Hi all. I have a question. My husband has cancer. I am the sole breadwinner right now. I want to look for a new job that pays more so we won't be suffering too badly. The only stipulation is that I need to take so easy time off of work to care for my husband. It's not steady time off but intermittent when he is need of care during treatment. Do you think it's realistic that I could actually get hired in this situation? Is this something I need to bring up at an interview or wait until I get an offer? Ithe doesn't seem fair to a new employer to put them in a situation where I would not be able to perform my duties on a regular basis. So, I'm not really sure if I should bother.

Wanted: Positive Attitude

It all begins with your attitude. You've no doubt heard the phrase Your attitude determines your altitude. A positive attitude will not only help you to find a good job but also help you hold on to your work in a competitive market.

Many employers say a positive attitude is one of the personal traits they value most highly in their employees.

When you have a positive outlook, you work more effectively. It will give you more energy and focus as well. Co-workers view you as a valuable team member and you increase your own level of satisfaction and success.

GETTING WORK

If you’re currently looking for work, take some time to examine your attitudes and beliefs about work search. You might believe it’s just a matter of time before you connect with the right employer. On the other hand, you may be letting your worries about finding a job stress you out.

Is there anything more grueling than the job search? Ask any job seeker, and he/she will probably say no. Between the endless waiting and instant blow of rejection, the job search is a difficult time for many. When going through tough times, it’s often said that maintaining a positive attitude toward the situation can carry you through, same goes for the job search! A positive attitude during the job search can not only help you emotionally, it can help your actual search, as hiring managers appreciate seeing confident candidates. Follow these tips to help build a positive attitude while job hunting:

Accept Rejection

Not every job is perfect for your skillset, and if you have been applying to many positions, you might be facing rejection. The job search can be a long process riddled with rejection, and if you let it bring you down, you won’t learn from the experience and do better the next time; you will just be worried about getting rejected again.

Surround Yourself with Positive People

Avoid negativity like the plague! It will do you no good hanging around people who are constantly discussing bleak job outlooks and stories about this guy they know who was out of work for a year. Surround yourself with supportive people who want to lift you up.

Maintain a Routine

Don’t devote your whole day to only applying for jobs; you will burn out and get frustrated quickly. Maintain a normal routine and stay active. If you make room for things like exercising, visiting friends, spending time with family and even down time, your days will feel more balanced and less pressured.

Volunteer

There are many good reasons to volunteer during your job search. While volunteering, you can meet possible connections to job opportunities, bolster your resume by showing you stayed active and most importantly, it will give you a sense of accomplishment. Positively impacting somebody’s life is an uplifting feeling, so devote some time to a cause you care about.

During the job search, there are days where positive feelings might be few and far between, but if you follow these tips and work to stay optimistic, you will see the job search become smoother. Believing in yourself and your abilities will keep you energized for the hard work of looking for work. Also, a positive attitude can make all the difference in a job interview.

KEEPING WORK

Having a great attitude for each workday starts with showing up on time and requires investment in every moment after that. You attack important projects and busywork with equal zeal. You focus on solutions rather than problems. Above all, you avoid acting like a drone that mindlessly completes tedious tasks and secretly wishes to be anywhere else than at your desk.

The way you approach your work will help you hang on to it. Follow these suggestions can help you maintain a positive attitude:

Stay Away From Negative Co-workers

Nothing is worse than someone walking over to your desk every single morning complaining about the job. What’s even worse is when you come in ready to put in a solid day’s work and your coworker wrecks your positive outlook.

Staying away from negative people is vital. The next time they come over, make sure you are too busy to engage in the regular negative conversation. Try surrounding yourself with positive and motivated coworkers. Once the Negative Nancy’s see your new positive vibe, they will get the hint that you don’t have time to engage in negative conversations. Even if they don’t at first, they will eventually get the hint.

Good Communication With Management

Open and continuous dialogue with your manager can go a long way. Nothing wreaks more havoc on your week than a problem arising due to miscommunication with management or fear to take suggestions to your boss. With continuous dialogue comes good rapport – which leads to trust. Once you’ve established a sense of trust with management, your workplace becomes a whole new world.

Remember Your Purpose and Goals

The workplace is constantly evolving, and with changes, you can sometimes forget your purpose for taking the job in the first place. Stay focused on why you are there and what your goal is no matter how much change comes. One tip is to find inspiration with motivational quotes. Keep the quotes fresh and change them out depending on what aspect in your life you need to kick into gear. If you can wear ear phones at your desk while you work, listen to your favorite music that puts you in a good mood. You can even find some motivational speakers on YouTube to listen to when you need that extra motivation.

Take a Fresh Air Break

Working hard and going the extra mile always yields positive outcomes, but we all need a break for some personal time. If you are inside all day staring at a computer screen, then go outside and walk around to get some fresh air. Take your mind off what you have been working on for the past several hours. Checking out for 10-15 minutes and getting some fresh air will recharge your mind.

Take Care of Your Health

I think we can all agree that a clear mind is an important piece for performing at our highest level in the workplace, but sometimes we forget about our health. A good diet and regular exercise can keep your positive attitude constant. If you are truly sick, make sure you use a sick day and take the time you need to get yourself feeling better. Trying to work through a seasonal bug can make you feel sluggish, and it may take your body even longer to recover. In addition, people around you don’t appreciate you coming into work if you are spreading germs. If you are taking care of your body and your mind, then you are ready to perform at the highest level possible.

A Few More Suggestions

Do your best. Do each task well the first time.

Focus on work when you’re at work. Use breaks to check in with your social and personal life.

Be a committed team player.

Lend a hand when your co–workers need help.

Do what needs to be done, whether or not it’s your job.

Ask for help when you need it.

Make every effort to add to a respectful, co–operative working environment. Avoid gossip and negativity.

Have a positive attitude to get and keep the work you want

Final Thoughts

In a competitive market, employers want to hire and hang on to workers with an optimistic outlook and a can–do approach. Whether you're searching for work or hoping to keep the job you have, your positive attitude can give you the edge in the hiring process and earn you the right kind of attention on the job.

First of all I am looking for a new job before anyone says look for a job. My current employer just paid everyone for our regular payroll schedule. I noticed that my check was cut in half for the previous pay. I thought it was a mistake so I contacted our payroll department. When I explained what happen to my pay as I seen it. They informed me that they were notified from my Manager that I had accepted a 50% pay cut. Confused by this because why would anyone accept a 50% pay cut. I asked them to provide me a copy of the signed contract stating that I had accepted the cut. Payroll told me that they had not received anything but a verbal from my manager. They told me that I had accepted the pay cut because why would my manager lie to them. I than asked them for a copy of my employment contract and they said they did not have it. I have to contact Human Resources. I contacted Human Resources and they sent me a copy of my contract which I signed 10 years ago because that was the only thing they had. When I told them I was confused about the pay cut and was told that payroll explained that my manager verbally told them to cut my pay. HR told me to tread lightly on the accusations because if I put in a complaint I will automatically be terminated for lying. If I complain to the labor board with prove I will be terminated for something made up. The company has no actions in my HR personnel file since I requested a copy of it and HR sent me an email explaining there was nothing there. What do I do besides looking for a job and dealing with a substainal pay cut.

Hey All,

I am an artist looking for an artist job (Graphic, Museum, Character Design, etc), and I am not picky.

The problem is I been searching for five years. I have a job, (8) hours, so believe me when I say I'm grateful to support my two year old. I also understand there are those in a worst position than I am currently in.

For those in a serious position (unemployed, homeless, etc) I prey for them, because I believe in a perfect world everyone has a job, is happy, and can strive in the is world.

The boat I am in, I feel feel unwanted, unheard, and unused. I'm just not sure about my next move. I did the following:
-Redid my resume
-Uploaded my resume to Jobcase, LinkedIn, glassdoor, etc
-Expanded my job search

I am at a loss,

Dustin

A passive job seeker is someone who may or may not even be looking for a new job while currently employed. They are folks who keep resumes on job boards and business networking sites even though they are not unemployed, and may even be happy with their current job.

A lot of companies seek out passive candidates over active seekers (those who are unemployed and desperately needing work). But why?

I mention passive job seekers quite a bit in my responses. Here is an explanation as to what makes this type of candidate so appealing to potential employers.

I did not write this article. Simply sharing it.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizryan/2017/03/25/the-real-reason-employers-love-passive-candidates/#22939dd65006

I am a third key holder also known as manager on duty. I am typically the closing manager. Our store Manager says that we must be clocked out at 10:15 p.m. no later no exceptions, the store closes at 10:00 P.M. leaving myself and or closing manager to perform all daily reports counting and balancing each cashier, counting Petty Cash Documenting and counting deposit, all in order with all number's adding to daily reports. If you are not finished within 15 minutes of closing you are to clock out anyways. It sometimes takes 45 minutes or more to perform all these task correctly. What should I do?

I've been looking for full-time work, even thou I"m at one of the casinos here in Las Vegas part-time/on -call and on a 6 month lay-off Sucks! I was talking to my wife about getting my SS benefits this coming August, I'll be 62, nobody even believes I'm that old, thanks to my Dad's genes. I'm not going to continue to compete with the younger generation as far as employment, I think it's time to hang up the gloves and just take it easy but I do want to wish all of you out there the best and good health .. PS don't take no Shit from any employer !