Knowing your level is very important (esp. if you would like a consultation with SpilltoJill).

This is SpilltoJill's personal theory and levels of individual's web knowledge:

Level 1: I hardly have touched the internet.
Level 2: I have an email account and can check email - but that's it.
Level 3: I email consistently and shop a little online.
Level 4: I go onto the web just about everyday and have some websites and blogs that I read regularly.
Level 5: I surf the web often and feel confident with my web skills.

If you would like a consultation - feel free to contact me!

Labels: Career-Advice

SpilltoJill Services is expanding in many ways. Services offered include:

• computer and/or web tutoring (1:1)
  
• data entry
• creating forms, documents, spreadsheets, etc.
• creation of flyers, cards, labels, etc.
• web searches
• event research (venues, caterers, etc.)
• filling out online forms for various web services (dating, social communities, games, etc)
• brainstorming via email, instant message, phone, etc.
• referral services
• maintain various documents, calendars, contacts, etc.

Prices vary per project.
Feel free to spread the word of these wonderful services!

Labels: Career-Advice

Dear Jill,
I am now out of that job that was giving me nightmares and actively looking for work. How can one focus on the future and not feel frightened of not working and then wanting to go back to a very painful place?

Jay


Hi Jay,

I am glad to hear that you left that job - I think it was the right decision for you.

Perhaps when trying to focus on the future - think about reflecting these questions/statements:

1. What makes me the happiest (in life)?
2. Is there any way to take what makes me happy - and make money with it?
3. If the answer to the last question is yes....begin researching how to make a living doing what makes you happy - then apply what you learn. If the answer to the last question is no...then you aren't thinking hard enough - as most things in life - there must way to make a living at.
4. If making this new career takes longer than necessary (meaning with money) - perhaps get a flexible-hour, easy job to make some money while getting your new career in order.

Good luck!!

Jill

Labels: Career-Advice

subject : Stress At Work

Right now as I look for work as a 50 year old man my stopgap job at a grocery store is becoming more stressful each day. I do not have any savings but I am looking for work. I do not know what to do. I feel a bit ashamed to just leave the job with no two week notice and no other job but the stress is pretty bad.

Jay


Dear Jay,

One of the ways I try to live - is to live for the now. Life is just too short to wait for happiness. With believing in this - I say if the grocery job is causing that much stress for you - perhaps it is time to move on. Many times these unexpected changes work in our favor - even though it may be a bit hard at first.
If you do decide to leave your job without having another job lined up - stay motivated to find a new job as soon as possible. Money should only become a problem if you become lazy or unmotivated.

Good luck Jay!
Jill

Labels: Career-Advice

Great News SpilltoJill Fans!

SpilltoJill's services have expanded! SpilltoJill now offers Virtual Services such as:

*Web Research
* Administrative Support
* Data Entry
* Project Assistance
* Email Service
* Online file sharing
*Online photo albums
*Spreadsheets

Free consultation is available to discuss any special project you might have. Pricing will be based on actual time and cost.

Feel free to spread the word to anyone that might be interested in these services. More services are on the way as well - so make sure you check the website often:)

Labels: Career-Advice

I have a co-worker who is applying for a job promotion. What does she wear? She will interview with her boss for the past three years. Does she dress in full business attire or does she dress a little more than usual?

Hi D,

My suggestion is to dress a little more than usual. If your friend ususally wears nice slacks and a top to work everyday, perhaps she should wear a suit on her interview day - this way her boss(es) will see how passionate and serious she is about getting this promotion.

Thanks for writing in,
Jill

Labels: Career-Advice

[below letter is from a Professional Apartment Manager}

Jill,

I need some encouragement. My job seems to be getting harder by the day. I feel like I am caught in a vicious cycle with about 5 or 6 apartments. They have issues that seem to be spinning out of control. How do I tell someone that I have helped them all that I can? There is no where to transfer and besides that, no one wants to pay of course. I have been trying to put the responsibility back in their hands (giving them suggestions on how to talk to their roommates, giving them the non-emergency police number, having them record video footage of incidents), yet I feel like I am getting no where. Am I being too irrational or they just whiny residents? And of course, I get the parent phone calls and voice mails………… what do I do? I need help. I am becoming more unnerved everyday.

Dear Helping Professional,

When it comes to a helping profession - it is always in cycles...sometimes it is the best job EVER - and other times you just want to rip your hair out. So remember - it will go on the up side soon too...but all things must get worse before they get better (that is my experience anyways).

Is there anyway to have an all roommate meeting? Talk to everyone in person? Is this something that is bigger than that - where the police need to be involved? Will you have to evict them?

What about a letter to each resident explaining what will happen if the behaviors contiue (eviction, police, etc.). What it comes down to is that even though they are in college, and parents are paying for rent - they are still adults and MUST deal with consequences to their actions. I used to always explain to RAs that every action/behavior has a consequence, some are good and some are bad - and that they will need to deal with the consequence. Also - we (as the helper) are only able to do what is in our power - and currently, transfers are not in your power - they will need to understand that and take another option available.

Be firm when speaking...take heart out of it for a few minutes to explain what you need to with the options you can give them. In these helping professions - sometimes we give too much heart - which makes us drained and overwhelmed, so lets think about it without the heart for a few minutes. Let them know the reality of the situation.

Labels: Career-Advice

i am single and in my late 20's. i am thrilled with most aspects of my life and love the city i live in. the lone aspect of my life that i do not like is that my employer is not very well-respected and does not pay a lot. i have recently been recruited for a position across the country working for a much more respected employer that pays a lot more than my current employer. the new city is also not as cool as the one i live in. i have some friends in that place, but am scared to leave the safety and happiness of what i have now. i have applied for other positions in my area and while i am getting interviews, the interviews aren't as good as the one across the county. what do i do?



Dear Single in 20s,

I think for your situation the best thing to do is make a list of the pros and cons of each situation. For example:

Pros - Move to New City
-better job
-better money
-new experiences

Pros - Stay Where you Are
-safe
-friends
-good/fun city

And do the same type of lists with the "cons". See which situation sizes up the best.

Another way to help figure out this situation is to think about your priorities at this time in your life. If location and personal life is your priority, then it might be best for you to stay where you are. If your career is your priority, then moving might be the best option for you.

Just remember not to be scared to take risks. “The only thing you live to regret are the risks you didn't take”.

Labels: Career-Advice

dear Jill,
I have another life altering decision to make. Yesterday on my way to my new fantastic, high paying job, my old supervisor from a previous TV station called me and basically offered me a job directing the news. The first time I worked for him, I feel like I was lied to and tricked. I was supposed to be able to go full time after so long and then that didn't happen. However directing is something I have wanted to do all a long, it would be great experience on terrific high quality equipment. It would pay a bit less than what I am making right now though. My current job, I like it, but it's really going to be getting boring in the long run, I think. So should I go back to evil TV station for my dream job that could give me loads of experience or should I stay at my current job and just make the money and be happy for now. Two other things that I am considering.... Directing is a very high stress job and also I feel bad about leaving my current job after only 3 months.
thanks,
career confusion
Knoxville, TN

Dear Career Confusion,
In your situation, the best thing to do is make a list of pros and cons to this new job situation. Decide which position will have more pros and if the pros outweigh the cons. The thing that worries me about the new directing position, is that in the past, that company did not live up to promises in they made to you. In any relationship (personal or business), trust is very important - and it seems as if you already do not trust the management.
With your current position, they have lived up to what they have promised (so far), and in time you never know what they will offer you. You have only been with this position for 3 months, in time, will you want that on your resume? This is something to think about for the future.
I understand that directing is a great goal for the future, but perhaps where you are now, is where you are suppose to be.
Good luck with this hard decision, and make sure to keep Spilltojill.com readers posted!
Jill

Labels: Career-Advice