Category: Careers

Tutoring you in Career Choices

Strategies to Improve English Listening Skills

 

 

As a new English speaker, your language skills are progressing well — grammar is now familiar, your reading comprehension is no problem, and you are communicating quite fluently — but listening is still posing a problem.

 

First of all, remember that you are not alone. Listening comprehension is probably the most difficult task for almost all learners of English as a foreign language. The most important thing is to listen, and that means as often as possible. The next step is to find listening resources. This is where the Internet really comes in handy (idiom = to be useful) as a tool for English students. A few suggestions for interesting listening selections are CBC Podcasts,  All Things Considered (on NPR), and the BBC.

 

Listening Strategies

Once you have begun to listen on a regular basis, you might still be frustrated by your limited understanding. Here are a few courses of action you can take:

 
  • Accept the fact that you are not going to understand everything.
  • Stay relaxed when you do not understand — even if you continue to have trouble understanding for a while.
  • Do not translate into your native language.
  • Listen for the gist (or general idea) of the conversation. Don’t concentrate on detail until you have understood the main idea(s).
 

First, translating creates a barrier between the listener and the speaker. Second, most people repeat themselves constantly. By remaining calm, you can usually understand what the speaker had said.

 

Translating Creates a Barrier Between Yourself and the Person Who Is Speaking

While you are listening to another person speaking a foreign language (English in this case), the temptation is to immediately translate into your native language. This temptation becomes much stronger when you hear a word you don’t understand. This is only natural as we want to understand everything that is said. However, when you translate into your native language, you are taking the focus of your attention away from the speaker and concentrating on the translation process taking place in your brain. This would be fine if you could put the speaker on hold. In real life, however, the person continues talking while you translate. This situation obviously leads to less — not more — understanding. Translation leads to a mental block in your brain, which sometimes doesn’t allow you to understand anything at all.

 

Most People Repeat Themselves

Think for a moment about your friends, family, and colleagues. When they speak in your native tongue, do they repeat themselves? If they are like most people, they probably do. That means that whenever you listen to someone speaking, it is very likely that they will repeat the information, giving you a second, third or even fourth chance to understand what has been said.

 

By remaining calm, allowing yourself to not understand, and not translating while listening, your brain is free to concentrate on the most important thing: understanding English in English.

 

Probably the greatest advantage of using the Internet to improve your listening skills is that you can choose what you would like to listen to and how many and times you would like to listen to it. By listening to something you enjoy, you are also likely to know a lot more of the vocabulary required.

 

Use Key Words

Use keywords or key phrases to help you understand the general ideas. If you understand “New York”, “business trip”, “last year” you can assume that the person is speaking about a business trip to New York last year. This may seem obvious to you but remember that understanding the main idea will help you to understand the detail as the person continues to speak.

 

Listen for Context

Let’s imagine that your English-speaking friend says, “I bought this great tuner at JR’s. It was really cheap and now I can finally listen to National Public Radio broadcasts.” You don’t understand what a tuner is, and if you focus on the word tuner you might become frustrated.

 

If you think in context, you probably will begin to understand. For example, bought is the past of buy, listen is no problem and radio is obvious. Now you understand: He bought something — the tuner — to listen to the radio. A tuner must be a kind of radio. This is a simple example, but it demonstrates what you need to focus on: Not the word that you don’t understand, but the words you do understand.

 

Listening often is the most important way to improve your listening skills. Enjoy the listening possibilities offered by the Internet and remember to relax.

Article by Kenneth Beare for thoughtco.com

Photo credit:  Michael H/ Digital Vision/Getty Images

 
 
 

Best Indoor Apartment Plants to Buy Online

Dim, dry, or overly humid rooms impeding your dreams of becoming an at-home horticulturist? These factors—which are all too common for apartment dwellers—may have once hindered you from pursuing a life as a plant parent…until now. While many plants require paradise-like living arrangements with abundant light and constant attention, there are an array of options that can survive in less-than-perfect conditions. We tapped Baltimore-based plant stylist Hilton Carter, author of Wild Interiors, to recommend the best indoor apartment plants to buy online and how to care for them once they’re all yours.

 

 

Burgundy Rubber Tree
 
 

“This is one of my favorite ficus trees,” says Carter. “It’s less finicky than its popular cousin, the fiddle-leaf fig, and it can grow up to 25 feet indoors. When it comes to light, it does well when it’s bright and indirect. Keep the soil moist during the growing season, which is summer. In the winter, the soil needs less moisture.”

Philodendron Jungle Boogie
 
 

“Like all philodendrons, you have to be careful to not overwater it,” says Carter. “Only give it a drink when the soil is completely dry. When it comes to light, it likes it bright or medium and indirect.”

Lipstick Plant
 
 
“It’s easy to see where this got its name,” says Carter. “It thrives in bright indirect light but will also do well in filtered light. Be careful not to overexpose it to direct sun, because this can burn the leaves and dry the plant out. Keep the soil moist, not wet. For balanced growth, rotate it at least once a month.”
 
Aralia Fabian
 
 

“The Aralia fabian reminds me of something out of a Dr. Seuss book. Its beauty and weirdness comes from its thick burly trunk, thin speckled branches, and pancake-shaped foliage that’s a dark shade of green on top and a shade of violet on the bottom,” says Carter. “To care for it, place your plant in a pot that has a drainage hole and water it until water comes out in the base tray. Repeat only when the top two inches of soil become completely dry. It can live in a nice spot that has bright indirect light. If you don’t have that, a mix of dappled light throughout the day will also work well.”

Jade
“This is one of my favorite succulents to grow indoors. Unlike other plants, it can survive a day of direct sunlight,” says Carter. “Place it in a pot with a drainage hole and water every two weeks only when the top two inches of soil are dry. To keep it looking fresh, just give dying or dry branches a snip.”

Well, those plants should get your mind heading in a creative direction.

Source:  elledecor.com

Tips For Bouncing Back From a Recent Lay Off

Layed off woman

What do you do if you find yourself recently laid off or furloughed? Keep your chin up because there are ways of surviving this grim period while still maintaining your own standard of living. We’ve spoken with experts on how to get through this still achieving your career goals while also keeping the lights on.

Take a mental vacation

Taking a mental vacation during a pandemic might be a bit more difficult than normal, but it is still possible. Give yourself space to grieve…which may involve letting yourself feel all the emotions associated with disappointment. A big part of understanding why things happen objectively is allowing yourself to process negative emotions and then letting them go. Think of your emotions as a wave that hits the shore, but then has to rescind.

Hunter Gilmore is the Chief Recruiter at The Hunting Lodge and he says, “As much as you need to update your resume and portfolio, you also need to make space for self-care. Take a walk (with social distancing). Give your pet or house plants extra attention. Try that new recipe. Give meditation another shot; you’ve got the time. Feel it, then let it go. Even when expected, a layoff can kick off a ripple effect of emotions – shame, fear, sadness, rage. Allow yourself to let those nasties come out, but also make space for some silver linings too. It is spring after all!”

Utilize your unemployment benefits

With the astronomical rise of unemployed people, unemployment agencies that offer benefits such as weekly payments are taking a hit. In March alone, 10 million people applied for unemployment benefits according to the United States Department of Labor. This has caused multiple unemployment sites (varied by state) to shut down or malfunction. While this may seem like a hassle, it’s important to utilize these benefits if you find yourself laid off or furloughed for reasons beyond your control.

Some states are passing new legislation to increase unemployment insurance due to the COVID-19 pandemic and this can be a reliable way to continue paying bills without pause. Ultimately, it’s up to you if you want to receive benefits or not. Spending a few hours online hassling with government websites is not many people’s pastimes, but it can help when things start getting tight.

Start a new hobby

If you’ve been laid off or furloughed and are currently locked in because of a quarantine, you’re probably looking for new ways to distract yourself. Why not start a hobby? Things like starting an herb garden, puzzles or watching documentaries are cost-effective hobbies that give your brain some boost.

Use your network

“Connect. We’re all in some sort of isolation. Get in touch with a previous boss or co-worker. Companies are still hiring or will be hiring after this pause; let your network know what you have to offer and let them help you get back to work. There is an outpouring of support for people who need new jobs right now; utilize that sense of compassion and goodwill.” says Hunter.

Networking

© filadendron Getty Images

Amy Laiker, Head of New York for Tiger Recruitment adds, “Use the network you have around you. Not only is networking an essential tool for finding a new job, (especially in a tough market), but bouncing ideas off of friends and family can also help you build your confidence back up. They may also know people who may be able to help!”

Look into new resources

Hunter mentions, “Stay creative, take a class online, learn to sew, refurbish a coffee table or just use your hands. Explore new options. Maybe your previous job was a drain. You have time to see what else is out there for you. Major industries will be shifting due to this crisis; allow yourself to make some shifts as well.”

Begin a new career

Losing your job (for some) may not be the worst thing in the world. If you found yourself unchallenged, bored and settled then maybe it was fate nudging you to a new career. Trying for your dream job doesn’t have to be a dream…it’s never too late to be what you want to be and making the most of your time off is a solid way to kick off that journey. If you don’t know where to start, try reaching out to experts for recommendations.

Slow Down

“If you’ve fallen victim to a recent lay off, it can be devastating. While it may be tempting to immediately register with every single agency you can google, slow down for a minute and think about your options. Obviously, if you were happy in your previous job, definitely try to find work in a similar company or role (it may be a good idea to ask your previous employer if they have any contacts who may be able to help). But if you’re unsure about what you want to do, why not try contracting/temping?” says Amy from Tiger Recruitment.

“And, if you’re looking for a complete career change, take the time to think about the steps you need to take to make the transition.”

Above all, stay well, stay happy!

By Emy Rodriguez Flores for Redbook

Photo Credit:  © FG trade Getty Images

The Best Jobs for Every Personality Type

There seems to be an abundance of available jobs here in the U.S. BUT-

Does your job fit your personality?

While the list below is in no way definitive — and personality preferences can be flexible over time — it may serve as a helpful guide for understanding yourself and what sort of personalities gravitate toward certain jobs.
Figure out which type suits you best, and then check out the chart below.

 

 

Thanks to Business Insider and Richard Feloni and Skye Gould for this Infogram.

Your waist size may be more important than weight for heart attack risk

A person measuring their waistline with a tape measure, highlighting abdominal obesity.

 

It’s been known for a while that having a pot belly, even if you are slim elsewhere, increases the odds of having a first heart attack, The link was particularly strong in men, researchers said.

A study found that belly fat was associated with heart attacks and stroke independent of other risk factors like smoking, diabetes, hypertension, body mass index and prevention treatments. The researchers stressed that waist circumference was a more important marker than overall obesity and advised doctors to measure their patient’s waists to identify those at risk. Most patients — 78% of men and 90% of women — had abdominal obesity, defined as a waist circumference of 94 cm (37.6 inches) or above for men, and 80 cm (32 inches) or above for women.

However, they said that the link was stronger and more linear in men, who made up nearly three-fourths of the patients included in the study, than women.

In women, Dr. Hanieh Mohammadi said the relationship was “U-shaped” rather than linear, meaning that the mid-range waist measurement, rather than the narrowest, was least risky. What’s more, the mid-range waist measurement was in the range traditionally recognized as at risk for abdominal obesity: more than 80 cm wide.

The reason for this could be down to the type of fat that tends to hang out on men’s and women’s bellies. Mohammadi said some studies have suggested that men may have more visceral fat that goes deep inside your body and wraps around your vital organs.
This fat can be turned into cholesterol that can start collecting along and hardening your arteries, perhaps ultimately leading to a heart attack or stroke.
“In women it is thought that a greater portion of the abdominal fat is constituted by subcutaneous fat which is relatively harmless,” she said.

However, the lower numbers of women included in the study meant the findings had less “statistical power” and more research was needed to draw definite conclusions, Mohammadi said.

The risk of cardiovascular disease like heart attacks or strokes is considered to be higher in those with a waist measurement of above 94 cm in men and above 80 cm in women, according to the World Health Organization. The risk is thought to be substantially increased in men with a waist wider than 102 cm and 88 cm in women.
The authors said that belly fat was best tackled by a healthy diet and regular exercise. Earlier studies have shown that regular moderate cardio, like walking for at least 30 minutes a day, can help fight a widening waistline. Strength training with weights may also help but spot exercises like sit-ups that can tighten abs won’t touch visceral fat.

By Katie Hunt, CNN

Photo Credit:  UPI©

 

Expert Drainage Tips That Will Save You Money in the Long Run

‘Dr. Drainage’ Ryan Larsen shared the insider scoop on landscaping drainage problems (and how to avoid them!).

By Jenny Krane Better Homes & Gardens
Gutters

You make sure that all your indoor drains are clear, clean, and working properly. So why wouldn’t you give the same amount of thought to outdoor drainage? It’s easy to forget that your yard doesn’t take care of rainwater and snowmelt on its own. With a little pre-planning, you can avoid thousands of dollars worth of water damage to your foundation, siding, and landscaping.

We talked to Ryan Larsen, a civil engineer at NDS, Inc. NDS manufactures drainage products that can be used in residential or commercial settings. Nicknamed ‘Dr. Drainage,’ Ryan is also the host of NDS’s instructional YouTube videos on drainage and stormwater management. He’s been with NDS since 2012 and worked as a land development civil engineer for 10 years before. Through his experience, Ryan has picked up a few valuable tips and tricks when it comes to drainage.

Ryan was instrumental in developing NDS’s Home Drainage Center, an interactive online tool that will help you identify your drainage problems, the cause, and the best solution for your situation. The team that created this tool found the eight most common drainage problems. Ryan stands by the phrase, “Prepare for April showers to enjoy your May flowers.” By planning ahead and identifying drainage issues early, you’ll have fewer issues with water in and around your home.

Signs of Poor Drainage

If you take the time to look, it’s easy to determine whether or not you have areas of poor drainage. Low spots in your yard can collect water from rain and sprinklers, which will drown the grass and other plants growing in those areas. In some places, you can actually see standing water. Other signs to look for include a chronically wet home exterior and water staining.

Poor Drainage Problems

Of the eight most common drainage problems, the most common is from downspout runoff. Having all the water from your roof filter into one, focused spot next to your home is going to cause sitting water—where it can seep into your home’s foundation, no less. The worst-case scenario of poor drainage is that your foundation cracks. This can cause uneven home settling, mold and mildew, and flooding in the basement. Fixing a cracked foundation can cost you tens of thousands of dollars, depending on how extensive the damage is.

dry-creek-landscaping-

The Ideal Drainage System

The number one rule that Ryan advises every homeowner should stick by is the 10-foot rule: with any drainage system, redirect water at least 10 feet away from your house. A few feet aren’t enough, especially when the snow melts quickly or if there is a big rainstorm. Ryan also recommends angling drainage pipes downward and away from the home.

When it comes to drainage systems, Ryan finds that passive or gravity-driven systems are best. “Your pump is going to fail eventually, and I can almost guarantee that it is going to fail during the storm, not when it’s bright and sunny out,” Ryan says. One simple task you can do to help a system work to its full potential is to fill in low spots in the yard and around the home. So instead of collecting in divots in the grass, a majority of the runoff will be taken care of by the drainage system.

One of the best things about drainage solutions is that homeowners can do a lot of the work on their own—you just need to be willing to do a little digging. If you’re installing a large system in your yard, rent a larger tool for efficiency and ease. “Anything that involves a concrete saw I would leave up to a contractor,” Ryan says. Whether you’re needing to get under a walkway or into the foundation, it’s best to leave the heavy-duty structural jobs to the professionals.

Making sure your property is outfitted for efficient water drainage should be a priority for homeowners. You will save money, improve your landscape’s chance of success, and prevent irreparable damage to the structure of your home. Taking the time to identify and solve issues will make it so you don’t need to give Dr. Drainage a call.

Top 12 Garden Seed Catalogs – 2020

The Garden Glove

One of the hardest decisions a gardener must make is where to buy their garden seeds, plants and supplies. Especially when so much is now available online. Here at The Garden Glove, we have several favorite garden seed catalogs and suppliers, and we update this list every January. This list has been updated for 2020. Here is some info on our top picks that we use ourselves, and our experience with them, along with their website information. Log onto their websites and request their catalogs today to have seeds in time for spring planting! Or order online like I do… And check out our favorite choices for buying live plants online at the end! And now on to our list of the best 2020 garden seed catalogs!

Top 12 Garden Seed Catalogs

Just in time fellow gardeners, a seed catalog party.  Grab a cup and relax as Garden Glove relates their experiences at 12 of the best seed company’s in America.  Here is a link for you to begin reading:

thegardenglove.com/top-garden-seed-catalogs/

Linkedin Cheat Sheet

Are you Linkedin ?  Not I.  So, I don’t know if this is the Ultimate cheat sheet or not, or if it’s that important to cheat your way in.  I present this to you for your education because, as a tutor, that’s what I do!  (You can clue me in if this is legit or not).

Tips to Achieve LinkedIn Profile Perfection - Tipsographic

tipsographic.com

How to Make Yourself More Employable

 

When you focus on improving yourself, you’ll be ready to jump on any opportunity that comes your way. Becoming a more employable prospect brings a lot of benefits and increases your sense of self-worth. You never know when you may need to find a new job or sell yourself to your current employer for a promotion. Here are some proactive ways you can make yourself more employable by taking action and learning some practical, effective skills.

Learn new skills

Broaden your social network

LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network and remains the best platform to promote yourself and advertise your skills as a professional. Potential employers and recruitment consultants regularly seek out candidates with evidenced experience that demonstrates they’re worth investing in.

 

Caveat: Although social media has many productive advantages, it can also have consequences if not used carefully. Content can be found by your employer within minutes and can potentially jeopardize potential professional opportunities.


Keep your CV updated

A good quality, updated CV will considerably boost your chances of securing an interview. It is vital to make sure your CV is formatted in a neat, organized, and consistent way.  In addition, has a list of your successful achievements and responsibilities. You must show why your set of skills make you the perfect candidate over your competition.

On average an employer takes only 8 – 10 seconds to screen a CV before deciding on whether or not you are suitable for the interview. First impressions are crucial, and your CV provides you with the opportunity to make a great first professional impression.

Volunteer

There are a huge range of skills that can be developed by volunteering, which can help you stand out from the crowd. Volunteering for a worthy cause can help to develop your skills in teamwork, problem solving, and leadership.

Volunteering offers the chance to give back to your community.  Also,it can add depth to your CV and demonstrate your passion and commitment to personal development. Volunteering not only expands your network, it helps you build confidence, and gives you experience and can improve your career prospects.

Dress to impress

A Wall Street Journal study pointed to the fact that wearing the appropriate clothes for your industry can affect the way people perceive you and even how you’re able to think abstractly.

It is vital to dress as you want to be seen, professional, successful, and the kind of person the company wants to represent it. There’s a ‘feel good’ factor associated with dressing well, too. Dressing professionally can make you feel better about yourself and can give you more confidence.

Push yourself out of your comfort zone

Our comfort zones provide safe mental places of familiarity and security. When we step outside of our comfort zones, we are open to the increased risk of stress and anxiety. Although this can be discomforting, it can also have positive results. Challenging yourself can push you to perform at your peak – as psychologists have demonstrated, we rise to the occasion when we find ourselves in these situations, as trying new things can make you more creative and you can be seen as suitably fit to employers.

Believe in yourself

The difference whether you succeed or not in your career comes down partly to believing in yourself. If you hardly believe you are capable of doing something, you will never give your full effort. A strong belief in yourself has many advantages including recognition of your ability to accomplish goals, a feeling of being uplifted and more satisfied with life, treating yourself kindly and being more motivated. If you practice these strategies, you will discover the comfort of knowing you can do anything you choose to when you believe in yourself.

Learn a new skill

When you’re looking for work, having extra skills can make all the difference. Improving your current skills is a beneficial way to use your time and increase your chances of finding employment. If you receive the right training it helps you build new skills, boots your confidence and will help you stand out from other candidates. Employers are usually impressed if an individual has taken the initiative to develop a new skill. It is important to push yourself out of your comfort zone and try new things to increase productivity and creativity.


Having the confidence to seek out new opportunities and develop your professional skillset will make you more employable and lead you towards what you want to achieve in your career. An investment in yourself is a worthy investment in your life, and in your future.

Thanks to the following for this article: jobsandcareersmag.com

Related:  Jobs and Professions – TUTORING YOU