#worklifehacks

It’s still the beginning of the new year and many people are reflecting on their financial and career plans. One of the common things that cross our mind is wondering if we are being underpaid. I found this really cool resources with tools and suggestions to find out if you’re underpaid. If you do think you’re underpaid, we have a great article about how to ask for more money if you’re thinking about advocating for a raise.

Do you feel that you’re being underpaid? What are your ideas to boost your incomes?

#worklifehacks

As @Janice Reed shared last week about how to snap out of the post holiday blues, one of the options is to consider switching jobs. I’ve seen many people job search while being employed. I was pretty open with my last employer about my decision to leave and was very lucky to get their blessing and support. There are definitely some helpful tips to keep in mind:

• Explore the opportunities in your current company
• Keep things off the radar especially avoid using company resources
• Don’t bad mouthed your current employer
• Use your network actively

What are your tricks for job search while being employed? Any success or lessons learned? #worklifehacks #jobsearch

Is it too early for spring cleaning? If it’s hard to stay motivated and productive in the first week of 2022, why not try decluttering your workspace, computer files or even work calendar? Here are some benefits for getting organized at work:

• Create comfortability
• Improve productivity and creativity
• Boost confidence

Do you have any foolproof tricks for decluttering and getting organized? #worklifehacks

I hope everyone had a nice and peaceful New Year. It’s the official end of the holiday season. I still feel a little slow even though it's already Wednesday. So of course I went to my default–WebMD to look for advice on coping with post holiday blues 😆. I actually really like these ideas on setting big audacious goals BAG:

• 🌐Learn a new language
• 💡Change career (check this guide on making successful career changes)
• 💪Volunteer
• 💵Make more money (check these 5 ways to make quick money or 6 apps to make money)
• 💞Join a dating service
• 🌳Plant a tree

I’m already looking for a new online class that I can take this year. What would be your BAG in 2022?

#worklifehacks

@Robyn Miller asked a question about lunch breaks at work. Here is a great resource to learn how to protect your rights including:

• Personal rights regarding pay, break and rest periods, sick leave
• Basic rights to a safe, clean and sanitary environment

Join Robyn’s conversation to explore how to protect and advocate for your rights in the workplace.

#worklifehacks

Have you ever experienced a moment of self doubt? Either you don’t feel enough or competent to do your job? Or you don’t think you’re qualified to land a dream job? I would say these thoughts have crossed my mind at least once a week so you’re not alone!

This video suggests 8 proven ways to boost your confidence:

• 🥳Learn to celebrate yourself
• 🤓Learn something new
• 👃Smell great
• 🛑Limit TV
• 🎸Play music
• 🏋️‍♀️Workout daily
• 🎮Play simulation games
• 💪Help someone

I’ve found learning something new, working out daily and helping someone very helpful in boosting my confidence. I'm very intrigued about the smell and might add a fragrance on my holiday wishlist🎁. How many have you tried from this list?

We also have a great article to discover your strengths using the ⭐️S(ituation) T(ask) A(ction) R(esult)⭐️ method that you can use for job search as well as performance review.

Have you ever felt that you’re short of confidence? Have you tried any tricks to boost your confidence?

#advice

When I grew up, I was told that it was a virtue to set the bar high and be an overachiever. But after I actually started my career, I realized how unhealthy it was to be too harsh to myself. I love these tips shared through NPR to break the cycle of being mean to yourself. Particularly on “talk to yourself the way you would talk to a friend”.

Have you been harsh to yourself? How do you “lower your standard”? Let’s practice self love in the new year!

#watercooler #worklifehacks

Are you coming up short this December? Time may be ticking, but there are still plenty of ways for you to make some quick cash before the end of this year. These options can work for a variety of resource levels, so check out these options to see how they might work best for your current situation.

TryMyUI - User Interface Tester Like Clickworker, TryMyUI will allow you to test a website or app from your phone. Once you’ve completed testing, give your honest feedback and impressions for up to $10 per test, making this a good option for extra cash.

#worklifehacks

As we are transitioning to a new calendar year, there might be changes happening at your workplace. It could be new coworkers, new boss, new software systems or new company policies etc. How do you usually cope with these changes?

Here are some tips:

• 🤔Keep an open mind: we usually prefer to stay where we were if it was working for us. So there might be some resistance for any new changes. Try to keep an open mind and challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone when embracing the changes.
• ❓Ask lots of questions: communications are so important when it comes to changes. Make sure to be very honest and ask lots of questions about the roles, directions, potential impact to get yourself prepared for the situation.
• 📝Repetition is key: if you are the change maker, don’t be afraid to repeat all the new changes. There is no over communications on these changes. So make sure to create all kinds of reminders and reinforcements to make sure people feel ready for the change.
• ❤️Give yourself some space and time: give yourself some time and space and admit that it can be hard to keep up with the changes. Don’t be too harsh on yourself to jump to the new reality too soon. Take it easy!

What changes are you seeing at your company this year? Was it easy for you to adjust? How did you cope with the change?

#worklifehacks #watercooler

Lots of companies do their performance reviews toward the end of the year. Do you usually get nervous about the process? I have gone through this process both as a staff member and a manager. It was not an easy process! We have a few tips to share but also want to learn about your experiences and lessons learned? How do you nail your performance review process?

What’s in it for me?

• 🪞Self reflection: This is a good time to reflect on what you’ve accomplished this past year. Think about what you enjoyed doing and felt challenged. Think about where you are in your career and if you find this job still satisfying for your goals.
• 🤝Communication and relationship building: You might feel anxious having those one-on-one conversations with your supervisor. But this is also a great chance to understand better about your boss’ expectations and also provide your feedback.
• 💵Advancement and growth: This is also a major game time to ask for promotion and raise. Feel free to check these tips to ask for a raise

What should I prepare?

• 📆Schedule in advance: Although most companies have a set window for the performance review, you can still proactively reach out to your boss that you know this is coming and you’re willing to be proactive to set a time. That way it shows that you’re ready and not afraid to go into it.
• 📝Draft your reflections: Definitely jot down your accomplishments and things you want to improve. If possible, you can even ask for a written record or review on your file so you can be better prepared.
• ❓Prepare some questions: Take charge of your review by listing some questions to fit your current goals. What are the opportunities for advancement? What is the direction and budget for the future of this role? Show your boss that you’ve put thought into your role and career.
• 🗂Follow up after the review: Always ask for a written copy of your file after the review. It is so important to keep that transparency and accountability. I’ve seen many terminations without causes and you can advocate for yourself to see if proper performance reviews have been done. It’s good to cover your base.

Share your thoughts about the performance review. What are the best or worst experiences you’ve had in the past?

#advice #worklifehacks