Professionals can easily lose their sense of purpose after leading a successful project, says author John Hillen. Commit to continually reinventing yourself and stay plugged in to your team to keep this from happening.

After a layoff, stay focused on new opportunities and don't wallow in self-doubt, Susan Peppercorn writes. Question the validity of any negative thoughts, and ask yourself what strengths you've gained from professional setbacks.

Developing office friendships is important for building trust among co-workers, but you should take some precautions, Kathryn Vasel writes. Be sure not to overshare private information, distract colleagues from their work or participate in office gossip.

A female officer who has since retired from the New York Police Department says she was ordered to attend an alcohol-treatment program or risk being fired after she filed a report accusing a superior of sexual misconduct. Her case shows a culture of retaliation, including surveillance, investigations and allegations, against officers who report inappropriate behavior, a BuzzFeed examination finds.

When making your cover letter, there are some basic tips you should always keep in mind, Daniel Kline writes. Check for grammar and spelling errors, personalize the cover letter for the job opening and assert why you are right for the job.

It is important, when working at home, to take measures so you stay focused and develop a sense of purpose, advises Alexandra Douwes. Some tips include leaving the house at least once a day, celebrating successes and sticking to a strict work schedule.

The palm trees that dot Southern California are not native plants, but were transplanted to help attract settlers in the 1880s, writes Dan Nosowitz. The palms succeeded there, becoming one of the major symbols of the region and its opportunities.

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