How was your day at work today?Odds are, it was pretty routine. It doesn’t matter if you’re reading this on a Monday or Tuesday or Friday, chances are that you did mostly the same thing… answered a bunch of emails (that looked like the same emails you answered last week), went to some meetings, talked to your boss about that project, and maybe met with some clients. Routine.The problem with having a hamster-wheel routine, is that you look back in a few months or a few years and find that you’re stuck doing the same exact thing every single day.However, if you ask a mentor or an older professio... view article details

You know what they say about all work and no play. But how often do you cut it up with your co-workers and colleagues? Socializing with co-workers isn't just fun and a good stress-reliever, it also provides some less obvious work-related benefits, according to Kerry Patterson, co-author of The New York Times bestseller 'Influencer.' Patterson says people who are successful in their careers share something in common: they are well connected to others within the organization.Socializing with co-workers allows you to build respect and likability, better understand the personalities of co-workers,... view article details

Last week we reviewed 'The 7 Deadly Sins of the Workplace' and what behavior to avoid in the office. This week we are taking a more positive approach by reviewing 'The 7 Noble Virtues of the Workplace'Is it true that 'no good deed goes unpunished' or is there such a thing as good karma in the office? Do selfless deeds hurt your career or help it? This week we discuss 'The 7 Noble Virtues of the Workplace' and review the results of our recent survey on good behavior in the office.Prudence Knowing when to keep quiet about something Readers who believe they practice this virtue: 88.5% Yo... view article details

A few years ago, the Internal Revenue Service challenged the tax deductions a college professor took for losses he reported in his business as a book author.'They came in and said, 'OK, prove to us it's a business,'' recalled Joseph Newpol, a certified public accountant and tax attorney who advised the professor on how to deal with the IRS's scrutiny.'We showed them the history of his book writing activity and demonstrated that he didn't have income for several years,' recalled Newpol, who is also a professor in the tax and personal financial planning department at Bentley College in Waltham, ... view article details

Has America's Relationship with Work Shifted? America is a country that has long prided itself on sweat, determination and hard work. We love stories about people putting in the hours, working harder than everyone else, and pulling themselves up by their bootstraps to enjoy financial success. Historically that’s been true, but is it still the case?This country has changed dramatically over the years, but we wanted to find out if Americans still value work the way they used to. So we sent out our “Working Study” survey, and nearly 3,000 of you answered. Do we live to work as our grandp... view article details

13 Best Business Books to Boost Business Acumen Think you need an MBA from a top school to gain business smarts? What follows is a list of the 13 best business books, some old, some new, to have you thinking like a top business major in no time. Even if your career isn't focused on business or entrepreneurship every employee can use tips and advice from business experts and thought-leaders to be a better worker. Check out these titles to boost your business acumen and possibly improve your life. 1. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. C... view article details

Sometimes It's a Good Thing NOT to Negotiate Salary There Are Times to Play It Safe A common misconception about negotiation is that it is all about winning -- always asking for more money at every opportunity, always getting the largest possible salary, always getting the highest possible job title. While devising intricate strategies, analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of your opponent, and determining a plan of attack can make the process of negotiation seem very much like going to war, the reality is that it is a series of battles throughout your working life. As the general in char... view article details

Employers know that their employees need a break once in a while. That's why companies offer paid time off (PTO) in the form of vacation days, holidays, personal leave, and sick leave. Some employers' plans offer a specific amount of days for each form of PTO, while others, particularly in the healthcare and financial industries, provide one set amount of paid days off that can be used for various reasons at the employee's discretion. The definition of paid time off is any time not worked by an employee for which the regular rate, a fixed or a prorated amount of pay, is accrued and paid to th... view article details

Stop & Think Oh, you want a raise? Congratulations, you’re now in an elite group of American workers known informally as EVERYBODY!Seriously though, let’s get into a little tough love for a minute. We know you want a raise, but have you really stopped to think about whether or not you deserve one? What’s more, have you gone over what you’re going to tell your boss when he/she asks why you deserve more money? Too many employees haven’t, and as a result are disappointed when they’re denied.Believe me, we want you to negotiate and get more money. We’re Salary.com so that’s pretty much wh... view article details

Going to work can be stressful enough on its own. But throw in the stock market's rollercoaster ride of late and you have a host of people ripping their hair out and getting closer and closer to the proverbial ledge. Whether you work on Wall Street or you're agonizingly watching the value of your investments ebb and flow with each shift in the market, there is no escaping the fact that this is a period of tremendous stress and uncertainty.Even if you're not on Wall Street and you don't have a portfolio to worry about, work stress affects nearly all of us. So how do we deal with it... view article details