Seeking a Promotion | Crucial Skills

Seeking a Promotion | Crucial Skills: Of course you get emotional about your role in the company you cofounded! This company is your brainchild; you’ve invested your blood, sweat, and tears. Any conversation about your role going forward is high stakes indeed. And strong emotions are often the biggest barrier to effectively influencing others. As you take stock of the company’s needs, and of the skills you need in order to fulfill an executive role, you are wise to seek the new CEO’s mentorship. So how do you have the crucial conversation with the CEO about taking on an executive role?

Career advice you should never follow

With so much career advice floating around the interwebs, some of it is bound to be poor. Luckily we here at Levo don’t just trust the haphazardly doled-out opinions of self-appointed “leadership experts” and other dubious characters. We go straight to the top—men and women who have worked their way to massive career success — and ask them. What strategies actually worked for them? Which career buzz phrases should be ignored completely? Here are a few pieces of career advice that you should never follow.



Click here for: More on: Career advice you should never follow

5 Ways People Kill Their Career Potential...And May Not Realize It

5 Ways People Kill Their Career Potential...And May Not Realize It: As researchers who study appreciation and value creation in the workplace, it would be easy for us to write an article about killing career potential (both yours and your coworkers) by being a jerk at work. But, that’s not the only thing that kills potential.

We were curious about the opposite of the jerk—nice people who seemingly do everything by the book, meeting expectations, getting along, and are engaged. We’re curious about the people who are committed, and yet never seem to get ahead—they don’t get significant raises, promotions, or recognition for doing outstanding work. Why?

5 Thoughts That Crush Success | Fox Small Business Center

5 Thoughts That Crush Success | Fox Small Business Center: You’ll hear that successful people think differently -- that they are somehow hard-wired for high performance. There's the notion that some entrepreneurs perfectly combine analytical and reasoning skills with optimism, creativity, problem solving and people skills.

But successful people entertain the same kind of negative and self-limiting thoughts that everyone else has. What differs is their identification and reaction to them.

Here's a roundup of thoughts that absolutely limit, kill, crush and smash success. Catch these thoughts as they arise and flip them on their head.

Are you wasting your two most productive hours of the day? | Fox News

Are you wasting your two most productive hours of the day? | Fox News: When you first wake up and emerge from the post-sleep haze each morning, what do you do? What about first thing when you get to the office? If you’re anything like me, you (sloooowly) hit the coffee pot, check your Facebook news feed, read a blog or two, and just generally “ease in” toward the tougher tasks on your to-do list.

Well, we’re doing it super-wrong. According to a new Ask Me Anything interview on Reddit, Duke University behavioral scientist Dan Ariely says we’ve all got a short block of time every morning—roughly the first two hours after wake-up—where we’re most cognitively capable of getting work done. And most of us totally waste that time.

Eight Reasons You Didn’t Get That Job | Fox Business

Eight Reasons You Didn’t Get That Job | Fox Business: The job market may be on the mend but if all you’re seeing is rejection letters than it could be time to look within. It’s easy to blame the interviewer but chances are it is your fault you’re not landing the job.

“A number of the reasons why people don’t get the jobs they want are due to the way they present themselves and how they perform during interviews,” said Patty Prosser, chair of OI Global Partners. From showing a lack of interest to not standing out from the pack, here are eight reasons Prosser says you’re the reason you can’t get a job.

Why Many Aren't Celebrating Low US Unemployment - ABC News

Why Many Aren't Celebrating Low US Unemployment - ABC News: Even with 5.8 percent unemployment and even though more than five years have passed since the Great Recession officially ended, this phenomenon has yet to take hold. Most workers' pay is barely keeping up with historically low inflation.

"People aren't looking at the statistical aggregates," said Bill Galston, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. "They care about their standard of living, and most Americans think their standard of living has declined."

Look, too, at the percentage of adults either working or searching for work. It's a measure called labor force participation. The government counts people without jobs as unemployed only if they're seeking work. If more people stop looking, labor force participation falls

Not Looking for Work, Labor Force Participation and Recovery

Not Looking for Work, Labor Force Participation and Recovery: The post-recession economy has undergone the slowest recovery in 70 years. In addition to more than 6 percent unemployment five years after the recession officially ended, labor force participation has fallen sharply since the recession began in December 2007. Today, 6.9 million fewer Americans are working or searching for work. The drop in unemployment since 2009 is almost entirely due to the fact that those not looking for work do not count as unemployed. Demographic factors explain less than one-quarter of the decreased labor force participation. The rest comes from increased school enrollment and more people collecting disability benefits. Over 6 percent of U.S. adults are now on Social Security Disability Insurance. This is no time to make it more difficult for businesses to create jobs.

7 Not-So-Usual Ways to Make Extra Money | Fox Business

7 Not-So-Usual Ways to Make Extra Money | Fox Business: When it comes to earning extra cash you have to think beyond a second job.

Seasonal jobs may be aplenty this time of year, but for cash strapped consumers there are a ton of other ways to beef up your bank account, if a part-time gig is not an option. “People have to think outside the box when it comes to ways to earn income,” says Clare Levison, CPA, personal finance expert & author of Frugal Isn’t Cheap: Spend Less, Save More, and Live Better, “You have to get creative.”

6 Ways to Make a Great First Impression | Fox Small Business Center

6 Ways to Make a Great First Impression | Fox Small Business Center: You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Either consciously or unconsciously, we make judgments about the professionalism, character and competence of others based on first impressions.

Just as you evaluate potential business partners, employees and personal acquaintances on your first-time encounter with them, others will judge you and your business by how you conduct yourself.

15 Things Successful Entrepreneurs Do Every Day

15 Things Successful Entrepreneurs Do Every Day: The most effective entrepreneurs view themselves as assets. They continually invest in themselves and in their future through continuing education and self-improvement.

If you want to become a better entrepreneur and successfully grow your business, dedicate time and energy to improve your daily habits.

Here are 15 things many business influencers make time for in their busy schedules.

50 highest paying jobs in Utah | Likely similar to the rest of the US

50 highest paying jobs in Utah | Deseret News: Based on the most recent data available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we’ve compiled a list of the 50 highest paid professions in Utah. We used the median salary—or 50th percentile—of each specific occupation to list them. We included the average salary for the top and bottom 10 percent and how many are employed in each position.

Career Advice That No One Told You -- And You Might Not Want To Hear

Career Advice That No One Told You -- And You Might Not Want To Hear: Your career is YOUR responsibility. That’s right, YOUR responsibility. Not your manager’s responsibility. Not HR’s responsibility. And certainly not your college’s responsibility (or your parent’s). Being successful means you need to treat your career like a business and treat yourself like a product that you work on improving, year after year. Define your career aspirations and then create a career development plan that you update on an annual basis.

Stop Worrying About Your Job, And Focus On Your Career

Stop Worrying About Your Job, And Focus On Your Career: For an entrepreneur, that means carving out time in your schedule to plan and to think about the future. There will always be another catalog to send out and another customer call to return. You could do those things all day and all night, but you have to save time to think about the long term. It’s no different for salaried people. We have to focus on our careers at least as much as we think about doing our jobs, but how many working people do that?

7 Resume Myths That Will Keep You Unemployed | Fox Business

7 Resume Myths That Will Keep You Unemployed | Fox Business: When it comes to resumes, most job seekers think they need a cover letter, to fill in any work gaps and include all of their employment history, even if it’s a part-time job during college. Unfortunately all of those moves and more will mean your resume ends up on the rejection heap.

“There are quite a few mistakes with resumes,” says Paul McDonald, senior executive director with Robert Half. “The resume myths sometimes outweigh the facts.”

10 Words to Avoid Using During Your Job Search | Glassdoor Blog

10 Words to Avoid Using During Your Job Search | Glassdoor Blog: Imagine you’ve sent in your cover letter and resume to the job of your dreams. However, weeks go by and you haven’t heard a peep from the employer. Are you not qualified for the position? Or was it something you said?

Today’s job market is highly competitive, which is why job seekers must avoid using words that could cost them a job. Whether you’ve just applied for a job or you’re preparing for an interview, here are 10 of the worst words you can say during your job search:

5 Ways to Make a Good First Impression at a Job Interview | Glassdoor Blog

5 Ways to Make a Good First Impression at a Job Interview | Glassdoor Blog: Memorable candidates realize first impressions happen within the first seven seconds of meeting a person.

As you apply for jobs and attend job interviews, be mindful of how you interact with people. Whether you’re sending an email to a recruiter or you’re meeting a hiring manager for the first time, do your best to make a positive first impression.

To stand out from other job seekers, make sure you are dressed professionally for any meeting or interview with the employer, show a genuine interest in the position, and your determination to land the job. It’s also important to be genuine during the interview process and let your best attributes shine through.

Tips for Using Social Media to Find Your Next Job | Fox Business

Tips for Using Social Media to Find Your Next Job | Fox Business: Online profiles give employers a sense of how well a candidate might fit in and whether their displayed background information aligns with their professional qualifications, according to Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources for CareerBuilder.com.

She says one-third of hiring managers report they’ve found content on social media that made them more likely to hire a candidate, and 23% found something that directly led to a job offer.

9 Ways to Make Gobs of Money - Seriously | Fox Small Business Center

9 Ways to Make Gobs of Money - Seriously | Fox Small Business Center: It's a safe bet that more ink and paper have been expended in the name of how to make money than just about any topic. In case you're wondering why, here's a hint: Do you know how the dollar sign originated? Try overlapping the letters U and S, as in United States.

Capitalism and the American Dream are both alive and well, and with good reason. Who would have thought basic staples like food, shelter, transportation and healthcare would cost so damn much? We used to think of a millionaire as rich. Pretty soon that's going to be the poverty level.

6 Moves to Getting a Promotion in the Next 30 Days

Asking for a promotion is one of the best things you can do for your career.
As the summer months begin to heat up, this is a great time to accomplish some of your career goals. Research shows June is one of the best months to land a promotion, so now is the time to start planning your next move.
If you’re looking to set yourself up for success in the upcoming month, here are some tips to landing a promotion in the next 30 days:

Click here for the rest of the article:

Career Stagnation Creeping Up on Workers | Fox Business

Career Stagnation Creeping Up on Workers | Fox Business: American workers may be thankful to have a job in the recovering labor market, but many feel they are spinning their career wheels.

A new survey from Rasmussen College finds one-fifth of Americans are unhappy at work, with only 22% saying they feel they have clear growth potential in their current careers. Two-thirds say they have considered quitting, and one-third report being happy in their job.

4 Ways to Talk Your Way Into a Raise | Fox Business

4 Ways to Talk Your Way Into a Raise | Fox Business: Whether you are accepting a job offer, getting a promotion or trying to secure a raise, talking salary isn’t easy.

Many of us feel uncomfortable discussing money especially when it involves our own worth to a specific position and company. There are some ways to improve the chances of a favorable outcome – getting paid what you’re worth.

8 Things to Do During Your First Month at a New Job | Fox Business

8 Things to Do During Your First Month at a New Job | Fox Business: College graduates’ first month on job sets the tone of their career, according to experts, which means they need to be proactive and put their best foot forward.

“It’s about the approach you take to your job — none of these are tasks, but attributes that you take on,” says Lynda Fraser, vice president of Human Resources Contract Division at Solomon Page Group. “It’s your behavior that will determine, ultimately, how successful you are.”

Employment prospects improving - Business - Times Colonist

Employment prospects improving - Business - Times Colonist: Canadians workers can find some encouragement in recent reports showing that employment prospects are improving.

A recent survey of the corporate sector by the Bank of Canada shows that sales are set to increase in the next year due to a strengthening U.S. economy and lower Canadian dollar, and the outlook for investment growth and hiring both are positive.

6 Ways Your Job is Losing You Future Earnings | Fox Business

6 Ways Your Job is Losing You Future Earnings | Fox Business: Love hurts, but so does the wrong job. Not only will it leave you unsatisfied but it can actually hurt your career trajectory.

From missing out on promotions to working for a company with a bad reputation, there’s a host of ways a current role can negatively impacting future earnings.

So before you commit even more time and effort to your existing job check out these six signs it may be time to look for greener pastures.

Stringent Occupational Health and Safety Regulations Drive Demand for Industrial Protective Clothing, According to New Report by Global Industry Analysts, Inc. - Press Release - Digital Journal

Stringent Occupational Health and Safety Regulations Drive Demand for Industrial Protective Clothing, According to New Report by Global Industry Analysts, Inc. - Press Release - Digital Journal: Industrial facilities are often characterized by hazardous work environments that are prone to cause injuries and infections to employees. Industrial protective clothing including garments, protects employees from undue exposure to hazardous elements such as heat, flame, extreme cold, toxic chemical agents, chemical splashes, radiation, bullets, bacteria and viruses, among others. Rising instances of workplace accidents involving life-threatening injuries and fatalities have been driving strong demand for industrial protective clothing in recent years.

8 Traits You Need to be a Fearless Job Hunter | Fox Business

8 Traits You Need to be a Fearless Job Hunter | Fox Business: Why is it that some people just seem to effortlessly climb the career ladder? You know these folks we speak of: They always know how to dazzle during an interview, and they have a knack for nabbing that prime position before it’s even posted.

Lessons from PayPal’s Exec: Don’t Trash Coworkers Online…Ever | Fox Business

Lessons from PayPal’s Exec: Don’t Trash Coworkers Online…Ever | Fox Business: Tweeting while mad won’t get you far. Take PayPal’s former director of strategy as an example, who was reportedly fired from the company for tweeting unsavory things about his coworkers.

Disgruntled employees take note: Airing your grievances with your employer or colleagues, both past and present, on social media is never a good idea.

6 Needs to Thrive at Work | Fox Business

6 Needs to Thrive at Work | Fox Business: Are you performing at the top of your game at work? Or are you struggling, losing interest, or so stressed that you’d just like to walk away? To recognize what is driving either end, consider these six universal human needs and how each is being met, or not, in your job.

Rise in occupational disease claims concerns WHSCC - Local - The Telegram

Rise in occupational disease claims concerns WHSCC - Local - The Telegram: A recent commission report includes statistics showing 30 workplace-related deaths in 2013, of which 25 were attributed to occupational disease, compared to 20 in 2012.

WHSCC CEO Leslie Galway said most of these occupational diseases involved cancers as a result of exposures in the workplace many years ago in the mining and oil and gas industries.

"Unfortunately, given that the latency period for occupational diseases can be 20 years or more, this area will likely continue to be a concern for years to come," Galway said.

HR Q&A: Occupational Health and Safety

HR Q&A: Occupational Health and Safety: Question: We are a small organization without a Human Resources department. When is an organization required to have an Occupational Health and Safety policy and who is responsible?

Answer: An Occupational Health and Safety Policy is required for every organization that regularly employs more than five employees.

Worker distrust of employer is pervasive - Nashoba Publishing Online

Worker distrust of employer is pervasive - Nashoba Publishing Online: Despite the rebound in the U.S. economy and an improving job market, nearly one in four workers say they don't trust their employer and only about half believe their employer is open and upfront with them, according to the American Psychological Association's 2014 Work and Well-Being Survey released today.

While almost two-thirds (64 percent) of employed adults feel their organization treats them fairly, one in three reported that their employer is not always honest and truthful with them. "This lack of trust should serve as a wake-up call for employers," says David W. Ballard, PsyD, MBA, head of APA's Center for Organizational Excellence. "Trust plays an important role in the workplace and affects employees' well-being and job performance."

Study: States that Raise the Wage See Decreased Jobs, High Teen Unemployment | Fox Business

Study: States that Raise the Wage See Decreased Jobs, High Teen Unemployment | Fox Business: The study looks at the 19 states that have minimum wages above the national rate of $7.25 an hour, as well as the 31 states in which the minimum wage is equal to the national average. The report finds that in 2013, a $1 increase in the minimum wage was associated with a 1.48 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate.

What’s more, this $1 hike also led to a 0.18 percentage point decrease in the net job growth rate, a 4.67 percentage point increase in the teen unemployment rate and a 4.01 percentage point decrease in the teenage net job growth rate. Overall, the AAF reports that high state minimum wages increased unemployment by 747,700 workers and reduced job growth by 83,300 jobs.

Employment Expertise: Be positive and professional for successful interviewing - News - Holland Sentinel - Holland, MI

Employment Expertise: Be positive and professional for successful interviewing - News - Holland Sentinel - Holland, MI: Maintain professionalism at all times, from the moment you pull into the parking lot until the moment you leave, act as though you are being watched. Dress in a way that is professional and appropriate for the position you are interviewing for. Consider the work environment, dress code and work culture when putting together your outfit. Dress and grooming can make a big impression — positive or negative. Be aware of “invisibles,” such as excess perfume, cologne or cigarette smoke. Remember, often you make an impression before you open your mouth.

6 Tips to Handle Irritating Colleagues | Fox Business

6 Tips to Handle Irritating Colleagues | Fox Business: We’ve probably all been there when it comes to having an annoying co-worker. You know — that one co-worker who is either overly arrogant, lazy, or talks your ear off? Even if you consider yourself an easy-going person to work with, you’ve probably encountered that one colleague who drives you up your cubicle walls.

After all, what would work be without having a co-worker who drives you nuts? You’re probably familiar with the beloved co-worker we’ve all grown to love (or despise), Dwight Schrute from The Office. He’s that annoying co-worker who describes himself as a “hard-working, alpha male, jackhammer… merciless…insatiable…” and is probably a good example of the person in the office you can’t escape.

Contemplating a Career Change? It's Not Just You. | Fox Business

Contemplating a Career Change? It's Not Just You. | Fox Business: The labor market is still very weak. February’s surprise jobs report, which showed employers added 175,000 jobs when economists had expected only 149,000, drew cheers, but it was well below the 12-month average of 189,000.

Yet, there is one employment indicator whose trajectory is clear: the slow but steadily rising “quit rate,” which is about halfway back to where it was before the recession. And a recent study shows a staggering 81.5% of employed job seekers are now looking for new work outside of their current occupation.

Want a job? Avoid putting these words on your resume | Deseret News

Want a job? Avoid putting these words on your resume | Deseret News: But coming up with a resume that will catch people's attention, if not touch them, is becoming more important as more jobs become available. The latest "Manpower Employment Outlook Survey," recently released by ManpowerGroup, a human resource consulting company based in Milwaukee, Wisc., finds that hiring confidence remains strong among employers. Out of more than 18,000 surveyed employers, 19 percent say they are anticipating increasing their hiring plans this spring and 73 percent say their plans to hire are probably going to continue as planned. Only 4 percent say they are anticipating staff reductions and 4 percent are not sure about their hiring intentions.

How to Get a Job, Advance in your Career, AND MAKE MORE MONEY

Many years ago I taught and helped people prepare for and find work. Through the process, some of those people discovered, quite successfully, that self-employment was the better way to go. This blog includes employment news, an employment search engine. Current articles on "Where the jobs are," and "how to find work," are also included.

While doing this work I learned a few extremely important principles.

Story: I was living in a university town at the time and close to the university was a small Hawaiian restaurant. The owner, though very laid back in some ways, was quite particular in others, and a great businessman. Plus, he was a great business man. All the patrons had to walk through a line to get their food, which was served on reinforced paper plates. The food was incredible; I’ve never tasted any Polynesian and/or Hawaiian food better than this. The restaurant was only open for lunch on weekdays and was closed for a month during the winter so the owner’s family could go to Hawaii . It was so popular that there was a long line of business people and college students waiting outside to eat lunch, no matter the weather.

One day I asked the owner and said; ‘I imagine with all the Polynesians who live here, you probably have no problem finding people to work for you.’ His reply surprised me. He said; ‘oh no, I never hire a Polynesian who knows how to cook. If I hire a Polynesian who knows how to cook, they want to cook their way; I want people to cook MY way.’

There is a fundamental truth to what my friend said. Employers want people who know how to work, follow directions, are punctual, dependable, self starters, and can get along. These are the foundations for almost any job. Even with a college education, if you don’t have this, with some rare exceptions, you are just not going to be successful.

Here are a few more things I learned from my experience helping and teaching others how to find work, as a business owner who hired people, and from research.

1. Employers want people who really want, and know how, to work:

a. You are more likely to get a better job if you already have a job (unless you are seen as someone who does a lot of short term job hopping)

b. Showing up for an application early in the morning or right as a business opens tells the employer that you can get out of bed in the morning (an important skill).

c. When requesting an application or for an interview, dress at least as well (or one step better) as you would have to dress if you were to show up to work at that location. For example, if the typical working attire is jeans and a t-shirt, wear good, clean jeans and a button up shirt. If you see workers/staff all dressed in dress pants, skirts, or dresses, dress at least as well as they do even when you come in to request an application.
d. Find out as much as you can about the company prior to an interview.

e. Be prepared to, and let the employer know how you can benefit them, do not focus on what they can do for you. Specifically tell them how you are the aspirin for their headache.

g. If you are not working, spend some time volunteering on a consistent basis for the same organization. Helps your resume, and helps to demonstrate you can work and keep a schedule.

2. Employers want independent, mature, employees:

a. Never take friends or family with you to a business to request an application or do an interview. If you have to have a ride, have them wait outside in the car.

3. There are lots of ways to find jobs:

a. Job Services; Employment agencies; Internet job sites; Newspaper help want ads.

b. Networking, word of mouth, friends, families. Most jobs are not advertised. Employers like to hear recommendations from people they know. Ask everyone you know if they know of an opening. If you walk into a business and ask for an application, ask that person if they know any other businesses who are hiring.

c. That brings me to the next place to look. Walk in to businesses and ask. As mentioned previously, employers are almost always looking for someone who may be outstanding, even when they are not advertising a current opening. Businesses who are in the business to make money, almost ALWAYS want someone who can and will make them more money.

4. Employers want people who can get along with coworkers and for many jobs, will get along well with and present well to the public and/or clients:

a. Do not post anything on facebook or other websites that might distract from this image.

b. For many, if not most jobs, cover up tattoos, remove nose and lip rings. Remember, part of the job is representing the company, not just your own individuality. Some customers/clients/co-workers may dress more conservatively than you. If you see most (more than half) of the workers and the boss with tattoos, nose and/or lip rings, then you can disregard this.

5. Employers want the "cream of the crop":

a. Do extra things to make yourself stand out i.e., good resume. If you can, casually introduce yourself to other workers/staff and ask them for hints in getting a job with this business and for information about the business. Don’t pressure, take up more than a minimal amount of time, or be obnoxious in any way.

6. Target your resume:
a. Keep in mind that many of your experiences may be applicable to the job you are applying for. For example, having been a cub scout den leader teaches you and provides you with a lot of experience in organization, teaching, discipline, communication et etc.

b. Once you know what the business may be looking for, be sure that your resume honestly demonstrates that you have those skills, that you are the "aspirin for their headache," and that you will be a productive and profitable member of their team.



Now if you want to keep the job, make sure you continually confirm to your employer that you are all the things they thought you were when they hired you, and even more. Remember it is always about what benefit you provide the business and their customers.


These are general characteristics most employers want in their employees:
1. Honesty
2. Dependability
3. Punctuality
4. Able to get along with customers and coworkers
5. Hard worker
6. Follows directions (without arguing)
7. Teachable (And willing to learn on your own, there are MANY free ways to gain new knowledge and skills today. Make use of them. Make this a daily priority. At least 1 hour per day at least 5 days a week.)
8. Physically, Emotionally, and Intellectually capable of doing the job
9. Knowledge and Skills to do the job.
(NOTE: MANY employers are willing to forego number 9 if you have the first 8. Also, it is not enough to just think you have the first 8 or say you have the first 8, you need to demonstrate that you have the first 8. This can be in a lower paying job or volunteer work. IF you want to progress in your career and not stay on minimum wage or close to that, develop the first 8 characteristics, prove you have them in a lower wage or volunteer position for sometimes a year or more, then ask your existing employer and other employers for more opportunity. There are lots of positions open for people with the first 8 characteristics, lots of positions with great LEARNING and EARNING and advancement possibilities.)

When People Give Up Looking for Work, What Do They Do? - Wall Street Journal - WSJ.com

When People Give Up Looking for Work, What Do They Do? - Wall Street Journal - WSJ.com: Even though February saw more people returning to the labor force, the percent of the population working or looking for work remains near a 30-year low due to millions of dropouts during the recession.

A Deutsche Bank analysis of Federal Reserve and Labor Department data shows a big chunk of those dropouts – 5.5 million – are retirees. But nearly three million others are counted as disabled and the number of people applying for Social Security disability benefits has spiked in recent years. Others have simply given up looking, likely because they’re discouraged by their job prospects.

Employment provides community growth and self-worth | PoconoRecord.com

Employment provides community growth and self-worth | PoconoRecord.com: Occasionally you hear someone scoff at the unemployed.

It is sometimes implied that folks enjoy unemployment checks too much, as if they are mostly sleeping in and playing the Wii like a kid on a snow day.

For most, being out of work is financially terrifying.

It is lonely, chips away at self-worth and can be life changing if it leads to career change, lower wages, hunger, utility shut-off, car repossession and home foreclosure.

Tips for Reinventing Your Career | Fox Business

Tips for Reinventing Your Career | Fox Business: For many people reinvention is front in center in their minds as we enter the New Year. While most focus on losing weight and saving more money, reinvention can also be about your career. Whether you are star employee looking to move up or dealing with a bad reputation there are multiple ways to reinvent yourself in the workplace.

How to Overcome a Workplace Confrontation | Fox Business

How to Overcome a Workplace Confrontation | Fox Business: Most people don’t enjoy confrontation—especially when it happens in the workplace.

Engaging in an office confrontation can leave you feeling uncomfortable and even remorseful. Whether the clash was your fault or your colleague’s, participating in an office conflict can bring irreparable reputational damage. But before you start hiding in your cubicle or start looking for another job, consider this seven-step guide to help you repair any damage:

How to Deal With the Workplace ‘Jerk’ | Fox Business

How to Deal With the Workplace ‘Jerk’ | Fox Business: Sutton says there are different types of office jerks, and it’s not always easy to know if a person is a “certified” jerk or just a “temporary” jerk, Sutton says. Just about anyone is capable of being a temporary jerk, he says, but coaching and transforming can change a personality characteristic.

But for certified jerks, the future is less rosy.

The Skills Employers Wish College Grads Had | Fox Business

The Skills Employers Wish College Grads Had | Fox Business: Turns out, the skills and education recent college graduates acquired during their time on campus might not be serving them well when it comes to proving their worth to potential employers.

“Soft skills have deteriorated more than hard skills in the view of CEOs and recruiters within companies,” says Candice Olson, founder of professional boot camp The Fullbridge Program.

Get Your Beauty Rest...Your Work Depends On It | Fox Business

Get Your Beauty Rest...Your Work Depends On It | Fox Business: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 40 million workers get less than six hours of sleep per night. That’s nearly 30% of the workforce who aren’t getting the recommended seven to nine hours per night.

The majority of those workers not getting enough sleep tend to be shift workers who work off-hour shifts or irregular routines that can be highly disruptive to sleep. Research from the National Sleep Foundation found that many in the transportation industry report not getting enough sleep including:

Job Insecurity: The American Worker's Reality | Fox Business

Job Insecurity: The American Worker's Reality | Fox Business: While the U.S. economy showed some signs of improvement last year, many American workers are not feeling these improvements when it comes to their careers, according to a new poll conducted by Op4G for MoneyRates.com.

The results indicate that Americans see themselves facing a workplace reality of low wages and shaky job security. Workers also seem to be resigning themselves to this environment, as most plan on keeping their current jobs if they can.

Hired! | Fox Business

Hired! | Fox Business: This week we found jobs in accounting, finance, fitness, and manufacturing. Pay special attention to Retro Fitness, their franchise plans in 2014 may be just the tipping point!

Career Coach: What to do when your ideas aren’t being heard - The Washington Post

Career Coach: What to do when your ideas aren’t being heard - The Washington Post: Q. I am a paralegal who has worked with the same three partners for more than 10 years. None of them exhibits any leadership skills, and they all blame everyone else for any shortcomings. They have developed only minimal relationships with lawyers in other offices around the country who could share work with us. Nor are they interested in hearing my suggestions and questions concerning business development. Short of leaving for a winning team, do you think there is anything else I could do?

Overwhelmed by Career Commitments? 5 Areas To Simplify - Forbes

Overwhelmed by Career Commitments? 5 Areas To Simplify - Forbes: For many people, there is something career-related on the new year resolutions list. Perhaps you will finally get a new job, ask for that raise, or simply get out more and network. Then the reality of your day-to-day job and busy life intrude on the best of your intentions, and that career goal seems less exciting than overwhelming. In order to prevent this career overwhelm, here are 5 areas to pare down so you can find the time, energy and attention for your main career priority:

7 Tips for Talking to the Boss About Changing Positions | Fox Business

7 Tips for Talking to the Boss About Changing Positions | Fox Business: It’s common in today’s workforce for professionals to feel that they’re in the wrong job. With companies trying to make do with less people, employees are often put in situations where they are overqualified, under-qualified or even unqualified for their duties.

If you fall into any of these categories in your current job, it's probably time to have a conversation with your boss to find a more suitable position. But having this talk can be nerve wracking, so before you dive in and speak your mind, consider these seven ways to prepare:

5 Small Personal Adjustments That Bring Big Career Results | Fox Business

5 Small Personal Adjustments That Bring Big Career Results | Fox Business: According to a report [http://www.nfib.com/Portals/0/pdf/sbet/sbet201401.pdf] released earlier this month by the National Federation of Independent Businesses, small business owners are struggling to fill open positions due to a lack of appropriate candidates. Their claim is that "this is not just a “skills” issue, but one of poor attitudes, work habits, timeliness, appearance and expectations.”

US ranks behind Rwanda, Belarus, Azerbaijan in ease of creating new business, World Bank says | Fox News

US ranks behind Rwanda, Belarus, Azerbaijan in ease of creating new business, World Bank says | Fox News: A new study by the World Bank and the International Finance Corp. found that the U.S. ranks well behind countries like Rwanda, Belarus and Azerbaijan in terms of how easy it is for an entrepreneur to start a new business. The U.S. did narrowly beat Uzbekistan, though.

Employment Expertise: A refresher on soft skills - News - Holland Sentinel - Holland, MI

Employment Expertise: A refresher on soft skills - News - Holland Sentinel - Holland, MI: We are back to setting the stage for keeping a job that you’ve started, or are hoping to start. Employers are finding a few common issues with new hires. The issues relate to the soft skills that appear to be lacking in many employees or potential employees. It’s easy to assume that the lack of soft skills relate to the Millennials who have the reputation of being self-centered and acting entitled. But the lack of soft skills appears to be pan-generational: Boomers and Millennials alike. So here’s a refresher on how to make a successful first week:

ADP Regional Employment Report: Texas and Florida Lead Growth Among Large States From November to December - WSJ.com

ADP Regional Employment Report: Texas and Florida Lead Growth Among Large States From November to December - WSJ.com: ADP Regional Employment Report: Texas and Florida Lead Growth Among Large States From November to December

These Resume Mistakes Can Slow Your Job Search | Fox Business

These Resume Mistakes Can Slow Your Job Search | Fox Business: When faced with a job search, after years of being nose-down in your day-to-day work, it is natural to feel vulnerable and uncertain.

And when you feel vulnerable, it is normal to reach out for reassurance to make sure you are doing the right things. After all, “you don’t know what you don’t know.”

About to Enter the Workforce for the First Time? Here's Your Guide | Fox Business

About to Enter the Workforce for the First Time? Here's Your Guide | Fox Business: “A lot of companies are very frustrated by younger people in the workplace and what we’re trying to say is, let’s change the tone.”

To be successful in the work force, Kushell recommends Millennials focus on developing several vital skills to improve their value in the workplace and focus on their own ambition, skills, expertise and context.

4 Ways to Stand Out in the Crowd and Get Hired | Fox Business

4 Ways to Stand Out in the Crowd and Get Hired | Fox Business: While the report was certainly sobering, finding a new career opportunity doesn’t have to be as difficult as it may seem. The job-hunting process can feel frustrating, but it doesn’t matter how many resumes you submit, interviews you attend and follow-up notes you send, if you don’t believe in yourself, you aren’t going to get hired. After all, if you don’t believe you’re capable of handling a position, no one else will.

Are You Ready For The Age Of Career Diversification? - Forbes

Are You Ready For The Age Of Career Diversification? - Forbes: Gone are the days when you can rely on one source of income to survive. There is no secure full-time job anymore because the economy is too unpredictable and there are many external factors that you can’t control.

7 Signs You’re Waiting Around to Get Fired | Fox Business

7 Signs You’re Waiting Around to Get Fired | Fox Business: When it comes to your career, there’s nothing worse than being professionally stuck. Unless you’re stuck and unaware that you are also on your company’s chopping block for the next round of layoffs.

Most of the time people aren’t aware when their career falls into a rut. You could actually be hurting yourself with your actions (or lack of action) and putting yourself at great professional risk. In fact, you could be sitting around, literally waiting to be fired.

How to Stay Productive When No one Else Is | Fox Business

How to Stay Productive When No one Else Is | Fox Business: The old saying that familiarity breeds contempt may ring true in today’s popular open-plan office spaces where proximity is taking a bite out of productivity.

A colleague who drops by to chat can disrupt your workflow, and experts say this makes you more prone to errors, robs you of important to-do list execution time and leaves you confronting the dismal reality that your work at the office is never really done.

Career Moves Everyone Should Make in 2014 | Fox Business

Career Moves Everyone Should Make in 2014  | Fox Business: Whether you are looking for a new job or you want to move up the corporate ladder, the start of the new year is an ideal time to take a fresh approach to your career.

“Too many people make check lists for the new year and then quickly forget them,” says Patty Prosser, chair of consulting firm OI Partners. “Your career is a major part of building a fulfilling life. The best way to take advantage of opportunity is to create it.”