Burnout I overcame stress at work. Heres how you can too.

Burnout I overcame stress at work. Heres how you can too.Burnout I overcame stress at work. Heres how you can too.Have you ever felt overworked, stressed, or just plainburnedout at work?Youre not alone.As productivity has risen and technology has expanded the workweek,wages have failed to catch up. More than half of U.S.workers left vacation time unused in 2015, and surveys have shown that about two-thirds of U.S. workers eat lunch at their desks.If mora employees burn out, it could pose problems for individuals and organizations. As Quartz reported, arecent studyfound that burnout is responsible for up to half of workplace attrition. Think about that one of every two workers leaves his job because he just cant take the stress any more.Mark Gorkin, who coaches people on how to overcomestress and is the author ofPreserving Human Touch in a High Tech World, spoke to Ladders about his own experience with burnout and his suggestions for how companies and employees can address itin the wo rkplace.Ladders What is burnout?Gorkin Burnout is the gradual process by which a person detaches from work and other significant roles and relationships in response to excessive and prolonged stress and mental and physical strain. It results in low productivity, cynicism, confusion, and a feeling of being drainedand having nothing more to give.Have you ever experienced burnout?My first real experience welches as a doctoral student. I was trying to do something creative but off the academic wall. At that time in my life, I was immature, and I wasnt going to let anyone stifle my creativity. But I was being unrealistic, and I eventually burned out.What I learned is that there are different stages of burnout physical and mental exhaustion, shame and doubt, cynicism and callousness, and finally failure, helplessness, and crisis.I went through all of them, and I dropped out of the program.Why is burnouta problem in the workplace?Where do you spend most of your time? Most peoplespend more hours at work than anywhere else.We live in a driven and distracted world, and management is not taking enough time to really recognize the impact.One of the consequences is that people feel like theyre being used up. Wereconstantly doing more with less.There are also some people who feel like theyre doing the saatkorn thing over and over. They feel like theyre being underutilized and that their talents are not being given a chance.Burnout can be just the tip of the iceberg. If it goes on, it can cause people to call in sick more, feel distressed, become more passive aggressive, or engage in workplace sabotage.What can organizations do to prevent burnout?Good organizations allow people to have a sense of authority, autonomy, and accountability.The problem occurs when employees have a lot of accountability, but they feel that there isnt much authority or autonomy. When people feel that theyre in control, there are more stress-resilient.Organizations should encourage breaks and give t heir employees a chance to sit down and talk about burnout. They should ask Where are people feeling overloaded? How can we give you some support?The important thing is to address it not as an individual issue but as a structural issue.What can individuals do to beat burnout?Here are some steps I learned in my own personal recovery.1. ExerciseWhen I started feeling better, I started an exercise regime. Not only is exercise good for you, but it also gives you a sense of accomplishment and control. When youre feeling burned out, you need to create some rituals that give you a feeling of accomplishment and competence.2. LaughWhen youre experiencing burnout, after a while, your funny bone starts to atrophy. I read books, like TheCatcher in the Rye, that made me laugh. Watch Friends. Watch Seinfeld. Do something that helps you see the absurdity of life. Laughing helps you feel that youre not trapped in a black cloud.3. Reflect I took a personal retreat and took time to reflect on how I g ot myself in the burnout predicament. You might feel like youre in a great position and cant give it up, but rigid expectations are a formula for burnout.4. WriteWhat was really helpful for me was that I started writing. Research shows that when youre able to write things out, it can bestress-reducing.5. Reach outFind a stress buddy. Its easy to get caught up in the whole process.Find someone at work who will give you honest feedback.Once youve done these things, youll be ready to take more risks - whether that means speaking up in yourworkplace or saying that its time to move on.

An evolutionary approach to brainstorming

An evolutionary approach to brainstormingAn evolutionary approach to brainstormingPsychologist Barry Schwartz is best known for his immensely popular TED Talk and his book The Paradox of Choice. His latest book, Why We Work, dives into questions of motivation and meaningful work. He recently joined Ryan Hawk, host ofThe Learning Leader Show, to discuss what having too much of a good thing means for our digitally engaged world and how to stay engaged in an ever-changing economy.Ryan One of the topics I wanted to touch on was your book titled Why We Work. It really answers the question of what motivates us to work. What was the thesis behind that book?Barry Theres an ideology in American society - in fruchtwein industrial societies - that we work for pay. As long as people are paid adequately, what you have them do doesnt matter. Then you can just organize work in the most efficient way possible.This has been governing the development of industrial production for two hundred and fift y years. I think its false. So I wrote the book to try to indicate that getting paid is just one small part of why people work. They want to be engaged, they want to be challenged, they want autonomy, they want to be able to make their own decisions about how to spend their time, they want to be engaged with other people, and they want to be doing something that they think makes a difference. All these things matter, but if you create a workplace where none of these things are available, then indeed you will be creating people who just work for pay.Theres a lot of evidence out there that when you have enlightened workplaces, people do better work. Nonetheless, the overwhelming majority of people around the world are either unengaged or actively disengaged from the work that they do. So were having a big negative impact on the quality of peoples lives, and were also leaving money on the table, because were not getting the most engaged and productive work we could.Ryan Leaders of orga nizations often say Hey, we need to bring together some of our brightest minds within this company to come up with a great new idea in brainstorming sessions. Im curious about how we can potentially improve our filters for this, because some of the items will be truly valuable and relevant, and some will not. How do we improve idea creation within a group of people? And also minimize second-guessing if they decide not to use someones idea?Barry I think second-guessing in a context like this is a good thing. Were going to be wrong most of the time when were trying to push in a new direction, or imagine what the future demands of us. Evolution provides a good analogy. Evolutionary change is largely driven by genetic mutation. The overwhelming majority of the time, these mutations are not adaptive improvements. Theyre a failure- so most genetic mutations lead to death. But when they work, we evolve. The mantra in Silicon Valley is to fail fast- they dont mind if people fail, they just dont want to invest a huge amount of time and resources in innovations that end up being useless.If you are trying to see into the future, you just have to expect that most of the time, what you see wont actually appear. Its not a waste to brainstorm and come up with ideas that dont work. The things you reject influence the direction that you take with the things that you accept.I also think that its a bad idea in general to sit down with your people and say, Now we have to come up with something new. I would much rather have organizations asking what the world actually needs, and then figuring out how to provide it. What made Google such an extraordinary achievement is that they diagnosed a real problem, and then they solved it. And they solved it in a way that was far better than anyone could ever have dreamt possible. If you sit down with your organization and ask yourself, What does the world need, and how can we provide it?, even the failures are worth pursuing.RyanWhat do you think is the future of work?Kevin Kelly, and other futurists that Ive spoken with, have stated that the world will be full of contractors, meaning that individuals will work for six different companies at the exact same time. What are your thoughts on that?BarryWell, who knows? That seems to be possible, and the question is, Is this good or bad? Whats good about it is that people really get to pick and choose what kind of work they do, and who they do it for. Whats bad is that it creates people as isolated islands.There is no community that theyre a part of.We get a lot of our community connection from the people we work with, and if youre a contractor, the people you work with today and the people you work with tomorrow are going to be different people.There are a lot of people at this transitional moment who increasingly are able to work from home- they save the commute, they can work in their pajamas, there are lots of things about it that are fantastic. But what happens after a while they discover that they feel isolated- they miss the social content.Now, as Ivesaid before in connection with verrotten media, people adapt. The young generation may solve all those problems.This article was originally published on Heleo.

Avoid These Career Regrets for Job Satisfaction

Avoid These Career Regrets for Job SatisfactionAvoid These Career Regrets for Job Satisfaction0In the 21st century, we have more freedom than ever in terms of how we manage our careers. Theoretically, this should lead to fewer regrets when its all said and done. But unterstellung five regrets remain career pitfalls for many, and you would be wise to reflect upon them before making your next career move. Avoiding these career regrets will help you find job satisfaction.I should have given my dream a fair shot Those who yearn to pursue a talent or launch a business often dont take the plunge because they fear risk and/or failure. This feeling is legitimate, but it can be countered by taking one small step toward your dream at a time.I should have quit a long time ago You might be holding on to an unsatisfying or emotionally draining job because the economy has limited your options and you need the money, but be wary of staying in such a position for years. You spend more time working t han doing anything else, so it shouldnt make you miserable. Heres how to quit your job.I should have taken responsibility for my own happiness Passive individuals pursue the path of least resistance. However, they later wish theyd taken control and been more proactive about their professional growth. If youre waiting around for your boss to appreciate you or another employer to hand you a better opportunity, you should remember that no one has the power to change your life or reinvent your career for the better but you.I should have focused less on money Its terrific if a job pays well, but that job must have other positive attributes as well. It doesnt matter how much money you have in the bank If theres no time to spend it and nothing meaningful to spend it on, its worthless. Among professionals, this tends to be one of the largest career regrets.I should have spent less time working At the end of life, you rarely hear seniors saying they wish they had spent more time at the offic e. Rather, they regret lost weekends with their families and missed childhood milestones. When managing your career, always keep in mind whats truly important.Readers, do you have any career regrets? How have you overcome them to find job satisfaction, or what would you do differently in the future?

How I found the meaning of life in a Japanese garden

How I found the meaning of life in a Japanese gardenHow I found the meaning of life in a Japanese gardenWherever you are, you are on the righttrack.My wife and I are not fans of Chicagos weather. But, we dont complain. Weve been living here for over six years now. When the winter finally goes away, we love to celebrate.Thats precisely what we did this morning?- ?we went for a long walk at the Chicago Botanic Garden. We wanted to kiss winter goodbye.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moraThe Japanese garden is one of ur favorites parts. Its full of life metaphors. A reminder that nothing is an accident.Japanese garden designs are very deliberate?- ?every modul has purpose and meaning.Wandering around those trails is an invitation to reflect on the path of life.Traveler, your footprints are the road, nothing else.Traveler, there is no roadyou make your own path as you walk.As you walk, y ou make your own road,and when you look backyou see the path you will never travelagain.- AntonioMachadoExperiencing a Japanese garden requires all your senses?- ?just like life. You dont need to be an expert to appreciate its meaning.You Cant HurryLifeGardens map our minds?- ?the way we see the world is how we treat nature.In the 18th Century, European gardens design followedthe premisethat things planted should reflect the shape of things built. Symmetrical and geometrical forms characterized the gardens of the French Renaissance?- ?they became an extension of the chteaux.Unlike their European counterparts, Japanese gardens adapt to the changing nature of life?- ?they dont want to control it.As Japanese landscape designer Shiro Nakane toldArchitectural Digest, the goal is not to make a new nature but to make a copy of existing, desirable nature.The design principles of a Japanese garden are asymmetry, enclosure, borrowed scenery, balance, and symbolism. The mora natural and harmo nious the design, the more conducive is to contemplation.Japanese gardens remind us to stay on the most natural path?- ?they capture the essence of life.1. Find YourPathThe more we try to find lifes meaning, the more lost we feel.We cannot force our path?- ?it must come naturally.When building a public park, the walkway is the last thing Japanese design. Rather than having someone decide which is therightpath, they let people walk freely. After some time, by looking at where the grass is worn away, they realized where people walked?- ?and then pave those paths.The path is your friend?- ?if you cant find it, it will find you.As Osho said, Dont seek, dont search, dont ask, dont knock, dont demand?- ?relax.We were raised to anticipate events. But, our existence is not predictable. We cannot write our life script in advance. Japanese gardens are intended to be viewed while walking along. Instead of trying to anticipate the journey, enjoy it.Dont force your path, grow with the flow.2. Ch ange Your Pace, Change Your PerspectiveDesigning a Japanese garden is amindful exercise?- ?it helps travelers increase their focus.A narrow path made of uneven stones makes us slow down. We become more aware of our surroundings. Large, open pathways encourage us to look up and around the garden while walking.Sansho-Enis a stroll-style garden. Its designed in a way that makes us walk around. It provides a full experience rather than viewing it from one single place.Confucius said, Dont curse the darkness, light a candle.As you stroll along, you move from one scene to another. The views are designed and composed carefully. As you travel through the garden, you can appreciate a new scene.3. Happiness Is a DistantIllusionLife always feels happier on the other side.The Chicago Botanic Garden has an island that looks at the Japanese park. Its calledHoraijima?- ?the Island of Everlasting Happiness.Horaijima represents paradise?- ?a place inaccessible to mortals. Just like happiness, its bo th beautiful and unattainable. It has no bridges or pathways. We must contemplate it and enjoy it only at a distance.Eric Hoffer said, The search for happiness is one of the chief sources of unhappiness.Life is about appreciating our grass rather than thinking that someone elses is greener. We enjoy observing the island even if we cannot visit it.4. Life Is Not Linear?- ?ZigZagThe shortest path is not always the smartest route. Getting faster to the wrong destination is pointless. Finding your lifes purpose requires time and appreciation. You dont need to rush.Japanese zigzag bridges force people to slow down. They make us appreciate the garden from different angles?- ?linear paths constraint our perspectives.Life is not a straight line. Sometimes we must pivot, take a turn, or zigzag. When we change our perspective, we get a more positive outlook. Instead of getting stuck, we uncover new possibilities.As Pema Chdrn said, Nothing ever goes away until it has taught us what we need to know.Japanese design avoids straight lines?- ?it softens the edges by emphasizing free forms and organic shapes. Instead of providing shortcuts, it encourages us to find our way around.5. Wisdom IsBeautyIn Japan, age is strongly revered, unlike Western cultures.Often, Japanese landscapers prune young pine trees to give the illusion of age. Their branches are tied down, so they grow as if time has turned them that way. Foliage is also pruned to slow growth.Aging makes things grow and develop in better shapes.As I like to say, people are like wines?- ?the good ones get better as they age the schwimmbad ones turn into vinegar.We are born innocent. Kids are driven by curiosity?- ?that drives them to learn and discover the world. As we grow up, we become more competitive. We want to be smarter, faster, richer, younger than others?- ?we see others as beat competitors.Wisdom is realizing that our role in life is not to defeat others. We are here to grow with the help of others and help ot hers grow.Peter Thiel said, Competition is for losers.When you want to beat other people, you set yourself up for failure. Wisdom is about improving yourself?- ?you accept your flaws and imperfections.Japanese gardens unleash the beauty in aging and imperfection?- ?thats the essence of human nature.6. Appreciate ImpermanceThe seasons represent a change in our life.Nothing is permanent. The flowering trees of spring symbolize youth. The color of autumn leaves reminds us of the sadness of passing time. In winter, snow accentuates and complements the shapes, textures, and shadows of trees and rocks.Change is inevitable. The seasons remind us that we cannot control time.Meister Eckhart wrote, Only the hand that erases can write the true thing.Each season provides a unique experience. We must learn to adapt and enjoy instead of resisting nature.Japanese gardens usually have bridges that have no paint, no varnish. They are allowed to weather and age naturally. This exemplifies the Japanes e concept ofwabi-sabi beauty in aging and imperfection.7. Make Room for ContemplationMost Japanese gardens are enclosed to further the notion of their being smaller worlds of their own. Either by having fences or being surrounded by water, they are connected yet isolated from the world.We all need to create a tranquil environment for contemplation.Japanese gardens remind us to slow down, to take distance. Stillness is a crucial element in Zen gardens. When we arefully present, we can contemplate what everyone else is missing. We start appreciating things, people, and experiences.Protect your personal time. Go for a walk. Meditate. Read. Keep a journal. Choose whatever activity helps you reflect and gain peace of mind.Lao Tzu said, Do you have the patience to wait until your mud settles and the water is clearTime provides an extra dimension. It creates a space for contemplation. When the mud settles, we can see our lifemore clearly. Protect your private space?- ?make room for reflect ion.Your Life Is aMetaphorYou wont find the meaning of life in a dictionary. It cannot be defined. You wont find it in a motivational quote either.The more you try to rationalize your existence, the more youll get lost. Rational thinking wont help you discover your path. Life is a metaphor?- ?you wont understand it with a black and white approach.What we see is not what we get. We must learn to observe beyond.Zen Buddhists design dry gardens to represent our wandelbar nature.Garden rocks symbolize mountains. White gravel and sand represent water. While circles are a metaphor for enlightenment. Trees symbolize perseverance?- ?they remind us of endurance and strength.Understanding life requires to observe beyond what you see?- ?find the metaphor.Life is not just what we see. Instead of getting stuck when something goes wrong, find its meaning. What is that particular event trying to tell you? What can you learn from that experience?Design your life as if it was a Japanese garden. Disc over it?- ?dont force it. The more natural and harmonious the path, the more meaningful it will become.Please stay on your path. Enjoy your walk.Im a change instigator helping people and organizations createpositive change. I advise, write, and speak on team development and culture transformation. Receive myweekly insightsor follow me onLinkedIn.This article first appeared on Medium.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

Top Levels of Language Proficiency Resume Choices

Top Levels of Language Proficiency Resume Choices As a way to be fluent, youve got to be in a position to do certain things. A fair quantity of homework is expected. There are a lot of tests available that give results based on the assorted scales, so the very best move is probably to pick an exam depending on the scale you want to use (and, obviously, the language youre learning). An integral point is it is far better to be more conservative rather than less conservative. The capability to speak different foreign languages will always be thought of as a strong point no matter the parteicular needs of the work position. You should compose your statement in a sense that produces the recruiter see the way the skill will profit the business. A lot of people get to this level following a few years of study in an environment thats lacking in auditory input. So if youre very fluent, I mean if youre at university level, youre likely to know many more words than someone who can only read at a grade three level. Vital Pieces of Levels of Language Proficiency Resume Our CV Sample can help you find the best method of showcasing your language abilities and boost your odds of being selected for the job youve always desired. Resume language skills are the same. There are instances when it could make sense to depart from your language skills off your CV. Even at first stages of language acquisition, it is very important to ask students to generate meaningful work. Use the self-assessment tools to learn your level in every language you speak. To provide the employer a better idea about your language knowledge, include what youve done employing the language in preceding jobs or associated experiences. The Hidden Gem of Levels of Language Proficiency Resume All applicants that are awarded a FLAS must submit a FAFSA form. In linguistic terms, proficiency doesnt translate to the exact meaning as fluent. Students who dont meet the English language proficiency r equirements are qualified for admission just to the ESOL program should they meet the Accuplacer ESL testing requirements. This permits a teacher to pinpoint what level of material is acceptable for each student, and which students need additional instruction or remedial teaching to be able to excel. Starting at a greater level will produce the procedure too challenging and it will likewise create the teachers job of reaching the learner problematic. You should first rate your degree of proficiency so that you may accurately present it in your resume. There are various degrees of language proficiency. Make certain to include a level descriptor too. Choosing Levels of Language Proficiency Resume Is Simple Quite simply, it may not deal with a gap in learners knowledge. Writing often plays a crucial part inside this exploration and offers a humanizing lens whereby students may observe each others experiences. Once people have acquired a fantastic grasp of the language, they gene rally have the vocabulary and thus the confidence which they can begin to develop the capability to speak. The candidates can chat or mail the internet tutors in the event of any doubt or clarification. The Nuiances of Levels of Language Proficiency Resume Following that, as you note, it will get somewhat fuzzy. Theres also a Review section at the conclusion of the class. It might be unbelievably awkward and embarrassing In case it starts to look like its unreasonable I will contact you personally. The Characteristics of Levels of Language Proficiency Resume A cv or resume is critical for every single student for virtually any job be it a part-time job or the beginning of your career. On account of the information technology revolution, significant quantities of manual jobs are automated. When writing your CV, it is necessary to demonstrate your very best side and not be scared to present your accomplishments. If it doesnt directly relate to company organization, location s or your career goals then it could be better to leave this information off your resume. The Libraries electronic collection involves a growing number of zugreifbar journals. Then make a list of your matching skills that you are able to incorporate in your resume. An internet search can help you to locate programs to in which to participate. You need to have a particular languages section which gives more comprehensive info on your ability. Reaching your utmost potential is the greatest aim of body-building training, but starting with the appropriate weight is the most essential preliminary step to acquire stronger each day. Theres no minimum or maximum amount of priority standards to assign to every unit. Its also simple for every person to pursue from the course from anywhere with an online connection and prevent the hassles of spending time, money and energy generally associated with commuting. Classroom visits on the first couple of days of school show a few of their suggestions in action.

Top Resume Skills Scientific Writing Guide!

Top Resume Skills Scientific Writing Guide 1 other method to describe hard skills is that theyre quantifiable or measurable. Soft abilities, on the flip side, arent simple to quantify. Hard abilities, on the flip side, might be taught and learned on the way. Technical skills are either something youve got or you dont, but theyre always something which youre able to learn. The War Against Resume Skills Scientific Writing Your skills section stipulates a window into how much capability it is possible to bring to the organization. Essentially, a skill is anything that youre good at. Perhaps your skill set is entirely different. Hard skills can be classified in various ways, based on your job title. Resume Skills Scientific Writing Fundamentals Explained Most research assistants are graduate students, but in addition, there are cases when undergraduate students might have the chance to become involved with research assistant work. As soon as you determine the skills you need to concentrate on, do a bit of research and binnensee whether they line up with job requirements listed for the positions youre seeking. My skills include having the capability to conduct interviews with distinctive professionals, so as to get the info necessary to complete writing projects. Analytical skills are the ability to collect information, visualize and solve complex in addition to simple issues with the information available. A specialist writer whos qualified in your field can deliver a distinctive and high-quality document only in a couple of days. The education section of your resume is the ideal place to display your academic credentials. Make sure somewhere in your resume, whether in your prior work experience or within a dedicated skills section, you mention your unique regions of industry expertise. Written language skills are an essential part of many positions in nearly every business. The Nuiances of Resume Skills Scientific Writing Writing and editing i s a rather extensive category. Excellent editing still takes a menschenwrdig being. Also, if youre interested in a designer job, ensure you know about graphic design resume writing tips Writing and editing need a lot of interrelated abilities, and its tough to understand what to include. List all the skills which you have. Key skills are work-related skills that you want to do a job. You should concentrate on transferable skills you have which are similar. 3 First, you must select the best skills for your resume.

Exotic Bird Breeder Information

Exotic Bird Breeder InformationExotic Bird Breeder InformationExotic bird breeders are animal breeders that produce and sell a wide variety of avian species including parrots, canaries, and finches. Duties The usual duties for exotic bird breeders include cleaning and maintaining cages, preparing and distributing food, providing nesting materials, monitoring behavior, administering medications, treating minor injuries, and keeping detailed health and breeding records. Some breeders also choose to offer hand-raised young birds (which are removed from the nest and raised by the breeder). Hand-raised birds have become increasingly popular, as this rearing technique results in pet birds that are extremely well socialized for human interaction. Hand-raising involves a significant full-time commitment to feeding young birds around the clock, and this skill is best learned under the close supervision of another breeder who is experienced with the technique. Bird breeders must be familiar wi th the specific needs of the species that they are producing, including special nutritional requirements and nesting preferences. Knowledge of avian genetics can prove particularly useful if a breeder is seeking to produce certain prized color variations or mutations. Exotic bird breeders work closely with veterinarians to ensure that all animals used in and produced by their breeding programs are kept healthy and happy. They may also have their birds microchipped by a veterinarian for permanent identification purposes. Exotic bird breeders also may exhibit their birds at events such exotic bird shows and fairs. Attending these events is a great way to market birds to a large target audience and can also provide networking opportunities with other breeders in the business. Career Options Many exotic bird breeders specialize by producing one or just a few specific breeds. Popular species include Parakeets, Cockatiels, Lovebirds, Cockatoos, African Greys, Finches, Canaries, Amazon s, and Macaws. Some breeders offer hand fed birds for sale, while others offer offspring raised solely by the parent birds. Education and Training While no specific degree or training is required to begin a career as an exotic bird breeder, those with significant avian experience will be best prepared to begin a breeding program. Some exotic bird breeders have been formally trained with a background in animal science, zoology, ornithology, or veterinary medicine. Other breeders start out by raising birds as a hobby and later decide to develop the hobby into a business. No matter what the background of the aspiring bird breeder, they should be particularly familiar with avian anatomy, physiology, reproduction, genetics, nutrition, and behavior. It is also advisable to seek out an experienced mentor to consult for advice on setting up a breeding program and dealing with any problems that might arise with the birds. There are many bird breed associations, on both the national and l ocal level, which can provide additional training and guidance on setting up bird breeding businesses. These organizations can also put you in touch with experienced breeders that can provide the quality breeding pairs needed to get a new business started. The American Federation of Aviculture (AFA) offers two courses in the fundamentals of aviculture. The first level course has nine chapters covering anatomy, behavior, health care, housing, and legal considerations for bird businesses. The second level course has fifteen chapters covering nesting, genetics, incubation, illnesses, hand-feeding, and other advanced topics. The AFA courses qualify for continuing education credits for veterinarians and veterinary technicians. Salary An exotic bird breeders salary can vary widely based on the type of birds they breed, the number of breeding pairs they maintain, and their reputation in the industry. As each pair of birds only produces a few eggs per clutch, multiple pairs may be neces sary to secure an income that is steady and substantial. Additionally, the larger parrots command significantly higher retail prices than smaller birds. Breeders may choose to sell the offspring of their breeding pairs in a variety of ways. Most either sell their birds directly to individuals as pets or they supply them to resellers such as pet stores. Some exotic bird breeders operate their business as a part-time endeavor, with bird sales profits serving as a supplement to the income that they earn through a full-time position in another industry. Job Outlook According to the 2011-2012 American Pet Product Manufacturers Association (APPMA) pet survey, 5.7 million American households own at least one pet bird. The same APPMA pet survey indicated that 16.2 million birds are kept as pets in the United States. The market for exotic birds is expected to show continued strength as parrots and other birds remain popular pet choices.

3 Easy Steps to Start Branding Yourself as a Job Seeker

3 Easy Steps to Start Branding Yourself as a Job Seeker3 Easy Steps to Start Branding Yourself as a Job Seeker3 Easy Steps to Start Branding Yourself as a Job SeekerDo all of your professional materials tell a consistent professional story? Here are the first steps you can take to ensure it. TWEETIf youve been on the job market for any length of time, you may have leidiced the term branding more and more often in reference to your job search. Unless you come from a marketing background this can be mystifying, if not overwhelming. Fear not, its really not as esoteric as it sounds and there probably are things you are already doing right. As a job seeker your brand, simply stated, is you. Think of yourself as a solution to a problem your potential employer is having - a solution for which they are willing to pay handsomely Your mission is to make sure your customer (that is, employer) is aware of what you can do for them. There are many ways to inform people about yourself three main o nes are your resume, your social media profile, and your references or network. All these will hopefully lead to an interview, where you present yourself in person.What is a brand and why is it important?Imagine you were planning a nice evening out for dinner and were looking for the perfect restaurant. You might start out with a Google search for restaurants in your area. The impression you gain from various websites, word of mouth and the degree to which all your sources are consistent, will impact how confident you are in choosing the restaurant.The saatkorn is true of your brand. You want to make sure that you have a clear desired job target in mind and that all of your marketing collateral portrays you in the same light. To do this, you must manage your social media presence to be consistent and focused and ensure that your referral network and references are current and up to date with your career goals. What steps can you take to accomplish this?Step One Create a strong resum e.This starts with a specific career goal. Next you need to craft a powerful statement detailing what you bring to your future employer as well as a concise, chronological listing of your previous positions (for the last ten years) and your accomplishments. Your resume is your primary marketing document so its essential to get it as contemporary and professional as possible to best reflect you.Step Two Establish or upgrade your social media presence.LinkedIn is a primary career site where you should make sure your profile enhances your resume in content and professionalism. Remember, be consistent If you are in a conservative field, use a conservative, professional headshot for your profile no exceptions. It is distracting at best and a deal breaker at worst if your LinkedIn profile does not match and enhance your resume.Step Three Follow up with your references.Reach out to your referral network and references to be sure they have copies of your most current resume and your job ta rget. In case it doesnt go without saying, always ask permission before using someone as a reference and if its been more than five years since you asked, ask again.These are the first three steps you should take towards building a strong and consistent brand. After you have completed these, there are more. You can expand to other social media sites, Google, search engine optimization and more if you like, but to start, all you need to do is build a great resume, great social media profile and a good referral or reference base.Let TopResume help you write the next chapter of your career. Heres how.

Air Force Drug and Alcohol Abuse Program

Air Force Drug and Alcohol Abuse ProgramAir Force Drug and Alcohol Abuse ProgramInformation derived from AFPAM36-2241V1 andAir Force Instruction 44-121. Members of the Air Force are held to the highest standards of discipline and behavior, both on and off duty. Individuals who experience problems related to substance abuse (SA) will receive counseling and treatment as needed however, all Air Force members are held accountable for unacceptable behavior. Air Force policy is to prevent drug abuse among its personnel. Failing this, the Air Force is responsible for identifying and treating drug abusers and disciplining or discharging those who use or promote illegal or improper use of drugs. The Air Force has an integrated set of policies and programs that have evolved over 20 years for substance abuse to help with the prevention and the treatment of SA.The Air Force Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment (ADAPT) and Demand Reduction (DR) programs include substance abuse preventi on, education, treatment, and urinalysis testing. ADAPT Program Objectives The objectives for the ADAPT program are laid out in the Air Force Instruction 44-121 document Promote readiness, health, and wellness through the prevention and treatment of substance misuse and abuse.Minimize the negative consequences of substance misuse and abuse to the individual, family, and organization.Provide comprehensive education and treatment to individuals who experience problems attributed to substance misuse or abuse.Restore function and return identified substance abusers to unrestricted duty status or to assist them in their transition to civilian life, as appropriate. Policy on Drug Abuse Drug abuse is defined as the wrongful, illegal or illicit use of a controlled substance, prescription medication, over-the-counter medication or intoxicating substance (other than alcohol) or the possession, distribution or introduction onto a military installation of any controlled substance. Wrong ful means without legal justification or excuse and includes use contrary to the directions of the manufacturer or prescribing healthcare provider (prescription medication may only be taken by the individual for whom the prescription was written) and use of any intoxicating substance elend intended for human ingestion (for example, inhalants such as markers, gas, paint, glue, etc.). Air Force members are also prohibited from possessing, selling, or using drug paraphernalia. Illegal or improper use of drugs by an Air Force member is a serious breach of discipline, is incompatible with service in the Air Force, and automatically places the members continued service in jeopardy. The Air Force does not tolerate such conduct therefore, drug abuse can lead to criminal prosecution resulting in a punitive discharge or administrative actions, including, separation or discharge under other than honorable conditions. Steroid Abuse in the Air Force Steroids are synthetic substances related to the male hormone testosterone. These substances have two effects the androgenic, which causes the body to become more male, even if the user is female and the anabolic, which builds tissue.The illicit use of anabolic steroids by military members is an offense punishable under the UCMJ. Air Force personnel involved with steroids will be treated in the same manner as with any other illicit drug use. Policy on Alcohol Abuse The Air Force recognizes alcoholism as a preventable, progressive, treatable, and noncompensable disease that affects the entire family. Alcohol abuse negatively affects public behavior, duty wertzuwachs, and/or physical and mental health. Air Force policy is to prevent alcohol abuse and alcoholism among its personnel and their family members. Air Force members must always maintain Air Force standards of behavior, performance, and discipline. Failure to meet these standards is based on demonstrated unacceptable performance and conduct, rather than solely on t he use of alcohol. Commanders must respond to unacceptable behavior or performance with appropriate corrective actions. Identifying Substance Abusers There are five methods for identifying substance abusers Medical Care ReferralsMedical personnel must notify the unit commander and the ADAPT Program manager (ADAPTPM) when a member Is observed, identified or suspected to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.Receives treatment for an injury or illness that may be the result of SA.Is suspected of abusing substances.Is admitted as a patient for alcohol or drug detoxification. Commanders IdentificationUnit commanders must refer all service members for assessment when substance use is suspected to be a contributing factor in any incident, such as reporting to duty under the influence, public intoxication, driving while intoxicated (DUI or DWI), spouse or child abuse and maltreatment and others. Drug TestingThe Air Force conductsdrug testingof personnel according to AFI 44-120,Dr ug Abuse Testing Program. All military personnel are subject to testing regardless of grade, status or position. Military members may receive an order or voluntarily consent to provide urine samples at any time. Military members who fail to comply with an order to provide a urine sample are subject to punitive action under the UCMJ. Commanders must refer individuals identified positive as a result of drug testing for a SA assessment. Medical PurposesResults of any examination conducted for a valid medical purpose including emergency medical treatment, periodic physical examination and other such examinations necessary for diagnostic or treatment purposes may be used to identify drug abusers. Results may be used to refer a member for a SA evaluation, as evidence to support disciplinary action under the UCMJ, or administrative discharge action. These results may also be considered on the issue of characterization of discharge in separation proceedings. Self-IdentificationAir Force mem bers with SA problems are encouraged to seek assistance from the unit commander, first sergeant, SA counselor or a military medical professional.Self-identification is reserved for members who are not currently under investigation or pending action as a result of an alcohol-related incident. An Air Force member may voluntarily disclose evidence of personal drug use or possession to the unit commander, first sergeant, SA counselor or a military medical professional. Commanders will grant limited protection for Air Force members who reveal this information with the intention of entering treatment. Commanders may not use voluntary disclosure against a member in an action under the UCMJ or when weighing characterization of service in a separation. Disclosure is not voluntary if the Air Force member has previously been Apprehended for drug involvement.Placed under investigation for drug abuse. The day and time when a member is considered placed under investigation is determined by the ci rcumstances of each individual case.Ordered to give a urine sample as part of the drug-testing program in which the results are still pending or have been returned as positive.Advised of a recommendation for administrative separation for drug abuse.Entered into treatment for drug abuse. Self-identified members will enter the ADAPT assessment process and will be held to the same standards as others entering SA education, counseling and treatment programs. Separation and Discharge for Substance Abuse Separation or discharge based on substance abuse may be recommended by commanders. A recommendation is based on documentation that reflects a failure to meet Air Force standards. Discharge may be recommended if a member with an alcohol problem refuses to take part in the ADAPT Program or fails to complete treatment successfully, though unsuccessful completion of the ADAPT Program cannot be based solely upon failure to maintain abstinence if abstinence has been established as a treatme nt goal or requirement.