Surviving Overtime

So you’ve just put up 8 hours of work and it looks like you’re going to put up more until that pile of papers on your desk is finally cleared. Overtimes are not that uncommon, if you’re trying to build your way up the career ladder, overtimes are a must. But no matter how much time you add on your regular hours, if you’re sluggish and the grey matter won’t function, there’s not really much you can do. Here are a few things that could help you prepare for those extra hours of work.

Vitamins

Long hours of works saps strength. Maybe not physically, but your brain gets a mental work out that could be as stressful as any exercise. Make sure you load up on the extra nutrients to keep the body working. Not too much though, as anything could be poison if you take too much of it.

Get Some Sleep

I know, I know. The whole idea of overtime is not sleeping. But you have to go home at some point, right? When you do, take a shower and hit the sack fast. Especially if it’s a weekday and your expected at work again tomorrow. This goes double when you’re due for overtime yet again.  

Take a Breather

Once in a while during overtime, take a moment to pause and pinch the bridge of your nose, just between the eyes. You could also massage you hands or the back of your neck, whatever works for you. Take slow deep breaths, clear your mind and then start again. This would work really well with a few gulps of your favorite coffee.

To Power Nap or Not to Power Nap

The effectiveness of a powernap sometimes depends on the person doing it. There are those who only feel disoriented after a short nap and then there are those who revitalized. The choice is really up to you. If you’re a power nap person, then go ahead. But for those who don’t, stretching your legs or closing your eyes for a few minutes will also be as good.

What Not To Do During An Interview

When going for that dream job, applicants tend to practice answering possible interview questions. That’s well and good, but you might also want to study and practice controlling your mannerisms. It isn’t just what you say. It’s also what you do that could make or break a job interview. Here are a few common signs of agitation/stress that you might not realize that you’re doing. However, interviewers would easily pick them up.

The Hair Thing

This is especially true for females with long hairs. When nervous, girls tend to rearrange their hairstyle. Don’t do this. Not only would it look awkward but might also ruin that totally great hairdo.

The Feet Thing

Stomping your feet or maybe periodically crossing and uncrossing your legs are definite eye-catchers. There’s no way you could do this without your prospective employer seeing. Choose one style of sitting and stick to it. If you feel like changing positions, let a significant amount of time pass before doing so.

The Hand Thing

Gesturing with your hands when explaining something is OK, as long as you don’t do it every time you open your mouth. If you’ve got your legs crossed, place the casually over your knees and keep them there.

Excessive Smiles

Smiles are good. Smiles make you look friendly. But smiling too much could make you look like a wacko. Practice a serene and polite expression to wear during the interview.

What Else?

It’s important to note that different people exhibit different mannerisms when feeling stressed. The best way to determine how your body language could affect your prospective career is to practice in a mirror. Watch yourself, determine you’re involuntary movements and practice on keeping them at the minimum. You can’t really erase all of them since these are grounded traits, but you could try.

You could also go straight to the source and nip it in the bud. These mannerisms occur because you’re feeling anxious. Hence, before going for that interview, take deep breaths and will yourself to relax.

On Quitting Your Job

On Quitting

Probably one of the most awkward moments is resigning from a job. No matter what your reason is, it is always better to leave in good terms.

Before ultimately resigning though, you should first think about the matter carefully. Since jobs nowadays are hard to come by, review first the positive and negative effects through your mind before settling on a final decision.  

When you do decide to leave the office, make sure you do these tips to maintain good relations with the company.

Give Notice

It’s customary to give your employers two weeks’ notice before leaving a job. This would give them ample time to find someone else to fill your position.

Submit a Resignation Letter

This move would not only appease your employer but would be extremely beneficial to yourself. A formal resignation letter adheres to protocol or sometimes just plainly signifies respect. Even though you have already expressed your intention to resign orally, a written one is still necessary.

Reference

Whether or not you are leaving for a new job, it is always important to ask for a reference. This would give you something to hold on to when applying for new a position.  

Paperwork

As much as possible, try not to leave paperwork behind for someone else to finish. The new employee might not yet be as knowledgeable as you plus leaving the company with unfinished paperwork isn’t really a good impression to make. Remember that you are aiming to leave in good terms with the company and unfinished paper works isn’t really the way to do that.

Properties

Make sure that you have given back all company property. Make a list to see if there’s anything that you’ve missed. Even though you are leaving, you still don’t want to be known as the “guy who resigned and took the stapler with him”.

Tips on Working Home Based | Home Based Jobs

Working Homebased | -- Tips

Homebased jobs are very ideal for full time moms. It not only allows you to earn extra cash but also lets you mind the gazillion duties at home.

The best part of homebased jobs is the ability to arrange your schedule as you see fit. This is also the worst part.

Why?

Homebased jobs require rigorous planning and will power. In the office, it isn’t that difficult to concentrate on work since everyone else does. And in the event that days where you just can’t bring yourself to do your job comes, officemates help you get back on track. Working homebased however is different. You are the boss and employee. You get to say when the job starts and when it ends. You are the boss and therefore, when the boss decides to take a break, the employee automatically follows. Nevertheless, here are some ideas on how to stimulate an effective working environment away from the office, preventing the boss and employee alike from playing hooky.

It’s all about planning. Set a schedule that you would follow fervently. Don’t try to squeeze jobs in between junior’s bath or packing the children’s lunch. Set a time wherein you could just sit down for a few hours and concentrate on what you are doing. As much as possible, don’t do two things at the same time, like letting lunch simmer while you’re busy tapping on the laptop. You could get preoccupied with the other task or you could get totally sucked into doing your job. Either way, the result won’t be in your favor.

Clean Up. Make sure your workspace is spotless and uncluttered. A messy place tends to produce a messy brain unfit for working.

Have Everything At Hand. Try to keep all your work essentials nearby, arranged neatly in an order you prefer.