With the COVID-19 pandemic still affecting so much of our lives, some parents are wondering whether their children will be going back to school in the fall. This could be a problem when it comes to employment, as planning childcare becomes a major consideration.
If your children aren’t able to go back to school, will childcare be a barrier to employment for you? Let us know by voting in our poll!
It’s the time of year when most people have returned from summer vacation and kids are back in school. Due to the start of the school year, roads will be more crowded during your daily commute, and school zone rules will be strictly enforced. So, it’s especially important to focus on the safety of children, yourself, and other drivers as traffic increases. Here are three tips to help you stay safe on the roads.
Adjust your commute time.
If school has already started in your area, your commute time has likely become longer. Now is the time of year to reevaluate the time it takes you to get to work and make sure you adjust your schedule to reflect any changes. Choosing an appropriate time to leave your home not only gets you out the door before traffic reaches its heaviest point, but it also helps you avoid the pressure to drive faster than you should in order to make it to work on time.
Be aware of school zones.
You should always be aware of school zones and drive under the designated speed limit when you’re traveling through one. But now that school is back in session, your school zone awareness needs to be elevated. When you’re driving through a school zone, make sure you’re especially aware of your surroundings. After coming to a complete stop at stop signs and lights, accelerate slowly and carefully scan the area while maintaining a slow speed to lessen the chances of an accident involving pedestrians.
Remember to watch for new drivers.
As the school year starts, many new drivers will also be hitting the roads on their way to school. Teens almost always have less driving experience than other drivers, so use a little extra focus and slower speeds in areas near high schools to avoid driving-related issues. Remember to account for after-school activities that may affect rush hour traffic as well.
Leaving early, being aware of specific areas, and reducing your speed during increased traffic can help all of us on the road get to work and back safely every day.
Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.
As the next school year approaches, many are talking about whether or not to return to school. Some are considering another bachelor’s degree or even a master’s degree to land a better job, get ahead at work, or even change careers. But, that’s not the only way to go. If you’re thinking about going back to school this fall, check out these three different ways to continue your education without hitting the books in a university setting.
If you’re interested in learning a new trade or switching careers, check out the vocational schools in your area. These schools offer specific training and first-hand experience for a variety of occupations, including electricians, culinary artists, and emergency medical technicians. Plus, many classes are offered in the evenings or on a short-track, making it more convenient for working adults to complete the coursework over an abbreviated time period.
If you have Internet access and are fairly self-disciplined, consider registering for an online class or two. Many universities and technical schools offer a wide variety of online classes, whether you want to learn another language, improve your computer skills, or increase your knowledge about an industry. These courses are great for individuals who need a flexible schedule to complete their coursework.
Studying on your own gives you the most flexibility with your schedule and the materials you cover, but you have to create your own regime. If this is your preference, start by checking out your local library, industry- or topic-specific magazines, and online publications to find credible information on subjects that you’re most interested in. Then, simply begin reading. Also, look for workshops, seminars, and training courses at little to no charge in your community through civic organizations, libraries, churches, and professional associations. You may not gain a degree or certification, but at least you’ll be able to stay up to date on the latest news for your occupation and industry.
Continuing your education doesn’t have to be a daunting task or limited to a higher-education degree. By focusing on your goal and considering your options, you can quickly be on your way to furthering your knowledge and enhancing your career, whether you choose to go back to school, take a few online courses, or study on your own.
