A Gallup survey reveals that 51% of US employees are actively seeking new job opportunities, the highest rate since 2015, ushering in what Gallup describes as the "Great Detachment." This trend is largely driven by employees' desire for better work-life balance, personal wellbeing and improved compensation packages.

Job-sharing is emerging as a viable option for professionals seeking flexibility, especially post-pandemic. Initially limited to maternity leave, it now addresses broader work-life balance needs and skills shortages. "We do help support each other, if one of us is on leave or can't make it in, we do sort of tag team, or pick up a day, drop a day, whatever the case may be," says Kylie Morrison, who shares the job running a child care center.

Taking on an encore career in retirement can allow people to stay engaged and potentially take on a less stressful position while continuing to earn an income, writes Andrew Rosen of Diversified. Rosen offers seven tips for pursuing an encore career, touching on work-life balance, flexibility and challenging work.

A recent MyPerfectResume survey shows that more than 80% of workers fear job layoffs this year, and the World Economic Forum reports that four in 10 companies expect to reduce their workforce in the next five years. Workers are advised to save money and prepare for potential unemployment as job searches might take longer than expected.

Leaders can distract people from tense conversations by prompting detours through asking questions, write John Eliot and Jim Guinn in an excerpt from "How to Get Along with Anyone." Similar to how magicians distract the audience while performing tricks, the technique helps insert a pause "without the formal or artificial feeling of calling a time-out."

Effective tracking of income and expenses is vital for freelancers, helping them calculate taxable profit accurately. Freelancers can use tools like Google Sheets or apps such as Wave Accounting and Lunafi for automated tracking and keeping a detailed record of financial transactions can also lead to possible tax deductions.

Lake Erie, the shallowest of the Great Lakes, is nearing full ice coverage, a phenomenon last seen in 1996. With over 95% of the lake currently frozen, experts say complete freezing is possible this year. The Great Lakes are 45% frozen overall, and ice coverage reduces the likelihood of severe lake effect snowstorms by preventing evaporation.