Consider becoming a specialist in your career If you're interested in the finer details of a job, and would enjoy focusing on one specific task throughout the day, you may want to consider specializing to become an expert in the field, Erin McDermott Peterson writes. Do some research and networking to figure out where a specialist role could lead you, and consider if specializing will narrow or expand your future opportunities. The Muse (5/16)Do you deserve a raise? Here's how to tell If you excelled at your last performance review, achieved your goals and have contributed something significant to the company, you may have a case for a raise, writes Lucas Miller. As an employee's knowledge and skills grow over time, they become worthy of more money, says Due CEO John Rampton. Entrepreneur online (5/15)
Making the Connection
Face time, being positive can open more job opportunities Face-to-face interactions that you get at networking events can build stronger relationships than online connections, Hallie Crawford writes. Be natural and positive when attending business, industry and alumni events, and come prepared with questions, business cards and a goal. U.S. News & World Report (5/15)
Forty-three percent of households struggle to afford basic living expenses, including food, housing, transportation and health care, according to a study by the United Way ALICE Project. The study finds that 16.1 million households fall below the poverty line and that 34.7 million households earn less than what they need "to survive in the modern economy." CNNMoney (5/18)
Your Next Challenge
Tips for nailing the video job interview Find a quiet, well-lit, private space to do an online video interview and switch off any distractions, such as music and your cellphone, Kanika Tolver writes. Dress in smart, casual attire; be your genuine self and show enthusiasm throughout the interview. Glassdoor (5/15)
Balancing Yourself
Breaks are actually good for productivity Research supports the idea that breaks can boost creativity, so you should schedule downtime or "you" time, writes Hello Alfred CEO Marcela Sapone. Take ownership of your own productivity by figuring out when you get your best work done, and that will make planning for "recovery" time easier. Quartz (5/16)
Mom changes son's name to match misspelled tattoo A Swedish mother changed her 5-year-old son's name from Kevin to Kelvin after a tattoo artist misspelled his name on her arm. After discussing the possibility of laser tattoo removal, the woman decided to just change his name to match the tattoo instead. BBC (5/17)
The greatest of faults, I should say, is to be conscious of none.
