Why money actually can buy happiness (and how)

Why money actually can buy happiness (and how)Why money actually can buy happiness (and how)Okay, bear with me herbeie. Its true, money provides a whole lot of problems, and thats well known in psychology studies. Theres even a term for the phenomenon of money misery, describing the feeling of never being satisfied in our society, we never feel like we have enough - enough clothes, enough Instagram followers, enough money. Once we reach a goal, we immediately make a new one. And all of that can be attributed to this chase for more money.So, to clarify, happiness is notlagedependenton money. Potential to be happy doesnotincreasewith your salary. Havent you heard Notorious B.I.G? Mo money, mo problems But what if we rewired our idea of the happiness and money relationship tothink that more money does not equal more happiness, but instead, the money you already have can be rearranged andbudgeted to help you be happy? No matter your income, money can be used to give you a healthier,easi erlifestyle, depending on what is best for you. And thats bound to make you happy.Heres how to use your money to buy happiness (kind of)Rethink your spending habits.Im guessingyou already have a budget (and if you dont, thats a differentstory). No matter the size of your salary, you know the cost for rent, utilities, groceries, benefits, bills, etc. You have your payment plans for student loans or debts, and you budget. So Im guessing you also have a spendingbudget that you allow yourself.In order to use money to buy happiness, you must first know what you spend this money on. Do you orderPostmatesfor dinner a few nights a week? Do you buy a matcha latte every morning, or craft beer when youre out on weekends? Do you Uberpool to work when you dont feel like taking the bus? Do you buy a new sweater, or spend $300 on Nordstroms Anniversary sale?The only relevance of knowing what youre spending your money on (however much or little that is) is not to judge your spending habits, but rat her to think about if these things are really making you happy. Are theybringing you peace, content, ease, and lasting joy? If they are, good for you But if not, maybe reconsider your spending toget rid of all the things that dont make you happy, to provide for the things that will.Reevaluate the items that bring you happinessWeve all had the experience of coming upon a new purse or dress and feeling like we justneedto have it. After however much or little deliberation (no judgment), we buy it, and then are on a shopping high for about a day or two when we get to wear our brand new item. However, we also all know the moment when the shopping high comes down and the newness becomes normalized. This item is no longer exciting or making you happy, and you even start binnenseeing it as just another thing in your closet, as you pine after Madewells new collection or the dress you saw in Nordstroms store window.This is what they mean when they say money cant buy happiness. Possessions are fleeting, and we have trouble appreciating what we have.But thats not always the case. Make a list of the things you really truly love - the hobbies that bring you enjoyment time and time again, the things you love to learn about. Think about what passions and interests are not fleeting, when its not the newness that youre attracted to. Instead of buying for newness, buy based off this list.If you love art, walking by a painting you really love hanging up in your dining room really can make you happy every single day.If you lovemusic, a vintage record player or a signed poster of your music idol will likely bring you joy time and time again. Instead of buying new clothes here and there or dozens of drugstore beauty products you dont end up using, save up to invest in the pieces that will make you happy to own, no matter how old they get.Spend money eliminating the things you hate doing most.Of course, we all hate chores and the things we need to do. Thats just called adulting. But sometimes, we have that one chore that we justreallyhate. For example, laundry is a weekly occurrence, right? (Or, if youre like me in college, you can spread it out a few extra weeks longer than you should.) Imagine how much time in your life is spent doing laundry if youdespiselaundry. What if you took a little extra money out of your spending account to pay for someone to do your laundry every other week? Or if youreally dread grocery shopping, splurge, just a little, for a tafelgeschirr likeInstacartthat will do the shopping for you, orBlue Apronthat sends the ingredients to your door.Dont feel bad spending your money on things that you could do yourself because itnotonly would eliminate those chores from your regular to-do list, but will give you more free time. And then spend thistime wisely - dont use the extra few hours sitting around and watching TV. Learn something new, catch up on work, spend time with your kids or the friends that make you happy.Buy experiencesSometime s it can be hard to spend money on these bigger budget items. Buying a $15 lunch a few days a week seems much less daunting or scary than a $1000 trip. But guess what - buying $15 lunch just 3 days a week adds up to over $2000 a year. So if youd rather a trip than your takeout habit, budget accordingly, and then actually plan the trip, no matter how scary a big sum of money at once may seem.Spending your money on traveling or classes in something youve been wanting to learn, like a cooking class or learning a musical instrument, has clinically been proven to increase feelings of contentment with your life.Bonus happiness spend your money on experiences with someone you care about. Getting to experience something like a trip, a concert, or a class with a loved one is shown to not only increase emotional connection, butmight also become memories and photographs that mean a lot to you. This also goes for gifting too - if your sisters birthday is coming up, dont just buy her apair of shoesyou know shell like or a nice candle. Buy tickets for the two of you to a festival shed love or a concert with her favorite artist.Not only will you have a lot of fun together, but the experience will mean more to her,long after the candle wouldve gotten lost on her shelf or the shoes wouldve worn out.Budget for indulgences that really matter to youIndulgences may not be something you do on a regular basis. But think about the times you actually feel content or at peace when youve splurged in your life. Was it after a really good massage? During an impeccably good meal? When you took a greatyoga class that had fancy towels andessentialoils? These things may seem frivolous and unrealistic, but if you know its financially smart to invest in stocks, its also emotionally smart to invest in yourself care.Give yourself the indulgences that will actually increase the quality of your life and wellbeing,because these are the things worth saving money for.Think about how you can readjust the way you spend money in your life now to allow for these occasional indulgences. If afacialputs you in a state of bliss for days, try to see where you can find the money for it, at least once every few months. This might be as simple as using a Keurig instead of your $3.50 Starbucks every morning,packing lunch instead of buying it, or pulling from your clothing budget.In the moment, alatte in the morning might seem more financially stable and necessary than a facial, but if that indulgence makes youfeel at peace(and your skin glowy), its worth reevaluating whats worth the money.Actually spend the money when you canSure, you need to save up and be financially smart about the future, but life is meant to be enjoyed. Dont feel guilty if you do spend a bigger sum of money on a vacation or a yoga studio membership. If you know you can afford it, think of it as investing in your happiness,like you would invest at the bank.If all were doing is working and not really living, what kind o f life is that? Be smart, budget, and most importantly, live the life that makes you happy.This article first appeared on The EveryGirl.

9 Workplace Insecurities (and How to Fix Them) - The Muse

9 Workplace Insecurities (and How to Fix Them) - The Muse9 Workplace Insecurities (and How to Fix Them)When was the last time someone told you he or she was done growing as a professional? My guess is never. Thats because everyone is looking to improve somehow, and in that respect, insecurities can be useful in motivating us to grow. But, when your self-doubt is setting you back instead of contributing to your progress, thats when things need to change. Here are nine common workplace insecurities, and how to approach them accordingly.As a general elende, trying to understand what causes insecurity could really help you work toward resolving the negative feeling. (Psychology Today)If the income differences between you and your peers are causing you stress, rest assured there are plenty of ways to navigate those sticky financial situations. (Forbes)When those body insecurities start following you into the office, remind yourself that youre valued for what work you can bring to the tabl e, not your physical looks. (Health Guidance)If you feel as though your social skills could use some sharpening, or you just want to be more friendly at work, the fix can be as simple as smiling more. (Entrepreneur)Are you an older employee who never seems to forget it? The good news is You bring a lot of life experience to the table. And you can take measures to stay relevant and up-to-date among your co-workers. (Business Insider)When you notice yourself envying a colleagues success, working toward overcoming that jealousy is essential to fostering a healthy office community. (Lifehacker)If youre constantly feeling like your peers are smarter than you, keep in mind that you wouldnt have been hired if you were seriously behind them. Plus, you have a lot to gain from being a part of such an experienced team. (Inc.)Second-guessing your leadership skills? Not everyone is born a natural leader, but patience, practice, and self-reflection can help you pinpoint how to become a better one . (The John Maxwell Company)And finally, be sure to ask yourself this Is my insecurity something I actually need to work on, or is it just a bad case of imposter syndrome at play? Knowing the difference could save you a lot of grief for next time. (The Daily Muse)Photo of man looking worried courtesy of KidStock/Getty Images.

Things to Consider Before You Become a Sales Manager

Things to Consider Before You Become a abverkauf ManagerThings to Consider Before You Become a Sales ManagerIf youre thinking about transitioning into the management side of abverkauf, it might be a wise choice. Glassdoor has pinpointed sales management as the 10th best job in the country based on potential earnings and job availability. The two main paths to sales management are to move from a sales position to sales manager, or to shift from another type of management job over to sales management. The type of job youre coming from will likely determine your biggest challenges as a sales manager. From Salesperson to Sales Manager This transition can be rough, especially if youre taking charge of your old teammates. Youll have to set some boundaries to make it clear that youre no longer one of the gang and this can be tricky and difficult. Start by meeting with each member of your team one-on-one. Go over what you think their responsibilities are. This includes giving everyone ve ry specific goals. But make it clear that youre ready to listen to any comments or concerns they have you want to defuse any resentments as quickly as possible before they become major issues. If you move into a sales manager role in a different organization, you wont have the same awkwardness with your sales team but you might still find the transition jarring. Again, youll have to keep reminding yourself that youre now the leader. Youre not one of the pack, so behave act accordingly. On the other hand, dont overcompensate by treating your salespeople like lesser creatures. Its best to hit a happy medium where you act as an authority figure but one that your salespeople respect rather than fear. From General Manager to Sales Manager You might be disconcerted by how quickly your salespeople see through your management tactics if youre a newcomer to sales. Salespeople are professional persuaders, and most will be well aware of it when theyre being manipulated. Often the best app roach is the straightforward one give your salespeople their goals, let them know youre there to help, and keep a close eye on them so you can reward top performers and step in when others are struggling. Heres a hint Salespeople are highly rewards-motivated. They tend to be very competitive, and fostering that feeling can encourage them to produce. But you could end up with salespeople who hate each other if you overuse this approach. Always strive to keep the competition at a friendly level or youll turn your sales team into Glengarry Glen Ross. Is the Job Right for You? This job is a somewhat unique blend that requires people skills on two levels with your team and with their potential customers so if you dont consider yourself to be a people person, it might not be for you. But if you are, youll find that it can be a risky but highly rewarding career choice rewarding in both money and personal achievement whatever trajectory you take into the position. If that sounds li ke a good combination to you, go for it. If not, a sales manager position probably isnt your cup of tea.

Avoid the Unexpected with These Business Travel Hacks

Avoid the Unexpected with These Business Travel HacksAvoid the Unexpected with These Business Travel HacksMaybe your anfhrer is traveling for a site visit and is taking you along. Or your company is sending you to an industry conference. Or a client wants a representative in your area of expertise to visit for a consultation. Whatever the reason, you have geschftlicher umgang travel in your future, and you dont want it to be complicated.A recent Robert Half study shows an uptick in business travel, despite the increased use of video conferencing and other advancements in communications technology. Some of the survey respondents said more people are taking business trips for professional development opportunities others say company growth has enlarged the travel budget.See the infographic, below, for more details. Meeting in person has definite benefits over phone calls or emails. Face-to-face business meetings can help you build relationships, prevent miscommunication and speed up de cisions. You can also make new contacts on the road.As you prepare for a successful journey, be sure you keep these six business travel tips in mind1. Follow your bosss leadIf this is your first business trip, theres a good possibility youll be accompanying your supervisor. If he or she wants to relax on the flight or after meetings, then you can likely take it easy too. But if your manager wants to keep working, you should be prepared to work then and there. If you arent sure what your responsibilities will be or you have other questions about expectations or timing, try to clarify those points with your boss at the outset of the trip.2. Keep track of everythingJust as you organize your desk at the office, make sure you keep close track of all travel information, schedules, contact information and expenses, whether youre traveling with your boss, with colleagues or alone. Before your trip, print key information so you have hard copies readily available. Misplacing your rental car c onfirmation, for instance, could strand you at the counter with no vehicle and no way to make it in time to the presentation youre in town to give.Familiarize yourself with your destination before you leave. Make sure you have the latest apps on your phone and tablet. Being organized is also important for post-trip reconciliation, as you may not be reimbursed for expenses if you cant provide a receipt.3. Check your etiquetteKnowing how to interact with unfamiliar clients in unfamiliar environments can be difficult, especially because the pressure is on to make a good impression on your first business trip. Be alert for social cues youll need to follow. If youre traveling overseas, study the customs of the country youre visiting to show cultural sensitivity.With that said, be open to having conversations and networking with fellow travelers, and have extra business cards in case you want to stay in touch with someone you meet along the way.4. Pack wiselyNo list of business travel tip s would be complete without some packing advice. We all know how to pack a suitcase, but in the rush to prepare work materials, some things can be forgotten. Here are a few basic remindersDont check a bag if at all possible. On longer trips this may not be an option, but if you dont check a bag, youll save precious time in the airport and wont have to worry about lost luggage.If you do check a bag, make sure you have key items youll need for meetings in your carry-on.Pack a comfortable pair of shoes to wear during travel.If you dont use a garment bag, fold and pack your business clothes inside out to prevent wrinkling.To save space, consider shipping work materials or printing work documents on-site rather than carrying them all with you.5. Take care of your workCharge all your devices before you leave. Back up your data on your company server and install any security updates. Copy files youll need to access to your desktop, and set an out-of-office email homilie alerting contacts t hat your response may be delayed. Dont leave your computer, tablet or phone unattended. If you do work at an airport or on an airplane, remember that those internet connections are not secure and that work calls in a public place arent necessarily confidential. Wi-Fi isnt always available, but you can get a secure network by purchasing Wi-Fi and using your own personal hotspot.6. Take care of yourselfTravel can take a toll on you that you might not see coming until its too late, especially on your first business trip. Get plenty of sleep before and during the trip. Drink lots of water, and keep alcohol consumption to a minimum. Bring healthy snacks, medication and anything else you might need, especially if youll be on long flights.Diminish stress by arriving early at the airport. When you have the time, get to your destination at least a day before your meeting or event, in case there are travel delays.If you can minimize the stress of business travel by planning ahead, you might e ven be able to mix some of the business with pleasure.Dont want to miss our hot-off-the-press career insights? SUBSCRIBE TO ur NEWSLETTER

Uncommon Article Gives You the Facts on Relevant Experience Resume That Only a Few People Know Exist

Uncommon Article Gives You the Facts on Relevant Experience Resume That Only a Few People Know Exist The Secret to Relevant Experience Resume Use keywords in all descriptions to spell out your achievements and responsibilities to show that youre the ideal fit of expected employers. Resume guidelines can change from industry to industry, therefore its recommended to get familiar with specific industry examples. The trick to establishing a strong expert foundation is showing that you get a long history of creating and working on your craft. Academic honors and activities may look great on your resume and can compensate for a deficiency of specialist experience. In the event the appropriate coursework section is going to be the main characteristic of your experience, think about placing it at the top or main portion of your resume, where an expert experience section would usually go. For applicants who have any amount of experience whatsoever, really specific detail is required here. Adhere to the standard education and experience format, but be sure your resume can lead prospective employers to your on-line presence, Collamer states. Functional format should only be used when youre changing the fields, and youre quite certain about the skills-oriented format will anzeigegert your skills to your benefit. What You Need to Know About Relevant Experience Resume If do not have any particular experience, emphasize on your previous positions that showcase your attention and dependability. Career 180 degree changes with no relatable experience can often be done by building a compelling case and convincing the most suitable person or persons that youre worth the hiring risk. Of course if youre asking for a particular job, its simple enough to amend a resume to incorporate an objective that matches the work description. Repeat the very first step for each extra job youve held. Relevant Experience Resume - What Is It? Many of todays companies are searching for quality people with a wide scope of skills. A strong summary statement at the peak of your resume can increase the possibility of them noticing what youve got to offer from the beginning. What you wish to avoid, nevertheless, is focusing too much on old jobs that might end up highlighting the simple fact which you havent done anything that important for some time. The fantastic news, however, is you dont will need to read minds or guess and hope for the very best. You dont want all your descriptions to sound the exact same. Instead, the full point of your document is to revolve around the most essential pieces that show why youre a no-brainer fit for a specific function. A summary statement is a brief expert introduction which you can increase the peak of your resume. Each resume format can be helpful, based on your own personal conditions. Introducing Relevant Experience Resume For instance, ensure you include keywords from the work description in your resume. Whil e the functional resume format may be an attractive choice for job seekers with very little experience, most employers would rather have a chronological or hybrid resume format. For instance, you might say that youre highly motivated, energetic, enthusiastic, detail-oriented and so forth. Whatever resume format you choose to use, be positive your format remains consistent throughout the document. Relevant Experience Resume Explained There might come a time once an employer may be interested in hearing it, but the resume isnt the suitable venue. Furthermore, unless youre still in school or only recently graduated, it might be time to eliminate your GPA from your resume. In the end, your work is to determine which experiences and abilities an employer is searching for from job candidates. If youre still at school your university may likewise be able to supply you with sample medical resumes, from which you may pull different suggestions to use. Top Relevant Experience Resume Secrets You dont need to incorporate every job youve held, especially in case you have many years of expertise or have worked in unrelated fields. Therefore, you will need experience to find an entry-level job, but minus the job, you cant obtain experience. Before you can even start to include your relevant experience, you want to have the ability to determine relevancy. Gaining working experience is critical in designing your resume. The No. 1 reason employers are taking a look at your resume is to learn if your abilities and experience match their requirements. The biggest portion of your resume ought to be dedicated to your experience thats just like the job that you desire. Building a resume can be a difficult task especially if youve got no prior work experience. Unique duties need specific skill sets. You might rename it Employment History if youre attempting to demonstrate a steady stream of previous jobs, Experience if youre attempting to emphasize the skills you use d previously, or Skills if youd like to concentrate on your skills that transfer to the job which you want. Your work is to examine your prior roles and determine the core skills that you utilized. Many jobs need specific technical skills.

Opportunity or Obstacle 3 Ways to Identify Career Distractions

Opportunity or Obstacle 3 Ways to Identify Career Distractions An article by Quantum Learning Solutions Inc. lists six startling statistics about interruptions in the office. They are The average employee spends 28 percent of his/her time dealing with unnecessary interruptions followed by recovery time to get back on track. (2009, Basex)The time spent per day being interrupted and trying to refocus is 2.1 hours. (2009, Basex)Physically co-located workers spend longer chunks of time engaged in tasks for which they are not accountable. (University of California-Irvine)The average manager is interrupted every 8 minutes. (Study conducted by Priority Management)The Institute of Psychiatry at the University of London suggests that your IQ falls 10 points when youre fielding constant emails, text messages and calls, an equivalent loss to missing an entire nights sleep. (Yoga Journal, p. 22, 12/2005).The cost of managing interruptions at work costs the US economy $588 billion per year. (2009, Basex)As evident, in our careers and in our lives, distractions can be costly. We do as people always seem to fall pray to distractions. WellFor one, theyre easy to fall victim to (especially if you have a short attention span or are uninterested in the task at hand)And two, most distractions are appealing. Catching up with Janet in the break room and having a good laugh sounds much more enticing than inputting data into a spread sheet. And reading the latest sports stats will provide more excitement than reading over the latest company report.But as the old saying goes, all that glitters isnt gold i.e. just because something looks good, doesnt mean it is.This concept makes me think of our career paths. We all have goals we wish to accomplish, and as we travel down our different roads, were sure to encounter various scenarios. Yet, how do we learn to distinguish between the opportunities we enc ounter and the obstacles? Because there are plenty of opportunities that exist, yet some may lead to creating obstacles in our lives, especially if the opportunity wasnt meant for us.Case in point Dan is studying to go to medical school, but in the meantime, Dan needs a job. Dan meets someone who offers to give him a job managing rental properties. It offers a decent salary with the potential for bonuses. (Opportunity)Because the offer sounded so good, Dan accepts the position. Yet, he soon realizes just how heavy the workload is. Dan works 12-hour days, and even some weekends and rarely finds time to study anymore. Before he knows it, the MCAT testing date has come and gone, and now Dan must wait even longer to pursue his medical school dream. (Obstacle)Everyone may make a Dan decision every now and then, but the following are three simple steps to take to minimize confusing obstacles with career opportunities1. Evaluate your long-term goals. What is it that you ultimately hope to accomplish? Then, think about all the necessary steps it takes to get there. Now analyze how the opportunity fits into your plans. Will it benefit you in the long run, or will it ultimately set you further back?2. Consider your short-term goals. These could be things like getting a degree, getting a job in a specific field (to eventually work your way up), or, like Dan, having a source of income. Consider the opportunity thats been presented to you to determine whether or not itll help you achieve your short-term goals, while also pushing you closer to the long-term goal. Remember, quick fixes can also mean temporary fixes.3. Weigh the opportunity costs. What are the benefits of you taking this supposed opportunity? What are the disadvantages? Are there any other solutions or alternatives you can choose from, and, if so, how do they measure up to each other? Weighing the opportunity costs will help you decide whether or not the opportunity will produce more harm than good, or vice v ersa.

Are There Skeletons in Your Closet

Are There Skeletons in Your ClosetAre There Skeletons in Your ClosetBackground checks explained.You have been working diligently in your search for a new job opportunity. Finally, you land an interview and get a great offer. The hiring manager indicates that the only thing remaining is a background check (BC). Your heart departures to pound and beads of sweat appear on your forehead. Questions fly through your mind. Lets answer these questions for you.Does this company trust its employees?Companies are using BCs more than ever before to be certain theyre hiring the right person. Unfortunately, BCs are more common because so many job seekers have a tendency to exaggerate on their resumes. Companies want to identify potential problems in the candidates employment or personal history.What are they looking for?BCs include criminal history, civil history, wants/warrants, credit reports, reference verification, social security reports, education, driving history, previous employer verifica tion and even drug tests.What are they going to find?Only information of public record is available juvenile records canbedrngnis be accessed.Can they do a BC without my permission?No. Companies cannotlage conduct a BC without your written authorization.Can I be turned down because of a BC?If youre turned down because of a BC, the company must tell you why, in accordance with federal law.Am I in trouble because of the DUI I got when I was 20 years old?It depends, as timing plays a role here. Felony and misdemeanor searches can be conducted by county, state, or throughout the nation. Some states will only provide information for the past seven years. You need to check each state for its policy.Is a drug test conducted with a BC?Approximately 15 to 20% of all BCs include a drug test. BC companies typically contract with local medical clinics to conduct the test. It can be expensive, so it is not done in all cases. In most cases, the job requirements determine if a drug test is necessa ry, particularly for anyone operating machinery or a motor vehicle. Executives are also frequently screened.Will they know if I was involved in a court case?Yes. A BC includes whether the job candidate is/was a plaintiff or defendant.Will my bankruptcy from 12 years ago prevent me from getting the job?Credit checks are a very common item for BCs. Companies are searching for financial stability. If you filed bankruptcy, it can appear on your credit report for up to 10 years. However, this does not mean that you will have bad credit for 10 years. You can start re-establishing your credit immediately after filing bankruptcy. Even without filing bankruptcy, most negative items appear on your credit report for at least 7 years.Will they find out I got fired instead of quitting? What will my former vindictive boss say about me?Employer verification is the item that makes most job seekers nervous. Almost everyone has had some form of disagreement with his or her boss. The concern centers o n what the employer will say and whether they will release employment files. In most cases, because of a dramatic upsurge in lawsuits from job seekers who received false bad references, previous employers typically only confirm dates of employment. Compensation and good or bad references are not generally provided however, that doesnt mean it is not done. A job seeker might want to consider hiring a reference check company to verify what previous employers are saying.One thing to watch out for is an inaccurate blemish on your record. Bob Mather, CEO of MyBackgroundCheck.com, indicates that identity theft and false criminal reporting are on the increase and can appear on your BC. He mentions, Errors in criminal history frequently occur as the darker side of identity theft. Most people quickly become aware of problems on their credit history as a result of identity theft. But you should also be aware that false reporting of crimes may be reflected on your BC because someone has stolen your identity.In 2007, there were over 8 million incidents of identity theft reported by the Department of Justice. If you have any concern about identity theft, or if you wish to learn what a BC will reveal about your background, you may wish to conduct a BC on yourself for a nominal fee.As far as what you can do, the next step is to relax. Too often job candidates worry too much about a BC. In the overwhelming number of cases, minor problems on your BC will not be an issue. Problems that occurred in the distant past will be overlooked based on your recent history and track record of performance. If a company is going to do a BC, be straightforward with them about any problem that might be discovered. Offer evidence that this is no longer an issue. Your hard work and honesty will help overcome any mistakes from the past.

Why You Should Work at a Startup - The Muse

Why You Should Work at a Startup - The MuseWhy You Should Work at a Startup One of the reasons I left my corporate job to be the first employee of a departeureup a few years ago was that I knew it would accelerate my career. I knew that Id be asked to wear multiple hats (editor, marketer, recruiter, public speaker, event planner, and Chief Takeout Orderer, to name a few). I knew that Id be able to shape who we hired and how our culture was defined as we grew. I knew that Id get constant access to the CEO because, well, she was typically seated next to me on the couch at our headquarters (read apartement). And if you Google why you should work at a startup, youll hear similar benefits Being part of a small, quickly growing company allows you be exposed to multiple parts of a business and get constant access to leadership.But thats not the whole story. In fact, looking back, being part of a startup has accelerated my career beyond my wildest expectations and in ways I never could have imagined. And I hear the same from friends and contacts who have taken similar paths.I sat down recently with a few of the founders, alumni, and lebenspartner companies at Startup Institute to reflect on just how much a startup can boost your career. If youve ever contemplated joining an early-stage business, heres what you can expect to gain.1. An Impressive Job TitleIn the corporate world, the schedule for promotions generally follows a set path before advancing to the next role, you typically need a year or two of experience in your current one. In an extreme case, a friend of mine who was the top performer in her department was once told that she couldnt be promoted to the next level because that job just isnt given to 27-year-olds. Fair (or legal) or not, it happens.Not so much at startups, though. Especially in the early stages, the related experience you have matters much less than what youve proven you can do once hired. Often, people who join a startup at the early stages a nd are part of its growth receive responsibilities, promotions, and job titles that they never could have dreamed of at a bigger company. For a great example, read this interview with Austin Geidt, who started out at Uber as an intern then quickly rose through the ranks to become a community manager and driver operations manager. Shes now the companys head of expansion. (For, you know, the world.)Jules Pieri, CEO of The Grommet, shares a similar story about employees at her company. Several people started doing temporary roles such as shipping or seasonal customer support, she says. They threw themselves at being excellent and word quickly traveled. Then they were also in the right place at the right time- those kind of expansion moves happen fruchtwein fluidly in a growing company. We grew revenues 900% in the last two years, so most of the team has had a dramatic increase in responsibilities. 2. More Resume Bullets Than You Ever Thought PossibleAt a startup, you can pretty much gu arantee that youll be making huge contributions to the business. At an early-stage startup, time is valuable, and every team member is critical, explains Alison Johnston Rue, the founder of InstaEDU, which was acquired by Chegg in 2014. This means that youll be working on projects that directly impact users, and probably immediately. In other words, youre going to be doing and achieving more than you ever have before. (And working more, but thats another story.) In almost any role, youll be launching features, gaining users, or otherwise seeing results- and, no matter what type of job you do next, these are incredible things to be able to tell future employers that youve done. Particularly if youre making a career change. As Startup Institute co-founder Aaron OHearn puts it, Startup employees rarely work within the confines of one job description- you have to be willing to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty in a lot of different facets of the business. If youre a sale pro fessional who wants to transition into, say, marketing- you can bet that finding new ways to gain users, discussing the brand strategy, or even writing copy will be part of your job description. In my current role as a community manager, Ive had the opportunity to also help our company with marketing, account management, product development, and customer support, says Erika Gordon, a former Startup Institute student who now works at Mobee.Is there a faster way to get that experience on your resume? Probably not.3. An Entirely Different Way of Thinking (and Thats a Good Thing)In most jobs, a lot of what you do is following procedures for whats been done before. Most companies have a standard way of doing things for everything from manufacturing to marketing to putting together meeting agendas. And while new ideas are often welcome, they typically fall into a framework of how the company has operated in the past. (Great idea Lets put it on the Q2 product roadmap.)At a startup? Youre b uilding everything from scratch. And as you might imagine, designing, building, and creating requires a completely different skill set than following or adapting a standard protocol. And thats a good thing. In fact, recent research by the Institute for the Future detailed six factors driving the evolution of our workforce and- more importantly- the 10 skills every professional needs to succeed in the future. Its worth a look in full, but novel and adaptive thinking (the ability to think beyond whats been done before) and transdisciplinary thinking (the ability to think beyond your functional role) are two of the key traits workers will need to succeed in the future. Consider a startup- where youll be constantly innovating and interacting with other departments- your free education. As an added benefit, youll be learning from entrepreneurs, who by nature tend to think this way. People who start their own business have a different mental and professional makeup than those who have nev er gone off to create something of their own, writes Kerrin Sheldon in Fast Company. Entrepreneurs are defined by seeing a problem and thinking of an innovative and original way of addressing it They approach problems differently, are constantly finding solutions, and are driven to make the most out of their time and work. 4. A Mini MBAWorking at a large company, strategic decisions about business operations, hiring, culture, financing, budgeting, and so on are typically made in the C-suite or a board room, behind closed doors. In the earliest days of a startup, theyre typically made at the other end of the table or couch. In other words, most early employees are part of all of those conversation about business operations, hiring, culture, financing, budgeting, and so on. Working at a startup, you arent just a cog in the machine, explains Startup Institute VP of marketing Bryan Maleszyk. You have agency in building a company from the ground up. Business models and organization, comp any culture, and values- you can have a say in all of this. And even if you dont have a say, youll certainly have a front-row seat. As they grow, most small to mid-sized startups Ive known or worked with involve their team members in strategic decisions, or at the very least hold regular all-hands meetings where employees can ask questions and learn about whats going on within the company. And seeing the inner workings of a company with your own eyes on a daily or weekly basis? Theres pretty much no better way to understand the ins and outs of business.No, startup life isnt for everyone. (Heres a helpful article if youre contemplating whether its right for you.) But in many ways, theres nowhere else you can take on such incredible responsibility, have such immense growth potential, or move your career forward by such leaps and bounds. Photo of dashboard courtesy of Shutterstock.

7 Mistakes Youre Making in Your Job Search

7 Mistakes Youre Making in Your Job Search7 Mistakes Youre Making in Your Job SearchSometimes the hardest person to be honest with is yourself. During a job search, this could mean fewer responses to resumes and unsuccessful interviews. Getting real with yourself and evaluating what you are doing right, what you could improve on, and the mistakes youre making in your job search could get you back on track for successful job searching. Here are seven mistakes youre making in your job search.Trashing Your Previous EmployerWhen asked why you left a prior job, it probably isnt the best idea to rant about your previous coworkers and boss. The best option is to provide an answer that lets them know you are looking for a place to grow or a company that has values similar to yours. Trash talking your previous employer could take your chances from 90 percent to zero.Being Self-CenteredYoure a great person. You have an Ivy League education and years of experiencebut that is ALL you talk about. Keeping the conversation on yourself and how great you are doesnt give recruiters any idea of what you can and will do for the company. If you cant hold a conversation that integrates the company with your skills and experience, eventually they will lose interest.elend situation Yourself ApartIn a world full of job seekers, you have to make yourself stand out from the crowd. Recruiters will not remember you if there is nothing different or special about your work and experience. Dont overdo it, but highlight volunteer opportunities, projects, and exceptional work that you have done. A few interesting facts that catch someones attention can keep your resume towards the top of the stack, rather than in the trash.Being GenericThis means tailor your cover letters and resume for each job. Dont provide recruiters with a form letter and resume. They want to see that you pay attention to directions and details and that you are genuinely invested in the opportunity. Dont be generic with the number of positions you apply for in a company as well. Do not apply for every open position they have. Sure, you may be a jack-of-all-trades, but it just doesnt look good. Stick with one position and make yourself the best candidate for that position.Not NetworkingIf you are relying on one avenue to find a job, you may end up at a dead end. One of the biggest mistakes you can make in your job search is to not network and make connections. While there are tons of jobs that are posted and made public, there are just as many positions that employers use internal recruiting for that you never hear aboutunless you have the right connection.Being UnprofessionalFrom silly email addresses and emoticons to bad spelling and grammar, being unprofessional is one of the simple reasons youre not getting hired. Employers are looking for professionals that are going to be a positive addition to their current culture and environment, as well as present themselves as a face of the company.Feeling E ntitledIf you act like the employer owes you something, chances are youre making a big mistake. Employers are not looking to hire you for what they can do for you, they are looking to hire talent that is going to do something for themand they are willing to pay for it. Everyone has to start somewhere, and a title or pay band doesnt define who you are at the end of the day.Do you have any tips to avoid mistakes when job searching? Use the comment section below to share your ideas