Get it, girl! How to come out the brighter side of being FIRED

Apr 18, 2017

OK, so being fired is one of the things we fear most in life – but it's not the end of the world.

In most cases, it's a chance to rethink the road you want to take in your career, and sort out your priorities.

Career consultant, Sherridan Hughes, spoke to Marie Claire about what to expect and how to come out on the brighter side of being sacked.

Start asking yourself questions

Sherridan first urges you to ask the question 'was it really my fault?'

"Was there something else going on e.g. cutbacks were necessary, or perhaps you were simply made the scapegoat for someone else’s failings?"

However, if you honestly feel like you just weren't up for the job, then comes the tough questions.

"What were you weak at? What did you do less well? Could you have asked for help sooner?

"Could you have asked for training, researched online or put yourself through a course? Is that worth doing now?"

Asking yourself these questions will help you figure out whether you want to go back into the same type of work, or look into a different area.

We all know that even if we love our jobs, sometimes going into the office can be an absolute drag.

However, that's completely different from dreading the work you do everyday, which brings Sherridan to her next question – "Were you even right for the job?

"Did you enjoy the work and feel that it was playing to your strengths or did you feel out of your depth and stressed, or alternatively, bored and demotivated?"

Now it's time to think positive

If the job wasn't suited to you, or you felt out of your depth, then it's probably best that you are out.

Think of this as your lucky escape and your chance to find something better suited to you.

"Do not be ashamed or embarrassed. It’s best to make light of it and try to laugh it off with friends and family.

"No one is allowed to give a bad reference; they should just write ‘ this person was employed as X from X to Y dates'.

"Let go of resentment and bitterness because it will eat you up and you do not want them to have beaten you. Determine to show them what they have lost!"

Be prepared for the next job you walk into

First of all, don't doubt yourself. Once you've thought everything through and know what your next step is, don't be shy when applying for new jobs.

But Sherridan warns that you might have to put a spin on it when being interviewed for another role.

"You cannot admit that you were fired because few employers will want to risk giving you a try, even if appreciating your honesty.

"Try to think of a reason why you have left (perhaps with no job to go to). If you change location, role, organisation or career, this should be easier to explain."

So, instead of saying out straight that you were fired, you could say that you had aspirations for a new, better suited role.

"You could also complete a project or take a gap activity to cover your tracks," Sherridan explains.

Oh, and while we have you; don't forget to have your say in the inaugural SHEmazing Awards this May! It's time to vote, and you can do it right here!

Get, it girl! How to keep your fitness goals when working full-time

Lifestyle

Apr 11, 2017

by Amber Saunders

We get that working a full-time job can leave you feeling exhausted for the majority of the week.

You have the best intentions to go to the gym after work, but the minute the clock hits 5pm, all you want to do is go home and take a pre-dinner nap, amirite?

So, if working a 40 hour week comes in between exercising, here are a few simple steps to add a workout into your daily routine:

Commute to work? Turn it into an exercise session

It's totally possible to turn your morning commute into a small workout.

If you live near your work place, cycling or jogging into the office is a great way to start off your day with cardio and elevate your heart rate.

Oh, and you're not off the hook even if you have a fairly hefty commute! Either park your car a few minutes away so you can walk to the office at a brisk pace, or get off your bus/Luas one or two stops early, so you can exercise the rest of the way in.

Don't let your lunch time go to waste

If we're able to fit in a gym session throughout the week, it's usually before or after work. And probably the reason most of us give up on those gym sessions is because you're knackered in the morning and exhausted in the evening.

But, if you work close to a gym, try fit in a few lunch time session during the week. Many gyms have 30 or 45 minute classes, so if you have a gym that's around five minutes away from you, this could work out perfectly.

What about eating, you ask? Pack a protein-filled smoothie to have on the go, or eating at your desk before or after is always an option.

Ever heard of 'walk meetings'?

Yep, instead of sitting in a board room, a studio, or even a coffee shop, try your hand at asking people to go on a 'walk meeting' with you.

If you work in an office, your colleagues will probably look at as if you had ten heads, but coming into the summer months it's definitely an option.

And if you're a freelancer or don't work in an office setting, we're sure your peers would be up for it too.

Deskercise

Believe it or not, there's some moves you can do at your desk that are totally underrated.

For example, if you want to tone your glutes and give you derriere a little lift, you can try this isometric glutes exercise.

While you sitting at your desk, squeeze your bum and hold for 5-10 seconds, and release. Do this until the glutes tire and it'll give you a lift in more ways than one.

Keep it simple and drink ALL the water

We know it can be hard to fit in a workout when you have a million meetings, deadlines and odd jobs to do, but keeping it simple is key.

Choose the stairs instead of the lift/escalator, walk around the office for 5 minutes or go down to the loo so you can stretch yourself out a bit.

And even if you can't fit anything in, remember to drink heaps of water as it flushes out toxins and aids in weight loss too.

Oh, and while we have you; don't forget to have your say in the inaugural SHEmazing Awards this May! It's time to vote, and you can do it right here!

Too much wine last night? Your brain worked hard while drinking it

Apr 9, 2017

by Amber Saunders

Ah, science. How we love you.

We particularly love science today because it has just figured out that drinking wine is good for your brain.

According to new research in the field of neurogastronomy, our brains have to work super hard to process the taste of some delish vino.

In fact, it would be a similar intensity to listening to music or solving a maths problem.

One of the lead researchers, Dr Shepherd, says that wine molecules are harder to break down than other alcohols and actually don't possess an inherent flavour.

So, when we drink wine, our brains have to become stimulated and forced to create the flavour we're tasting.

The research, which was carried out at Yale, also said it's worth noting that 'flavour creation' is only triggered when we take the time to sip on a glass of wine.

If we just knock it back (as you do), the taste won't resinate, and that's why sometimes good wine doesn't taste so great.

So, there you have it. Drink the wine.

Get it, girl! 3 questions YOU need to ask at the end of an interview

Apr 3, 2017

by Amber Saunders

It's safe to say everyone can get a little bit scared when it comes to job interviews.

They're daunting and unpredictable, and make us all super nervous.

But when it comes down to it, how many of us actually pluck up the courage to ask the interviewer questions at the end?

Sure, you might have a few prepared, but most of the time, those either get forgotten about, or you're shoved out the door to make way for the next candidate.

So, if you want some extra information about the company, or want to find out more about room for growth and development, here are a few questions to fire their way at the end of your interview:

What is the company culture?

Victorimedia says that this is, "an oldie, but a goodie." Company culture means what the company does for fun and what the work life environment is like.

By asking this question you'll find out what it's like to work in their business, and what the attitudes of your future colleagues will be like.

Having a good place to work in and having supportive people behind you is a major plus in any job.

What is the performance review process like?

As Enterprisealive.ie writes, you don't want this question to be picked up the wrong way, however, it's a very important question to ask.

It will benefit you to know if you're going to grow within the business, if there will be any promotions available in the future and if you'll get any rewards for a job well done.

If they don't have an answer or look nervous – this could be a red flag that there's not a lot of movement or raise potential.

Is there anything about my application that gives you doubt? If so, I'd love to discuss those concerns.

This question is certainly not for the faint-hearted, but it's a great conclusion to any interview.

That kind of vulnerability isn't easy, but many employers will be impressed by your confidence to ask it.

If your interviewer replies with some critique, this will give you the chance to explain yourself and set the record straight.

People are explaining their jobs really badly on Twitter, and it’s GAS

Lifestyle

Mar 31, 2017

by Staff Writer

We all tell our girlfriends our greatest anecdotes from work, but how would you describe your job to a stranger?

Twitter users have taken to the social media site to discuss their occupations, but they're doing it in the worst possible way, much to our amusement.

We move people from one place to another in large packs, and strap them in their chair to prevent escape #badlyexplainyourjob #sightseeing pic.twitter.com/O6ID2PKqXE

— J and C Coaches (@JandCCoachesUK) March 31, 2017

The tweets are explaining what people really do all day when it comes down to it, and some of the explanations are truly hilarious.

Take the Reverend, who describes herself by saying: "I've married many men, and I know where all the bodies are buried."

I talk to myself in front of large numbers of young people busy on their smartphones.#badlyexplainyourjob

— Professor Hey-There (@whimsicalnick) March 31, 2017

Some of the occupations are complete mysteries to us, while others are more obvious.

We're pretty sure that "I pick strangers up in a white van" is an ambulance driver, while "I create imaginary friends and send them on epic adventures" has to be a film writer.

#badlyexplainyourjob I get shouted at by people who haven't been paid.

— Andy Roberts (@AndrewRoberts66) March 31, 2017

There are some pretty funny occupation explanations in the tag, which is currently trending.

How would you badly describe your job?

Get it, girl! 4 ways a side project can make you some EXTRA cash

Mar 27, 2017

by Amber Saunders

Whether you are living paycheck to pay cheque, or you just like a little bit extra in your life, having a side project to make a birra money from is a great thing to do.

Great, but it can be difficult.

You won't be able to just pick up a hobby and instantly make cash from it. You'll will need to work out time management, demands, connections, and have a whole lotta ambition.

That said, it's not unattainable. If you feel like a little bit of side hustle could help you make rent each month, or buy you a few Topshop goodies, here are tips on how to make money out of a hobby:

1. DIY

Right, so you've just finished your degree and can't seem to find a job that fits in perfectly with what you want to do in your life.

This can be a tricky time because you have options, but you just don't know what one to choose.

Samantha Matt told The Financial Diet that this is how she began making her side hobby into work, which now brings in 50 per cent of her total income.

She wanted to be a TV writer, but couldn't find a job in that field. So, she found a position that was related to her degree, and then blogged on the side.

Blogs can be a bit saturated right now, but if you have an idea that is totally outside of the box, go with it and see if you can monetise it in the future.

However, if tech is not your thing and your hobby is more on the creative side, there are still endless possibilities.

For example, Kelly Ging of Kelly Lou Cakes began baking cakes at home and sold them out of her parent's hardware store in Co. Laois. She grew her business into selling a few on the side, to 100 a week and now hundreds upon hundreds every month.

So, plan how your hobby can make you some extra cash, see if there is a demand for it, work on it in your spare time, and then reap in the rewards.

2. Time management

This will come in handy in every aspect of your life.

If you're serious about making some money out of a side project, unfortunately it can't just be a bit of work here and there. You need a routine and you need to stick to it.

If that means taking two hours out each evening to concentrate on it, then so be it. Nobody said it was going to be easy.

However, if you have your time management down to a T, and stick to it, everything will be easier.

You won't burn yourself out and you will still have time to see your friends and family.

It's so important to stick to your set times, because if you put aside two hours for side hustle, but end up doing four, you'll no doubt end up grumpy and frustrated at the end of the night.

Discipline yourself, but be strict when it comes to your time off, too. As Jax Jones says, "Time is money so don't f*ck with mine."

Don't f*ck with your time, ladies.

3. Make connections

Whether you work in finance and your side hustle is painting or you have a job in content creation and your side hustle is making jewellery, you can never have too many connections in BOTH fields.

Even if your chosen industries are world's apart, you are bound to have people that work in both or that can help you out in one or the other.

Meet as many people as you can that could help your business – make connections through emails, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Between writers, bloggers, accountants, PRs, and marketing professionals, everyone is important.

But, you'll need to be brave. Go to events, introduce yourself, make your name (and side hustle) known and be polite to everyone.

Roisin Hogan went from being an accountant to creating her own healthy food business, Hiro by Roisin. She knew what connections meant in the industry when she started out and she took every opinion on board.

It just shows that your chosen side hustle doesn't have to be in line to what your job is now. And by making these connections in every field, you'll get your new venture out there.

The more people talk about it, the more they'll know about it and the more they'll want it.

4. It's not everything

Your work is not your life, and your side hustle is not your life, either. If you feel like your burning yourself out, take a step back and relax.

You also need to remember that if your side hustle doesn't work out, it's not the end of the world.

Even if you really want that little bit of wiggle room at the end of each month, working non-stop is not healthy, and you could end up hating your hobby.

Ambition leads to big things and you deserve to do what makes you happy, but remember that you do have options.

If you feel like you're stuck in a rut, or in a financial black hole, there are ways out. Talk to family, friends, your connections (they're really important) and see what you can do.

Your money-making hobby is supposed to be fun and it's supposed to take a bit of pressure off you – so don't let it do the opposite.

But as with anything in life, explore your options, find your strengths, and take time to work out what makes you happy.

As sappy as it sounds, you'll never know what a side hobby could lead to, or what you could learn about yourself from it.

Oh, and while we have you; don't forget to have your say in the inaugural SHEmazing Awards this May! It's time to vote, and you can do it right here!

Let’s talk about money, honey! 3 top tips for negotiating your salary

Mar 22, 2017

by Amber Saunders

It's one of the hardest things to approach when you're working, and can be quite scary to do if you crumble at the thought of rejection – but sometimes, salary negotiations are absolutely essential.

Looking at various articles, discussion pages, and just general advice from colleagues, there are two major mistakes that people make when trying to ask for a raise.

Either, you'll wait and wait for your management to acknowledge your work (and they won't) or, you go into a discussion, totally unprepared and demand X amount of money, and come out with a less than great result.

To avoid these pitfalls, here are three steps to help you along the way before you go anywhere near a meeting room:

1. KNOW what you bring to the table

If you don't already, keep tabs on your wins and your responsibilities. Whether you keep note on Google Drive or in your ratty TY notebook, make sure you write down and record every major project, task and meeting you do well in.

Then, every few months, go back and see how much you have achieved. This way, you will know what you spend your time on, as well as being prepared for the 'what do you bring to the table?' question.

2. KNOW your market rate

There's no point going in and asking for 40 grand, if everyone else in your field is only earning 30.

Research how much your worth, by using Internet tools such as MyWage, or simply, by asking people in and around your industry.

However, don't forget that these will be ballpark numbers. So, consider as much information as you can, and be honest with yourself.

How long are you working there? How much do you put into the company (in the grand scheme of things)? How large is the company? Where are you based? These questions all need to be asked and considered.

3. Plan, plan, plan

The worst thing you can do is go into a meeting with absolutely no information. Plan your proposal and what you're going to say. Plan an intro and an ending (for both good and bad outcomes).

Make sure you include your data sources and research, and have it all laid out on paper, so everything is clear to both you and your employer.

And be careful not to exaggerate or embellish. If you reach too far, your employer will know this and it could be what tarnishes your whole proposal.

It's going to be a daunting conversation, but if you feel you need to go for it, then GO for it.

If you don't get the answer you were hoping for, ask for a review in three or six months time. And, remember to always follow your conversation up with an email.

Whether your salary increases or not, keep tabs on your work going forward and your progress, so you'll be prepared for salary negotiations the next time they come around.

Good luck!

Oh, and while we have you; don't forget to have your say in the inaugural SHEmazing Awards this May! It's time to vote, and you can do it right here!

Get it, girl! How to find a mentor and NETWORK in your industry

Mar 21, 2017

by Amber Saunders

Whether you are still in college, just starting off on your career or you’re looking for a leg up in the industry, having a mentor is totally invaluable.

Finding someone who works in your desired field will stand to you in your future.

Also, having a person to show you the tricks of the trade is so much better than trying to figure something out from a textbook.

So, if you feel like having a mentor will benefit you and your career, here are a few tips on how to find the right person for you.

Research your field and the people who are in it

Research various companies, freelancers and professionals who you look up to.

Then, create a list of who you feel would be a good fit. This regards both personality and their line of work.

Make ALL the contacts

Start emailing your desired mentors with a polite message. Explain why you are contacting them, and what you wish to gain from a mentor.

Be straight from the outset with them and make sure you clearly describe what kind of mentor you’re looking for – whether it’s someone to email and ask questions or someone you want to work alongside with on a weekly basis.

Social media is a great intro

Follow people who you look up to on social media. Like their posts and interact with them. Don’t be scared; this is showing your interest in them and their career.

And when you do email them, your name will be familiar from popping up on their social media channels.

Meet up

When you find someone happy to be your mentor, make sure you both meet for a coffee as soon as possible.

Meeting them face to face will set the tone of your relationship and give you an inkling into whether it’s the right fit.

Stay in touch

Whether you meet up one a week or once a month, always stay in touch. The closer you get, the more they will trust you and recommend you to other people in the industry.

Show them your strengths and your work ethic and always have their back. Trust is a major element of climbing the career ladder.

Network, network, network

Networking is one of the most important things when it comes to your career. Whether you’re in business, fashion or food, knowing people and having good connections in your field will stand to you for years to come.

Ask your mentor if you can go along to events with them. Meet the who’s who of the industry and make sure you introduce yourself to everyone.

Follow anyone you met on social media the next day, so the connections you made won’t be lost.

Finding a mentor and networking will always stand to you. Be your best self in front of these people and show what you can bring to the table.

This will be one step in your career that you won’t regret.

Get it, girl! Keeping your mental health in check if work takes over

Mar 7, 2017

by Amber Saunders

The pressures associated with today's career-driven society means your mental health can suffer, and caring for it can take a backseat as you attempt to make strides in your chosen field.

A recent study by the Institute of Directors found that only 14 per cent of businesses have a policy in place to help an employee who is suffering with mental health issues.

And to further that, staff using sick days for their mental health has risen by 25 percent over the past number of years.

Work can be hella stressful, and even the best of us can be brought down by deadlines, bad reports, or simply, just a few bad days.

So, to help you when you're feeling a bit down, here are five steps to take to boost your mood and not let work get the better of you:

1. Take notes

Keep a work notebook and write down the various situations and tasks that make you feel the most stressed or give you anxiety.

Recording your thoughts and seeing them on paper can be great for clearing your mind, and combating whatever issues you may have.

2. Create boundaries

With today's technology, it can seem like you're on the go 24/7. Even if a work email arrives in your inbox at 9pm, most people feel inclined to reply.

Establish some boundaries for yourself and make sure you switch off by a certain time each day. Relax your mind and forget about work.

3. Recharge

While a lot of Irish businesses don't have mental health guidelines in place, there's no issue with using your holiday days.

Plan to do some of your favourite activities on those days, and don't even think about work. By letting yourself recharge, you'll be more relaxed when stepping back into the workplace.

4. Have an open conversation

If work is really getting you down and you feel like it's making a negative impact on your mental health, talking to your boss/supervisor could be very beneficial.

Have an honest conversation about how your feeling, and clarify what might make things better. It might be scary to open up, but a weight will be lifted off your shoulders when you do.

5. Speak to a professional

If you feel like your mental health is on a downward spiral, help yourself by talking to a professional.

There are numerous websites, call lines and counselling services here in Ireland that can help you with any issues you might have.

You can check out Mental Health Ireland for a list of services or visit Grow to look at resources in your area.

Remember, you are more important.

Get it, girl! Here are the best ways to sign off an email if you want a reply

Mar 5, 2017

by Amber Saunders

Whether you reply to hundreds of emails a day, or are just looking for the perfect ending to a job email application, some of us always go back to the the usuals of 'Kind regards' or 'Best'.

But a new study has found which sign-off is more likely to get a reply, and which ones simple go in the 'Delete' pile.

Boomerang conducted the study, which looked at 350,000 emails in various business fields to work out which sign off comes out on top.

And the winner? 'Thanks in advance'.

Emails that ended in some form of thanks honed in on the top spots, with endings like 'Best' coming in last.

The data scientist of the study Brendan Greenly said: "Among closings seen at least 1,000 times in our study, "thanks in advance" ended up correlating with the highest response rate, which makes sense, as the email's recipient is being thanked specifically for a response which has yet to be written.

"There's a bit of posturing involved with this closing, but it turns out it works pretty well."

There you go. So, whether it's just another work email, a job application or an email business proposal, remember to say thanks!

God, we sound like our mothers…

Bravo! This Swedish town wants employees to be given SEX breaks

Relationships

Feb 25, 2017

by Rebecca O'Keeffe

We all long for the days in kindergarten, when nap time was a regular part of our daily routine, right?

Well, what if nap time came with a grown up twist?

There is a town in Sweden that is considering giving one hour PAID sex breaks to working adults (packs bags immediately).

Overtornea's municipal employees may soon be getting paid to “give a nudge to the dwindling local population, add spice to aging marriages, and improve employee morale.”

“We should encourage procreation. I believe that sex is often in short supply. Everyday life is stressful and the children are at home,” Erik Muskos, an Overtornea councilman, told The New York Times.

“This could be an opportunity for couples to have their own time, only for each other.”

Erik continued: “Sex is also a great form of exercise and has documented positive effects on well-being.”

We totally understand the wisdom, as studies have proven that nicer people have more sex, and that sex triggers the release of dopamine, which is an all-round good time.

Sex during the day affects how productive you will be through the rest of the afternoon and is a big boost to your confidence.

We're moving to Sweden…

Siberia… or the Sahara? Falling out with your colleagues over heating

Jan 27, 2017

by Amber Saunders

It happens in every office, you spend your days battling erratic weather conditions owing to the heating system.

An endless cycle of being either too hot, or too cold, politely asking if the setting can be adjusted, AGAIN.

You either end up swimming in a pool of sweat, that leaves you feeling like you’re burning from the inside out, or freezing to the bone, so you can't feel your fingers tapping the keyboard anymore.

Then the heating goes back up, and five minutes later you’re melting onto the desk, having worn your woolly jumper today… because it was freezing yesterday.

You wait until said colleague has left the immediately surround area and then fly like a Ninja to adjust the settings.

Here are the five very real stages of falling out with your coworker over the heating…

1. You spend your day throwing daggers into your unsuspecting colleague’s back, because the conditions are so unbearable.