More than 80% of Americans are worried about job-related issues like the increased cost of getting to work, a stuck-in-the-past paycheck, the conflicting demands of life and work, and the shrinking job market, says a recent survey by Adecco USA.
If you share those worries, what can you do?
Pain at the Pump
What alternatives exist? Have you investigated carpooling? Use your internal network to contact others who live near you and get together. By teaming up, you can cut your costs of commuting by ½ or more! What about public transportation? Riding a bike?
Meanwhile, cut other car trips to a minimum. Group errands. Carpool with other parents to get the kids to soccer.
Your Salary
Since 64% of hiring managers expect to increase salaries for full-time employees in the third quarter, according to CareerBuilder.com, now is the time to ask for an increase.
Be prepared. Draft a report on how you contributed to the bottom-line this year and how you’ve exceeded your objectives. (If you can’t truthfully document your contributions, get cracking. What would it take to make it possible to write that report at year-end?)
Life-Work Conflicts
Call a family meeting to discuss your priorities. Simplify and streamline your life. Expect everyone to contribute. Identify your Top 3 stressors.
One family decided that, since it would take professional house cleaners only 4 hours to clean their house, they could do it themselves in that amount of time. Every other Saturday, they clean. To keep chaos to a minimum between cleanings, they do a 10-minute pick-up every night before bedtime.
The Job Market
Use your professional association to get a handle on the job market for the kind of work that you do in your location. Look for ways to gain additional expertise that will give you an edge if you are laid off. Start a business on the side or check out teaching opportunities. Use your skills to earn extra money.
Save, Save, Save
Nearly half of workers say they’re living paycheck to paycheck. Now is the time to straighten out your finances. Meet with a financial planner or advisor. A third of workers are not participating is 401k, IRA, or retirement plans. Sign up today.
Go back to the Depression Era mantra:
Use it up, Wear it out, Make it do, or Do without.
Buy kids clothes at garage sales or switch with other families. Check out thrift stores and consignment shops. Make a budget – and stick to it. Decide now to cut back on holiday giving. Talk with friends and relatives about scaling down. Pay off the credit cards.
Quit worrying and start securing your career and savoring your life.
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