Do you ever sit in the office and think to yourself – “I could do this job from anywhere?” Well, you’re not alone. In today’s war for talent, remote work flexibility is a major perk to attract the evolving workforce, and it can even increase productivity. Working from home with your feet up on the coffee table curled up next to your cockapoo makes for a fabulous day, but some folks want more… much more. As remote work arrangements become more prevalent, several organizations have emerged to help you take your talents to exotic locations around the world. From one-week getaways to all-inclusive... view article details

Pendulum People The watch is swaying back and forth as you are getting sleepy, very sleepy. Well, not exactly. In a real hypnosis session, you would be more likely to focus on a spot on the wall, or an object in the room, than a pendulum. And the hypnotist would use different words. But you would be deeply relaxed. Then, the power of suggestion would take over. Jean Fain, a hypnotist and clinical social worker in private practice, uses techniques pioneered in ancient Greek healing temples to cure patients of smoking habits, overeating, phobias, pain, even warts. Hypnosis can also be used to en... view article details

As pay equity becomes an increasingly pertinent topic in HR circles and American culture at large, pay transparency has received particular attention as a way to help eliminate the gender and racial wage pay gaps. In the U.S., aside from federal laws pertaining more broadly equal pay, pay transparency statutes differ by state and are relatively underdeveloped. Since pay transparency is still uncommon in American jurisprudence, folks may be surprised to learn about pay transparency trends overseas. Here are four initiatives occurring in some of the most affluent countries in the world: Norway, ... view article details

Beyoncé put it simply when she answered her own question – “Who run the world? Girls.” The incredible individuals on Forbes’ rankings of America’s richest self-made women have dominated a multitude of industries, using social media to brand their businesses into the future. This year’s list boasts six more billionaires and 15% more combined wealth among the top 60 compared to last year.  Here are the ladies that cracked the top ten: 1. Diane Hendricks Net worth: $4.9 Billion Diane Hendricks co-founded ABC Supply with her husband Ken in 1982. Today, it is one of the largest wholesale distribu... view article details

Do you have a boss who frequently flies off the handle? A co-worker who constantly whines? A sabotaging supervisor? Every workplace and every department has them -- difficult people. Whether these people just 'get on your nerves' or are having a serious impact on your success, learning how to deal with challenging people takes skill.You'll meet 10 difficult personalities in Parts I and II of this article and learn some strategies to help you handle them.The Bully Meet Tom Tempestuous. Tom knows that most people dislike conflict and hassle, so his strategy is to throw fits and temper... view article details

Dear Annette,Call me old-fashioned, but I can't get used to conference calls. I miss in-person meetings, especially with clients or vendors. Now that I'm self-employed, the lack of in-person time is even worse. Do you have any suggestions for making conference calls seem more true-to-life? TelephobicDear Telephobic,Preparing for meetings outside the office has got to be one of the most fabulous parts of the business regime. In the morning, you get to choose your clothes and preen as if you're going on a date. Often you get to take your own car and get reimbursed for an impressively large parki... view article details

In the midst of a financial crisis, we often think of going back to school as a sound investment in our future. Not only can a college education help safeguard our employment, it can also significantly boost earning power by as much as 75 percent. Indeed, in a report from the U.S. Commerce Department’s Census Bureau, individuals with a bachelor’s degree can expect to earn $2.1 million over their adult working lives, while those with only a high school diploma can expect to earn $1.2 million.But, like any investment, going back to school involves a financial commitment. And, a recession, combin... view article details

When Buying is Better   It's the rare person who doesn't resent handing over large sums in rent every month. Even if the very idea of a 30-year mortgage makes you shiver, the fact is, over the long term, building equity in your own property is far smarter than financing someone else's. A fixed rate mortgage also locks in your monthly rate so you know that whatever your payment is, at least it will stay the same for thirty years. Even with an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) you know your monthly cost will hover within a plus or minus dollar range for the term of the mortgage. Rent, on the other ... view article details

'Dear Heather,I hate my job. Ten years ago, it was fun and challenging. Even two years ago, I felt like my opinion was of value, and that I was having a positive impact on the company’s direction. At this point, however, after some unfortunate corporate choices at the upper levels, I have more responsibility than actual power. I’ve been forced to implement decisions I disagree with as if they were my own. My heart races when I walk into the office, and I actually cried during my commute this morning. My husband is doing OK at his job, but my income has factored heavily into the family budget. ... view article details

In a study by the American Society for Training and Development, more than 750 U.S organizations provided data about their expenditures on training programs as a percentage of payroll and on a per-employee basis. Here's how they compare by industry on several key factors.Business sector Commitment to learningServices (hotels; professional, business, and personal services; educational, legal, social, and consumer services)High percentage spent on training and a significant increase in the use of new learning technologies, including computer-based training, the Internet, and teleconferencing.IT ... view article details