Six Things To Do Before You Leave Your Job

Six Things To Do Before You Leave Your Job Im doing some research on how to onboard yourself once you land your next job. I found this great (important) article on TheMuse titled 6 Things to Do Before Leaving Your Job. I hadnt thought about it much because I focus so much on forward-facing stuff, not what to do to tie up loose ends from a job you have left.  But Leslie Moser is absolutely right.  Her six things are (read her post to get more): Write a transition plan Archive, archive, archive (dont archive information that is not yours, though) Figure out your health insurance (COBRA is a joke it is SO expensive) Have an exit interview (be careful not to burn bridges in this interview, though!) Keep in touch! (I know this can feel very awkward) Plan a vacation (take some time, but NOT TOO MUCH TIME!) A book Ill recommend is Scot Herricks Ive Landed My Dream Job Now What???  This book helps you plan your first 30 days on the job, and includes thoughts on wrapping up well from your last job. In the amazon review I love the person points out that Scots book helped her put together a 30/60/90 day plan FOR AN INTERVIEW!  So maybe this book is a great interview prep book ? Six Things To Do Before You Leave Your Job Im doing some research on how to onboard yourself once you land your next job. I found this great (important) article on TheMuse titled 6 Things to Do Before Leaving Your Job. I hadnt thought about it much because I focus so much on forward-facing stuff, not what to do to tie up loose ends from a job you have left.  But Leslie Moser is absolutely right.  Her six things are (read her post to get more): Write a transition plan Archive, archive, archive (dont archive information that is not yours, though) Figure out your health insurance (COBRA is a joke it is SO expensive) Have an exit interview (be careful not to burn bridges in this interview, though!) Keep in touch! (I know this can feel very awkward) Plan a vacation (take some time, but NOT TOO MUCH TIME!) A book Ill recommend is Scot Herricks Ive Landed My Dream Job Now What???  This book helps you plan your first 30 days on the job, and includes thoughts on wrapping up well from your last job. In the amazon review I love the person points out that Scots book helped her put together a 30/60/90 day plan FOR AN INTERVIEW!  So maybe this book is a great interview prep book ?

Top Tips for Stretching Your Paycheck When an Emergency Strikes

Top Tips for Stretching Your Paycheck When an Emergency Strikes It is estimated that more than 70 percent of American’s are still living from paycheck to paycheck in 2016. While you may truly enjoy your job, you’ve found that it just isn’t possible to tighten your belt any more than you already have. Now, you have had one of life’s unexpected emergencies come up.  Youve  blown not only your little bit of savings but the budget you had so carefully prepared as well. There are quite a few solutions out there to help you stretch your paycheck until next payday. These include securing an installment loan from a company like Max Lend and simply cutting back on the items you absolutely do not have to have. With that being said, read on below for a few tips to help you  in stretching your paycheck in an emergency situation. Apply for a Personal Loan Applying for a personal loan is one way to make it to the next payday.  But only in an emergency situation. Taking out a personal loan is not something you want to do if you are just wanting to go on a vacation. Save it for times when you have no other choice and make sure that you pay the loan responsibly. Use Credit Cards Wisely Even in an emergency situation, it’s better to use your credit cards wisely. If this emergency situation you find yourself in is going to limit your budget, maxing out your credit cards isn’t going to help you in the long run. Even if you use credit cards with cash back rewards, it’s important to maximize and make sure you are using them the right way. It won’t do you any good to max out every credit card you have in an emergency situation. Cut Back on Nonessential Expenses No one wants to hear that they need to cut back on the things they love to buy and do. However, if you have had an unexpected emergency crop up and are having a hard time making your paycheck stretch, then you truly have no choice. There are a few things that you can cut back on right away to save those dollars from your paycheck until you get paid again. Some of them are listed below. That morning coffee from Starbucks is probably costing you five dollars a day at the least. Make coffee at home and carry it with you to save quite a bit of money for the week. Pack your lunch, instead of eating out at the diner down the street for lunch every day. Cook dinner at home, instead of picking take out up on your way home from the office. Save for a Rainy Day The best way to stretch a paycheck when you have an unexpected emergency crop up is making sure that you save for such an emergency happening. Even if it’s only $25 a week, putting it in savings for a rainy day will add up.  And,  help you when life’s next little emergency rears its head. These are just a few tips to help you stretch your paycheck when unexpected emergencies strike. From securing a personal loan to saving for a rainy day, you don’t have to live from paycheck to paycheck. Images: Main   Credit Cards     Piggy Bank

Wellness Tips for the Holidays -

Wellness Tips for the Holidays - Holidays are always spun as “the most wonderful time of the year.” However, they can quickly feel like anything but once the busy schedule sets in. With constant social engagements, countless hours spent shopping, and your normal work routine still needing attention, personal wellness can quickly be pushed to the back burner as the months of November and December unfold. With that in mind, it’s important to take steps to prepare yourself for the busy times ahead. Here are a few holiday wellness tips and tricks to help you quietly tend to your own wellness as everything is swept up in the holiday spirit. Make Sure to Exercise Once the chilly winter weather sets in, it’s easy to opt for a cozy night spent snuggling by the fireplace, and getting a good dose of hygge is a great way to spend the holidays. However, it’s equally important to make sure that you keep moving. With so much going on, it’s easy to feel like you’re physically exhausted, but there’s a distinct difference between feeling run down and feeling that post-workout burn. One of the simplest ways to stay healthy and warm this winter is to find a workout routine you can stick to. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. Focus on setting attainable goals. Rather than trying to visit the gym every day of the week, simply aim for 75-150 minutes of exercise per week. This gives you the flexibility to plan your workouts around your holiday schedule without skipping them entirely. A few suggestions for possible exercise options include: Finding a local gym. Doing 7-minute workouts. Using an indoor track or even a mall to walk. Finding a local indoor pool to swim laps. Eat Healthy When the Christmas decor begins to arrive in the local stores, you know that junk food of all shapes and sizes is right around the corner. While there’s no need to cut out all treats during the festivities, it can be helpful to purge your own home of an excess of culinary goodies. After all, there’s no need to snack on Christmas cookies at midnight when you already ate several of them at a party a few hours before. On the other hand, eating healthy has a host of wellness benefits, from helping to control your weight to reducing your risk of blood clots and improving your overall mood. Instead of gorging yourself on holiday treats, stock your pantry with fruits, veggies, salad fixings, soups, and other healthy food options that you can eat in between all of the holiday fun. In addition, try to exercise portion control when you’re attending social events with food. Bolster Your Immune System Along with making healthy food choices, make sure to keep your immune system up. Winter is already infamous for being a season filled with the passing of germs and the catching of colds. A quick and easy way to take better care of yourself over the holiday season is to simply take extra care to take your vitamins and other supplements every day. In addition, if you feel a cold coming on, increase your zinc and vitamin C intake. You may want to also consider asking your doctor if you should have some elderberry syrup on hand to keep your immune system flying high. Get Quality Rest Another area that can have serious repercussions on your wellness is your quality of sleep. It’s common knowledge that 7 to 9 hours is an adequate amount of sleep for an adult. However, even if you can’t get that much sleep â€" and that may be likely with all of the holiday bustle â€" you can still take steps to improve the quality of the sleep that you are getting by: Making sure your bedroom is only used for sleeping. Using dark curtains to control the lighting. Setting up a diffuser with an essential oil like lavender that can help with sleep. Avoiding caffeine, food, and exercise too close to bedtime. Unplugging from all electronics well before turning out the lights. Making sure that you’re using acceptable eyewear if you fall asleep in your contacts Practice Mindfulness As you go about your daily business this holiday season, it’s also important to tend to your mental health. Along with the stress and anxiety that are typically dealt with in the workplace, the holidays can add extra stresses and strains. In addition, temporary mental ailments like seasonal affective disorder and the holiday blues can weigh heavily on the mind. If you know that you’re prone to struggle with things like anxiety and depression, it’s smart to take steps to manage the stress before the holidays arrive. This can have far-reaching effects beyond simply helping you generally feel at peace. For instance, the stress-inducing hormone cortisol has been linked to weight gain, which can be a nasty combination during the stress-filled, junk food-prone holidays. One of the simplest and best ways to manage your mental wellness is by practicing mindfulness. Regularly take the time to slow down and be in the moment. What are you thankful for? What blessings are going on around you? And what are you unnecessarily blowing out of proportion? It’s also helpful to review the various cognitive distortions that can influence your thinking, such as catastrophizing or emotional reasoning. The more you can identify these, the easier it will be to maintain an overtly positive attitude. Caring For Yourself This Holiday Season You know that you’re going to spend the bulk of the holidays caring for other people. It’s just a fact. However, if you take even a few moments each day to simply slow down and think of your own wellness needs, you’re going to be thankful once January rolls around. Rather than dealing with an unhealthy post-holiday hangover, you’ll be able to enter the new year feeling healthy, encouraged, and ready for the joys and challenges of the year ahead. This guest post was authored by Brooke Faulkner Brooke Faulkner is a writer, mom and adventurer in the Pacific Northwest. She spends her days pondering what makes a good leader. And then dreaming up ways to teach these virtues to her sons, without getting groans and eye rolls in response.

14 Summer Baubles to Babble About

14 Summer Baubles to Babble About As the summer approaches this means wardrobe updates. I know what you’re thinking “We updated our wardrobe for the New Year, Spring and now Summer.” Yes, but this update is easy! We’re updating our baubles this year for colorful and fresh looks. Hint: This summer is full of neon, green and rubber. Neck Candy. The bubble necklace is all the rage this season! The necklace reminds me of the candy necklaces we wore as kids. I like it in vibrant colors such as yellow, pink and blue to bring attention to a crisp white blouse. Stackable Bracelets. Stackable bracelets are always in style, yet this season the more colorful, the better. Because stackable bracelets come in sets and are less expensive, it is easy to mix textures, colors and various sizes. This season, yellow and turquoise bangles are great additions for a cute summer look. Spearmint Earring Drops. Earring drops are a classic earring, however, in the right color, the earring can make you look like a totally bohemian goddess. The spearmint earring gives a Caribbean flare that will take anyone’s mind away from the office. Skinny Rings. Skinny rings have been on trend for the last 3 seasons, however, I believe they are perfect for the summer.   Although I am a fan of chunky, blinged out rings, sometimes you need to let your fingers breate with light finger-ware. Mint Green Sports Watch. Chic sports watches can make any wrist feel active, yet mint green can add a little bit of much needed coolness. Mingled between a few friendship bracelets and stackable bangles, this watch adds a little bit of personality. Torquise Studs. A torquise stud is perfect for any girl, especially in the summer. It is great for transitional looks through out the day and is subtle, but gives a little bit of color. Friendship Bracelets. Friendship bracelets scream Lollapalooza, summer jam concerts, adventures on the beach and road trip with the girls.   This casual set of bracelets are awesome for a casual day. Boyfriend Watch. The boyfriend watch is another bauble that can be standalone or accompanied by bangles. This one is my favorite because it is androgyneous and can be worn basically anywhere. It’s my “go to” watch. Turnlock Bracelet. The turnlock bracelet is very cute and unique. Should only be casually worn and is adorable in bright neon colors, especially yellow.Stick Earrings. These exotic earrings are so summer appropriate! Worn with a nice aztec or african print, these  earrings can make any look rad. Neon and Gem Stud Earrings. I love mixed medium jewelry, and these earrings are perfect. Bright neon pink and sparkly gems will bring the right attention to any look. Endless Summer Necklace. This is the type of necklace everyone wants, the name says everything! This necklace is another statement necklace and ethnic piece to make any outfit “summer approved”. Neon Yellow Necklace. I couldn’t ask for a bolder, nor maj necklace! I love the crocheted yellow string, mixed with gold accents. Couldn’t ask for a more perfect necklace. Stacked Gem Rings. A stacked   ring is great, a stacked gem ring just added on more awesome sauce. It brings the attention needed to your fingers, but not the wrong type of blinged out attention. Just be sure not to add to much color to your arm. This set is enough on its own. What are you favorite summer baubles?  

5 Things You Can Do To Bounce Back After A Career Setback

5 Things You Can Do To Bounce Back After A Career Setback It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” -EpictetusWe have all faced some type of career setback in our lives.Some of us experienced it during the 2008 Financial Crisis, or during the dot-com bubble in 2000, and some of us during the current oil crisis.evalDownsizing or lay-offs are inevitable in today’s workplace. No one is immune.Or Perhaps you have been fired from your job, or the career you embarked on did not pan out the way you expected.Regardless whether the setback is macro-economical or personal -setbacks do occur to all of us. If you haven’t faced it yet â€" you will eventually face some type of career setback in your life.I do not mean to come across as a downer, but that it the unfortunate reality about the job market.The most important thing is how you bounce back from a career setback.My goals with this post to provide some practical action items Before you do anything, take a moment to reflect and really understand the situation.eval Let’s say that you are affected as a result of a company wide downsizing â€" take a moment to assess the situation. Why is this happening? Is it because of the industry or is it because of your current company?If the entire industry is affected, then perhaps it is a time to re-invent yourself. We have seen this happen many times in history. The entire horse carriage industry was disrupted by automobiles. And those workers eventually did find some type of employment. Perhaps, you need to acquire some new skills/certifications. Perhaps you need to sharpen your communication skills.If you lost your job,because your company is cutting costs or because it got acquired. And if your skill-set is still relevant in the industry â€" then it will not be difficult to obtain gainful employment. Recently Twitter went through massive restructuring. The ex-Twitter Engineers may not have too much difficulty in obtaining a position in another technology company.If the reason was personal â€" you we re fired because of poor performance â€" it is absolutely vital that you find out why. Ask for an exit interview and get the real reasons why you were let go. It will shed some valuable experiences. Perhaps there was some personality conflict or lack of technical skills. Use that as a guidance to help sharpen your skills. Atleast, you will have learnt what type of company or boss not work for.evalI believe that this step is crucial before you move forward to whatever you are going to do next.It is important to understand the areas that you can improve, so that you don’t make the same mistakes again.2. Get SupportDon’t let your ego or machismo get in the way. There are numerous organizations, online support forums and groups that will help you with the grief of losing your job. Some are government funded and some are even paid by your past employers.Friends families are also a good source of support. Sometimes, getting your frustrations off your chest is extremely therapeutic. D uring tough times, it feels good to know that you can lean on others for emotional support. At the least, having someone lend their ears for a few minutes does a lot for your mental health.This type of support is more emotional psychological, and it definitely helps you put things into perspective.More importantly, have the courage to ask your friends ex-colleagues for honest feedback. Don’t just use this as bitch-and-whine session. They might provide some insights ideas that will guide you to hone your craft and skill-set.A word of caution â€" do not stay in this phase for too long. Some people enjoy wallowing in self-pity for weeks even months, because they love the attention they are receiving. Even though complaining endlessly feels good, it rarely accomplishes anything.A friend of mine recently got down-sized from his current company. The next day he called me and we chatted for an hour. In that 1 hour he vented let all his frustrations out. The next time I spoke to him was a week after that call . He had already prepared his resume had lined up multiple interviews. I am confident that he will be able to secure his next career move,because he took positive action immediately. And he did not waste too much time in this phase.A similar thing happened to another acquiantance ex-colleague of mine. He was let go from a company where he worked for more than 5 years. This incident happened 3 years ago. He is yet to bounce back from that career setback. Even today,when we speak to him â€" he is wallowing in self-pity ; and he is bitter about the job market. And with that attitude coupled with lack of sufficient action â€" he finds it difficult to gain a good career after that incident.3. FIND INSPIRATIONevalAlmost everyone who has made any type of worthwhile success, has faced some type of career setback, at one point. Every master was once a disaster.My favourite bounce back story is about Henry Ford.His first company as a car manufacturer failed.He the n partnered with few investors to start another company. Henry Ford wanted to make a car for the ordinary man, his partners had other plans wherein they wanted to make cars of the rich. He eventually parted ways with them There are numerous stories like this. I recommend you read and learn from other’s experiences, failures,setbacks,disappointments and successes.Another thing I recommend is creating or joining Mastermind Group. Find like-minded individuals who want to forge strong and successful careers.It is important to associate with others who are growth-minded. Success rubs off on others. For 3 years I have been part of a Mastermind Group wherein we meet regularly and discuss each other’s weekly successes. The members of the group have shared their career successes many times. This inspires me to work on my own career success story.4. Set GoalsAs much as we think about the past , there isn’t much you can do about it.The fact is that it will never come back. We do not have a time machine where we can go back and make changes. We all have career regrets. Trust me, if there was a time-machine every individual would want to go back and undo some of their career mistakes.The logical thing you can do is to focus on the future. And you can take action today 5. Get to WorkNo â€" seriously get to work. I am not kidding here.Getting caught in a sudden career setback can be devastating â€" emotionally,mentally and financially. And our confidence can take a toll when this happens. I have been there myself. Sometimes, it can take weeks months to get your confidence back. It often seems like there is no light at the end of the tunnel.It is extremely easy to get caught up in the downward spiral. Some of us like to dabble in self-pity (and trust me it is addicting and comforting). However, it is important to break out of that routine,and keep moving forward.Start Immediately. Work on your resume, get some help if you need. Come to my blog and read similar posts (s orry for the shameless plug lol).Reach out to Recruiters. Scour your LinkedIn connections. Reach out to your ex-colleagues and friends for connections. I think this is relatively simple but many of us let our ego get in the way. Most of our friends are more than willing to help.And start applying for jobs. I always recommend to be multi-faceted with your job hunt. Try multiple methods until you are successful.Sometimes, you might decide that going back to work may not be the best option. Perhaps self-employment or entrepreneurship is the ideal path for you.A friend of mine recently was let go from his employer. After some introspection,he resolved that he did not want to go back work for someone else.He wanted to become a real estate investor a property manager. He invested his savings into a project,spent few months renovating the property, and then finding tenants. It took him few months but eventually the project was complete. The proceeds cashflow from the property takes care of most of his living expenses.I recently spoke to him and he is now working on obtaining his Realtors License. He has pivoted his career into self-employment.Regardless of which direction you take, for crying out loud â€" take some action. All the planning, dreaming, goal-setting will be useless unless until you take some solid action.I hope you found the ideas insights in this post resourceful.If you did, kindly forward this to someone whom you think can benefit from reading this.Also feel free to comment below!!P.S. I was inspired to write this post today after watching this video. Perhaps this will also provide you with some additional motivation.