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How to Find Your Breakthrough

By leidson on Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Have you ever dreamed of having a great job, owning a company, or being a millionaire someday? Although we all want the best that life has to offer, our dreams won’t become a reality without hard work and unwavering determination, it doesn’t happen randomly or by accident. So, here are a few tips to help you along the way to your breakthrough.

We All Have to Start Somewhere

Steve Jobs is a perfect example of how hard work pays off, and his life story reminds us that we all have to start somewhere. After graduating high school, Jobs enrolled in college but dropped out right after his first semester. Throughout his life, Jobs struggled in school. But, he didn’t let that stop him from founding one of the world’s most innovative companies, Apple. Steve Jobs believed that every obstacle you encounter in life will prepare you for the future, and every aspect of the struggles we face will somehow help out down the road. His mindset was one of determination and grit. “Again, you can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards,” Jobs said. “So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something – your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.”

Know What You’re Good At

Before you get your foot in the door at a company and start trekking down your career path, you’ve got to know where you want to go and what you’re good at. So, how do you make your dreams of having a great job become reality? You’ve got to be intentional about your job choices. If you want to do website design, search for entry level jobs in an IT role. Whatever field you’re interested in, look for jobs where you can learn skills in that specific trade. Try to get the most out of each job by looking through a learning opportunity lens. Remember to know where you’re going and have an end goal in mind.

Don’t Give Up

At the end of the day most people are looking for that big break that will make them successful in their career, job search, and life, but most times it’s the first step that leads to the breakthrough. All you’ve got to do is work to reprogram your brain to become more positive, in order to gain a competitive edge at work and in the job search process. Don’t look at a job as a dead end, focus on what you can gain and experience to take away. Even negative or stressful situations can teach you. Take this lesson and apply it to any area of your life where you need a break-through or positive change. Don’t just wait for situations to change, begin today by taking empowered actions to bring the breakthrough you’ve needed.

Hard Work Pays Off

Zig Ziglar once said, “There is no elevator to success. You have to take the stairs.” This means we have to work to gain experience and the knowledge over the course of a career. And, even when you arrive at that dream job and achieve success, you have to continue to work hard. Honestly, big breaks don’t just happen; people make them happen through, hard work, determination, networking, courage, and passion.

How have you made changes and seen a breakthrough in your job search or at work? Let us know in the comments section below.

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

At Work Career Advancement Career Options New Job Tips The Daily Grind The Job Search Work/Life Balance Workplace Relationships

Who’s Hiring this Summer

By leidson on Friday, April 18, 2014

Summertime is just around the corner, and every year many people take on summer jobs to earn some extra cash. Working a summer job can expand more than just your pocket book – it can also benefit your future! Summer jobs allow people the opportunity to explore a career path, gain experience, and find full-time work. So, if you’re looking for work this summer, check out this good news!

Positive Outlook
According to the annual summer jobs survey by Snagajob, this summer’s hiring trend looks the brightest it’s been in a while. The number of hiring managers planning to hire more seasonal staff in 2014 is up 10% from the summer of 2013, and wages are at their highest level in six years. Additionally, the number of hiring managers who don’t plan to hire help this summer is down 14% compared to last year at this time.

Even more positive news: Snagajob also shares that hiring managers expect 10% fewer workers to return this summer compared to the summer of 2013, creating more job openings and making 2014 one of the best years for job seekers to get their foot in the door. As in years past, a 54 percent majority believe the biggest competition for summer jobs will be among high school and college students.

Seasonal Jobs
Many cities have local recreational parks and departments that are responsible for local pools, golf courses, and other activities. To find more information on jobs in your community, check out your local parks and recreation website. Another great summer job would be working at a camp, but if you’re not much of an outdoor person, look into working at your local YMCA. Since many children are out of school in the summer, child care is another job option.
So, if you’re out of school, between employment, or just looking to make some extra cash, make sure to check out these summer job opportunities in your community.

Outdoor:

Lifeguards
Park concession, such as selling snacks or accessories
Golf course attendants and golf cart drivers
Sports umpires and referees
Park maintenance and security
Lawn maintenance

Indoor:

Daytime camp counselor
Tutor
Childcare giver
Class instructor, such as arts and crafts or sports
Summer school assistant

Getting a summer job can be a great way to build your resume, earn income, and even make friends while having fun in the sun. The possibilities of summertime employment are growing, so find the job that’s right for you.

Express Can Help
Whether you’re starting a new career, re-entering the workforce, or supplementing your income, Express has the resources to match you with a job that fits your desires and abilities. To search for an Express office near you, visit ExpressPros.com.

What are your plans for summertime employment? Share with us in the comment section below!

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

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How You Can Stay Motivated at Work During the Summer

By Rachel Rudisill on Monday, July 29, 2013

The summer months can be some of the hardest to stay focused and motivated at work. When status updates from friends are filled with images of lounging poolside, hitting the golf course, or enjoying a vacation, it can be really hard to head into work. However, July brings more than barbecues and time at the beach.

Know Where You Are Going
It can be hard to stay focused when you don’t have a clear end in sight. Having a clearly define goal and timeline can motivate you to take action now. The mid-year point can also be a great time to evaluate your progress on your annual goals. This review is a necessary step in making sure you can achieve your goals. If you find yourself waiting until your annual performance review to check in on your progress it can be too late to bring about the necessary changes required to achieve your goals.

Equip Yourself for Getting There
Once you know where you stand regarding your goals, it’s time to get motivated. Make sure you use your time wisely at work. Find a project management system that works for you and review your task list. Perhaps you work best with series of tasks on sticky notes and tossing them in the trash as you get them done. Or maybe you prefer a spreadsheet filled with tasks and deadlines. Having a clear direction and project list can make it easier to focus and make getting the job done that much more efficient.

Take Time To Relax
With team members and managers taking vacations or spending time out of the office it can be tempting to slack off at work, but resist the urge of tarnishing your dependable reputation just for a little summer fun. Instead, make sure you schedule some time for a vacation and recharge yourself. Knowing your time for fun lies ahead can make putting in a full day’s work easier. Not only will you have something to look forward to, but by staying mindful of your goals and tasks, you’ll be able to plan your work around taking some time away.

How do you stay motivated at work? Share your ideas in the comments section below.

Inside Express Reader Surveys

Would You Relocate? Take Our Poll

By Jared Cole on Monday, July 2, 2012

Earlier this year, a CareerRelocate.com study showed that out of the more than 7,000 workers polled, 44% said they would be willing to relocate for the right job opportunity in 2012.

Of the workers who relocated in 2011, 77% reported they were happy with the move and didn’t regret their decision. Interestingly, of those workers who relocated, 41% said their family didn’t relocate with them and they have to travel to see them. With summer in full swing and several co-workers taking vacations, we were wondering if you would travel for a different reason. We want to know if you’d be willing to move away for a new job this year.

Inside Express Reader Surveys

Will You Take a Summer Vacation? Take Our Poll

By Jared Cole on Tuesday, May 1, 2012

We mentioned back in March that most Americans are vacation deprived. With summer quickly approaching, now is the perfect time to plan and prep for a getaway. So, we were wondering if any of you will be taking some time off in the near future. Let us know in the poll below, and tell us where you plan on going in the comments section.

Benefits The Daily Grind Work/Life Balance

Don’t Forget the Beach The Value of Vacations

By Jared Cole on Friday, March 2, 2012

We are vacation deprived. It’s true. According to the 2011 Vacation Deprivation Study by Expedia, Americans earn less and take less than half the vacation time that Europeans do and still leave an average of three unused vacation days every year.

Using vacation time seems to be a lost privilege among North American workers when in fact, it should be seen as a vital part, not only for your well-being, but also for your career. Vacations are essential to help you relax and balance the multiple demands in your life.

Reboot and Recharge

Workers who take regular time off from work are less likely to experience burnout. We all feel the stress and weight of our workload, and a vacation can seem like one of the worst things you could do for your company and co-workers. Most U.S. workers still take work with them on vacation in one form or another. Never the less, you could be causing more problems in the long run by not taking time off.

A vacation free from work can help you refresh your mind and gain a new perspective on work-related situations. If you make the most and enjoy your vacation, you can be surprised at what you’ll discover about your projects when you step away from the circumstances. You’ll also be able to come back with more vigor and passion when you spend a few days away from it all.

Health and Happiness

Taking vacations can have a big impact on your overall health and well-being. A study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information found that after three days of vacation, their subjects’ physical complaints and quality of sleep and mood had improved. The improvements were still present five weeks after they returned from work.

Spending time with loved ones can also help keep relationships strong. Strengthening those bonds will ensure you have help support during stressful times. And having close family and friends will help you enjoy the good times even more.

You may be new to a job, or just be a few years into one, and lack the funds or vacation time to spend. However, you don’t have to spend a lot of money and go out of the country, sunbathe at the beach, ski down the highest mountains, or relax at the fanciest lodges. There are several places you can go and get the same benefits on a tank of gas and a fixed budget.

Become a Mean, Green Working Machine

Vacations are also known to improve job performance. If you experience burnout, you’ll start to slack on your job duties and put more pressure on your co-workers and managers to pick up your slack. A lack of vacation time can be like a lack of sleep. Less sleep can affect your ability to think clearly, act decisively, process information, and react quickly. Having too few personal days can have the same affect at work. The same NCBI study suggest the physical benefits that come from vacation can lead to increased quality of work on the job.

It can be easy to think that since you’re new to a job or have only been with an employer for a few years that you need to keep working to impress your managers and stay on their good side. But the dangers of holding off on vacation time can not only damage yourself, but also your employer. What are some of your best vacation ideas and how did they make you feel?

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5 Ways to Make the Most of Vacation Time

By Job Journey on Friday, March 18, 2011

All year long, you dream about taking a vacation – just relaxing and enjoying some “me” time. Studies show that a work-life balance is important to your health and mental well being. Vacations are all about cutting loose and catching a break from everyday worries. To make your time away from work the stress-free oasis you’re after, follow these few simple tips.

Give Plenty of Notice
Nothing’s worse than booking a week in paradise only to discover you can’t get the time off. Save yourself the headache and the cancellation fees by getting your supervisor’s written approval before making final arrangements. That way if your dates have to be changed, you won’t be out the cost of plane tickets or a hotel room.

This is particularly important if you want time off around holidays like Memorial Day or Fourth of July. Chances are many of your co-workers will also request holiday vacations, and the time off may go to whoever asks first.

Don’t Leave Co-Workers in a Lurch
When you know you’re going away for several days, prepare by completing assignments before you head out. If you have projects that can’t be done ahead of time, be sure to leave detailed instructions for your co-workers to complete.

Tying up loose ends at work will simplify life for you and your co-workers. You won’t have to worry about coming back to projects that were botched from a lack of knowledge. And your co-workers won’t stress over handling unfamiliar duties.

Unplug to Unwind
Make the most of vacation time by limiting access to your cell phone, computer, or other mobile devices. To really get a break from the demands of your work life, you’ll need to set boundaries.

If you spend your vacation time checking email, calling into the office for updates, or catching up with co-workers on Facebook, you’re not giving yourself the breath of fresh air you need. While a little connectivity can be a positive, too much screen time can suck the life out of your vacation.

Seize the Day
Can’t get away from work for a whole week? If finances or a hectic schedule limit your time off options, don’t despair. You can enjoy a great vacation even if it’s only for a few days. Consider fun, long weekend options like camping at the lake, getting pampered at a day spa, or enjoying rides at an amusement park. With a little creativity, you’ll find a short break can be just as refreshing as an extended vacation.

Stay Close, Save Big
Maybe traveling to an exotic locale isn’t in the budget this year. You can still get a breather from work without breaking the bank. Treat yourself to a staycation – a vacation at home.

A staycation can save you big money by eliminating the need for airfare, a rental car, or a hotel. Catch up on your favorite shows, read a few novels, and enjoy your friends, family and pets. You can even check out the local tourist spots that you’ve always heard about but never had time to try.

Everybody needs a little rest and relaxation from time to time. With just a bit of planning, you’ll ensure your time away from work is truly a vacation. Being flexible about when, where, and how long you’re away will open the door for you to try new things and give you the break you crave.