5 Ways To Stay Organized When You Hate Making Lists

By Babble.com | Secrets to Your Success

To do lists can be ridiculously satisfying to write. However, they're not so much fun to follow through with - especially during a busy work week like the one I just had. If you're like me, you may have started your weekend routines before you made the list and then, halfway through, decided to make one that included all of the things you've already gotten done. That's not cheating. That's just feeling better about yourself since you actually did accomplish something.



Routines help me when I am not in the mood for a list. For instance, every Saturday I clean the stove in the kitchen. We try mightily to get the dishes done right after we're done eating, but we have been known to go a few days when everyone is busy and not eating a dinnertime meal together with a few dirty dishes piling up on the countertop. Even when that happens, by Saturday morning I'm ready to get going on projects and housekeeping. I know that this particular routine will do just enough to get me in the mood to get other things done.

Since I'm a sometimes list-maker, I thought I'd offer a few other tips on staying organized for those who hate making lists. Naturally, it's in the form of a list. Sometimes I can't break a bad habit, you know?

1. Write out just one thing that you'd like to get done
Sometimes I take a tiny sticky note and post it on my refrigerator so that I know that that's the thing that has to be complete. I may write BATHE DOG or VACUUM UPSTAIRS on it and that lets me know that if I can only get one thing complete then this is the one thing. When I know I have errands to run that will keep me from being at home to clean, this makes me feel fulfilled. For the record, EAT AN ENTIRE CHEESECAKE, isn't allowed to be on that list.

2. No cleaning, just purging
Take a day to just purge. If your goal is to keep organized then it's probably a good idea to decide what should stay and what should go. Make this a day when you throw envelopes away that bills came in or start a bag of donated clothes from the entire family. On days when I think I have too much to do and that I'll be overwhelmed, I start getting rid of things that are clogging my life. It's good to de-clutter at least once every six months or so.

3. Pick a side
This one worked well with my children when they were younger and had lots of toys and books in their rooms. I would tell them to pick just one side of the room to clean. They could clean the other side the next day if they wanted, but this worked because it basically just started their engines and once they got to cleaning they decided just to finish. Of course, I have that one obstinate child who never liked to finish so I would go in and help, but it works well for me, too. When I look at the living room or dining room or even my messy after-a-busy-week bedroom, I tell myself to pick one side to work on and even if that's the only thing I get done I feel better about it.

4. Look for inspiration
There are a few online stores and websites and Pinterest boards I look to for motivation to get things done. The things that inspire me are always with clean lines, interesting uses of space, and neatly organized. Since it's easy to get lost online at these places I go directly for what room I'm working on and give myself no more than 10 minutes to search. If I can't decide which room to begin with, I start searching right away. Once, it was simply a dresser with an interesting array of perfume bottles that boosted me to clean off the top of my dresser and, before I knew it, I dusted, folded clothes, and got another load in the washing machine.

5. Use a calendar or your smartphone to stay on-task
My smartphone is my reminder for everything from doctor's appointments to picking up children to sending an e-mail to a friend. When someone is telling me that their favorite band is playing at a festival I whip out my phone and make a note of it right away. Using Siri on my iPhone has been an incredibly easy way to stay organized so I don't miss things like Parent/Teacher conferences or picking up my dry cleaning.

My life is far from the perfection of Martha Stewart or the boards I see on Pinterest. But making this list just now is helping to spur on my efforts to wake up tomorrow on a Saturday and try to get through my weekend with a few things I can list as DONE by the end of the weekend.

- By Kelly Wickham

6 Simple Ways To Keep Calm At Work

By GALTime.com | Secrets to Your Success

Work can be stressful. The phone never stops ringing. Your coworker across the hall never stops talking. There's always too much to do, and too little time.



While moderate levels of stress can be a good motivator, excessive stress can interfere with your productivity… not to mention take a toll on your physical and emotional health.

You can't control everything in your work environment, but there are a few simple things you can do to improve your well being.

1. Stop Multitasking
If you ever feel like you're being pulled in too many directions, maybe you are. When you feel the anxiety heightening, focus on completing one task at a time. Close all the web browsers, windows, and applications except the ones you need. Close your email and turn off the phone ringer. Focus on getting one or two things done and then log back on and power through any messages you may have missed.

2. Get Some Sun
When you're working indoors in the same office all day long, it's easy to lose perspective and that email from your boss or missing file can feel like the end of the world. But a few minutes outdoors can give you a whole new perspective-- things won't seem quite so bad.
Sunlight has been scientifically proven to make you happier. Your serotonin levels increase when you're exposed to bright light, that's why moods are typically better in the summer. Throughout the workday, spend your coffee or lunch breaks outdoors in a sunny spot. Or, take a quick walk outdoors if you find your stress starting to rise.

3. Clear Your Workspace
It's hard not to feel over-extended when your desk has stacks upon stacks of papers, files, and sticky notes all vying for your attention. Experts say to start and end each day with a pristine work surface. I'm not quite there myself, but I do try to be mindful of keeping the clutter down.

4. Go Green
Keeping a plant in your office or cubicle can reduce stress, improve your overall well-being, and even reduce blood pressure levels. A study conducted by Washington State University found that participants in a college computer lab with plants had quicker reaction times, were less stressed, and felt more attentive than their counterparts without any green companions.

5. Sip Green Tea
Green tea (the second most widely consumed beverage in the world after water) has loads of health benefits, including reducing stress. A large-scale study in Japan linking green tea to stress reduction was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Green tea contains the amino acid L-theanine, which calms you and helps you maintain clear focus. Green tea has just a modest amount of caffeine and is gentler on the body than coffee.

6. Get Moving
No matter how hectic your schedule, make time for exercise. A good workout helps you release stress, maintain a routine, and think without interruption. Physical activity helps your body pump out more of those feel-good neurotransmitters, known as endorphins, to keep your mood up even in when days get a little tough. Even President Obama faithfully hits the gym, relying on exercise as his life intensifies.

The route to balancing stress is different for everyone; the key is knowing what works for you.


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8 Tricks For Dealing With Difficult Coworkers

By Cosmopolitan.com | Secrets to Your Success

Rumor has it Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey hate each other-and they're forced to work together on American Idol. Well, that sucks. Unfortunately you can't always pick who you work with. We consulted career experts Marc Dorio, author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Career Advancement and Alexandra Levit, author of Blind Spots for their tips on how to work with someone who is, um, difficult.



1. Rise Above It
Yeah, it's tough when the office bitch seems to have it out for you, but you don't want to stoop to her level-even on the DL. Why? Your coworkers (and your boss) are looking to see how you deal with her craziness.

2. Figure Out Your Hot Buttons
Something about this chick drives you completely nuts, and she's pushing your buttons. You can best her by figuring out what she's doing that makes you so crazy. Is she harping on a secret work insecurity you have? Always trying to steal credit for work you do? Once you figure them out, write them down. It'll be easier to deal just being aware of what her tactic is.

3. Try to Get Where She's Coming From
Look, we're not saying you're to blame here, and sometimes people are just mean/crazy/bitchy for the sake of it. But there are two people in this situation. Are you unconsciously doing something that keeps setting her off? Try to look at it from her point of view to see if there's anything you can do differently to ease the tension.

4. Talk It Out
Even if being in a room with her is the last thing on Earth you want to do, it's important to try to resolve your issues like the mature professional you are . Ask her to meet in a neutral area, like a conference room, and say, "I know there's tension between us. What can I do to help the situation?" This will likely disarm her, since most people expect you to go on the offensive against them.

5. Be an 'Active Listener'
Say things like, "What I hear you say is _____. Can you give me some examples of when I've done that?" Force her to give you specifics since comments like "you always put me down" aren't helping anything (and it could be totally in her head).

6. Stay Calm
If she totally loses it or starts accusing you of random things you know you haven't done, keep your cool. Again, people are watching your situation. Staying calm makes you look like a pro and forces her to dial back on the crazy.

7. Work Through It
Sometimes bosses will purposefully put people who can't stand each other on a project together to get them to try to work it out. If you get put on a project with her, stick with it instead of asking to be transferred to another one. Demonstrating you can handle working with a difficult person makes you look better in the long run (and could even score you a promotion ).

8. Go to Your Boss
If you've tried everything else and you're still having a problem, talk to your boss . Explain to her that you tried to work out the situation on your own first, and lay out what you did. Then ask if she has any advice on how to handle things. She may offer to talk to your nemesis or have other advice, but asking for her advice (instead of just ranting about your sucky coworker) shows that you're handling the situation in the most mature way possible.


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10 Reasons To Do What You Love For A Living

By Chad Brooks | BusinessNewsDaily Contributor

You've heard this career mantra before: Do what you love and the money will follow. But as any aspiring poet or starving artist can tell you, it just isn't that easy. Finding a way to do what you love and still make enough money to support a family can be a real challenge. Still, many experts say finding a way to follow your career bliss is worth the effort.
People who do what they love for a living tend to live happier, more productive lives, these experts say. And those who don't are often made sick by working at jobs they hate.


Photo: Shutterstock

Here are 10 reasons why it is important to strive to find a way to do what you love for a living (or, at the very least, find way to love what you already do).


Photo: Shutterstock

Your self-esteem improves
Those who do what they love for a living end up feeling better about themselves, said Sherry Mirshahi-Totten, a career advancement coach and the CEO and founder of Roadmap Career Services.
"Your own self-esteem will be higher because you will feel energized by what you do, and your employer will be more prone to rewarding you for it," Mirshahi-Totten said.


Photo: Shutterstock

You will be motivated
Ellen Ercolini, a career and life coach, believes it's important to do something you love for a living because when the going gets tough (as it assuredly will), you'll be motivated to push through.
"Instead of being overwhelmed with stress for a job that you don't even like, which affects other areas of your life, you have the connection and inspiration to make it work," Ercolini said.


Photo: Shutterstock

You become a valued employee
A business's best asset is an employee who loves his or her job, said Mary Hladio, founder and president of Ember Carriers Leadership Group, an organizational performance consulting firm.
"Someone who genuinely loves their job is more satisfied and likely more motivated and productive during their time at work," Hladio said. "It is unlikely that they will complain or begrudgingly complete tasks at the minimum level of effort, and instead they will be engaged in their work, proactive and, furthermore, interested in motivating co-workers in the mission and goals."


Photo: Shutterstock

You earn more money
Professional coach and author Karen Garvey said loving what you do can have a significant positive impact on your wallet.
"The angst of hating one's role often leads to an inability to manifest promotions, sales, raises, etc.," Garvey told BusinessNewsDaily.


Photo: Shutterstock

Your overall health is better
Author Walter Meyer said having a job you love plays a role in your overall health.
"The tension and pain of doing a job every day that you detest has to take its toll in terms of higher blood pressure, headaches and the rest," Meyer said.


Photo: Shutterstock

You garner more respect
People who love their jobs often spend extra time making sure they are doing their best work, which executive coach Kathi Elster said will undoubtedly be noticed by supervisors and peers.
"You tend to go above and beyond what is expected, gaining the respect of those you work with," Elster said.


Photo: Shutterstock

You have a better home life
Personal and business coach Melissa Heisler believes employees who have a job they love will also have a more enjoyable home life.
"Instead of coming home with stress and tension headaches, we return home at night with more energy for ourselves and our families," Heisler said.


Photo: Shutterstock

You are more productive
Cheryl Palmer, a career coach and professional résumé writer, said employees who do something they enjoy for a living end up as more productive employees.
"Studies have shown that employees who are engaged in their work have a higher productivity rate," Palmer said. "Especially since employers are asking more of their employees than before, it helps to love what you do so that you can meet the challenges of the job."


Photo: Shutterstock

You have improved mental health
As an expert in organizational culture and a professor in the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University, Angelo Kinicki said doing what they love helps employees remain mentally healthy.

"It is important to do something we love for a living because our work lives will then provide meaning and purpose, which are associated with psychological well-being and health," Kinicki said.

He points to Viktor Frankl's book, "Man's Search for Meaning," which notes people need a guiding purpose in order to live a happy and health life.


Photo: Shutterstock

You can serve others better
Finance consultant Derek Olsen believes consumers naturally gravitate more toward employees who love their job than toward those who don't.
"The person who loves their job is much more likely to be better at doing the job," Olsen said. "That means more quality goods and better service for the customer."

Follow Chad Brooks on Twitter @cbrooks76


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3 Simple Ways To Mentally Prepare For The Work Day

By Babble.com | Secrets to Your Success

Blogging has been a huge blessing in my life, but it hasn't been easy. There are many, many little, ten-peso things I've learned in the four-plus years I've blogged for income, and I'd love to share as many as I can. I'm grateful for the many blessings in my life that have come from this crazy job I accidentally created for myself, and I stand on the shoulders of many who've graciously shared their tips and encouragement. So how could I not do the same?


Photo: Tsh Oxenreider

Several years ago, I read a punch-you-in-the-gut post from Seth Godin. In a nutshell, he said there's a difference between producers and consumers, and that to be a producer, you need to first set aside your consumer self. If you want to produce something original, you can't rely on others for help.

In other words, you need to pour yourself out before you fill up with other people's ideas. What does this look like, practically-speaking? Here are the 3 ways I do it:

1. Turn off electronics
Being creative and original means not checking my email, Facebook, Twitter stream, Pinterest, feed reader, or any other medium until I pour out my own words first. As a writer, I wait until I've written my first daily words before opening Gmail and everything else.

It was hard at first, but it gets easier. I think of this first-morning writing as a little treat to myself. I can intentionally close myself off for a few minutes to those many voices screaming for my attention, and I can just write.

2. Meditate
Before I can take on the rest of the world, I have to make time to sit and breathe. It doesn't always happen, but I try my best to wake before my kids and husband in order to pray, meditate, and soak up beauty. This might mean reading truth in Scripture, or it might mean pulling out my camera and photographing the morning dew on the garden flower.

3. Pour out my thoughts
As soon as I've got some coffee running through my system, it's time to dump my brain. It's just as sexy as it sounds - I grab my legal pad and a pen, and I jot down all my thoughts as they come my way. I scribble everything from the grocery list to a blog post idea to the soul-stirring C.S. Lewis quote I don't want to forget. Everything goes on that yellow striped paper and out of my head. It's miraculous what this simple act does for my sanity.

In short, I give of myself before I receive from others. I take care of myself, and I calm my soul before entering the potential madness of the Internet. Those email requests and reader comments can wait just a little bit. And those minuscule, unfathomable beauties surrounding me might go unnoticed if I don't first take a few minutes to acknowledge them and say thanks in gratitude to their creator.

What's one way in your life that you produce before you consume? How do you take care of yourself first thing in the morning?


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5 Ways To Beat Burnout At Work

By The Daily Muse | Secrets to Your Success

Some projects can really take it out of you. You've been working for 10+ hours a day, brainstorming new ideas as you brush your teeth in the morning, and thinking about the best way to pitch as you climb into bed at night. Your focus, creativity, and problem-solving abilities have been put to the test-for hours, days, and weeks on end. And now, it's time for a vacation.


Photo: Shutterstock

Well, that is, if you define vacation as a Sunday afternoon to yourself to do laundry and grocery shop, before it's back to the office Monday morning.

Unfortunately, you don't always get a break when you need it most. So, how do you stay sane at work when you're coming off of a big project or a particularly stressful season? Battle your burnout on those rough days (or weeks) with these five simple ideas.

1. Take a Lunch Break (Or Better Yet, a Walk)
When you're exhausted, it can be tempting to just stay at your desk through lunch or spend that extra 10 minutes you have browsing Facebook. But save being glued to your computer screen for the times when it's unavoidable-and make yourself get a change of scenery. I promise, it'll be much more refreshing, and it will probably even make you more productive when you get back to your seat. Better yet, if you have some degree of flexibility in your hours, take advantage of it. Can you work from home one day a week, or from a coffee shop? At my last job, I found a lunchtime yoga class and negotiated coming in a half hour earlier two days each week to attend it. It helped me get physically out of the office, not to mention stay sane-and my zen attitude totally benefited the office.

2. Manage Up
You're likely facing burnout because you're no slacker-and you've been putting 110% effort in, all day, every day. But does your supervisor know that? Hopefully, the answer is yes, but if not, this is a good time to draft up a recap of the project you've been working on, outlining your work and results. Making sure your boss stays apprised of your innovation and extra hours will pay dividends in future evaluations (and may even land you a morning off). Also make sure you make notes for your own use, so you can update your resume or discuss your work in future interviews. Plus, just seeing all of your accomplishments on paper is a great way to boost your mood and remind you of the great work you've done.

3. Contextualize Your Work
When you're burned out, every part of the daily grind can seem unbearable, but remember that there are (hopefully) things you really like about your job. Whether it's research, design, or working with clients that really makes your day, allotting some of your hours to your favorite parts of the job, particularly the stuff you haven't had time to do recently, will give you the "it's all worth it" feeling. Not loving any aspects of your workload right now? Step back and think about how you're contributing to your company as a whole, and the broader impact of its mission. Hopefully, you'll find that it's a great reason to keep going.

4. Reach Out
Sometimes when you feel surrounded by work, it's because, well, you're surrounding yourself with work. So, be deliberate about taking time before work, after work, or on your lunch break to step away from the office. Call your significant other, your mom, or your best friend, and ask what's going on with them, avoiding the temptation to discuss anything even remotely work-related. Your job may be your focus for the rest of the day, but for a few minutes, move it to the backburner and focus on something (anything) else.

5. Reward Yourself
Finally, even when you don't get a vacation day, think about other ways you can reward yourself for everything you've accomplished. Maybe you'll treat yourself to frozen yogurt each afternoon, or pick out a new pair of shoes. If you can, plan a quick staycation-a concert, spa day, or even just 45 minutes that you'll wholeheartedly devote to the new issue of US Weekly by the pool. Having something to look forward to outside of work can keep you going, and will help ensure that even though you work 9-5 (or, let's be honest, 8-8), you get at least a little bit of true time off.

Unfortunately, burnout happens even to the best of us. And, while a week-long vacation isn't always in the cards right away, finding simple ways to mix up your routine, reward yourself, and focus on your results can help get you through until then.


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Earn $1 Million By Climbing The Corporate Ladder

By Donna Rosato | Yahoo! Finance

The path to becoming a millionaire shortens with every major step you take up the corporate hierarchy. Jump from a human resources administrator to manager, for instance, and you become eligible for greater supplemental income like bonuses and stock options.


Photo: iStock Photo

Take another big leap up to HR director, and your overall compensation really swells -- by more than 40%. The good news: You don't have to make it all the way to the C-suite to see real benefits.

Part of a special report on How to reach $1 million this story explains how moving up the corporate ladder can put you on your way to the millionaire class.

KEY MOVE: Secure one more big promotion that gives you real authority.

HOW TO GET THERE
Start by managing others' careers, not just your own. In virtually every job, workers who have people reporting to them earn more than individual contributors.

Over the course of a 40-year career, the median lifetime pay for those who supervise one or more workers amounts to nearly $1 million more than for non-managers.

Even people with the same title will earn more if they're in charge of others. A software developer with three direct reports earns a median salary of $74,000, vs. $66,000 for developers who oversee no one, notes Katie Bardaro of salary research site PayScale.com.

Don't be a company man or woman. Even if you're earning promotions, staying with the same firm for many years can still lead to salary stagnation, says Bonnie Sharps, executive vice president at executive search firm DHR.

Pay hikes tied to promotions range from 5% to 7%. External hires, however, earn nearly 20% more than workers advanced from within, according to Wharton professor Matthew Bidwell.

Go to far lengths to get that promotion and the reward can be even bigger.

Just ask Matt Payne. After grad school, Payne worked for an energy company in California. But with the high cost of living there and $25,000 in student loans, he was having a hard time making ends meet, let alone getting ahead. Then he heard about a more lucrative position at an oil firm.

The catch: The job was in Qatar. "I knew the higher salary that came with a job abroad would allow me to pay off my loans faster and give me a leg up on savings." He got the job and doubled his pay.

Recruit powerful mentors. How do you start reaching for that next rung?

Get to know people who can offer you valuable career advice and recommend you for openings in their sphere of influence. "The most successful people I know have had multiple mentors and coaches throughout their career," says Ford Myers, a career coach and the author of "Get the Job You Want, Even When No One Is Hiring."

Dainon Haggard, a 31-year-old vice president of sales and business development for an entertainment promotions company in Salt Lake City, has taken this to heart.

Shortly after being hired at his firm, he reached out to an executive VP and asked her to mentor him. "I told her that I admire her success and felt I could learn a lot from her," says Haggard. "When I asked if I could bounce ideas off of her, she was more than happy to talk with me."

Now, he periodically invites her to join him on his sales calls so she can critique him. Haggard hasn't stopped there. He networks at industry events and now counts a CEO and a venture capitalist among his network of mentors.

GETTING INTO GEAR
Don't wait for your company to train you. Take classes on your own, attend industry seminars, and earn certifications that are in demand in your field to expand your skill set and stand out.

Be an expert, not an employee. Write papers, give speeches, get involved with leadership positions with professional organizations and associations within your field. It'll raise your profile and expand your network.

Know your going rate. When it's time to negotiate salaries and raises, use compensation sites like PayScale, GlassDoor.com, and Vault.com to figure out what pay range is appropriate for what you do. Then negotiate for the upper end of the range.

TAKING A BIG LEAP
Because incremental moves won't make a huge difference, focus on climbing an entire level in your company's hierarchy.

Median lifetime pay for "manager" title

Manager with one to nine employees: $2.5 million

Manager with 10-plus employees: $2.6 million

Lifetime pay for "managers" and higher-ups

HR manager: $2.3 million

HR director: $2.9 million

HR vice president: $3.9 million

NOTES: Lifetime pay is based on a 35-year career. Managers with 10-plus employees are assumed to have overseen one to nine workers for the first 10 years, then 10 or more thereafter. SOURCE: PayScale.com


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A $100,000 Factory Job. What's Uncool About That?

By Parija Kavilanz | CNNMoney.com

What's uncool about a $100,000 factory job? These days not much. In fact, factory jobs -- once considered back-breaking and low-paying -- have become high-tech and high-salaried.


Photo: iStock Photo

Still young people don't get it, say factory owners, who can't find enough skilled workers.

"When I was an apprentice in the late '70s, kids were dying to get into manufacturing. There were plenty of factory jobs," said Joe Sedlak, a machinist who owns the Chesapeake Machine Company in Baltimore. "There are jobs for the taking today. But kids don't want them."

Stereotypes about factory jobs still persist. And the media isn't helping, factory owners complain.

"On TV, kids don't see many positive images of manufacturing," said Bill Mach, president of Mach Mold, a manufacturer of plastics molds in Benton Harbor, Mich. A show will have a scene with "an old dark building with a bird flying out of it, and something bad happens."

Scott Paul, executive director of the Alliance for American Manufacturing, agreed. "Pop culture has a big impact on young people," he said, adding that the only recent positive pop culture depiction of manufacturing that he can think of has been in Iron Man.

The industry needs an image boost, and young people need to get educated about high-skilled factory jobs, experts said.

An aspiring machinist -- a popular factory job -- can start training at 18 and then do a one- or two-year manufacturing apprenticeship. In five years, he or she could be making more than $50,000. In 10 years, that could double to $100,000.

Not a bad salary for a 28-year-old.

"If you're really good at your work, you could remain employed for a very long time, because there are so few of us," said Sedlak.

Sedlak's top worker makes $30 an hour. And annual pay at his company ranges between $70,000 and $80,000 with overtime. In 31 years, only three workers have retired from his factory.

Still, with almost 13 million unemployed Americans, including many high school graduates, he is struggling to fill positions.

A recent Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte report underscores that. Manufacturers currently have 600,000 vacancies nationwide, it said.

"When we pushed manufacturing out of the country, we pushed job opportunities out," said Sedlak.

The downward spiral that followed was swift. With jobs gone, schools ended vocational classes. Kids lost interest in manufacturing. Many states stopped sponsoring apprentice programs in factories.

In early spring, Justin Lavanway, 17, and two of his high school buddies, toured Mach Mold to learn more about manufacturing and its jobs.

His grandfather was a career machinist with Whirlpool. "I saw that it was a pretty stable career for him," said Lavanway. "That's why I'm keeping my options open."

But his friends, Joseph Johnson, 18, who is thinking about a job in medical services, and Charlie Leaf, 18, who wants pursue a career in psychiatry, are not interested in manufacturing.

"The public school system tells students that we have to go to college to be successful," said Johnson. "Ever since you're young, you hear that's what you have to do to achieve the American dream."

Johnson and Leaf also don't think manufacturing offers stable careers.

Mach hears this often from young people, even through manufacturing is a deep-rooted profession through generations of families in Southwest Michigan.

And it's just not true, he said. "I have 40 people in my plant. Half have been there for 15 to 25 years."

"There's no easy answer to how we can change manufacturing's image problem," said Paul. Companies themselves have to be up to that challenge, he said.

One idea is to turn to pop culture, said Paul.

"Maybe we need someone cool like Clint Eastwood to say, 'Go work in factories' as a follow up to his Super Bowl Chrysler ad."


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Top 10 In-Demand Careers

By Terence Loose | Yahoo! Education

Are you thinking of going back to school to prepare for a hot career, but aren't sure what to study?



Fortunately for you, we did a little homework and looked to the U.S. Department of Labor's statistics to find 10 in-demand careers that yield high average earnings.

To get started, we used the Department of Labor's median annual wage for all occupations ($45,230) and the average job growth rate from 2010 to 2020 (14.3 percent) as our measuring standards. Any career that didn't meet at least these standards didn't make our list.

Intrigued? Keep reading to learn more about 10 careers that rank above average in terms of job growth and the potential to pay.


Career #1 - Medical and Health Services Manager

2010- 2020 Job Growth: 22 percent* Median Annual Wage: $86,400* Average for Workers in the 90th Percentile: $147,890* Average for Workers in the 10th Percentile: $52,730*

Are you interested in pursuing a managerial position and have a hankering for helping people get or stay healthy? A career as a medical and health services manager could be the perfect prescription.

In this type of role, you could find yourself in a hospital or a smaller health care facility like a doctor's office, managing finances, staying up-to-date on health care laws, and helping develop the quality and effectiveness of delivering health care services, says the U.S. Department of Labor.

Why it's in demand: As the baby boomer generation ages and stays active later in life, there will be an increased demand for health services, according to the Department of Labor. This, they note, will result in more physicians, patients, and procedures - and a need for more people, like medical and health services managers, to supervise them.

Education options: Although requirements vary by facility, "prospective medical and health services managers have a bachelor's degree in health administration," says the Department. Other common credentials include a master's degree in health services, public health, or business administration - to name a few.

Career #2 - Human Resources Specialist

2010- 2020 Job Growth: 21 percent* Median Annual Wage: $54,310* Average for Workers in the 90th Percentile: $94,700* Average for Workers in the 10th Percentile: $29,850*

What's the most important resource any business has? That's right, its workers. And as a human resources (HR) specialist, you could help ensure these vital resources are managed correctly. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, common duties could include recognizing employment needs and favored qualifications, hiring or referring eligible applicants, and interviewing applicants.

Why it's in demand: The employment services industry - which includes employment placement agencies, temporary help services, and professional employer organizations - is projected to grow an astounding 55 percent from 2010 to 2020, according to the Department of Labor. About 17 percent of HR specialists work in this industry, and their demand will also be on the rise.

Education options: If you want to prepare to pursue a career as a human resources specialist, keep in mind that most positions require a bachelor's degree. "When hiring a human resources generalist, for example, most employers prefer applicants who have a bachelor's degree in human resources, business, or a related field," notes the Department.

Career #3 - Paralegal

2010- 2020 Job Growth: 18 percent* Median Annual Wage: $46,730* Average for Workers in the 90th Percentile: $75,400* Average for Workers in the 10th Percentile: $29,390*

Want to perform a lot of the same duties as a lawyer - without having to worry about several years of law school and passing the bar? If so, preparing to pursue a career as a paralegal is something to consider.

The U.S. Department of Labor says paralegals generally assist attorneys by examining the facts of a case, researching relevant laws and regulations, drafting legal documents, and helping lawyers during trials.

Why it's in demand: According to the Department of Labor, employers will try to reduce costs and enhance the effectiveness and accessibility of legal services by hiring more paralegals. Another plus? Paralegal positions are less likely to be offshored than other legal jobs.

Education options: To prepare to pursue a career as a paralegal, there are a few educational routes, including earning an associate's degree in paralegal studies, says the Department. If you already have a bachelor's degree in another area, you could choose to earn a certificate in paralegal studies.

Career #4 - Accountant

2010- 2020 Job Growth: 16 percent* Median Annual Wage: $62,850* Average for Workers in the 90th Percentile: $109,870* Average for Workers in the 10th Percentile: $39,640*

If you're a numbers person, the U.S. Department of Labor's stats on accountants will probably look pretty good to you. And so will the job description.

Accountants could do everything from helping businesses reduce costs to preparing tax returns, examining financial statements, and communicating with management about a company's finances, says the Department of Labor. As you can see, it's more than just punching a 10-key calculator.

Why it's in demand: According to the Department, an increased focus on accounting - thanks to the recent corporate scandals and financial crises - means more accountants will be needed. Stricter laws and regulations in the financial sector will also add to the demand.

Education options: A bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field is the minimum requirement for most accountant positions, says the Department. And some employers prefer candidates with a master's degree in accounting or business administration with a concentration in accounting.

Career #5 - Kindergarten Teacher

2010- 2020 Job Growth: 18 percent* Median Annual Wage: $49,520* Average for Workers in the 90th Percentile: $76,900* Average for Workers in the 10th Percentile: $32,100*

Does your perfect day include finger-painting, storytelling, and recess? Sounds like the makings of a kindergarten teacher.

In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, kindergarten teachers "use hands-on approaches, including props, to help students understand abstract concepts, solve problems, and develop critical thinking skills."

Why it's in demand: There are a few reasons for growth in kindergarten teaching positions that the Department of Labor mentions. One is an expected decrease in the student-teacher ratio. With the number of students increasing in the coming decades, more teachers will be needed. On top of that, teaching positions will also be created as teachers retire between 2010 and 2020.

Education options: Every state requires all public kindergarten teachers to have a bachelor's degree in elementary education and to be licensed, says the Department. Some states also require candidates to major in a specific content area, such as math or science.

Career #6 - Registered Nurse

2010- 2020 Job Growth: 26 percent* Median Annual Wage: $65,950* Average for Workers in the 90th Percentile: $96,630* Average for Workers in the 10th Percentile: $44,970*

If you're a people person - and you don't get squeamish at the sight of blood - a career as a registered nurse might be for you.

As a nurse, the U.S. Department of Labor says you might help perform diagnostic tests, analyze test results, give patients medications and treatments, and educate patients on how to manage their health.

Why it's in demand: According to the Department of Labor, nurses will be in demand for many reasons. This includes technological advances that will result in more health treatments, an increased importance on preventative health care, and the aging baby boomer generation requiring more health care services.

Education options: There are a few paths to preparing to pursue a career as a registered nurse. Two of these options include earning an associate's degree in nursing (ADN) or a diploma from an approved nursing program, according to the Department. You'll also need to pass the national nursing exam (NCLEX-RN) to get your license.

Career #7 - Public Relations Specialist

2010- 2020 Job Growth: 23 percent* Median Annual Wage: $53,190* Average for Workers in the 90th Percentile: $96,880* Average for Workers in the 10th Percentile: $30,860*

Do you like to tweet about your Facebook page while posting blogs on your website and texting friends on your cell? You may be a born public relations specialist.

After all, it's a brave new world of social media, where the U.S. Department of Labor says public relations specialists could help clients communicate effectively with the public by writing press releases and web content, designing and evaluating promotion campaigns, and working with the media.

Why it's in demand: One factor is the increased use of social media, says the Department. More public relations specialists will be needed to manage this media outlet, which is becoming a vital communication tool between businesses and the public.

Education options: The Department says that public relations specialists usually need a bachelor's degree, with employers generally wanting candidates who have studied public relations, communications, business, English, or journalism.

Career #8 - Financial Analyst

2010- 2020 Job Growth: 23 percent* Median Annual Wage: $75,650* Average for Workers in the 90th Percentile: $145,580* Average for Workers in the 10th Percentile: $46,300*

Are you a Wall Street junkie? Do you love the world of finance and the energy of the stock market? You may fit nicely into the role of financial analyst.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, financial analysts generally provide vital financial functions such as determining a company's value by projecting future earnings, recommending individual investments, and reviewing economic and business trends.

Why it's in Demand: With investment portfolios becoming more multifaceted and more financial products accessible for trade, the demand will grow for financial analysts, says the Department of Labor. It also helps that up-and-coming markets around the world are providing new investment possibilities.

Education options: Financial analysts typically need a bachelor's degree in a related field such as finance, accounting, business administration, economics, or statistics, says the Department. Keep in mind that employers often require a master's degree in finance or business administration, too.

Career #9 - Database Administrator

2010- 2020 Job Growth: 31 percent* Median Annual Wage: $75,190* Average for Workers in the 90th Percentile: $116,870* Average for Workers in the 10th Percentile: $42,360*

We live in the information age. And if there's one thing the information age has, it's data. So it's no wonder that the people who manage the data are expected to be in high demand.

In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, these workers could do everything from combining old databases into new ones, providing security for business's databases, and making and testing modifications to databases.

Why it's in demand: According to the Department, since future businesses will collect more and more data, they will need database administrators to organize and present data to analysts and stakeholders in an understandable method.

Education options: Database administrators generally earn a bachelor's degree in an information- or computer-related subject, says the Department. A master's in business administration - with an information systems concentration - may be preferred by firms with large databases.

Career #10 - Dental Hygienist

2010- 2020 Job Growth: 38 percent* Median Annual Wage: $69,280* Average for Workers in the 90th Percentile: $94,850* Average for Workers in the 10th Percentile: $46,020*

Do you enjoy terrorizing people with small pointy instruments? Kidding!

But if you like flossing and can work with your hands in tight spaces - like mouths - life as a dental hygienist might make you smile.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, a dental hygienist might clean and take X-rays of teeth, as well as teach patients how to brush and floss properly. Basically, they help people smile brighter.

Why it's in demand: According to the Department of Labor, continued research connecting oral health to general health will increase the demand for preventive dental services and dental hygienists. Additionally, members of the large baby-boom generation will need more dental care and maintenance, since they have kept more of their original teeth than previous generations, adds the Department.

Education options: Dental hygienists generally need an associate's degree in dental hygiene, says the Department, which adds that "certificates, bachelor's degrees, and master's degrees in dental hygiene are also available" but not as common. Note: specific requirements vary by state, but every state requires dental hygienists to be licensed.


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Personal Relationships Make Or Break Careers

By Steve Tobak

Some people are so talented they can't help but do great things. Others are so lucky that great things just seem to happen to them. Well, that's not really how it works. While talent and luck are very much a part of business and career success, they're rarely the only factors. Not even close.


Photo: Flickr user NEXT Berlin

Of the hundreds of successful entrepreneurs, executives, VCs and business leaders I've known over the years, there's something nearly all of them share: They share personal relationships with each other. It goes beyond networking and schmoozing. I'm talking about real personal relationships -- connections that go deeper than that.

Why are those relationships so important? Simple. We each have our own distinct talents, qualities and expertise. By bonding with others, we combine our unique capabilities with all of theirs. We help each other. The whole becomes far greater than the sum of its parts. Everyone benefits.

Besides, it's personally rewarding and fun.

Now, I'm a pretty outgoing guy who generally gets a kick out of people, so relationships have always been easy for me. But the high-tech industry is highly populated with geeks and introverts. Guess what? It doesn't matter. It's remarkable how many different ways there are for relationships to get started and develop in the business world.

Here are a couple of examples that come to mind.

At an annual high-tech industry conference in Pebble Beach, my wife and I sat down to have dinner with an industry analyst I knew by reputation but had never met. We were soon joined by a bunch of executives he knew, including a key Microsoft guy. We were all about the same age and ended up hanging out together for the rest of the evening.

About a year later, I arrived late to the evening mixer before an executive conference in Scottsdale and, looking around, spotted the same guy from Microsoft. We just picked up where we left off. The following day we sat together at the conference and shared our individual methods for dealing with pre-speech jitters. It helped to know I wasn't the only one.

Since my new friend was in charge of Microsoft's partnerships with microprocessor companies and I ran marketing for one, that relationship also proved to be particularly important on a professional level. But you know, I ended up working in some way with all five executives who sat at that dinner table in Pebble Beach. Go figure.

Attending or speaking at industry conferences and events is a great way to mingle with people you have something in common with. And since you keep running into the same people over and over again and everyone's usually away from home, it's a natural way to form long-standing relationships that are both personally and professionally beneficial.

That said, the same sort of thing can happen at work, and with people you wouldn't expect to bond with.

Many years ago, I had a CEO I just didn't click with. We couldn't have been more different. So our weekly one-on-one meetings were tense and difficult. A fellow executive who knew us both suggested I switch from mornings to afternoons. I didn't really get the distinction, but he said that, in his experience, our CEO was usually more receptive and collaborative after lunch. So I took his advice.

Turns out, our CEO liked to get out and walk around the neighborhood in the afternoon. So, instead of sitting in a conference room, we took long walks together. And you know what? That really broke the tension. It changed everything. We really got to know each other. As a result, he became more open to new ideas and we collaborated on some innovative strategies.

Not only did both of us gain from the experience, the entire company benefitted from our new and improved relationship.

I can go on and on with examples, but the point is this: If you're not interested in getting ahead, then just show up for work, do your job, collect your paycheck and go home. If, on the other hand, you want to take your business and career to the next level, get out and develop some deep personal relationships. It'll pay off, big-time.

Follow Steve on Twitter @SteveTobak

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Work-Life Balance: A Common Sense Approach

By Steve Tobak

Innovative people don't see different things, they see the same things differently. Because of that unique perspective, they often end up turning conventional wisdom upside down.

On the other hand, a lot of people make a name for themselves by making outlandish statements to capture eyeballs and followers. They use semantics, statistics, and narrow, self-serving research to justify their point of view.


Photo: Flickr user stuartpilbrow

For example, some pundits suggest that work-life balance is an outmoded concept that no longer works in the contemporary world where everyone's supposed to be on 24x7. Some make their case by narrowly defining work-life balance as keeping work and life completely separate.

Personally, I've never bought into that age-old concept. I happen to think you can walk and chew gum at the same time. I know I can.

Nearly all my friends are from work. I've mixed business and pleasure for over 30 years. I worked my tail off, became a successful senior executive, and had loads of fun and good times along the way. I always managed to get the job done, but I also know myself. When I need a break, I take it.

Sometimes you need to completely disconnect and decompress. Other times you can mix it up. It depends on you and your personal needs at the time. It's a question of balance. It's also about knowing yourself, your needs, and the needs of those you love.

How you decide to live your life is all about looking in the mirror and making choices.

As a corporate executive, I worked hard and played hard. When I traveled, I brought my sneakers and shorts and ran in the mornings, before meetings began. It made me feel great and helped the jet lag. At night, I went out to dinner, karaoke, whatever, with customers and my company's regional folks.

Back at the office, I went out with coworkers or my staff at least once a week, oftentimes with our spouses. When I was double booked in meetings all day, I still managed to get home for dinner. Then I sat on the couch with a glass of wine and did PowerPoint for an hour or two while my wife watched TV.

These days, I consult and write. I work at home. Yesterday I took my dogs out for a run, then sat outside and wrote this article which, incidentally, was the brainchild of an old friend and coworker who texted the idea to me from Austin.

This weekend, a former business associate and his wife are coming over to barbeque. Back in the day, my wife and I spent three days babysitting their kids. I threw my back out playing horse with their 7 year-old twins. They're in their 20s now. Good times.

Personally, I think people spend way too much time trying to figure stuff out from books and blogs and not enough time using their own common sense. Sure, you've got to do a little soul-searching and reassessing from time to time, but the answer to the question of how you should spend your life is always inside you.

I think Steve Jobs had it right when he said he "looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: 'If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?' And whenever the answer has been 'No' for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something."

That approach has always worked for me, as well. Simple.

Follow Steve on Twitter @SteveTobak

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How To Be A Functioning Workaholic

By Steve Tobak

A few recent articles use Google vice president Marissa Mayer as a model for how swamped executives should handle the extraordinary demands of their jobs without burning out.
What a spectacularly bad idea.

Mayer says she typically works 90-hour weeks packed with 60 meetings. In Google's early years, she says she worked 130-hour weeks by being "strategic about when you shower and sleeping under your desk."


Photo: Flickr user Hardleers

Why doesn't she succumb to burnout, working nearly all the time, year in and year out? "I don't really believe in burnout. A lot of people work really hard for decades and decades, like Winston Churchill and Einstein," she says. And she schedules a week off every six months or so.

Let me say this about that. I did the math. The woman works all the time. She loves what she does. She has $300 million or so in the bank. She's happy. Good for her. I'm happy she's happy. But it's a rare case that nobody, and I mean nobody, should use as a model for how to work, how to live, or how to avoid burnout. Period.

Now for something that may make a little more sense to mere mortals like you and me.

There's so much written about work-life balance and time management these days, it's easy to get lost. And I, for one, am no expert on either. What I can say with absolute confidence, however, is that, over a 30-year career, there were times when I worked my tail off, times when I had loads of fun, and times when I was lucky enough to combine the two. Looking back on it, I have few regrets and none that I can't live with.

Sure, I made some sacrifices, but who doesn't? That is perhaps the only thing Mayer and I agree on. You can't have it all so you have to figure out what's really important to you. Amen to that. Here are a few more not-so-obvious insights into how to be a functioning workaholic, whether you chose that lifestyle or it was thrust upon you.

What's a workaholic? Somebody who puts work first, works more than he should, gets in trouble with his wife about it, maybe misses the birth of a child or two, obsesses about work, is "on" 24x7, has trouble not working when she doesn't have to, that sort of thing. Anyway, it's always good to know what you're dealing with.

Don't be over-the-top proud of it. If you chose the lifestyle, you should definitely be comfortable with that. But don't go running around shouting about it to everyone who'll listen or wear it like some sort of badge of honor. That's just annoying. You should never apologize for the life you choose, but there's nothing especially noble about being a workaholic, either. And don't complain. That's even more annoying.

Work your tail off when you have to; not when you don't. That's how I did it and it worked great. When duty called, I was there as needed. A quick trip for a meeting in Japan, a week or two on the road, long days and nights, that's why executives make the big bucks. But when things simmered down, so did I. I chilled plenty. No guilt, either. That way, it all evens out. Magically, no burnout.

Have fun doing it. Yes, I know that's easy to say, but if you're not passionate about what you're doing, if it isn't fun on at least some level, you'll never be able to handle the workaholic grind. You'll make yourself and everyone around you miserable. You'll ruin your health and your life. Don't bother. You have to find something that turns you on in some material way to be able to work hard at it.

Know the signs of burnout. Okay, so the truth is that there were situations when I wasn't happy. It had more to do with the company, the culture or my boss than the work itself. Those, in my opinion, are more common causes of burnout than just working long hours. Anyway, burnout is when you're miserable all the time and there's no end in sight. Watch out for the signs.

Don't be a dope and sacrifice your health for work or anything else, for that matter. If you can work consistent 90-hour weeks for years and pull off looking and coming across as well as Mayer does, be my guest. Knock yourself out. However, in 30 plus years working in and around the high-tech industry, I've rarely seen it. But then, just about everyone I know is actually human.

Follow Steve on Twitter @SteveTobak

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If you don't have the right 21st-century skills, you may have a hard time remaining employable in the future. Tomorrow's work success will hinge on mastering skills you might not currently possess or even realize employers want, according to the Future Work Skills 2020 report by Institute for the Future for Apollo Research Institute. Read on to learn about the five trends you need to stay on top of if you want to ensure future employment.

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