One of the elements of life that we all have to deal with is uncertainty. There are a lot of challenges that you might have that will bring feelings of frustration and uncertainty, especially if they interrupt future plans of yours in regards to a job. In particular, these are a few life events some people experience that can disrupt your career goals.
Disability and Illness
First off, one of the most challenging life events to overcome can be disabilities and illnesses. It always seems like illness or disabilities strike in the most unexpected and inconvenient moments, particularly when it comes to your future plans. Some disabilities or illnesses can even prevent you from working for the rest of your life, particularly if you had a career with physical requirements. Luckily, you can get financial help like disability insurance, but it can still be extremely disappointing when your career has come to an unexpected close.
Divorce
Next, another frustrating life event that can disrupt your career is divorce. Divorces are not only time consuming to work through, but they’re also messy mentally and emotionally, especially if you have children. Family law cases can be traumatic to children and are highly emotional events. While you’re trying to sort through all of these elements, it can be difficult to maintain a regular work schedule. Your divorce might even require you to move and change jobs. So, there are a lot of career disruptions that can happen when you’re going through a divorce.
Children and Infertility
Finally, infertility and having children are additional life events that can alter your career goals. Having children is simultaneously a huge blessing and a huge challenge, especially if you have to put your career on pause. Of course, any time that you’re preparing to have a child, that can transform your future plans and current career schedule. But when you’re dealing with infertility, you’ll also have a lot of financial burdens and time constraints that you’ll be balancing, not to mention the emotional and physical toll that infertility can have on you.
Remember, disabilities, illnesses, divorce, infertility, and having children aren’t the only challenges that you’ll face in your life. But now that you’re aware of some of the different life events that can interrupt your career plans, remember that learning to be flexible in your life plans will help you to find lasting happiness. Your life and goals might not always go according to plan, but if you continue to prioritize your passions, you’ll be able to find happiness despite the challenges that you face.
When you are an entrepreneur, you can never take your eyes off the ball. The crux of successful entrepreneurship is constantly being on the lookout for the next great idea and having the confidence to act on your perceptions whenever they arise. This means that great entrepreneurs are always keeping their eyes on trends, whether they are in the world of popular culture, business, economics, or manufacturing. If you need a catch up on some promising trends, this is the article for you. Here are three major trends that all entrepreneurs should keep their eyes on to stay ahead of the curve.
Increased Automation
The first trend that entrepreneurs everywhere need to keep their eyes on is the increased utilization of automation in manufacturing. With the advancements in robotics that have been taking place for decades, we are now quickly approaching a future where most if not all manufacturing is done by machines and is completely automated. This will lead to several changes in the entrepreneurial world. According to American Express, increased automation will affect the cost of goods from manufacturing hubs, as well as the speed with which work can get done. Leveraging machine work to your advantage will be key to growing your entrepreneurial endeavors for the future.
Private Equity Buyouts
The next major trend that entrepreneurs should keep their eyes on moving forward is the growing popularity of private equity buyouts of startup businesses. Private equity firms are investment firms that compile wealthy investors and use their funds to invest in or purchase new and existing businesses with the goal of significantly increasing that money over the course of a handful of years. Franchise Gator reminds us that private equity firms like the reliable profits of franchise businesses. Trying to focus your future business endeavors towards franchises can lead to major buyout opportunities from private equity firms.
The Importance of Sustainability
The final major trend that entrepreneurs need to keep their eyes on is sustainability in business processes. Never has environmental sustainability been such a focus for business around the globe as the current climate crisis worsens. Finding ways to run your businesses in the most sustainable and environmentally positive way possible is sure to bring benefits, from finding investors to gaining the trust of your customers and even avoiding potential government taxes and penalties that could be coming up soon for businesses that do not operate sustainably.
Entrepreneurship is and always has been about keeping an eye towards the future and making it a reality. With the pace of change in today’s world, knowing the trends to focus on has never been more important. Keep your eye on these three trends for the most entrepreneurial success possible this year.
No one wants to think about the pain and frustration that can come from going to court, but sometimes the unexpected happens and you are faced with a difficult choice. Many people are hesitant to hire legal counsel in these situations because they aren’t sure what they need, how much they will have to pay, or whether or not their counsel will actually help them. However, if you find yourself in a legal predicament, having legal counsel can help you to avoid major consequences and keep your reputation intact.
Fines
There are many situations where you might be faced with fines if you are in the legal system. With the help of a lawyer, you can often decrease or even remove those fines from your plate so you don’t have to pay out money from your own pocket. In most cases this will totally offset the costs of your lawyer and make it easier for you to continue your life with limited disruption. No one wants to have to pay a fine for the things they do in life, and having a lawyer can help you to navigate situations in a way that leaves you safe from the pain of fines. This can help you in any court situation, whether you have gotten a ticket or faced legal trouble with your business.
Criminal Charges
If you are facing a criminal charge, it is especially important that you have legal counsel. They will help you to navigate the legal system and make sure that you are being treated appropriately in court. A defense attorney is crucial to guide you through the process of the criminal justice system. Some people choose to represent themselves, but the success rate for that choice is very low. It is in your best interests to get a lawyer as soon as possible if you find yourself facing criminal charges. The sooner you have a lawyer the better your chances will be for getting a positive result in your court case.
A Bad Business Situation
If your business was mistreated by another business or had a negative experience, legal counsel can advise you as to whether you have a strong court case. Some people feel that they have no recourse against a larger company or more affluent individual, but with the help of a lawyer you can often achieve a good result. If you were injured or discriminated against, it is important to seek justice. And, a good lawyer can help you to go about that in the most effective way. Choose your lawyer carefully so you know you have someone you trust.
Legal counsel is a tool you can use to make sure that you are treated properly and that you have a fair chance if you are ever in court. It is important to do your research and find a lawyer who specializes in the help you need. That way you know that you have a solid team behind you to help you through your time in court.
But what if I am afraid of contacting an Attorney?
Reaching out to an attorney or legal counsel can be a scary thing. But when you do find the right firm and person – part of the initial discussion will be to put you at ease and help you sort out the issues.
I reached out to my colleague and Bay Area Attorney, Stephan Ferris of https://stephanferrislaw.com and asked him to offer a few suggestions on overcoming the fear of seeking legal support before it gets too late as well as ways to identify a quality firm
Frank: Stephan, tell me what you think about when folks are afraid of reaching out?
Stephan: I think people fear the unknown and if you’ve never worked with an attorney before, you might not know what it entails. People also may be afraid that they ae going to be charged a fee, just to ask if they have a case. Most attorneys actually offer free consultations to determine whether a case or client is a right fit for them. Don’t be afraid to ask for a free consultation.
Frank: Do you think this is part of the stigma that “attorneys are just in it for the money”?
Stephan: At the end of the day, legal fees are not going to be cheap and you get what you pay for. I recommend finding an attorney that you can build a rapport with and that you can trust. There are going to be moments when the attorney will weigh cost options and it’s better when you can feel that the person is in your corner.
Frank: What does the average person, or small business person need to know when looking for legal counsel?
Stephan: I would recommend finding someone that is familiar with the business. Having a JD and a bar license are very general qualifications and sometimes specific industry expereince is needed. For example, as an entertainers and content creator, I am better positioned to counsel clients in the entetainment induystry than an attorney who has no media experience. On the flip side, I would have no idea how to handle business matters concerning patents.
Frank: I know on your website you also have a great podcast. Want to tell folks about this latest adventure for you?
Stephan: My co-host Dextra and I created the Reading is Fundamental podcast that breaks down contracts and issues in entertainment law. We just released our first youtube hybrid video where we discuss adult fan subscription websites. You can find us at StephanFerrisLaw.com/ReadingIsFundamental.
Frank: Thanks for Sharing these valuable ideas. Any other takeaways you want to share?
Stephan: I’m also working on finishing a book titled Blue Movie, which is set to be released by Unbound Edition Press in September 2022.
Frank: How can folks find out more?
Stephan: they can visit my website and sign up for my newsletter to get details and announcements.
As we continue along on this great journey of life, we are continually asked to keep looking backwards at our pasts and apply the lessons we have learned to the future, to elicit the best outcomes. There are all sorts of places that we can search to take lessons from that will benefit us, but one of the best places to look for lessons is other developed economies. Each developed economy in the world has its own unique history which has led it to fill a certain niche in the world. Here are three lessons that we can learn from other major developed economies of the world.
Germany
The first lesson that we can learn comes from the German economy, and it is about the importance of labor relations. Germany has some of the strongest workers unions anywhere in the world, which leads to a lot of conversation and collaboration between workers and employers to find mutually beneficial scenarios. The US, with much weaker unions, tends to see a lot of fighting for survival amongst unions, which can lead to constant, costly confirmation for both employers and workers, with no end. Perhaps by opening dialogues and looking for mutually beneficial agreements, we can learn how to arbitrate smarter.
Japan
The next lesson that we can learn is from the Japanese economy, where the concept of waste reduction and a focus on hyper efficiency are key to successful business operations. Japanese companies like Toyota pioneered many waste reduction processes in manufacturing. One of these major ideas that comes from Japanese manufacturing is the idea of Kaizen, or continuous improvement. This philosophy tells us to look at every aspect of a process, and constantly seek to find ways to improve that process for peak efficiency. The lesson we learn is to look at the big picture and find small ways to improve the process for the best results.
France
Our final lesson comes from France – whose economy brings in a much smaller GDP than the United States – ranks ahead of the US in many other important measures like health, time, and other areas. While France’s economy may not be as strong as the United States, we learn that there are other metrics that are much more important than just GDP. Sometimes it is best to sacrifice simple metrics for solutions that lead to an enjoyable life well spent.
There are lessons to be learned everywhere you look. But some of the best life lessons can come by analyzing the actions of large economies. Pay attention to these three lessons from developed economies around the world and find how they apply to your life.
No one wants to get injured, and when it happens at work it can be even more frustrating. It’s important that you know what to do if you are hurt on the job so you can get the help you need and the support you deserve. Your workplace should offer you help so that you can safely recover and avoid future injury, and also compensate you for the time you miss because of an injury on the job. Here are three essential steps to complete if you have a work-related injury!
Seek Medical Treatment
The very first thing you need to do is make sure that you have medical treatment to take care of your injury. This is important for two reasons. First it ensures that you get the care you need and that your injury doesn’t get worse over time. The second reason is so you have a medical record to support the injury. Those records will be important especially when you are seeking workers compensation. When you meet with your doctor, make sure that you get a copy of the record so you can prove your injury to your workplace. Make sure to have a thorough checkup so you can know the whole extent of your injury.
File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
You also need to make sure that you file a workers’ compensation claim as soon as you can. This will be filed with your work and will get the process started so you can be compensated. You may also wish to set up an appointment with HR, so you know what you need to do to make sure you get the help you need. Workers’ compensation claims can get complicated fast without the proper legal representation. Getting a lawyer to help can make things easier on yourself especially while you are dealing with the aftermath of your injury. It’s worth taking the time to at least consult with a lawyer so you know what the process looks like and if you should pursue legal action.
Consider Disability
If your injury is severe, you may need disability help in addition to workers compensation. It is a good idea to have disability insurance at all times so you can still afford your day to day life even if you become disabled. You can talk to your employer about disability insurance as many companies offer it as a benefit. You can also apply for disability through the federal government if the results of your injury are likely to keep you out of work long term. Communicating with a lawyer and HR can help you to figure out what you need to do to make sure you are financially secure after an injury at work.
Dealing with an injury at work can be really frustrating and difficult. But it doesn’t have to be something that you stress about long term. If you are able to take care of yourself and address the injury early, you can get the help you need.
When you are healthy and injury free, it is easy to feel invincible. Most of the time, people don’t even give much thought about how they are feeling unless something is wrong. It can be hard to remember that your well-being is a precious gift that needs to be safeguarded and protected. Here are three reasons why you need to take care of your health and safety at your job.
Avoid Burnout
Excessive, prolonged stress can lead to burnout. Burnout is just what its name suggests; it is a condition marked by severe physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion that leaves you feeling hopelessly drained. Burnout can weaken your immune system, causing you to pick up every cold and flu that comes around. You might feel tired all the time, even with sufficient sleep. Burnout wreaks havoc on your emotional health, as well. It can leave you feeling helpless, alone, cynical, and unmotivated. You might begin isolating yourself, performing poorly at work, self-medicating, and become increasingly irritable.
To avoid burnout, you need to maintain a proper life-balance. Work should never consume your life to the point that you no longer have time for socializing, relaxing, or spending time with family. Try to keep a healthy perspective—don’t be a perfectionist and learn to let go of the things you can’t control. Finally, take care of your health by getting enough sleep and exercise, and by maintaining a healthy diet.
Disability Can Hinder Your Career
If you experience an injury at work, you might assume that you can automatically fall back on disability payments. However, the law doesn’t cover every accident or illness. Your injury needs to fall under Social Security’s definition of disability. To be eligible for disability, your injury must be either life-threatening or last at least one year. If your injury is not life-threatening or long-lasting, you could be faced with a situation where you are unable to work for several months, but ineligible for disability.
Employees Have Safety Responsibilities at Work
While the OSHA has safety requirements for your employer based on your industry, you are required to cooperate in your own safety and well-being at work. As an employee, you are required to know and follow all your industry’s OSHA safety requirements, attend all safety training, wear your personal protective equipment, and be accountable for your own actions at work.
Don’t let a preventable illness or accident get in the way of your active, healthy lifestyle. Take the necessary precautions to stay well and maintain your productivity at work. You will never regret being careful.
Running a business is never easy, but if it seems more difficult lately than it has been in the past, you’re not alone. Business leadership is being challenged on a number of fronts simultaneously due to changes in our society and economy. Understanding the source of these difficulties is key to addressing them.
Economic Stress
Both nationwide and globally, there are numerous stresses acting on the economic system that can affect your business. For example, supply chain issues are impacting nearly every step of product manufacturing and distribution, and this, in turn, affects how companies can serve their customers. You may be experiencing increased costs and delays in receiving supplies, leaving you with angry and frustrated customers.
Inflation is also taking its toll. When your cost of doing business increases, you may have little choice but to raise your own prices or rates. In these cases, good leadership is shown in being adaptable and continuing to provide good customer care.
Employee Turnover
When a business experiences frequent employee turnover, it can be costly and cause delays in production or service. You may be doing your best to retain good employees through competitive compensation and positive working conditions. Yet replacing those workers who move on to other jobs can be time-consuming and expensive.
Outsourcing employee recruitment can save time and money in your search. A staffing agency or online recruitment site has the resources and reach to attract a large pool of applicants and sort out those most suited for the position.
Uncertain Consumers
Economic stress often results in consumers who hesitate to make major purchases or sign contracts. They may walk away before closing the deal or settle for something less than what they originally wanted. Shopping online, they may place items in their virtual shopping cart and then abandon them.
While you can’t relieve the economic pressures, you can help your customers feel more confident by offering flexibility in pricing and terms. For new customers, a trial period or month-by-month contract may seem more appealing. Price bundling can also be attractive to hesitant customers.
Right now, the business world is experiencing multiple changes and challenges. Yet, good business leaders can manage effectively despite unexpected occurrences and pressures from both outside and inside the company. While problems can’t always be eliminated, there are always ways to navigate difficulties and stay successful.
There is not a career in the world that doesn’t come with at least some level of stress. So learning to manage stress effectively at work is essential to enjoying your working life and reaching the dreams you have for yourself. Take time to learn stress management skills and make sure you are in a career you love so the stress and anxiety you face isn’t more than you can handle.
Take More Time for Relaxing
If you are always working all the time, there isn’t really a chance for you to decrease your anxiety or deal with it in a healthy way. But if you take time for yourself to relax and recharge, it is easier to deal with any anxiety you may face. It’s important to make relaxation a priority so you can enjoy yourself and find time to decompress outside of work. It’s also important to take breaks when you are at work and give yourself room to breathe. Doing this will increase your productivity and keep your stress at lower levels.
Change Your Diet
If you aren’t eating in a healthy way it can make all of your stress more frustrating and difficult to handle. And when things are busy at work, many people tend to forget to feed themselves in nutritious ways. Not only that, but the foods you eat can actually impact your stress and make things either more or less stressful. Getting more foods that reduce cortisol or foods high in magnesium can reduce stress.
Learn to Recognize Early Signs of Stress
For some people, it is difficult to realize they are stressed until they are already in the thick of it. However, if you are able to identify warning signs of stress, you can address it when it is less severe. This allows you to implement changes in behavior that will decrease your stress instead of increasing it. Pay attention to changes in the way you feel, like your heart rate, your breathing, and even your ability to pay attention. All of those things can help you to notice if you are feeling stressed.
Managing stress can be really hard, but it is an important skill to develop. Talking to a counselor can be a great tool that helps you to develop strategies to cope with stress in a healthy way. Then you can implement those strategies to make your work life more enjoyable.
