Category: career coach

Managing A Construction Site Effectively

Scott AsaiLeave a comment

A career in construction is one area of the employment world that will always need skilled workers. Buildings will always be erected in cities, suburbs will always need housing, shopping districts, schools etc. Having a career in this area can be satisfying, but being in charge of a construction site means that you need more than just your manual skills to get you through. 

There is a lot more to think about when it comes to managing a construction site effectively, especially with many different terms that are used within the industry. A great tip is to remind yourself of the construction glossary BuildOps so that you know exactly what means what. Running a construction site is no easy task but with a couple of tips and tricks, and reminders of what to do, you can successfully have things running smoothly. With that in mind, here are some of the best ways that you can manage your construction site effectively.

Project managing and being ahead of the game

Part of running a construction site is managing the project as a whole, and that means that while you may be confident in erecting buildings yourself, you also need to be confident in managing several different teams at once to bring the whole project together. Time managing yourself, being aware of what needs to be done and when, and prioritizing the workload are just some of the things that you need to do to ensure that you can project manage the whole operation successfully. Sometimes this can be difficult when you have many different skilled people working on the same construction site. Many of which may be working at different times according to the stage of the project. You may want to consider some form of managing system that can be used so that you are fully aware of who is on-site, when, and what role they are performing. 

Health and safety 

One of the biggest responsibilities that you have on a construction site is the health and safety side of things. You need to regularly review this, as a building and construction site can change daily when it comes to risk factors. Having a decent risk management plan in place can be helpful, and ensuring that all people on the construction site are aware of the policies that have been put in place. This can help to keep the environment a safe area to work in. 

Planning ahead  

Planning is a key element of running a construction site and can go hand in hand when it comes to project managing the whole thing. Planning can mean things such as different teams coming at different stages of the build process, or even planning ahead for things that may go wrong or surface that you have to deal with. Planning each day and also being aware of possible quick changes can help you to stay ahead when it comes to project managing. 

Delegating jobs where appropriate

It can often be tempting to do all of the jobs yourself or to get involved with every process when it comes to the construction site, but if you are supposed to be managing the project, this can become impossible. It is important for you to be able to delegate jobs where appropriate and ensure that you do what you can to keep the process going, rather than hindering it with your temptation to not relinquish control. The more you understand how important this is, the better things will be. A construction site needs managing, and if you are in that role, then you won’t be able to not manage those people working within the site. There are too many risk factors involving people from different trades and working at different times and work rates. Delegation is key. 

Being aware of your timeline 

Finally, all construction sites and builds, whether they are houses or tall skyscraper buildings will have a timeline. As a construction site manager, it is down to you to be aware of this time line and ensure that it is put into place effectively. This is when the project management side of things really comes to light. The timeline may change daily, but sticking with it and moving forward will keep things on plan. Having a system in place can help you manage the timeline effectively, and understand where there may be delays and could even predict where you may have problems so that you can find solutions in advance. 

Let’s hope these tips help you when it comes to managing your construction site effectively.

Is it Time for you to Change Careers? Here’s How you Find Out

Scott AsaiLeave a comment

If you aren’t sure if now is the time for you to change careers or not then you have come to the right place. Here you will find the answers you are looking for, so you can begin to make a positive change in your life.

You’re Apathetic

As each day goes by, you may feel more and more disconnected from your role. You may even begin to question the reason why you entered the profession in the first place. If this sounds like you then you may have even mentally checked out. This can have a huge impact on your performance, as you just don’t care for the company or what they stand for anymore. Other signs include not being able to remember the last time you were energised by a new idea or invigorated by an upcoming project.  If you are flicking through the news and feel inspired by others who aren’t in your industry, then you may need a change. Inspiration can come from many places, from show jumpers like Freddie Vasquez Jr to musical artists like Adele. No matter the inspiration, it will highlight your apathy of your current career!

You’re Not Making an Impact

Another sign that it is time for you to change your role is if you are not making the impact, you once were. You may feel that every day is identical and that you are always on autopilot. You may have stopped seeing out new opportunities to diversify and contribute. If this sounds like you, then you need to find a role that plays to your strengths, and that gives you the chance to develop your skills.

You Dread Going to Work

Everyone has days when hitting the snooze button seems like such a good idea. It may be that the project you are currently working on just doesn’t excite you anymore, or that you are anxious about meeting up with your boss. Either way, if you find that you just can’t get excited for work at all and if you dread Sunday nights then this is a major sign that you are not happy in your role.

Your Salary Doesn’t Make up for Your Unhappiness

Sure, the pay for your current role may seem good, but if the work is mindless then this will contribute to your unhappiness. At one point, you might have been able to justify staying for the paycheck, but if that is no longer cutting it for you then this is a major sign that you need to make a change. Even though you may appreciate the stability of your job, you may feel as though you are wasting your potential. If this is the case, then now is the time to change careers. If you don’t know which career to go into then check out this post from Roy Thompson.

Your Personal Life is being Impacted

Work should be challenging, but it shouldn’t be debilitating. If you feel constantly exhausted, are losing sleep and struggling with headaches all the time then this could be your body’s way of saying that you are not in the right job. It’s vital to remember that your professional life shouldn’t ever seep into your personal life. If you are permanently stressed then this can impact the relationships that you have with others.

How To Start Producing Beats

Scott AsaiLeave a comment

Beat making is a popular hobby – and for some people a rewarding career. But just how do you get started? This post explains everything you need to know as a budding beatmaker – whether you’re looking to produce hip hop beats, dance beats or something experimental. 

Select the right software

There are many different types of music production software on the market. Some are specifically built for certain genres of music, however most programs are suitable for a range of styles.

Some of the most popular programs used by some of the top producers include Ableton, Fl Studio, Apple Logic Pro and Cubase. There are also a number of programs aimed at beginners like Magix Music Maker.

You’ll have to pay a subscription fee to use all of these programs, however most of them offer free trials that can allow you to test out features first. Online reviews and video walkthroughs can similarly give you an idea of what each program is like to use. Bear in mind that some programs may be better suited for using on certain devices (for example, Apple Logic Pro may be easier to use for Mac users, while FL Studio is better for Microsoft users). 

Consider buying some hardware

Nowadays, it’s possible to craft solely digital beats. However, most producers find it beneficial to have some hardware at their disposal. 

Just what are some of the best types of hardware to consider? A few examples could include:

  • A drum machine: The likes of this easy to use drum machine could help you to produce digital drum beats the old-fashioned way.
  • A soundboard: Soundboards can be used for producing beats and for bringing some improvisation to live performances. 
  • Mixing decks: Want to mix hip hop samples the traditional way? Some mixing decks could be a worthy purchase.
  • A digital piano: Coming up with melodies could be much easier on a physical keyboard than a digital keyboard. Almost all producers have some piano playing knowledge and find a piano to be a useful composing tool.
  • Other instruments and microphones: You can incorporate all kinds of instrumentation into beats from live drums to guitars. You may even decide that you want to add some of your own vocals. Having other instruments and microphones at your disposal will help you to experiment (although you can always work with other musicians instead).

Choose your samples wisely

Sampling is a big part of beat making – especially in hip hop – however you need to be careful of which samples you use if you’re planning on making money from your beats. Royalty free samples are your best choice if you haven’t got the money to pay for sample clearance. You can also buy sample packs.

Watch YouTube tutorials

There is a lot of technical stuff to learn when producing. This includes how to use effects like compression and reverb, how to change the pitch/temp of samples and how to mix and master to give each sound the right level of clarity. YouTube tutorials are an invaluable tool for learning all of this – there are videos out there for learning everything from how to mix bass to how to replicate certain sounds styles. You can also find tutorials catered to specific production programs and hardware. 

Listen closely to your favourite recordings

The best way to learn how to produce is to closely listen to your favourite recordings. Start by learning to pick out all the individual sounds and then try to work out what effects have been added and how they’ve been mixed. You’ll learn all kinds of production tricks from trying to mimic these producers – even if it means playing around with volume dials and compressors until you get the right sound. 

Take time to experiment

The best producers aren’t just imitators. They actively experiment with samples and instruments and effects to see what they can conjure up. While some of us prefer to compose beats in our head, it can be worth occasionally playing around and seeing what comes out. This is how new sounds and styles are born.

Share your beats online

While some people may be happy enough producing beats for their own enjoyment, most of us eventually want to share our beats with the world. Once you’re happy with the quality of a mix, consider finding a streaming platform to share it on. SoundCloud, Bandcamp, Spotify and YouTube are some of the most popular platforms for sharing music. It’s worth also taking the time to promote your music through social media and possibly through some paid advertising. You could also try submitting your music to publications and podcasts that specialise in sharing new music. Working with album artwork designers, video producers and PR companies could be necessary if you want to go professional.

How To Keep Your Online Activities Secure

Scott AsaiLeave a comment

Admittedly, the online world is not always friendly. Indeed, massive data breaches have alerted businesses and governments to watch for criminal cyber-attacks. Online privacy is your basic right to protect your information from bad people, and defending your digital privacy starts with keeping your online activities fully secure. These simple tips will greatly help as you strengthen your security barriers.

1. Share less info online

Sensitive information is like gold to cybercriminals. It’s advisable to share very little personal information about yourself when interacting with others online. Be mindful of pictures you post with tags potentially revealing your geolocation. Indeed, the social media domain could be the first place to start guarding your private life responsibly. Apart from that, virtually all your apps collect some information. Governments may enact data privacy laws, but few companies observe these protocols. An example is the Facebook and Cambridge Analytica scandals. 

2. Create strong passwords and activate two-factor authentication

You don’t want to keep using a lazy password in 2023, as it can jeopardize your online security. Strong and unique passwords are essential to your web safety; sometimes, they are the only way to keep out malicious hackers. It helps to periodically change your password and active two-factor (2FA) to boost your security. Activating multi-step verification gives your online account an extra security barrier if your password lands in the wrong hands.

3. Install antivirus software

The best antivirus apps protect your computer from malware, including trojan horses; this virus can hide behind your device and steal your vital information. On the other hand, bots can turn your PC into a zombie soldier and further infiltrate your system with spam. Experts recommend you update your antivirus software and upgrade your operating system to the latest version. Most antivirus scanners show a green button when everything is in order, but don’t forget to watch out for the red flags.

4. Don’t be too comfortable with public WIFI

Cybercriminals can threaten security if you love connecting to public WIFI routers without minding your privacy. FCC advises users to stick to their home network connections to help lower their risks of exposure online. If you must use public WIFI, ensure you don’t enter sensitive details about yourself everywhere. And you can achieve this in several ways. For instance, learning how to bypass school WIFI with VPN apps is beneficial if you always utilize it. Virtual private network applications secure and encrypt your connection to the internet, including your school WIFI. This way, you can hide your IP address and browse it anonymously.

5. Desist from installing sketchy software

Not every app you see is healthy for your consumption. Some sketchy apps can track you 24/7 and harvest your crucial information without seeking permission. You create security loopholes when you install untrusted browser extensions and other pieces of software online. Make it a point to configure your privacy settings in your devices to ensure no app is broadcasting your sensitive info like location, contacts, email, etc. As far as your online activity is concerned, security starts with being careful about your digital behavior.

4 Ways to Improve Financial Peace of Mind

Scott AsaiLeave a comment

Money isn’t so important that we should make the accumulation of it our life’s work. But it’s equally true that having no financial security can lead to a lot of unnecessary worrying, and could potentially put you and your family in trouble if something goes wrong. So while there’s little value in aiming to be so rich that you can afford a boat, we should work on at least reaching financial peace of mind. That’ll allow us to live life to the fullest, secure in the knowledge that no nasty surprises are lurking around the corner. 

In this blog, we’ll look at four handy tips that should put you on the right path towards financial freedom and security. 

Get a Grip

It’s unlikely that you’ll have good financial standing if you don’t have a firm grip on your financial situation. Your money matters are too complex for a “go with the flow” attitude. As such, it’s important to dedicate some time each week towards your money management. That means ensuring you have an understanding of all your incomings and outgoings, how your savings account is looking, and other key factors that’ll influence your financial future. A little bit of effort can go a long way!

Invest in Your Career

Your career will be your primary source of income. People who invest in their careers will be increasing their earning power, which will have a huge impact on their ability to have a happy financial future. There are plenty of ways in which you can invest in your career and improve your income, such as studying for additional courses, Alessandro DeMarinis Yonkers talks about funding for student plumbers here- it’s worth finding out what kind of help is available for you to progress within your field. Learn how to negotiate raises, and be willing to move to a new company (people that move jobs earn more than those who stay in one position).

Plan for Emergencies

Your financial situation might be great when everything is going well, but what about when something goes wrong? It’s the low moments that negatively impact our financial positions, not the high moments. As such, it’s important to make plans for what will happen when things go wrong. For example, you could have a rainy day fund to use for emergencies, or you may look at National Life Group reviews and consider getting life insurance, which will help your family in case something may happen to you. By planning for the future, you can ensure that no matter what happens, your and your family’s financial position will be OK.

Diversify Your Income

As we said earlier, your career will be your primary source of income. However, it shouldn’t be your only source of income. You never know what will happen in this world, and even if it’s unlikely, your industry may hit a downturn. In that scenario, it’ll be your other sources of income that help you to stay afloat. There are plenty of ways you diversify your income. For instance, you may start a side hustle or a business, or you may begin investing in the stock market. Whatever you do, you’ll be strengthening your financial standing. 

Is Employer-Provided Life Insurance Enough Coverage?

Scott AsaiLeave a comment

Supplementing group life insurance ensures your beneficiaries are taken care of—regardless of your employment status

Group life insurance policies provided through employers are a great benefit to have. Especially for young adults just starting in their careers or people who can’t necessarily afford a high premium, group life insurance policies provide a little bit of a cushion to help their loved ones in the event of their death. 

With that being said, many people find that their group life insurance policy simply doesn’t provide the level of coverage needed to support their families long-term. As people search for affordable life insurance coverage, many assume their best option is through their employer. However, in practice, employer-provided coverage isn’t always the best option. Let’s talk through how group life insurance works and why you may need an individual life insurance policy as well. 

How Does Employer-Provided Life Insurance Work?

Employers offer group life insurance as an employee benefit, often at a lower cost or free to an employee

Employer-provided life insurance is generally a group term life insurance option that some employers offer as part of their benefits package. Buying or opting into employer-provided life insurance will provide benefits to your beneficiaries should you pass away. This can help your beneficiaries with expenses after your death and provide a substitution for the salary that they depended on. 

Group life insurance coverage is typically determined by either salary or position within the company depending on your employer. The great thing about employer-provided coverage is that employers pay part or all of the premiums for your coverage. So, really all you need to do is opt-in to start your coverage. Keep in mind, though, your policy is only effective when you are employed at your company and the coverage amount tends to be very minimal. That’s why many people question whether or not they should supplement their employer-provided coverage, or even shop the market for their policy. 

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Employer-Provided Life Insurance

Group life insurance is simple, but it may not give you the level of coverage you need

With premiums almost always paid for—or mostly paid for— by your company and automatic opt-ins to receive coverage, many people stop their search for life insurance coverage here. Depending on your own particular needs, this coverage absolutely may be enough for you. Keep in mind, though, that many people find that they need more coverage.

Benefits of Group Life Insurance

Employer-provided coverage is a great first step for getting a life insurance policy. Here are some reasons why you may want to opt into your life insurance benefit at work:

  • Simplicity – With employer-provided life insurance, adding coverage is typically simple. In most cases, all you have to do is opt into coverage.  
  • Guaranteed Coverage – The insurance provided by your employer is almost always guaranteed. So, if you have a serious medical condition and struggle to find an affordable life insurance policy on the market or have been denied life insurance coverage in the past, you will find it to be much easier to get insurance through your employer. 
  • Early coverage – Life insurance can be a big financial undertaking for someone early in their professional life. Employer-provided coverage can give you a head start. 

Drawbacks of Group Life Insurance

While employer-provided life insurance is quite simple, that doesn’t mean it’s always the best option. Or, at the very least, it shouldn’t be your only form of coverage. Here are some reasons why you may not want to depend only on your employer-provided coverage: 

  • Reliance on Employment – In almost all cases, your life insurance policy is tied to your active employment. If you lose or leave your job, the insurance policy is typically devoid. While you may have the option to convert your life insurance policy, it can be a bit pricey. As you look to the open market for policy rates, prices tend to get more expensive as you age and your health declines. 
  • Few Coverage Options – Employers typically only offer insurance policies from one insurance carrier. Because of this, you won’t have the option to shop around for policies that best fit your needs. 
  • Low Coverage – The amount of coverage offered is dependent on your employer and your situation within the company. While this may be enough to get you started, the amount of coverage tends to be low. You may need more coverage than your employer offers.

Can I Rely Only On My Group Life Insurance Policy?

Your group coverage may not be enough, but finding an individual life insurance policy can help

Especially if your group life insurance is free or mostly covered by your company, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t opt into your policy. However, the coverage provided by your employer typically isn’t sufficient enough to support your family, should you pass away. That’s why many people can’t rely on group coverage alone. If you’re on the fence about finding an individual life insurance policy, here are some reasons why you may want to consider coupling your group and individual life insurance policies:

  • You will have no coverage if you lose your job – As we mentioned earlier, employer-provided life insurance coverage is tied to your active employment with the company. If you have dependents you need to cover, with or without a job, you will want to consider an individual life insurance policy. 
  • Coverage gets more expensive as you age – Say years down the line, you end up switching jobs, and your new employer does not offer life insurance coverage. Now, as you shop for life insurance policies, premiums will be more expensive than they would’ve been for you years ago. The younger and healthier you are, the less expensive term life insurance policies tend to be, so looking at policies that aren’t job-dependent ahead of time will ensure you get the most affordable life insurance policy possible.
  • You may need more coverage than what’s provided – Group life insurance policies tend to be pretty simple. Policies typically don’t consider the extent of your policy needs. So, if your beneficiaries would need more support beyond your group coverage, you must find an individual life insurance policy. This additional coverage may help your dependents pay for college, your spouse afford your mortgage, or your partner raise a large family.  
  • You may find cheaper coverage elsewhere – We mentioned above that because employers typically only work with one insurance carrier, you won’t have the option to shop around if you choose to rely only on your job-based life insurance. You may be able to add various coverage on top of your baseline policy, but, of course, that will still be job dependent and may not even provide you with the full coverage you need. You may assume that added coverage will be more affordable with the insurance carrier your company works with, but that’s not always the case. As you consider individual coverage, be sure you shop around. There’s a high chance you can find more affordable coverage with another company. 

How Much Coverage Should I Have On Top of My Group Life Insurance Policy?

Consider the needs of your dependents when deciding how much coverage to supplement

How much individual coverage you couple with your group policy depends entirely on your own unique situation. Here are some guidelines to follow when considering the amount of coverage you need, and how much coverage you need beyond your job-based coverage. 

  • Your salary – It’s a good rule of thumb to have between six to 10 times your salary in life insurance coverage. 
  • Your dependents – Consider who in your life will need to be financially supported if you were to pass away. If you have young children, consider what they will need as they grow up and how much income would be needed to cover those expenses. When you consider your dependents, think of their everyday needs. 
  • Your large costs – Many parents want to help their children pay for large expenses, like college tuition. Consider any large costs for your family when thinking about the coverage you need. 

With all of this in mind, take a look at the policy you have with your employer. More than likely, there are going to be gaps in what you’re given and what you need. While you may have the option to add supplemental coverage through the insurance carrier your employer works with, you should always shop around on the market. You will have a wider range of options so you can find affordable term life insurance policies that fit both your coverage needs and how much you can afford every month. 

Employer-provided life insurance policies can be a great way to get a simple life insurance policy in a very affordable way. That being said, sometimes the amount of coverage offered isn’t quite what you need, and that’s where adding an individual life insurance policy comes into play. If you’re considering finding an individual life insurance policy, now is the time to start looking. The longer you wait, the higher your insurance premiums will be. Find an affordable life insurance policy today and rest assured your family will be taken care of in the event you pass away.

Topic – Offshore Outsourcing – Definition and Benefits

Scott AsaiLeave a comment

Offshore outsourcing is the process of hiring a vendor outside the company to perform certain business functions, such as manufacturing, in an offshore location. Although offshore outsourcing generally refers to a company contracting with another entity across national borders, it can also refer to hiring within your own country but outside of your corporate structure or local area.

Although, Offshoring vs outsourcing comes with two different approaches to software development, offshore outsourcing is the best of both where a company hires a service provider in another country to perform business functions for them. This could be anything from database management to customer support. Some common examples include Indian software development centres for U.S. companies and Chinese manufacturing plants for U.S.-based retailers and distributors.

Outsourcing is often less expensive than having employees perform the same work in-house, although this depends on many factors, including the nature of the product or service being outsourced and the current economic conditions of both countries where the work will be performed and where it will be used.

Top Five Benefits of Offshore Outsourcing

Companies can benefit from offshore outsourcing by shifting time-consuming and expensive functions, such as accounting or payroll management, outside their own offices so they can focus their attention and resources on core competencies. The following are some of the benefits that companies may realise from offshore outsourcing:

Cost savings

The most common reason cited for offshore outsourcing is cost savings. Manufacturing costs overseas are typically much lower than those in the United States. For example, a company that manufactures goods in China may pay $1 per hour for labor compared with $20 per hour in the United States. Even when these cost savings are shared with an offshore outsourcer, significant savings may still be generated.

Turn Fixed Costs into Variable Costs

One of the primary benefits of offshore outsourcing is that it can turn fixed costs into variable costs. In other words, you can hire more people when you need them and let go of them when you don’t. That’s a big advantage in terms of flexibility, especially if you’re worried about the uncertain future of your business or industry.

A business owner is able to shift fixed costs into variable costs which means that he/she will only be paying for the results. The company will no longer need to invest in capital equipment needed for an operation but can instead pay for their services when needed. This allows them to save a significant amount of money, which can then be used for other purposes such as expansion or marketing campaigns. It also reduces the risk of failure because there will no longer be any capital investment required.

Focus on core business activities 

Outsourcing can help a company stay focused on core business activities because they do not have to worry about anything else. When you outsource non-core functions, you are allowing your employees to focus on their jobs and not have to worry about other things that might distract them from what they should be doing. This means that productivity levels will increase since people are doing what they are supposed to do.

Offshore outsourcing frees up your time so you can give more attention to your core business that makes a difference to your bottom line, such as developing new products or services, strengthening relationships with customers, and managing employees more effectively.

Access to global talent pool 

Offshore outsourcing also gives you access to more talent. You can hire people with skills that aren’t available locally or find people with specific language skills for projects that require them. You might even find people who are willing to work for less money, but who are more talented than their local counterparts. 

Outsourcing companies have the ability to tap into a larger talent pool than their onshore counterparts. This is because there are many highly qualified individuals living throughout the world who are unable to find jobs in their own countries. These individuals have the same level of experience and expertise as onshore employees but are able to perform tasks for a fraction of the cost. 

Outsourcing companies can also use freelancers who work remotely for various clients around the world. Freelancers provide even more flexibility to teams by allowing them to add additional resources when needed without worrying about project constraints and deadlines.

Increased efficiency 

One of the most common benefits of offshore outsourcing is increased efficiency. This can happen in a number of ways. 

In some cases, outsourcing allows companies to focus on their core competencies. Core competencies are an organisation’s strengths. For example, a company that designs software may not want to spend the time and money to create its own customer service department to handle technical support calls. Instead, it can outsource this responsibility. This frees the company up to focus on its business goals and core competencies while still providing service to its customers.

In other cases, outsourcing can increase efficiency because it takes advantage of economies of scale (the quantity discounts that come from mass production). Manufacturers often work with external suppliers who sell the raw materials needed for production at a lower cost than if the manufacturer had to produce them itself. 

And sometimes companies outsource tasks because they don’t have the expertise in-house or because they want to take advantage of new technologies that outside firms provide. Often these technologies are founded on innovations made by companies whose sole purpose is researching and developing new tools and processes.

Takeaway 

There’s no doubt that offshore outsourcing has many benefits. It can help companies achieve their goal of saving time and money while achieving the same results. But before going to such extremes, it would be wise to investigate the pros and cons carefully so that the option is a win-win for your business.

If you’re a company considering offshore outsourcing, it’s very important to conduct proper due diligence and research. The key to a successful outsourced project is effective communication, clear objectives, and open follow-through from your potential supplier. Without these three things, you run the risk of losing money, time and ultimately faith in your supplier.

Career Stuck? How To Get Out

Scott Asai1 Comment

Collaborative post – may contain affiliate links

Everyone experiences a career rut at some point. Even the most interesting profession may become monotonous. Too long in the same work will make you feel stuck. In a world where there aren’t enough chances to learn and grow, we feel stuck. The good news is that escaping a career rut is easy if you put in the effort.

Break Out Of Your Shell

Get out of your comfort zone initially. Doing things the same way can just make you feel more stuck. Staying within your comfort zone is a big part of why you feel stuck in your profession. That’s fine, but to make a difference, you have to leave your own little safety net. It’s a significant move, but it will help you get out of your job rut. Not waiting for something to happen, but taking initiative and making it happen.

Set A Goal And A Strategy

To get out of a career rut, you need a goal and a plan. Setting goals offers you something to strive for and keeps you motivated. After deciding on a goal, determine how to achieve it. Create a game plan including action items, a timeline, and steps. Improve your web presence, update your résumé, and attend networking events. To truly observe progress and get out of your rut, you must be accountable throughout the process. Find an accountable friend to help you stay on track. A great way to set goals is to find someone who inspires you to do well such as Stephanie Summers Atlanta. 

Go For It

Take a risk to change your situation. Taking risks will challenge you and break up your everyday routine. Also, venturing out of your comfort zone can be part of your strategy. The idea is to think outside the box. If you’re stuck but not ready to ask for a raise, go for it. Apply for a job even if you don’t think you’re qualified for it. It doesn’t hurt to try, and you never know how risk can pay off.

Don’t Go Solo

Even if it is ultimately your responsibility, you cannot accomplish it alone. Locate a mentor, find a sponsor, attend networking events, and talk to your friends. Everyone you encounter could assist you to get out of your rut. Don’t be shy; you never know who will assist you locate your next chance. Ask for what you want directly.

Change Your Routine

Change your everyday routine to better your job and personal life. Even tiny changes, like waking up ten minutes earlier or checking email after reading the news, add up. Doing something different will help you break old patterns. It’s easy to go through your day on autopilot, rushing from one duty to the next without any thought. The days meld together, with a weekend vacation and a Monday return to the grind. Change one thing each morning, afternoon, and evening to see how it affects your entire day.

You are the greatest person to get yourself out of a job rut, so take responsibility and do it. In addition to the previous five actions, invest in your professional development to keep growing and learning. This can help you avoid feeling trapped and provide you abilities you can use now and in the future.

Sitting at Your Desk All Day? Improve Posture with These Tips

Scott AsaiLeave a comment

Collaborative post – may contain affiliate links

We spend a lot of time sitting at our desks. What if I told you that your posture could affect your health? The way we sit for hours on end is terrible for the spine, leading to back pain or even worse! But don’t worry, there are some things you can do to improve your posture. Here are a few tips:

Sit Up Straight

Make sure you are sitting up straight by having your computer monitor directly in front of you at eye level. Consider using high-quality gel packs like Accurate Gel Packs to help relieve pressure on the lower back while typing for long periods. If possible, consider getting a standing desk that allows you to stand sometimes instead of sitting behind a desk all day.

Notice Your Posture When You Stand Or Walk

Your sitting area is not the only time to notice your posture. When you stand and walk around, look for areas that need improvement as well.

When you stand up straight, your spine is in its natural alignment. This will help to improve your posture when sitting down as well. To achieve a good standing posture, tuck your chin in slightly, pull your shoulders back and push your chest out. This will help with future back and neck problems as well.

Make Sure Your Desk Is Adjusted to Fit You

Your desk should also be adjusted to fit your body. For example, the height of your chair and desk should be such that when you are sitting with your feet flat on the ground, your elbows are bent at a 90-degree angle. If needed, use a footrest or stool to adjust the height of your feet.

Your Back Needs Support

When sitting at your desk, it is essential to have good back support. This can be done by using a lumbar support cushion or pillow or by adjusting the height of your chair so that your lower back is supported.

Take Breaks Often to Move Around

It’s easy to get lost in your work and spend hours sitting at your desk. But taking breaks often to move around is essential for keeping your body healthy. Get up and walk around the office, do some stretches, or take a quick lap around the building. You’ll improve your circulation, increase your energy levels, and reduce the risk of developing a long-term health problem by moving regularly.

Try Not To Slouch

Sitting at your desk all day can be easy to forget about posture since no other activities are taking up space in your mind. However, if you keep slouching throughout the workday without considering how bad this is for your back and spine, then more than likely, that will lead to discomfort and pain in the future. You might not even realize it, but chances are you’re slouching right now as you read this!

There are several ways to improve posture at your desk job. You can take frequent breaks, stretch periodically and consider investing in a good office chair if possible. In addition, consider working on some exercises that will help with muscle groups you use most often during the day.

Building A Career in Social Media

Scott Asai1 Comment

Collaborative post – may contain affiliate links

One of the most underrated yet accessible careers today is that of a social media brand ambassador. It seems like a daunting endeavor, but becoming an ambassador is easier than it looks and it’s the perfect career for generations such as Millennials and members of Generation Z. These two generations are incredible tech-savvy and make great social media representatives.

What is a Brand Ambassador?

A brand ambassador’s main responsibility is to raise awareness of a company and their available products. By utilizing social media, they function as spokespeople and attempt to sell a company’s product’s to their fanbase. Anyone can become a brand ambassador with the right direction and strategic social media campaigning.

How To Get Started

The hardest part about becoming an online brand ambassador is getting started, so here’s the best place for you to begin.

Step 1: Find a brand you connect with.

When choosing what brand you’d like to represent, you should choose to apply for brands that fit your own personal style. In order to really encourage audience engagement, your looks and lifestyle should enhance the products you’re trying to sell. If you’re sporty and want to produce more athletic content, then a sportswear company like Fabletics will be more enjoyable for both you and your following. However, if you’re more of a cocktail and wine night host, a store like Oh Polly is a better fit for your personal brand.

Step 2: Building Your Audience

A major part of your success is going to come from your audience’s engagement with your social media pages. Start with people you know. The best networks start with those you’re familiar with. Reach out to friends and family members, and get the word out that you’ve taken on a brand ambassador position. This way you’ll be able to reach new people through sources who can advocate for not only the company you’re representing but for you as the ambassador. You should also make sure to tag the social media pages of the company you’re representing. Their company is likely to repost pictures from  your page and that allows more people to discover your accounts.

Step 3: Get Your Audience To Engage With Your Page

Now that you’ve built an audience, keep them on the book by encouraging them to engage with your social media platforms. Try different trends like making ”A Week In My Life” videos or doing a Q&A session about yourself and the company you;re representing. This way, your audience can get to know both you and the company better and on more personal terms. Be sure to make sure these videos and streams are of a high quality. Content is more engaging if you have the right kit. If you’re showing off your kitchen, something as silly as a misplaced water stop can make your video seem less entertaining or can draw focus away from the main focus of your video.

In a digital age, there has been a rise of everyday people becoming successful social media influencers and brand ambassadors. For members of the Millenial and Generation Z crowds, their natural knack for social media campaigning and networking makes them strong candidates for this career path. Although a lot of this position involves being at the right place at the right time, the beauty is you can reach out to as many brands as you wish in a short amount of time and continue to work in this field for as long as you desire.