Workplace

Important business skills for new graduates

Whether you’re launching a career as a writer, engineer, teacher, or just about anything else, there are certain business skills that every professional needs to have in order to be successful. The good news is, you probably already have some—and the rest are easily learned. So whether you’re gunning for a job or your first big raise, this list of skills can help you seal the deal.

Strategies to help you quit the job you hate

If you’re giving off “I hate my job” vibes to the point where the phrase may as well be stamped on your forehead, you are probably counting down the seconds until you quit. While it’s great that you’re so eager to make a change, resist the urge to run out the door and leave everyone in your dust. Tact still counts. Use these approaches en route to the nearest exit.

5 signs you’re a work martyr

If you’re feeling consumed by your job but refuse to loosen your grip on your duties, take a moment to ask yourself why. If your answer has less to do with your need for accomplishments and more to do with your fear of being seen as disposable, there’s a chance you’re a work martyr. A close relative to the office workaholic, work martyrs are employees who work themselves to the bone because they believe they’re the only ones in the company capable of doing their job (and they hope their boss notices).

3 steps to setting boundaries in the workplace

Oftentimes, some of the most talented professionals are the ones who end up feeling overworked and underappreciated. The more you take on, the more tenuous the boundaries in the workplace can feel. It’s almost as if the “reward” for being a team player is ending up with more work, and ultimately letting your job take advantage of your strong work ethic and goodwill. Or, people just keep coming to you because you always agree to help. The pressure makes setting boundaries feel pointless.

6 reasons to clean off your desk

Spring fever is expected to reach epidemic proportions this year, so take steps to be prepared before it hits too hard. In other words: spring clean your desk! We're not suggesting you have to get all Marie Kondo on it, but tidying up your desk not only will make you look busy, it also has real workplace benefits. Career experts offer six reasons why cleaning your desk is a no-brainer when it comes to creating an organized workspace.