Metro ServiceRegardless of what’s behind a career change, many people can benefit by looking for things in a new job that can make them happy both professionally and personally. ■ Metro Service / Contributed Professionals change jobs for various reasons. But regardless of what’s behind a career change, many people can benefit by looking for things in a new job that can make them happy both professionally and personally. Salary: Of course everyone would love to earn more money when changing jobs, but there is more to changing jobs than just improving your bottom line. As you begin your job search, consider how much you currently earn and if that allows (more…)

StatePoint Media“With some simple knowledge of proven strategies, you can build wealth on your own.” – Dale Gillham ■ StatePoint Media / Contributed Whether you’re a novice or experienced investor, there are steps you can take in order to take control of your financial destiny, and you don’t necessarily need a professional financial planner to do so, say some experts. “Many individuals are quick to hand over responsibility for their future to financial advisors and fund managers in the hopes of achieving better returns than they could on their own,” says Dale Gillham, an analyst, financial educator and author of the new book, “Accelerate Your Wealth: It’s Your Money, Your Choice. (more…)

StatePoint MediaLooking to get ahead in your career? It all starts with bringing out the best in your co-workers, and in yourself, too. ■ StatePoint Media / Contributed Looking to get ahead in your career? Whether your goal is to raise your own level of performance, enhance customer engagement, or become a more effective leader, it all starts with bringing out the best in your co-workers, and in yourself, too. One of the primary keys to success is learning to identify the fundamental characteristics of your co-workers, and developing strategies to work with each type of boss, co-worker or client you come across, says Kim Christfort, national managing director of Deloitte’s (more…)

StatePoint MediaThose with disabilities should ensure the company offers a supportive environment and will view an individual’s experience as an asset to the organization. ■ StatePoint Media / Contributed October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and a good time to focus on the issue of inclusion in the workplace. With historically low unemployment rates among the general population, those with disabilities may enjoy expanded opportunities, particularly as more employers discover the power of a diverse workforce. But finding the right job fit is important, say experts. “When those of us with disabilities have a real seat at the table, the innovations we introduce are beneficial to everyone,” says Kathy Martinez, (more…)

Metro ServiceNavigating office gifting can be tricky. It’s important to avoid overly personal items. ■ Metro Service / Contributed Gift giving in the workplace can be challenging territory to navigate. And as anyone who has received an inappropriate gift or something that really wasn’t useful can attest, he or she probably doesn’t want to face a situation in which a gift leads to office gossip. According to a poll conducted by Harris, around half of workers plan to gift at least one business associate around the holidays but are confused about what to give. Too often it’s up to workers to navigate these etiquette minefields on their own, but the following (more…)

StatePoint MediaThere are three main guidelines to follow when it comes to turning your side hustle into a legitimate business ■ StatePoint Media / Contributed Whether you’re looking to pick up a side hustle or make the leap into starting your own business, there are many ways to be your own boss. No one knows how to trailblaze better than the motivated individuals who run their own businesses, according to Avon, the iconic beauty company with an over 130-year track record empowering women and men to be their own bosses. That’s why the brand’s latest campaign catalog honors and features the brand’s very own Avon Representatives. From top-sellers to accomplished leaders, (more…)

StatePoint MediaFamilies, employers and communities can take proactive steps to raise money-smart kids and foster healthy financial futures. ■ StatePoint Media / Contributed With consumer debt on the rise and many failing to adequately save for the future, experts say that financial illiteracy is a major problem for Americans – and one that communities and parents have a joint responsibility to address, starting in childhood. And right now, most children are coming up short in this area. Over 62 percent of the 15 to 18-year-olds tested by the National Financial Educators Council received either a “D” or “F” on the 2017 National Financial Literacy Test. Without intervention, these young people could (more…)

StatePoint MediaFor greater job satisfaction, be sure to evaluate the full offer, including salary and bonus structure, paid time off, relocation assistance, and voluntary benefits. ■ Metro Service / Contributed Many people view their job search as an opportunity to prove their worth to potential employers. Yet, it is important to keep in mind that finding the perfect match goes both ways, and the right job needs to work for you, too – especially in today’s economy where employers need to work hard to make their job offers stand out. For greater job satisfaction, be sure to evaluate the full offer, including salary and bonus structure, paid time off, relocation assistance, (more…)

Pixabay.comThe rules for finding a new job are continually evolving, and résumés remain a big component of that process. ■ Metro Service / Contributed When professionals are ready to take a new step in their careers, it’s wise to revisit their old résumés and see what can be done to update them for the current day and age. This is especially true for people who may have been out of the job-seeking arena for some time. Writing a résumé can be complicated. The rules for finding a new job are continually evolving, and résumés remain a big component of that process. The following are some current résumé trends that will help (more…)

Many women may want to continue working while receiving treatment Metro ServiceProfessional women diagnosed with breast cancer may be able to take advantage of short- and long-term disability programs. ■ Metro Service / Contributed Age is a risk factor for breast cancer, as the organization Susan G. Komen notes that the older a woman is, the more likely she is to get breast cancer. However, data from the National Cancer Institute indicates that breast cancer rates in women begin to increase after age 40, meaning many women diagnosed with breast cancer have to juggle both their disease and their careers. The nonprofit organization Breastcancer.org says that breast cancer treatments can produce (more…)