Tips on Making a Career Change

Even before the downturn of the economy severely altered the job market, it's never been unusual for an individual to change careers a few times in his or her lifetime due to a variety of reasons. Some of those include better opportunities, lifestyle changes, dismal job outlook, or uninformed choices. Although there are no guarantees that switching occupations will be the best decision, there are certain steps you can take to ensure your chances of success.

Before making any type of career change:

1. Know your primary objective: Many people decide to make career changes because they need better financial security, enjoy new challenges, to learn different skills, or have a great hobby they want to turn into a business. Understand your motives before going to the trouble and expense of giving yourself a complete career makeover.

2. Assess your situation: Think about what you are looking for in your new vocation. Do you want more flexibility, less travel, to meet new people? Another consideration is whether you already have the knowledge and skills required to step into your new profession, or will need additional education or certifications before making the transition.

3. Have a plan of action: Following a dream can be very rewarding but to reach your ultimate goal you will need to develop an effective career-change strategy. Your plan of action should include research, education or training, financial assessment, and the amount of time required to accomplish these steps.

4. Develop your network: Start talking to people in your chosen industry by joining professional organizations and associations. Go to trade shows and job fairs for more insight into your field of interest. Attend conferences and seminars to learn more about the business and make new connections. Working with a career management professional can also be advantageous.

5. Learn to be patient. Just because you are ready to take the plunge into a new career doesn't mean the timing is right. It may be to your benefit to remain in your current job with a steady paycheck while you test the waters in your chosen field by working part-time as freelancer or intern. Another consideration is that you may not begin your new career at the same level of seniority. It takes time to move up the ladder and you will have to pay your dues just like everyone else.

Making good choices about a career change also means making informed ones so as to avoid hidden pitfalls down the road. It's important to carefully analyze the potential risks before diving into a new career or field, but with dedication and persistence it will be well worth the time and trouble.

For tips on how to dress successfully for a job interview, check out my article, “Getting Dressed for An Interview.”

Copyright 2008 Charlene Davis. All rights reserved worldwide.

Budgeting Wedding Costs: Who Pays for What?

In today’s society which is formed by many different cultures, religions, and preferences, it’s important to note there really isn’t a specific protocol designating which party is responsible for paying for particular wedding expenses. With wedding costs skyrocketing and many couples waiting until their careers are established before getting married, there are several options that can be considered. Sometimes the couple will pay for all of the expenses themselves or ask the families to chip in for the ceremony flowers or bridal attire. Perhaps one of the easiest options may be to divide the total expenses into thirds: one-third for each set of parents and one-third for the couple.

The following is a summary of anticipated wedding expenses for budgeting purposes indicating who traditionally pays for what, while keeping in mind nothing is set in stone:

(BF=Bride’s Family, B=Bride, G=Groom, GF=Groom’s Family)

Pre-Wedding:
First engagement party (BF)
Second engagement party (GF)
Rehearsal Dinner (GF)
Bridesmaids’ Luncheon (B)

Ceremony:
Marriage License (G)
Location Fee (BF)
Officiant’s Fee (G)
Ceremony Accessories (BF)

Reception:
Reception venue and rentals (BF)
Food and Service (BF)
Beverages (BF)
Cake (BF)

Attire for Bride and Groom:
Bride’s Dress and Alterations (BF)
Headpiece and Veil (BF)
Bridal Accessories (BF)
Hair, Nails, and Makeup (B)
Groom’s Tux (G)
Groom’s Accessories (G)

Flowers/Decorations:
Bride’s Bouquet (G)
Bridesmaids’ Bouquets (BF)
Mothers’ Flowers (G)
Groom/Groomsmen’s Boutonnieres (G)
Flower Girl’s Flowers (BF)
Additional Boutonnieres or Corsages (BF)
Reception Decorations (BF)
Ceremony Decorations (BF)
Favors (BF)

Music:
Ceremony Musicians (BF)
Reception Band/DJ (BF)

Photo/Video:
Photographer’s Fee (BF)
Videographer’s Fee (BF)
Additional Prints and Videos (BF)

Stationery:
Personal Stationery (B)
Invitations (BF)
Response Cards (BF)
Thank You Notes (BF)
Save the Date Cards (BF)
Announcements (BF)

Rings:
Her Ring (G)
His Ring (B)

Transportation/Lodging:
Limousines and Car Rental (BF)
Guest Shuttle/Car Parking (BF)
Honeymoon (G)

Gifts:
Gifts for Bridal Attendants (B)
Gifts for Groom’s Attendants (G)
Gifts for Parents (B,G)
Wedding gift for Newlyweds (BF, GF)
Wedding gift for Bride (G)
Wedding gift for Groom (B)

Wedding Attendants:
Wedding attendants are generally expected to pay for their own attire, travel, and lodging, as well as for the bachelorette/bachelor parties. However, if someone needs financial assistance and it’s important to have them to participate in the wedding, then the bridal couple usually helps to defray those costs, which would also need to be included in your budget.

© Charlene Davis 2006. All rights reserved worldwide.

Frugal Tips for Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love for family and friends. Demonstrate your affection for loved ones by using one or two of these frugal ideas:

• Put the kids to bed early and have a candlelit dinner in the privacy of your own home. Make it extra special by getting dressed up and using your fine china – even if its take out.

• If you really want to go out but don’t want to splurge on an expensive meal, just have coffee and dessert at your restaurant of choice.

• Although you may not be able to take a weekend getaway, you can still spend some time together at a local park, museum, or coffee shop. Visit some antique shops and stroll down memory lane of another era.

• Speaking of coffee shops, some offer live music and entertainment. Also check with local colleges and universities to see if they have any theatrical or music performances at a fraction of the cost – and sometimes free.

• Make up some gift certificates or coupons that the recipient can redeem for a complimentary back rub or special dessert.

• Write a love letter to your spouse or significant other. Give the kids a funny poem on the back of a printable Valentine’s Day coloring page.

• Create a scrapbook for your mom or favorite aunt with pictures and cherished mementos.

• Give a potted plant with a festive bow tied around the base as an alternative to expensive, cut flowers.

• Tuck a Valentine’s Day card, pencil, or treat in your child’s lunch box or backpack to remind them how much you love them.

• Make cupcakes or heart-shaped cookies with the kids on Valentine’s Day.
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Copyright 2010 Charlene Davis. All rights reserved.

Morning Timesavers for Busy Moms

• Shower at night: Not only does changing your routine save time in the morning, it also helps you to feel more relaxed at bedtime after the kiddies have gone to bed. If you’re worried about having bed-head the next morning, simply rewet your hair with a spray bottle filled with water and style as usual.

• Set out everyone’s clothes (including yours) the night before. This will avoid that empty-eyed staring at the closet first thing in the morning and the last minute rush to hurry up and iron a wrinkled blouse.

• Pack lunches and backpacks the night before. Keep the lunches in the fridge overnight and put the backpacks with the coats/hats/mittens/gloves by the door for a big swoop out-the-door exit strategy.

• Make a to-do list each night as a template for the following day. This will help to keep you on track so that you won’t feel overwhelmed or forget something important.

Tips on Keeping Your Family Healthy This Flu Season

During these cold, blustery, winter months, one of a parent’s biggest concerns is the influenza virus. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, cold weather does not cause colds or flu; however, the viruses that cause them tend to be more common during this time of year when children are in school and have closer contact with other kids. This is a big concern because children are generally more susceptible than adults to catching the cold or flu, which can develop into something more serious such as ear or sinus infections, bronchitis, or pneumonia. Taking a few preventive measures can greatly decrease your family’s chances of an infection from a cold or the flu:

• Teach your children to wash their hands several times a day to prevent the spread of infection. Encourage them to use warm, soapy water after using the restroom, playing with high-exposure toys, playing outside, and before eating. Use cleansing pads or hand sanitizer whenever clean water and soap are unavailable. However, use caution with hand sanitizers as several cases of alcohol poisoning in children from swallowing small amounts have been recorded.

• Another preventative tactic is to teach children to cough or sneeze into a tissue, or if one is unavailable into their elbow. This helps to keep their little hands slightly less germ free and reduces the chance of spreading cooties to others. Stuff a package of tissue into your child’s coat pocket or backpack so they will always have some on hand.

• Develop a germ phobia by disinfecting surfaces in your home that family members commonly touch such as counter and table tops, keyboards, remote controls, telephones, light switches, doorknobs, and handrails. And, of course, the bathroom. Throw plastic toys in the dishwasher to be sanitized, and stuffed animals in the washer. And no more sharing cups, food, silverware, or towels.

• Boosting a child’s immune system can help immensely in warding off an infection from a cold or flu virus. The best way to do this is by eating healthy, exercising, getting plenty of sleep, and drinking lots of fluids. Some people also prefer to give their children nutritional supplements such as Vitamin C, Zinc, or Echinacea. However, be sure to consult with your child’s pediatrician before administering any type of supplement.

By taking these steps to ward off germs and boost the immune system you can reduce the chances of catching the cold or flu. Proper hand washing, a healthy lifestyle, and preventative disinfecting can greatly help in this battle. And parents can help keep their families healthier this winter season.
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Copyright 2010 Charlene Davis. All rights reserved.