Christina Hawthorne encourages workers everywhere to make a difference. Compassionate and headstrong, Hawthorne fights for her patients to the death (no pun intended), defends her staff and stands up to authority if necessary.<br /><br />5. In Treatment<br />Work environment: Psychotherapy practice<br />Why we love it: Because it touches on an industry that isn't always talked about, but has become a staple of American society.<br />Summary: A show about a psychotherapist (and his psychotherapist), the drama captures Dr. Paul Weston and his sessions with his patients. We think it gives the oft-unrecognized psychotherapist some well-deserved credit.<br /><br />6. Lie to Me<br />Work environment: Various<br />Why we love it: Because it's unique, honest and contributes to the greater good.<br />Summary: If your boss is Dr. Cal Lightman, you can forget about feeding him a line about your alarm clock not going off this morning. Lightman is the world's leading deception expert and can detect the truth by analyzing a person's body language, facial expressions, voice intonations and speech patterns. (Talk about an intimidating boss.) Lightman and his team help federal law enforcement, government agencies and local police with their most difficult cases.<br /><br />7. The Listener<br />Work environment: Paramedics<br />Why we love it: Because it focuses on a (cute) 25-year-old paramedic who can read people's minds, and therefore, solves crimes. How's that for good qualities in a co-worker?<br />Summary: Toby Logan can listen to anyone's most intimate thoughts, a secret he shares with only one other person. He tries to use his gift to help as many people has he can, personally and professionally, but struggles with his own inner demons.<br /><br />8. Parks and Recreation<br />Work environment: Local government, specifically the parks and recreation department<br />Why we love it: Because everyone can relate to a character on this show as it pokes fun at how seriously -- or in some cases, lightly -- some people take their jobs.<br />Summary: Documentary cameras follow Leslie Knope, mid-level government official, as she tries to advance her career by helping turn an abandoned construction pit into a community park with no thanks to one colleague who "cheerfully exploits his government position for personal gain," and her boss, "who is philosophically opposed to government in any form." If nothing else, this workplace is pure comedy.<br /><br />9. Rescue Me<br />Work environment: New York City firehouse<br />Why we love it: Because it pulls on our heartstrings watching the camaraderie and relationships among colleagues.<br />Summary: Focusing on the men in a New York City firehouse -- the crew of the fictional Firehouse 62 -- the show mainly follows Tommy Gavin, a veteran firefighter and relapsed alcoholic. We also get a peek into the lives of his crew, and the day-to-day struggles firefighters face personally and professionally every day.<br /><br />10. True Blood<br />Work environment: Local diner/small town<br />Why we love it: Because of its character storylines -- especially the cute vampire coupled with a telepathic waitress.<br />Summary: Realistically, this "workplace" isn't realistic at all, what with the selling and dealing of vampire and synthetic blood; anti-vampire movements and the general idea of the co-existence of humans and vampires. But Merlotte's is your typical small business...<br /><br />Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBwriterRZ. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">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:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></strong></div>

Favorite TV Workplaces

After a long day's work, workers often look forward to a relaxing evening at home, enjoying their favorite TV shows to escape the chaos ...

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When a Co-Worker Steals an Idea

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/r2/ar5c6fn74ly1swnh9cr2.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/r2/ar5c6fn74ly1swnh9cr2.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div>You're sitting in a meeting, minding your own business, when one of your colleagues makes a suggestion. As you jot down notes, you realize that his proposal sounds vaguely familiar, but don't know why. Wait a second: He stole your idea!<br /><br />Co-workers stealing ideas in the workplace is more common than you think. Why exactly this happens is unknown, but Charmaine McClarie, founder and president of McClarie Group, a leadership development and communications-consulting firm, thinks that fear and laziness play equal parts in the process.<br /><br />"Colleagues take credit from others because they think they probably can get away with it," she says. "If one feels powerless to affect positive and necessary change, then stealing what one can't create oneself begins to look like a plausible solution."<br /><br />How to deal with it<br />Why a colleague steals an idea is not as important as how you react when you realize it's happening. McClarie says you can prevent someone from stealing your idea by getting credit for it long before you do the work.<br /><br />"Part of planning a project should be planning who needs to know about your ideas and how they should learn about it," she says. "When a group of people know and support your ideas, no one else can come in and take credit for them."<br /><br />Other experts say that unless there is a really good reason not to, confronting the credit appropriator is the best route to take -- as long as you do it in a non-accusatory manner.<br /><br />"Speaking about [stealing your idea] in the form of a complaint can make you seem like a whiner," McClarie says. "You may want to beat them with a stick; but wave your wand instead."<br /><br />Perhaps the best option you have when an associate takes credit for your idea is to try to regain control and move the idea forward.<br /><br />"If someone does steal your idea at a meeting, avoid trying to stake your claim on the idea then and there. It will leave a bad impression," McClarie advises. "Instead, send an e-mail afterward to those who attended. Present a few points that will move the idea forward. You're allowing others to know that you're a leader and strategic thinker who gets results."<br /><br />A different view<br />While many believe that ideas belong to an owner, Richard Gallagher, author of "How to Tell Anyone Anything: Breakthrough Techniques for Handling Difficult Conversations at Work," has a different perspective:<br /><br />"There is a misguided belief that ideas, and credit, should be hoarded as a kind of career currency," Gallagher says. "In reality, ideas flourish when fertilized by the input of an entire team. People who worry too much about idea ownership are often putting self-interest ahead of the good of the entire workplace, an attitude that can hurt your career."<br /><br />In other words, Gallagher thinks that ideas are not copyrighted and cannot be stolen, only spread. By encouraging people to spread your ideas, Gallagher says you gain more leadership credentials than by squabbling over credit.<br /><br />Advice and tips<br />Here are five ways you can deal with or prevent idea appropriation (or idea sharing):<br /><br />1. Create advocates for your idea<br />"Too often, when we think of a great idea, we turn to the person closest to us and share it. Instead, get strategic," McClarie says. "Ask yourself who in your organization is seen and valued as a leader and needs to know about [your ideas]. You're getting your idea out there before it can be stolen and you're also making it clear that it's your idea."<br /><br />2. Reframe your views<br />"Change your perspective from one of having your idea stolen to one of having it communicated," Gallagher says. "Congratulate the other person for doing such a great job of communicating the idea and tell your boss what a great job this person did of helping bring your idea to life."<br /><br />3. Ask others for support<br />"Ask others to speak to [your] idea at an anticipated meeting, particularly if you think there might be some pushback," McClarie says. That way, people will refer to the idea as yours. "'Well, (idea-stealer), that's an interesting point; Charmaine and I were speaking about this last week.' At that point, the idea has been unstolen."<br /><br />4. Think beyond the idea<br />"Over a century ago, someone had the idea of turning a horse carriage into an automobile. Do you remember who that person was? The people we really remember are the ones who took ideas and built on them," Gallagher says.<br /><br />5. Borrow, encourage and give credit<br />"When you openly encourage people to 'steal' your ideas and get in the habit of 'stealing' from others and crediting them, wonderful things happen to your career that you could never imagine when you try to be the long ranger with a great idea."<br /><br />Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBwriterRZ. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">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:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a> </div>

When a Co-Worker Steals an Idea

You're sitting in a meeting, minding your own business, when one of your colleagues makes a suggestion. As you jot down notes, you reali...

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Discover Your Passions to Find the Right Job

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/cc/ar5d6x26gf4t3ky2v0cc.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/cc/ar5d6x26gf4t3ky2v0cc.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div>We've all heard the bad news about the challenging odds that today's job seekers are up against. Unemployment rates are high and competing for a position with so many other skilled workers can feel a bit like being a rookie basketball player on the court with Kobe Bryant. So what can you do to stand out among all of the other candidates competing for positions today? Tap into your passions!<br /><br />In order to find the right job, it's essential to understand the kind of worker you are and the internal drivers that provide you with a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment. Operating from your passions will not only make you shine during the interview process, it will allow you to soar once you've landed the job. Passion is what we can combine with our skills to deliver great results and at the same time find meaning in our work. So, rather than adopting the mind-set that you're looking for a job, and concentrating solely on the title and job description, why not focus instead on whether the position will offer an outlet for your passions? It might open up new possibilities in your job search.<br /><br />Purpose Linked Consulting has identified 10 "Passion Archetypes," or styles of passion that workers demonstrate. They are specific and measurable personality characteristics described in "The Purpose Linked Organization" (McGraw-Hill, 2009):<br /><br />· The Builder: This is an archetype that welcomes opportunities to construct new business or build a new function on an open landscape. Builders love uncharted territory and work best with an established goal and a clean sheet of paper; they require the freedom to create their own blueprint for achieving objectives. Builders are relentlessly results-oriented drivers of the business and are often natural leaders.<br /><br />· The Transformer: This archetype thrives in chaos and change. Transformers identify and embrace possibilities for improvement in the business, the environment or in others. They rarely wait for change to happen, but instead seek to orchestrate change and may become bored when things remain the same.<br /><br />· The Processor: Quality-oriented and analytical, Processors enjoy sifting through information and data to see what it reveals. They often anticipate what course corrections are needed based on their interpretation of information, saving themselves or the organization from serious mistakes.<br /><br />· The Altruist: With a strong passion for doing work that benefits society or contributes to the higher good of the organization, the Altruist often acts as the company's moral compass. Altruists will challenge the organization to make decisions that positively impact the larger world.<br /><br />· The Healer: This archetype takes personal responsibility for helping others navigate through their pain. Healers can be found working behind the scenes in an organization, offering advice and counsel to co-workers, as well as in traditional health-care roles. They are likely to be the first to identify dysfunction in the organization and step forward with a remedy.<br /><br />· The Connector: With a passion for communications, negotiation and building bridges between people and needs or between problems and solutions, the Connector is the architect of relationship. Connectors seek common ground on which issues can be resolved and individuals brought together.<br /><br />· The Creator: Like the Great Masters, Creators take the concepts in their minds and translate them into a form that others can appreciate. Creators focus intently on the aesthetic, and look for beauty and functionality in whatever they manifest through their work. They are the artisans of the organization.<br /><br />· The Teacher: These individuals are promoters of learning and avid seekers of knowledge. Teachers can be counted on to help others develop, to translate new information in ways that make it easily understandable and to share all that they know within their area of expertise.<br /><br />· The Discoverer: Discoverers are the explorers of the organization. They enjoy designing experiments or approaches that will help uncover a hidden truth. They are often innovators who enjoy solving challenging puzzles.<br /><br />· The Conceiver: Big-picture intellectual acrobats, Conceivers consistently push the edges of the envelope of thought and are likely to be the ones with the crazy idea that contributes to a breakthrough product, service, process or strategy. Because of their expansive thought patterns, they may resolve challenges while others are still grappling with understanding the question.<br /><br />It's a startling fact that most of us spend more 84,000 hours of our lives at work -- and in these economic times, organizations are asking employees to deliver even more. So, why not make the most of that time by building a career in which you can thrive? Applying passion and skill at work is the winning formula that can make the difference between a just having a job or a creating a lifestyle.<br /><br />Alaina Love is a business consultant, writer, speaker and the president of Purpose Linked Consulting, a leadership and organization development firm. She is co-author of the new McGraw-Hill book "The Purpose Linked Organization: How Passionate Leaders Inspire Winning Teams and Great Results," which offers free access to the customized Passion Profiler tool that will help you identify your individual purpose and distinct Passion Archetype. She is also the author of "Leading With Purpose," a monthly column for BusinessWeek.com.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">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:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a> </div>

Discover Your Passions to Find the Right Job

We've all heard the bad news about the challenging odds that today's job seekers are up against. Unemployment rates are high and com...

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How to Answer Salary Questions

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/zc/ar5f2mm63mxjpptyrczc.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/zc/ar5f2mm63mxjpptyrczc.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div>Americans aren't keen to discuss money. We like making it and we like spending it, but money doesn't belong in polite conversation. It sits on the shelf of forbidden topics, alongside politics, religion and sex.<br /><br />Yet, one of the requisites often found on a job posting is, "Include salary history."<br /><br />You haven't even met anyone at the company yet and you're expected to divulge information only you and your bank account know? How rude.<br /><br />Like it or not, salary talks are part of job hunts, and often they arise in the early stages of the game. For a topic as sensitive and tricky as money, how should you proceed?<br /><br />And what if you don't?<br />When a job posting tells you to include salary history or requirements on your résumé, you have only two choices: do it or don't. Sure, you can ignore it or dance around it by writing, "Salary to be commensurate with experience and responsibilities." That doesn't change the fact that you haven't handed over any hard numbers. And that's fine, as long as you realize you might remove yourself from the running, says Sue Fuller, director of talent management for EDL Consulting.<br /><br />"When a job posting requests salary history, the purpose is to identify candidates who are in a viable compensation range," Fuller says. "In these instances, it is important to show salary history. Otherwise, the risk is to be excluded from consideration."<br /><br />Job seekers aren't hesitant to hand over financial information only due to manners; they are afraid to hurt their chances of getting a good salary or even the job. For example, if your current income is higher than what this job will pay, the employer might assume you won't take a salary cut and remove you from the pool of applicants. Conversely, if your salary is well below this job's rate, the employer can lowball an offer. Either way, you lose.<br /><br />The interview<br />Even if you're able to sidestep the issue during the application process, you might encounter it during a phone interview. Unless you like long, awkward silences, you'll have to address the issue.<br /><br />"The best answer is to tell the employer what you are currently earning [or most recently earned]," Fuller suggests. "At that point, compensation is not at a negotiation stage; it is at the information gathering stage. This is an important distinction to understand."<br /><br />If you're asked what you expect to earn, not what you did earn, Fuller recommends you give a realistic range for the position. This gives the employer an idea of what you want and can lead to a discussion of whether that pay aligns with what he or she had in mind.<br /><br />Regardless of when the topic arises, Fuller stresses that job seekers be honest about their salary history. Employers can verify your salary in a matter of minutes these days, so lying only serves to make you look bad. Just because you give a high number doesn't mean the employer will match the amount, Fuller says.<br /><br />The real purpose of salary talks in the beginning is to get a clear picture of what you're worth and what the company can offer. This is why Fuller advises as much flexibility as possible on your part.<br /><br />"When an offer is made, the candidate can negotiate several tangible and intangible factors that may include a six-month review, incentives, benefits, career development and/or flexibility," Fuller says. "Candidates should realize that value proposition [is about more] than just dollars and that companies will reward employees who perform."<br /><br />The dos and don'ts<br />As with any portion of a job hunt, there are bad signals you can send to an employer and vice versa. For example, you don't want to show up wearing beach attire to an interview. At the same time, you don't want to work at an office where all the employees looked unhappy and terrified of the boss. Salary talks have similar red flags.<br /><br />"During salary discussions, an employer does not want to hear about financial pressures candidates may have, such as debt, loans or, especially, maintaining a lifestyle," Fuller cautions. "Showing an appreciation for the tangibles, intangibles and the big picture will go a long way. [Also], employers will screen out candidates who are all about the money and not about the contribution and advancement of the organization."<br /><br />But be wary of employers during these conversations. You need to trust what you're being told; otherwise you probably don't want to work at the company.<br /><br />"Candidates who cannot establish trust with an employer about the role, the expectations, the compensation and the future outlook should not accept an offer with an employer," Fuller says. If you have no faith in what you hear, can you imagine what it will be like to work for this employer every day?<br /><br />Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">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:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a></div>

How to Answer Salary Questions

Americans aren't keen to discuss money. We like making it and we like spending it, but money doesn't belong in polite conversation. ...

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Work sucks

The title of this post says it all. Work sucks big time lately. No boring details, just know it really sucks to be me lately. I know I should be glad I have a job, but they're killing me. A slow and painful and tortuous death.<br /><br />I skipped my morning workout because I had to be in the office at 6:30am to take a call from our vendor in Tulsa. I made up for it tonight with an hour and half workout. It was really nice not to worry about gym guy.<br /><br />Big event of my evening was I ate tortilla chips in front of my husband. He bought them and left them on the counter. So I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">measured</span> out two servings and ate them. He had the nerve to say, "you're not suppose to eat those". I told him "you're not suppose to bring them in the house! If they're here you know I'll eat them!" (and yes, the "!" was used in the conversation, at least on my part).<br /><br />We watched Dr. Phil tonight, and I rarely watch him anymore (he kind of bugs me). Actually, I made my husband watch it with me. It was about couples not having sex. We watched it, and talked about it afterwards. We have work to do in that area, but not tonight. I'm exhausted.<br /><br />Actually, I'm just too tired to even think right now, much less post anything even semi-intelligent . Is that a word "semi-intelligent"...it looks kind of "stupid"?

Work sucks

The title of this post says it all. Work sucks big time lately. No boring details, just know it really sucks to be me lately. I know I shoul...

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5 Job Search Tips to Survive the Recession

Today's economic news may be gloom and doom but it needn't derail your job hunt. You can still win a great job, even in a lousy economy. You will have to get smarter in your job search strategy, though.<br /><br />Here are five tips to incorporate into your job search approach during an economic downturn:<br /><br />1. Research your options<br /><br />Does your industry or line of work offer little promise of employment in the coming months? If so, now is a good time to step back to identify the projected top performing industries and jobs. The best place to find this info is on the Web through Google or Yahoo. Start with "best industries work recession" or "recession jobs 2008" to uncover articles describing some of the more "recession-proof" sectors to target.<br /><br />2. Change your focus<br /><br />Start asking yourself the question, "What's in it for them?" as opposed to, "What's in it for me?" Especially in an economic downturn, you'll want to stay focused on what you can accomplish for your next employer. Show them that you understand the macroeconomic "bigger picture" of the role you play in moving the company forward.<br /><br />3. Sell results, not skills<br /><br />Leave behind that old mindset that your job-related skills or length of service are selling factors. The new mindset is to think of yourself as a mini profit-and-loss center rather than just an employee. Employers today buy results and are less impressed with candidates promoting a long laundry list of skills. You'll want to define the many ways your past and present job performance is an asset to your next employer.<br /><br />4. Start talking money<br /><br />The downturn has made the private sector economy even more bottom-line-oriented than ever. Hiring managers categorize employees into one of two distinct groups:<br /><br />a.) those who help make money<br /><br />b.) those who help save money.<br /><br />Which one are you?<br /><br />For example, Barry, who preferred to withhold his last name for the purpose of this story, worked as the human resources manager of a midsized company. While much of his work focused on compliance issues, he noticed that the company was paying many thousands of dollars to locate and hire good employees. As a result, Barry developed and implemented an in-house employee referral program that netted three quality hires in a six-month period. This saved the company almost $70,000 that the company would have paid for recruiters and advertising costs.<br /><br />Barry saves money for his company, and this is an accomplishment future employers will want to hear about.<br /><br />Rethink your current or past job to understand your position in the bigger corporate P&L picture. Here are some questions to ask yourself:<br /><br />How did my work improve the performance of my department or company?<br /><br />How many roles did I perform that saved the company the expense of added employees or contractors?<br /><br />How has my work made the work of others (employees and managers) easier, faster and more effective?<br /><br />Collect specific examples of the benefit that your company gained from the work you've already performed. Clarify the specific benefits your company received by making money or saving money, and write them down.<br /><br />5. Add achievements to your résumé<br /><br />Employers don't hire employees, they hire problem-solvers. Your new résumé should be a hard-hitting sales tool designed to accomplish one goal: get the interview. To demonstrate this, add a specific achievements list to your résumé. Take the list that you developed in the previous section and hone it down to your biggest and most notable accomplishments. Now, describe the benefit that your employer gained from each example. This will put you several steps ahead of your job-seeking competitors. Plus, you'll now have some talking points ready for that next phone interview.<br /><br />Summary<br /><br />Don't let all the hype about the recession spook you into a state of panic. By revising your tactics to include a more solution-selling approach to employers, you stand a better chance of getting hired in today's faltering economy.<br /><br />As a recruiter, Joe Turner has spent the past 15 years finding and placing top candidates in some of the best jobs of their careers. Author of "Job Search Secrets Unlocked," Turner has been interviewed on radio talk shows and offers free insider job search secrets at: http://www.jobchangesecrets.com/<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">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:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a>

5 Job Search Tips to Survive the Recession

Today's economic news may be gloom and doom but it needn't derail your job hunt. You can still win a great job, even in a lousy econ...

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Eight Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Career

Ah, the arrival of spring: The sun is out and it’s time to get your act together. You can pull down those holiday decorations. Wash the layers of mud and salt off your car. Take those running shoes – that you bought last spring – on their first jog around the park.<br /><br />This is the one time of year when everybody’s eager to improve their lives.<br /><br />Unfortunately, work life rarely gets the same attention. While your home might be in order, you won’t feel completely refreshed if your work situation is a mess. Whether you have a job or you’re looking for one, here are some tips to make the most of your spring cleaning.<br /><br />Update your résumé.<br />You know you should check your smoke alarm once a month, but you really give it attention only when the battery’s dying and it won’t stop beeping. Don’t treat your résumé the same way. Even if you’re not looking to change jobs, it can’t hurt to have an updated résumé. Keeping it current saves you time down the road when you are job hunting. Also, you might not remember all your impressive accomplishments and responsibilities months or years from now, so go ahead and write them down.<br /><br />Sort through your inbox.<br />E-mail inboxes have become the digital equivalent of the junk drawer. You don’t want to delete the message about the upcoming meeting (that took place four months ago) or the memo you’ll read when you have time – so they just sit there. Truthfully, once the message falls low enough on the page to require scrolling, you’re not going to revisit it. Go through each e-mail, trash the ones you don’t need and put the important ones in an appropriate folder. You might be surprised how less stressed you feel when you open your inbox and don’t see hundreds of messages sitting there.<br /><br />Tidy up your desk.<br />Odds are your work space could use just as much housekeeping as your closets. A tower of memos and wads of Post-Its don’t scream “I’m on top of things!” to your colleagues and boss. Aside from giving a bad impression, cluttered desks are also notorious for making important documents disappear. Throw away what you can and file the rest. Use the extra hour of sunlight to admire that desktop you haven’t seen in years.<br /><br />Clean your closet.<br />While you’re at home organizing your closet like a good little spring cleaner, take a look at your business suit. Does it still fit you? Is it tangled up in a knot under a pile of shoes? Is it a leisure suit? If you were to be called to an interview tomorrow, would you be able – or even want – to wear it? Much like your résumé, your interview attire should be ready to go at all times. If you need to take it to the cleaners or buy something new, better to do so at your convenience rather than in a rushed panic the night before the interview.<br /><br />Get schooled.<br />It’s not uncommon for professionals of any industry to grow comfortable in their positions after a few years. However, as technology evolves rapidly, it affects every occupation – whether it’s construction, sales or medicine. To keep up with the crowd, see if your company offers classes on industry trends. Some employers will even pay for courses at colleges if it benefits your work. At the very least, pick up a few books or industry journals to see what’s going on around you.<br /><br />Meet your neighbors.<br />People often become so engrossed in their jobs that they forget colleagues are working only five feet away. Learn the names and personalities that belong to the faces you see every day, or even to those you only see occasionally. It never hurts to have contacts who can answer a question or help with a future job hunt. Plus, it’s nice to know a little about the people you work next to for eight hours a day.<br /><br />Schedule some interviews.<br />If you’re contemplating a job switch, one way to simplify the decision-making process is to go on some interviews. Although you might not be ready to quit your job just yet, going on interviews gives you an idea of what opportunities are available. You can use these interviews as practice for the ones that matter most if you decide to start a job hunt.<br /><br />Evaluate your situation.<br />You might not be the type of person who writes out a list of goals and resolutions each year, but you probably have an idea of where you want your career to go. Think back to where you were last spring: Are things going as you hoped? Are you on a career path that will get you where you want to be one or two years from now? Are you earning what you deserve? Decide if you’re OK staying where you are or if it’s time to make a change.<br /><br />Spring cleaning doesn’t just have to be about tidying up; it can be about starting fresh.<br /><br />Anthony Balderrama is a 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:180%;">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:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a>

Eight Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Career

Ah, the arrival of spring: The sun is out and it’s time to get your act together. You can pull down those holiday decorations. Wash the laye...

Read more »