IS BECOMING AN HOURLY OR SALARIED EMPLOYEE BETTER?

 

LEARN WHY SOME JOBS ARE SALARIED AND SOME ARE HOURLY, THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THESE PAYMENT METHODS, AND HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST OPTION.

Deciding which form of compensation is right for you can be challenging. Getting hourly pay and receiving a salary both have their pros and cons. Here's more information about why some jobs are salaried and some are hourly, the differences between these payment methods, and how to choose the best option for you.

WHY SOME PEOPLE GET A SALARY AND OTHERS GET HOURLY WAGES

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires employers in the United States to give most employees time-and-a-half pay if they work more than 40 hours a week. This means some people are exempt from these rules, but most get hourly pay. However, if they work more than 40 hours per week, they can get 50% more per hour than they would normally. For example, someone who usually gets $10 per hour would receive $15 per hour on overtime.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, to qualify as an exempt or salaried position, a job must pay at least $684 per week or $35,568 per year. It must also include certain duties, such as making sales or supervising others. Whether you want a salary or hourly position, you can help employers find you by uploading your resume.

THE PROS AND CONS OF HOURLY PAY

Here are some of the potential benefits and downsides of choosing an hourly job:

More pay when you work more

A nonexempt or hourly employee won't need to work late or come to work unexpectedly without additional payment. Work won't interrupt your free time, and you won't need to answer emails or texts or speak with customers on days when you're not at work. Getting hourly pay also means supervisors usually won't try to persuade you to do extra work without extra compensation.

Many employers offer double time for people who work on holidays, which is twice as much as normal pay. If you have a job that pays lots of overtime, you could make more than someone with a salary in a similar position.

Pay that could fluctuate

If an employer cuts your hours because business is slow, your check won't be as large as normal. Many people with hourly jobs have another part-time job or work as part of the gig economy to make sure they always have enough money to pay their bills.

Pressure to do jobs quickly

Managers sometimes try to conserve company labor funds by pressuring hourly employees to work faster. However, this can increase errors and even lead to injuries in fields such as construction and warehousing.

The need to keep track of your hours

People with salaries get the same amount of money no matter how long they work, so they don't have to track how much time they spend on the job. If you have an hourly wage, it can be a good idea to track the number of hours you work each week and which of those hours deserve overtime. That way, you can review your paycheck when you receive it and make sure it's the correct amount, with no errors. Remember that whether you get hourly pay or a salary, part of that money will go toward taxes.

THE PROS AND CONS OF A SALARY

Salaries also have potential risks and benefits:

A steady paycheck and less control over your schedule in some circumstances

With a salary, most people get the same amount of money every week, making creating a budget easy. In some organizations, people might get less on weeks with holidays or when they take a vacation.

If you get a salary, it's the same no matter how much you work in most cases. If you finish all the tasks assigned to you, you can stop working early in many circumstances. Many organizations let people receiving salaries set their own hours or work from home part-time or full-time. However, companies can also require people with salaries to work more hours during busy seasons or staff shortages.

Even salaried employees who work 60 or 80 hours per week instead of 40 hours per week might not get extra compensation. Some employers might call salaried employees and ask them to work without much notice. Other employers that pay salaries offer performance bonuses or profit-sharing arrangements to help motivate their staff. However, these payments are usually not guaranteed.

Better benefits

Salaried employees are more likely to receive benefits such as:

• Health care
• Retirement contributions
• Paid vacation time
• Free lunches

While hourly employees can also get these perks, it's less common. The Affordable Care Act requires employers with 50 or more employees to provide health insurance, but the law has an exception for hourly employees who work fewer than 30 hours per week. Some companies save money by hiring mostly part-time employees and keeping their spending on employee health care low. When you apply for a new job, make sure you understand the benefits it offers.

People with employment contracts may have more job protection than hourly or salaried employees without them. In many states, both types of employees are considered at-will. This means employers can fire people in hourly or salaried positions without contracts at any time, without disclosing their reasons.

CHOOSING BETWEEN HOURLY AND SALARY PAY

You can use Salary Search to find out whether a salaried or hourly position pays more for people with your career. Each form of compensation has its pros and cons, and which one is better often depends on the industry and your employer.

PARTY-TIME ETIQUETTE FOR THE MOST COMMON OFFICE CELEBRATIONS

 

IT'S IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THE RULES OF BUSINESS ETIQUETTE FOR THESE GATHERINGS. HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.

Some people love office celebrations: getting together with their colleagues, toasting the guest of honor, eating cake, getting a break from the daily grind. Others resent having to take time out of their day to engage in endless chitchat and eat too-sugary treats.

No matter where you stand on office celebrations, it's important to understand the rules of business etiquette for these gatherings. Here's what you need to know:

Do you have to attend?
Unless the party is mandatory for all employees, you don't have to go. However, for the sake of collegiality, don't skip all office celebrations. Pick and choose your absences wisely.

For example, is Marianne in legal celebrating her 20th work anniversary? That's a big deal, so put your paperwork aside and join your teammates in honoring her milestone. The same goes for events marking a successful project launch: Show up and applaud the accomplishment.

On the other hand, if you're slammed with a major project when the office is celebrating monthly birthdays, you have good reason to decline attending. However, even if you don't have time for cake and socializing, try to take a few moments to sing "Happy Birthday" along with the rest of your colleagues. (You would want them to do the same for you, no?)

Are there any benefits to attending office celebrations?
Absolutely. For starters, it demonstrates to employers and co-workers that you take pride in being a member of the team. Showing up to company office parties can also mean you're in the same room as upper management, so take advantage of these networking opportunities to introduce yourself and get to know them better.

If you work at a larger organization or are a remote employee, going to office celebrations puts you in contact with people you interact with regularly via email and phone but may not see often in person. This additional face time can do wonders for work relationships, collaboration, interpersonal communication and even career advancement.

Are there downsides to skipping office celebrations?
Yes. By bailing on every office fête, you're sending a message to colleagues and bosses that you're just going through the motions and are not a true team player. If you're an introvert and find office celebrations exhausting, gather up your resolve, tell yourself you're doing this for your career, and show up for major events, at the very least.

How should you time your departure?
Determining the best time to say au revoir can be a delicate balancing act. Consider the reason for the party. If it's a co-worker's birthday, the soonest you should leave is after the cake is cut. If you're attending a retirement party, however, it's proper celebration etiquette to stay longer — at least until after the toasts and speeches.

Do you need to join the planning crew for office celebrations?
Only if your office rotates planning duties. Otherwise, it's up to you. Keep in mind that there are always benefits to being part of the committee, though. For one, you get a say on the theme, timing and menu of the party. Additionally, it gives you an opportunity to demonstrate your soft skills to colleagues and higher-ups. Orchestrating events calls for time management, communication, teamwork and leadership, after all.

Even if you don't partake in the planning stages of office celebrations, you can still offer to help set up or clean up after an event. If you simply don't have time to pitch in, make a point to send a thank-you email or card to everyone involved in coordinating the festivities.

That is work party etiquette, in a nutshell. So, get out there and have fun. And remember what office celebrations can offer in the big picture: great opportunities for networking, building and strengthening work relationships, and showing your team spirit.

10 OF THE EASIEST JOBS TO GET IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY

 

LEARN ABOUT 10 OF THE EASIEST JOBS YOU CAN GET IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY IF YOU WANT A CAREER THAT ALLOWS YOU TO TRAVEL AND WORK ABROAD IN AN OVERSEAS NATION.

Numerous jobs are available if you're interested in working in a foreign country. It's essential to research what you'll need to perform work outside your country of citizenship, such as a visa and valid passport. With this information, you can search for jobs that suit your skills and interests. Consider the following careers you can pursue in a foreign country.

"If you do your research, it's possible to find a job in the country of your choice if it's open to foreign workers."

WHAT ARE THE EASIEST JOBS TO GET IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY?

It can be easier to find jobs in certain countries because they're more open to allowing foreigners to work, and it can be easier to obtain a work visa. Some of the countries where it may be easier to get your work visa include:

• Australia
• Cambodia
• Germany
• New Zealand
• The Netherlands

Of course, if you do your research, it's possible to find a job in the country of your choice if it's open to foreign workers. Creating a profile on CareerBuilder can help employers in foreign countries find you and alert you to any job openings that fit your resume. Explore some of the easiest jobs to get in a foreign country.

English teacher

English is spoken in many countries worldwide, making the job of an English teacher not only easy to get in a foreign country but also an in-demand position. While many countries require those seeking this job to have a degree, it's not always a requirement. Earning a TEFL certification can be an alternate route to getting a job teaching English abroad. An advantage for anyone with the skills to teach English is that the job can be done in a traditional classroom environment and online, creating even more opportunities to find work in this field.

Tutor

Similar to a teaching job, tutors can often find jobs easily in a foreign country because of the high demand for people who can work in the education field. A tutor helps students learn subjects they're struggling to understand. Someone in this position should be adept at simplifying the subject matter to make it easy to learn. Depending on your employer's needs, you may need to be an expert in one subject or have a broad knowledge of many topics. Tutoring can be rewarding since it allows you to make a significant difference in people's lives.

Au pair

An au pair, also known as a nanny, is someone who cares for the children of their client. Most au pairs are also responsible for light household duties, such as laundry, preparing meals, and cleaning up after their charges. You may also need to have the ability to drive in the country where you're employed in this role since clients often want you to take their children on outings or to scheduled appointments. It can help if you're comfortable with pets because many families with children also have dogs, cats, or other domestic animals.

Freelance worker

As a freelance worker, you have the opportunity to pursue a career in a foreign country doing the job you currently have. Freelance work can be anything from content creator or social media manager to graphic artist or copywriter. If you have the right skills, you can take this type of work with you anywhere in the world.

Since you're already employed, you'll only need to ensure you can stay in the country of your choice and perform the tasks you're currently doing. It's also good to know the cost of living in a foreign country to ensure you can live off your freelance income, which can vary widely depending upon your occupation.

Hotel clerk

Hotels operate in almost every developed country, and many need employees who can easily communicate with tourists and visitors. It's no surprise that working as a hotel clerk is an easy job to get in a foreign country. In this role, you not only get to know other travelers, but you'll also learn about the nation's culture, history, and popular destinations. Another bonus for this job is that it often requires little or no formal education, making it an excellent option for those who want to take a gap year to explore the world.

Tour guide

Popular travel destinations usually have several historical sights and attractions that tourists want to visit. These places often require a tour guide to take people through them safely so that visitors can fully understand the significance and importance of the location. A tour guide leads people through these types of places, explaining the details that make it of interest. If you have good people skills and can communicate effectively, a tour guide could be the right job.

Farmhand

Farming and agriculture are essential industries worldwide, making the job of a farmhand easy to get in many countries. If you enjoy working outdoors and have an affinity for growing plants or tending animals, becoming a farmhand could be ideal for you. You'll get to work alongside others who share your interests and learn valuable skills about the farming industry in foreign countries. You may need to know how to operate specific pieces of farm equipment, such as tractors, and be able to lift heavy objects and stand or walk for long periods during your shift.

Humanitarian aid worker

As a humanitarian aid worker, you can help the homeless, refugees, and others in need in a foreign country. Many companies and organizations offer humanitarian aid to foreign nations and need people sensitive to foreign affairs and cultures to carry out these essential services. Human relations and humanitarian aid relief can be rewarding fields to work in worldwide. You have the opportunity to help people improve their lives and get the help they need to get out of poverty or to adjust to life in a new area.

Business manager

Although many business managers need an academic degree, once you have one, you may be able to take your skills with you to a foreign country. Some of the world's top businesses, such as banks and retail establishments, have locations around the globe. As a result of this global presence for many businesses, many opportunities exist to become a business manager for familiar companies abroad. Knowing another language can help you succeed as a business manager in another country. If you already work for a company that operates in another country, it may be easy to transfer to a business manager role in one of these locations.

Health care provider

The health care industry is growing all over the world. Jobs in health care are more accessible than ever to get in foreign countries. Health care providers, such as nurses and doctors, are needed everywhere to provide compassionate care for individuals who are sick, injured, and suffering from other health complications. You'll need to understand what's required to perform your specific duties in this field since not all countries have the exact licensing and education requirements for health care workers who serve their communities.

Working in a foreign country can be an exciting and eye-opening experience for you. You can obtain positions most readily if you have the essential education, skills, and desire to work in a foreign nation. This list covers many jobs you can pursue if you seek a new adventure in life and want to work abroad.

HOW TO SPEAK UP IN MEETINGS WITH CONFIDENCE

 

IT’S IMPORTANT TO KNOW HOW TO SPEAK UP IN MEETINGS SO THAT YOU CAN SHARE YOUR IDEAS AND SUPPORT YOUR TEAM. LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS SKILL AND HOW TO IMPROVE IT.

No matter your industry, you probably must attend at least a few meetings regularly. Meetings can help teams come together and discuss projects, upcoming needs, goals, and other essential topics. But whether you've started with a new company or have trouble speaking up due to feeling shy, you might find it hard to share your thoughts in this type of setting. Consider these tips to help you feel more confident when talking in your next work meeting.

WHY IT'S HARD TO SPEAK UP IN MEETINGS

You might feel nervous about speaking up during a meeting at work for several reasons:

• You're an introvert who tends to focus on your thoughts and has a hard time speaking in front of others.
• You work in an environment where it's hard to get a word in edgewise because your co-workers outperform others' contributions to a meeting.
• You feel worried about saying something others disagree with or see as foolish.

Working in a virtual atmosphere can also bring new challenges. It's harder to read social and physical cues on a video call, making it more challenging to know when to speak up. These reasons can all make speaking up in meetings feel overwhelming. If you've felt worried about talking during a work meeting, the tips below can help you feel more confident.

IMPORTANCE OF TALKING IN MEETINGS

Before we dive into the tips for speaking up in meetings, it's helpful to understand why it's vital to do so. The purpose of a meeting at work is for team members to share their thoughts and ideas, provide status updates, and discuss plans. If you've received an invitation to a meeting, the person in charge sees your attendance as valuable. The individual is interested in your perspective and experience but won't get much from you if you're unwilling to speak up in a meeting.

If you've received an invitation to a meeting, the person in charge sees your attendance as valuable.

Sharing your thoughts in a meeting is one of the most effective ways to build relationships with other attendees. Providing insights and updates can also help you demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a supportive atmosphere designed for collaboration. Even if you think an idea you have is incomplete or incoherent, sharing it could get someone else's wheels turning, helping the team come up with a solution together. It's helpful to recognize that staying silent isn't in your best interest if you're part of a meeting.

TIPS TO HELP YOU LEARN HOW TO SPEAK UP IN MEETINGS

Now that you know why it's necessary to speak up in meetings at work (and why you might be feeling nervous about doing so), you can use these tips to feel more confident when you talk.

Come with an agenda

Before you step foot in a meeting, you should know the topics discussed and how you can help. If you're heading into a casual brainstorming meeting, jot down your ideas to share. If the meeting is to present something important to a significant stakeholder, create a more detailed agenda of what you'll be presenting and discussing with everyone there. Being prepared can alleviate some of your worries because you won't have to come up with ideas on the fly.

Keep your hands busy

People with nervous energy in meetings might benefit from keeping their hands busy. Bring a pen and notebook to take notes, along with a bottle of water. Noting what you're discussing in the meeting can help you after you check off every item on the agenda, as you'll know what action items are on your to-do list. You can also sip your water if your mouth feels dry or you need something to do to alleviate your nerves.

Interject to ask a question

Whether you're listening to a presentation or engaging in an open discussion, asking questions is always worthwhile. Bringing up a question about the topic is also a good starting point for finding your voice in the meeting. By asking thoughtful questions, you can also demonstrate to the others in the meeting that you're engaged in the discussion. You might want to prepare some questions to ask in advance so that you are not left wondering what to say.

Practice active listening

It's easy to zone out at a meeting, especially if it's a virtual meeting with no cameras. But remaining engaged in the topic by listening to what's said can make you a better contributor. You'll also have more to say in a meeting when you know what's being discussed and can make relevant points or ask follow-up questions.

Work on your speaking skills

Even the most experienced professionals feel nervous about presenting in front of their peers or other significant stakeholders. They might practice their presentation in front of a mirror, a trusted friend, or a family member to get more comfortable. You can do the same before you start speaking in a meeting. Review the planned agenda and highlight items you could discuss before the meeting begins. Practice your strategies, speaking in a loud and clear voice while looking around the room, to improve your confidence.

Set professional goals related to speaking up

Setting goals related to speaking up in meetings is worthwhile, and your supervisor will likely support your efforts to contribute more when collaborating with the team. Setting goals can also help you hold yourself accountable, especially since you'll probably be in at least a few meetings with the manager or supervisor who will score you on your progress. If you haven't found a position where you can set the goals that matter to you, use CareerBuilder to create a profile so that employers can find you and offer you jobs that align with your goals.

Back up a team member

If you're uncomfortable putting your ideas out in the open, you can always ease yourself into speaking in a meeting by vocally supporting another team member's contribution. In a brainstorming session, listen to what others say and respond to the group when someone shares an idea that makes sense to you.

Know when to jump in

Speaking up in virtual meetings is especially tough for people who work remotely because you might end up talking over someone else. You don't always know when another participant is unmuting the microphone to speak or when the presenter will resume talking after a short break. You probably have about half of a second to jump in to speak during a virtual meeting, so take that opportunity quickly rather than waiting for the perfect moment.

Make your contribution less personal

If you feel uncomfortable sharing your ideas with personal language such as “I think” or “I feel,” try making what you have to say a little less personal. You could start by saying, “Has anyone considered ...?” or “Did anyone mention ...?” Then lead into your contribution to the meeting. This tip can assist those who want to get comfortable speaking up in meetings and using this language can help you feel less vulnerable.

Implementing these tips can make a big difference in your ability to feel confident in your ideas and share more in team meetings. By finding your voice, you can build stronger relationships and show that you're engaged and interested in the team's success.

HOW TO EXPLAIN BEING FIRED TO POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS

 

HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO HELP YOU EXPLAIN A TERMINATION TO A POTENTIAL EMPLOYER.

Job interviews are stressful under the best of circumstances. So if you’ve been fired, your nerves will likely go into overdrive, especially when they ask the inevitable question: “Why were you fired?”

Just as you prepare answers for other common interview questions, it's important to prepare an answer for this one. Rehearsing some go-to phrases will help you craft a professional answer during your interview.

Here are some tips to help you explain a termination to a potential employer.

Honesty is the best policy
Review the incident or issue that caused you to lose your job with an unbiased eye. Were you let go because of a conflict with a co-worker? Honestly evaluate your role in the clash. Did you fail to meet production quotas? Ask yourself whether it was due to a lack of effort or lack of affinity for the work you were doing. Before you can answer your potential employer honestly, you need to be clear-eyed with yourself.

When addressing your termination with your interviewer, don't try to position it as a layoff or any other less serious situation. Even if you've relocated to a new city for a fresh start, your employer will find out the truth. Be truthful in a way that reflects on you as favorably as possible.

Don’t bash your old boss
You want to portray yourself as a valuable addition to their team. One way to raise an instant red flag is to speak negatively about the last person who offered you a job.

Perhaps even more important, don't gossip about your last boss, your co-workers or the company you worked for. Besides showing a lack of maturity and discretion, gossiping is a strong sign that you'll be a divisive employee.

Don’t pass the blame
Along with bashing, blaming is a bad way to go. Your potential new employer wants to see that you take responsibility both for your past actions and for your performance on the job. No matter how unfairly you felt you were treated at your old job, you must recognize and accept your role in your termination.

This doesn't mean you need to give major details about what you did wrong in your previous position, though. Just make sure at some point you say, "I take responsibility for not performing up to my boss's expectations," and move on.

Stick to the point
A big mistake candidates make when answering this question is trying to explain every nuance of the situation. Don't spend five minutes setting up the circumstances around your termination. Cut to the chase and keep it simple.

If you were terminated because you had an attendance problem, for example, don't go on and on about your sick grandma, your chiropractor appointments or any other life situation that caused you to miss work. Instead, say something like, “I let personal circumstances interfere with my attendance at work. My situation is stable now and attendance won't be a problem.”

Don’t sound bitter
You'll make yourself unattractive to a potential employer if you come across bitter and defeated. Even if you think your previous employer was wrong to let you go, showing bitterness only makes you look bad.

Don't use language that emphasizes a past failure. Speak in ways that minimizes the impact of your termination.

Explain what you’ve learned
Including a “lessons learned” sentence in your answer shows potential employers you're aware and adaptable. It turns a negative into an asset. It also demonstrates candor and maturity by letting your interviewer see that you are objective about your shortcomings and learn from past experiences.

Promote your positives
It's difficult to turn talk of your termination into a way to showcase your skills and experience. Learning to segue gracefully into a discussion of your value to the company is an effective way to keep your interview on track.

Try transitioning with a phrase like this: “I was sorry to leave Company X; I learned a lot about the app development lifecycle there, which is why I thought my skills were well suited to this position."

Practice makes perfect
Getting fired is an emotional experience, and it's hard to talk objectively and calmly even weeks or months after the event. Practicing your answer helps you keep emotions at bay so you don't derail your interview.

Start by writing your response down; put it away, then come back to it a day later and read it again. If you are satisfied with your written answer, try it out on an objective friend or family member. Weigh their criticisms and tweak it if necessary.

Once you're completely satisfied with your answer, commit it to memory. Practice it in front of a mirror several times. Once you're comfortable with your answer and you've internalized it, you'll be able to speak naturally about your termination with your interviewer.