The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has been a cornerstone of civil rights for individuals with disabilities since its passage in 1990. 

This groundbreaking legislation significantly transformed the workplace, creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for millions of Americans. It provided the rights and a pathway for disabled Americans to participate in the workplace in ways they weren’t previously able to.

It’s been decades since the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed, yet there’s still confusion about what it entails. Both employees and employers struggle to understand the rules and requirements at times. The laws behind it are complex, but it is possible to navigate them.

If you have a legal disability, whether it’s a chronic illness, vision impairment, mobility issue, or otherwise, you might be surprised about the extensive ways the ADA can support you in the workplace.

In this article, we’ll explore seven key ways the ADA empowers disabled employees. Arm yourself with this information and you’ll be well on your way to better understanding your rights, and potentially negotiating with employers.

Read More

The long-dreaded cover letter: a relic of the past or a powerful tool in your job search arsenal? 

In an age dominated by applicant tracking systems (ATS) and online applications, many job seekers question the value of this traditional document.

It’s a fair question, especially when simply filling out an application can take so much time. I know I’m not alone in wondering why employers require you to fill out online fields with your job experience (isn’t that what a resume is for?).

Not only that, but now employers are requiring projects, tests, and endless rounds of interviews. It’s exhausting.

Do employers read cover letters? Can they set you apart from other applicants? Do they actually make a difference in the job applicant pool?

More importantly: do cover letters still matter? And are they worth your time and energy when you could otherwise focus on other aspects of the job application process?

In this article, I’ll share some reasons why it may or may not make sense for you to craft a cover letter (hint: it depends). I’ll also give you a few tips for writing a compelling cover letter if you find you need one.

Read More

The allure of a bustling high-cost-of-living (HCOL) area is undeniable.

You gain access to trendy restaurants, world-class museums, and various other entertainment options. The career options are extensive as well.

If you’re seeking a vibrant lifestyle and a dynamic job market, life in an HCOL area might be appealing.

But the name implies a question: is the high cost of living worth it?

In this article, we’ll weigh the pros and cons of living in an HCOL area to help you answer this question for yourself. We’ll also explore some alternatives that may be worth your consideration.

Read More

A financial freedom lifestyle conjures images of pristine beaches, endless leisure time, and the flexibility to travel the world. 

These are all wonderful perks, but a true financial freedom lifestyle goes far deeper. It’s about designing a fulfilling and meaningful life, one where you have the power to choose how you spend your time.

You’re not limited to the constraints of a paycheck but have the freedom to choose your job (if you’re so inclined), spend more time with family, travel, and pursue new interests, among other pursuits.

In this article, we’ll discuss how you can build a financial freedom lifestyle that provides meaning and fulfillment as you work toward your financial goals, FIRE or otherwise.

Read More

How to Negotiate Salary Increases and Land the Perfect Package

Congrats, you’ve gotten a job offer! What’s next?

Regardless of whether you choose to accept the job offer or not, you deserve to celebrate! However, before you sign the dotted line, make sure you remember an important step: negotiation. 

Consider this: negotiation is an essential step in securing the best possible job offer. So don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself! Most employers expect you to negotiate, so don’t forget that it’s just part of the process. 

Admittedly, it can be intimidating to negotiate. After all, sometimes the job offer itself feels like a gift, especially if you’ve been in the job market for a while. However, don’t forget that it’s in your best interest to negotiate the terms of your employment.

The only party that wins when you don’t negotiate is your (potential) future employer, so don’t be afraid to speak up for what you feel is right and fair when it comes to your employment.

Speaking of which, if you’re wondering how to negotiate salary terms, you’ve come to the right place!

If you’re ready to learn how to negotiate salary terms for your latest job offer, this article will help you do just that. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to navigate the negotiation process and unlock a compensation package that reflects your true value.

Read More

The question, “Is an MBA worth it?” echoes through the minds of countless career changers and ambitious professionals. 

An MBA can be a powerful tool for propelling your career forward, but the hefty price tag demands careful consideration.

Student debt in the US has hit record highs in recent years and it’s a major concern, but fairly so. After all, it’s painful to take on hefty student debt, especially if you eventually pursue a career in an unrelated field.

That’s not to say that a degree isn’t worth it; many say it is. I count myself among this group. But some regret their choices for further education. 

This article explores the value an MBA can provide for YOU, analyzing the potential benefits across various job fields. By the time you’re done reading this article, you’ll have a set of decision-making tools to help you determine if an MBA is the right investment for you.

Read More

The path to career success is often painted as a relentless sprint toward a not-too-distant finish line. 

I don’t know about you, but I’ve often envisioned meteoric rises, overnight breakthroughs, and grand pronouncements of achievement.

That’s how great career success goes, right?

Not quite. The reality of building a fulfilling and sustainable career marked by success is far more nuanced. 

The best achievements are made by normal people every day, and their lives are no more unusual than yours or mine. 

In fact, the greatest achievements aren’t made overnight. Grand achievements are made through careful, deliberate, and considerate long-term actions… baby step by baby step.

It’s a long-distance marathon, not a short sprint, and the key to victory lies in the power of incremental improvements.

In this article, I’ll tell you exactly how you can use the power of incremental improvements to drive career success and achievement in your life.

Read More

Job growth can be elusive… but it doesn’t have to be, especially if you pursue work in an industry with a booming job market.

The good news? There’s decent job growth across diverse industries. This is fantastic for anyone seeking a fulfilling career path. However, with so many options, where do you focus?

If you’re a new grad, getting your foot in the door can be difficult, but there is plenty of potential in some of these booming industries. If you’re a seasoned professional exploring potential career pivots, it can help to explore fields with greater growth potential.

This article will equip you with the knowledge and tools to navigate today’s exciting job landscape. Together, we’ll explore 10 job fields experiencing significant growth and I’ll arm you with 5 key decision-making criteria to help you unlock your dream career in this dynamic environment.

Read More

The job market is a dynamic landscape, and in today’s competitive environment, possessing the right career building skills is more important than ever.

These skills are the tools that equip you to not only land your dream job but also thrive and advance in your chosen field. Choose wisely, and you can build a flourishing career.

But with so many skills to consider, where do you begin?

It can be challenging to pick the right skillset without FOMO (fear of missing out) setting in. How can you be sure that you picked career building skills that will appeal to your dream employer?

Fear not, because in this article, you’ll gain a set of decision making criteria that will help you decide how to pick career building skills that will set you up for long-term success.

Read More

2024 is the year of the side hustles from home, so it seemed fitting to revisit this topic in this week’s post.

Have you ever started or considered starting a side hustle?

Perhaps you enjoy writing on the side, or appreciate the extra boost of income from the occasional data entry gig.

Side hustles from home (or otherwise) can be a great way to boost your income, explore new passions, or simply become your own boss. 

The digital landscape is brimming with opportunities to turn your skills and hobbies into cash, all from the comfort of your own home.

But with so many options, where do you begin? 

It can feel overwhelming with the numerous options that are out there, but don’t stress it!

In this article, you’ll get a dynamite list of the top 10 side hustles to launch in 2024, taking into account factors like ease of setup, income potential, flexibility, competition, and market demand.  

Let’s dive in!

Read More