Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Study reveals the reason people quit while they are ahead

Study reveals the reason people quit while they are aheadStudy reveals the reason people quit while they are aheadNow that the Olympics have ended, many gold medalists from the 2018 Winter Games may be taking a long, sometimes permanent, break from the sports they spent years working to be the best at. According to science, this can be a normal side effect of achieving your best.Study After reaching your personal best, motivation is likely to go downOnce youve reached the top of your game, its normal to lose motivation, according to a new studypublished inProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Looking at mora than 100 million verbunden chess games played over 16 years, researchers found that working towards your past peak performance, or personal best, is an effective motivator. They found that chess players went the extra mile and boosted their win rate when they were close to surpassing a personal best score. When you set an attainable yet difficult goal for yourself, it acts like a beacon at the end of a long tunnel, inducing effort when current performance would otherwise fall short, the study found.But after reaching that personal best, that concentration and focus can go away, and players can become 20% more likely to quit. Achieving a personal best precipitates not only a higher rate of quitting but also longer quitting spells, the study concluded.Why do people stop when theyre ahead? The researchers found that your personal best acts as a reference point that can provoke an aversion to losses. You want to end on a high note. You dont want to be remembered for a failure after working so hard to win.When people reach this goal - which is actually a very difficult goal to reach, because by definition youve only hit this level once before - theyre so excited and they dont want to drop down again, so they stop playing,Ashton Anderson, the co-author of the study, said.How to use a personal best to your advantageThe solution ultimately is to use th e time after beating a personal best for reflection. Recalibrate what a personal best means to you. The best players play a game and then dissect it they step away and think about whats happened, instead of trying to play another one right away. Its the thinking about it that makes you better,Etan Green, the studys other author, suggested.Luckily for many Olympians, reflective time is built into the international sporting event since its cyclical. Take the case study of Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir, two of the most decorated ice dancers of all time, who have won five medals over 20 years at the Olympics. After earning a gold in 2010 and two silvers in 2014, the pair walked away from the sport for a few years. Virtue went to school and Moir spent more time with his family. That reflection time was needed to once more stoke the competitive fires and mount a comeback in 2016. We were quite surprised by how much that competitive fire was still burning, Virtue told Peopleabout why the duo decided to compete again. The more we were talking about that, the more tangible it felt, and the more real it felt.This led to Virtue and Moir competing in the 2018 Winter Games, where they scored a new world-record that pushed them past their French rivals for another gold.The lesson? Athletes, like all professionals after a big achievement, can use the time after a win to think about what went right and what went wrong, so that you can get back up and do it again.

Thursday, December 26, 2019

Federal Job Search By the Numbers

Federal Job Search By the NumbersFederal Job Search By the NumbersFederal Job Search By the NumbersThis week I have been teaching Federal Job Search By the Numbers to hundreds of current and former military personnel who are about to be separated or retired and would like to land the best government jobs in America.My book and curriculum, Ten Steps to a Federal Jobis a favorite because of the 10 steps campaign process for this highly complex job search method. The curriculum is utilized in hundreds of military bases worldwide because it is easy to teach, learn, and follow.I created the Numbers Federal Job Search Strategy curriculum when my daughter, Emily, and I were teaching senior NASA Engineers how to write Senior Executive Service applications. We had two days to get two ECQs written. We examined the numbers 5 ECQs, 28 Leadership Competencies, 10 pages, 2 pages, and set time-lines for each and every writing step. In two days, the engineers had written at least two ECQs and were actually having a great time with their production and ideas.Which numbers are your favorites? I have underlined my typical training numbers.FEDERAL JOB SEARCH PROCESS10 number of Steps to a Federal Job, developed by Kathryn TroutmanUSAJOBS RESUME BUILDER5 number of resumes in the USAJOBS builderWORK EXPERIENCE IN USAJOBS5 average number of pages for a mid-career federal resume3,000 characters for the USAJOBS Work Experience job block2,000 characters for duties (recommended for Job 1)1,000 characters for accomplishments (recommended for Job 1)7 maximum number of jobs (recommended, but not a limit)10 years to write details about your work history20 years to write fewer details about (write less about the second 10 years of your work history)30 years to write even fewer details about (try not to include dates back to 30 years)KSA ACCOMPLISHMENTS340 characters for a good KSA accomplishment length in a federal resumeCLOSING DATES FOR JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS1159 pm ET typical closin g date time for most USAJOBS job announcementsAPPLICATION SCORES BY FEDERAL HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALISTS110 top score for a veteran with a disability105 top score for a veteran with veterans preference90 minimum score for Best Qualified80 minimum score for Qualified70 minimum score to be referred for any federal jobSELF-ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRES3 possible ways to receive an E, the highest level in the ApplicationManager.gov QuestionnaireINTERVIEWS2.5 minutes for the average length of an answer to a question in a Behavior-Based bewerberinterview30 minutes for the average length of a Behavior-Based Interview5 the best possible score for an answer in an exam format Behavior-Based InterviewFEDERAL JOB SEARCH APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT TIME3 hours to find your documents5 hours to write your first federal resume3 months to find a federal job10 hours per week to search for job announcements and apply for jobs30 applications to submit before getting an interview (maybe)SENIOR EXEC UTIVE SERVICE APPLICATIONS5 Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) for a Senior Executive Service (SES) application28 Leadership Competencies for the ECQs for an SES applicationKATHRYN TROUTMAN9 authored books on federal resume writing1996 wrote first book on Federal Resumes Federal Resume Guidebook1996 created the first website for federal resume writing, www.resume-place.com

Saturday, December 21, 2019

How to Take Ownership of Your Job as Manager and Leader

How to Take Ownership of Your Job as Manager and LeaderHow to Take Ownership of Your Job as Manager and LeaderEvery job you do, from the simplest of management tasks to leading and guiding the most complex of projects, is a direct reflection on you as a professional. In a world where your economic security is a function of your skills, knowledge, and reputation, it is essential for you to take ownership of your work and ensure that it reflects positively on you as a professional. Cultivate Passion for Your Work One way to firmly establish your reputation with your kollektiv members and co-workers is to display a genuine passion for your work. As humans, we take our cues from others, often mimicking their emotions and attitudes. If you have ever worked around or for someone who is enthusiastic about their job you know that their passion is infectious. No job is too small or too difficult, and time spent working with those who are genuinely enthusiastic seems to fly by at amazing s peeds. Contrast this very positive experience with the alternative of working for someone who is somewhat ambivalent or negative about their work. Work takes on the tone of drudgery and time slows to a crawl with behauptung sour or less than fully engaged individuals. There is little doubt who most of us prefer to work for, and there is little doubt that you are much better off being known as someone enthusiastic and committed to their work. Showcase your energy and enthusiasm at every opportunity Owning Your Role as a Manager While we often compare and contrast leadership and management as two different roles, they are part and parcel of the same position. For purposes of this post, I am describing opportunities to showcase your ownership with their distinct activities. Recognize That the Work of Management Is Noble As a manager, you have a unique opportunity to create value for your firm, your team, and for yourself by pursuing your activities with the passion described above and by exhibiting the commitment necessary to move your organization closer to achieve key objectives. As a manager, you engage team members, colleagues and customers, and you are engaged in a great many process activities. Here are a number of ideas to showcase your enthusiasm and ownership of your role as a manager Run Efficient, Purposeful MeetingsLearn to lead with an agenda focus on the task at hand and ensure that all ideas are heard and considered in a respectful manner. Be efficient with time usage. Strive to start on time and end early. Avoid managing ansicht events by constantly giving life to new meetings.Ensure the Clarity of Your Team and Organizations ObjectivesPeople do their best work when they have context for how their efforts fit into the bigger picture. Make certain to reinforce key goals and highlight results on a regular basis. View Process Problems as Opportunities to ImproveMuch of our daily work revolves around ensuring follow-thru on key processes. Great ma nagers look and listen for opportunities to simplify complex or inefficient processes and improve quality and service delivery. Your team members will appreciate your efforts for continuous improvement.Focus on Delivering Remarkable Experiences to Your CustomersIt does not matter whether you are serving customers in the marketplace or internal customers in another department, strive to deliver remarkable service at every opportunity. Your reputation for creating these Wow experiences will serve you and your team well. Great managers focus on results and strive to create great experiences for employees, co-workers, and customers. They simplify complex tasks, ensure that the right measures are in place to gauge progress and ensure accountability, and they recognize their ability to teach others how to do the same. Carry this type of an attitude through your daily work as a manager and your reputation for owning your job will grow at every encounter. Owning Your Role as a Leader T here are few activities in your professional life where you have a greater opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others, then serving in the role of a leader.The role of a leader by definition is focused on guiding others safely and securely to a particular destination. During the journey, you have an opportunity to teach, support the learning and development of your team members and help individuals navigate the challenges of life and career. Here are some great opportunities to show that you own your role as a leader Embrace Your RoleAsk and answer At the end of our time working together, what will my team members say that I did for them? Strive to define a mission statement for your role and share your mission widely. Great leaders constantly remind themselves of their purpose and strive to align their daily activities with this purpose.Succeed One Encounter at a TimeInstead of looking for the magic formula for success as a leader, recognize that every day offers a ser ies of great opportunities to make a positive impact on those around you. Focus on succeeding at each of these opportunities. Remember that exhibiting respect for others, even in challenging circumstances, is your admission ticket to leading effectively. TeachGreat leaders teach. The role is less about telling and much more about supporting the development of key skills and practices. From helping your team members improve as decision-makers to identifying and supporting emerging leaders on your team, you are in a unique position to serve as an educator.Stand for SomethingGreat leaders are values-driven. They identify with, share and live and lead by core values, whether they are the firms or their own. The Bottom-Line You spend a tremendous amount of the time of your life at work. You have the choice to invest yourself physically, mentally and spiritually in your daily activities, or, to approach it transactionally. The win in terms of satisfaction, enjoyment, and success goes to those who make the conscious decision to own their jobs.

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Technology Advisory Panels Help ASME Gain Market Insight

Technology Advisory Panels Help ASME Gain Market Insight Technology Advisory Panels Help ASME Gain Market Insight Technology Advisory Panels Help ASME Gain Market InsightFeb. 9, 2018 The second meeting of the Robotics Technology Advisory Panel (TAP) took place on Dec. 13 at ASME Headquarters in New York City.In December and January, thought leaders from the fields of robotics and bioengineering convened at ASME Headquarters in New York for two Technology Advisory Panel (TAP) meetings. The panels, which were comprised of representatives of such organizations as Boeing, Procter Gamble, ANSYS and Sandia National Laboratory, are among six panels that were established last year to help guide ASME as it embarks on its strategic objective of becoming the go-to technical organization for addressing key technology-related challenges.The purpose of the panels, which are comprised of subject matter experts from industry, academia, RD and government agencies, is to gain market intelligence fro m these thought leaders and gain insight for opportunities where ASME can contribute with journals, courses, codes or other products and services. The TAPs support ASMEs market research activities in providing information to ASMEs business units, which include Training Development, Publications, Events, and Standards Certification. Robert Cohen (left), vice president and general manager at Stryker Orthopaedics, and Jonathan Schwartz, co-founder and chief product officer of Voodoo Manufacturing, were among the members of the Robotics TAP who met in December to share their expertise and insight with ASME. In addition to the robotics and bioengineering TAPs, ASME has also instituted advisory panels related to the three other strategic technologies approved by the Board of Governors in 2016 pressure technologies, clean energy and manufacturing. A sixth TAP addresses the enabling technologies that support the five strategic technologies namely, the Internet of Things, big data ana lytics, sustainability, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, materials, nanotechnology and design engineering.The six panels are intended to provide ASME with market trends and insight in order to assist the Society in developing its future product portfolio as well as help ASME identify constituent needs and make recommendations to help the Society better engage with its constituents. At the recent Robotics TAP meeting, for instance, the panel members suggested that one way ASME could help turn itself into a go-to organization in the area of robotics would be for the Society to help standardize the terminology used in the robotics field. Robert Cohen, vice president and general manager at Stryker Orthopaedics, suggested that there is a strong need in this area and that ASME could be an independent facilitator to standardize the top 10 terms from each of the manufacturers and gain rapid acceptance. Members of the Bioengineering Technology Advisory Panel, one of six TAPs that were established last year, met at ASME Headquarters on Jan. 30.Developing a course addressing robotics safety using case studies would be another way ASME could lend its expertise to the robotics field, according to one of the Robotics TAP members, Melonee Wise, CEO of Fetch Robotics. Wise shared that a case study approach, where people can actually see both the pitfalls and practicalities, may be effective in teaching safety awareness and meet the needs of manufacturers, customers and integrators. John Koehr, managing director for ASME Technology Advancement and Business Development and manager of the Technology Advisory Panel program, is encouraged with the input the panels have provided so far. The TAP program is off to a very promising start, Koehr said. The panel members are providing us with valuable insight that will help us generate new ideas for market-facing solutions beyond ASMEs traditional solutions portfolio and meet our strategic objectives.For more information o n the Technology Advisory Panels, contact John Koehr by e-mail at koehrjasme.org.

Thursday, December 12, 2019

Over 75% of workers want all physical contact banned from their office

Over 75% of workers want all physical contact banned from their officeOver 75% of workers want all physical contact banned from their officeA new survey published by TotalJobsunpacks the most uncomfortable aspects of co-worker interaction. Interactions in the workplace has become a confusing and difficult terrain in recent years, psychologist Jo Hemmings remarked on the new report. According to the survey, two-thirds of professionals want clear guidelines regarding physical contact in the workplace to avoid awkward and potentially inappropriate exchanges. Twenty-five percent of the 2,002 professionals queried in the recent study, lamented being the prisoner of an unwanted greeting hug at work, 19% said that they were the recipient of a surprise kiss on the cheek, and a shocking 15% said that they received a chest touch even though they signaled either a handshake or a hug.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfacti on, Neuroscience, and moreAll participants were between the ages of 18 and 65, highlighting the evolution of expectations for professional conduct in the workplace. The recent MeToo movement has encouraged people to start speaking out including in the workplace and has led to a plethora of changes in how we engage with colleagues. It has empowered people both male and female to speak out about abuse or discomfort with less fear of repercussions, says HemmingsLook, but dont touchSeventy-six percent of workers want physical contact banned in their offices, full stop. One in four respondents claimed that the anxiety associated with an unpleasant greeting motivates them to avoid meeting with peers altogether, which in turn makes them less productive. Forty-one percent of male surveyees said that they frequently adjusted their greetings methods to accommodatethe comfortability of their colleagues, while 28% of male respondents reported doing so explicitly based on the fear that their greeting will be misconceived as a sexual advance by their female coworkers. About 50% of the women questioned said that gender didnt play a role in their desire bedrngnis to be touched, as this demographic stated that physical contact of any kind from anyone was unwarranted.Despite these definitive requests, by and large, workers seemed to be in the dark about what is and isnt appropriate workplace behavior. Only one and seven respondents said that they received any sort of guidelines from their employers on the subject. Some of the anxiety is due to legitimateharassment concerns, as is the case with the 13% that received an unexpected kiss on the mouth, thanks to poor timing. Some workers, simply want to avoid unnecessary faux pas, many of which replay in their heads over and over, causing them to lose valuable work hours. One in eight respondents had to power through their day after receiving an accidental headbutt.Thirty-three percent believe that frequent breaches of physical boundaries are having a direct and adverse impact on their well being, and 15% estimate they lose about an hour of productivity a day because of it.Alexandra Sydney, Marketing Director at Totaljobs, adds, With one in four people telling us that they avoid meeting a peer or a client due to the greeting alone, its clear that boundaries need to be set in the workplace which promote a comfortable working environment and doesnt impede on the working day. It stands to reason that feeling comfortable at work is closely aligned to feeling happy.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

Saturday, December 7, 2019

The Battle Over Free Modern Resume Templates and How to Win It

The Battle Over Free Modern Resume Templates and How to Win It Free Modern Resume Templates the Ultimate Convenience You might also see Modern Business Resume Templates One of the absolute most important things to keep in mind while writing a resume is that its not an autobiography. To get an adequate job which you just wish during a business, you will need to submit an Awesome Inspirational Creative Resume Templates Free Resume Samples. 7 Another absolutely free Word resume example made by MOO together with Microsoft. Professional Resume Template Heres a two-page resume vorlage that you are able to edit in MS Word. Why Almost Everything Youve Learned About Free Modern Resume Templates Is Wrong Creative resume schablones can allow you to build a document that shows your creativity whilst still keeping the professionalism you ought to be taken seriously to get past the gatekeepers. Employing a template can decrease the quantity of time youve got to spend formatting your docum ent, which enables you to concentrate on adding content and polishing your resume. Not only that, you may download our resume templates right to your computer or laptop anytime and anywhere. A number of the templates are free while others cost a couple of dollars. Free Modern Resume Templates Features Including an expert photo of yourself is a terrific idea for creative resumes. Presentation is the secret to success and lets the strong stand from the crowd. Therefore, for those who have a resume that isnt in an ATS-friendly format, it is probable you wont be contacted for an interview. Employing the right resume format is important in quickly draw in the interest of a possible employer. The 30-Second Trick for Free Modern Resume Templates Career Perfect is a superb supply of resume advice and seems to have a superb reputation online too. Its ideal for a professional who works in social networking or internet marketing. Professionally, our resumes are often the very first impression a prospective employer gets of us. Successful Resumes also supplies you guidance on the work search approach. Just scroll down until you discover a section named Resumes or CVs, based on where you are. There are 2 most common sorts of resumes. They all are absolutely beautiful Notably, a lot of them arent any good. When youre asking for a job which relies on the strengths of the person, you will need a resume template that you could inject a little more personality into to make it pop. Making an eye catching designed resume from scratch is going to be a time intensive and a challenging task whenever you are looking for job. Locating the right template helps saving a good deal of time and money. In the functional ATS-friendly resume where youre focusing the reader on your relevant abilities, utilize the very same tone, phrasing, and verbiage thats in the work description. Its quite hard to write a great CV for yourself. All sections can easily be visible so th at recruiters will know where to search for the most essential info about you. If your resume must catch a recruiters eye, an expert CV design including all the important information is critical. Free Modern Resume Templates - the Conspiracy Utilizing a resume template is getting an acceptable and smart practice for several reasons. Its a clean creative resume for private use. Its simple to use and absolutely yours for free for your private use The effective use of layout permits the applicant to showcase an all-inclusive details about themselves. As an additional bonus, you also receive a work interview tracker that will help you keeping track of passed and upcoming job interviews. Modern resumes like your modern CV must be job specific to stick out from the remaining basic resumes submitted. No matter if its your very first job resume or not, its important to know that any resume should have 5 vital elements. Ensure you didnt miss whatever could cost you the job that you dream about A term design is easily the most perfect kind of protection and is an obvious assurance strategy. Then it may be time to bring some style to your resume The CV template isnt only simple to edit, but nonetheless, it also comes in two color variations and can be utilized in both landscape and portrait orientation. Each one of our creative style templates offer you a perfectly balanced mixture of personality, professionalism and some style. Once you have selected your perfect resume template from our selection, follow our totally free expert guidance about ways to craft the ideal modern resume. The entire group of resume templates is composed of a selection of creative resume designs. The majority of the templates are offered by named, resume writing specialists and thus the quality is extremely good. The very first template on the list features an elegant black and white modern resume design that may be used for any job in any business. Assume, youve got multi year home loan or house advance. If youre looking for one, you dont have to look elsewhereits all right here. Always bear in mind that a resume can come quite a way particularly if you incorporate it with honesty. Folks use a variety of resume templates which use different sort of design approaches, but ultimately its always likely to come to the simple fact that your resume should convey a very clear message above your skills, your experience, and also why youd be the ideal candidate for the position. Introducing Free Modern Resume Templates It is possible to download the totally free template here. The template isnt hard to customize and edit along with print-ready. It includes two resume pages as well as a cover letter template and can easily be edited and customized with your choice of fonts and colors. It is available in PSD format.

Monday, December 2, 2019

Full fee-paying places in new medical program causes outrage

Full fee-paying places in new medical program causes outrage Full fee-paying places in new medical program causes outragePosted October 13, 2011, by Josie Chun The University of Melbourne has introduced a new medical program offering 60 full fee-paying places in its four-year postgraduate Doctor of Medicine program, causing outrage from the Australian Medical Students Association (AMSA). AMSA President Ross Roberts-Thomson says that by changing its medical degree to a postgraduate rather than an undergraduate course, the University of Melbourne is attempting to circumvent the Commonwealth Governments ban on domestic undergraduate full fee-paying places. The AMSA strongly opposes the introduction of domestic full fee-paying places for medical schools and is calling for government action so that medical education remains accessible to all Australians. The Australian higher education system has always been based on equity of access. That is, if you are good enough to get in to a univer sity it does bedrngnis matter whether you are rich or poor, finances should not restrict participation in higher education. This is as true for medicine as it is any other course, and this announcement threatens this principle, says Ross Roberts-Thomson. The Bradley report into higher education stated that participation by students from low socio-economic backgrounds in higher education in Australia needs to be increased. The Federal Government and universities have been working hard to achieve this aim, which AMSA strongly supports. So for one of Australias leading universities to make an active decision to disadvantage students from low socio-economic backgrounds is very disappointing and will undermine much of the good work being done around the nation, says Roberts-Thomson. ResourcesMy first resumeCover letter for my first jobCareer Insider StoriesShelley Lask - Body Positive Health & FitnessInterested in becoming a?Human Resources OfficerGeneral ManagerBusiness ManagerAccount antOffice AdministratorPopular Career Searcheshighest paying jobs in australia without a degreehigh paying jobs australia no experiencemedical laboratory assistant cover letter samples with no experiencelowest paying jobs in australiahigh paying jobs in demand for the future CoursesBachelor of Social WorkEnquire ansprechbar Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Health AdministrationEnquire Online Enquire OnlineBachelor of Criminal JusticeEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Allied Health AssistanceEnquire Online Enquire OnlineJosie ChunRelated ArticlesBrowse moreAustralian workers are taking professional development into their own handsAccording to the 2013 Kelly Career Development and Upskilling report, employees are becoming increasingly proactive in self-managing their careers and professional development.Online study10 Online Education Myths BustedThere are a lot of myths out there about online education. Weve busted 10 so you can see why online study might be for you.Cre ative careersDesignCareers in ArtThere is a plethora of careers available in the art world whether you are interested in creating, buying, selling, teaching, analysing or organising the masterpieces of tomorrow.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

How to Handle a 401k When You Change Jobs

How to Handle a 401k When You Change JobsHow to Handle a 401k When You Change JobsWhen starting a new job, theres a lot to think about. There are new responsibilities, new processes, new people - and, most likely, theres also a new 401k plan to consider. Even as you sort out your new tasks and work environment, its important to make your retirement plan a priority. Timing is everything, and when changing jobs you have a lot of options that could help you to streamline your retirement plan and investments. Heres how to handle the transition from one 401k plan to another. Questions to Ask About Your New Employers Plan Employers typically include 401(k) plan information in a new hire package. You should get a letter outlining the specifics of your companys plan, and maybe a brochure with investment options and other details. Most 401(k) providers have websites that will walk you through an introduction. Take a few minutes to skim and read the details and get to know a little bit abo ut the plan. Look for answers to the following questions, when reviewing the plan details Is there an employer matching program? More than 95 percent of large U.S. companies match the contributions that employees make to a 401(k). The average employer contribution amount is 4.5 percent of salary some companies contribute up to 6 percent. Think of it as a 6 percent, tax-free bonus and you get why an employer match is not a benefit to be missed. Whats the vesting schedule? Many employers offer a vested match, which means that although the company is contributing up to 6 percent of your match, your access to that money is given on a timeline. After year one or two, you get 25 percent of the money, then 50 percent, until you receive the full 100 match after five or more years. Getting started on a vesting schedule is one of the reasons its important to sign up for the 401(k) as soon as you can. Youll optimize the funds the company matches if you enroll at the earliest possible date. Wha t types of investment options does the plan have? There are financial professionals who would argue that a portfolio with one or two broad-market, low-fee index funds (e.g., a Standard Poors 500 fund) is enough for most young savers. But its still nice to have options to choose from. You can look up each fund offering on a site like Morningstar. The site offers star ratings for each fund, but those do not tell the whole story. Look at the investment style box to see if it fits your own (for example are you looking for aggressive growth, or afraid to risk losing money?). When comparing two fund choices, look to the fees and expenses. And if you opt for a target-date retirement fund or lifecycle fund that does the asset allocation for you, theres no need to invest in anything else. How Much Should You Save in Your 401(k)? Some experts recommend that individuals save 10 percent to 15 percent of pre-tax salary for retirement. Others simply advise saving as much as you possibly can. A good rule of thumb for starters is to save at least what your employer will match. Anything less and you are leaving money on the table. If your employer will match it, save up to 6 percent with the goal of working your way up to 10 percent and beyond. If the new job represents a jump in salary for you, consider increasing your contribution amount. As you continue to rise up the corporate ladder and earn more, try to increase the amount you put away in your plan. If you shift 1 to 2 percent every few years, youll hardly notice the difference. What to Do With Your Old 401(k) Many 401k plans offer the ability to move money from a former employers 401(k) into a new plan. If you like your new employers plan, it makes sense to combine accounts and reduce your total amount of investments and fees. Moving Your Old 401(k) to the New PlanThe information on how to move the former 401(k) should be included in your new plans sign-up package, or you can ask the plan sponsor directly. Once you cash out of one plan, you only have 90 days or less to get it the assets into the new plan, otherwise it will be considered a taxable distribution. The funds should ideally be transferred directly from one company to the next.If you get a check mailed to you personally, do not cash it. Contact the new plan manager to find out how to transfer the assets correctly. If you dont particularly like the new employers plan, its still worth saving there to get the opportunity to invest pre-tax dollars and take advantage of the employer matching funds. Move Your Old 401(k) to a Rollover IRABut your old 401(k) doesnt have to be part of the new plan. Instead, you can move the money into a rollover individual retirement account (IRA). Think of a rollover IRA as a catch-all account that combines all the assets from the 401(k)s you leave behind. With a rollover IRA, you can choose from a huge selection of investments, and the money continues to grow tax-deferred until retirement. That takes c are of the 401(k). Now to find the good lunch places in your new office neighborhood.

Saturday, November 23, 2019

Top 10 luxury spas for a couples getaway

Top 10 luxury spas for a couples getawayTop 10 luxury spas for a couples getawayLong gone are the days when spas were just for women only. Over the past few years, spas and spa resorts have greatly expanded their offerings to not only envelop guests mind, body and spirit, but also welcome couples- of any gender- to enjoy all things wellness.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moraOffering their own unique combination of ambiance, services, amenities and products, these international luxury spa resorts will leave you and your partner rubbed, scrubbed, and rejuvenatedAlderbrook Resort Spa Union, WashingtonIn Washington State, two hoursfrom Seattle, the Alderbrook Resort Spa combines the spectacular beauty of the Pacific Northwest with an amazing luxury spa experience.The rahmen of this full-service spa, surrounded by the Olympic Mountains on the shores of the Hood Canal, a glacier-carv ed fjord, is enough to captivate the senses.The wide variety of treatments includes luxurious hot oil scalp massages, seestreitkraft algae, sea brine and aloe wraps, volcanic pumice scrubs and ginger renewal,and invigorating body scrubs combined with full body massages. You can also opt for a glycolic peel or aromatherapy indulgences. Head-to-toe Spirulina Splendor, Moor Wellness, and Soothing Summer are among the Alderbrooks Seasonal Experience offerings.Kirini Suites Spa Santorini, GreeceNestled on a spectacular cliff in the village of Oia in Santorini, Kirini Suites Spa attracts an international clientele seeking the finest, holistic health and wellness services and the ultimate in relaxation.At A. SPA, choose from three elegant and serene suites- The Kalliste, Iris or Thalia- in which youll enjoy their signature rejuvenating and restorative facial and body treatments. Among them are the Chill Out massage, using clam shells with self-heating properties and cold-pressed avocado oil, the Apivita Signature combining trasditional massage techniques like reflexology and shiatsu, the Aqua Vita Deep Hydration Treatment designed to replenish and prevent premature aging, and the St. Barth Softness Body Exfoliation with Caribbean Sea sand, coconut oil and fresh papaya, just to name a few.CastaDiva Resort Spa Blevio, ItalyPerched on the shores of scenic Lake Como, just north of Milan, CastaDiva Resort Spa provides guests with the ultimate in nourishing, restorative and sensory experiences. The distinctive setting melds with the historic 19th-century villas dotting the area, creating an intimate, romantic ambiance at every turn.Pamper your face with a Caviar Essence, Rose Infinity or Essential Man Facial. Revel in an apricot polish Skin Refining Scrub, or a chestnut, arnica, and menthol extract Light Legs Treatment. Or, heighten your tactile senses with a Crystals Chakra Balancing, Intensive Muscle Relief, or Calming Hot Stones Massage.For the ultimate treat, choo se one of their extraordinary Water, Fire, Air, or Earth-themed combination treatment experiences for couples.Hotel Punta Islita, Autograph CollectionPart of the Autograph Collection of the Marriot portfolio, the magnificent Hotel Punta Islita, set along the picturesque shores of Guanacaste in northwestern Costa Rica, is the ideal place to relax your body and soothe your soul.Here, natural ingredients combined with ancient Chorotega healing wisdom- derived from a tribe of American Indians that inhabited this area during the time of the Spanish conquistadores- are the basis of the resorts Casa Spa signature wellness treatments. Guests can enjoy everything from couples massages to relaxing foot baths, facials, and paraffin hand treatments, detoxifying body wraps, restorative mens skin services and more in an unforgettable lush tropical setting.Schloss Elmau Elmau, GermanySchloss Elmau- Schloss, a German castle or manor house, and Elmau, a nod to the town in the Bavarian Alps where i t resides- has been family-owned for over a century, and represents a unique combination of history and culture.Choose from multiple facilities and experiences at seven distinctive spas specifically tailored for adults, couples and families. The Badehause Spa Experience (for adults only) is touted as an oasis of perfect calm featuring a reception area with open fireplaces, tea lounges, 15 treatment rooms, a salon, steam baths and saunas, fresh and saltwater infinity pools, a cold plunge, and Pilates, Taiji, QiGong and Jivamukti Yoga.The Oriental Hamam Spa focuses on ancient traditional Chinese medicine healing techniques. Here youll find both family and adults only areas, each with three different spas and pools. Steam baths, water tubs, dome rooms with hot stones, and a relaxing Orientaltea lounge round out the experience.The Sports Performance Break Palacio Estoril Sports Performance, PortugalHitting an athletic plateau is demotivating and unbelievably common. On the sunny coast of Cascais, luxury 5-star resort Palacio Estoril offers sports enthusiasts an opportunity to overcome physical and mental barricades, enhancing performance and refining skill. Utilizing treatments such as physiotherapy and Chinese medicine, guests benefit from improved posture and well-being. In addition to an array of fitness classes, the programme focusses on nutritional performance enhancement, providing all the tools necessary to achieve athletic goals.The Mediterranean Healthy Escape Ayii Anargyri Healing, CyprusA boutique hotel amid a valley of mature trees in the village of Miliou, Cyprus, Ayii Anargyri promotes an idyllic location for a healthy healing escape. Restore well-being as you harness the time-tested, natural healing powers of the areas mineral-rich waters. Find profound calmness and tranquillity through hydrotherapy treatments, such as underwater massage, and treat ailments in the phlebology, kinesiotherapy, and rheumatology pools. The healing waters are also util ized in spa therapies like the indulgent mud therapy cocoons and massages.The Detox and Pilates Break Amatara Detox, ThailandWith stunning views out over Cape Panwa, Phuket, Amatara is an idyllic destination for a relaxing detox and Pilates retreat. Following a juice cleanse and healthy eating regime, achieve optimal well-being with treatments such as colonic hydrotherapy, coffee cleansing, manual lymphatic drainage, and detoxifying ayurvedic massages. Gain strength and flexibility with mat Pilates and private reformer Pilates in stunning surroundings. This healthy holiday will give you the chance to experience your most energized and most radiant self.The Safari and Yoga Break Karkloof Safari Yoga, South AfricaCombining passions for yoga and nature, this wellness holiday takes you to one of the most exceptional and unspoiled areas of South Africa. During the Safari Yoga program at Karkloof Safari Spa, guests experience two game drives, observing wildlife such as giraffes, rhinoce ros, and a plethora of bird species. With daily yoga classes, mountain biking, fishing, and guided hikes, finding your connection with nature and developing inner peace has never come more naturally.The Short-haul Health Booster Six Senses Kaplankaya De-stress Reconnect, TurkeyGive your health a well-deserved boost this year as you enjoy a selection of indulgent spa treatments including massages and body wraps at Six Senses, Kaplankaya. Disengage from the stresses of daily life as you find your calm with sunrise yoga or a morning coastal walk, then work out your tensions in an invigorating personal training session. Whether its a quick break or an extended getaway, this Turkish stay is guaranteed to help you take a step back, finding clarity in the process.This article first appeared on Travel Squire.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin F ranklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

Thursday, November 21, 2019

6 things that you should never wear on an airplane

6 things that you should never wear on an airplane6 things that you should never wear on an airplanePlanning your super-cute airplane outfit to kick off your vacation on a fashionable note?Make koranvers to keep these no-nos in mind because there are certain things you never want to wear on an airplane.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and more1. Super-tight SocksSave any extremely tight socks for outings on the ground. Clothing that cuts off your circulation can lead to blood clots in the air. A good way to tell if your socks are too tight for plane-wear is to see whether they leave marks on your legs. If yes, those are too tight (ow). The exception to this rule is compression socks, which are made to be extra tight to increase your circulation instead of preventing it.2. JumpsuitsOkay, friends, lets get real. Airplane bathrooms are tiny and to do your business while wearing a jumpsuit o r romper, it all has to come off. Do yourself (and the rest of the bathroom line) a favor and stick to two-piece outfits.3. High heelsWere proponents of wearing high heels to the airport for the sole reason that it saves room in your suitcase in cases of overflowing luggage. But when youre actually on the airplane, its time to switch back to some flats. Not only do your feet swell when youre in the air, but in the teeny-tiny case where there needs to be emergency action taken during your flight, you want to be steady and grounded.4. Skimpy outfitsWere less worried about you offending the grandma seated next to you than you freezing your scantily-clad butt off during your flight. It gets cold on airplanes, so even if youre heading to a warm-weather destination, make sure to bring light layers for the plane ride.5. ContactsTravel days are a great opportunity to wear your glasses. Your eyes will thank you. The pressure and dry air in the airplanes cabin dont make for a great contact-we aring experience. Plus, if youre going to nod in and out of naptime, you probably dont want your contacts in anyways. Give those peepers a break6. Strong perfumeBe kind to your air travel neighbors and dont wear strong scents on an airplane. Its a pressurized tube in the sky - theres really not a lot of air flow. So if youre rocking a generous spray of perfume, everyone will smell it. And besides sensitive noses, some people have fragrance allergies that could lead to breathing problems. Stick with plain ol deodorant for the flight, please.Thispostwelches originally published onSwirled.comin the Thrive section, which covers valuable career and personal finance content for Millennials.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people