Here are some things to do with money from a bonus or tax return

Here are some things to do with money from a bonus or tax returnHere are some things to do with money from a bonus or tax returnIts officially tax seasonJan. 29 marked the first day you could file your tax return to the IRS.Lauren Lyons Cole, a certified financial planner and senior editor at Business Insider, writes in the publication that you should receive all your tax documents by early February.Before you file your taxes, youll need to collect all your 2017 tax documents. If youre an employee, that means your W-2 if youre a freelancer, you may have multiple 1099 forms, Cole writes. In some cases, you may have other statements, such as income earned from an interest-bearing savings account or interest paid on a loan, or even taxable bitcoin gains.But while some lucky employees might not have to wait for a refund - some companies have been handing out bonuses as a result of the tax overhaul - the question still remains How should the money be allocated?Here are some things you c an do with any extra cash you receive from a tax return or a bonus.Set up an emergency fundRecent Bankrate research found that if someone was hit with a bill of $1,000 that wasnt planned for (like for an emergency room visit or car repair,) 39 percent of Americans would have to use their savings to pay it off. Another 19 percent would finance with credit card, pay off over time and 13% would cut back how much they spent in other areas.Take that as your cue Use some of the money to start an emergency fund oras Bankrate suggests, do things like automate the process to put some away every month.Learn something newSabah Karimi, the digital marketing copywriter and content writer behindFusion Copywriting, writes in U.S. News World Report that you could invest in your education or professional skills with a tax return or bonus.If you want to perform better at work or youre eager to earn a raise this year (and a bigger holiday bonus), consider polishing up your skills or going back to sch ool. You might choose to spend your holiday bonus on an online certification course, a university program or even a noncredit course at a local community college, she writes. Youll increase your skills and your knowledge while making yourself more valuable to your employer. Investing in your education and professional skills could give you additional earning power and help you build up your resume for the next hop up the career ladder.Put more money away for retirementIts never too late, or a bad idea, to stash away more cash.Kathleen Elkins, a writer for CNBC Make It, writes on the site that you should beef up your 401(k).Ideally youre already putting money into your 401(k) retirement account if you have the option, but, if possible, youll also want to get in the habit of increasing your contributions consistently. A bonus is a great opportunity to do so, she writes.

3 Times You Should Give Into Office Politics - The Muse

3 Times You Should Give Into Office Politics - The Muse3 Times You Should Give Into Office PoliticsWere going out to get some drinks after work, do you want to come?You think No, Ive been here all day and would rather go home and stare at my TV.But instead you say Of courseSound familiar? The reality is this What can appear to be just a casual invitation isnt always so straightforward in the workplace.The truth is that with almost every interaction, youre being judged, and if you choose to not participate, you risk being labeled as anti-social or not a team player.Oh yes, the joy of office politicsOf course, you know that there are times when you have to play the game if you want to go ahead. Its why you say yes to happy hour when you just want to go home, and its why you agree to help your boss prep for her presentation even though you have a growing to-do list of your own.With that said, you dont always have to give in (you also dont have to work in an office like this, though, onc e you get to a certain size, its hard to find one that doesnt involve some politicking).These are the times when its in your best interest to roll up your sleeves and give in1. When You Want to Get PromotedLets face it If youre looking to get promoted, chances are youre going to have to play some form of office politics. In this case, its not only about your work, but your ability to interact with a variety of people.Earlier in my career, I had a colleague who knew a lot, but had a difficult personality. He had his own qualms with the job and lets just say he didnt lay out the welcome mat for me. During my performance review, my manager mentioned the strained working relationship. She even asked if I would go to him for help if needed. My answer was No, Id figure it out myself before Id do that. As you might guess, that wasnt the answer she was looking for.Knowing what I know now, I shouldve played the game and chosen my words better. I couldve said that I would work with him despit e our challenges at times and that I would try to find a common ground so that we can both complete our goals. (Do you see the difference between that and just flat out saying No, he sucks?) Am I saying that you should lie work your way to the top? No. But its important to strategically manage your message and not say anything that could be held against you.2. When Leaderships in the VicinityAny events or meetings that involve higher-ups (from your boss all the way to the CEO) are usually seen as a must-go, even if they may be inconvenient, not the best use of your time, or just simply awkward. This is a part of office politics where the focus is on appearances who showed up and who did not. So, this isnt the time to pull out the Oh, sorry cant make it, excuse. This is a time when you should go. But, I dont want you to just see this as something you have suck up because you have no control. In fact, you can do the exact opposite Control how these meetings work for you. This is your chance to get noticed and put your name in front of leadership. If youre going to attend, dont shrink in the corner, counting down the minutes until its over.Instead, use it as an opportunity to sneak in a comment or two about current or past projects you excelled in, quantify your results and relay positive feedback you received, and show your personality. In fact, it wouldnt hurt to have a few of these conversation starters ready to go. This may be one of the times when your work that may have gone unnoticed gets the attention it deserves. Once youve done your part, then you can go home (or back to your desk), knowing that you were your own advocate and seen as part of the team.Act now, cringe later. 3. When Theres the Opportunity to NetworkOK, so one of the main reasons why you give into office politics is forge relationships with people and build allies. If youve been eyeing a position with another team or you want the opportunity to get exposure to new opportunities, this is a great time to spread your wings. Going to the happy hour every once in a while is a way to meet people you may not get a chance to talk to during your day-to-day. One important thing to remember, though You may play the game to get exposed to new people and get more visibility for your personal brand, but you never want to compromise yourself by throwing someone under the bus, participating in negative banter, or doing something detrimental to your career. This is exactly when office politics can become tricky waters to navigateSo, the next time youre wondering if you should play the game or go home, think about these situations. Ask yourself what can you gain if you participate? What can you lose if you dont? Its not always fair that this is the situation youre in, but it can also work to your advantage if you learn when you need to participate and when you dont.

Designing a Soft Robot

Designing a Soft Robot Designing a Soft Robot Designing a Soft Robot As the population ages and the incidence of stroke multiplies, engineers have increasingly been applying their skills in robotics to the medical field.But its bedrngnis just a matter of directly transferring knowledge from industrial robotics to robots for rehabilitierung therapy because requirements can be very different. Dr. Eric Wolbrecht, assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Idaho, is developing a finger exoskeleton for rehabilitation and neuro-muscular research. He says a lot of characteristics that are desirable for a traditional robot to weld a car in a factory may be detrimental when used in a robot designed for rehabilitation therapy.Gentle Like a TherapistYou dont want a strong, stiff robot to interact with a person for safety reasons and because the person with the device will consciously or subconsciously let the robot take over. If they arent e ngaged, they arent recovering, he says.Dr. Eric Wolbrecht. Image UIDAHOAn industrial robot typically should be very strong with stiff springs so it doesnt vary from its path. In contrast, a therapeutic robot dealing with a person should be gentle like a therapist who very softly takes a patients arm to help move and modulate the level of assistance to encourage the person. What we are trying to do is make these soft, compliant robots, Wolbrecht says.We use a linear electric actuator without any gearing. With software, we can make it compliant, acting like a soft spring. There is no gearing or friction to fight through. We also want the robots to be back drivable, so if the robot is turned off, you can push it around. If a robot in a factory is turned off, you wont be able to push it around because it has a lot of gearing in it, he explains.The robot and menschenwrdig form a dual control system, one for the robot and one for the human, which is connected in the device. Whe n a human isnt making any movements, the robot controller fills in the gaps.The robot and human form a dual control system, one for the robot and one for the human, which is connected in the device that also monitors patient performance. Images Justin RoweWith Wolbrechts FINGER, or Finger Individuating Grasp Exercise Robot, patients place their hand into the device, which assists in moving their fingers, specifically helping the index and middle fingers make a curling, grasping motion, during computer video therapy games. The device also monitors and records patient performance.Wolbrecht says the goal is to better understand the factors that promote functional recovery. Its not enough to just help move someones hand through a motion, he adds. Were studying all different aspects of how you can optimize this process of therapy. How should the robot interact with the person during therapy? How do you prevent the robot from taking over and the person falling asleep at the wheel , so to speak, and not being engaged in the activity?Developing FINGERA mechanical engineering major at Valparaiso University, Wolbrecht says he was always interested in robotics, but after earning a masters degree in mechanical engineering at Oregon State University, he began designing jet boats for Yamaha Motor Corp. and then moved to working on skid loaders at John Deere. Wanting more engineering and less business and production, he decided to go for a Ph.D at the University of California, Irvine. There, his advisor, Dr. David Reinkensmeyer, had long been interested in how robotics and new technology can enhance rehabilitation.As part of his Ph.D work, Wolbrecht developed an algorithm for assist-as-needed for an adaptive controller that continuously tries to apply less force to the patients arm as it follows a path on the video screen. The patient attempts tasks such as grabbing items off shelves and placing them in a cart in a shopping game in which the robot doubles as a joystick. If the patient isnt following the right trajectory, the robot increases the force to help the patient.You want patients to landsee the effects of their efforts and push in the right direction but you still want to manipulate the output, says Wolbrecht.Upon graduation, he accepted his current position while continuing to collaborate with Reinkensmeyer (and others), which resulted in FINGER. After three years of building, Wolbrecht is currently completing the first official version.While there are other rehab devices for the arm, wrist and hand, this one is unique in that it can control the motion of the fingers individually. Most others curl the whole hand as a unit, Dr. Wolbrecht says, and it has a high level of control.He hopes to add other functionality such as measuring force and also a thumb motion capability. Ultimately, the goal is to find the best attributes for a robot that most effectively deliver and study therapy. Its an area that requires the collaboration of experts from both engineering and medical fields, he says. Its very interesting and a fun place to work as fields converge, says Wolbrecht.Nancy Giges is an independent writer.You dont want a strong, stiff robot to interact with a person for safety reasons and because the person with the device will let the robot take over.Dr. Eric Wolbrecht

This city has the most employees who think theyre underpaid

This city has the most employees who think theyre underpaidThis city has the most employees who think theyre underpaidNew research from global staffing firm Robert Half shows that San Diego is the American city with the most employees who think they are underpaid at work, at 62%. Overall, 49% of respondents said they are paid fairly for the roles they hold now, while 46% said theyre underpaid, and just 5% said they earn more money than they should.As for who weighed in on the topic, the company reports that more than 2,800 workers in 28 U.S. markets took the survey, and salary guides were also released alongside the research.American cities with the most workers who dont think they earn enoughHere are the cities with the highest percentages of workers who say theyre underpaidSan Diego 62%Austin 54%Houston 53%Nashville 53%Philadelphia 52%Phoenix 50%Pittsburgh 50%Des Moines 50%St. Louis 50%Cleveland 50%Raleigh 50%Here are cities with lower percentages of employees who say dont make eno ugh money (labeled other cities included in the survey in the infographic)Salt Lake City 49%Minneapolis 49%Indianapolis 48%Denver 46%Detroit 46%Seattle 45%Atlanta 44%Charlotte 44%Boston 44%Washington, D.C. 44%Cincinnati 43%Chicago 41%aufi Angeles 39%San Francisco 39%Dallas 37%New York 37%Miami 33%Paul McDonald, senior executive director for Robert Half, commented on the research in a statement.Some firms have not kept up with shifts in market demand and continue to use old job classifications and salary bands. If your organization has not reviewed its compensation plan within the last six months, it could be outdated, he said.How people of different genders, ages, and income brackets feelAccording to a survey infographic (featuring rounded results that may not total 100 percent), Robert Half found that 44% of men think theyre underpaid, compared to 51% of them who think theyre paid fairly and 6% who think they rake in too much money.The data also shows that while 49% of women think theyre underpaid, 48% think theyre paid fairly and 3% think they make too much cash.In terms of age, those who were 55 and older were the most likely to think they were being paid fairly at 52%, although those ages 35 to 54 werent far behind at 51%. People between 18 and 34 were the most likely to think they werent earning enough, at 48%.When it comes to education level, those whove made it to high school or less were the most likely to think they were underpaid at 51%, while those whod completed university+ were the most likely to think they were being paid enough, at 50%.Lastly, respondentspulling in a tiefpunkt income of $100,000 were the most likely to think they were earning enough money at 57%.

Hired! Time for a Change

Hired Time for a ChangeHired Time for a ChangeWashington Mutual manager stretched job searchLooking for a way to change careers while using his existing skill set welches a challenge Brian Stetter had been dealing with for at least a year. It became even more of a challenge when he learned that his current position, managing life-cycle strategies and campaigns at Washington Mutual Bank, was on the verge of being cut.I had been looking for jobs before I learned my job would be eliminated, said Stetter, 36. I was looking to move out of traditional financial services. I had done this kind of work for my whole career if I was going to make a career change, now would be the time. If I waited much longer, I would be hurting myself.One thing Stetter had learned from previous job searches If you are reaching a little outside your skill set, you need to be able to offer the potential employer some assurance of your ability to do the job.I had found, in my applications for jobs previous to thi s, that I had been attempting to stretch a little bit too much, reaching for positions outside of my expertise. Not that theres anything wrong with that. Anyone in a job search should take risks, and they should challenge themselves. But prospective employers are not in a risk-taking mode. Given the glut of talent out there, people want to hire someone that hits on all their skill-set requirements.With that in mind, he tried to assess my core strengths and match them with prospective business and industries that needed to engage and build customer relationships through targeted marketing campaigns and communications.Stetter had made up his mind last April to start looking for a new job. But with little motivation, he was not totally engaged in the job search. By monat des herbstbeginns, as banks, including Washington Mutual began to fail, that sense of urgency kicked in, he said. He started his search on Ladders, a service he had used in a previous job search. Stetter had his resume critiqued by Ladders two years earlier and used the critique as the foundation for subsequent iterations since.Not wanting to limit himself, Stetter also had various versions of his resume on hand. I continued to enhance and customize my resume depending on who I was sending it to, he said. You need multiple versions to react quickly to new opportunities.When to limit your searchStetter was still at Washington Mutual in September when With time of the essence - he was still working at Washington Mutual but knew his job would be gone within a matter of months, he started his search in earnest. Using search terms such as customer engagement, retention and loyalty marketing, to see what came up on Ladders site, Stetter found several different types of jobs to consider. Ladders will send you jobs they feel are the most relevant, he said, but if I limited my screening to just those search words, I would have limited my opportunities. I needed to dig a little deeper to find my job.Stett er applied limits when it came to geography. He lives and works in San Francisco, and was not interested in moving. Relocation is not a fun thing, and I did it two years ago for my previous job. I love living here. So I limited my search to the Bay area. I think it worked out well.Stetters wide open search in a limited region worked. After clicking on the button look here for more jobs, Stetter found a listing for a position with NetSpend, a company that sells pre-paid debit cards both online and in stores. Stetter is the companys new online marketing manager. He found the listing in mid-November and accepted an offer in late December, beating Washington Mutual to the punch - he was able to leave WaMu before his job was actually eliminated.What appealed to him about this job over ones that may have seemed more relevant was that this was a new position for NetSpend. The company was looking to build and develop a customer relationship marketing function, he said. The prospect of being there from the initiation stage was compelling, versus being with a company where it was working and functioning. The NetSpend job is in line with what I have done, but is different enough that it was still compelling to me.Stetter says that its a challenging time in the consumer credit field, because of consolidation in the banking industry. And, for those looking to find jobs in other fields, it can be a struggle, since their jobs tend to be so specialized. That is why he would advise anyone looking for a job in the field to diversify their job search sources. Talk to people in your network, read industry publications, do a skill-set inventory to make sure you are giving yourself every opportunity to find the right opportunity.

The Do This, Get That Guide On New Resume

The Do This, Get That Guide On New Resume New Resume the Ultimate Convenience Recruitment consultants often utilize ATS also. Applying for jobs can cause you to truly feel old, particularly in the tech world. Employers are interested in concrete skills. They care far more about yur successes, and how you can mirror them at their company. As with other creative resumes, it is not meant for the majority of employers, so you might want to get a traditionally formatted resume on hand to complement it. Youve got to read job descriptions and industry news critically to acquire an awareness of the skills that are needed by employers. If youre open to several varieties of jobs, let us know. An excellent manner of discovering BI jobs is via recruitment agencies. You are able to also incorporate your site URL and portfolio here. In using Twitter, you will need to ensure that your website is totally functional and represents your talents well. Most of our Resume Templates can be foun d in various color schemes to give you better editing opportunities. Numbers Employers love bottom-line numbers so that its important to speak about them. International Healthcare Standards As healthcare gets globalized, a number of the services from some other countries will be available easily. To Find A New Job Change may be forced on a worker businesses dont share all of the information that could potentially impact employees or at times the organization is blind-sided by changes outside its control. Employers want people who are able to play nicely with other individuals. No, you dont need more than 1 account to apply for jobs with distinctive agencies. Maybe you were lucky to land a great job in a good company that knows the way to care for its employees. Most recruitment agencies have a site of their own, therefore it would be an extremely very good concept to get yourself registered on their website so you may get the most recent updates and news about your fantasy ca reer. As soon as you click the link, youre directed to a page where it is possible to make a new password. When youve entered a new password twice, you get the message Your password was updated. Next ensure use of good resume keywords. Different formats available A big benefit of our CV layouts is that theyre supported by all well-known formats. A resume builder can help you rectify any errors and supply you with a working vision of the resume although you edit. So long as the job that you are applying for is leise open, you can go back to file your application. In case youre seeking to promote your services and would like to have the ability to create a fantastic first impression of your personality, definitely think about a template supplied with a business card. There are three kinds of resumes, each with its own benefits and pitfalls. The Dos and Donts of New Resume Featuring only the experience and techniques that mirror the job needs of the position youre seeking ca n continue to keep the length in check. In case you have any of the aforementioned reasons for getting qualified help online, make the appropriate choice let us assist you with your assignments Based at work and application type together with your profile and experience, you can choose anyone. In reality, you should only list experiences directly related to the position youre applying for. A specialist writer with several years of experience features expertise to come up with interview-winning resume packages. If you must make sure the last work is going to be of exceptional quality, youre welcome to bring a PRO Writer bundle to your purchase, so that one of our top writers will finish the assignment for you. In any field wherever your personality or skilled appearance is a vital part of the job, a photo is a great way to demonstrate that off. The times you need to use a creative resume are fewer than when you need to use a formal resume.

How to Implement an Office Dress Code - Spark Hire

How to Implement an Office Dress Code - Spark HireFrom coast to coast and country to country, dress codes in companies and geschftszimmers are all over the place. What one company deems inappropriate attire may be the norm somewhere else. On top of that, different occupations require different attire and dress codes. An engineer working for General Electric will likely have to adhere to a different dress code than the receptionist sitting at the desk in the same building working for the same company. Whatever dress code you tischset for your company and employees, the important thing is that it is clear to all and implemented properly. Take a look at some of these tips on how to set and implement an office dress code.First things first, as the employer of your company or manager of your department you need ask yourself if a dress code is necessary for your geschftsleben. If it is, then you should figure out what kind of dress code will be appropriate and acceptable for the kind of bu siness you do. You can start by talking to your employees and seeing what they think. Do they have any input on what kind of dress code you should implement? Of course they do- they are going to be working there day after day, week after week and will appreciate the fact that you are asking them for their input. Plus, by asking for their insight it will be much more likely that they will accept and easily go along with whatever office dress code you decide to implement.Deciding what kind of dress code you want in your office depends on what kind of business you do and if you interact with customers or clients. If you are interacting with important clients on a day to day, or even week to week, basis then you will probably want to keep your office dress code business casual or formal, depending on what you want. A casual dress code in this case could give your company a bad image- whether you think so or not. People will judge your company by your employees attire, so decide carefull y.You cant just assume that everyone in your office knows what kind of attire is professional and what is not. You may know, but youd be surprised to see what some of your employees roll into the office in if you dont have clearly set regulations. In my own opinion, even in a casual office dress code, flip flops are off limits and so are stretch pants/leggings. Sweatpants should be a no-brainer, but without setting a list of no-nos, one or a few of your employees will strut into the office wearing these offensive office garments. Fact. Set an office dress code, be clear about what is not allowed and make sure everyone has access to this information.The biggest and most important part of implementing an office dress code is actually enforcing it. You can cry business casual all you want, but when Susie walks into the office wearing ripped jeans and flip flops and no one says anything to her, shell likely come into the office looking like that again. Whats more, John noticed that she got away with it and starts wearing flip flops too. Before you know it, your office looks like an Abercrombie and Fitch commercial cheesy, unprofessional and juvenile. Make sure you enforce that office dress code you set and give out warnings or consequences for those that break it. Consistency is key here.So you see, its all dependent on what kind of image you want to portray to outsiders and what kind of business your company does. A casual dress code may be just fine for your company, but its likely that some restrictions will have to be set. Either way, enforcing whatever office dress code you set is key.IMAGE Courtesy of FooBooz

STEM Programs Create Engineers of the Future

STEM Programs Create Engineers of the Future STEM Programs Create Engineers of the Future Finding top talent has always been a challenge in the engineering field, especially now at a time when many in the media say high school students seem to be showing less interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).To meet the professional needs of STEM-related, high-growth industries, federal and state governments, as well as the private sector, are becoming more active in supporting STEM training programs for K-12 students. For example, Utah is funding a $10-million STEM Action Center, which will be a hub of collaboration for communities, industries, higher education, and public education, says Carol George, Utahs state science advisor. The goal is to produce a college-educated STEM workforce that can meet the needs of ur growing high-tech industries.In the private sector, General Motors is working with the state of Michigan to support STEM programs. GM has agreed to he lp fund Project Lead the Way, a leading nonprofit provider of STEM curriculum for middle and high schools. These curses make engineering relevant by applying STEM principles in real-world contexts, which help students develop critical thinking skills.To ensure ourleadership in the automotive industry, we need to always look for opportunities to strengthen our involvement with science and math education programs, says John Calabrese, GM vice president of globalvehicle engineering. It is essential that the next generation of professionals has the skills and education necessary to compete on a global platform, particularly as it pertains to STEM-related fields.About 2,600 students have participated in Camp Badger since its inception. Image UW-MadisonPrivate-Sector LeadershipDavid E. Cole is chairman emeritus of the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor and former engineering professor at the University of Michigan. One of his passions is working with Building Americas Tomorrow, a new nonprofit whose mission is to develop K-12 STEM talent for the manufacturing industry.Kids dont have manufacturing on their radar screen, he says. We have failed to get the message to young people about where the opportunities are in manufacturing. Part of our focus will be on video presentations that show what making things is all about. The Society of Automotive Engineers A World of Motion curriculum, for instance, is fantastic. We want to see these things presented in the classroom.In Colorado, CH2M Hill is working with Denver schools to support SEEKthe Summer Engineering Experience for Kids. The program was originally started by the National Society of Black Engineers in 2007 to bring more African Americans into STEM fields. According to the Economics and Statistics Administration, African-Americans and Hispanics each accounted for about 6 percent of Americans employed in STEM fields in 2011.All of us see the shortfall and we feel the responsibility and the need to bridge t his gap, says Karen Nakandakare, diversity program manager at CH2M Hill, the primary sponsor of the SEEK program in Denver.Universities and K-12Academic institutions are also ramping up STEM programs across the country.We really need a society that has a better understanding of the grand challenges facing us and how engineering and science will be needed to find solutions, says Philip R. OLeary, engineering professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I want students with STEM knowledge to advance into positions of leadership where they can use their scientific background and problem-solving skills to address the challenges associated with water, food, energy, health, and beyond.To help with this goal, UW-Madisons College of Engineering launched Camp Badger Exploring Engineering in 1998. The program helps younger students understand engineering through hands-on experiences like field trips to a multi-story construction site, sports stadium, fusion reactor, biomedical engineerin g research lab, bicycle manufacturing plant, and electric power plant. About 2,600 students have participated in Camp Badger since its inception.We have built connections to labs on the UW-Madison campus, Madison-area companies, and local governmental agencies that provide fantastic hands-on experiences, tours, and demonstrations, says OLeary. Engineers can discuss with the students how they do their work and what it means to be an engineer.Making a DifferenceEngineering firms can provide opportunities for students to talk with engineers. One of our favorite Camp Badger activities is a bus trip to a local industrial design firm where the students learn about making cool new products, says OLeary. Every town that has both a school and a population of engineers will have plenty of things to see and do that will help students better understand STEM and its impact on the world. Professional engineers can also help out with school engineering clubs or provide financial support for the ST EM enrichment that many schools struggle to pay for. At the policy level, schools need participation by engineering leaders, adds OLeary. Not many school boards have engineers as members.Mark Crawford is an independent writer. For Further DiscussionWe really need a society that has a better understanding of the grand challenges facing us and how engineering and science will be needed to find solutions.Prof. Philip R. OLeary, University of Wisconsin-Madison

How to stop networking from making you feel like a tired zombie

How to stop networking from making you feel like a tired zombieHow to stop networking from making you feel like a tired zombieNetworking events can require a ton of preparation, but the other half of the battle is staying energized once you get there. Here are four ways to do so.Give yourself a breakJordana Valencia, Executive Director of Reach Labs and People Development Lead atIdeaSpace, writes in the Harvard Business Review about how entrepreneurs should use microbreaks to reenergize during networking events.Research shows thatmicrobreaks, or nonwork periods of less than 10 minutes in duration, can help replenish a persons energy resources so that theyre able to continue their work tasks. A one-minute break can be just as effective as taking a longer break of five or nine minutes This makes microbreaks ideal for busy entrepreneurs, she writes. To have a reenergizing microbreak, founders should engage in an activity they enjoy that allows them to mentally detach from their networki ng tasks. A microbreak activity could be as simple as watching a funny video on YouTube or reading an engaging article ontheir phone. Whats important is that founders fully disengage from networking while they do the activity. To effectively disengage, try excusing yourself for a few minutes so that you can step away fromthenetworking event.Dont over-extend yourselfKara J. Andersen, an education content specialist at ActiveCampaign, writes in The Muse about how introverts can stay energized in different scenarios. One of her tips is to schedule smart.If you consider the kind of work you do throughout the day, you might find that it falls into two categories work that requires some human interaction and thus a more dynamic presence, and work you can do independently that doesnt exhaust the same energy reserves. When possible, schedule these tasks around when youre typically feeling most and least energetic during the day, she writes. Its probably also helpful to set a limit for yours elf. Maybe you want to commit to no more than three social engagements per week. Or, if youre pitching a new idea to your team on Friday morning, schedule plenty of alone time for Thursday evening. Along those same lines, if you have a big event after work, aim for more low-key desk work that afternoon. Give yourself a gunst der stunde to summon your strength and prepare for battle whenever possible.Have comfortable shoes with youLadies, whether theyre already on your feet or in your bag, youre going to want to have comfortable shoes nearby.This doesnt mean you have to ditch the professional heels that make you feel most powerful- just make sure that if theyre uncomfortable after a while, youre never too far away from another option that will give your toes a rest.But the same thing goes for everyone else dont struggle through networking events in uncomfortable kicks if you dont have to.Eat and drink upDont even think about skipping breakfast and/or lunch this will probably make it a whole lot harder for you to be your best in the company of others.If you dont eat and hydrate you wont have enough energy to make valuable connections.

American consumers are the most confident since 2007

American consumers are the most confident since 2007American consumers are the most confident since 2007American consumers are the most confident since 2007On Tuesday, September 27 theConference hauptplatine Consumer Confidence Index was releasedbased on data collected through September 15. The headline number of 104.1 was an increase from the final reading of 101.8 for August, an upward rechnungsprfung from 101.1. This is the highest since August 2007 and reflects more optimism about the economy since the summer of 2007. Economists expected the Consumer Confidence Index to hit 99.0 in September.Consumer confidence increased in September for a second consecutive month and is now at its highest level since the recession, said Lynn Franco, Director of Economic Indicators at The Conference Board. Consumers assessment of present-day conditions improved, primarily the result of a more positive view of the labor market. Looking ahead, consumers are more upbeat about the short-term employme nt outlook, but somewhat neutral about business conditions and income prospects. Overall, consumers continue to rate current conditions favorably and foresee moderate economic expansion in the months ahead.A larger share, 27.9 percent of those surveyed, felt that jobs were plentiful in September, up from 26.8 percent in the prior month. Those claiming jobs were hard to get declined to 21.6 percent, from 22.8 percent, The Conference Board said.The improved outlook reflects a healthier job market.The unemployment rate is 4.9%, less than half its peak of 10% during the recession. Millions of people have found jobs in the past several years and consumers are more upbeat about employment conditions.Consumer confidence for October 2016 was released on Tuesday, October 25, 2016. For the latest trend view the United States Consumer Confidence updated each month.Consumer confidence is a key measure of consumers attitudes. The survey, a closely followed barometer of consumer attitudes, measur es confidence toward business conditions, short-term outlook, personal finances and jobs. In other words it measures the degree of optimism that consumers feel about the overall state of the economy and their personal financial situation. If consumer confidence is high, consumers are more likely to make purchases. Vice-versa, if consumer confidence is low, consumers are more likely to save and spend less.