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So often we stay in a job, not because we like it  or find it rewarding but because we are too scared to give up the sense of security it provides. Many of us anaesthetise our unhappiness by over drinking, exercising or eating and rewarding ourselves with short term pleasures for getting over another week at the grindstone. This can lead to depression, rifts in relationships and even a despairing of life wasted. So how do you cope when you are scared to leave your job but know it’s the right thing to do? 1. Focus Why are you scared? Identifying exactly what is holding you back will help you to feel empowered and more able to deal with the situation. 2. Get the Support of Friends and Family Don’t try and go it alone; reach out to friends and family and ask for support. There are often many different ways to approach a situation and a supportive network can help you to get through this difficult time and explore the options available to you. 3. … [Read more...] about 6 Things to Do if You Are Scared to Leave Your Job

Everyone who has been on a job interview could relate with answering that dreaded “weakness” question. It is the most asked question in an interview, hands down. It can potentially determine if your application is doomed or not. The way you answer this question differentiates you from the rest of the applicants that have been interviewed. With that being said, if you’re having a hard time answering this question, here are some tips you may want to keep in mind. Poke up some fun, humor Start the interview with light humor to ease the tension. It will place you in a comfort zone where you can show how well you carry yourself. A playful yet professional way to inject some fun could give the interviewer that you are serious but is open to have fun when warranted. Make your weakness as your strength For example, try to tell them that you work so hard that you tend to miss out on a work-life balance. This will tell the interviewer an area you want some improvement in a positive … [Read more...] about Your Greatest Weakness: 9 Ways to Answer that Question

Interviewing for a new job can be a nerve-wracking experience, even without a slow job market adding additional layers of stress to your mental state. With unemployment hovering around 8% according to the Department of Labor, competition remains fierce for each job opening. As an interviewee, you want to make sure that everything you say is professional and informative, interesting enough to set you apart yet not so unusual that you are turned down. By following these key tips, you'll be able to present yourself in the best possible light and improve your interview process. 5 Tips for Interview Preparation Whether applying for a marketing position in Spokane, WA or IT jobs in Philadelphia, PA, you will want to give yourself the best possible chances. Following these steps may dramatically improve your experience: 1    Plan a Relaxed Schedule. One of the most common problems on interview day is an unexpected change in your schedule. Whether you miss the bus, get the address wrong, … [Read more...] about Top 10 Things to Do Before and After a Job Interview

"Are MBAs really overrated?" seems to be a question that finds an answer in the lives of many successful CEOs, business people and what have you that are doing well without them. And, many names do come to mind to authenticate this claim. People like Larry Page, Frederick W. Smith, Bill Gates as well as Jim Quigley are just a few of the very successful people without this highly coveted degree. Having said this, getting an MBA is not without its benefits. If you plan to work in the banking or consulting industry getting an MBA is known to put you in a better position in getting in. However, the issue at stake here is not in the benefits of getting an MBA, but in the exaggerated value or importance that is placed in this master’s degree. Therefore, consider the list below to find some of the reasons why earning an MBA may be considered overrated. 1:    The cost involved The first thing that will usually prevent or even discourage many from earning an MBA is the cost involved. … [Read more...] about Is the MBA overrated?

So, the first day of your new job is finally here. You’re nervous. You want to make a good impression, but you don’t want to come across as trying too hard or make any first day blunders. How do you strike that all important balance and more importantly, survive your first day? Be Prepared Preparation will help you feel more in control of your first day. Choose your clothes the night before, bearing in mind the impression that you want to make. If you don’t know what the ‘dress code’ is, I’d suggest erring on the side of caution and going smarter, rather than too casual. You can always adjust your attire after that all important first day. Have a good night sleep and set your alarm in plenty of time for the next day. Even if you feel nervous, try to have some breakfast as this will help you feel more comfortable when you arrive… there is nothing worst than a grumbling stomach! Stay Relaxed Your new company have hired you to be you. Of course … [Read more...] about First Day On The Job? How To Survive

Earning a four-year degree from an accredited college is no guarantee that you'll be able to land a high paying job after you graduate. In fact, some degrees have very little practical value once you go out into the real world.  Living from paycheck to paycheck and maxing out credit cards can be a harsh reality.  While some of these degrees never did pay well, while others are making it harder to find a high paying job because of social and technological changes.While some of these degrees never did pay well, while others are making it harder to find a high paying job because of social and technological changes. Unless you intend to stay in school, earn a higher degree and learn how to become a teacher, you should expect to find yourself in a lower tax bracket if you complete your degree in one of the following disciplines.   English Lit This major is ideal for someone who plans to continue his or her education and eventually work as a college professor. Otherwise, there is … [Read more...] about Expensive College Degrees; Low Starting Salary

We’ve all heard the statistic that women only make 75% of what their male counterparts bring home. Is there still a bias in our society against women and their ability to do a job as well as men? Have we made any progress at all in regards to gender discrimination? The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) analyzed starting salaries of 2010 college graduates entering the work force in an effort to find the answers to these questions. Overall, they found that, though women seemed to have no more trouble being hired than men, women’s starting salaries were around 83% of men’s starting salaries. So do women just have to accept the disparity as inevitable? Not necessarily. In general, women may not promote themselves enough or be as assertive as men in reaching salary agreements. Linda Babcock, an economics professor at Carnegie Mellon University, described a time when a group of PhD students complained to her that all of the men in the program were teaching courses while … [Read more...] about Working Women: Stop Making 17% Less Than Men!

One of the scariest things about going to work is realizing that any day could be your last day.  Sometimes people get fired for no reason but more recently people have been on edge because their companies may have taken a hit or because the recession has caused a lapse in revenue.  There are two types of people out there and the ways that they react. You have the people who gossip and whine or just sit back and wait for it to happen and you have the people who create a safety net and back up plan.  Those people are the ones who feel more confident because they not only have something to fall back on if they do lose their job, but they also have extra income coming in so that they can save money in case the worst happens.  Here are 5 back-up plans that you can begin to implement if you are worried that you may be losing your job soon. 1.  Turn Hobbies and Crafting Into Income.  If you like to make jewelry or enjoy turning bottles into dolls for kids, why not use that creativity and … [Read more...] about 5 Back-Up Plans if Your Lose Your Job

Writing the perfect resume is a skill, but it's one that you can learn with a bit of help. With thousands of resumes crossing recruiters' desks, how do you ensure that yours is the resume that stands out from the crowd? The secret is - it's all about choosing the right words. Here’s a guide to getting your resume right. Do Your Research Before you can select the right language for your resume, research the job you are going for. While it's good to have a general resume that you can send out in an emergency, it's even better to tailor your resume to the specific job you are looking for. The language of the job ad is a great guide to the language you should use in your resume - and in your cover letter. If the job ad asks for someone who is an expert in creating databases, use language that shows your strengths in this area. If the job ad is looking for people with leadership qualities, show how you have taken the lead in a variety of situations. Give Specific Examples Avoid … [Read more...] about How to Use the Right Words on Your Resume