by cjxpadmin | Apr 1, 2012 | Job Readiness, Spring 2016 Magazine, This Issue's FEATURE
You not only think outside of the box, you operate to its left. You have always been one to find a way around a problem that no one has ever thought of before. If not, then, it’s a skill you can learn! There are always ways to get something done and with a little practice, you can think creatively as well!
Solve a puzzle.
We at the office know that putting the pieces of anything together doesn’t always mean stress-free. It does, however, force you to look at different shapes and figure out how they go together. Much of problem solving is exactly that. You are fitting different parts to make a cohesive whole and a puzzle forces you to look at objects in a different way — to see how you can best make them fit. This is a soft skill you can take with you anywhere.
Curiosity.
Read up on a new subject. Outside of broadening your horizons, it gives you another reference you can mentally pull up when deciding what to do about a problem. So you read an article in a newspaper about how butterflies and birds migrate with a natural GPS system. You’re camping and you get lost, you see a butterfly and remember that they use an innate GPS system to migrate. Wait, you brought your phone and it has a GPS emergency signal; you’re as good as saved! All of this only took your head seconds to process. The mind is constantly pulling references in a “six degree of separation” manner in the heads of creative people. Scary, but effective.
Don’t be afraid to be different.
If you have an idea that is different from ones that others have, just say it! Clearly, the same-old same-old isn’t working. If it was, then you wouldn’t still be searching for an idea.
Your idea just might be the one that propels your company into an entirely different and much needed direction. Don’t be afraid. There is nothing that says you can’t speak up. Don’t stifle your creativity, by trying to be like everyone else. There are times to fit in and there are times that you need to break away.
Enjoy yourself.
Most creative people are happy to be creative. They smile and they laugh a lot. For those of us who are not always elbow deep in acrylic paint, we need to find another way of finding out joy. Maybe your joy is to organize bookshelves or organizing the life out of your closet. Whatever it is, just do it! You are more likely to come up with a creative solution when you’re relaxed.
Surround yourself with colors.
You do not have to be rainbow-bright to get the creative benefits of color. Start off small and get a colorful letter opener. Maybe you can get a book of postcards you can thumb through with impressionist paintings. Does that cup towel have chartreuse oranges on them? Grab it and bake some cookies. These little surprises remind you that there are other ways to do things that you may not have thought of before.
Beef up your sense of adventure.
No, we’re not asking you to go on an African Safari. But perhaps a trip to the library to learn about a foreign country is in order. There’s a new store in town. Check it out! You might see something you never knew you wanted! Take a day trip to the nearest small town or big city. It’s all about expanding your mind and letting the possibilities come to you. And that’s way easier when you are at a new place with new possibilities
Being creative is something that is inside everyone.
If you open yourself up, you can find creative solutions to anything.
And this brings us to our last bit of advice.
Do not be afraid.
You won’t know until you try, and trying is the most important part of the creative solution process. Enjoy life!
by cjxpadmin | Apr 1, 2012 | Job Search, Spring 2016 Magazine, This Issue's FEATURE
The art of self-control is an art form that many would benefit from learning — even ourselves. So to help you and us, we researched some ways to bolster your innate ability to say no to temptation. We know you’ll thank us later for teaching you not to eat that last cookie. You won’t like us, but we’re sure you’ll thank us!
Start small.
Don’t eat that last cookie. Say no to that extra pen at the doctor’s office. Put that last file down at the end of the day. By starting with small things, it gets us used to saying no. So often, we’re so used to being conciliatory to our own sense of want that we forget that we don’t need to have or do something just because it’s out there. You have hundreds of clothes, okay? That last dress can stay on the rack. Yes, Gucci neckties are awesome, but you have run up your credit card from the last 10 you purchased. You won’t miss anything by not having that item encrusted with all the diamonds.
Think about how badly you really want something.
You want to learn to speak French, but you haven’t spoken to anyone who speaks French. You are listening to Japanese language tapes which is a language you already know, not even ordering French Fries. You are not doing anything that precludes you learning French. If you really want to do something, you will expose yourself to things that get you closer to your goal. Get a pen pal that speaks the language. Introduce yourself to different types of art. By immersing yourself in things that are associated to your goal, you re-affirm what you want and are more likely to work toward that goal.
Glucose may be the culprit.
Replace your unhealthy snacks with things that are healthy and keep them close at hand. Your glucose level affects many brain functions and will help you to mentally keep your eye on the prize. So, when in doubt, grab some celery sticks or hard candy and work out the problem in your head.
If at first you don’t succeed….
Okay, so you didn’t get it the first time around or the fourth. Keep going. Re-group and figure out where you went wrong. Practice makes perfect. Each time you say no, you’ve won another victory. Just take it one day at a time. Trying to rush will make you crash and burn, then you feel guilty. Eventually, you will work out whatever magical formula you need to reach your goal.
Surround yourself with positive influences.
We cannot stress enough the need to remain positive. If you keep your head up and smile, you can get through any situation. There are days when it may seem hopeless, but if you keep going with that positive attitude, you’ll get there. So, by keeping your surrounding positive, it’ll be that much easier to reach your goal.
Distract yourself.
If you find yourself staring longingly at that unnecessary snowball filled with Ren and Stimpy playing in the snow, walk away and go somewhere else. Go grab a quick snack. Call a friend and tell them about your day. Anything it takes to get your mind off of that which you are trying to stay away from. Eventually you won’t need the distraction at all.
Everyone can benefit from a little more WILL POWER.
Everyone has goals they want to meet. With just a little perseverance, we can get there. With a little will power, we can get there even faster!
by cjxpadmin | Apr 1, 2012 | Hanging Closet, Job Readiness, Spring 2016 Magazine
What The Codes Mean:
I know. You hear the word dress code and something inside you inwardly cringes. The very words make you want to rise against the establishment, rage against the machine, and all of that noise. But, dress codes are a part of life that we all have to live with. They don’t have to be restrictive; you just have to know what you can and cannot do so that you can make the dress code
your own. You have to know the rules before you can break them after all!
Black Tie – Think social gatherings and fine dining!
For men: This means a tuxedo. A dark or black suit is not ‘as good’ for a black tie event. Unfortunately, for men this isn’t going to be one of those times you are going to have a lot of room to express your individualism. A simple, classic tuxedo with black bow tie is exactly what you’re looking for.
For women: This means elegance. Think long gowns, although a very nice cocktail dress would work also! If you’ve been looking for an excuse to go to a salon… you are in luck! Visit your hairdresser, talk to your nail tech, or whoever helps you dazzle a crowd! Don’t forget jewelry!
- As a side note, you may or may not run into what some call White Tie. This is not the same as black tie; it is very specific about what men and women can and can’t wear. You won’t see this term often, but I wanted to include it just in case you run into it.
- Men: A tailcoat, white vest, white shirt and white bow tie.
- Women: Beaded gowns. If you have a stylist or buyer, they may need a call. think super formal weddings and awards.
Black Tie Invited – This means social gatherings and fine dining where a tuxedo or gown is not completely necessary!
For men: Your host would love for you to wear a tuxedo, but you will not be turned away if you aren’t. However, the only other real option is a dark (black) suit and tie.
Any less formal and you will stick out like a sore thumb.
For women: This is pretty much the same as above. A light sun dress wouldn’t work here as it’s not formal enough. At this point, you’re still trying to dazzle and impress the hire-ups, parents, or random paparazzi. Will there be paparazzi there? I don’t know, but why take that chance?
Black Tie Optional – Still more social gatherings, and fine dining!
For men: Good news! If you would like to wear a tuxedo, you can, but your host would be happy as long as you wear a dark (black or navy) suit and tie. How’s that for fantastic! A whole night of semi-comfortable, just for you!
For women: Black tie optional is the same as black tie. Women have more variety in what is available to wear in these situations, but should stick with the long gown or nice cocktail-length dress. As with black tie, a trip to the hairdresser is appropriate.
Cocktail Attire – Social gatherings, and some fine dining!
For men: Cocktail attire for guys equals suit and tie or coat and tie. Colors and fabrics may vary, season or location pending.
For women: Cocktail-length dress that varies with color and fabric also depending upon season or location. It’s a way less formal event than black tie, but it still calls for you impressing someone. Hair and make-up should be appropriate to the time of day (early evening).
Business Casual – You’ll typically see this at a business or some restaurants that are trying to maintain a certain look and atmosphere.
For men: Wearing a suit and tie would be overdressing. Khakis, slacks, button down collars, and maybe a sport coat, if you feel the need to have one. A tie isn’t strictly necessary. Feel free to break out that pink shirt or pumpkin colored polo. Jeans, however, are not business casual.
For women: Skirts, pants, blouses and dresses in simple comfortable fabrics are the order for the day! Your clothes will need to be more conservative with the way you dress, but color is not outlawed – wear something that would be appropriate to the office environment. As above for the guys, jeans are not business casual for the ladies either.
California Casual – This is a workplace term not used often in more conservative areas.
First, let me caution you with this one. You aren’t going to see this much outside of the West Coast of the US. This basically means that for men and women, anything goes such as jeans, polos, and nice pullovers. In the summer months, you might even see shorts. If you have a company that has this option for dress code, please practice sense when dressing and make sure that your clothes project the kind of work that you’re doing. Meeting with clients would still dictate that you wear more conservative options.
Casual – Yet even more social gatherings, business and dining!
Regardless of gender, this is a very informal environment that gives you greater freedom of expression! You’ll usually see this at a workplace on Fridays or maybe a backyard barbecue. Jeans,
shorts, and t-shirts are fine. (T-shirts with logos that are not for a little league team or the like is not work appropriate.) This is your chance to be you and be comfortable, but still presentable.
Some Other Useful Terms:
Jacket Preferred/Required – Used by restaurants, this means that they prefer gentlemen to wear a dinner jacket. For women, a dress or nice dress pants are always a good idea.
Jacket and Tie Required – Same as above, but with the addition of a tie.
Semi-Formal Attire – A suit or gown isn’t necessary, but it still requires that you stick to clothes in which you would be taken seriously. Take what you would wear to a nice dinner and ramp it up!
by cjxpadmin | Apr 1, 2012 | Job Readiness, Spring 2016 Magazine
If you are a laid off worker, this means you left your job through no fault of your own. There may be help available for you with regard to your education or training to start a new career. Many of us have lost our jobs during this economic turn down and may be facing difficult decisions of taking any job that comes along or starting over with a new career.
It is hard enough to face the trials of keeping our lives together — daycare, house payments, transportation and the taxing job of finding a job. What should we do?
Being on a job for twenty years and now, you want me to start over? Wow! How much of a pay cut will you have to settle for? Do you go work for someone who is the same age as your children? Or, are you a young person trying to work a full-time job and go to school full- time? No matter what the case, if you were laid off from your job, help may be available.
Help comes in the form of the Workforce Investment Act Dislocated Worker Program (WIA). This program is offered in all fifty states. What does it do? WIA Programs provide high-quality employment and training services that address the needs of individuals in need of training, retraining, and skill upgrades.
This program aims to increase the employment, job retention, earnings, and career advancement of U.S. workers. This Adult and Dislocated Worker Program, under Title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, is designed to provide quality employment and training services to assist eligible individuals in finding and qualifying for meaningful employment and to help employers find the skilled workers they need to compete and succeed in business.
The Core Services includes outreach, job search and placement assistance, and labor market information available to all job seekers;
Intensive Services includes more comprehensive assessments, development of individual employment plans and counseling and career planning; and
Through Training Services, customers are linked to job opportunities in their communities, including both occupational training and training in basic skills. Participants use an “individual training account” to select an appropriate training program from a qualified training provider.
“Supportive” Services such as transportation, childcare, dependent care, housing and needs-related payments are provided under certain circumstances to allow an individual to participate in the program.
States are responsible for program management and operations including enrollment, service delivery, and certification of training providers.
In addition to unemployed adults, employed adults can also receive services to obtain or retain employment that allows for self-sufficiency. State and local areas are responsible for establishing procedures for applying the priority and self-sufficiency requirements.
With all of this being said, each State has the responsibility for implementing this program. Check your State’s guidelines. You may be able to get assistance in starting a great new life.
In Texas and specifically in the Heart of Texas Board Area (McLennan, Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Limestone Counties), funds are available for the dislocated worker. This is a great opportunity for going to college to get an Associates Degree or obtain a license or certificate for a trade.
At the HOT Workforce Center at 1416 South New Road in Waco, Staff will help you screen and apply for this possibility. It’s simple and quick with a broad range of assistance. Sheena Williams at 254-296-2922 will schedule an appointment time. Invest a little time in exploring this chance to change your life. The HOT Workforce Center is ready to assist you. If you are in one of its outlining counties, go to the nearest office and tell them you have an interest. (See corresponding story HOT Workforce Announces Enhanced Job Placement Efforts in this issue!)
What do you have to lose? Nothing, but almost everything to gain. Check it out today!
by cjxpadmin | Mar 30, 2012 | Uncategorized
