advice
Workplace advice for any issue, problem, or concern; from changing careers to co-working advice and decorating needs.
You're a Writer? Read This
I'm currently sitting at my table, staring at my empty mug of coffee and wishing it was full, randomly typing this out because I currently feel the need to write yet do not have a distinct idea of what to write about. And yet, I feel that this may possibly be what some other writer out there needs to hear. Sometimes, as a writer, we feel inferior to other writers because we don't always see into their writing process. We can often think, their words flow easier than mine, or, inspiration seems to just radiate from them, and then wonder why it's not happening with us. So, as I'm currently writing this, I've decided to prove to you that not all inspiration comes in huge waves, and it is possible to find it through simple forms; even if it's entirely unexpected, and hopefully you can gain a little encouragement.
By Alivia Evans8 years ago in Journal
8 Things to Do Before Freelancing
There are many reasons you may have for wanting to go freelance. You might be tired of office politics or never felt like you belonged in a traditional work environment. You may even have a disability and are unable to function properly in a typical workspace. Whatever your motivation may be, having control of your work life and doing what you love for a living is a dream come true to many.
By Jessica Pilla8 years ago in Journal
Your Boss Doesn't Care!
OK so I just saw an article called "Six Things Your Boss Wants to Know About You." Yeah OK that's great, well here's what your boss doesn't care about. Your boss doesn't want to hear a long rant about your life. Now ask yourself why—because he has better things to do with his time than listen to how your child colored on the wall yesterday. Your boss is a busy person, don't waste his/her time going on rants or giving long stories. I'm quite sure your boss would appreciate a shortened version of whatever you're about to say.
By Alyssa Smith8 years ago in Journal
Checking the Volunteers
The volunteer in the amateur boxing class I coach admonished one of the kids for not having their mouthpiece in properly during a sparring session. Later, their parent came to me concerned that the volunteer had been too harsh on their kid. I thought everything was smoothed out after our conversation. The next day when I came to work, my supervisor told me the parent had contacted them hours earlier to complain about the volunteer. I was told in so many words that I needed to keep the volunteer in check.
By Hillari Hunter8 years ago in Journal
When Age Is a Problem at Work. Top Story - May 2018.
A friend of mine had finally gotten into a comfortable groove with her boss who was an executive at the company where she worked. The both of them were close in age and had an understanding of how each other worked. Her boss retired and was quickly replaced by a man a couple of decades younger. Rumors rumbled that middle-aged and senior employees may be let go. My friend didn’t believe what she was hearing. Many of the co-workers, including herself, had been with the company for several years. Surely their experience and longevity would mean something. Then the new boss appeared to not warm up to her, and her co-workers were laid-off. She was one of the last to be let go.
By Hillari Hunter8 years ago in Journal
Vocal for Beginners. Top Story - April 2018.
Vocal basics are easy to learn, even as a newbie. My advice, by the way, comes from someone new at this as well, but I have had to figure it out for myself. I am hoping to save you time and effort in getting your words read. First of all, read the resource section at Vocal. It is full of information about writing and how Vocal works. Don't be wreaked if a posting is turned down. Fix it until it is accepted. When I first started at Vocal, I read postings to see what type of stuff they published, but I didn't go far enough. Most of what I saw was a walk-down-memory-lane type stuff. I rewrote some stuff I had on a website I made up for my children full of memories of our good times and bad. They were schmaltzy, but they got published. However, nobody was reading them. So I got daring and started posting articles on the sciences I love. I got a few more people reading my words. I have never been on social media of any kind; no Facebook or tweeting at all. I joined both. But I have to say, I am still getting a handle on Twitter. The easiest one suggested by Vocal is StumbleUpon. Go to the site first and learn how to stumble before you post. There are many different categories under which to put your post. You want to determine which category will get you the most views. For instance, I posted an article on evolution. I could have put it under evolution or the more general topic of science. I chose the more general topic. Then, several weeks later, I posted it in evolution. Repostings like this can drive up your readership. I post articles from my science magazines and make sure I stumble other articles every day. It is painless, and I've read some really good stuff. Reddit is a lot more difficult for me because they have so many rules! Their family category doesn't allow any pictures, which leaves out anything suitable for Vocal because pictures are big on this site. The science category only accepts peer-reviewed articles, so that's a dead end for me. The rules are tough to work around and I get hundreds of more reads from StumbleUpon than I do at Reddit. Reddit readers also contact you, and they are not always kind. So your skin must be tough.
By Monica Bennett8 years ago in Journal
Writing a Novel
Writing a novel is NOT easy. Trust me, I know that. Now I have been writing books since I was thirteen. At the time, I was twenty when I self-published my first book. Some people, probably most people, have been writing for well much longer than I have before they published their first book and honestly, the timeline does not matter. Don't even think about a timeline. Unless you are being published by a traditional publishing house. Then you have to. But if you are self-publishing, take whatever time you need but do NOT procrastinate.
By Just A Girl8 years ago in Journal
Are You a Multitasking Junkie?
How many times have you been halfway through answering an email when the phone rings? So, what do you do? You pick up the phone and continue answering the email, or maybe you browse the internet, or you notice there is cake in the break room. Don’t worry, everyone has done this at some point. You’re not alone. We are a society dominated by multitasking. This would be impressive if it wasn't so dangerous and unproductive.
By Ellen Ross8 years ago in Journal
