Career Flux

5 Tips For Women Juggling A Family And Career Without Going Insane!

So you’ve been granted the “Most Productive Employee” plaque at your job…7 months in a row. Great, right? Not if burning the midnight oil meant having to neglect your family in the process. Yes, it’s awesome that your paycheck has been completely incredible over the past 7 months, but little Johnny has started calling the babysitter “mama” and your husband has considered searching for an alternate wife.

Before you go crazy, quit your job, and start searching Google for ‘Where to sell my diamond ring’ in order to produce some sort of income, take a deep breath. Relax. It’s time to prioritize- without going insane. There is a way to do so, and no, you don’t have to be Superwoman (although you may feel like her). Let’s take a look at 5 tips to help you juggle your lifestyle while maintaining your sanity, your paycheck, and most importantly- your family time.

1. Secure a position you’re comfortable with:

If you’re looking for a job, this beginning step is crucial. Interviews can sometimes tell a lot about a job- and sometimes can’t. Look for any and all signs; be a detective. Were you warmly greeted? Does the interviewer seem to be organized? Ask for a tour of the company, request to speak with an actual worker about the job, brainstorm any and all questions you may have about the available position. If the company has a website, read up on their “About” section; you can develop an overall feeling by reading how they started and what their goals are. From there, you should be able to make a decision on whether or not the company is a comfortable fit for your lifestyle.

2. Assess your abilities, goals, and family needs:

Society has molded women to think that they need to work twenty times harder in order to keep in pace with men. While that may not be necessarily true (women are actually becoming more dominant in certain fields), it can be stressful giving 110% when all that’s necessary is 100%. To put it plainly, many women have left the corporate zoo for a “lower” level position, which produces a better quality of life while still maintaining satisfaction within the position. This doesn’t mean to go and quit your $120,000 a year job for a $40,000; take the time to sit down and figure out your job goals and how they may conflict with your family goals. Don’t shortchange yourself, but don’t bite off more than you can chew. Backing off on a few projects here and there doesn’t make you weak; it will let you breathe more easily and remind you that you do have a life outside of work.

3. Talk it out with your spouse and family:

Communication is the key to any successful venture. If there’s room to move up in the company you’re at, are you willing to accept the overtime offered? Is your spouse available to help out with the kids on those nights? Take into consideration if your job may require a move in a few months or years. It may seem silly to discuss everything, but it’s really not. It’s better to be prepared and covered in all aspects, than to be taken by surprise when you least expect it.

4. Talk it out with your employer or supervisor:

Sometimes talking to your spouse and family isn’t enough. It will help to burn off some steam over things that are bothering you at work, but in order to change something, you’re going to need to express your concern to someone at work who is authorized to make those changes. Keep in mind that there is a HUGE difference in being assertive and being a bi**h. The latter is what we don’t want. Stand your ground, but do so in a way that is clear and well-thought out, not condescending. You don’t want to sound like a hot-headed idiot, after all. Write your concerns down and go over it point-by-point with your boss.

5. Don’t be afraid to explore other options:

If there simply isn’t enough wiggle room within your current job, get out there and find somewhere that can accommodate you. While income is certainly necessary in order to survive, your well-being and your family should come first. If the job isn’t a good fit, know that there are others out there where you can thrive- happily. No amount of negative stress is good, so work on finding a place that suits you; in the end, you’ll realize it was worth it.

Kristy Kravitsky is a writer and traveler who hopes to combine those together for a satisfying career.

Filed Under: At Workplace, Featured, General, Guest Experts Tagged With: business, Career, family, family and career, Jobs, women, women and career, women and family, women in business, Work

8 Tips To Stay Awake And Focused While Working Late At Office

By Steve Mcdaniel Leave a Comment

When it gets late and there is a lot of work that’s pending, it’s human to get bored or feel sleepy. However, this can greatly impact the quality of work and effect your productivity as well. Thus, it is absolutely essential to stay focused while working whether you are working late or not. Here are some tips that can help you to stay awake and focused while working late:

1. Don’t keep the work for later:

If you are working late, it is but natural to feel tired and postpone finishing the job. However, it’s not going to help your productivity because with time, your energy levels will go down and finishing the work will become even more difficult. The best way to deal with this is to prioritize all the work and then complete it based on the list. Don’t give in to laziness. It is also advisable to make a time table to chalk out a plan of action.

2. Drinking cupfuls of coffee:

Caffeine has always been one of the best solutions to staying awake in the night. Every office has a coffee dispenser so you can treat yourself to endless cups of it. However, if you have a cafeteria that is accessible at all times, try to drink a shot or two of espresso. Espresso has higher quantities of caffeine in it which makes it a better alternative to regular coffee. There was this one time when I had a shot of espresso in the afternoon and I had trouble falling asleep even in the night. So, caffeine is a tried and tested method of staying up late, be it for studying or working.

3. Washing your face with cold water:

Another great alternative for keeping yourself up and about when working late is to wash your face with cold water after every half an hour or so. The colder the water, the better the effect. Splashing cold water on the face helps in restoring focus and drives away sleepiness even if it is for a short while. If you can, splash some cold water on your hands and feet as well. It will help you to feel more relaxed and attentive when you work late.

4. Don’t think about going home or the outside world:

When you are alone and working, it is normal to think about what the rest of the world is up to but don’t do that. The more you think about the fun your friends and family are having at home or outside, the more you will delve into self pity which will affect your productivity negatively. Also, you will waste a lot of time by thinking about a million different things which will in no way help you to finish the job at hand. In fact, it will further distract you so instead of channelizing your thoughts on everything you are missing out on, utilize that time to finish your work.

5. Walk around when you feel tired:

Whenever you feel sleepy or distracted, get up and stretch yourself. Walk around the office to break the monotony of sitting at one place and working. If you concentrate on something for long, chances are that you will feel tired and sleepy so try to shift around in your seat if you don’t have the option of walking around. Better still, you can stretch your arms and legs in your chair to snap out of the stagnation.

6. Avoid sugar based drinks or food:

Sugar gives instant energy upon consumption but the energy is short lived. Sugar gets converted to glucose very quickly which is why it gives a sugar rush but when the rush ends, people tend to get overpowered with sleep and fatigue so avoid eating or drinking foods which have a high sugar content. Even though it initially helps, the help is short lived.

7. Take small breaks:

Taking frequent breaks is a great way to keep your body alert and focused. Take a 15 minute break after every 45 minutes. You can read, listen to some music, visit some social websites, call your friends to talk to them and basically divert your mind completely for that duration. If you have your peers working with you, engage into friendly banter with them. Breathers can help to relieve you of tension, stress and fatigue and make work more productive.

8. Take a power nap:

Whenever you feel overwhelmed by work and very sleepy, take a power nap. Power naps are basically small 10 or 15 minute naps that people can take while working. It’s a great way of providing some instant energy which can last for a few hours.

This post is written by Steve Mcdaniel and his one of the most popular articles is easy jobs that pay well.

Filed Under: At Workplace, Guest Experts Tagged With: At work, Job, Work, workplace

Getting Through Your Probation Period

By Adam C Leave a Comment

Author Byline: Adam C is a London, UK based copywriter and has given sound workplace advice in this article.

If you take on a permanent role at a company, it is highly likely that you will be asked to complete a probationary period before you are taken on permanently. The main aim of the probationary period is to check that you are right for the job and that you and the company are a good fit together. If you get through the probation period, you will often find that you are granted a raise at the end of it. So how can you make sure you get through this period?

Adapt To New Situations

It might sound like common sense, but the best thing you can do is try your best to be good at the job. Show up on time, make sure you go to all of the meetings you are expected to attend, make an effort to form good relationships with your colleagues and show that you are willing to learn. Your employer is unlikely to expect you to be perfect at your job straight away, but they will be looking at your ability to adapt to new situations.

Be Communicative

If you are having any difficulties with new aspects of your work, make sure you tell your supervisor. This way, you can get things sorted as quickly as possible and move on, rather than continuing to struggle and possibly affecting your performance review at the end of your probation. Your boss would much rather you asked them if you have problems rather than keeping it to yourself; it helps to show you value their opinion and that you are open to new ideas.

Accept Challenges

Another good tactic for getting through your probationary period is to volunteer for any important projects that may come up. As you are new, you might not be selected but it’s good to show that you are willing to get involved with different aspects of the job and that you aren’t afraid of a challenge.

Listen To Your Mentor

If you are offered a mentor for your probation period, take advantage of this. They can provide a great insight into how the company works, what it does and how you fit in. They can also provide you with assistance if you get stuck or have any problems, so make sure you utilise their wisdom.

Be Enthusiastic and Shine

Above all, be enthusiastic – and professional. You have been hired because the employer thought you were the best person for the job. The aim of the probation period is for you to prove that. Think of it as your chance to shine and you should get through it just fine.

This post is contributed by Total Jobs, a leading job site that currently offers a variety of job vacancies from jobs in IT to jobs in security.

Filed Under: At Workplace, Guest Experts Tagged With: Job, Work, workplace

Interview with a Machinery Technician

By Vanessa Price Leave a Comment

Vanessa Price works for LatPro.com and JustJobs.com and takes care of their Public Relations. The following article would help someone considering a career as ——- and also pros and cons related to that job.

Considered pursuing a career in manufacturing? This interview will take you through the ups and downs you can expect, what it takes to land the job, what you can expect to earn and more. This is a true career story as told to DiversityJobs and is one of many interviews with individuals in the manufacturing profession which among others include an Assembly Line Worker, a High Tech Customer Service Agent at Manufacturing Plant, and everything in between.

Dave is a 45-year-old white male who has worked in the manufacturing industry for over 25 years. In this interview he describes how the current economy and socio-economic political climate has affected both him and the manufacturing industry as a whole.

Currently, I work for a leading manufacturer of plywood in a small Southern town. I work in the maintenance department with 11 other men. Our job responsibilities entail keeping the older machinery running in the plywood plant as well as repairing any emergency breakdowns. I have only been in this position for one year. Prior to this job, I worked as a CNC Machinist for a small machine shop up North. I left that job because the owner went out of business after 40 years.

Hot and Dirty But Pays Well

My job is hot and dirty, but it does pay well, around $40-50 thousand per year, and provides benefits my family needs. I get to work around 6 a.m. and often find myself working until after 8 p.m. The machinery at the plant is old, but it is expensive. My job is to make sure the machinery runs well. If I can keep an older machine running, then the company does not have to purchase a new one. A new machine can cost over a million dollars and my company does not have that type of money to spend. I come home covered in sawdust. At times, during the summer, the machines that I work on can reach temperatures of over 140 degrees.

Working Knowledge of Computers

Many people think that those of us who work in manufacturing are uneducated or came to work right out of high school. Nothing could be further from the truth. Most machinery is now run with the help of computers, so anyone working in the plant has to have a working knowledge of computers and software. Each person in the plant has at least two years of computer classes.

Not an Exclusive Male Domain

Another popular misconception is that this type of work is mainly done by men. There are just as many women working on the line and working in the maintenance department as there are men. The corporate office has more women than men working in it and HR is equally split as well.

Challenges

The biggest challenge anyone in the manufacturing industry faces is the fact that here in the United States, it is becoming a dying industry. Jobs are being sent overseas because companies can spend less money in salary, benefits, and taxes. Those of us who have both mechanical and computer experience are the ones who find it easier to find work. If I didn’t at least have an associate degree, I would have hard a difficult time finding a job after my last company went out of business.

Using Both – Mind and Hands

Although some may find it hard to believe, I love my job. I love math and use it daily as I adjust machines. There are many complicated formulas to some of the repairs and I enjoy the fact that I get to use both my mind and my hands when I work. Because I work with so many other people from all types of background and all ethnicities, I find that I have to be able to communicate well in addition to knowing the mechanics of my job. Right now, I am taking a continuing education class in Spanish because about one-third of my co-workers are Hispanic.

Don’t Take Your Job Home

If I had to rate my job, I would give it a 9. While it may be stressful when I am at work, it is not a job I have to “take home.” Once my shift is over, it is over and I am free to go home and spend time with my wife and daughter. While I make the same salary here in the South as I did in the North, the cost of living is less expensive. I hope that in five years, I am still employed with my company and still working in the maintenance department. After five years, I will also be eligible for a month of vacation time. Currently, I receive one week and trust me, it is needed.

Filed Under: Guest Experts, Real Workplace Stories Tagged With: Career, industry, Interview, Job, salary, Work

Understanding the Biotech Industry Can Enhance Your Resume

By Jessica Hernandez Leave a Comment

Global resume authority Jessica Hernandez of http://www.greatresumesfast.com is a former HR Manager who partners with professional and executive-level candidates to create authentic, branded resumes and cover letters.
Author Website: http://www.greatresumesfast.com

Whether you’re just getting your start in the biotech industry or have been in it for years, writing a resume for a new position can sometimes be challenging. It’s often difficult to know which past experience, skills, and accomplishments to include that will make you more appealing as a candidate than your competition.

One benefit that you have when applying for work is a deep understanding of your industry. By showcasing your wealth of knowledge and wisdom in the field you love, you’re likely to get that leg up when seeking your next biotech position. How can you do it? Here are some tips to consider:

Become Ingrained in Your Industry

The biotech industry is indeed an intriguing one. There are a lot of new graduates eager to enter their respective fields within this unique and exciting industry. The only problem is that they—like many people in mid-career within the industry—don’t know how to express their wealth of knowledge and true passion for biotechnology.

Experts in the industry have long expressed the importance of appreciating the challenges faced by biotech companies. Understanding challenges in research and development as well as risk management, working with resources, and even marketing and licensing can help an applicant find the weak spots that need to be addressed when writing his or her resume.

Of course, this means that you’ll need to not only research issues faced by the industry as a whole, but also within each company at which you apply. Becoming ingrained in the industry is a surefire way to make sure you are able to include the right skills and accomplishments in your job target, career summary, and throughout the entire resume in order to catch the eye of a hiring manager.

Utilize Keywords

In addition to researching each company and the biotech industry to enhance your resume, it’s also a great idea to incorporate specific biotech-related keywords.

The keywords you incorporate could be words used in relation to the biotech industry—or the specific position for which you’re applying. Also, they could be phrases used in the industry that could help to showcase your knowledge of the field.

Some keywords (and phrases) you might consider including would be: clinical grade, independent projects, protein, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, research and development, and ISO standards—among many others. Be sure to thoroughly review the job posting for additional words and phrases that could enrich your resume even more.

As with any job you want in a chosen field, the more you tailor your resume to a position, company, and industry, the more likely a hiring manager will be convinced that you are right for the job. So take time to dive into the biotech industry before writing your next resume.

For additional tips and advice on resumes and cover letters, follow us on Twitter @GreatResume or visit our blog.

Article courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap, a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships and recent graduates searching for entry level jobs and other career opportunities.