Most people detest shopping for work clothing. There’s just no getting around the fact that the majority of professional wardrobes are populated by outfits that are dull, drab, and uncomfortable, and we simply chalk it up to the cost of doing business. But the fact that these garments can also be extremely pricy is almost too much to bear. After all, it’s not like you’d buy them if you didn’t work in an office, and for the most part you would never wear them outside of a business setting. However, there are ways to find attractive options for the office that can overlap into your everyday life…if you’re willing to shop designer labels. And incredibly, you can find many ways to get the fashionable items you crave for a fraction of the price they normally retail at. Here are just a few hints to help you on your way to a better work wardrobe for less.

The most expensive course of action would be to purchase garments directly from retailers in the season they debut. But if you’re not particular about being uber-trendy, why not wait for end-of-season and sample sales as a way to save some money? You’ll have to deal with the headaches that often accompany such sales (a crush of frantic shoppers, cash-only payments, and a decided lack of changing rooms and privacy) but it could be worth it to get one or two really special items to add to your wardrobe. So if you’re going for staples (like a black suit or white oxford) that you can get anywhere, skip the hassle. But if you’re dying to snag that Diane Von Furstenberg sheath dress that can easily transition from office to evening, it may be worth your time and effort to get it on the cheap at a sample sale.

Of course, you could skip the stores altogether and shop online. With fashion deal-of-the-day sites like Hautelook, Gilt, and Beyond the Rack offering amazing daily deals on the designer labels you love, there’s no reason not to sign up for their free services, which include emails to let you know what’s on sale today. And you can find any number of discount designer goods websites (like Bluefly, for example) that can help you to secure great deals on designer duds. Don’t forget to look for coupon codes and check the sale pages of these sites, as well.

But you may not be into rolling the dice on how items will fit and flatter your body. So shopping online, while often less expensive than retail, might not be an option. By the same token you might not be keen to shop second-hand stores or Los Angeles, Chicago, or Salem garage sales to find what you’re looking for. There is a happy medium, though. Just check out designer discount stores like T.J. Maxx and Marshall’s or look into designer collaborations with discount department stores like Target and Kohl’s (and even Payless). You’ll be surprised at the low prices you can find on wares from the big names that you’d love to feature in your work wardrobe.

Moving to start a new life in a different area can be scary enough, but if you don’t already have a job lined up, you may be beginning to reconsider.  People move for hundreds of different reasons, and it’s highly possible that you don’t have any other options.  A new life in a strange place can be intimidating, but don’t fret.  However, that doesn’t mean you should ignore the challenges:  you may not know very many (or any) people, you are unfamiliar with the area, or you feel that you need to be physically present to do the searching yourself before you actually move.  You will overcome all these hurdles in time.  Meanwhile, here are a few strategies to help with the job search:

Research. Before you move, do some simple online research in advance.  This may include subscribing to nightly emails from Monster.com that will tell you available positions in a specific area, or simply compiling a list of businesses or companies that you think you might be qualified to work for.  You may even want to check Craigslist.com to see what temporary positions are available.

Network. With the advent of prodigious social media like Facebook and Twitter, the odds are good that someone you know knows someone else in your new area.  Ask around:  accumulate as many contacts as you can, then email those people and see if you can meet with them in person once you get settled.  These new connections are your best bet to help you out in a pinch.

Manage your money. Try to save as much money as you can before you move.  If you’re feeling particularly optimistic, plan to live for three months off your savings, though six months is more realistic.  Cut corners wherever you can, and remember to include moving expenses, which can be highly cost prohibitive.  You may want to research used flatbed trailers for sale to help when you actually move, which may be less expensive than renting a Uhaul, and you can always sell it when your move is complete.

In the meantime. Before you actually find your dream job, you will probably have to accept whatever positions you can, whether that’s working part-time slinging lattes, bartending, housesitting, dog walking, etc.  As you settle into your new life, more opportunities will crop up, and who knows?  Maybe you’ll meet someone on the hunt for a new employee who is completely wowed by your coffee making skills.

Arrivederci! Remember, this might not be forever, and it might not work out.  It never hurts to have an exit strategy, some plan for the future in case your current situation becomes unendurable.  Continue to save money when you can, and if you don’t find the right job – or you can’t afford to pay your rent – you need to have a plan you can fall back on just in case.  Hopefully that doesn’t mean moving back in with mom and dad.  Continue to make contacts and friends who can help you out when you need it, and you may be in for a brighter future.

Difficult times require difficult measures.  Since the economy continues to challenge the country, many people fight its effects by returning to schools.  But is that the right path for you to take?  If you have a bachelor’s degree, you might be considering the possibility of applying for entrance to a graduate program where you would work toward earning your Masters of Business Administration.  Consider these approaches to your potential new career as you ponder the worthwhileness of an MBA and if they sound like they might be a good fit for you.

Business administration. The core curriculum of any business program, these courses require you to study accounting, communications, marketing, and human resources, among other subjects.  You will also be required to work in groups as well as on your own as you practice giving presentations and researching case studies.  This path would lead you eventually to becoming a general manager, with a potential six digit salary.

Management. This course of study focuses specifically on increasing your managerial skills while helping you focus on the particular aspect of the business world you are interested in joining.  You will learn how to improve your leadership skills while working toward team building by honing your communication and problem solving abilities.

Human Resources. You can outdo the undergraduate HR degree, which is usually a gateway to entry-level positions, by learning to understand more complex ideas such as union and labor laws.  You may be asked to learn about negotiating contracts or mediation.  Once you achieve your degree, as the HR person in a business or corporation you would find that, once again, on average the Human Resources Manager makes over $100,000 annually.

Marketing. A degree that focuses on this aspect of the business world requires that you understand how the nitty gritty of selling products, services, or the very idea of the business itself.  Following this course of study requires that you learn about public relations as well as advertising and helps you hone your communication skills, which must be stronger than the average person to help you succeed in this field.

Accounting. This specific field requires that you are good with numbers and that you have the potential to understand how the financial system of the company you represent affects its operation and business decisions.

Earning an MBA will help you advance in your original field of study or any other you decide to enter, especially if you are bored with your current job or feel that it isn’t an appropriate fit.  An MBA helps you be upwardly mobile as well at the same time it grants you the ability to change careers by offering you credibility.  Ultimately, this degree will help you earn more money in the beginning as well as helping you cement your place in the world.

Once you’ve decided that you really want to earn your MBA, you can consider applying to one of the top online business degree programs where you will join others with your go-getter mindset in earning top business degrees.

Every single day there thousands of Americans are forced to confront the dread of unemployment after unexpectedly losing their jobs in this deepening recession. With companies of all sizes still reluctant to hire new employees, the typically arduous job search has become an even taller hill to climb. Highly qualified professionals in all markets are actively pursuing a limited number of open positions, which means you need to think outside of the box to set yourself apart and pull to the head of the pack. With so many candidates to choose from, many of which possess extremely similar qualifications and experience, hiring managers and human resource departments are looking for people who stand out and a bilingual background is a great head start. Employees who are fluent in two or more languages are an extremely valuable commodity to companies of all variety, from convenience stores and restaurants to worldwide corporations. If you are considering the addition of another language to your employment repertoire, the growing list of advantages of being bilingual in the workplace are definitely intriguing.

Businesses and bottom lines have been battered and beaten during the last few years, which means managers and executives must constantly decide which of their employees are expendable and which are essential. Flexibility is a key component for anyone hoping to emerge from today’s job market, because if your boss is suddenly forced to divide the branch and send employees to Montreal, a working knowledge of the French language makes you a far more useful asset than an Anglophone. When your division is outsourced to Shanghai, the company you work for will be glad to keep you on board if you happen to speak Chinese. Being bilingual in the workplace also puts you on the fast path to promotion, because most executive positions require travel to foreign countries in the name of growth and top companies prefer well rounded people for prestigious positions. In a business climate defined by ruthless pragmatism, the languages you have mastered are simply supplements to your skillset, additions which position you to survive layoffs and restructuring.

Being bilingual also means that you will be capable of providing better service to a much wider market. America’s demographic landscape is ever the melting pot it has been described as, and nearly every business is better served by increasing their accessibility to a more diverse audience. When you are competent and confident in your ability to speak Spanish, for example, native Spanish-speaking customers and clients will be more comfortable and the lines of true communication will be more easily fostered. If you work at a resort or in customer service but choose to remain monolingual, dealing with tourists from a variety of European locales can be maddening indeed. Taking the time to learn the intricacies of Italian, German or Dutch can be a bit of an investment to be sure, but you will be pleasantly surprised with the returns when you find yourself ably serving customers from across the Old Continent.

Breana Orland is a contributing writer for Übersetzungsbüro Deutsch Englisch (translation service German English).You can also find out Übersetzungskosten (translation costs) at Froschweb.

The time is finally coming.  You’ve been working hard for a long while, and you’ve heard that your boss is on the hunt for someone to promote.  That someone could be you!  Have you considered the ways to improve yourself and your performance so that you’re the one they help up the ladder?  Here are a few tips on how to increase your chances to avoid a glass ceiling.

Self-reflection is a key strength.  Examine where you were when you started this job and how far you’ve come in the meantime.  Not only will that offer you confidence, but it will afford you the ability to see what steps you could take to improve.

Once you’ve decided what steps you need to undertake to improve, brainstorm about what your new goals would be if you were promoted to a new position.  Part of the brainstorming process means writing down any and all ideas.  Once you’ve exhausted your creative fount, begin crossing off the unrealistic ideas.  Consider what makes you passionate at your current position and allow that passion to guide your selection of the ideas left on your list.  Ask yourself:  how will I actually implement these suggestions?

You will also need to completely understand the job to which you aspire.  That means researching the position so that you can have a comprehensive knowledge of its possible intricacies.  The more informed you are, the more likely you will be able to wow your boss with your savvy.  Part of this work means understanding what the over-all goal for the business.  Once you can articulate that goal, you can speak more decisively about your place in the grander scheme.

A positive attitude is a must.  How can you take pitfalls, hurdles, or challenges and begin to view them as opportunities?  Begin working now without complaining.  Also consider how you might take on volunteer work.  Take the initiative and ask for it.

Don’t just talk about your hard work:  show it.  When promotion time comes around, that’s what your bosses are going to remember.  Be a problem-solver.  Conceive of a business plan that shows how you particularly will be able to improve your workplace and show it to your boss.  Request feedback for improvement.

Looking sharp is a no-brainer.  Part of your over-all look is the accessories in which you invest, and that includes your watch.  You’ll want the watch around your wrist to express to the people in your office – including your boss – what a consummate professional you are.  Therefore, if it is imperative that you keep your watch clean by removing unsightly dirt and grime as well as possible offensive odors by cleaning it regularly.  If it is broken, take it to be fixed at a jeweler who specializes in professional watch repair.

Getting a promotion is more than just being lucky.  The ways in which you can improve your current situation will reflect on your future opportunities as well.  Remember:  you are a necessary component for your company’s success!

In a recession economy, employees are willing to do just about anything to ensure that their heads don’t end up on the block; nobody wants to find themselves unemployed and competing for jobs with a sea of applicants that are far more qualified or willing to work for less.  So you may be looking for ways to make yourself indispensable (without signing your soul over to the company).  And the truth is, you don’t really need to give up your entire life to a company in order to gain a measure of job security; all you really have to do is spot the many ways in which they need you and then ensure that your superiors know about these needs (and how you fill them).  So here are just a few ways to make yourself indispensable at the office.

1. Do your job.  This is always a good place to start.  If you’re not actually certain of the specific duties that your title requires, visit the HR department to find out; they should have a list of job descriptions to help you out.  You need to know what you’re supposed to be doing before you can actually fill the requirements of your position, so this is a crucial first step to impressing your superiors.
2. Do your boss’s job.  Okay, so in all honesty this could go two ways.  The first is that you could wind up showing your superiors that you’re willing to take on extra work and continue learning, as well as convincing them that you’re ready to move up.  This could also make your boss look good and help him/her to get promoted (if spun correctly).  On the other hand, your boss could just end up dumping work on you, slacking off, and taking the credit.  But even in this situation, you become somewhat indispensable to your boss, which means you stay employed.  You can fight for a promotion later.
3. Help other departments.  Whenever you can, go out of your way to help others, especially those in positions of power or who look to be on the fast track.  Inter-office networking not only helps to promote a symbiotic system in which work is done more efficiently, it also means that you have options to move into another position should your job suddenly become expendable.
4. Don’t rock the boat.  Complaining will get you nowhere, so rather than grumbling about everything from the terrible coffee in the break room to writing weekly progress reports, give yourself an attitude adjustment.  Be the first to finish your report and hand it in with a smile, and consider providing some good coffee (everyone will thank you!).
5. Stay apprised of office chatter.  Office gossip is generally frowned on, but that certainly doesn’t stop it from occurring.  And it’s surprising how many company secrets get spread around because people just can’t keep their mouths shut.  Although you should probably avoid participating in the spread of rumors, it’s always a good idea to keep your ears open.  If, for example, franchise opportunities were to open up within your company, you might know some people that would be interested in going in on an investment (and bringing you on board once they’ve done so).  One of the best things you can do in any job is to recognize an opportunity and take it (as long as it doesn’t involve insider trading or stabbing someone in the back).

Leah Edwards is a contributing writer for WaterCooler World where you can find franchise opportunities throughout the UK.

Despite the fact that many companies have policies prohibiting interoffice dating (either written or implied), many modern employees see the office environment as one giant potential dating pool, and they’re ready to jump right in.  While it certainly seems to be the case that meeting a potential mate these days is harder than it has been for past generations (at least if you want to meet the old fashioned way, face-to-face), that doesn’t necessarily mean that the office is your only source of romantic candidates.  And frankly, most companies implement policies regarding fraternization because of the possible problems that can (and often do) result.

For starters, you need to consider what you’re looking for.  If it’s anything less than a long-term, committed relationship, you should avoid office entanglements altogether.  Flings and affairs are a no-no in general, but they’re even more out-of-bounds in an office setting simply because you’re going to have to see the other person after you break things off, whether you want to or not, and behave in a professional manner.  If both you and your potential partner are seeking a love connection and you think this could be your one shot at happiness, you might be willing to suffer the consequences of circumventing the policy of your employer.  And if you end up staying together (or even getting married), the brass will likely look the other way.  The problem is that these happy outcomes are rare even under the best of circumstances.

If you’re a responsible adult, then you need to take a moment to consider the potential negative fallout that an office romance could foster.  For one thing, it could bring drama to the workplace, whether you and your partner are in a tumultuous relationship or your other coworkers suspect that you are breaking the rules (resulting in some kind of unfair treatment).  And should a breakup occur, there could be further issues to contend with.  For example, one party may not want the relationship to end, or the split may get nasty on both sides.  Either way you could end up in an extremely uncomfortable work environment.

Also, if your employer gets wind of the relationship, either you or your partner (or both) could face consequences as severe firing (depending on company policy).  This, of course, could lead to problems in your relationship.  And if one party feels spurned after a breakup, allegations of sexual harassment could result, leading to not only a loss of employment, but also litigation.  This is actually what prompts most policies against interoffice dating, since companies wish to avoid the possibility of sexual harassment at all costs.

Then there are the potential personal damages to consider (to your health, for example).  Sexual relationships can have all kinds of physical side effects, most notably pregnancy and the transmission of STDs.  Even the best protection can fail, leaving you visiting a clinic for a pregnancy test or an exam with Western Blot Reagents to see if you caught something.  Neither outcome is very appealing for most couples in the first flush of romance, so you might want to take that into consideration before you get hot and heavy, as well.

It is more important now than ever to dress for success when entering the job market.  The economy continues to suffer, and with so many out of work, applying for and acquiring a job has become more challenging.  In a world of kill or be killed, you can just be killer if you follow a few tips specifically for women attempting to secure a position for themselves:

Research.  This is an important skill for any area of your life, but it is especially essential before you can even begin your potential new job.  The internet and a simple Google search can help you inform yourself about specifics of the industry you are looking into.  You can perform covert operations and try to (subtly!) spy on workers already employed, paying particularly close attention to the way female employees are dressed.  If not otherwise listed, always assume that you should dress professionally, which also means as conservatively as possible.  Consider the length of your skirt or dress, and how much cleavage your blouse may or may not reveal.  Keep your hemlines at no more than three inches above the knee.  And remember that buttons are your friend!

Less is more. Especially where your hair and makeup are concerned.  Your hair should be trimmed and neat.  You are not making a fashion statement here:  keep your hair a natural color (whether or not it is dyed), your nails trimmed, and your jewelry minimal.  This means one earing per ear and as small and conservative as possible:  no bling!  Avoid loud colors or prints.  When in doubt, avoid perfume, as it may prove to be an irritant to your prospective employer.  And cover up those tattoos!

Dress. Pant and dress suits are perfectly acceptable, but make sure to follow the rules listed above for print selection and length of hem.  Black or dark colors are usually seen as more professional.  If the position you are looking at requires creativity, throw in a few colorful accessories to liven up your outfit, but don’t go overboard.  Choose close-toed shoes without scuffs.  Heels are okay so long as they aren’t stilettos.  You should always wear nylons, or match your socks to the rest of your outfit (that means be consistent if you choose black:  black shoes, socks, and belts … don’t mix browns and blacks!)

Brief case. Avoid backpacks.  A black leather briefcase has always been held up as the classic standard.  You may want to consider a dark coffee color as well, but keep no matter what, keep it conservative.

Hygiene. Brush your teeth and take a bath!  This may sound like common sense, but it may give you a leg up above the competition.  Keep a breath mint in your briefcase and put it in just before your interview.  Make sure your fingernails are clean.  Wear deodorant.

Overall, be confident.  This is the job for you, and you are the best person to do it!  Remember, dressing professionally will ensure a professional attitude.  Now, go get ‘em, tigress!

A few years back, graphic design degrees were the rising star of the collegiate world.  The internet was expanding so rapidly that there was far more work than people to do it.  These days you can’t throw a Wacom tablet without hitting someone who has a background in graphic design.  This can make it a little difficult for a person with a passion for pursuits both technical and creative to find a job, especially in a recession economy (when the unemployment lines are long and graphic designers are a dime a dozen).  But there are still cities where you find graphic design work, although some are going to pay better than others.  Here are few of the best places to start your job search if your heart is set on a career in graphic design.

1. San Francisco.  With tech companies galore in town and in nearby locales like Redwood Shores and Emeryville (ever heard of a little company called Pixar?), this is often listed as the best city for graphic designers looking to earn a living.  Of course, it’s somewhat debatable whether or not you can bring home a livable wage in this high-rent city, even though they pay graphic designers some of the best salaries around ($70K+, on average).  But it’s definitely a place to start!
2. London.  Like San Francisco, this city affords a lot of opportunities to graphic designers looking for a stable gig.  But it also boasts a similarly high cost of living.  So if you’re willing to commute (or you are allowed to telecommute) from less expensive outlying areas, it may be worth it.  At the very least, you’ll get to spend a little time across the pond and enjoy easy access to other European cities.
3. Washington, D.C.  Nearby NYC may have the market cornered on creative pursuits in other arts, like theater, music, and fashion design, but when it comes to graphic design, the profession is in high demand in this U.S. capital city.  And with average wages over $60K and at least a modicum of affordable housing, this locale could offer one of the best income-to-expenditure ratios on the list.
4. Austin.  You might not think that the Live Music Capital of the World is the place to be unless you’re a musician, but they are currently enjoying something of a tech boom and the cost of living is moderate.  Can’t find a job there?  Look in nearby San Antonio, which is even more affordable (and has experienced some of the lowest unemployment in the country).
5. Your city!  No matter where you live, from Minnesota to Mississippi or California to Connecticut, you enjoy the ability to practice your trade from the comfort of your own home thanks to abundant freelance work for graphic designers.  While you may have to hustle for jobs initially and take work piecemeal (at least until you build up a reputation and a client list), you stand to make even more money as a freelancer than you ever could working for a firm.  Even better, you’ll be working for yourself.

Nobody thinks they’ll be the one to get injured on the job, especially those that work in low-risk professions.  But thousands of personal injury claims for workers compensation are submitted each year, and the next one could be yours.  So just in case you should suffer an accident or injury in the course of your work, you need to know what steps to take to ensure that you receive the consideration, treatment, and compensation you deserve.  Here are a few tips to get you on track for filing a claim and obtaining recovery for your losses.

1. Seek treatment immediately.  The first thing you need to do in case of an accident is get the medical attention you need.  You can use any first aid that is available at your office, but you should visit a hospital, urgent care, or your personal physician as soon as possible.  If you end up needing medical attention and you want workers compensation to pay for it, you may need paperwork to file with your claim.  If you wait too long to seek professional medical help, you could find your claim in question, so it’s always best to get checked out immediately, even if you think it might not be very serious.
2. Inform your boss.  You need to let your boss or supervisor know that you’ve suffered an accident as soon as possible.  Technically you have up to 30 days to inform your boss in writing of the accident if you want to file a claim for workers comp.  But you really should inform him/her the same day or the next day at the latest, at least by phone, email, or in person.  You can submit your written account later, but you shouldn’t wait too long if you want to expedite the payout process.
3. Write down what happened.  You should take the time to write down exactly what happened as soon as you are able simply because you need to get the details on paper while they’re still fresh in your memory.  It could be important if your employer doesn’t want to cover your claim or if it falls through with workers comp in some way.  Then you may need to retain the services of an attorney in order to file a personal injury suit against the company.
4. Seek witness statements.  If there were witnesses present when your accident occurred, you should get them to write out sworn statements, especially if the accident was due to negligence by another employee or the company itself, or if your injuries were the result of direct action by another employee.  If no witnesses were present at the time of the accident, you may still be able to secure statements from the first people to arrive on the scene.  If your claim goes through, you may not need these statements, but if there are legal issues, you’ll be glad you took the time to obtain them.
5. Fill out and file a claim.  Finally, you need to file a claim with workers compensation.  You have up to two years to file a claim, and although most people don’t need that much time, you could have ongoing health issues stemming from an accident that don’t show up until later.  Simply go to the Workers Compensation Board website to print out the forms and find out where to mail them.

Jamie Levic is a contributing writer for the Maryland Accident Lawyer Group at Price Benowitz LLP. The firm has offices in Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia, and New York and handles DUI, criminal, immigration, personal injury, and disability cases.