How to Prepare for Maternity Leave

I'm no genius, but I'm going to assume that most people are not best friends with their bosses. Sure, they might like each other, but they're not going to be included in the wedding party. (They might be lucky to get an invite to the reception.)

Yet, when a woman finds out she's going to have a baby, the shortlist of people to tell inevitably includes the boss. Suddenly someone you don't want anywhere near your bedroom is the first to hear about your pregnancy.

But how do you handle the whole ordeal? From breaking the news to severing ties with the office while you're gone, you have a lot of issues to tackle in the months leading up to your leave.

If you're a colleague who's left behind during maternity leave, you've got your own set of issues to consider.

When you're the mother-to-be
First and foremost, you need to work on a timeline that's comfortable for you. If you found out you're pregnant yesterday, don't rush to tell the boss just because you feel obligated to. Have a game plan first. Digest the news, tell family and friends, and then go to your boss with an idea of how you want to take leave.

Once you've done that, you need to have some conversations, not only with your superior but also with your colleagues and human resources.

Abby Carr, the managing director of BlissPR and a mother of three, knows what full plates expectant moms have.

"For a lot of women who work, their identities are wrapped up in who they are at work, and so maternity leave brings up a lot of strong feelings around identity, loyalty, commitment [and] importance," Carr explains. "For better or worse, it's a great rehearsal for the realities of being a working mom! As one of my colleagues said, 'Welcome to the world of always letting someone down.'"

As Debbie Downer as that outlook appears, Carr has a point: Once you decide to have a child, you need to keep your focus on what you want because you'll be pulled in several different directions. Carr suggests you do the following:

Explain when you plan to return. "Even if you aren't sure, make a specific plan so that they can know what to expect -- and then if you have to change later, you can change. Just don't leave your workplace with a vague 'I will see how I feel,'" Carr says.

Find out who's stepping in for you. "With your supervisor, find out whom they plan to transition your work to, and make sure that you start to have hand-off meetings with that person up to a month ahead of time," Carr suggests. "Pregnancies are uncontrollable -- you may plan to work up until the last day, but your baby may decide otherwise."

Set limits of when or if you can be contacted while on leave. Let everyone know under what circumstances they can or should contact you while on maternity leave. "Even if you have every intention of staying in close contact with the workplace during your leave, give yourself the luxury of 'unplugging,'" Carr advises. "This is your child's only infancy; on the flip side, the workplace will be there when you return."

Know your rights and responsibilities. "Make sure that you work out what your pay will be during your leave, and understand what portion of it will come from disability (state) and what will come from your employer. Plan your personal finances accordingly," Carr suggests.
She also advises expectant mothers to be forthcoming with any development that occurs during the leave. Despite your intentions, if you decide that you'd prefer not to return to work, be considerate and give as much notice as you can. Waiting until the week (or day) before your expected return leaves everyone in a bind.

When your colleague is going on maternity leave
While a boss or co-worker is away on maternity leave, the team left behind often pitches in to help. Or perhaps just one person does. Either way, you're about to inherit new responsibilities.

Sure, you probably don't need one more item on your to-do list. But here's an opportunity to show that you're not only a team player but also someone who is reliable and can perform well under pressure. Once your new role expires and the new mother returns to work, you might return to your previous position, but the bosses will now know what you're capable of handling. That can pay off down the road.

Here are Carr's suggestions for workers handling a new role:

Know where to find answers
"Make sure you have another colleague on the job who can answer your questions, especially in the first few weeks," she suggests. "Find out if there are any special circumstances or red flags (such as politics, problems or sensitivities) that you might not otherwise be aware of."

Know the chain of command
Carr recommends you find out whom you're reporting to and what they want from you. You want to be sure your standards align with the right person's.

Remember this is a period of transition for everyone
Any shake-up in daily activity affects everyone in a group, so all team members need to realize they're in this together. The new mother needs to keep her focus on her new baby (since this is the only time it's OK not to think about work on a daily basis) and to do this, workers need to step in where needed.

"The worst thing a new mom can do is start worrying about the return to work in such a way that she does not fully bond with her baby. The best advice I can give is to focus completely on the baby while you are on leave," Carr says. "When you return, in my experience, you will be pleasantly surprised by two things: The world did not stop turning while you were gone, and the people you left in charge will have done a great job," Carr says.

And, as always, a little gratitude can go a long way.

"If you can, express -- before you leave -- that you are grateful to your co-workers for their help. They are going to have to work extra hard to allow you to enjoy a precious experience."

Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

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Two Part-time Jobs or a Full-time One?

Would you rather have two jobs or one?

Now, I realize that reactions will probably fall into two categories:

1. "In this economy I'd be happy if I could find one job!"

2. "I barely have time to do one job, let alone two."

Both good points, but they also bring up two reasons many workers are choosing two jobs over one: the economy and time.

For many job seekers, a full-time, permanent position is an ideal solution to their job woes, but the economic situation has put many employers on a hiring freeze. Even if they want and need full-time employees, they don't have the budgets to bring someone on board. They're turning to an alternative solution: part-time (and possibly temporary) positions.

If you're averse to the 9-to-5 grind that monopolizes your weekdays, part-time jobs can offer you the flexibility you need. Today, plenty of people are doing this and they're finding it a better alternative than being unemployed or stuck in a job they hate.

Survival strategy

Scott Rutt works two jobs, although they're technically classified as full-time positions. In today's economy, he takes comfort in having at least one job to rely on if he loses the other.

"I split my time between a business intelligence software company by day and a major financial reporting Web site by night," Rutt says. "I've found it very beneficial since both companies have downsized in recent months. I was able to avoid the layoff in both cases, but took a lot of comfort in knowing that I'd still be able to at least make the mortgage."

Aside from financial security, two jobs can also offer you the comfort of a smooth transition into a new field or business venture. You can't always land a full-time job in a new industry, but with a second job, part-time job you have the flexibility to try new things. This is especially true if you want to be an independent worker or start your own business.

"This is a great opportunity for people who have ambitions of being their own business to take advantage," says Jill Lazar of Everything Events, an event-planning company. "If you can't find a full-time job right away, contract your work out to small businesses that can't afford to hire someone full time." She runs her own small business and works as an event planner. Her partner does the same.

"She enjoys both the security of the job and still receives health benefits, yet gets to be in business for herself as well. Sounds like the best of both worlds," Lazar says.

Flexibility
If you're supposed to clock in at 9 a.m. and clock out at 5 p.m. (or later), your personal life and obligations have to be squeezed into weekday evenings and weekends. While that may be fine for many workers, it's not simple for everyone. Life doesn't always work around your 40-hour schedule.

Heidi Waterfield has two part-time jobs at SFBags.com and Square Two Designs, both as communications director, and she finds the flexibility refreshing. This includes the freedom to concentrate on the more pressing job of the moment.

"I can also focus my efforts on the job that is at that time most in need of my time," she says. "Sometimes when both jobs heat up, it gets pretty busy, but I'm gaining many more new skills by having two jobs than I would by having only one of them."

Her latter point is also worth thinking about from a job-seeking perspective. In a competitive job market, you want to outshine the other candidates. A work history that proves you're the ultimate multitasker and allows you to acquire new skills faster than other job seekers? Not too shabby.

You can expect find more employers open to these types of opportunities, says Robbie Kellman Baxter, a strategy consultant for consulting firm Peninsula Strategies.

"One of the great things about this down turn is that companies are getting serious about flexible work. It's in their interest and the employee's interest," she says. Employers need help but don't have the financial freedom to hire whomever they want and job seekers need a paycheck and a job that's suitable for their lifestyles.

"Two part-time jobs? Three part-time jobs? Short-term roles? Remote? It's all fair game," Baxter says. "Everyone is thinking more creatively and flexibly about their careers. Most jobs can incorporate flexibility around the scope of your role, the distribution of the hours you work, the location of work and the duration of your role."

If you feel like your current situation isn't working for you as well as it could, finding part-time work might be the way to solve your problem.

Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

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7 Signs That Your Job Could Be in Jeopardy

Recent economic news is enough to make even the most assured professional feel unsettled about his or her job. It's only natural to question your own career prospects when confronted with headlines about the rising unemployment rate and companies' plans to reduce staff levels in the coming year.

While it does no good to worry unnecessarily, there are ways to determine if your role is in real danger. Following are seven possible signs:

1. Your workload becomes much lighter. If you've noticed a considerable drop in the amount of work you've been assigned, or you just finished a large project and nothing else appears to be coming your way, there could be cause for concern. A dwindling workload may indicate reduced business and, consequently, less need for your services. Similarly, if you're not being included in key projects that you were in the past -- or tasks you typically handle are being assigned to others -- there's a chance your position may be eliminated.

2. Your work is cyclical in nature. Companies that are looking to trim personnel expenses often focus on departments or positions in which the work is cyclical, and the day-to-day workload could be supported with fewer people.

3. Your position isn't viewed as a revenue-generator. When budgets are reduced, priority is given to employees who are inextricably attached to profit-producing projects. How pivotal is your role in generating revenue or reducing expenses? If you contribute directly to these efforts, you may be in a fairly safe position. If, on the other hand, your role is viewed more as a "nice to have" than "need to have," you could be on shakier ground.

4. You're not being kept in the loop. This is one of the biggest signs that your job is in jeopardy. If you discover decisions about your immediate work activities or projects are being made without you, you have cause for concern.

5. Corporate belt-tightening. A sharp change in the company's attitude toward basic expenses could be a tip-off that personnel levels also are being considered. Implementing one or two cost-cutting measures might simply be good fiscal policy, but several can signal more widespread cutbacks. It's important to note, however, that many companies that are belt-tightening aren't necessarily looking to reduce head count. They may be taking these steps to avoid letting people go.

6. You're being asked to document everything. When management shows an increased interest in the status of your projects and the procedures for completing them, it could be because they want to get a better sense of how things are done and what still requires attention should your tasks need to be reassigned.

7. Your sector is struggling. If your company competes in an industry that is experiencing a down cycle, layoffs may be inevitable. If your firm is affected significantly, it may reduce the size of its work force to deal with the economic realities it faces.

Spotting one or two of these signs may not be cause for alarm. In fact, it could be a signal that you need to step up your game. If you enjoy your job and want to stay, continue to focus on producing high-quality work and demonstrating your value to the organization.

That said, it never hurts to have a backup plan just in case you find yourself suddenly in the job market. Make sure your résumé is up-to-date and reconnect with members of your professional network. Also consider enlisting the help of a recruiter who specializes in your industry. These professionals can provide you with valuable career advice and, because of their deep networks within the local business community, can alert you to promising employment opportunities. Layoffs can sometimes occur with little warning, and the more prepared you are for a job search, the more quickly you'll be back on your feet and working again.

Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 360 offices worldwide. For more information about our professional services, please visit http://www.rhi.com/.

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Coping with a Job You Hate

Excerpted from "Career Building: Your Total Handbook for Finding a Job and Making It Work"

Here's the bottom line: You have to get a job, you have to go to work and someday, you'll probably have to change jobs. "CAREER BUILDING: Your Total Handbook for Finding a Job and Making It Work" (Collins Business) is a one-stop guide for navigating all those times in your career.

There's just no denying the signs. In fact you don't need any signs at all, you just can't stand your job. But how many of us have the luxury of just up and leaving a lousy job without having another lined up?

Having a job you hate is never an easy thing to deal with, but sometimes you just need to grin and bear it until you have another gig lined up. Whether you're currently stuck because you just have to pay the bills or are holding out for the next great opportunity, here are some ways to get through the day:

Set weekly goals for yourself.
Sometimes it is easier to make it to 5 o'clock when you can keep your eye on the prize. Even if you hate your job now, there is something out there that will make you happy. Make weekly goals to help you find that golden opportunity. One week you might strive to send out five résumés or attend one networking event. Setting these goals will give you something to work toward.

Do one thing each day to help you reach your goals.
You don't need to cross all your goals off your list every day, but you can chip away daily. When you get up in the morning, set a daily objective for yourself and make sure you achieve it. This will give you a sense of accomplishment and keep you feeling good about your progress.

Give yourself "me time" before work.
Going into a job you hate will be worse if you get to the office feeling rushed, stressed and frazzled. Set aside some moments of solitude each morning.

Develop a positive morning ritual.
Treat yourself to a latte, get up early enough to read the paper, or just set your alarm to play upbeat music when you wake up. Improving your mornings can do wonders for the rest of your day.

Create a diversion for yourself in the office.
Does being in your office make you yearn for the outdoors? Are the incessant ringing phones driving you batty? Do something to brighten your mood while you're at work. Take in a tropical picture and use it as your screensaver. Buy yourself a "joke of the day" desk calendar. Plug headphones into your computer or bring your iPod to work. Go out for lunch.

Use your time to develop your skills.
Hating your job doesn't mean you can't learn new skills. Use your time to make yourself a better candidate down the road. If your company offers training courses, take advantage of them. Use downtime to learn something new on your computer. Pick up a management development book and read it at lunch. Turn this job into an opportunity for self-improvement.

Blow off some steam.
Most people have an activity that helps them unwind and get rid of tension. Go for a run after work, go swimming on your lunch hour, or take a nice long walk. Put this activity on your schedule so you will have something to look forward to every day.

Treat yourself.
To make up for your office misery, find little ways of treating yourself. Buy a good book to read. Treat yourself to ice cream. Buy some flowers. Shop for a new interview suit. Plan your next vacation. Find out what makes you feel better inside, no matter what is going on outside.

Maintain your performance.
It is important to continue to do your work and do it well, regardless of your current situation. Set personal performance goals. Then use the accomplishments in future interviews.

Keep your bridges intact.
It really is a small world, and you never know when you will run into co-workers from your past. Don't burn any bridges at your company because you are unhappy. Maintain your contacts and keep your relationships positive. You might just need a reference or a good word from one of your colleagues in the future.

Realize that this too shall pass.
Right now, it might seem like you will be stuck in this job forever. Keep your chin up and remind yourself that you are in charge of your destiny. Search internal postings for new positions. Start your search for a new job externally.

From the editors of CareerBuilder.com, CAREER BUILDING is filled with the statistics, tips and priceless information on job-hunting and working in the digital age, including good and bad résumé samples, using social networking, searching online, résumé "keywords" and e-mail mistakes to avoid. In today's unstable economic climate, CAREER BUILDING is the guide you can't afford to go without.

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5 Tips for Facing Change at Work

Most people can recall dozens of situations when they experienced change while on the job. Whether it's converting from one software system to another, relocating to a new office or adjusting to new or revised protocols, change is inevitable.

During economic turbulence, however, people often find that the changes they encounter on the job are suddenly much more frequent and substantial than usual. Unexpected layoffs, drastic budget cuts and the sudden expansion of one's job responsibilities are now all too prevalent in the midst of today's recession.

For employees left in the wake of such changes, it can be difficult to set aside their frustrations and anxiety to adjust to challenging new situations.

"When your company enacts change that represents some sort of threat or loss, the reflexive reaction is denial. You might tell yourself that it will never happen, it won't work or it won't affect me. Unfortunately, being resistant to change doesn't stop it from happening and may even jeopardize your job security," says Sandra Naiman, author of the recently released book "The High Achiever's Secret Codebook."

Naiman acknowledges that adapting quickly to significant change is easier said than done.

"We often resist change because we are afraid that a critical need will go unmet," she says. Naiman coaches her clients to identify exactly what they are losing. "In reaction to the same change event, one person might fear a loss of control while another might be threatened by a loss of status," she explains. "Once someone understands the source of their resistance, they are better able to manage it and proactively move forward."

In her book, Naiman reveals the unwritten rules for being successful at work. According to her, embracing and implementing change are keys to being a valuable and valued employee. To respond positively to change, despite being fearful of it or resistant to it, Naiman suggests the following strategies:

1. Define and acknowledge what is over and what is not. Honor those feelings of loss. Face them and do not deny any emotions that might surface. At the same time, identify what is not changing.

2. Look for the pony. Naiman recalls the joke about the quintessential optimist who jumps into a pile of manure, certain that there must be a pony in there somewhere. "No matter how tumultuous the change, there are opportunities available if people are open to looking for them," she says. "Identify the positives for yourself and the company, and then set your focus on them."
3. Jump on the bandwagon early. Once change is inevitable, people can choose to accept it or actively resist. "Whatever they choose, the change will take place. Those who engage sooner, rather than later, will be noticed and remembered, and so will those who go kicking and screaming," Naiman cautions.

4. Acquire new skills and knowledge that change necessitates. Be clear about what you need to learn in order to implement the change and take the initiative to do so. Read, take classes and seek opportunities to learn on the job.

5. Share with colleagues why the sudden change presents opportunities. Support peers by exploring with them ways that they can benefit from the change and help them take advantage of potential opportunities. They will appreciate your efforts, as will management.

Naiman advises that being a champion of change is not to be confused with indiscriminate cheerleading for every change in the offing.

"You will certainly lose credibility if you are perceived as misreading a situation, or worse, being untruthful. However, if a change is inevitable, you can still get behind it, do the best you can to make it work, and encourage others to do the same."

Selena Dehne is a career writer for JIST Publishing who shares the latest occupational, career and job search information available with job seekers and career changers. She is also the author of JIST's Job Search and Career Blog (http://jistjobsearchandcareer.blogspot.com/).

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12 Amusing Excuses for Being Late to Work

There is no worse feeling than waking up in the morning, rested from good night's sleep, and glancing at the clock, only to do a double-take: You're late!

For most people, knowing they're running late for work strikes the fear of God within them and as a result, they move like there's a fire under their feet to get ready. They hustle, scramble, frantically throw things into a bag and are out the door to ensure a timely -- though unkempt and graceless -- arrival at the office.

But for a smaller group of people, knowing they are running late for work does absolutely nothing except stimulate their creative juices in order to make up the latest excuse as to why they are late for work -- again.

Twenty percent of workers said they arrive late to work at least once a week, according to a February 2009 CareerBuilder.com survey of more than 8,000 workers. Twelve percent said they are late at least twice a week.

One-third (33 percent) of workers blamed traffic for their tardiness, while 24 percent said lack of sleep was the culprit. Ten percent of workers said getting their kids ready for school or day care was the main reason they ran late in the morning. Other common reasons included public transportation, wardrobe issues or dealing with pets.

"While some employers tend to be more lenient with worker punctuality, 30 percent say they have terminated an employee for being late," said Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources for CareerBuilder.com. "Workers need to understand their company's policies on tardiness and if they are late, make sure they openly communicate with their managers. Employers have heard every excuse in the book, so honesty is the best policy."

Using your imagination
If you've decided honesty is not the best policy for you, don't try using any of the following excuses as the reason why you're late -- they've been heard before.

Here are 12 of the most outrageous excuses employees have heard for being late to work:

1. My heat was shut off so I had to stay home to keep my snake warm.
2. My husband thinks it's funny to hide my car keys before he goes to work.
3. I walked into a spider web on the way out the door and couldn't find the spider, so I had to go inside and shower again.
4. I got locked in my trunk by my son.
5. My left turn signal was out so I had to make all right turns to get to work.
6. A gurney fell out of an ambulance and delayed traffic.
7. I was attacked by a raccoon and had to stop by the hospital to make sure it wasn't rabid.
8. I feel like I'm in everyone's way if I show up on time.
9. My father didn't wake me up.
10. A groundhog bit my bike tire and made it flat.
11. My driveway washed away in the rain last night.
12. I had to go to bingo.

Follow the culture
The general rule is that you should be at your desk, working by your designated starting time. Technically, even if you're at your desk "on time" but you're still booting up your computer, saying your hellos and making a cup of coffee -- you're late.

Though you should always try your best to be punctual every morning, sometimes it's safe to observe the company culture. If you arrive to work every morning to find all of your colleagues diligently working as you're shuffling in, your tardiness will probably stand out. On the other hand, if most people filter in at their own paces -- within reason -- an occasional late arrival will probably go unnoticed.

To be on the safe side, try your best to be on time for work every day. Your boss, co-workers and reputation will thank you for it.

Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

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36 NEW Career-Related Articles This Week!

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8,400+ New Jobs Posted in the Past 24 Hours! (Sunday, August 30, 2009)

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5 Pointers for Moving from Peer to Boss

In today's economy, reorganizations are common, and you may find yourself suddenly overseeing employees who were once at the same level as you. While transitioning into a supervisory role can be exciting -- and possibly signal a new phase in your career -- it also means a shift in dynamics with colleagues, especially those who will now be reporting to you.

Your success taking on a leadership role is dependent on building positive working relationships with direct reports and being able to exercise authority when necessary. Following are some steps to help make the switch from peer to manager as smooth as possible:

Meet with your team
One of the first items on your agenda should be to meet with those you will oversee. Arrange one-on-one conversations with each direct report to make sure everyone understands the following:


- His or her role in the department, including exact responsibilities. These may have shifted due to recent staff changes or focus areas for the firm.

- What your expectations are and how they may differ from a previous manager's. For example, you may ask a copywriter to be more proactive in the research phase of new campaigns. Or you may request an experienced member of your team to begin taking on more tasks.

- How accountability will be measured.

These meetings also will allow you to better understand your team member's personal and professional goals, and what you can do to help them reach their objectives. In addition, give employees a chance to voice any questions or concerns they have about the change in management so you can work together to solve issues before they become problems.

Set boundaries
Understanding the everyday responsibilities of your new position is the easy part; the subtleties of your role are often harder to gauge. For example, is it appropriate for you to go out with the team after work? Are you allowed to joke with colleagues like you've done in the past? Although there are no standard answers for questions like these, one thing is clear: You'll need to set new boundaries as a supervisor.

For instance, in your previous role, you may have confided in co-workers when you were frustrated with management decisions. But now that you are a member of the management team, you must set the example. This means using discretion and offering support and guidance, not complaints, however harmless they may seem.

Don't play favorites
You may be closer friends with some co-workers than others, but as everyone's boss, you must treat each staff member with the same respect and concern. Giving choice assignments to only certain individuals, for instance, hints at favoritism. More important, paying special attention to a select few could cause you to overlook other talented team members. Also, your responsibility as a manager is to ensure every employee is a productive contributor to the organization, so delegate projects fairly and ensure each person's workload is reasonable.

Be firm when necessary
Despite your best efforts, some employees may test your authority by ignoring directives, missing deadlines or being perpetually late to work for meetings. Take a steadfast approach when handling these situations. Each person on your team should already be aware of your expectations, and performance issues should be addressed and documented. It may be tempting to relax the rules, especially for people you've worked with for many years, but doing so will only encourage the type of behavior you're trying to quell.

Seek guidance
No matter how challenging your job as a supervisor may seem, you are not the first person to be faced with these issues. In fact, there are likely many individuals within your firm who have also had to navigate new relationships with co-workers after moving into management roles. Speak to them about the steps they took to overcome obstacles to success.

Becoming a manager is often the first step on your path to career advancement. Don't let a poorly executed transition derail your progress. By communicating openly and often with your team, setting boundaries and seeking guidance from others who have been there before, you'll ensure your move from peer to boss is smooth sailing.

Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 360 offices worldwide. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.rhi.com.

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Confused About Changing Careers?

Rarely is the decision to change careers made without some anxiety and doubt to accompany it. It's such a life-altering decision that even those who are bursting with excitement to launch a new career sometimes feel overwhelmed by the obstacles and "what ifs" along the way.

"Changing careers can feel like you're standing in the vortex of a tornado. You're watching thousands of things swirl by, you can't see anything very clearly, and you're very hesitant to take a step in any particular direction. Too often, this uncertainty is all it takes to keep someone chained to a career that makes him or her miserable," says Katy Piotrowski, author of "The Career Coward's Guide to Changing Careers."

Piotrowski has observed hundreds of career changers and says that it's natural to run into roadblocks. "Remember, your goal is to find a career that offers what you want and need. It may take awhile to discover the right solution for you, and you may have to change your course a few times, but that's OK. If you persist in your pursuit for the right fit, new, more realistic options will soon become apparent."

Below are three common career-change roadblocks and Piotrowski's tips for approaching them:

Will changing careers significantly lower your earnings?
Before scrapping your interest in a particular career because of its lower income, Piotrowski suggests you do the following:

Do some research to find out how professionals in that field make it work for them. Do they have multiple jobs? Expand their work areas to generate more income? "For example, my neighbor is a potter. In addition to making and selling beautiful wares, he teaches pottery-making lessons," says Piotrowski.

Assess what the likelihood may be that you could eventually earn enough income within a reasonable amount of time.

Consider cutting your expenses and banking the money saved before making the career change to see if you can survive on that level of pay.

Keep in mind that the skills you've earned in former careers will help you progress faster than someone with less experience and may allow you to earn better pay more quickly than the average worker in your new career field.

Don't have the right education or training?
"A lack of a certification or degree can be a maddening roadblock for career changers. Rather than throw away an excellent career possibility, consider these avenues to work around or through such barriers," Piotrowski says.

Begin at the bottom. Beginning in an entry-level position makes it easier to get started in your chosen field. Once you're in, you will be more likely to discover avenues to obtain the training you need, and may even be able to have your employer pay for it.

Aim for a position that requires less training. "For example, if you want to be a physical therapist, but don't want to complete several years of college to get your degree, you could become a physical therapy technician instead. Frequently, technicians can be trained on the job or with just a year or two of formal instruction."

Torn between two or more careers?
When it comes to choosing between multiple career passions, there's no rule that says people must pick one or the other. Below are Piotrowski's suggestions for juggling multiple career-change opportunities:

Create a "muffin tin" career. "Typically, when you think of having a career, you imagine it to be a single profession that you immerse yourself in and develop over time. Another possibility is to select more than one career and to execute them simultaneously. So, instead of developing a single 'loaf' of a career, you might create several 'muffins,'" Piotrowski explains.

Become a serial careerist. If the "muffin tin" approach is too scattered for your tastes, consider committing to one career for a few years, then pursuing another, and perhaps another. There's no rule that says you have to stick with one specialty your entire life.

Selena Dehne is a career writer for JIST Publishing who shares the latest occupational, career and job search information available with job seekers and career changers. She is also the author of JIST's Job Search and Career Blog (http://jistjobsearchandcareer.blogspot.com/).

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To Go or Not to Go - Is Graduate School a 'Safe' Harbor for Weathering the Recession?

Attending graduate school might seem like an ideal way to wait out the recession. By the time you've earned a degree, the thinking goes, any uncertainty surrounding the economy will be ironed out, and job prospects will be brighter. For Generation Y workers, who have been hit hard by the downturn, this strategy can be especially appealing because many graduated with four-year degrees not long ago, and a return to school would not be a difficult a transition to make -- especially if it pays off in the end.

A poor job market shouldn't be your primary reason to go back to school, however. In addition to the cost and time required to complete a graduate program, there are several factors that could mean a return to the ivory halls isn't the right move for your career. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:

What will the job market really be like?
Ideally, any program you attend should be directly applicable to the professional discipline you pursue and make it more likely you'll find employment following graduation. Research the field you want to enter and consider its future career prospects. Remember, it may take several years to earn an advanced degree, and the demand for workers in that industry can change dramatically between now and then. Long-term growth is forecast in areas such as health care and green technology; these professions may warrant your consideration. A good source for information on future employment trends is the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, whose "Occupational Outlook Handbook" outlines expected job prospects for hundreds of positions.

Would bolstering your work experience be better?
If you've just earned a four-year degree and don't need an advanced degree to pursue your chosen position, bolstering your work experience may be your best option. Keep in mind that there are ways to gain experience other than through full-time employment. Consider temporary work, internships or volunteer opportunities. In addition to adding to your work history, spending some time "in the trenches" can also help you better formulate your career goals and determine what form of advanced education -- if any -- is right for you.

Have you considered the alternatives?
You don't have to pursue a formal degree to strengthen your roster of professional skills. Attending classes at a local community college or pursuing an industry certification could give you the boost in marketability needed to land a new position. Other alternatives, such as volunteer work or internships, are also effective ways to obtain applicable skills and continue learning without the time and monetary commitment a graduate degree requires.

When jobs are difficult to come by, going to graduate school can feel like a way to achieve professional progress. Earning an advanced degree has proved beneficial for many people's careers. But before you jump in headfirst, give careful thought to your decision and determine if going back to school is the only way to reach your goal.

Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm, with a global network of more than 360 offices worldwide. For more information about our professional services, please visit http://www.rhi.com/.

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The Secret to My Success ... in This Economy

In today's economy, personal and professional failures are abundant. Personally, we're tired of hearing bad news. Instead, we wanted to know how people have stayed relevant and successful.

Here's what we found out:

Ann M. Clemmer, Stampin' Up!
Ten years ago, I became a Stampin' Up! demonstrator to bring in a little extra money. Five years ago, I got the opportunity to leave my job in the television industry. I felt that if I was ever to try this stamping job full time, this was it. The first year I did this full time, I doubled my best sales year. I've made it twice into the top 100 demonstrators of the U.S. and hope to again this year, as I bettered my best year by about 19 percent.
Secret to success: There's always someone making money in every economy. Listening to the news can help you decide where to go, but it also can bring you down. I've often felt that the only 'no' that counts is the last one I accept. If someone doesn't want what I'm selling, I just keep looking for the next person who does. My mantra is that I'm only one new customer away from where I want to be.

Candida Canfield, Dinner in Hand Founder
I conceived Dinner in Hand while returning home from work on the train and realizing what a pleasure it would be to have a fresh and delicious dinner delivered to my door. Planning, testing, networking and evolving have been keys to my success. I initially tested the service on 22 families and I learned many lessons, including the need for hiring an exceptional chef.
Secret to success: In this economy I have learned to be flexible, be willing to kill an original concept and experiment with new ideas in order to grow.

Joshua D. Crumbaugh, Platinum Mortgage
I am the head of marketing for a regional lender. With the mortgage implosion, then the credit crunch and the recession starting, I was extremely concerned that I wouldn't be able to hold on to my job throughout the worse crisis our industry has seen. I'm proud to say that over the past two years we have grown by nearly 1,000 percent.
Secret to success: I kept my job by digging in, studying my ailing competitors and learning from their mistakes, which combined with our top-notch customer service, has turned us into one of the fastest-growing lenders in our industry. Image and knowledge are everything. Whether it's B2B marketing or applying for a position, image will make all the difference in the world.

Karen Burns, editor
I've had 59 jobs -- fired from only one -- doing everything from ditch digger to consultant. But most of my jobs involved writing. I wrote marketing materials for corporate America and then supported myself by writing brochures in English for French companies. When I moved to Seattle, I became a scientific editor, based on my lifelong love affair with grammar and on my extensive writing background.
Secret to success: I spent a lot of my free time studying up on the finer points of grammar, style usage and diction -- but my employer didn't know that. A willingness to go the extra mile has always helped me. Plus, I am fanatic about meeting deadlines. I think those are two reasons I've always managed to find, and keep, jobs.

Lev Ekster, CupcakeStop
I was on my way to securing a position at a law firm, but the change in the economy took that off the table. During late nights studying, I took breaks to trek to a popular bakery to wait in line for a sweet treat, but was disappointed with what was supposed to be the "best of the best" the city had to offer. I decided I could do better. Thus, the concept for CupcakeStop was born. It's New York City's first mobile cupcake truck that offers high-end, delicious, fresh-baked cupcakes of every variety.
Secret to success: No matter how good or bad the economy is, without a good product, fair price and exceptional customer service, I don't believe a business can be successful. I'm looking for CupcakeStop to be around for a long time to come and for that goal to be reached, I know it's necessary to be consistent and never sacrifice quality.

Rich Close, The Recycled Retriever
I own a business called The Recycled Retriever, which started as a Web-based business from our home. My partner and I researched eco-friendly pet products on the market. We were unable to find one place that offered nothing but Earth-friendly products. We developed The Recycled Retriever as a resource that pet owners could utilize knowing that the products they purchased from us were not only good for their pets, but great for the Earth. As the Web business began to grow, we decided to take the concept to a retail-store version and now have a storefront open in Provincetown, Mass.
Secret to success: Taking a risk and going forward with the idea. If I didn't try it, I would never have known whether it would be successful or not. By believing in the idea and putting it in motion, success was destined to come.

Rob Allen, franchise owner, ShelfGenie
I worked as a mental-health counselor for nearly 10 years before trying my hand as an IT professional for an Atlanta-area Fortune 100 company. I remained in that field for 23 years and most recently worked in auto logistics for two years. Due to the struggling economic situation, I have been laid off twice in the last five years. Tired of peddling my résumé and given the current job climate, I decided to open ShelfGenie, a franchise that designs, builds and installs glide-out shelving solutions into existing cabinets throughout the home in South Atlanta.
Secret to Success: In times like these, one must take calculated risks and invest wisely when seeking money-making opportunities. Opening ShelfGenie, a home-based business with little expenditures and minimal staff, has been a key element to my success as a business owner.

Thea Zagata, Gumdrop Cookie Shop
Before starting Gumdrop Cookie Shop in 2007, I worked in public relations for 10 years. I left my career to start my business because I wanted leave the fast-paced agency lifestyle and create my own schedule. I knew I wanted to start a business in baking yet still exercise my PR skills, so I wrote a business plan which helped me come up with a unique and new-to-the-market product.
Secret to success: With my history in PR, I was able to do all of the publicity myself without having to spend a lot of marketing dollars. I also think finding a smart balance with where to spend your time and when to outsource is key. It's important to apply your skills where they make the most sense.

Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBwriterRZ.

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Success Stories: I Thought I Didn't Have Time for School - 10 people who made it work

For many workers, finding a balance between personal and professional commitments is a constant battle. In a March 2009 CareerBuilder survey of more than 8,000 workers, only 13 percent said they were very satisfied with their work/life balance. Fifteen percent said they were dissatisfied.

Between work, family, friends and all of life's little extras, it often seems there are just not enough hours in the day. So what happens when you add to going to school in the equation? Today's economy has many people returning to school in lieu of working full time, while others have chosen to enhance their education to make themselves more marketable to employers.

In the same CareerBuilder survey, 21 percent of workers said they were going to school to make themselves more viable for employers. Of that group, 7 percent go to school full time, 3 percent attend part time and 5 percent take classes online.

Have you toyed with the idea of going back to school, but didn't think you could? Here are 10 stories from workers who thought they didn't have time for school and how they made it work.

Aimee Cirucci, writer/editor/public relations specialist
After seven years working in various marketing communications jobs, I quit my job, sold my home and, at age 29, moved back in with my parents for six months while I found work and made my dream of going back to school for a graduate degree a reality. I wish I hadn't let seven years pass thinking this wasn't possible. I am currently finishing up an MS in communication management. I received a teaching assistantship that covered one year of my education and discovered a deep love of university teaching. I applied and was accepted to the Ph.D. program and will likely begin in 2010. I really do think that if you leap, a net will appear -- for me it has completely been the case. The hard part is just getting the courage to take that leap.

Jessica Lieu, account executive
I decided to jump head-first into [a] master's program six months after being hired as a full-time PR account executive. While I was initially hesitant to tackle work and school at the same time, I decided that being in both academic and professional worlds at the same time would up my learning curve.

I currently juggle a 45-plus hour workweek with night classes, papers, presentations, group projects and a borderline caffeine addiction. While it can be overwhelming at times, the payoff is in being able to draw parallels between my academic and professional worlds, and using these parallels to improve the quality of my work. If that means sacrificing the occasional happy hour or weekend to prepare for class or write a paper, I think that that is a fair trade-off.

Joshua Fahrenbruck, corporate communications
I just completed my undergraduate degree, and am planning to start on my MBA next month -- while working full time and getting married. I have been employed at the same company for seven years and went back to school to make sure I could continue to be upwardly mobile. I had 12 credit hours when I started; two-and-a-half years later, the degree was complete. A second reason for finishing my degree was to make sure, if I do choose to find another job, I would be marketable and could maintain or increase my level of compensation and benefits.

Kami Gray, wardrobe stylist
I decided to go back to school to become a costume designer for films. I've loved fashion all my life and just decided to go for it. For financial reasons, I couldn't stop working; for the next two-and-a-half years, I earned a second BS in fashion design while working full time, going to school full time and raising two middle-schoolers. I worked hard in school and managed to become the salutatorian of my graduating class. With a little luck and perseverance, I landed a job as a wardrobe stylist for national TV commercials. About a year and a half ago, I combined my love of fashion with my love of healthy eating and living and wrote a bestseller, called "THE DENIM DIET: Sixteen Simple Habits To Get You Into Your Dream Pair of Jeans."

My take on going back to school? Do it and do it now! Yes, I'm still paying off student loans, but school is invaluable. Confidence and a can-do attitude can take you places and for me, it all started with getting more educated.

Keith Lukes, vice president of business development
I went back to school [for my bachelor's degree] in 1996. Right after I started, my wife and I had our first child and my career was starting to take off. As I rose through the ranks, I was working 50-70 hours a week, while taking two to three classes each semester. Trying to balance all of that with a newborn was difficult, but I knew without a degree I would not be able to advance my career. Finally in 2001, I graduated with my bachelor's degree in communication systems.

At my graduation ceremony, I joked that I was an "11th-year senior." Three months after graduation, I took a position with a small IT firm. Without my degree, it is very unlikely I would have been given that opportunity. I have made partner and I am currently our vice president of business development. The degree helped get me in the door and the education I received has been extremely valuable throughout my career. If I had not gone back to school, I am confident that I would not have achieved the same successes.

Kelly Stettner, administrative assistant
In 2006, I began investigating options for finishing my bachelor's degree. I applied for financial aid and enrolled in a program while pregnant with our second child; I had our son in July 2006 and began the low-residency degree program that fall. After two on-campus semesters, in which I did the bulk of my work at home and went to the Brattleboro, Vt., campus one weekend each month, I switched over to a strictly online option through the same program. That worked even better for me, and I was able to graduate this past January. I am now looking into master's programs.

Nathaniel Williams, president/CEO
I am president/CEO of a human services agency. I attained four graduate degrees in four years while my wife and I had four kids. I hold a master's degree in human services, a master's degree in public administration, master's degree in business administration, and a doctorate degree in education. I'm now adjunct teaching at one of my alma maters two nights a week. I found time for school by strategically planning and partnering with all the people in my life; I did not do it alone.

Sally Berry, tourism professional
I went back to school full time while working, and got my master's degree in management in January 2008. It took two years and I am a single parent as well. I also traveled for my job at the time and was always doing homework in airports, on flights and at night in my hotel room. It was so difficult, and I thought it would never end. But it did and I am so happy and proud to have my master's degree. My advice would be to pare down your obligations and your standards of housekeeping and cooking; maintain the very basics to keep home and family operating. It was good for my kids to see me work so hard and they all pitched in and helped. School and work is a short-term challenge, but the degree lasts forever!

Susan Peters, mortgage consultant
I graduated in September of 2008. I balanced school, work and family for three-and-a-half years while I pursued a degree in business management. I attended class one night a week for those three-and-a-half years at a local campus and graduated with a 3.99 GPA, a feat I never dreamed was possible. Both my husband and I attended college at night when we were into our 50s, and we were met with great success. All this was accomplished while we were putting our three children through college the conventional way and holding down very full-time jobs.

Terese Irwin, special events manager
I have worked full time since just before I turned 21, when I left college without a degree. Although I started school again just two years later, it took me another 10 years to complete my bachelor's degree and two associate degrees. I finished my bachelor's of business administration last December. I swore I was finished; after 12 years of part-time school and full-time work, I was tired. Although I absolutely love my job, [given the economy,] I had to look at reality: My bachelor's degree alone was not going to open the doors I'd like to walk through. I have enrolled in graduate school and start again this August to pursue my master's degree in international affairs.

Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBwriterRZ.

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3 Emerging Skill Sets - Coming Soon to Your Career

Times are tough, no doubt. But innovation thrives on challenge, and every downturn leaves a fresh new wave of opportunity in its wake. Often the solutions demanded by society involve change, and will recycle our existing skill sets for a whole new purpose.

Don't miss the next trend in your chosen discipline. A number of emerging industries will produce new jobs in the near future, and some cross-functional projects mean opportunity across more than one skill set. Here are just a few that you should know about:

1. Health Informatics
Health informatics will put technology in place that provides hospitals and other health care providers with access to an electronic network of vital patient information -- like medical histories and prescriptions. The information age finally meets health care administration.

The facts
The health informatics initiative won't succeed unless employees (that's you!) bring the specialized skills needed to build and expand the network. All other pieces are in place:

· The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 includes $20.6 billion to help providers drive adoption and develop the IT infrastructure needed.

· The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects Health Information Management employment to grow nearly 18 percent by 2016.

· The BLS projects a need for more than 6,000 new professionals each year through 2014 -- but only 2,600 graduates have entered the field this past year.

Your opportunity
To succeed, health informatics will demand a wide variety of specialized positions across IT and health care. It will engage conventional experience from both areas -- such as registered nurses and LPNs/LVNs, or IT implementation specialists and IT project managers -- if you're looking for a new twist on your current career.

But new positions will also thrive in this hybrid field. Look for new HIM job titles in your next job search, like health IT professionals, HIM coders, HIM medical records professionals and various health informatics specialists -- including trainers, researchers and analysts.

Get online to check out the job titles mentioned above and listed below for related descriptions, and see if you might need any additional training to meet requirements:

Nursing

- Telemedicine clinical professionals

- Chief nursing information officers

- Clinical IT liaisons

Health care administration

- Medical and health services managers

- Document scanners

- Data entry clerks

- File clerks

IT specialists

- Senior programmers

- Senior clinical analysts

- Database analysts

- Developers

- Business analysts

- Software engineers

- Data integration specialists

2. International Financial Reporting Standards
International Financial Reporting Standards is a single set of high-quality, global accounting standards. It will allow U.S. public companies to present financial statements under the same rules as foreign companies and standardize accounting across international subsidiaries. Ultimately IFRS should also help capital formation in the U.S. and stimulate growth in today's global economy.

The facts
Much like the introduction of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in 2002, companies realize that compliance is no small endeavor. Auditors estimate that it will take 18 to 24 months to install an IFRS-based accounting system.

· IFRS was accepted unanimously by the SEC in August of 2008.

· More than 100 countries require or accept IFRS reporting today.

· If the SEC mandates IFRS in 2013 -- large public companies will be required to use IFRS in 2014, with all public companies following suit by 2016.

Your opportunity
IFRS will offer opportunity for more than just accounting and finance personnel. "To prepare for IFRS, U.S. companies must first understand that the shift will not only affect the accounting and financial departments, but will have resulting impacts on all aspects of the company's operations," says Mike Gillan, Regional Manager of Kelly Financial Resources.

Based on European conversions, the IT department could incur as much as 50 percent of the total convergence cost. The shift will also greatly affect the HR department. For example, Daimler AG trained more than 3,000 employees in departments from accounting and treasury to controlling, investor relations and tax while launching its conversion process.

3. Green-collar jobs
As the United States looks to alternative sources of fuel and innovative ways to make our energy stretch farther, green-collar jobs are coming more in demand. Positive employment impacts are expected in fields ranging from mass transit and energy-efficient automobiles, to retrofitting buildings, to wind power, solar power or biomass fuels.

The facts
Millions of U.S. workers expect to benefit from our transformation to a green economy -- across a wide range of familiar occupations, income and skill levels.

· The ARRA provides hundreds of billions in funding for smarter systems, advanced energy efficiency and loans for renewable energy power generation.

· By 2012, green job statistics project 29,000 new jobs in advanced biofuels; 140,000 in energy efficiency; 110,000 in solar energy; and 185,000 in wind energy.

· Statistics project 37 million renewable energy jobs overall by the year 2030, as much as 17 percent of all U.S. employment.

Your opportunity
Look for the Green movement to potentially impact a wide array of job titles, including:

Scientific

- Chemists (analytical, organic, inorganic)

- Geologists/hydrologists

- Air quality technicians

- Laboratory assistants

- Industrial hygienists

Industrial trades

- HVAC technicians

- Electrical technicians

- Metal fabricators

- Machinists

Engineering

- Civil engineers

- Environmental engineers

- Industrial engineers

- Electrical engineers

- Mechanical engineers

- Petrochemical engineers

- Chemical engineers

- Software engineers

- Safety engineers

- Engineering technicians

Kelly Services is a world leader in workforce management services and human resources solutions, providing employment to nearly 650,000 employees annually -- with skills including office services, accounting, engineering, information technology, law, science, marketing, creative services, light industrial, education and health care. For more information, please visit www.kellyservices.com.

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Do You Have a Toxic Job? - How to know and what you can do

Toxic chemicals are dangerous stuff -- hence the label toxic. That's why you can't just toss hazardous waste in a trash can or dump nuclear materials in a river. If you get uranium in your drinking water, you're bound to feel sick or find yourself with several extra limbs. (The latter is pure speculation, I admit.)

Bad workplaces aren't all that different. You might not grow a third arm from a toxic job, but you will slowly realize that your mental and even physical healths are suffering from undesirable work conditions.

Sure, you could quit, but how many of us are eager to leave our jobs in this economy? Until you find a better opportunity, you need to work with what you've got, and what you've got is a toxic workplace.

Caution: You're entering a hazardous work zone
If you enter a lab with hazardous materials, you're going to see placards with the skull and crossbones or radioactive symbols posted at the door. If you enter a toxic workplace, it's not that easy; you have to look for the clues. Job seekers can start when they arrive for the first interview, says Roberta Chinsky Matuson, president of Human Resource Solutions.

"When interviewing, be aware of your surroundings," she says. "Do you hear the sounds of laughter or does it feel like people are going through the motions until it's quitting time?"

Matuson also warns of an interviewer who couldn't be less interested in you or the interview.

"Clearly this is a sign that this person has checked out. Is this really someone you want to work for?"

Similarly, if you're given a tour of the space, look at how employees are behaving. Even if they're not laughing, they shouldn't look like work zombies who are afraid to look up from their tasks. Do they seem intimidated or even scared of the boss? If you get the job, you'll be one of those people. At this stage, you can walk away and look elsewhere. If you're employed and already one of those zombies, you have a little more work to do.

Unearthing the toxic elements
Not all toxic situations announce themselves. When your workplace is toxic, you have to recognize the signs.

First, assess your own state of mind. If anything associated with your job gives you a bad feeling, things might not be so great. A gut check is a good gauge, says consultant Joni Daniels of Daniels & Associates.

"If there is a knot in your stomach as you go to work, it could be a sign that the workplace is a toxic one for you," Daniels says. "If you or the office is walking on eggshells until 'someone' leaves the building [or] room, they are toxic. If work is taking up a lot of emotional energy and you can't mentally, intellectually or emotionally 'let it go' -- it's toxic."

Dulin Clark, who is a career coach for the MBA program at Penn State University's business school, agrees with Daniels. He suggests looking at your own emotions and behaviors and working outward to understand workplace toxicity.

"Primarily, [workers] needs to pay attention to how they feel when they are in the work environment," Clark says. "Feelings of chronic stress, building frustration, lethargy, low motivation and problems sleeping are just of the few the signs of being in a toxic workplace environment." Clark points out that some of the most recognizable causes are excessive criticism, poor treatment and lack of appreciation -- things that bug you and of which you're constantly aware.

Excessive gossip, extreme competition and duplicitous co-workers indirectly pollute your work culture and may therefore be more difficult to recognize. Competition can have an especially negative impact on you because it's often mistaken for healthy workplace motivation.

"Certainly doing your best and achieving excellence are highly admirable career strategies," Clarks says. "However, the best co-workers and leaders look out for the well-being of the team and unit."

If you recognize too many of these elements in your work situation, you probably have a toxic workplace. Now you have to do something about it.

Find your hazmat suit
Hazardous materials workers get to wear protective layers to keep the dangerous substances away at a safe distance. Your average employee has no such defense. You have to choose between three options: Leave, work through it or sit tight until something better comes along.

1. Leave
Removing yourself from the situation makes the most sense when you know things won't likely improve. If the move feels right and you can handle it financially, then maybe it is the best option. But many employees don't have the luxury of leaving a job in this economy.

2. Work through it
Finding a way to solve the problem is the ideal solution if you like your job or can't quit. Clark suggests addressing the issue with the person responsible for the toxicity.

"If the toxicity is the result of one person's actions or behaviors, then often the situation can be made more tolerable by an honest and direct conversation with the person," he says. "It is also often helpful to confide in a trusted colleague, both to relieve the tension of the toxic feelings and also to get advice and feedback about how to handle difficult situations."

3. Make do
Sometimes the best temporary solution is just to get by like many people do in imperfect work situations. That doesn't mean you shouldn't try to improve your circumstances. Far from it. Follow the above steps for handling troublesome bosses or co-workers. Vent to a friend. Do whatever you can to ease the knot in your stomach and sense of dread. While you're doing that, also look for a new job. This way you have the security of a paycheck and the comfort of knowing you won't be there forever.

Whatever you choose to do, make sure it's in your best interest. Now that you know you're in a toxic workplace, you have the tools to keep yourself out of harm's way.

Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/abalderrama.

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Has Casual Friday Become Too Casual?

Friday is, hands down, the best day of the workweek. Not only is it the last working day, it's usually in conjunction with pay day, summer hours and, if you're lucky, a casual dress code.

But how casual is too casual?

Remember Casual Friday at TV's favorite paper company in Scranton, Penn.? One Friday at Dunder-Mifflin, Oscar showed up wearing sandals, Stanley in a sweat suit, and Meredith had the gall to don a mini-dress sans undergarments -- not a pretty sight when she ends up exposing herself while using the copy machine. When Angela complains about her co-workers' attire, Toby calls an office meeting and cancels Casual Friday when it's clear that certain staff have interpreted the term too loosely.
Although this might seem like an extreme example of "too casual," it's not far off from what employers have seen in their own offices.

Richard Laermer, CEO at RLM Public Relations, says he once had a male intern wearing capri pants, plus many sockless employees and a few with holes in their jeans. All of these are no-nos, he says.

"I've sent people to the corner [near our office] where there's an H&M, Banana Republic and a Gap," he says. "I have said, 'Go get something to wear that doesn't make you look 12.'"


Mary Harris, an etiquette consultant who specializes in business etiquette for small and large companies, says she visited a client's office on Casual Friday and saw everything from football jerseys to sweat suits.

"Our culture has gotten so relaxed that casual to many [people] means what you would wear around the house on a Saturday," she says. "It's gotten lost that the meaning is still professional but somewhat relaxed."

Casual confusion
It's no wonder that the meaning of casual has been lost on employees -- after all, it's defined as "without formality, relaxed." Yet, what is casual for one person or company may be totally different for another.

"Few employers expected, when 'business casual' or even 'casual casual' policies were instituted, that anyone would interpret them as allowing flip flops, major views of cleavage or stomachs, intimate garments or athletic wear," says Sue Thompson, a professional speaker on workplace issues. "Many employers are just fed up with people dressing like they are still in college and have just rolled out of bed."

As a result, some companies have had to embark on stricter -- or at least more defined -- dress codes in the office.

I Love Rewards, a web-based employee rewards and recognition program provider, implemented a dress code in 2006 that would hopefully refine the line between casual and business casual: First Date Dress Code.

"It's exactly what it sounds like. Come to work dressed as you would for a first date: classy and sophisticated," says Razor Suleman, founder and CEO of the company. "I think casual is a vague term and can mean anything from shorts and t-shirts to a suit with no tie. This is why First Date Dress Code works. We created it, we set the guidelines and the employees made it their own."

Economic effect
Some companies have chosen to define their dress codes in a different ways and for different reasons. Laermer recently decided to allow his employees at RLM to wear jeans every day as a result of the economy.

"People want to give their folks 'something,' since more money is not going to happen. When I realized there was not going to be a 'Summer Friday' this year, I decided that in this era of recession and blues, we need to be comfortable," he says. "I believe we (and I especially) are happier to come to work and push as hard as we have to during this difficult time. It's a lot about working early and late and I don't want to be thinking about ties."

Casual counsel
Having trouble deciding what is "too casual" for the office? Here are five tips for you to dress professionally, yet still allow you to be comfortable in the office:

1. Culture check
"In choosing casual dress for your current or applied-for job, consider the corporate culture," says Susan Fitter Sloane, founder of Global Manners. Dress in a way that is consistent with your company's values, whether they are conservative or liberal.

2. Blend comfort and professionalism
"Keep in mind that dressing professionally and being comfortable are not two mutually exclusive things," Thompson says. "You may be psychically uncomfortable in business attire, but there is no reason the clothing you purchase should be ill fitting and uncomfortable."

3. You are what you wear
"Remember you are an important part of your employer's image," Suleman reminds. "The way you dress reflects the type of company you work for and speaks volumes to your customers and clients on how your company sees itself and its people."

4. Be economical
"Dressing professionally does not have to cost a fortune," Thompson says. "'I can't afford it' is no excuse. The problem may be that you do not know how to dress well or carry it off." Check your local Goodwill for some very nice, freshly dry-cleaned, high-end suits or separates, she suggests. They may need to be hemmed, slightly altered or have buttons replaced, but these are easy fixes.

5. Make good choices
When there is a truly casual atmosphere on the job, at least don't wear anything that represents what you do away from the office like going to the beach, exercising, cleaning the garage or rearranging your attic, Thompson says. "What would you wear to work if you knew the president of the company would be asking you to come to his or her office that day? Always be ready."

Thompson reminds employees the following: "It is not your civil right to dress as you please. A casual, dress-down day is a privilege; learn do it with style."

Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBwriterRZ.

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Favorite TV Workplaces

After a long day's work, workers often look forward to a relaxing evening at home, enjoying their favorite TV shows to escape the chaos that they (hopefully) left at the office.

But what happens when the workplace follows us into the TV? These days, more and more shows are set in work environments, making it easier for viewers to relate to realistic characters and storylines.

In a recent CareerBuilder survey, when asked which TV show reminds them of their work environment, 15 percent of workers said "The Office." "Deadliest Catch," "Grey's Anatomy" and "Lost" trailed with 3 percent each, and "CSI," "Rescue Me" and "Ugly Betty" followed with 2 percent each, respectively.

Here are some of our favorite TV workplaces and why:

1. 30 Rock
Work environment: TV network
Why we love it: Because it's entertaining (to say the least).
Summary: Set behind-the-scenes of a fictional, live sketch-comedy show, its characters are beyond hysterical. Between Kenneth, the overeager, quirky, entry-level studio page; Jenna, the conceited, flirtatious and often flighty actress; and Tracy, the unpredictable, self-centered and "crazy movie star," we barely have time to focus on Jack Donaghy, the interfering network executive and Liz Lemon, the narrator and head writer for the show.

2. The Cleaner
Work environment: Drug intervention
Why we love it: Because it's inspirational to workers and people everywhere.
Summary: William Banks, an extreme interventionist, is inspiring in his passion and dedication for his work, referring to it not as a job, but as a calling. "The Cleaner" focuses on Banks and his small team, all of whom are recovering addicts. Together, they use unconventional, often extreme measures "by any means necessary" to get rock-bottom addicts on the road to recovery.

3. Glee
Work environment: Secondary education
Why we love it: Because it portrays the ups and downs of what it takes to be a great educator.
Summary: Will Schuester is an optimistic teacher who takes on the difficult task of restoring the formerly awesome glee club. Despite opposition from his co-workers (specifically, the hilarious gym teacher), Schuester demonstrates that with a little determination, even the toughest tasks at work can be handled.

4. HawthoRNe
Work environment: Hospital
Why we love it: Because it teaches workers to stand up for themselves and others at work.
Summary: Whether she's your boss, your colleague or your nurse, chief nursing officer Christina Hawthorne encourages workers everywhere to make a difference. Compassionate and headstrong, Hawthorne fights for her patients to the death (no pun intended), defends her staff and stands up to authority if necessary.

5. In Treatment
Work environment: Psychotherapy practice
Why we love it: Because it touches on an industry that isn't always talked about, but has become a staple of American society.
Summary: A show about a psychotherapist (and his psychotherapist), the drama captures Dr. Paul Weston and his sessions with his patients. We think it gives the oft-unrecognized psychotherapist some well-deserved credit.

6. Lie to Me
Work environment: Various
Why we love it: Because it's unique, honest and contributes to the greater good.
Summary: If your boss is Dr. Cal Lightman, you can forget about feeding him a line about your alarm clock not going off this morning. Lightman is the world's leading deception expert and can detect the truth by analyzing a person's body language, facial expressions, voice intonations and speech patterns. (Talk about an intimidating boss.) Lightman and his team help federal law enforcement, government agencies and local police with their most difficult cases.

7. The Listener
Work environment: Paramedics
Why we love it: Because it focuses on a (cute) 25-year-old paramedic who can read people's minds, and therefore, solves crimes. How's that for good qualities in a co-worker?
Summary: Toby Logan can listen to anyone's most intimate thoughts, a secret he shares with only one other person. He tries to use his gift to help as many people has he can, personally and professionally, but struggles with his own inner demons.

8. Parks and Recreation
Work environment: Local government, specifically the parks and recreation department
Why we love it: Because everyone can relate to a character on this show as it pokes fun at how seriously -- or in some cases, lightly -- some people take their jobs.
Summary: Documentary cameras follow Leslie Knope, mid-level government official, as she tries to advance her career by helping turn an abandoned construction pit into a community park with no thanks to one colleague who "cheerfully exploits his government position for personal gain," and her boss, "who is philosophically opposed to government in any form." If nothing else, this workplace is pure comedy.

9. Rescue Me
Work environment: New York City firehouse
Why we love it: Because it pulls on our heartstrings watching the camaraderie and relationships among colleagues.
Summary: Focusing on the men in a New York City firehouse -- the crew of the fictional Firehouse 62 -- the show mainly follows Tommy Gavin, a veteran firefighter and relapsed alcoholic. We also get a peek into the lives of his crew, and the day-to-day struggles firefighters face personally and professionally every day.

10. True Blood
Work environment: Local diner/small town
Why we love it: Because of its character storylines -- especially the cute vampire coupled with a telepathic waitress.
Summary: Realistically, this "workplace" isn't realistic at all, what with the selling and dealing of vampire and synthetic blood; anti-vampire movements and the general idea of the co-existence of humans and vampires. But Merlotte's is your typical small business...

Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBwriterRZ.

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When a Co-Worker Steals an Idea

You're sitting in a meeting, minding your own business, when one of your colleagues makes a suggestion. As you jot down notes, you realize that his proposal sounds vaguely familiar, but don't know why. Wait a second: He stole your idea!

Co-workers stealing ideas in the workplace is more common than you think. Why exactly this happens is unknown, but Charmaine McClarie, founder and president of McClarie Group, a leadership development and communications-consulting firm, thinks that fear and laziness play equal parts in the process.

"Colleagues take credit from others because they think they probably can get away with it," she says. "If one feels powerless to affect positive and necessary change, then stealing what one can't create oneself begins to look like a plausible solution."

How to deal with it
Why a colleague steals an idea is not as important as how you react when you realize it's happening. McClarie says you can prevent someone from stealing your idea by getting credit for it long before you do the work.

"Part of planning a project should be planning who needs to know about your ideas and how they should learn about it," she says. "When a group of people know and support your ideas, no one else can come in and take credit for them."

Other experts say that unless there is a really good reason not to, confronting the credit appropriator is the best route to take -- as long as you do it in a non-accusatory manner.

"Speaking about [stealing your idea] in the form of a complaint can make you seem like a whiner," McClarie says. "You may want to beat them with a stick; but wave your wand instead."

Perhaps the best option you have when an associate takes credit for your idea is to try to regain control and move the idea forward.

"If someone does steal your idea at a meeting, avoid trying to stake your claim on the idea then and there. It will leave a bad impression," McClarie advises. "Instead, send an e-mail afterward to those who attended. Present a few points that will move the idea forward. You're allowing others to know that you're a leader and strategic thinker who gets results."

A different view
While many believe that ideas belong to an owner, Richard Gallagher, author of "How to Tell Anyone Anything: Breakthrough Techniques for Handling Difficult Conversations at Work," has a different perspective:

"There is a misguided belief that ideas, and credit, should be hoarded as a kind of career currency," Gallagher says. "In reality, ideas flourish when fertilized by the input of an entire team. People who worry too much about idea ownership are often putting self-interest ahead of the good of the entire workplace, an attitude that can hurt your career."

In other words, Gallagher thinks that ideas are not copyrighted and cannot be stolen, only spread. By encouraging people to spread your ideas, Gallagher says you gain more leadership credentials than by squabbling over credit.

Advice and tips
Here are five ways you can deal with or prevent idea appropriation (or idea sharing):

1. Create advocates for your idea
"Too often, when we think of a great idea, we turn to the person closest to us and share it. Instead, get strategic," McClarie says. "Ask yourself who in your organization is seen and valued as a leader and needs to know about [your ideas]. You're getting your idea out there before it can be stolen and you're also making it clear that it's your idea."

2. Reframe your views
"Change your perspective from one of having your idea stolen to one of having it communicated," Gallagher says. "Congratulate the other person for doing such a great job of communicating the idea and tell your boss what a great job this person did of helping bring your idea to life."

3. Ask others for support
"Ask others to speak to [your] idea at an anticipated meeting, particularly if you think there might be some pushback," McClarie says. That way, people will refer to the idea as yours. "'Well, (idea-stealer), that's an interesting point; Charmaine and I were speaking about this last week.' At that point, the idea has been unstolen."

4. Think beyond the idea
"Over a century ago, someone had the idea of turning a horse carriage into an automobile. Do you remember who that person was? The people we really remember are the ones who took ideas and built on them," Gallagher says.

5. Borrow, encourage and give credit
"When you openly encourage people to 'steal' your ideas and get in the habit of 'stealing' from others and crediting them, wonderful things happen to your career that you could never imagine when you try to be the long ranger with a great idea."

Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBwriterRZ.

Search more than 100,000 Jobs by CLICKING HERE!