Tag Archives: work

Apr5

Tips For Job Hunting In A New City

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Tips For Job Hunting In A New City

Job hunting in a new city can be overwhelming. You may feel as if you are making steps forward one minute and then going ten steps backward in the next second. Whether you’re moving because of personal reasons or because you just want a new opportunity and a fresh start, navigating the job market adds another stressor on top of the move. Here are some things that can help:

Research the Job Market:

Before you make the move, make sure that you are researching the job market thoroughly. Look for the industries in the area that are arriving and growing. There’s always a couple of them if you do your digging ahead of time. If you are in these industries already, then you are in luck. If you are not in these industries but you’re interested in them now, it’s a great time to pivot.

You can do courses online to upgrade your skills and make you more marketable when you arrive at your destination. Check out any online job portals that may be in use as well. Also, take a look at the best US cities for white-collar workers, according to Checkr’s new report, to see if your city is included.

Update Your Resume:

Having an updated resume is an absolute must. You need to tailor your resume so that it will show off your greatest skills. If you need to update your LinkedIn profile and any other professional platforms, do so. You want to make sure that there’s always the latest information available about you. The quicker you do this, the sooner you will land your dream job in your new city.

Dive Into Local Resources:

There are several resources available for job seekers so you should make sure that you are doing your best to hunt them down. Find a local career center, find out when their job fairs are happening and where all the employment agents are located in the city. If you do a bit of detective work you may find that being Sherlock Holmes is not too difficult. You will find what you are looking for and get the help you need.

Remote and Freelance Options:

You may want to consider remote and freelance options so that you can work from just about anywhere. In today’s digital age this type of arrangement is very common. If you’re ready for a change then try to find an opportunity so you can work from just about anywhere you can pitch a tent and have Wi-Fi!

You may find that your next opportunity comes in a jaw-dropping way. So keep your eyes open and your ears to the ground you never know what you may find!

Featured Image By: fauxels

Mar31

Happy Easter!!

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Happy Easter!!

Hello everyone and Happy Easter to those who celebrate! I hope you all have a fantastic day. 🙂 This past week was an absolute doozy in the worst way possible and it has been nice to take the time to unwind this weekend. Tuesday was literally horrible and I am hoping for sunshiny days ahead… Well, as sunshiny as you can get with April showers! Despite Tuesday being awful, I did have a little Easter pick me up that I thought I would share with all of you:

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On Wednesday morning, I was still reeling from the day before and was feeling really blue as I went to pick up my transport client. All I wanted to do was sleep, but seeing my clients always perks me up and I am so glad that I powered through. As my client approached my car, I noticed him carrying a pretty wrapped package and card. It was an early Easter gift and it couldn’t have come at a better time. In fact, this is not the first time I was gifted a sweet surprise from this family when I desperately needed a pick me up. They must have some type of telepathy!

After I got my client to work, I parked my car to unwrap my prezzie because I couldn’t wait till I got home. I was delighted by a beautiful card and some Bunny Hollow hand soap! It was such a thoughtful gesture and is a true testament to wonderful things coming in small packages. Even though the week was extremely trying times for yours truly, this was such a welcome reminder of all of the good that is in my life. I was so thankful for this perfectly timed surprise. ❤

This little token of appreciation went a long way and it feels so good to be cherished by others during the holidays. Happy Easter to all of you and I hope this spring brings you flowers, rainbows, and happiness!

Have you had any sweet surprises recently? How are you celebrating Easter? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar25

*Trying* To Take It Easy

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*Trying* To Take It Easy

Hello!! The irony has not been lost on me that the past two times that I had any time off from work were spent being sick. I spent my week long holiday break this winter with RSV and had another week off due to a nasty virus at the beginning of the month. It was a huge bummer to be sick over the holidays, but I’d be a liar if I said it wasn’t awesome having some time off this second time around! As someone who has been self employed for almost a decade, it is incredibly difficult for me to justify time off – even if it is for fun things like vacations. However, after enjoying being sick more than I probably should have, I realized that I really do need to make an effort to *try* to take it easier. So, I have been doing the following:

Sleeping In:

I have always been adamant about waking up as soon as my alarm goes off because I need my jam packed days to run like clockwork. This proved to be very hard after a whole week of getting up sans alarm, though. After my sick spell, I have given myself permission to hit the snooze or even sleep for another extra hour. And guess what? My days still are going without a hitch and I feel much more well rested too. This isn’t an every day thing, but I have been taking advantage of getting some extra shut eye on the days where I have a bit more wiggle room. I have noticed a huge difference in my energy levels and will absolutely continue with this!

Face Masks:

One of my sick day rituals was using face masks so I could feel some semblance of pampered while I was a gross, sweaty mess lol. This is another thing that I have been sticking with and I have enjoyed a weekly face mask since the beginning of March. I tend to do this as soon as I get home one day during the week and even though it’s only a twenty minute process, I see its merits. Rather than diving into the next thing I have to do (computer work, cooking dinner, cleaning), I am able to take those twenty minutes to recharge and continue going about my day. This is a win/win because I love doing skin care and I feel like it gives me a second wind until bedtime. It’s amazing what taking twenty minutes for you out of your day can do!

Making Plans:

I can’t tell you the amount of weekends I have spent doing literally nothing because I am too tired. Then, I would go about the work week feeling disappointed that Johnny and I didn’t do anything fun at all. While we still have our lazy weekends, we have both been making an effort to do more and have a good time during our time off. Within this past month alone, we have reincorporated date nights and I have tried my best to make plans (and keep them) with my friends. For a long while, I was going through the motions of the work week without much to look forward to once the weekend rolls around. Now, Johnny and I have been adding at least one fun outing to our weekend and it has been fantastic. On Mondays, I feel happy with the hang outs we’ve had and am eager to see what we’ll do the following weekend.

I have been on the grindset mindset for so long and, although these seem like small changes, they are huge to me. I plan on continuing with all of these improvements and adding new ways to make things easier for myself when I feel like I need it. I already notice a difference!

How do you take time for yourself? What are some improvements that you have made recently? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb8

Step To It

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Step To It

Hello!!! I am thrilled to be able to have a shift in my schedule because it is so nice to be able to change things up. I have been working a lot more from home starting in January and I also have been doing several transportation shifts as an Independent Provider too. It has been my wish to work as much as I can from home and I’m happy that it’s becoming true! However, you know that whole thing about the Freshman Fifteen? I’m convinced there is one for WFH too lol.

When you work from home, you don’t realize just how sedentary your day becomes. Paired with the frigid temps of winter, I have felt sluggish this past week and I turned to Johnny for inspiration. Johnny works in a factory and has taken great pleasure in monitoring his steps throughout the day. He has been doing an awesome job and it motivated me to start getting active once my work is done for the day.

Although it’s tempting to crash after a long shift, I have been trying to Step To It while Johnny and I watch TV. It might not be the most exciting form of exercise to march in place or walk back and forth across the room. But, it’s the best I can do until it’s warm enough for hikes after work and I feel good about making this change. I have been trying to get to or close to ten thousand steps a day and I can tell it’s working just after a little bit. I noticed an increase in my energy and stamina from merely pacing the apartment and that’s a wonderful improvement for something so simple. 🙂

My next plan of action to assist with the slower paced WFH life is to order a work out ball to sit on while I’m at the computer. It’s another easy solution to boost my activity throughout my shift and I can’t wait to try it!

How do you stay active at home? Where is your favorite place to walk at? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan30

Why You Need The Right Equipment For Your Business

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Why You Need The Right Equipment For Your Business

Equipment, whether it’s tools, machinery, software, or anything else, is vital for every business. Even those businesses that are solely online and sell digital downloads to customers will need computing equipment or, at the very least, some kind of mobile device to run properly, so it really doesn’t – or shouldn’t – make a difference as to what kind of business you run; the information in this post is going to be useful to you.

The fact is, it’s not just a matter of getting some equipment – it’s a matter of getting the right equipment, and that’s what makes the difference. With that in mind, here are some of the reasons why you need the right equipment for your business:

Better Productivity:

Having the right equipment means that it’s far easier for you or your team to do the work that needs to be done efficiently and to be as productive as possible. Having equipment that isn’t quite right but that you think will do and still get the job done might do that, but it won’t do it well, and it won’t do it quickly or accurately.

When you invest in the right equipment, like pharmacy fridges, for example, you can rest assured that the software or machinery will be able to do precisely what you need it to do without any delays or issues. Your business will be a lot more productive, and you and your team will feel much happier – your customers will be happier, too, and that’s definitely something you’ll want to achieve.

Proper and modern equipment from fork lifts to cotton candy vending machines for sale isn’t just for safety and efficiency. New machinery can prove to be a cost effective solution in the long run as it has less of a tendency to malfunction. You can also explore warranty options to assist in future repairs needed down the road.

In the same breath, improving productivity can also come in the form of what software and programs you are using. Older versions will not have the same bells and whistles as modern ones do which can decrease the efficiency of your workers. Take the time to learn how a CMMS streamlines equipment change orders or ways that a central hub for documentation can be more secure. There are always better ways and products to complete tasks and technology upgrades can be most beneficial.

It’s Safer:

Making do with tools that might work reasonably well but that aren’t the right ones for the job is always a gamble when it comes to your business’s productivity, but it’s a gamble when it comes to safety as well. The tools that are specifically designed for the job you need to do are designed with safety relating to that job and how it’s performed in mind. There will be special safeguards in place, and the instructions will give you a good understanding of how to use the tools. If they’re used for anything else other than their main function, they could make the entire task unsafe, which would cause the risk of injury and disruption to your business, not to mention potentially damaging your reputation.

No matter what your business specializes in, proper equipment to do your job well and safely should be prioritized. If your business is a retail store, this could be as simple as having a first aid kit and lifting equipment for shipment. However, jobs like commercial diving operations can prove to be a life or death situation if you and your employees don’t have the best gear such as silent generators for diving. Equipment like this should be tested regularly so no problems arise when you are working. You should also continue to keep up with the latest technology for your career so safety is always at the forefront.

Cost Savings:

Buying equipment that isn’t quite right but that’s cheaper than what you really need might seem like a good idea, especially if you’re on a budget for your business. After all, if it does the job well enough, what’s the harm? You’re saving money, and you’re still doing what needs to be done.

That might seem like a reasonable assumption, but it’s not actually the case. The reality is that you’ll probably need to buy new equipment sooner rather than later. You’ll either upgrade to the correct equipment, or you’ll have to replace what you’re using because it got damaged through misuse. Plus, if you’re less productive, as we’ve already seen you will be, you won’t make as much money. In the long run, spending more on the right equipment is a good way to save money.

The proper equipment for your business will save you time, hassle, and money too. It’s a necessary step and a huge win!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Jan30

Work Goals Achieved (YES!)

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Work Goals Achieved (YES!)

Howdy! As the transition from 2022 and 2023 happened, one of my main goals was to work a lot more online. While I love my job as an Independent Provider, I wanted to try new things too and what I was most interested in was taking my online work to a new level. This was such an “asked and answered” situation because on January 4th of 2023, I began working as the in house writer for a tech entrepreneur in Massillon, Ohio. This was an absolute dream come true!

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With this job came the responsibilities of handling social media for several different accounts, writing blog posts and press releases, as well as office admin work. It honestly doesn’t even feel like work because it is so much fun! Like my job as an Independent Provider, I know that it’s something that I’m not only excellent at, but I genuinely enjoy too. It truly doesn’t get much better than that and I have lifewithlilred to thank. That is how I got noticed for this opportunity in the first place. ❤

At the end of 2023, my time with a long term client came to an unfortunate end and that was really hard for me. I assumed that I would be working with that family for forever and I was wrong. It was also stressful because I needed to find a way to make up for the hours lost. Once again, asked and answered. My online boss gave the okay for additional hours on Monday and, better yet, I get to do that in person! Every Monday, I have been going into the office for training and am learning so much. It gives me the chance to work with the companies my boss owns in an entirely new way and it is thrilling!

The cherry on top to my online work extravaganza has been accepting another new role. Starting this past December, I became the social media manager for a local metalcore band called Constellations. I created all of their social media pages from scratch and handle their content calendars, scheduling, and promoting. This is something that I have wanted for so long and I am very proud of myself for taking the plunge and tossing my hat in the ring when they were looking to hire someone. I took a big chance and it paid off big time. 😀

It’s safe to say that I am a pretty busy gal between all of my jobs, but it is the best kind of busy ever. I love everything that I do and I can’t wait to see what opportunities come my way next!

Have you achieved any goals recently? What is your favorite part about your job? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec14

Sweet Surprises: Early Christmas Gift Edition

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Sweet Surprises: Early Christmas Gift Edition

Hello!!! I had a pretty difficult day at my job as an Independent Provider this past Monday and it hit me really hard. It is always the worst when I have to let go of long term clients, but that is just what had to happen and I was beside myself. It was a rain cloud on this past week for sure, but a rainbow appeared on Wednesday morning when one of my clients decided to give me their family Christmas gift early. Oddly enough, I was actually thinking of bringing their gifts in that very day! This was, hands down, one of the most beautiful, thoughtful gifts I have ever received and reminded me why working in the field is still exactly where I needed to be. Maybe that family decided I could use a pick me up that day and it worked like a charm. Check it out:

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The inside of the sun and moon patterned bracelet says “You were made to make a difference” and the inside of the plain one says “You make the world a better place”.

Guys, when I tell you I was ugly crying when I unwrapped my presents – I mean I was ugly crying. I adore the mini cuff message bracelets so very much and have at least six of them in my collection. The very first one I got was from my mom when I was a teenager and it sparked a love of them ever since. My clients’ family had no idea about this and I was flabbergasted when I opened them up and simply verklempt when I read the sweet sentiments inside. The messages that these bracelets held were exactly what I needed and given to me exactly when I needed them. It was so unbelievably special to me and once the waterworks started, there was no stopping it.

I love my job so much and always will, even on hard days. But, I think anyone who works in the care field wonders from time to time if they are ever actually making a difference – especially after a bad day. These bracelets were the confirmation I needed that, yes, I am changing the lives of the people I serve and, yes, the world is a better place because of it. It was humbling and beautiful to see this written plainly across the bracelets I received. This gift was so comforting because it told me that I am still doing everything right by my clients and people who I will have the pleasure of helping in the future. I just renewed my certification as a provider and I can’t wait to see where my next three years in the field takes me!

This is the literal first time that I have cried over a gift and I will treasure these bracelets until the end of my days. It was given to me by a family who is so special to me and I take pride in the fact that I am special to them too. ❤

Have you ever got emotional over a gift? What is the best gift you have ever received? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec12

A Millennial Approach To A Successful Construction Business

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A Millennial Approach To A Successful Construction Business

The construction industry, traditionally known for its resilience and stability, is undergoing a transformative shift as millennials take on leadership roles and shape the future of businesses within the sector. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and technology, the millennial approach to a successful construction business involves adapting to changing times while maintaining the industry’s core values. In this exploration, we will delve into key strategies and practices that define a millennial-driven construction business:

Embrace Technology and Digital Transformation:

Millennials are often referred to as the first digital generation, having grown up in an era dominated by technology. Embracing digital transformation is a cornerstone of a millennial approach to a successful construction business. Incorporate construction management software, project management tools, and Building Information Modeling (BIM) to streamline processes, enhance collaboration, and improve overall project efficiency.

Of course, you will want to be well versed in all aspects of the tools you use, even if they aren’t digital. Your knowledge on these tools can make or break a project. It can also help you find the best quality and prices when searching for a hyperboloid connector supplier, repair crew, and more. Look for products that promote innovation and efficiency as you make your decisions. You will want tools and equipment that are portable like those from www.stoutconveyors.com so you can use them wherever your expertise is needed.

Focus on Sustainability:

Millennials place a significant emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility. A successful construction business in the millennial era integrates eco-friendly practices into its operations. Utilize sustainable building materials, such as recycled steel, bamboo, and low-emission concrete, to reduce the environmental impact of construction projects. Implement energy-efficient designs and technologies, including smart HVAC systems, solar panels, and green roofs. Sustainable construction practices not only align with millennial values but also appeal to an increasingly eco-conscious client base, contributing to the long-term success and reputation of the business.

Promote Diversity and Inclusion:

Millennials champion diversity and inclusion in the workplace. A successful construction business embraces these values by fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. Encourage equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of gender, race, or background. Creating a workplace that reflects diverse perspectives and experiences not only strengthens the company culture but also enhances creativity and innovation.

Invest in Employee Development and Well-being:

A millennial-driven construction business recognizes the importance of investing in its greatest asset – its people. Prioritize employee development through training programs, workshops, and opportunities for skill enhancement. Provide clear career paths and mentorship programs to foster professional growth within the organization. Additionally, prioritize employee well-being by creating a positive work environment. This includes promoting work-life balance, offering mental health support, and implementing wellness programs.

Engage in Social Media:

In the age of digital communication, social media plays a crucial role in building brand awareness and connecting with clients and stakeholders. A millennial approach to a successful construction business involves leveraging social media platforms to showcase completed projects, share industry insights, and engage with the community. Establish a strong online presence through platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter to build credibility and attract potential clients. Social media could be an invaluable tool for your business or it can be a hindrance if it’s something you are struggling with. If that is the case, you might want to consider using Virtual Assistant Services which could provide you with social media management, content strategies, and more.

In the same breath, your website is also highly important and should always be functioning properly for the best customer experience. If you need help designing trade-specific websites for your business, it is much better to outsource than try to DIY. A malfunctioning website could be what drives the sale you were working on to a competitor.

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^^^ Pexels Image

Utilize Social Responsibility Initiatives:

Millennials are socially conscious consumers who appreciate businesses that actively contribute to the community and social causes. A successful construction business in the millennial era engages in social responsibility initiatives to make a positive impact beyond project sites. This can include supporting local charities, participating in community development projects, or implementing environmentally friendly construction practices.

Implement Transparent Communication:

Transparent communication is essential for building trust with clients, stakeholders, and employees. Embrace a culture of open communication, where information is shared transparently at all levels of the organization. Utilize project management tools, communication platforms, and regular updates to keep all stakeholders informed about project progress, challenges, and successes.

Adapt to Changing Market Dynamics:

The construction industry is subject to changing market dynamics, economic conditions, and technological advancements. A millennial-driven construction business adapts quickly to these changes and embraces a mindset of continuous improvement. Stay informed about industry trends, emerging technologies, and shifts in client preferences, especially when it comes to products such as Black Malleable Tube Clamps, Aluminum, or even Titanium products.

 The points above not only meet current industry expectations but also sets the stage for the continued evolution of the construction sector!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Dec4

A Lil Red Update

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A Lil Red Update

Helloooo darlings! Is it just me or have these past few months been crazy? I feel like I have been going nonstop and am so looking forward to Christmas break even though I literally just took time off for Thanksgiving lol. Even though I have been on the move between all of my jobs and I am exhausted, it hasn’t been bad at all! In fact, I have made quite a few changes to my work schedule and have been enjoying it – even though this change requires me to get up at three AM a few mornings during the work week. 😮 So early, I know but so worth it!

Since October I have been providing transportation to one of my old clients to take him to work. I pick him up at seven thirty in the morning, but that doesn’t mean that I can sleep in until I have to leave. After lots of mental math, I realized that I would need to get up at three for my morning to go like usual. Get up, work out, take care of the bunnies, shower, take the buns out to play, write, and work from home for my other job for two hours. After all of this, it takes me to seven o’clock when I have to leave.

The mornings are a doozy, for sure, but I have so loved seeing my old client again that I don’t even care. What’s even better is that our day together doesn’t end once we get to his job because I have recently became his job coach too! I got my job coaching certification a few years ago for another client and, unfortunately, it fell through. I never sought out another client for that particular aspect of my job so it was most exciting for the opportunity to give it a shot. I like to think I’m rocking it, but my client takes the cake and it has been a great experience for both of us. 🙂

My work in the field isn’t the only thing that has been keeping me busy busy because online work has been nuts too. Gotta love peak advertising season! Between lifewithlilred, my job as an in house writer for a tech entrepreneur, and potentially creating a podcast with a local celebrity, it’s safe to say that I have had a lot of quality time with my computer. It’s a lot, yes, but once again it is extremely fulfilling and I am thrilled with all of the ways that my different jobs have been taking off. I feel so proud of myself and it keeps me motivated to keep working hard to achieve even more of my goals.

With all of these changes to my work schedule, I am patting myself on the back and giving myself an “attagirl” for being all done with my holiday shopping! I knew there was a reason that I started around August because it’s one less thing I have to worry about now. Well… Except for wrapping everything lol but, otherwise, it’s a wrap. I can’t wait to keep working my hardest until my holiday break and hope the new year starts just as strong!

What has been going on in your wonderful world? How has work been going for you? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov28

How To Explore Your Career Options In The Medical Field

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How To Explore Your Career Options In The Medical Field

Statistics show that about 44% of people are planning to make a career switch. If you are in this group, career exploration can help you figure out your next steps, whether you are a recent graduate looking for a job or a seasoned professional considering a change. The purpose of this process is to understand more about your alternatives and limit your selections to one path that best suits you. Career exploration can also help you gain confidence that will impress a hiring manager and connect you with people in various sectors. This post will highlight how to explore your career options in the medical field:

Start with yourself:

Consider what piques your interest, what you like doing, and what inspires you. If you are a recent graduate from medical school, consider the roles you played in school projects, groups, or part-time work that you excelled at or enjoyed. If you are thinking about changing careers, evaluate what you have always wanted to accomplish or what you liked and disliked about your past jobs. Make a list of what is essential to you in a profession, as well as specializations or issues that can inspire you.

Look at possible careers:

After you have developed a list of places and roles that interest you the most, begin studying occupations that meet most of, if not all, of your requirements. Learn about job descriptions, typical earnings, job outlook, education and training requirements, and everyday tasks. Now, make a list of your top alternatives. This stage allows you to make an informed decision, so keep this in mind. As a tip, consider completing a free online assessment as part of your study to determine what occupations would suit your interests, experience, and skills. For instance, if you wish to work as an emergency medical technician, you can schedule a paramedic ride along to get hands-on experience.

Get rid of any jobs that do not interest you:

Some job paths may not be in your best interest as you continue to research them. Some may demand more knowledge and hard skills than you presently have or wish to obtain, others may pay less than you want to make, and still, others may not have a good employment outlook, which might lead to job instability later on. Be as picky as you need to be during this phase so that you end up with feasible prospects. Not only does this set you up for success, but you can avoid wasting your time.

Get interactive with people in the field:

You may conduct a lot of study on your final job alternatives, but the finest insights into your selection will likely come from individuals who are currently working in the field. Contact people in your professional network or instructors if you are in college and ask if they know anyone you can contact who would be willing to chat with you about their experience. Ask questions, get information, and build future connections.

Doing your research and the good old fashioned process of elimination will help you better explore careers in the medical field!

Featured Image By: Pexels