Written by
August 15, 2016 0 Comments

4 Tips for Back to School Success

You can feel it in the air – it’s almost time for back to school season! The commercials are in full force and everyone is planning their last minute summer getaways before the rush of school begins.

While this time of year is bittersweet, it can come with scheduling challenges and resistance to routine.  Follow along for some helpful tips to get back into the swing of things in a peaceful, organized way!

Reestablish routine

This is the #1 tip for back to school success! Reestablishing a routine is not always fun for the household, but it will pay off majorly very soon.

Starting now, begin going to bed earlier – a little bit each day.  From here, arrange for your kids to have quiet time for an hour or so in the afternoons.  This process gets them prepared for homework after school, and into the mode of work before play.  If your kids prefer doing homework at night, put the quiet time towards the later part of the day.

Another part of establishing routine is making sure everyone is checking family boards or calendars before they leave the house; this helps to avoid items being forgotten once school starts.

Just because it’s back to school time doesn’t mean all the fun has to end! It just means that those little parts of your routine that involve waking up earlier and spending time doing work independently can start being integrated right now.  Everyone will appreciate this process when the first morning goes smoothly!

Work ahead

Once school starts, mornings can be a little more grueling.  Kids aren’t the only ones who will feel the change – you will as well!

Additionally, as a mom, you might be responsible for pick up or midday happenings with the kids, which might be a huge change from your summer work schedule.  Starting now, begin working ahead in some of your home based work.  Luckily, this is doable in a work from home position, affording you some more time to get back into the groove along with your kids and family.

Get organized

We all know that there are often lists and numerous items that your kids will need for the school year.  By becoming organized with these lists now, you can avoid unnecessary purchases and ensure that everything needed will be in hand on the first day.  If you haven’t received a predetermined list from the school, start by organizing your list(s) by class, grade, and/or child’s needs.  You can refer to the previous year’s lists in the future as well, which saves time and effort.

This is also a wonderful time to organize your home! Starting the year with a calm, organized house leaves everyone feeling more calm and peaceful.  Show your kids where their items are to go – backpacks, shoes, school papers, calendars and so on – so they know what to do when school begins.  You can even have them start utilizing some of these things now in preparation for the year ahead.

Start your schedule

Much like reestablishing routine, actually begin and enforce a schedule right now! Morning routines can reestablished by waking up at a reasonable time, having a healthy breakfast, and potentially planning a few structured activities for the day to get everyone on a schedule.

When your kids go back to school, it’s important that they’re somewhat prepared mentally and physically for the transition.  Summer can often mean late nights, late mornings and lax schedules – and that’s what makes it so much fun! However, now is the time to get back into another routine that is more structured and also fun.  Kids and adults alike tend to thrive on routine, so establishing these schedules now will make those first few weeks as seamless as possible!

Continue Reading

Written by
August 8, 2016 0 Comments

6 Tips for Your Best Resume Ever

A high quality resume is a daunting task, but it’s completely necessary if you’re entering the job search market.  Traditional resumes are good, but what can you do to really stand out?

To make the best use of your time and application efforts, read along for some best practices in creating your best resume yet.

Descriptions

Rich, descriptive wording is so important in your resume! Don’t shy away from language that really describes what you did, all while incorporating necessary keywords that fit the job listing.  Another useful description comes in the form of data.  If you worked at a job position that resulted in a specific outcome or quantitative result, please include it!

The point of your resume is to show the hiring manager what you can do for them, and proven results really up the ante for impressing your potential employer.  Additionally, it’s much more helpful than filler content that really doesn’t show results.

Uniqueness

Resumes are not one size fits all! Don’t be afraid to show your creative side and make yourself stand out.  Can you do something fun with the format that still makes your resume readable but exciting?  Is there a beautiful, clear font that stands out? For certain positions, video resumes and social media posts as an application might be par for the course.

Truly look into the job posting and see what they’re searching for.  If it’s a much more traditional job, it might be best to stand out with accomplishments only, but if the company is a bit more fun or seeking creativity, this is your time to shine! Don’t hesitate to try something new – it might just get the right kind of attention and a new job position for you.

Thorough

A good resume is very thorough.  Be sure to cover every recent, relevant position that might help you obtain the job.  Also be sure to offer (or simply include) 2-3 quality references and fill in any gaps in employment to avoid questioning or suspicion.

Covering your bases on your resume is a great way to show that you’re thorough in business and life, as well as giving you the opportunity to truly scan your brain and memory for past experiences that fit the job posting bill.

Cover Letter

Your cover letter is typically the first piece of communication that the employer sees! Take the time to create a solid, persuasive letter in your personal voice.  Of course it’s necessary to use correct grammar, spelling, and so on, but you can absolutely speak in your unique voice.

Your cover letter should be short but informative, including bullet points as to why you’re a great fit for the job and company, as well as why you’re interested in the job.  Focus it on the benefits to the new company and why they need to hire you.  Again, keep it short and to the point – a couple paragraphs and 4-6 bullets should do the trick!

Importance

Put your work and relevant experience in order of importance when listing them on your resume.  These days, your qualifications don’t necessarily need to be chronological.  It’s important to show the hiring manager what’s most relevant right off the bat, as most simply scan for applicable experience.  Show off your best assets first and foremost!

Stand out

Make yourself stand out and don’t sell yourself short!  It’s always important to be incredibly truthful, but be sure to not get too humble and leave out important information.  When it gets right down to it, include anything that is helpful and relevant to the job position, and do it in a way that allows you to shine!

Creating a resume is a bit of a task, but it’s one that is necessary in today’s job market.  Spend some time making yourself stand out, all while following the new “rules” of resume creation – be yourself, be unique, be thorough!

Continue Reading

Written by
August 1, 2016 0 Comments

4 Ways to Spot Scammy Work From Home Jobs

There are many postings and listings out there for work from home jobs.  Unfortunately, a lot of these are very spammy or just plain scams.  Since working from home is so in demand these days, it can be tempting to apply for these kinds of jobs and see where it goes.

Read along for some tips and advice to avoid scams when finding work from home.

Personal information

Avoid and cease communication with any job asking for personal information from the start, as well as anyone asking for money.  You shouldn’t pay to be considered for a job, and if that’s happening, it’s not an appropriate position.

Additionally, if any employer asks you to meet anywhere that sounds strange, or says anything that sends off alarm bells – always question this for your own safety.

Too good to be true

Sometimes you’ll come across positions that sound a little bit too good.  Do you get to work from home for 5 hours per week, make $150,000 with the potential to grow that 10 times in a year?  While that sounds like the job of a lifetime, it’s more than likely not true! These types of outlandish claims are a great clue that the job is less-than-truthful.

Sometimes the grandiose promises aren’t uncovered until you speak with someone.  You might be applying to what seems to be a very normal work from home position, but you might find out that it pays very little, or requires strange networking or payment plans and requirements.  These are typically scams that might make you find new recruits and others as part of the scam.  Avoid these at all costs!

Inappropriate

This can apply to being inappropriate in content or inappropriate in requests from the employer.  As a general rule, avoid websites not set up specifically for work from home jobs, as they typically attract a lot of scams.  Also, if they are soliciting personal photos and information – or showing inappropriate photos and information – it’s not a legitimate home based job.

Repeated listings

If you see continuous postings from the same company with very generic information and skillset requirements, this is typically a scam.  You will also find that your emails get bounced back from the listing contact address, which is another telling sign.  As far as repeated listings, scammy jobs often post the same job over and over again, often taking up hundreds of pages with it.  This is almost always some type of scam trying to target as many people as possible.  Avoid these!

HireMyMom.com prides itself on providing legitimate work from home jobs from reputable companies and individuals.  Many jobs sites feature work from home jobs that are simply scams, multi-level marketing opportunities, or other types of illegitimate work that isn’t what most of us are searching for.  When you’re specifically seeking a work from home position, choose a site that’s known for this type of work! You’re far, far less likely to encounter spam and actually find a profitable work from home position.

Continue Reading

Written by
July 25, 2016 0 Comments

4 Tips to Recharge and Destress

In any job, there comes a time when you face burnout, long hours, or just find yourself in need of a break.  While working long hours is great for productivity, it’s not the best for your mental outlook.  If you don’t give yourself time to relax, destress, and unplug once in awhile, life can quickly become all about work.

Read along for some best practices for recharging after a stressful period of work or time of strenuous hours.

Unplug

Sometimes you just need to unplug for the entire night, weekend, or even a few days. Even if you can’t unplug for a full day, it’s important that you’re unplugging every day to avoid burnout.  Do your best to avoid marathon work sessions that leave your eyes, body, and mind stressed.  The key to this step is to first listen to your body and signals of overstress, then be willing to take some time off.

While you unplug, it’s important to frequently get some quiet time to yourself.  This can be challenging with family, kids and pets, and other obligations, but it’s important to give your brain and body a break.

Schedule something special

Put something relaxing on the calendar! Whether your idea of something special is scheduling a massage or manicure, spending an afternoon shopping, or simply curling up in a quiet corner with a good book, be sure that nothing interrupts this appointment! Barring any true emergency, show up for yourself and give yourself that much needed chance to recharge your batteries.

Look at your schedule

It’s time to take an honest look at your time and commitments.  Where can you cut back? This isn’t always possible, but if you’re truly stressing and need a break, there are often small things you can cut back on.

Is there a weekly commitment that doesn’t bring you a lot of joy anymore? A small side freelance job that no longer serves you? Take stock of what’s most important to you and prioritize accordingly.

Make it a daily habit

Recharging and reducing stress takes practice for most of us, as work can be time-consuming and a large part of our lives.  Self care starts with you, so it has to be put into practice by you as well.  Make it a daily habit to take a few moments for yourself, which might include things such as meditation, baths, yoga, hiking in nature, or meetups with friends.  It’s not selfish to take personal time, as it’s often the key to bigger breakthroughs and more stability in your life.  Coming back to everything with a fresh attitude is never a bad idea!

Taking the time to destress and come back more refreshed is not only great for you and your career, it’s great for your family and friends.  When you’re happier, healthier, and feeling more connected to what you truly need, you’re able to bring your best self into your everyday life.

Continue Reading

Written by
July 18, 2016 0 Comments

4 Ways to Stay Connected When Working from Home

When you work from home, it can be difficult to integrate social interaction into your day.  While your kids may be home with you, it’s still important to maintain a social life – digitally and in person.  Staying connected to co-workers and employers is very important, as is maintaining your social life as a work from home employee.

Stay in touch during the day

Skype is an excellent tool for a call or chat during the day, which is useful for friends or co-workers and employers.  It almost gives you an office feel to be able to chat with your co-workers “face to face” for a few moments, and it’s also more personal than a typical call.  The chat feature makes it easy to talk to co-workers, employers, or tech support employees in other countries without the back and forth of email.

If you’re feeling disconnected from your team, see if you can integrate weekly calls to stay on track and maintain contact.  When you and your team stay connected, less items slip through the cracks, and a more solid connection is able to be formed through frequent contact.

Network

Networking online via Facebook and LinkedIn Groups is great, but getting out is even better!

Utilize sites such as Meetup.com to find social and professional groups of interest to you, or join your local chamber for casual and high profile events that can boost your personal and professional circle.  Not only does networking get you out and about, but it allows you to bolster your professional relationships with other working people, all while getting to learn more about your community in business.

Work outside

This goes for outside the home or physically outside!  A change of scenery is known to be very helpful by boosting productivity and giving your mind a mental break from the same old thing.

Go outside on a nice day and spend an hour working while breathing in the fresh air, or take the kids for a picnic during the day.  You can bring some work along to do after you eat and they play!

If it’s winter or the weather isn’t cooperating, simply get outside the house for a few hours per week.  Your local coffee or cafe shop is always a great option, and they almost always have wifi available.  Again, this is another way to change up your work scenery and come back refreshed.

Get out and meet

Make a point to get out of the house a few days per week.  Whether you meet up with a friend for lunch every Friday afternoon, or plan your grocery shopping over Tuesday’s lunch hour, it’s just great to get out and get some fresh air when you work from home.

It’s also important that some of your outside the house time is social – plan walks with friends, meet for lunch, work together at a park or find a new walking trail to check out on your lunch hour.

While working from home isn’t a traditionally social environment, you can stay in touch with friends, family, and co-workers and have a satisfying social life by taking a few extra steps to stay connected!

Continue Reading

Written by
July 11, 2016 0 Comments

5 Tips for Healthy Eating When You Work From Home

Even though working from home allows you to generally eat whatever you want anytime, sometimes that can make it a struggle to stay healthy! In a traditional work setting, the issues usually revolve around takeout and convenience foods, while working from home can create poor eating habits and all day snacking.  Read along for some tips to stay healthy as a home based worker.

Keep healthy food

Keep healthy food options in the house – and visible.  Buy a nice fruit bowl and keep fruit right at the kitchen entrance, or purchase pre-cut fruits and veggies for the week.  As long as you have healthy options available, it’s much easier to stay on track.

Avoid temptations

If you struggle with all day eating or simply snacking on the wrong foods, do your best to keep temptations out of the house during the week.  It doesn’t have to be painful! Think of what you can include in your diet – fresh fruits, veggies, whole grain crackers, protein – versus what you have to eliminate.  You can always have whatever you choose, it’s just better for health and productivity to make most of that food healthy.

Find something fun

Find something fun to look forward to! This doesn’t have to be food, but it certainly can be. Why not plan evening trips to a new park with your kids, or another healthy activity that teaches them good habits.  You can also meet a friend at a new healthy eatery – this is something to look forward to that fits your goals and allows you to socialize as well!

Structure it

Make a plan and stick to it! It’s much easier for your time and productivity levels to have meals planned out as well.  On Saturday or Sunday, make a plan for the week, create your grocery list, and head to the store.  You can do all of the cooking for the week in a few hours, and then everything is pre-packaged and ready to go.  When you make a plan with anything in life, your goals tend to get met and unexpected challenges that come up are much less likely.

Meal plans are also incredibly helpful for families, as your kids can also participate and give healthy meal ideas.  This also allows them to learn about cooking, clean eating, and fun snacks that are always available.

Remember your goals

Your goals do not need to have anything to do with weight loss, but feeling good while working from home is a noble one. When we eat better, we feel better! Shift your focus from “bad” foods and deprivation to really fueling your body for a productive, happy workday, and feel free to include treats whenever you choose.  This process is really about what you’ll do most of the time, and what will allow you to feel your best when it would be easier to simply avoid healthy eating in the home.

Continue Reading

Written by
July 5, 2016 0 Comments

HireMyMom Success Story: Autumn Burns

What’s your success story with HireMyMom?

I think I saw an ad somewhere online back in 2014 when I was working a dead-end job that was boring me to tears.  I clicked on your site a few times over the course of several days and after reading reviews and the sample job postings, I decided a 3-month membership would be a good place for me to start.  At the time I was trying to re enter the workforce after raising 3 children.  I had been a stay-at-home mom for 17 years.

Anyway, I took my time and carefully read through all the job postings and tagged 5-6 that looked interesting.  After reviewing those few postings I finally gained the courage to apply to one.  It turned out that I was the only applicant to Black Spectacles and little did I know this little job would turn into a career position that has been the very best job I’ve ever had (except being a mom).

The funny thing is I worked for Marc Teer (founder, Black Spectacles) for 10 months before we ever met face-to-face.  He interviewed me and hired me after phone conversations and some online exchanges.  My husband even loves telling this story!

I am now a full-time employee with Marc, his Operations Manager, and our business is growing like crazy!  We are now 5 people strong and I’m his only HMM hire.

What’s your educational and experiential background?

Received my Bachelor of Science in Education from Arkansas State University (1990), taught high school one year, and after deciding not to continue teaching I found a job as a project manager for an entrepreneur allowing me to travel and learn some business skills.  I got married a few years later and quit work to raise 3 children.  As my oldest began his senior year of high school I wanted to go back to work but still needed the flexibility to be “mom” as necessary.  HMM came along at the most perfect time.  I was working part-time in a cubicle of a local company and although I was happy to be back in the workforce (“contributing” as my husband so fondly says) but hated the mundane work and lack of flexibility.  I found a part-time, flexible job I could do from home and it was exciting!  I was doing everything remotely and learning a lot, it was the perfect part-time job.  And then, things began to happen for Black Spectacles, we started growing and that was exciting.  My little part-time job has now turned into a full-time career position!  It is so fulfilling to be part of something that is new, cutting edge and constantly interesting.  Everyday is different and that makes it wonderful for me.

What is your top tip for landing a gig on HireMyMom?

Read the job postings carefully.  Very often there are specific tasks a person/company is looking to have accomplished.  Make sure you clearly understand what is being asked and honestly evaluate your skills to accomplish those tasks.  I spend 2 weeks reading the postings before selecting 5 that seemed like a good fit.  After reviewing those 5, I only applied to 1, and that’s my job now.  I realize this may not work for everyone, but it worked for me because I knew very clearly what I was capable of and what I was looking for.

What’s your favorite thing about HireMyMom?

I really liked being able to read and reread the posting and highlight the ones I felt might be a fit.  It was a very strategic way for me to narrow my choices.  The site is very user-friendly in my opinion and I’ve recommended it to many friends (a few who have found temporary work as needed).

What’s one fun fact about you?

I have my motorcycle license and I act in local community theater productions (sorry, that’s 2).  🙂

 

 

 

Continue Reading

Written by
June 27, 2016 0 Comments

3 Ways to Relax This Summer

Work doesn’t stop in the summer, even if you work from home! The kids are home for a few months and schedules are just a little bit different from the other 9 months of the year.

Although you’re home as a work from home employee, steps still need to be taken to ensure that vacation is effective and productive for you and your kids – and even relaxing!

Plan the fun

Work doesn’t’ stop, but everyone admits that there’s a different feeling in the summer. Teachers and kids are off, companies tend to slow down, many more people are traveling, and so on.

Do your best to plan your fun and include more of it while the weather is nice and the kids are out of school! There are plenty of options, from water parks to theme parks to day trips to local cities and towns of interest.  Plan a staycation or two during the summer months – it’s something to look forward to, all while enjoying the benefits that summer has to offer.  Since everyone’s schedule tends to be a bit slower this time of year, it’s a great time to get away with minimal disruption.

In addition to scheduling family activities, make it a point to schedule a few things just for you – a manicure, a different hike with friends, or maybe a trip to a more distant shopping center or day destination.  It’s the time to enjoy the outdoors and some time off!  You can lean on family and friends to work through carpool and babysitting plans.

Shut it down

As we emphasize again and again, you have to shut down at the end of the day! Summer afternoons or nights are perfect for an afternoon by the pool, or for a trip to the movies or ice cream.  Whatever you like to do with your family or friends, make sure you’re shutting down in the summer.

As we’ve said, it’s a less busy time of year, so overtime should be less during these months.  Truly take these next few months to really shut down on time or enjoy a few hours during the day, as you’ll be much more refreshed and ready for work (and busy schedules!) to pick back up in the fall.

Set summer hours

Decide on the times when things are least likely to be going on with your family and work then.  Depending on your family, these times can range from early afternoon to later evenings in the park.  which might include some later hours, or earlier if you and your family enjoy evening activities.

Your summer hours might vary from your hours the rest of the year, which in general is just fine.  Most work from home jobs are fairly flexible, in that you can work whenever as long as the work is completed.  Even if this isn’t the case for you, setting your office hours can help you set expectations for yourself, your employer, and your family plans.  

Summer is a special time that’s very fleeting and won’t be back for quite a while.  It’s important to take advantage of trips, fun outings, and unique scheduling while you can. Take those special moments for yourself and your family to truly come back more relaxed and refreshed!

Continue Reading

Written by
June 20, 2016 0 Comments

4 Tips for Good Desk Posture

We all know that sitting at a desk all day is not ideal, but it’s a part of work.  According to DIYGenius.com, “Scientists believe that anyone sitting more than 6 hours a day is at a heightened risk of developers problems and this much sitting may be as bad as smoking a pack of cigarettes everyday.”  It’s very clear that sitting has long term health implications, including postural issues.

Since we’re prone to long days seated at a desk, here are some tips and tricks to improve health and posture during your workday.

Look into standing desks

A standing desk is just as it says – a desk that allows you to stand and work.  The benefits of a standing desk include less strain on your back from sitting, less time spent being sedentary, and approximately 50 more calories burned per hour.  

The desk is designed with your computer up much higher, so you don’t have to hunch over to stand and work.  While standing desks can be a great way to improve posture and avoid sitting all day, it’s still important to give yourself a break from time to time.

If you do go with a standing desk, look into establishing a schedule that combines periods of sitting with standing.

Stretch it out

Stretching is a great antidote to sitting all day! You don’t have to go into a full yoga routine, but some simple desk stretches can make a big difference in how you feel.

There are numerous back, neck, and leg stretches you can do directly at your desk, so there’s no excuse!

Click here for some simple desk stretches from BestHealthmag.ca.  

Sit properly

In this case, this has nothing to do with manners and everything to do with your health!  Sitting in an ergonomically proper way is key to feeling comfortable and eliminating long term damage at a desk job.

According to Mayoclinic.com, your monitor should be at arm’s length away, wrists should be straight, hands at or below elbow level, and your chair should be adjusted at a height so that your knees are about level with your hips.  Additionally, the top of your monitor’s screen should be at or slightly below eye level.

It’s also very important to sit back fully into your chair and sit up straight.  If you catch yourself hunching over, straighten back up and do a few stretches before resuming work.  Click here for more tips on office ergonomics.

Take breaks

Breaks are key to mental and physical health when you sit at a desk for your job.  Get up and walk around, stretch, take your dog around the block, or simply walk in place.  This is great for your posture – it gives you a moment to roll your shoulders back, shake off the stress, and start over.  Also, when you give your body a chance to really relax for a moment, you reduce the physical stress that you’re holding onto.

Take care of your body, set up your workstation correctly, and use correct postural tips to ensure that you stay healthy and safe while working!

Continue Reading

Written by
June 13, 2016 0 Comments

5 Tips for Work From Home Fitness

When you work from home, you might have more flexibility in your schedule, but it doesn’t necessarily make fitness any easier! We know that sitting is bad for our health, and that we need to make time to move and workout.

Although you don’t need an intensive workout regimen, it’s important to fit exercise into your day.  By establishing a schedule and realizing what works best for you, you can maintain your health as well as your flexibility.

Go online

In this day and age, you don’t even have to leave your home to get in a great workout!

There are numerous online fitness classes that are available for free online! YouTube.com is a vast resource for yoga, step aerobics, kettlebell, cardio, and many other types of exercise.  Videos range from a few minutes to over an hour, allowing you to complete full classes in the comfort of your own home.

You can also look into subscription websites for yoga classes, boot camp schedules, and much more.  There’s literally something for everyone and every schedule – simply do a bit of searching and find something that fits your personality, space available, and time available to workout.

Schedule it in

It can be tough to get away to the gym or to classes with kids or other obligations, so work from home moms often become workout from home moms!  Even though this is often the case, it’s still important to keep a fairly structured fitness schedule, as this ensures that you make time in your day.

Reflect on what time of day will work best for you.  Set your workout daily and pick a time that works for your family.  For example, if mornings are quiet and energizing for you, set your workouts for bright and early.  If your kids are rushing in the mornings but leave for most of the day, plan to be with them in the morning, put in a few hours of work, then hit your workout before lunchtime.  Fitness is all about consistency, so pencil your workouts in just as you would any other meeting,

Make it part of your day

When you’re out and about and running errands, make fitness a part of your day.  Although formal workouts help to build strength and long term endurance, fitting small acts of fitness into your day is a great start!

Start by parking further away and walking, taking stairs, and taking simple walks during breaks or on calls.

Get out and move

Leaving the house can be very therapeutic for a work from home mom! We’re often in for long periods of time getting work done, but it’s important to get out and about once in awhile.

There are dozens of local gyms and classes in most cities – take a chance on a class that looks fun, or ask some friends to meet up for an early class before the kids wake up.  Fitness can actually become part of your social routine, and it’s a two for one: fitness and friendship!

Make a move

Make it a point to move throughout the day! Even if you don’t have time for a full 30-60 minute YouTube workout video, you can find 2-10 minute ones that can really add up.  For example, set a timer that goes off every 1-2 hours that requires you to move.

Decide that you’re going to dance to one song when you get alerted, or vow to take your pup around the block during another break.  Mini workouts add up, especially if you don’t currently have the time commitment for a full workout schedule.  If you do 5, 6 minute workouts per day, you’re getting in your 30 minutes!  Simply walk in place, do a few strengthening yoga moves, or work on your kickboxing steps.

Fitness is all about health and balance, and there’s almost always a way to fit that into your life.  Carve out the times that work best for you, or set yourself up for success by planning ahead. In addition to home workouts, it can be fun to try workouts outside the home with friends or family.  Oftentimes, gyms and boutique classes offer childcare, allowing you some more time to fit a workout into your busy schedule.

Continue Reading