Everyone knows that gossiping is an unflattering activity. Being known as the town or neighborhood gossip is not a desirable reputation, and it’s even less so in the workplace. Being the office gossip makes you less well-liked and -respected, making you more likely to be passed over for promotions. So stay genuine and positive! Poison: Why Gossiping is Bad for …
Telecommuting 101: How to Work From Home Like an Expert
Are you considering working from home? Do you wonder whether telecommuting is right for you? In our webinar, we help you ask the right questions to decide whether you have the physical and mental space to work away from the office. We also help you consider the tools, technology, and logistics you’ll need to make an effective office in your …
The “Entry-Level” Catch-22 That Plagues New Workers
Since childhood, many have wondered, “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?” Nowadays, a more pertinent question young workers often find themselves asking goes more like, “Which comes first, the job or the experience?” Indeed, many recent graduates are stuck in an uncomfortable position, unable to get an entry-level job because they don’t have enough qualifying experience… yet unable …
Will Maternity Leave Replacement Actually Steal My Job?
While I was away on maternity leave, my replacement did an excellent job and everybody I work with loves her as a colleague. I’m worried I may be at risk of losing my job to her. Should I be concerned? Who should I talk to about my job security following maternity leave? – Rocio in Allentown, Pennsylvania Answer: How great …
When the Grind Never Stops: How to Balance Working & Studying
My name is Rachel, and I am a working PhD student. As with many (most?) college students, I have to work to financially support myself while I pursue my degree. And like many (probably most) working college students, I constantly feel as though there are not enough hours in a day to do it all (not to mention enough mental …
Why Starting a Website is Important for All Professionals
In this day and age, anyone can have their own website. It’s not limited to giant corporations and tech-savvy computer engineers anymore – anyone from your school-aged neighbor to your adventurous great aunt can set up and maintain a website. The barriers have come down, and there’s no reason you can’t set up your own online space. More than standard …
How Should You Get a Friend’s Helpful Job Referral?
I am interested in a position at a company where a friend of mine works. How should I initially reach out to my friend on the inside for some help to be considered for the role? Can I get my friend’s job referral? – Vanessa in San Mateo, California Answer: Amanda: Vanessa, how I would approach my friend depends on …
Who Are You? Knowing You Are Way More Than Your Job
At social functions, people like to start a conversation by asking, “What do you do?” Many of us automatically respond with our occupation. This is typically because corporate America has conditioned us to organize people into a social hierarchy based on their job title. However, usually your job doesn’t define who you are as a whole. You might also be …
Myriad Meetings Driving You Mad? How to Create Balance
Meetings. They’re part and parcel of many an office job, and talk at the water cooler likely includes jokes about them. Oftentimes, the jokes center on there being too many meetings within an organization or department. While meetings offer a great forum to exchange ideas and clarify projects, they can become time-wasters as discussions turn into long-winded, meandering explanations that …
How to Win as a Working Mom Without Longer Hours
I was recently asked to work longer hours at my job despite the fact that I need to leave on time every day to pick up my kids from school. I feel like my company is trying to push me out as a working mom. How do I explain to my manager that I simply can’t stay longer than we …
How to Succeed as a Female Entrepreneur in New City
I am a female entrepreneur. What factors are important to consider when moving to a new city? – Martha in Port Orford, Oregon Answer: Martha, this is a complex question and deserves a comprehensive guide for consideration. However, I will touch on key components to review. The number one factor is the fit for your business. Does the city have …
What to Do When Your Job Isn’t Worth the Pay
Except for the fortunate few, all of us need an income. We have bills to pay and mouths to feed, and cash needs to be flowing. Many of us also want to find fulfillment in our jobs; dream careers and high ambitions are things many women hold, but sometimes finding that perfect position takes time. These two things mean that …
How to Break Out of Your Shell and Network Like a Pro
Learning to network can be overwhelming. Being shy can make this professional endeavor especially challenging. Just walking up to someone and introducing yourself might seem tough for you, but we’re here to help! As with all things, the key to getting better is through practice, practice, practice. Introduce yourself to your barista, the IT woman at your company, and members …
How to Trick Your Depression to Get Stuff Done
Depression is an incredibly common illness among American adults. In 2015, 6.9% of US adults had experienced at least one major depressive episode within the past year, and major depressive disorder is the leading cause of disability among young adults. There are quite a few articles that can give you ideas for how to handle depression at work, but this …
Celebrating Cultural Differences in the Workplace
One of the great things about the world today is how diverse and blended it has become. With the quickness and ease of traveling, the ability to connect with people online, and the ever-growing attitudes of acceptance, people regularly interact with those from another country or cultural background. Naturally, this trend has made its way into the workplace, too. With …
Why Is Setting Boundaries So Important… And How Can You Do It?
A lesson many of us learn early in life is to set boundaries. That may mean drawing a line when you need time alone or being clear about things you aren’t comfortable saying or doing. Knowing what your boundaries are often comes from understanding your values and priorities. Setting boundaries is a necessary aspect of life – for yourself and …
How to Mitigate Conflict at Work So Everyone Wins
Conflict is a natural part of two or more people working together. This means that you’re likely to run into your fair share of disagreements throughout your career. How to address these situations is the difference not just between good and bad relationships at work. It’s also the difference between a strong leader and a weak one. While conflict can …
Is There Hope For the Pay Gap to Close?
Will the pay gap ever close? Absolutely! I believe it with every fiber of my being, even as we slog through the current political misogynist hell. With every step back, we make huge leaps forward. Through the lens of historical perspective, you see the bigger picture, the vision of what we will achieve. Here are the top 3 powerful reasons …
What Are the Pros & Cons of Dating a Co-Worker?
We just shared a blog about office romance and whether it’s really worth it. We dive into the pros and cons of that steamy office romance, but if you’re looking for a quick guide, you’ve come to the right place. What’s good about dating a co-worker? What can be tricky about it? Is it right for you and your potential …
Are Dream Jobs Important in Today’s World?
Ever since we were little, we’ve been asked what we want to be when we grow up. A doctor? Maybe a firefighter? And as we grew older, we needed to create 5-year career plans, choose our college majors, and take steps to reach our dream jobs. But how many of us have the same goals now that we did 20 …