Saturday, December 28, 2019

How To Find A Job In 2019 - 5 Easy Ways

How To Find A Job In 2019 - 5 Easy WaysHow To Find A Job In 2019 - 5 Easy WaysBest Way to Find a Job in 2019The average number of times people are changing their jobs nowadays is between 10 to 15 times during their professional career.Yes, the days of sticking it out with the same company for decades appear to be over. It seems that even those of us who love our careers still switch things up every few years.So, with all this transitioning from job to job, and with millions of new graduates entering the labor force each year, the question How do I find a job? is on a lot of minds.Of course, the process of finding a job is different for each one of us. And a lot depends on the industry as well. Our team did some research by asking companies and recruiters for their insights on the best strategies to help people get hired faster.Its clear that digital technology is playing a huge part in shaping trends in recruitment, which is leading job searchers online. More and more companies want to automate the process by using a variety of media to find and screen qualified people.This means that strategies like finding jobs through Social Media platforms are increasing in popularity. Of course, old-fashioned in-person networking remains a valuable strategy to job searchers as well.Lets go through the top 5 strategies for getting a new job in 2019, as indicated by our network of recruitment experts.1. Online Job Searching Platforms Career WebsitesNo surprise here. Most people start looking for a job by typing keywords into an online search engine. And when you search something like marketing analyst job London youll instantly be pushed in the right direction.Google itself has its own job search platform so that when you enter terms like the one above, youll see postings from organizations hiring for positions with similar keywords.Online search will also lead you to platforms like Indeed, ZipRecruiter and Glassdoor, which are job-specific content aggregators. ansicht site s pull together relevant job ads from across web based on your search terms.In some cases you can apply directly for these jobs through the platform. Or youll be directed to the hiring organizations website. Either way, before you start applying, make sure that your resume and cover letter are up-to-date.2. Networking ReferralsOnline search wont help you tap into the hidden job market. This refers to the job opportunities that can be accessed only by networking and knowing the right people at the right time.The reality is that many job opportunities arent posted on a company website. Sometimes a company will ask staff to refer people if there is an urgent need to fill a role. And many companies recruit on a rolling basis whenever they find talented people who want to work for them.The only way you can be considered for such roles is if you find a way to connect with someone in the company. Perhaps youll know them directly or youll connect through mutual contacts.Remember that each network (family, neighbors, close friends, acquaintances, colleagues and co-workers) is part of another network. Therefore your outreach is higher than you think.Make a list of all the people you know that might have knowledge or contacts in the industry or the company you want to apply with. Then reach out to them first. They can easily refer you or recommend to a key stakeholder in that company.Before you start reaching out and activate your network, keep in mind that it is really important to know exactly what you want. You can ask whether they know of any current opportunities or to have an informational interview, which is meant for you to discover more about the organization.3. Job FairsJob ritterlichs are especially popular for companies looking to recruit new graduates. To get the most of a job fair and get hired after, consider the following adviceMost job fairs will advertise the companies that are participating ahead of time, so do your research ahead of time on companies you want to talk to and have a customized resume and cover letter to give them.Create your own business card that includes your name, email, phone number and optionally your website, blog or LinkedIn account. If you work in a creative industry, bring work samples from your portfolio that you can show off.Have a power outfit for the job fair. Make sure you choose the right clothing style, which should be professional and comfortable.Make a list of questions for the recruiters. This will show that you are prepared and passionate about the job and will increase the chances of them remembering you.Practice your personal pitch to make a strong first impression. It is important that you show great communication skills through your introduction and by maintaining eye contact.Follow up with the recruiters from the companies you wish to work for. If you have their contacts, send them a thank you email or connect with them on LinkedIn.4. Companys WebsiteSome people have a set of ideal compan ies in mind for which they would like to work. Targeting specific companies is actually a very popular job search strategy. And it can be effective if you approach it the right way.Obviously, if youve created a list of preferred companies, youll want to visit their websites to see if they have advertised jobs. If they do not have openings at the moment, find a human resources contact and reach out them. Politely ask for more information about possible future vacancies.Keep in mind that you can also use the companys website as a research tool for identifying contacts outside of human resources who can make hiring decisions. For instance, try connecting with someone in the specific area or department where youd like to work as part of your networking effort.5. Social Media ChannelsLinkedIn is THE social media channel for professionals. You can use it to identify and connect with people around the world working for companies or in industries where you would also like to work. Many orga nizations also post jobs on LinkedIn, and its quite common for experienced people to receive recruitment messages on the platform.Companies will also post opportunities on Twitter and Facebook, so if you have specific companies in mind, you will want to follow them on social media so that you get notified of these openings.If you are using social media channels to find a job, youll want to make sure your profiles are consistent, updated and reinforce a positive professional image. Here are some tips to follow

Monday, December 23, 2019

Maria Bamford just shared the best salary negotiation advice weve heard

Maria Bamford just shared the best salary negotiation advice weve heardMaria Bamford just shared the best salary negotiation advice weve heardDo you want to negotiate your salary? Heres an excellent tip actually negotiate your salary, even when people say they cant.Commencement speeches are usually full of tales of Dont Give Up ambition and Achieve Your Dreams aspiration. But in her Friday address to University of Minnesota graduates, comedian Maria Bamford used her own life to talkabout the elephant in the roommoney.As a crass, money-grubbing comedian from Duluth, Bamford said the best way to combine her passion forfull disclosure and a love of money welches to discuss how she negotiated her commencement fee from her alma mater.The rarity of a public salary negotiationlesson can be seen from a university officials expression when he heard what Bamford was about to discuss. This is a man who is bracing himselfKnow your worthAlthough theschool thought she would be the perfect speaker, the university initially said they could not make any payment to the comedian who is also behind the Netflix series, Lady Dynamite.Normally, the college does not pay for commencement speakers. As you can imagine being a state-funded institution, we have to be careful regarding the use of our resources, officials told Bamford, according to her account.Likeany good negotiator, she did not acceptthis first offer lying down.Using the universitys own reasoning, Bamford offered a counter point But I am a self-funded institution who needs to be careful regarding use of my resources.welches my alma mater lowballing me? Im not a sitting governor. The football coach isnt living check to check, Bamford said. Was the University of Minnesotas College of Liberal Arts suggesting that I couldnt get paid for the exact job that I paid them to teach me how to get paid to do? With these wry questions, Bamford is criticizinga higher education system that wants to empower students to know their worth wi thout putting it into practice.Never say no without a numberBamford said she consulted her business adviser, who told her the best advice Bamford said any liberal arts student needs to know never say no without a number.With that advice in mind, Bamford counter-offered the schools offer of zero dollars with her own proposal $20,000.After a waiting game, the school said it could do $10,000.After accounting for the difference between gross and net- gross is adisgusting amount of money you will never receive, net is the little bag you get to take home, Bamford notes- her speaking fee came outto $5,000.This is actually a bargain compared to other celebrity speakers commencement fees. Actress Octavia Spencer cost Kent State $100,000 this year and the University of Houston paid Matthew McConaughey $166,000to speak in 2015. These highspeaking fees have sparked debates about whether the costis worth it to colleges.Do the workAfter revealing the back-door deals and money that funds dreams, B amford also discussed other career roadblocks being fired and leaving jobs in tears. As a person diagnosed with Type-II zweipolig disorder, she also advised people who struggled with mental health as she did to stay alive, even for spite.Bamford concluded her speech by returning to the topic of money. To receivean invoice is to know that youre alive, Bamford said about student loan debt. Bamford decided to ease thatburden for one theater major by calling a graduating student in debt on stage and giving her check of $5,000 to her.For a comedian whose mantra is do the work, Bamford, like all good students of life, knows how to put theory into practice. By candidlydiscussing her lifes negotiations, she showed us all to never forget that were worth top dollar.

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

25 Favorite Employee Perks and Benefits

25 Favorite Employee Perks and Benefits25 Favorite Employee Perks and BenefitsIn todays competitive job market, skilled candidates have the advantage, and theyre not only shopping around for the best compensation but the best benefits and perks. Reviewing these 25 unique and low-cost employee perks will help your organization create a robust employee benefits package that will appeal to top candidates. Unlimited Vacation TimeOne of the more appealing employee benefits that any company can offer is unlimited vacation time. Employees must work a certain amount of hours to earn vacation time, but that vacation isnt capped.Healthy Cafeterias and Snack MachinesHaving access to healthy meals, snacks, and beverages can go a long way toward increasing the health and well-being of employees. Find a vendor to bring in healthy snacks at wholesale and ditch the sweets and sodas.On-Campus Career DevelopmentLearning is a major boost to employees because it fulfills both personal and professional g oals. Use an online learning system to make it easy and low cost for all employees, or hire area experts to host seminars at the office. Wellness Facilities and SupportYou can set up an unused office space or hof with some simple fitness equipment or create walking and bike paths around the office building. You can also offer a wellness room for meditation and yoga, or offer once-a-month chair massages from a local wellness provider.Corporate-Branded SwagWhen employees feel part of something, they enjoy sporting branded merchandise. Work with a local printer to create low-cost corporate swag like water bottles, t-shirts, and more. Hand them out as incentives, at company events, and to new hires. Supplemental InsuranceThere are a number of supplemental insurance programs that can be offered at group rates to employees for pennies on the dollar. Things like spousal life insurance, pet insurance, cancer care, and hospital cash plan can be valuable to employees who need this extra level of coverage.Special Interest ClubsOpen up your company to area clubs that help teach employees important life skills. This can include public speaking clubs, weight-loss hilfe groups, craft circles, and even safety awareness clubs. Financial Services and BankingMany area financial institutions offer low-cost and free access to banking services. This can include mortgages, savings and checking accounts, and financial planning. You can even have an ATM installed in your company cafeteria to make it easier for employees to access fast cash for healthy lunch choices.Flextime and Work at Home OptionsEmployees are more apt to enjoy the freedom of working from home at times and having more flexible scheduling. Many people are working parents who are juggling other life responsibilities. Daycare and Housing DiscountsLook around your community to apartment complexes and housing developments where referrals earn the company generous discounts for employees. Daycare centers often offer these referral discounts as well.Generous Parental and Caregiver LeaveGive new parents and employees caring for adult children or aging parents the option to get more leave when they need it. Flexible working arrangements can also support this benefit without cutting down on productivity.Volunteer Time ExchangeReward employees for giving back to the community. Let them exchange their volunteer service hours for paid time off. Give employees an opportunity to use payroll deductions to donate funds to their favorite causes, and offer to match them. Team Bonding EventsBonding can be as simple as a weekly basketball game held in the company parking lot or a team visit to a local museum during off-peak hours. Just have fun with it.Free Desktop MusicGive employees access to streaming music and headphones right at their workstations. This low-cost perk can help employees focus and reduce stress.Technology and Community DiscountsMany companies offer technology discounts to corporations. Why not p ass these discounts down in the form of a corporate discount program? Maintain a list of vendors offering coupons and discounts on everything from software to travel. Fitness ClassesOnce a month, host a local exercise instructor to teach employees yoga, spinning, resistance training, running, and other forms of fitness. Make this a regular part of your wellness program. Arrange for discounts for participants who want to continue these classes.Community EducationIn the summer months, open up your facility in the evenings for community education efforts. Adults can learn a variety of life and career skills, including those that they can immediately transfer to their work. Quarterly Cookouts or PotlucksGive employees something to look forward with a small get-together held in the company cafeteria. Make this a family event whenever possible. Ask employees to bring a dish to pass or something to add to the grill.Free Corporate LibrarySet up a reading room and include various business bo oks, movies, and magazines that employees can enjoy.Parent RoomsGive all new parents access to a special private room where they can transition back to regular work with a baby. This room can also double as a comfort station for pre-natal mothers who need to rest and breastfeeding mothers. Annual Learning StipendsA learning organization is a thriving one. Give employees the option to participate in an industry certification program, a college class, an industry seminar, or another accredited program of their choice once a year.Game RoomGive employees a place to de-stress and unwind with a break area complete with gaming equipment. This can include a mix of physical games and mental games.Personal Care ServicesBring in a hair stylist for once-monthly haircuts for employees or try a dry cleaning service drop-off. College Scholarships for Employee ChildrenEach year, let employees request scholarships for their children heading to college. Select recipients of awards based on their grad es and achievements.Vacation ReimbursementWhen employees head out for vacation, offer them a chance to be reimbursed for 50 percent of their meal and gas costs. This encourages employees to worry less about taking time off, and they return refreshed. When putting together a perks and benefits program, make sure you have a clear idea of what behaviors youd like to influence in your employees, such as better health and well-being, and entwurf it around these goals. Be creative, and dont forget to poll your employees to find new ways to sweeten the compensation. Doing so will help your company retain more high-performance employees and impact your bottom line results.

Saturday, December 14, 2019

A guide to surviving the workplace crush

A guide to surviving the workplace crushA guide to surviving the workplace crushThe only time I was actually excited to go to my old job was when I knew my work crush was going to be there. It was a retail job at a shoe store - leid a typical 9-5 - so I didnt see him everyday. But when we did work the same shiftsoh boy.My mood was totally different on those days. I was excited to go to work and even happy to be at the store. I had a pep (or, um, maybe a sexy strut?) in my step. There was something to think about other than how boring and miserable work was. Finally, I had a reason to go to work.Being in a better mood on the job also made me put in extra effort. It was a win win I got to enjoy flirting throughout my shift while also killing it on sales.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moraWorkplace crushes are normalIm hardly the only person to experience the workplace crush phenomen on. Fifty-eight percent ofrecent survey participantsreported engaging in a workplace romance in some capacity. A psychological study aptly titled,Workplace Romances Going to Work Is Amazing and Really Funfound that participants involved in a workplace romance expressed their pleasure in going to work and were also motivated to work harder.Despite the fun factor and possible productivity boosting effects of a workplace crush, this type of relationship is still considered pretty scandalous. Of the 58% of aforementioned survey participants, 64% kept it mostly secret due to the risky nature of the relationship. Company policies vary when it comes to a workplace romance. Even if such relationships are allowed, employees may fear gossip or judgement from peers and higher-ups.Navigating your workplace crushWhether your crush is brand new orturning into something serious, here are our five tips for surviving the workplace crush.1. Know your companys policySome companies are more lax than ot hers with policies surrounding employees dating. HR and management might be okay with it in certain situations - like if youre in totally different departments. However, if theres a power dynamic - if your boss is your crush, or youre the boss with a crush on a direct report - HR probably wont be cool with it.Your organization might require that you tell your direct managers and HR if youactually start dating your crush, or you might face consequences. I recommend whipping out that employee handbook you probably ignored during onboarding to get some concrete answers.2. Decide if you actually want to pursue your crushYou are in control of your actions. As you may remember from elementary school days, itispossible to have a crush without acting on it. You can bask in the good feelings and butterflies you get from your work crush without having to act on it physically or to even disclose how you feel.Talkspace therapist Rachel ONeill, Ph.D. says, Dating a workplace crush can carry s ome serious ramifications (like loss of employment). It might be helpful to consider whether pursuing the crush is worth the potential fallout. If you do decide to pursue something, you might want to consider how to be proactive in an effort to minimize potential consequences. Do you think this is just a case of casual sexual attraction, or could this be the real deal? Know your motives - and your crushs motives - before going all in.3. Think aheadWhile your dating style outside of work may be more carpe diem, you have to be a little more mindful with workplace crushes. Put some thought in and plan ahead. You might want to ask yourselfWhat if you hook up and its weird?Will you be able to do your work without feeling painfully awkward?If you end up dating for a while and then break up, will you be able to remain professional in the workplace after the split?If you and your colleague-crush end up getting serious, will you be able to stay in your current jobs?Would you be okay switch ing departments if HR required it?Its not necessarily fun to think about these things, but its important to weigh the pros and cons to decide how youd handle various possible outcomes.4. Create boundariesIf you want to play it safe, create boundaries. For example, if you feel like yourphysical chemistry is too intenseto be left alone together in a room, dont allow that to happen.ONeill says I recommend working to put into place some boundaries to minimize the contact youre having with the person. For example, if you routinely enjoy lunch breaks with this person, try including another co-worker or using lunchtime to catch up on some reading. Having a buffer can help when youre trying to resist temptations. If youre already in too deep and actively pursuing a relationship with your crush, create boundaries surrounding flirting and physical contact in the office.5. Keep it professionalUnfortunately, the main purpose of work is getting work done, not flirting. Keeping it professional in the workplace can differ depending on the workplace - not oversharing details of the crush/relationship with your coworkers, not engaging in PDA, and making sure you arent too distracted to actually get your work done. Again, reference your companys policies for more rules regarding appropriate behavior. Staying professional will ensure that you wont face consequences.Honestly, life is short. We spend most of our time on this planet working, so we might as well have a little bit of fun. Having a crush make us feelgood- and in this case, makes us dread work less. Is thatreallysuch a bad thing? Whether youre pursuing something more with your crush or simply just letting yourself feel all the feelings, you can still revel in the pleasure of crushing.This article originally appeared on Talkspace.

Monday, December 9, 2019

The What to Put on Your Resume Pitfall

The What to Put on Your Resume Pitfall The Appeal of What to Put on Your Resume Concentrate on these sections to understand whether you meet the requirements for the position. Know the purpose of your resume Some folks write a resume like the use of the document was supposed to land work. The skill section may be the most important section on your resume if you place it together correctly. The skills section is no more than a partial answer. 1 advantage for employers to internet resumes is the considerable cost saving in comparison to traditional hiring methods. Your resume needs to address an issue for employers (which is the reason why theyre hiring). Employers use resumes throughout the hiring procedure to find out more about applicants and whether they may be an excellent fit. What Everybody Dislikes About What to Put on Your Resume and Why Finding work in your industry will begin to fill in the particulars. In reality, you ought to be aware that a great deal of comp anies nowadays are using Applicant Tracking Systems to help them screen resumes and get the best candidates. Although companies may be on the lookout for the exact abilities, many use various phrases. Many businesses and recruiters utilize keyword-scanning software for a tool to narrow the work applicant pool. There are a few skills that will be utterly necessary for any successful candidate. If youre asking for a job which has unique requirements, you might need another edition of your resume to completely demonstrate your qualifications. fruchtwein candidates dont think theyre a risk. However much or what type of work experience youve got, theres a resume format that is likely to make your qualifications shine. What Is So Fascinating About What to Put on Your Resume? Theres a difference between tweaking your resume to stay current and viable, and lying to obtain work. For that reason, its imperative to use the prime realestate in addition to your own resume. Analyze job ads You will see a good deal of useful info on job ads. Attempt to know the market of the organization youre asking for work, and identify what sort of difficulties they may be going through. If you are able to explain the way that it will benefit his company, and to connect it to tangible benefits, then youll really boost your chances. Because small businesses have a tendency to be very cognizant of fit when hiring, and because they may be less prepared to have a chance on an unproven PM, targeting small companies is inherently somewhat harder for a work hunt. Dont be too difficult on yourself, and keep pushing for what you would like Including professional goals can assist you by giving employers a notion of where youre going, and the way you wish to arrive there. Again, its about putting down the very best information possible without taking up an excessive amount of space. Whenever you havent updated your resume in a little while, it can be difficult to understand where t o begin. A simple resume template is going to be your very best bet. You dont need to invent a totally new layout. In the event that you are feeling stuck onto the exact ideal approach in the first place, templates can occasionally be an exemplary kick-starter. Even if youre sending your resume to a business in the very same segment, the man who will read it for the very first time may not have any technical expertise. Finding a means to find attention from recruiters without excluding key parts of information or revealing too much can help you receive an interview. Dont use capital letters throughout the place, dont forget that your aim is to communicate a message as fast and as clearly as possible. So choose what to bold wisely, based on the message you need to send.

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Secret Facts About Writing Fiction on Resume Revealed by Industry Leaders

Secret Facts About Writing Fiction on Resume Revealed by Industry Leaders You should make it exquisitely clear in the summary that you have what is necessary to find the business done. All jobs do not need to be directly related to the position youre applying for, but you should be confident that the descriptions of your job duties are worded such they enhance your accomplishments and duties. Again, you simply wish to mention accomplishments that are related to the job youre applying for. Know the purpose of your resume Some people today write a resume like the intention of the document was supposed to land work. The Benefits of Writing Fiction on Resume Use action words to describe your job abilities and make each work description specific and productive. After you determine the skills you wish to concentrate on, do some research and see whether they line up with job requirements listed for the positions youre seeking. If youve got many abilities, the previous skill paragr aph may be called Additional Skills. Learn about the three sorts of skills it is possible to highlight and the way it is possible to incorporate them into your resume. Therefore, if youre planning to include things like a romantic facet to your story, you ought to be certain to develop it thoroughly and convincingly. Resume writing can be an enjoyable diversion from long hours alone before your PC. Most writers incorporate the dates or semesters of attendance too. If you own a college education, omit details about high school. Writing Fiction on Resume One of the greatest methods to tackle any daunting writing project resumes included is to begin with a little step. Its far better include published work, but inexperienced writers may consist of work thats unpublished. You already know that you have to self-edit your work. Its also important to think about the sort of work you genuinely wish to be hired to do. Using Writing Fiction on Resume YA fiction isnt an exception. Romance is a typical element throughout all kinds of young adult literature. Vital Pieces of Writing Fiction on Resume Your summary should present your career objective and the chief reasons you are a great candidate. Analyze job ads You will discover a great deal of helpful info on job ads. Erotic fiction has existed for centuries but, in the past few years, has enjoyed a surge in popularity. Some writers elect to explore current work in the current tense. A group of professionally written resumes aimed at whoever has left work for a time period and then wished to return.

Friday, November 29, 2019

Celebrities Who Took Unusual Paths to Career Success

Celebrities Who Took Unusual Paths to Career SuccessCelebrities Who Took Unusual Paths to Career Successleumund courtesy of CourtneyA career path is rarely a path at all. A more interesting life is usually a more crooked, winding path of missteps, luck and vigorous work. It is alfruchtwein always a clumsy balance between the things you try to make happen and the things that happen to you. Former Viacom President Tom FrestonDo you find yourself struggling to visualize your career path? It can be difficult to see the next steps in your career when youre focused on the day-to-day responsibilities of your job. Not where you want to be? Relax. Many of the worlds biggest successes took some interesting turns down their own winding career paths.Martha StewartImage courtesy ofquiltingmickBefore she became the lifestyle and homemaking powerhouse she is today, Martha Stewart was a child model, and from the age of 13 she appeared in fashion shows, print advertisements and television. After atte nding Barnard College, Stewart left the lights and glamour of the fashion world for the cutthroat world of Wall Street as a stockbroker with the boutique firm Monness, Williams, and Sidel.Christopher WalkenImage courtesy ofindieflickrChristopher Walken has appeared in over 100 films that have grossed over a billion dollars. Before his inspiring film success, however, Walken worked as a lion tamer for the circus and dropped out of Hofstra University.George ClooneyImage courtesy ofhotgossipitaliaDid you know that George Clooney was an avid baseball player growing up? Before he became one of the most recognizable faces in film, he tried out for the Cincinnati Reds Major League Baseball franchise. Although ultimately unsuccessful in making his professional baseball dreams come true, Clooney has since become an Academy Award-winning actor.Ashton KutcherImage courtesy ofjdlasicaBefore being recruited by a model scout at the University of Iowa, Kutcher studied biomedical engineering. Kutch er also worked in the cereal department of General Mills to make extra money during school. Since then Kutcher has become a model, actor and entrepreneur.Marissa MayerImage courtesy ofleandroCurrent President and CEO of Yahoo, and No. 8 on Fortune Magazines 2013 most powerful businesswomen, Marissa Mayers name is recognized worldwide for her innovative and controversial leadership. After beginning her career at McKinsey Company in a consulting job and teaching at Carnegie Mellon University, Mayer became employee No. 20 at Google and the companys first female engineer.A career isnt about an end destination. Sometimes the twists and turns of your winding path may bring about more insight and learning than you could ever imagine. Take a lesson from some of the worlds most well-known names and try many things on your own road to success.

Sunday, November 24, 2019

10 habits that change boys into men

10 habits that change boys into men10 habits that change boys into menThe demise of our culture will result from the demise of its men if something isnt changed quickly. Far too many men remain directionless, devastated and scared children.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreMale suicide rate increasedto three to four times higzu sich than the female suicide rate.Men are twice as likelyas women to become alcoholics. Andmales are far more likelyto commit juvenile crime.Much has been said and written in recent years about the challenges of men and boys. A sampling of book titles includesWhy There Are No Good Men LeftThe Demise of GuysThe End of MenWhy Boys FailThe End of Men, And The Rise of WomenBoys AdriftManning Up How The Rise Of Women Has Turned Men Into BoysA common theme is that men and boys have become increasingly confused about their identity and role in society. Kay Hymowit z, author ofManning Up, put it this wayIts been an almost universal rule of civilization that whereas girls became women simply by reaching physical maturity, boys had to pass a test. They needed to demonstrate courage, physical prowess, or mastery of the necessary skills. The goal was to prove their competence as protectors of women and children this was always their primary social role. Today, however, with women moving ahead in an advanced economy, anbieter husbands and fathers are now optional, and the character qualities men had needed to play their role fortitude, stoicism, courage, fidelity are obsolete and even a little embarrassing.It is the norm in Hollywood films, TV and cable shows, and even commercials to portray men as incompetent, immature, or self-absorbed. This underlying message has subtly and increasingly become the collective unconscious with devastating repercussions.Academically, it is reported in the United States thatGirls outperform boys now at every level f rom elementary school through graduate school.By eighth grade, only 20 percent of boys are adept in writing and 24 percent adept in reading.Young mens SAT scores in 2011 were the lowest theyve been in 40 years.According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), boys are 30 percent more likely than girls to drop out of both high school and college.In 2017, women will earn more than 60 percent of bachelors and more than 63 percent of masters degrees.Boys make up two-thirds of students in special education remedial programs.Women deserve the increased success they are getting. Theyve been oppressed forfartoo long. Theyre hungrier and more motivated than most men. And hopefully, society will continue to allow them the increased equality they deserve.However, this articles focus is on helping the struggling and confused young man. Indeed, many young men have taken the adverse cues of society as an excuse to evade responsibility and never really grow up.If you are a young ma n and youre struggling,youare elend alone. This article is intended to challenge you to rethink your entire approach to life. If applied, these habits will radically set you apart from the decaying norm.1. Think BeyondYourselfKids look to their parents for all the answers. When they become teenagers they know all the answers. Many never mature out of this stage and remain incredibly narcissistic, which is displayed inthe followingwaysBelieving you are better than othersExaggerating your talents or giftsExpecting constant praise and admirationFailure to recognize other peoples emotions or feelingsExpressing disdain for those who seem inferiorTrouble keeping healthy relationshipsActing as if you have nothing to learnMoving beyond self-consciousness requires an increase in overall consciousness.By heightening your level of consciousness, youll see the brilliance of humanity in general, be able to relate deeper with others, experience greater joy, and have enhanced ability to manifest t he destiny of your choosing.The followingare ways to increase your level of consciousnessAllow yourself to experience your feelings, rather than block them out. Meditation is a helpful way to do this. You experience your thoughts and feelings, learn from them, then let them go.Let go of framing your idea of what should be and genuinely accept what is. The journey is the end, not simply a means to an end.Identify the meaningless things to which youve assigned meaning. Happiness and security can never be experienced when dependent on the external they can only be achieved internally.Begin trusting your inner voice. If you feel a prompting to bring an umbrella with you, even when the weather report says the contrary, bring it.Explore the world, experience new cultures, and have your paradigm shaken and reframed.Question your own intentions and motivations.Be humble about your own humanity.Act with love, and become aware when you are not.2. Stop Playing VideoGamesThere are a hostof both positive and negative effects of playing video games. However, approximately15 percent of American youthhave an unhealthy addiction to video games.Another study reportedthat 31 percent of males and 13 percent of females have felt addicted to video games.Naturally, boys have a strong need for accomplishment and challenge. Yet,studies suggestthat some of the most popular video games are disengaging boys from real-world pursuits. Boys need for accomplishment is satisfied by leveling up in the game so they dont feel the need to go out into the world and solve real problems. Thus, society is not being served by their efforts.Gaming often gets in the way of important relationships or meaningful life pursuits.15 percent of divorces are filedby women because their husband prefers video games over them.This point is particularly significant to me. I myself spent a large portion of my time in junior high and high school playing World of Warcraft. Literally thousands of hours logged-in and lo st.I see many of my high school friends and family members who are now in their late 20s and 30s continuing to play 4+ hours of video games per day even when married with kids.Playing video games isbeing toutedas a healthy way to escape reality. Yet, one must ask Is escaping reality (especially for extended periods of time) ever healthy?3. Learn In Healthy Environments And Lay-Off TheMedsThe industrial classroom model is killing our boys. It is not a healthy environment for them. Young boys need more physical stimulation.The result is that many are improperly and lazily diagnosed with ADHD. Their natural characteristics, emotions, passions, and gifts are being curbed by medications.Although it is not a popular notion, boys and girls are wired differently. Girls are often exclusively motivated by praise. They will perfect their handwriting just to have it noticed.Boys on the other hand, are often motivated by tangible experiences that relate to real life. Thus, many boys see no point in having good handwriting if one day they will spend their time typing. They dont care as much what other people think. They just want to be challenged.4. Get Intensive Physical StimulationShort and intensive learning spurts,followed by rigorous physical stimulation is a powerful and positive way for boys and men to learn. Rough-and-tumble play helps develop the frontal lobe of the brain, which is used to regulate behavior. Sadly, many public schools are removing gym class and recess, further exacerbating problems among boys.In the recent book,Spark The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain,authorsJohn J. Ratey and Eric Hagerman share some amazing science and stories. For instance, despite many schools removing gym-class from their curriculum, others have put more focus on it and found staggering results. When kids exercise in the morning, they learn far better. In fact, they improve in all areas of their lives. Human beings are holistic. Your brain, your emotions, y our relationships, are all tied together.If youre living a sedentary life as a man, youre not getting the needed stimulationyou need.Research has foundthat males thrive in kinesthetic learning environments learning through moving.Healthy Testosterone LevelsIntensive physical activity, like sprinting or heavy weight lifting (followed by extended rest periods) are a good outlet for mens need of physical stimulation. Moreover, these intensive physical activities can activate healthy levels of testosterone which produce many positive effects includingFat lossMuscle gainHealthier bone densityNormalized blood pressureLower likelihood ofobesityandheart attacksIncreased energyMore enjoyment of career and familyFeeling younger, stronger, sexier, and healthierHealthy sex driveStudies have foundthat healthy testosterone levels affect mens cognitive performance, and can improve focus, motivation, and memory.The Need For PhysicalPainInterestingly, boys and girls experience pain differently. For boys, physical pain can be a stimulant fueling mental clarity. On the other hand, physical pain for girls can be a narcotic, making them feel hazy and confused.Ive seen this in myself. Some of my greatest insights have come while pushing myself to the extreme while doing yard work or while exercising. This phenomenon is also seen in endurance athletes who push themselves through pain for many hours at a time.5. Take Responsibility For Your Life And Set Your Standards HighIn his book,Boys Adrift,Dr. Leonard Sax explains that boysneed not want to be responsible. If they are not needed, they dont flourish.Men step down if theyre not needed. And because of societys message that men are no longer needed, many are staying in their parents basements.Although most men will not go out of their way to take on challenges and responsibility, this is the very thing they should do if they want to thrive. Indeed, it is becoming common knowledge that perception is followed by physical experience in the form of self-fulfilling prophecy. If you believe you will succeed, you often do.If you set your sights high in life, you will achieve incredible things. In order to do this, you can no longer play the victim to circumstances. Blaming the world, your parents, school, or the challenges youve faced in life is not going to solve your problems. Its going to keep you stuck and bitter.Instead, take the time to imagine and mentally create your ideal life. Mental creationalwaysprecedes physical creation.You have the inner power to create whatever life you want to achieve. All you have to do is spend the time creating that world with intention. Write down exactly what you want in life. Set your standardsridiculouslyhigh. Dont hold anything back.Read, rewrite, and reread your ambitions often. These will soon consume your subconscious mind creating new patterns in your brain. Eventually, youll manifest the world youve been creating in your head.6. Prayer, Meditation, And JournalWritingChri stianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and every other religious and spiritual tradition strongly stress the significance of regular prayer. Although the form of practice may be different, the purpose is the same -GratitudeInspirationSelf-realizationDeepened connection to God/existenceThe improvement of humanity as a wholePrayer (and modifications such as meditation and gratitude journals) areregularly foundto increase physical and mental well-being.For me, I often combine prayer with journal writing as a form of meditation. I seek inspiration, direction, heightened perspective, and gratitude.Scientifically supported benefitsof prayer includeImproves self-controlMakes you nicerMakes you more forgivingIncreases your trustOffsets negative health effects of stressPeople are often turned-off by prayer, believing it is a strictly religious practice. Even if organized religion is not your thing, you can still have a positive and healthy relationship with prayer.7. Earn GoodFriendsY ou are who you surround yourself with. Theres no way around it. If you want to evolve past your current state, you need to remove yourself from the negative forces in your life. This will not be easy. Misery loves company.However, when you decide to remove yourself from negative people and instead surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you your life will dramatically improve.Take the leap. Invite your friends to come along with you. If they dont understand your needed evolution, kindly bid them a loving farewell.8. Commit Fully ToSomeoneWere supposed to believe that relationships tie people down, that they are the death knell for creativity and ambition. Nonsense. Ryan HolidayWith all the productivity and success advice going on in the world today,very little is writtenabout the benefits of finding a spouse who supports you and makes you better.It is quite rare for people to stay committed to anything or anyone these days. There are countless fatherless children. Many seek easy sexual prey followed by the internal pit of emptiness too afraid to reveal and confront their true identity.Research has foundthat committed relationships can reduce the chance of illness and increase the length of life. Other benefits of long-term commitment in relationships includeGreater sense of life satisfactionIncreased happinessA host of practical benefits, such as shared assets and childrenLess likely toengage substance-abuseDecreased likelihood of depression and neglect of ones healthChoose your love, love your choice. Thomas MonsonI got married at age 24. Ive never felt restrained by that decision, only liberated. Now 29, we have three foster children, what most would consider a huge blow to our freedom.This could not be further from the truth in my experience. Instead, Im challenged to become a better person every day. Im challenged to think beyond my own needs and to learn patience, humility, and love.I would never make such monumental decisions without prayer, fasting, meditation, and journaling. However, when youre in a state of clarity, you can follow your intuition and consistently make good decisions. As Malcom Gladwell expounds in Blink,snap decisions are often more accurate than well-thought-out ones.Of course, marriage isnt easy. Its the hardest thing Ive ever done. But why choose the easy path? As a man, challenge and responsibility is precisely what is needed to thrive.9. Fall In Love WithLearningOrdinary people seek entertainment. Extraordinary people seek education and learning.We now live in a world where you no longer need to go to college (or high school) to become educated. At your fingertips is an unlimited and ever-increasingly well of information. You can become an expert at anything.Many of the worlds most successful people attribute their success to a love for learning. They often read one or more books per week. With a few books, you can learn how to build wealth, healthy relationships, and the life of your dreams.Wi th more information and education, you will make better lifestyle choices. Youll be less likely to have destructive addictions and make ignorant decisions.Youll be more likely to surround yourself with brilliant people, learn new languages and explore the world, come up with solutions to the worlds problems, and have passion and zest for life.Stop gaming and start reading. Therealworld awaits. And its amazing.10. Take BiggerRisksDont fail by default. Richard Paul EvansRichard Paul Evans, the famous writer, often tells a story of being a shy high school kid. In one of his classes, he sat next to the girl of his dreams. He spent an entire year wishing he could work up the courage to ask her out. But he never ended up talking to her.Why would she be interested in a loser like me?he would say to himself.A few years later, at a high school reunion, they met and talked.I just have to ask Why didnt you ever ask me out?she asked.I always liked you and hoped you would talk to me.Evans was sh ocked.He had been wrong that entire time and missed the opportunity he spent over a year dreaming about. In that moment, he determined toneverfail by default again.If Im going to fail, Im going to fail big,he has said.If I fail, Im going to fail after giving it everything Ive got.Stop playing life small. Date people that seem absurdly out of your league. Theyre not only in your head.Dont be conservative in your career until youre in your 40s. There is little risk while youre young, energetic, and motivated. Now is the time to take huge risks. Embrace rejection and failure. In turn, embrace enormous and unimaginable success.ConclusionYou can have whatever life you choose.Dont be afraid to dream big for yourself.Have the courage to seize that life and trulylive, rather than only imagining living.The world needs you.How I Turned $25,000 Into $374,592 In Less Than 6MonthsIve created a free training that will teach you how to become world-class and successful at anything you choose.Acces s the free trainingherenowThis article first appeared on Medium.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

Thursday, November 21, 2019

How to Explain Being Laid Off to Your Network - The Muse

How to Explain Being Laid Off to Your Network - The MuseHow to Explain Being Laid Off to Your Network Getting let go stinks. Sure, you might wind up with a generous severance (if youre lucky), or maybe you hated your job anyway. But, the sting of being laid off is pretty much unavoidable, especially if you actually liked your job. Feeling sad, angry, or embarrassed in the wake of a layoff is perfectly normal. So is feeling like you have no idea how youre going to share this news with your family, friends, and network. But, leaning on your inner circle for support will help you get through the tough days ahead. And turning to your network might help you land your next job. Here are a few ways to get productive conversations started- without making things awkward. How to Lean on Your Friends and FamilyYou might start with a tearful phone call to your mom or a trip to get ice cream with your best friend to get all your emotions out and let off some steam with someone you know you can tr ust. But once the initial shock wears off, and youre feeling calm and collected and ready to talk to the rest of your inner circle, start each conversation by letting the other part know you have upsetting news to share. You might say something like, I want to talk to you about my job, this isnt easy for me, and Im still sad about what happened. Then, tell them what you need- because these are the people youre closest with, its OK to be more upfront about your request. For exampleIm looking for a shoulder to cry on. I need your support.I want to vent.Id love your help eventually finding a new role, but for now I just want to process it.Setting expectations from the start will help ensure that you get what you need from the conversation. Often, the most well-intentioned people in our lives tend to want to fix things for us (or, worse, give us unsolicited advice) when really all were looking for is someone to listen. Its possible you wont have the energy to talk to every one of your c losest confidantes in person, so sending a group text to your circle of pals is also totally acceptable. You can keep it short and sweet by sending a message likeHey friends- I wanted to share some bad news with you. I got laid off yesterday. It was unexpected, and Im still processing everything. Ill send everyone an email once I figure out what I want to do next. For now, if anyone wants to meet up, my schedule is wide openBe prepared for lots of questions, offers to help you find a new job, and happy hour invitations to follow. If youre feeling overwhelmed, its OK to tell your friends that youll be happy to share details next time you see them in person and that, for now, you simply wanted to keep them in the loop.How to Reach Out to Mentors and Professional Contacts for AdviceGetting laid off can understandably trigger a wide sortiment of emotions. You may feel antsy to find a similar job right away, excited to take a little time off, or inspired to make a major career pivot. Wha tever youre feeling, it wouldnt hurt to ask your mentors and career allies for advice. Depending on your relationship, you can reach out over the phone or via email. You might say something like I was unexpectedly laid off from Company and am giving serious thought to what Id like to do next. Ive always valued your advice, so I wanted to ask if I could take you out for a cup of coffee and chat with you about my next steps?When you feel ready to jump back into the job search for real, you can send an email to former colleagues, acquaintances, and extended family asking for more concrete help. It might look something like this Email TemplateHi Name, Hope all is well/How are you doing? Its been so long since last time you interacted.Im reaching out because Id love your help. As you may have heard, Im no longer with Company and am on the lookout for a new job. Im targeting types of roles with companies in career space, and am specifically interested in working for organizations like Com pany 1, Company 2, or Company 3. If you happen to hear of any opportunities in field, or if you know anyone who works at these companies, Id love a referral or introduction Youll find a quick summary of my experience below, and Ive attached my resume for reference. I really appreciate your support And, if theres ever anything I can do to help you in your career, please dont hesitate to ask.Thank youYour NameShort professional bioYou can decide how much you share about the circumstances of your layoff when you share the news with your network. Its perfectly fine to tell someone that youre simply no longer working for your former employer- theyll most likely understand and not ask questions. However, in some cases, explaining your layoff gives the person context and helps them better tailor their advice for your situation.How to Share the nachrichten With Your Network on Social MediaThis will probably be the last piece of the puzzle, and the reason for doing it isnt to embarrass yours elf further or make light of your circumstances. Its about notifying your extended network- including your friends and contacts on social media who you otherwise wouldnt reach out to via email- so they can help you in getting a job lead. If you need proof of how well this works, you should read this story about someone who posted about their layoff on LinkedIn.You can keep your announcement short and sweet After X years with Company, Im now on the lookout for new opportunities Im excited about continuing to expand skillset in a type of role in career space. Message me if you know of any jobs that might be a fitOrIm on the lookout for new opportunities If you hear of any roles in field in location, Id love to hear from you. I have experience in areas and am excited to pursue type of role/responsibilities.If you were let go due to a well-publicized layoff, feel free to reference that, as its an easy way to explain why you left. You can share an article or press release about the layof f along with a brief line about being in the market for a new jobUnfortunately, Im one of the many people who was impacted by the recent layoffs at Company. Im sad to be leaving but excited about whats to come. Im now officially on the lookout for target job roles in the target industry space. If you know of anything that might be a fit, send it my wayBut generally, the goal here isnt to dwell on the layoff itself but to focus on finding a great new job.The only thing harder than getting laid off might be breaking the news to others. Its OK to feel a mix of emotions in this situation. But knowing that you have a strong support network cheering you on is sure to brighten your spirits and help you plot your next move.