Finding purpose in your work will enrich your life, but too much passion may lead to burnout, writes Bryan Lufkin. If you're unable to find fulfilling work that pays the bills, try a job related to the core elements of your interests, he writes. BBC (3/14) Ask for a new job title, not just a higher salary Negotiate for a better job title to position yourself for higher pay throughout your career, writes John McDermott. Provide your employer with reasons you've earned this title after researching how other jobs in your industry are defined, he writes. MEL Magazine (3/13)
Making the Connection
Get more out of your next conference You can benefit more from conference attendance by researching which workshops are most relevant to you, writes Thomas Smale. Check out social media beforehand to identify the sessions others in your field are attending, and follow up with new people you meet after returning to the office. Entrepreneur online (3/14)
A survey by recruitment website Adzuna finds that 37% of job candidates have lied on their resume and that 83% of liars have gotten the job anyway. The survey also finds that 35% of companies think discovering false information is the recruiter's job and that 30% of HR professionals forgo qualification checks on experienced candidates. Human Resources (Singapore) (3/15)
Your Next Challenge
Why it's worth staying the course when unhappy at your job Abandoning a job you don't like too soon may cost you experience that could lead to a better position, writes Lisa Rabasca Roepe. Instead, focus on improving what you can control, and reward yourself for reaching specific goals to make your current position more enjoyable. Forbes (3/15)Why cover letters and thank-you notes matter Cover letters can illustrate why you're a good fit for a position and how your passions relate to the job, writes Alyse Kalish. Send a thank-you note even if you don't get the position, because doing so increases your chances of being considered if another job opens up. The Muse (3/13)
Balancing Yourself
Don't let distractions derail your focus Set milestones throughout the workday that allow you to take breaks from work and attend to distractions rather than allowing interruptions all day, writes Vicki Salemi. This strategy can help keep diversions such as social media or the March Madness national basketball tournament from hurting your productivity. U.S. News & World Report (3/15)
The Water Cooler
Belgian bars struggle to keep tourists from taking beer glasses Belgian bars and cafes endure the loss of tens of thousands of beer glasses per year, which are often stolen by tourists as souvenirs. Bruges Beerwall has installed security alarms to combat glass theft, while the Dulle Griet requires those who drink the house beer to leave a single shoe as a deposit. The Guardian (London) (3/15)
What heaven can be more real than to retain the spirit-world of childhood, tempered and balanced by knowledge and common sense.