The opportunity to learn new things. I'm just starting to manage other people in positions below me, and I learn something new every day about how to work with people at different levels and from different backgrounds.
I've worked a decent number jobs for my age (23) and have realized the biggest downfall in most positions is a poor atmosphere. I now currently work at the front desk of a large fitness gym and even though I'm not rolling in the benjamins, I wouldn't trade this job in for where I'm at in life currently. I absolutely LOVE the atmosphere of my workplace. The staff is a team that feels like a family. The clients are always different and you are constantly soaking up new culture and positive energy from people. Life comes down to being happy and content, and if you are spending 40+ hours a week in a crappy atmosphere, then you are burning up time your won't get back!
Not at my organization - which employs over 20,000 people. If you do not apply online, your application will not be considered. And go ahead and contact hiring managers with questions, but do not bug us with actual applications - we cannot accept them. It is illegal under the bylaws by which we run our organization, under various other laws by which we must abide, and under our union contracts. So it gets annoying to get pestered by people who won't read what is clearly stated in our job ads and on our HR website. Private and public sectors are very, very different.
Actually, while all of these may be reasonable in the private sector, I would STRONGLY disagree with #1, #2, and #5 for organizations like mine - a huge publicly funded college system. Re #1 - do NOT call or email the hiring manager or send your resume directly to her if the ad says that you must apply online. I am the hiring manager for a tenure track position in a very specialized field, and I can tell you right now, I do not appreciate getting dozens of calls and emails or direct resume submissions when the ad clearly states that applicants must apply using our online system or their applications cannot be considered. No, I can't go retype your resume and put it in the system for you, as at least a few lazy people have asked. And all that trying to apply directly to me does is a) annoy me, and b) convince me that you cannot follow directions. I don't mind people contacting me to ask questions about the job, or the application process, or related issues. I'm very willing to do that. But do NOT try to apply through the hiring manager in a unionized, public college system if the ad says to do otherwise. Usually, there are regulations that prohibit us from even considering direct applications. Re #2 - I completely disagree here as well, for my type of environment. Academic jobs take a year, at least, to fill. The search is a long, detailed process. And often, the postings have a long application period. The job posting we have now was posted in late September, and we stated that we would only begin reviewing applications as of December 15. And that's the absolute truth - I won't even get the applications from HR until December 16. What we say in the ad, we must abide by. Also, we absolutely cannot, by our bylaws and union contracts, consider people who have not submitted a complete application through our online system. We also must post all jobs, except for a very few socialized administrative positions that come up rarely, when someone is specifically asked by our Chancellor or an academic VP to undertake a special initiative. So please, do not send unsolicited resumes asking about hidden or unadvertised jobs - there aren't any. In many, if not most, public colleges, this is the case - jobs must be advertised, and all you will do if you flood people with unsolicited resumes is annoy busy people. If you're unsure, call the HR department. Re #5, as I've said, if there is no posting, at a large public college, there is indeed no job. Again, call HR. So, if you don't want to risk seriously annoying busy people, call and check with HR before you go ahead and follow such tips. I don't want to sound like a grouch, but I am truly frustrated by the number of applications I get from people who completely ignore what the ad states you MUST do (apply online), what our HR site says (that all jobs are posted and that hiring managers cannot accept applications directly), and the qualifications that we say you absolutely MUST have (our ad states 2 specific degree requirements, and states that we cannot consider you without these, yet at least half the applicants seem to think we're kidding, and they apply when they are missing at least 1 of the required degrees. Yes, you can apply for most jobs if you are missing, or don't have a perfect match for, some portions of the requirements. But degrees are another matter, especially in academe. If the ad says we cannot consider you without the degree, under our bylaws and union regulations among other things, then do NOT waste my time by applying if you don't have the degrees.) Cultures vary, and I think this one-size-fits-all advice could do a disservice to many potential applicants.
You forgot to check the coupon book! My Costco sends out coupons, and there is often at least one thing on my list included. Sometimes, the coupon makes the brand name item cheaper than the house brand, and you can use one coupon several times. The customer service desk usually has extras on hand.
I would add that you can relax a little! After years of struggling as a student, then a bout of unemployment, I finally have a fairly stable job I love, and my husband does, too. We have no debt other than my student loans, and at the end of the month, there is money left in our account. I enjoy being able to help others and donate my time, but I would also rank finally having a sense of security and stability up there as well. I know that if we had an unexpected expense, a car died, or one of us got sick, we'd be able to weather the storm much better than in the past, and that makes me sleep easier.
I am an avid couponer, so i know that I can get a better deal on most items elsewhere. However, we maintain a Costco membership because there are some things that are a better deal. I also note that I live in a vegetarian household of two, so I cannot opine as to meat prices, and I don't take advantage of the produce deals very often, since we can't eat that much that fast!
- Onions. A big Costco bag works out to about $0.49/pound. We cook at home about 6 nights a week, and just about everything we make involves at least one. Onions last a while, too. Other produce items are a good deal, but you'd better be serving an army. Also, they lack organic options at my Costco.
- Gas. Totally pays for our membership.
- Movie tickets. There is a Costco located down the road from the movie theater we go to, so we swing by for discount tickets on our way.
- Cheese. We get goat and Parmesan at really great prices. Trader Joe's may be slightly cheaper, but it's not as convenient.
- DOG FOOD. Just as I do not buy junk food at the grocery store just because it's on sale, I'm not going to feed my dogs whatever junk happens to be on sale. However, I have two 55-pound dogs, and the Kirkland brand strikes a good balance between nutritional content and price. At about $25 for a 40 pound bag, it's a steal. It's also one of the only dog foods that my Darby doesn't barf up, which is a big plus.
- Meds. For a while, I was having to buy a prescription out-of-pocket, and Costco's price was about $10 cheaper than other pharmacies I checked.
- Condoms. The Durex multi-pack has about 40 condoms for less than $12. At drugstores, you pay $10 for 12.
- Gift cards. Spafinder cards are 20% off.
- Cakes. There are a finite number of sheet cake decorations, but the price is awesome. Also, a two layer red velvet cake is $10. Great when I need to pick up something quick for a casual dinner party or work function.
- Allergy medicine. The Costco brand Claritin is cheap and works well for me.
- Clothes. I have found some great items, like 2-packs of camisoles and Kenneth Cole cardigans for $17.
- Stamps. Where else can you get a discount on forever stamps?
- Credit Card. The Costco AmEx card is a pretty good rewards card, and the only one that gives you cash back at Costco that I know of.
- Flowers. If you need to grab a bouquet, Costco's flowers are fresher and cheaper than the grocery store's, and you get more for the money.
Random stuff. I have the Glasslock containers, too. They were a great deal at Costco. I've come across other things, like my vacuum, that were just cheaper at Costco. I've been eying those skinny closet hangers with fuzzy material that keep your sweaters from slipping. You get three times as many for the same price that other stores charge at Costco. Their bed and bath items are also a good deal for the quality.
Things that are not a good deal (if you are willing to deal with coupons and sales at other stores): paper products, soft drinks, detergents and cleaners, shampoo, soap, etc., electronics (Costco has decent deals, but I can usually find it cheaper somewhere else) However, for really quality brands, Costco will rarely steer you in the wrong direction), books (I buy used or use a swap site, and Amazon usually has a better deal on new stuff), most non-perishable food items, wine (Trader Joe's and Whole Foods have better options in the under $10 everyday wine category), and, of course, anything that will go bad before you get a chance to eat it!
I'd have to say candied yams casserole. You just have to add some fresh cranberries to it and small sauteed carmelized turnip wedges. AS it's a basic candies yam casserole recipe you start with
I'm an academic librarian at a public college that's dedicated to educating a student body wherein the average family income of our students is about $40K (in a very expensive city), and many are the first people in their families to attend college. Our students speak over 100 languages at home. There are so many things I love about my job, but if I had to pick one, it's the incredible shared ethic of being extremely dedicated to teaching and to helping our students. They really, honestly care, and work incredibly hard to make a genuine difference in the lives of the students. Other things I love include: 1) working with really smart, eclectic people who are incredibly tolerant of differences and even eccentricities; 2) the fact that it is utterly impossible to ever be bored as a front line reference librarian, because one minute, you're helping a faculty member construct a good sociology research assignment using statistics and government data, the next you are helping a tutor construct good remedial math tutorials, the next you are helping a student learn to search a business database, and the next you are looking up biographical information on an African writer for an English course - you are constantly learning new things, in dozens of disciplines; 3) a wonderfully supportive boss - unlike many academic administrators with whom I've worked, my current Provost understands library issues, and is a really strong supporter; 4) being able to learn new things, at no cost (we are able, through the college, to take workshops and continuing ed on just about any topic, and we can also take classes toward any degree offered in our system, including graduate degrees, all for free); 5) getting to work with the latest technologies; and 6) having a terrific work environment, with decent (if not spectacular) pay and superb benefits (I have tenure, decent health benefits, good vacation, and a pension plan in which I was vested after 5 years, though I have to stay 30 to get a full pension, and if I stay for 15, I will be eligible for health benefits when I retire. I know well that most people in North America don't get this level of retirement benefits - but they should! We should all get the opportunity to trade the bigger paycheck we might get in the private sector for the benefits, which is what we do in academe.) I truly love my job, and the very best thing is that I know I will be able to continue to do it, as long as I am able to work. I have worked in 8 different colleges and universities, a government agency, a non-profit, and several private sector corporations (not counting all the blue collar work I did to pay for school and living expenses until I got my career going), and this is the first place I have ever thought I'd be happy to stay for the rest of my working life - and I hope it works out that way. The one thing I hate is the fact that, as a public institution, with the big drop in state and federal support, we are constantly struggling for money, and we have, in the last 2 years, lost almost 25% of our funding for our library collections, and some for staffing. We hope to slowly restore it, through a variety of means, but I really hate having to consider things like cutting library hours and canceling subscriptions to some of the databases our students and faculty need.
Since the title image said "Level 30 Game Over" I thought this article would say to stop wasting money on video games when you are 30. I guess my bf can keep playing for another ten years or so.
My office is located in a skilled nursing facility and the best part of my job is the residents that live there. The interaction that I can have with them is amazing. Many of them are just great to talk to and spend time with if only for a few minutes. The history of lives can be fascinating. They make my job each day.
My company is just really cool to work for. Every holiday, they have something fun for us, whether we're having Halloween costume contests or a nice Christmas party or hunting down Easter eggs. We even celebrate the company's "birthday" with a catered party with open bar and prizes. I've never worked for such a fun company. I've already won a flat-screen TV and jewelry box, although other coworkers have come away with such prizes as iPads, round-trip flights (even to Europe), and 3D TVs.
I work in a Chicago public school and I love my coworkers and my students. I could certainly do without the budget cuts, union busting, and the way assessments are used to harm students instead of help them.
My favorite Thanksgiving Dish has to be the whole meal. Turkey without stuffing seems like just any other day, or even without the yams. but if I had to pick one. I'd have to say the best part is the turkey though. I love turkey.
we like mashed potatoes with homemade gravy. My hubby makes the best gravy and it's absolutely delicious! and cheap too!!!
The opportunity to learn new things. I'm just starting to manage other people in positions below me, and I learn something new every day about how to work with people at different levels and from different backgrounds.
I've worked a decent number jobs for my age (23) and have realized the biggest downfall in most positions is a poor atmosphere. I now currently work at the front desk of a large fitness gym and even though I'm not rolling in the benjamins, I wouldn't trade this job in for where I'm at in life currently. I absolutely LOVE the atmosphere of my workplace. The staff is a team that feels like a family. The clients are always different and you are constantly soaking up new culture and positive energy from people. Life comes down to being happy and content, and if you are spending 40+ hours a week in a crappy atmosphere, then you are burning up time your won't get back!
Not at my organization - which employs over 20,000 people. If you do not apply online, your application will not be considered. And go ahead and contact hiring managers with questions, but do not bug us with actual applications - we cannot accept them. It is illegal under the bylaws by which we run our organization, under various other laws by which we must abide, and under our union contracts. So it gets annoying to get pestered by people who won't read what is clearly stated in our job ads and on our HR website. Private and public sectors are very, very different.
Actually, while all of these may be reasonable in the private sector, I would STRONGLY disagree with #1, #2, and #5 for organizations like mine - a huge publicly funded college system. Re #1 - do NOT call or email the hiring manager or send your resume directly to her if the ad says that you must apply online. I am the hiring manager for a tenure track position in a very specialized field, and I can tell you right now, I do not appreciate getting dozens of calls and emails or direct resume submissions when the ad clearly states that applicants must apply using our online system or their applications cannot be considered. No, I can't go retype your resume and put it in the system for you, as at least a few lazy people have asked. And all that trying to apply directly to me does is a) annoy me, and b) convince me that you cannot follow directions. I don't mind people contacting me to ask questions about the job, or the application process, or related issues. I'm very willing to do that. But do NOT try to apply through the hiring manager in a unionized, public college system if the ad says to do otherwise. Usually, there are regulations that prohibit us from even considering direct applications. Re #2 - I completely disagree here as well, for my type of environment. Academic jobs take a year, at least, to fill. The search is a long, detailed process. And often, the postings have a long application period. The job posting we have now was posted in late September, and we stated that we would only begin reviewing applications as of December 15. And that's the absolute truth - I won't even get the applications from HR until December 16. What we say in the ad, we must abide by. Also, we absolutely cannot, by our bylaws and union contracts, consider people who have not submitted a complete application through our online system. We also must post all jobs, except for a very few socialized administrative positions that come up rarely, when someone is specifically asked by our Chancellor or an academic VP to undertake a special initiative. So please, do not send unsolicited resumes asking about hidden or unadvertised jobs - there aren't any. In many, if not most, public colleges, this is the case - jobs must be advertised, and all you will do if you flood people with unsolicited resumes is annoy busy people. If you're unsure, call the HR department. Re #5, as I've said, if there is no posting, at a large public college, there is indeed no job. Again, call HR. So, if you don't want to risk seriously annoying busy people, call and check with HR before you go ahead and follow such tips. I don't want to sound like a grouch, but I am truly frustrated by the number of applications I get from people who completely ignore what the ad states you MUST do (apply online), what our HR site says (that all jobs are posted and that hiring managers cannot accept applications directly), and the qualifications that we say you absolutely MUST have (our ad states 2 specific degree requirements, and states that we cannot consider you without these, yet at least half the applicants seem to think we're kidding, and they apply when they are missing at least 1 of the required degrees. Yes, you can apply for most jobs if you are missing, or don't have a perfect match for, some portions of the requirements. But degrees are another matter, especially in academe. If the ad says we cannot consider you without the degree, under our bylaws and union regulations among other things, then do NOT waste my time by applying if you don't have the degrees.) Cultures vary, and I think this one-size-fits-all advice could do a disservice to many potential applicants.
tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/oshkoshbgosh123/status/134137224856993792
i like wisebread on facebook
i love flexibility with my job. i can choose my own hours.
When we paid off our mortgage, my wife and I felt a great sense of liberation.
You forgot to check the coupon book! My Costco sends out coupons, and there is often at least one thing on my list included. Sometimes, the coupon makes the brand name item cheaper than the house brand, and you can use one coupon several times. The customer service desk usually has extras on hand.
I would add that you can relax a little! After years of struggling as a student, then a bout of unemployment, I finally have a fairly stable job I love, and my husband does, too. We have no debt other than my student loans, and at the end of the month, there is money left in our account. I enjoy being able to help others and donate my time, but I would also rank finally having a sense of security and stability up there as well. I know that if we had an unexpected expense, a car died, or one of us got sick, we'd be able to weather the storm much better than in the past, and that makes me sleep easier.
I am an avid couponer, so i know that I can get a better deal on most items elsewhere. However, we maintain a Costco membership because there are some things that are a better deal. I also note that I live in a vegetarian household of two, so I cannot opine as to meat prices, and I don't take advantage of the produce deals very often, since we can't eat that much that fast!
- Onions. A big Costco bag works out to about $0.49/pound. We cook at home about 6 nights a week, and just about everything we make involves at least one. Onions last a while, too. Other produce items are a good deal, but you'd better be serving an army. Also, they lack organic options at my Costco.
- Gas. Totally pays for our membership.
- Movie tickets. There is a Costco located down the road from the movie theater we go to, so we swing by for discount tickets on our way.
- Cheese. We get goat and Parmesan at really great prices. Trader Joe's may be slightly cheaper, but it's not as convenient.
- DOG FOOD. Just as I do not buy junk food at the grocery store just because it's on sale, I'm not going to feed my dogs whatever junk happens to be on sale. However, I have two 55-pound dogs, and the Kirkland brand strikes a good balance between nutritional content and price. At about $25 for a 40 pound bag, it's a steal. It's also one of the only dog foods that my Darby doesn't barf up, which is a big plus.
- Meds. For a while, I was having to buy a prescription out-of-pocket, and Costco's price was about $10 cheaper than other pharmacies I checked.
- Condoms. The Durex multi-pack has about 40 condoms for less than $12. At drugstores, you pay $10 for 12.
- Gift cards. Spafinder cards are 20% off.
- Cakes. There are a finite number of sheet cake decorations, but the price is awesome. Also, a two layer red velvet cake is $10. Great when I need to pick up something quick for a casual dinner party or work function.
- Allergy medicine. The Costco brand Claritin is cheap and works well for me.
- Clothes. I have found some great items, like 2-packs of camisoles and Kenneth Cole cardigans for $17.
- Stamps. Where else can you get a discount on forever stamps?
- Credit Card. The Costco AmEx card is a pretty good rewards card, and the only one that gives you cash back at Costco that I know of.
- Flowers. If you need to grab a bouquet, Costco's flowers are fresher and cheaper than the grocery store's, and you get more for the money.
Random stuff. I have the Glasslock containers, too. They were a great deal at Costco. I've come across other things, like my vacuum, that were just cheaper at Costco. I've been eying those skinny closet hangers with fuzzy material that keep your sweaters from slipping. You get three times as many for the same price that other stores charge at Costco. Their bed and bath items are also a good deal for the quality.
Things that are not a good deal (if you are willing to deal with coupons and sales at other stores): paper products, soft drinks, detergents and cleaners, shampoo, soap, etc., electronics (Costco has decent deals, but I can usually find it cheaper somewhere else) However, for really quality brands, Costco will rarely steer you in the wrong direction), books (I buy used or use a swap site, and Amazon usually has a better deal on new stuff), most non-perishable food items, wine (Trader Joe's and Whole Foods have better options in the under $10 everyday wine category), and, of course, anything that will go bad before you get a chance to eat it!
Not to mention, you're buying processed CRAP most of the time. No thank you, I'll stick to real food.
I'd have to say candied yams casserole. You just have to add some fresh cranberries to it and small sauteed carmelized turnip wedges. AS it's a basic candies yam casserole recipe you start with
I'm an academic librarian at a public college that's dedicated to educating a student body wherein the average family income of our students is about $40K (in a very expensive city), and many are the first people in their families to attend college. Our students speak over 100 languages at home. There are so many things I love about my job, but if I had to pick one, it's the incredible shared ethic of being extremely dedicated to teaching and to helping our students. They really, honestly care, and work incredibly hard to make a genuine difference in the lives of the students. Other things I love include: 1) working with really smart, eclectic people who are incredibly tolerant of differences and even eccentricities; 2) the fact that it is utterly impossible to ever be bored as a front line reference librarian, because one minute, you're helping a faculty member construct a good sociology research assignment using statistics and government data, the next you are helping a tutor construct good remedial math tutorials, the next you are helping a student learn to search a business database, and the next you are looking up biographical information on an African writer for an English course - you are constantly learning new things, in dozens of disciplines; 3) a wonderfully supportive boss - unlike many academic administrators with whom I've worked, my current Provost understands library issues, and is a really strong supporter; 4) being able to learn new things, at no cost (we are able, through the college, to take workshops and continuing ed on just about any topic, and we can also take classes toward any degree offered in our system, including graduate degrees, all for free); 5) getting to work with the latest technologies; and 6) having a terrific work environment, with decent (if not spectacular) pay and superb benefits (I have tenure, decent health benefits, good vacation, and a pension plan in which I was vested after 5 years, though I have to stay 30 to get a full pension, and if I stay for 15, I will be eligible for health benefits when I retire. I know well that most people in North America don't get this level of retirement benefits - but they should! We should all get the opportunity to trade the bigger paycheck we might get in the private sector for the benefits, which is what we do in academe.) I truly love my job, and the very best thing is that I know I will be able to continue to do it, as long as I am able to work. I have worked in 8 different colleges and universities, a government agency, a non-profit, and several private sector corporations (not counting all the blue collar work I did to pay for school and living expenses until I got my career going), and this is the first place I have ever thought I'd be happy to stay for the rest of my working life - and I hope it works out that way. The one thing I hate is the fact that, as a public institution, with the big drop in state and federal support, we are constantly struggling for money, and we have, in the last 2 years, lost almost 25% of our funding for our library collections, and some for staffing. We hope to slowly restore it, through a variety of means, but I really hate having to consider things like cutting library hours and canceling subscriptions to some of the databases our students and faculty need.
There are some great ideas here. It is the time of the year for some apple cider.
I love the creativity my job as a writer affords me. It's always fortunate to have a passion for the work you do.
Since the title image said "Level 30 Game Over" I thought this article would say to stop wasting money on video games when you are 30. I guess my bf can keep playing for another ten years or so.
Automatic savings transfers helps me out a ton
I love the intellectually challenging aspect of my job. I learn something new every day.
My office is located in a skilled nursing facility and the best part of my job is the residents that live there. The interaction that I can have with them is amazing. Many of them are just great to talk to and spend time with if only for a few minutes. The history of lives can be fascinating. They make my job each day.
My company is just really cool to work for. Every holiday, they have something fun for us, whether we're having Halloween costume contests or a nice Christmas party or hunting down Easter eggs. We even celebrate the company's "birthday" with a catered party with open bar and prizes. I've never worked for such a fun company. I've already won a flat-screen TV and jewelry box, although other coworkers have come away with such prizes as iPads, round-trip flights (even to Europe), and 3D TVs.
I work in a Chicago public school and I love my coworkers and my students. I could certainly do without the budget cuts, union busting, and the way assessments are used to harm students instead of help them.
At my last job (WIC clerk), I loved holding the babies!
My favorite Thanksgiving Dish has to be the whole meal. Turkey without stuffing seems like just any other day, or even without the yams. but if I had to pick one. I'd have to say the best part is the turkey though. I love turkey.