About 70% of self-employed gig economy workers are unprepared financially for retirement, with a third of this group setting aside no money for retirement at all, according a survey by Betterment. Freelancers and self-employed workers should educate themselves about retirement options and realize that the tax code is in their favor, financial expert Ric Edelman points out.
Avoid using ultimatums in a salary negotiation, as they usually backfire and can damage your reputation, Steven Lindner points out. By being polite and respectful you can turn a no into a yes now or in the future while also maintaining your positive reputation.
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Quality of connections is more important than the quantity of connections, suggests Darrah Brustein, adding that connecting with the right person can significantly alter one's career trajectory in a positive manner.
Nonfarm payrolls added 134,000 jobs in September, and the unemployment rate declined to 3.7%, the lowest mark since 1969. Average hourly earnings climbed 2.8% compared with September 2017.
Having expertise in a variety of areas can help you stand out from the crowd in a job search. Be sure take the time to become an expert when pursuing new skills rather than simply familiarizing yourself with these different areas of expertise, Heather Huhman writes.
Improving virtual communication skills is beneficial and necessary in any career and even if not working remotely, suggests Barbara Larson and Erin Makarius. This includes having a basic understanding of current software, as well as interpersonal skills that helps make the virtual communication process smoother and more efficient.
Answering late-night emails, texts or Slack messages has become commonplace in today's society but not without risks. "Always-on culture is weird. It's not how humans thrive. It's not how productive people break through to the next level," suggests author Greg McKeown.
A 22-pound rock used for decades as a doorstop by a Michigan farmer has been identified by Central Michigan University geology professor Mona Sirbescu as a meteorite valued at over $100,000. The meteorite is the sixth-largest found in the state, and Sirbescu is continuing her evaluation to discover which asteroid the meteorite comes from.
