work

Relocating for Work

Many people find themselves in the position of facilitating a job relocation. It may be that you have taken a new job, are part of a restructure in your organization, or have been promoted within your current company and you are now relocating for your new role. The relocation may be somewhat local, across the country, or abroad.

Regardless of why you are relocating, it can be a stressful undertaking, though it can also be an exciting opportunity. Making the best of this situation will likely require planning and preparation. Below are lists of things that you can do to ensure a successful job relocation.

Before the Move

Before you actually begin planning for the move, you want to make sure that you have all of the information that you need. Here are some questions to consider:

• Did you negotiate relocation benefits?
• Can you have a “try out” period before committing permanently?
• Is the move temporary or permanent in the foreseeable future?
• Are you provided with housing or do you need to find your own accommodations?
• If you are provided housing, is it furnished or unfurnished? The answer to this question will help determine if you need to take your belongings, only some of them, or nothing more than a laptop and some clothing.
• Are you moving out of your current residence, selling your home, subletting, or keeping it as is? Depending on your answer to this question, you may want to consult with a realtor, property management company, or other professional.
• Do you need to make storage arrangements?
• Who is moving with you? If you are moving with kids, you may need to arrange childcare or their school enrollment prior to moving. Experts also suggest that you talk to your kids about the move starting from the early planning stages. Keeping them a part of the process will help as they go through the stresses of relocation.
• What time of year will you be moving? Is the weather going to be different than in your current location? Do you need to prepare for that?
• Are you moving with your partner? Does he or she need to find new career options when you move? If so, they may need to begin the processing of applying or networking now.

These questions are only some of the things you may need to consider prior to moving. In this stage, you want to collect as much information as possible on what you can expect in your new location as well as what resources you will have available to you as you move and settle in.

Once you have prepared for the move, there are several things that you can do to ensure a successful process during the move.

During the Move

As you find yourself in the midst of packing and moving, be sure to hire a reliable moving company, have internet and phone services set up in your new location, cancel all such services in your current residence if you will no longer need them, and most of all, stay organized.

• Children – Confirm that you have childcare and/or school arrangements in the new location.
• Belongings — Keep everything organized, what you will not need should be disposed of, stored, or staying in your current residence. Everything you will need should be packed and on its way to your new residence.
• Pets – If you have pets you may need to have accommodations set up specifically for their move.
• Work – Stay in communication with the company to ensure that you will be where you need to be when you need to be there. Long distance moves can have unexpected delays or challenges, staying in communication will help avoid misunderstandings.
• Medications – If you are taking any medications be sure to have the proper amount that you need until you are able to go to a physician in your new area.

There are many details to attend to as you are relocating for work, but the experience can be a successful one as long as you stay organized.

After the Move

Regardless of how exciting of an opportunity you may have with the relocation, uprooting your life can be challenging and stressful. Give it time — experts advise that the first six months of any move are the most challenging. If you are moving alone, you may want to enroll in classes or other activities outside of work to help create a new social circle or support system.

Want to talk to a counselor today about this?

Call us at 800-453-7733 and ask for your “Free 15 Minute Phone Consultation" with one of our licensed counselors. We’ll listen, answer questions you may have, and help you plan next steps.

Sources:

https://hbr.org/2018/12/how-to-decide-whether-to-relocate-for-a-job

https://hbr.org/2018/08/the-who-where-and-why-of-moving-for-a-new-job

Dealing With Pregnancy at Work

Being pregnant at work can add extra responsibilities and considerations to an already busy day. As the body works overtime to help the baby develop, it is important to take notice of how to stay rested, healthy, comfortable, and safe.

Staying Comfortable

Common pregnancy issues such as fatigue, swelling, and nausea don’t take a break just because you are at work. In order to continue working through a pregnancy, the first step is to speak with a doctor to learn about any specific concerns or issues to be aware of. Every pregnancy is different, but most women can continue working as long as they make some modifications.

• If nausea is a primary concern, have ginger ale, ginger candy, or ginger tea on hand. It can also be wise to avoid staying in the cafeteria or break room for too long, since certain smells can make nausea worse. Many doctors also suggest eating small meals every two hours, to help aid in digestion. Bland snacks are best, such as crackers, pretzels, or cereal, but listen to your body and what it can tolerate; it is likely that your comfort foods may change periodically.
• If you feel fatigued, you can consider prioritizing and cutting down on the activities that are not high on your list. It is important to get adequate rest, so going to bed early, as well as resting while you are awake, will help you get through the workday. Eating foods high in iron and protein can also help. While at work, drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks.
• To prevent swelling, practice sitting with good posture, in a chair with lower back support. If you sit for most of the day, get up frequently to walk around, even if it is just to the water fountain and back. Some jobs require standing for long periods of time; if this is the case, make sure to have comfortable shoes with good support, and try propping one foot up at a time, and alternating feet.

Avoiding Hazards

When pregnant, your body can be more susceptible to certain hazards. It is smart to speak with your doctor as well as whoever directs health and safety at your workplace, to learn about what changes you should take to keep you and your baby safe. For a more complete list of hazards, check out www.cdc.gov and search for The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and pregnancy in the workplace.

• Proper PPE at Work – Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is one of the most important safety precautions while on the job. Examples include gloves, goggles, ear protection, and protective clothing. As your metabolism and body changes, it may be necessary to upgrade or change out what types of PPE you are utilizing. Some gloves only provide minimal protection from chemicals and some respirators may make it too hard to breathe while pregnant. If you have questions, make sure to ask.
• Preventing Take Home Exposure – Some chemicals or other substances may travel home with you or a loved one and can still be dangerous. To prevent contaminating your home with substances such as pesticides, lead, or anything else brought home from the job, practice these habits:
  • Keep soiled clothes at work, separate from clean clothes that get worn home, or have a spot at home that is reserved for dirty work clothes.
  • Take shoes off outside house.
  • Wash hands and/or shower before leaving work, or do so immediately when you get home.
• Decrease Chance of Injury – Pregnancy causes changes in balance and flexibility, increasing chances for falls and sprains. Utilize proper lifting form every time you have to lift something by bending your legs, keeping the load close to your body, and avoiding twisting. Get up slowly and pay attention to how steady you feel.
• Decrease Chance of Illness – Immune systems also change during pregnancy, making you more susceptible to getting sick. Wash hands often, stay hydrated, keep a healthy diet, and avoid people and places where illness is present, as much as possible.

Pregnant Rights

Workplace discrimination and harassment does happen to women who are pregnant, but is illegal thanks to the Pregnancy Discrimination Act. This act helps to make sure that pregnant women are guaranteed equal treatment and a woman’s pregnancy cannot legally influence factors such as hiring, firing, pay, and benefits. Women who are pregnant and unable to work can, in some cases, be treated the same as any other employee with a disability. This might include work assigning less demanding tasks, or giving short-term leave. In some cases (depending on the size of the employer and how long the employee has been with the employer) a woman might qualify for the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) which would allow for 12 weeks of leave (paid or unpaid, based on what employee has earned). To learn more about pregnancy rights, search for “pregnancy rights” on the websites for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission www.eeoc.gov or the U.S. Department of Labor www.dol.gov.

Want to talk to a counselor today about this?

Call us at 800-453-7733 and ask for your “Free 15 Minute Phone Consultation" with one of our licensed counselors. We’ll listen, answer questions you may have, and help you plan next steps.

Sources

• https://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/youre-pregnant-now-what/know-your-pregnancy-rights
• https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/types/pregnancy.cfm
• http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy/art-20047441
• https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/repro/pregnancy.html

Workplace Etiquette

Etiquette is not a lost art. Knowing the proper ways to present yourself in a certain situation can help to make sure that you are moving toward success. This is especially true at work. If you have ever had a co-worker who ignores certain common courtesies, you know how distracting it can be.

Those distractions can also have negative effects on your team. Ignoring etiquette in the workplace can decrease productivity and team morale, and increase stress and frustration. Often, this becomes a never-ending cycle of negativity. To prevent this, there are many ways to practice workplace etiquette.

Return to the Basics

Saying “please” and “thank you” will provide a stable foundation in any situation. Whether you are the boss or a brand new intern, these words never go out of style. It is also a smart consideration to practice being on time – even early – for meetings. Once at your meetings, be fully present. This means putting your cell phone on silent and in your pocket, while participating in the topic being discussed.

Since each workplace is different, it is smart to review your employment manual, likely given to you when hired, to make sure that you are following workplace rules. This should cover appropriate clothing, technology use, and conflict management. If you do not know where your copy is, check with your Human Resources department. Making sure that you and your co-workers are on the same page can help prevent conflicts.

Cubicle Tips

Working in a cubicle environment provides its own set of rules as privacy is at a minimum. One of the main ways to approach a co-worker who works in a cubicle is to pretend that they are in their own office (because in a sense, they are). When it comes to your own actions at your desk, however, remember that you are not in an office. After taking those factors into account, follow some of these tips:

• If you need to speak with a co-worker, try knocking on their cubicle wall. If they are not able to be disturbed, they can let you know with a raise of the hand, without hopefully being too thrown off from whatever task they were doing (even if it seemed like nothing to you).
• At your own desk, consider making a sign that says “Please Do Not Disturb” if you are working on an item with a deadline.
• Respect co-workers space and property by always asking to borrow an item that they have in their area. If they are not available, find another source.
• Do your best to keep your eyes on your own work, and off of theirs.
• When speaking on the phone, try to use a pleasant telephone voice that is loud enough that you can be heard on the other line, but not so loud that you are distracting those around you. Avoiding speakerphone is also helpful.
• Consider keeping your personal phone on silent, and discussing confidential and personal topics in another location.
• Decorate your cubicle to express your personality and motivate you, but remember that your co-workers and bosses will walk by. Keep your cubicle classy and respectful.

Things to Consider in Shared Spaces

There is more to consider than property and noise concerns at work. All of our senses are involved in our workday, and should be thought of when interacting with co-workers.

• Your selected lunch might smell appetizing to you, but not so much to those around you. Keep your food in the cafeteria and try not to eat at your desk. Taking a lunch break can also help you feel better and re-focus your work when you start up again.
• Pay attention to noises that you make that could be distracting or rude to others. Some examples include pen-tapping, chewing gum, or sighing.
• Some people have a strong reaction to scented products such as perfume, cologne, and lotions. Choose mildly scented products, and keep your application minimal.
• Keep yourself and your area clean: bring your lunchbox home every day and clean it out, maintain an organized system for tasks, and put your garbage in designated areas.
• When you are sick, keep your germs at home and away from your co-workers. Consider attending important meetings via phone or video chat. If you must go to work, keep hand sanitizer and tissues within reach.

Conflict Resolution Tips

If you are noticing someone causing problems in your work place, consult your Employment Manual for how to resolve conflicts according to protocol. If appropriate, speak with your co-worker about their behavior. Approach them with respect and focus on the benefits that can arise from some changes, while also helping to seek solutions. If problems are not getting better, or are getting worse, speak to your supervisor or a representative from Human Resources to help resolve the issue.

Want to talk to a counselor today about this?

Call us at 800-453-7733 and ask for your “Free 15 Minute Phone Consultation" with one of our licensed counselors. We’ll listen, answer questions you may have, and help you plan next steps.

Sources:

• https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/capitalbusiness/career-coach-15-rules-of-etiquette-for-the-cubicle/2011/08/10/gIQARJKXFJ_story.html?utm_term=.12a80367a7bbBe
• https://www.nic.edu/modules/images/websites/15/file/The%20Fine%20Art%20of%20Cube%20Etiquette.pdf
• https://www.forbes.com/sites/lisaquast/2014/04/07/office-etiquette-tips-to-overcome-bad-manners-at-work/#3228730a4a37

Avoiding Burnout

There are many “outs” in life. We can be stressed out, worn out, and experience burnout. As passionate as we may feel about our work, we are all susceptible to burnout if we fail to exercise good self-care and relaxation techniques. Burnout is a constant feeling of physical, mental, and/or emotional exhaustion and pessimism in the workplace. This usually results in a decline in performance and passion. You may experience doubt over your job competence and value in the workforce.

Early Signs of Burnout

There are several early warning signs of burnout. Do you dread coming back from vacation? Are you experiencing interpersonal problems at work and home, growing irritable and impatient? Do tasks you once enjoyed no longer excite you? Can you concentrate easily on assignments? Is your overall attitude pessimistic toward your coworkers and your performance? These questions are all indicators of a burnout. There are also several health problems that may arise from chronic stress in the workplace. Burnout symptoms have been linked to anxiety, depression, digestive problems, weight fluctuations, and changes in sleep patterns.

Triggers of Burnout

What ultimately leads to workplace burnout? It’s different for everyone and could be a variety of items or one major one. Here are some possibilities:

• Limited or no control- Perhaps your schedule or job requirements are determined for you- without your input. Lacking sufficient resources to do your job effectively may also trigger burnout.
• Expectations- If an employer anticipates a higher performance than possible, this could cause an increase in stress. Also, when expectations are unwritten or unclear, this brings confusion and interpersonal turmoil.
• Job mismatch- Are you currently in a position not suited for your skillset or interests? Boredom, frustration, and long term stress may occur.
• Social dynamics- It’s no secret there are introverts and extroverts. Some people work best in solitude; while others would not. Isolation could lead to internal and/or external stress.
• Clashing values- Differences in values or convictions can be deeply felt. Situations resulting from a clash in business ethics may produce emotional stress.
• Out of balance- When work begins to eat up your energy and time for family or social events resentment may appear and accelerate to burnout.

Preventing Burnout

Far from being inevitable, burnout is actually preventable. Consider putting these practices in place to help in avoiding workplace burnout:

• Take small breaks- Your overall performance can be impacted negatively by failing to take (short) breaks. Concentration wanes after a long, laborious stretch; so take a quick five or ten minutes. Your brain will thank you.
• Evaluate- Take a step back to see how you are using your time. Where and when are you most productive? How is the quality of your work? Being efficient does not equal being effective. Take inventory and prioritize your time.
• Set vacations in stone- If you are financially able, plan that trip today. It will give you something to anticipate. Or consider doing a “staycation,” and treat yourself to some rest and relaxation.
• Reward yourself weekly- Establish a routine that invests in you. Perhaps, schedule a dinner out with the family or coffee with a friend. You will be more motivated to complete a task when you have something fun to look forward to each week.
• Determine what’s urgent- We are easily distracted by items we label as urgent. Whether that’s email, phone calls, or administrative work, set less-urgent tasks aside for later. This will increase your productivity and help you feel more organized.
• Build community with coworkers- Relationships with positive people who inspire and motivate you are important. Negativity breeds exponentially, so look for coworkers who can empathize with your challenges and encourage you.
• Note your negative feelings- Pay attention to your negative thoughts and jot them down. Which of these situations can you control? Focus on what you can change about your work and environment. This mindset allows you to control more choices in your career.
• Engage new passions- Look for a new hobby to catch your interest during the week. Often, new activities reignite passions for forgotten interests.
• Unplug your devices- Avoid checking your office email, voicemail, and logging in to do work when you’re not in the office. Maintaining a clear distinction between work and home allows you to be fully present and enjoy whichever one you choose.
• Practice self-care- Taking care of yourself with proper rest, exercise, and nutrition is essential to reducing your risk for or managing existing burnout. Research shows that less than six hours of sleep nightly speeds your chance of burning out. Good self-care, conversely, will bring you more energy and increase your productivity.

If you think you may be experiencing signs of job burnout, ignoring the symptoms is never the best decision. Ask your doctor or schedule an appointment with a mental health professional before you feel worse. Implementing these strategies, as well as healthy self-care, will help restore the passion for what you enjoy most.

Want to talk to a counselor today about this?

Call Amplified Life at 800-453-7733 and ask for your “Free 15 Minute Phone Consultation" with one of our licensed counselors. We’ll listen, answer questions you may have, and help you plan next steps.

Sources:

http://fortune.com/2012/10/08/5-ways-to-avoid-burnout-at-work/

http://idealistcareers.org/5-things-you-can-do-each-day-to-prevent-burnout/

http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/adult-health/in-depth/burnout/art-20046642?pg=1

How to Choose a Career Counselor

Want to find a job? Interested in a career switch? Thinking about going back to school? You can learn all of the necessary information online to answer your questions on how to do this. However, there may be a few pieces of practical information and guidance that you cannot get from the World Wide Web, and should receive from a professional.

Why Use a Career Counselor?

Career counselors are specially trained to help you choose a career. They are informed about various assessment tools, theories, and trends that can help you to find a career that will be a good fit for you. They can do this in a variety of ways:

• Increasing self-awareness – By facilitating discussion and utilizing assessment tools, career counselors can help you to learn about your interests, skills, values, and personality type. Most importantly, they can help you learn how these can align with various careers.
• Gaining valuable information about trends – Career counselors have studied the various resources that can help you to learn about any careers that you might be interested in. They can help you learn about education options, what skills are necessary for a career, what the job market looks like, or what salary to expect. They can even help to suggest career options that are similar to what you want, yet might be a better fit for you based on your priorities.
• Developing and carrying out plans – Each step of the way, you can have guidance on how to carry out your vision. You can get assistance doing a job search, putting together your resume and other similar documents, understanding salary and benefit packages, gaining interview skills, engaging in the proper preparation (including school or other training programs), and utilizing a Plan B when needed.

What to Look For

If you are in school, you may have access to a counselor for free. If this is the case, take advantage of the opportunity. If you are not in school, chances are you will have to seek out and pay for a career counselor. Here are some things to look for, to make sure you get your money’s worth.

• Credentials – You can ask to see a copy of the diploma and license of any professional you meet with. Professionals should be licensed in the state in which they practice, and also might be a member of organizations such as the National Board for Certified Counselors or the National Career Development Association.
• Code of Ethics – To which professional body does the counselor take his ethical guidelines from? You can ask to make sure that he is pursuing quality services, and not just private interests.
• Professionalism – If it sounds like a get rich quick scheme, it might be more of a gimmick than a professional service. Stick with someone who is committed to helping you find the outcome that you want, and does not promise quick results without appropriate effort.
• Informed experience – Your counselor should provide you with information about fees, explanation of services, proposed scheduling, and a basic outline of what services will look like.
• Going the extra mile – Finding a new career is half the battle; succeeding in it is the rest. Transitioning into a new workplace can be stressful, and finding a career counselor that regularly works with clients on the topics of communication, organization, time management, and leadership style can be incredibly beneficial. It also can be valuable to find a counselor who stays with clients into the first 30 days of a job. This is a time that can be especially stressful, yet important, and having the proper support can help you adapt properly to your new jobsite.

How to Find One

There are a few resources that can be beneficial when looking for a career counselor. Word of mouth and referrals are time tested. Keep in mind, however, that your experience might be unique, as you likely will have your own needs that might differ from theirs. If you want to find a counselor online, you can use the National Career Development Association list of approved counselors and professionals. This resource allows you to search by state. Another great place to check is libraries, colleges, and state employment services. These locations will sometimes host speakers or will know connections to help you find what you want.

Career Theory

As is the case with anything in life, approaching a new experience with a little bit of education can be a benefit. There are a few career theories that can help you to explore what matters most to you in finding a career. Ideally, finding a career counselor who is familiar with placing people in careers based on these factors can be very helpful.

John Holland’s Vocational Choice theory is based on personality. It splits people up into 6 personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, or Conventional. Based on this personality type, it gives corresponding work environments and careers.

Frank Parsons developed a Trait and Factor theory that matches talent and occupational choice. This theory is highly based on psychometric tests that help to explain the ideal job for each individual. Concepts such as aptitude, disposition, intelligence, and interests are measured to help determine this.

Other theories utilize more of a social or developmental approach, with people focusing on chance, self-efficacy, self-esteem, or fulfilling one’s self-concept.

There is no right or wrong theory, though some can be more applicable than others. You can decide how to incorporate and prioritize your values and goals into selecting a career. Keep in mind that work environment can be very important, because even if you are doing a job you love, if you are doing it in an environment that does not suit you (say surrounded by tons of people or isolated away from everyone with no windows), you may not find as much enjoyment as you would wish.

Want to talk to a counselor today about this?

Call Amplified Life at 800-453-7733 and ask for your “Free 15 Minute Phone Consultation" with one of our licensed counselors. We’ll listen, answer questions you may have, and help you plan next steps.

Sources

• https://ncda.org/aws/NCDA/pt/sp/consumer_find
• https://www.ncda.org/aws/NCDA/pt/sd/news_article/5573/_PARENT/layout_details_search/false
• http://time.com/3590683/how-to-get-the-most-value-from-a-career-counselor/
• https://www.bls.gov/k12/content/teachers/pdf/choosing_a_career.pdf
• https://www.utoledo.edu/success/career/pdfs/career_theories_overview.pdf