Summer job season is upon us, which means opportunities for seasonal employment are beginning to open up. Six months ago, we asked if readers were looking for a second job to make it through the holiday season.
Today, with a reported economic upswing on the horizon, we want to know if you’re looking for a second job this summer season.
Let us know by voting in our poll, and feel free to share your summer job search stories in our comments section!
Despite economic conditions and expert predictions that people may be wary of taking time off work this summer, our latest poll found that this year, workers are indeed planning time away from the job.
In fact, 77% of over 1,100 respondents said that they planned to take some time off from work this year.
When asked “What are your thoughts on taking a vacation this year?” 42% of respondents said they plan to take time off work to travel, 35% said they plan to take time off work because they need time away from the office, 18% said they are not planning to take time off work because they can’t afford it, and only 5% said they are not planning to take time off work because of concerns over job security.
Are you planning time off work this year? If so, what are your plans? Share your fun vacation and relaxation tips in the comments section.
And, if you know you need a break but are looking for some inspiration, check out our post on inexpensive vacation ideas.
Every summer, thousands of people take on summer jobs to generate extra cash. And, this summer is no different. But, earning extra cash isn’t the only benefit of landing a summer job. Check out these three benefits of having summer jobs and start looking today.
1. Possibility of Full-Time Work. According to CareerBuilder’s Annual Summer Job Forecast, 23% of employers plan to hire workers specifically for the summer months. And, of those 23%, nearly 56% of employers said they would consider hiring summer employees for full-time positions later on. So, if you’re looking for continued employment opportunities, working a summer job can help you get your foot in the door.
2. Building Your Résumé. Hiring managers like to see lots of work experience, regardless of industry, on an applicant’s résumé. In addition to the skills you can learn at your summer job, showing a potential employer that you’re versatile, well-rounded, and capable of holding down a job will help you in the interview process.
3. Exploring a Career Path. If you’re undecided about your future, working a summer job in a variety of industries can help you shape your career path. You can experience a variety of environments, positions, and companies that interest you. Summer jobs also give you the opportunity to pursue passions outside of your day-to-day job, and can potentially lead you to your dream job.
Working a summer job can benefit more than just your pocket book, it can benefit your future. So, remember these benefits of a summer job when considering whether or not you should find one. To learn about summer job opportunities near you, contact your local Express office.
Leadership is a hot topic that stirs much debate. Are individuals born with characteristics that enable them to be great leaders? Or, are these traits learned over time?
Although we may never know the answer to these questions, it’s true that leadership traits, whether engraved in our DNA or learned in life, must be cultivated over time in order to create successful leadership.
So, if you aspire to be a leader in your department, company, or any other organization, check out the seven habits below that every great leader should have.
1. Attentiveness. Great leaders listen to their team. Often, people in a position of power have a hard time listening to the very people they’re trying to lead, and this can have a very negative impact on anything they’re trying to accomplish. So, take time to truly listen to what everyone on your team has to say before you start talking. You will not only see happy, productive individuals, but you’ll create a very loyal team that will follow you anywhere.
2. Humility. Nobody likes to follow someone who acts like they know everything. People make mistakes, so it’s important for leaders to admit when they’re wrong. Successful leaders value and trust the input of the people around them. Their humility is a mark of greatness that inspires the confidence and loyalty of others. So, recognize employees when they’re observant and commend their due diligence when appropriate.
3. Inspirational. People enjoy working with and for individuals who are passionate about their work and can inspire others to do their best. When leading a group of individuals, be enthusiastic about your dreams and vision and the tasks you need to do to accomplish them. Then, see how your upbeat attitude spreads to the people on your team.
4. Adaptability. Great leaders have the ability to adapt to change, no matter how drastic. So, be the example by embracing new policies and procedures. Discuss how the change will impact each employee. Focus on the positive impacts of change for everyone involved, like how you can start fresh and recreate yourself.
5. Team Player. Most individuals will follow a leader they can trust, but to build confidence in ones ability, everyone must feel that they’re in it together as a team. Great leaders use the same work ethic they expect of their team and model the behavior of a valued employee. So, show your employees that you aren’t above any of the work you’re asking of them by helping them from time to time on their projects.
6. Empathy. Sometimes, employees just want someone to feel understood. Team members need leaders to empathize with them in a time of need. It’s important to not only be their leader, but to also show that you care for their personal well-being.
7. Empowering. Leaders are only as great as their weakest employee, so make sure that you enable others around you to lead up and feel empowered with their projects. Take the time to mentor and equip each employee to become the expert on their own tasks and ideas.
Whether leadership is born or bred, everyone can build these habits of an effective leader. Regardless of your title, you can inspire those you work with by modeling the habits great leaders possess.
Do you have a great leader who has inspired you? Or, do you know a leader who lacks in one of these areas? Tell us your stories in the comments section below.
It’s that time of year when people traditionally start making summer vacation plans. But the annual summer vacation has taken a hit as the recession has worn on. Last year, reports showed that consumers were already buckling down by planning to save money in lieu of taking a vacation.
But, experts say that as economic woes have continued to increase stress levels over the past year, this year, more people may feel the need to take a break from work and spend time with family or friends.
If you’ve ever experienced change in the workplace, you know that whether the change is for better or for worse, there’s bound to be a rough patch in the middle while everyone adjusts. Tensions increase, stress levels rise, and work piles on. Much is often out of your control, but at least you can focus on three things to smooth the transition.
Attitude – Your actions are directly derived from your attitude, so focus on keeping it positive when changes happen at work. Think of something that makes you smile, whether it’s your family, the pleasant spring weather, or the thought that the changes will soon subside. Your optimism will positively reflect in your decisions and behaviors – and others will notice.
Productivity – Make a task list, set aside a block of time, or ask for help – do whatever it takes to keep your productivity high. If you can, concentrate on completing your own projects before taking on new responsibilities or offering to help others. Then, you won’t be stretching yourself too thin. Taking on an overwhelming workload can be a burden to your entire team – especially if it means you’re only able to do all of your projects halfway.
Relationships – Conflict can arise when you’re in the same environment with the same people for forty hours a week in the midst of the tension change brings. To keep your relationships strong, remember not to take your frustrations out on your co-workers. Realize they’re stressed, too, so be sympathetic to them. Don’t let them run you over with their words or actions, but remember that how people deal with stress differs. Remain professional, and don’t take things too personally.
The next time you experience change in the workplace, keep these three things in mind to cope – and make things feel less stressful.
Have you experienced workplace change? How did it affect you? Let us know in the comments section below.
Balancing the deadlines, workloads, and relationships of life can be difficult enough when the rubber hits the road. Add in worries and fears – about job security or the nation’s economy – and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. While many of the concerns you face on a daily basis are beyond your control, managing the things you can control will help you feel secure, focused, and ready to face life’s challenges – both big and small.
If you feel like your life is a circus and you’re worried that something’s going to give in your balancing act, concentrate on controlling what you can and choose to worry less about what you can’t. Here are five things you can take control of today to help ease your stress.
Priorities. Create task lists – one for home and one for work. Write down the things you need to accomplish and prioritize each list. Make sure to check off your tasks as you complete them, and you’ll soon realize how much you have actually accomplished.
Clutter. Organize and clean your workspace and home environment to create an atmosphere that fosters clear thinking. When your space is free of clutter, you’ll be able to focus on the tasks at hand or just unwind from the stresses you face.
Personal Health. Make healthy lifestyle choices by exercising, eating well, and getting enough sleep. The benefits of managing your health are endless and will help give you the energy, focus, and overall wellness you need to keep pace with the demands of the day.
Goals. Make a list of goals you want to accomplish – from minor to lofty – and write them down by order of importance. Break each goal into steps, and mark off accomplishments as you complete them. This will help you gain the momentum you need to achieve your ambitions.
Attitude. Make the decision to have an optimistic outlook and a positive attitude no matter what your circumstances, and you won’t be defeated by challenges that arise. Instead, you’ll be more productive, focused, and ready to take on those challenges.
Be the ring leader of your circus. Take control of the things you can and you’ll be in the perfect position to enjoy the show.
