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things to do after work

25 Things to do After Work

At this point, I think everyone is burnt out on blabbering about burnout. And as much as you’re likely invested in and value your work, sometimes (and often!) you need to take a break. “Working for the Weekend” is a banger of a song, but it’s no way to live a life! The ways you engage — or disengage — after work are critical for your well-being. Think about it: Your after-work time shouldn’t be defined simply as the time after working ends. There are countless ways to maximize your time after work! Here are 25 things to do after work to make your post-work evenings (aka your 5-9) feel a little more like carefree weekends.

  1. Refresh your location, whether that looks like walking around the block, commuting home, or simply switching rooms. Just get the heck away from where you were working and enjoy an environmental reset.
  2. Meet a friend at your favorite cozy bar’s happy hour and make it home in time to relax and unwind. Friend’s tied up? Grab a book and indulge in a solo martini or mocktail.
  3. Pop into a store that’s not a typical stop along your rotation and thus feels more like a treat.
  4. Start tackling that big home project you’ve been putting off. Even if you only have time to tape up your borders and can’t actually start painting walls until Saturday, putting a dent in the prep work adds up.
  5. Treat yourself to an ice cream. Craft homemade sundaes or try a new flavor with creative toppings at a parlor.
  6. Head to the movie theater and snack on popcorn and candy for dinner. Everything in moderation!
  7. Take your workout outside. Find a spot in the yard, on the sidewalk, or at a park and work through your typical routine in the fresh air.
  8. Spend time working on a creative hobby. Try out some low-stakes painting, sketching, cross-stitch, or collage. It’s not about the end result, but rather the process of letting time fade away while you focus on creativity for creativity’s sake.
  9. Indulge in a hot shower or long bath, pop on clean pajamas, and then switch out your sheets for a fresh set. Light a soothing candle and unwind in the flame’s glow.
  10. Embrace your inner kid. Cook one of your favorite childhood meals (or grab some of your favorite childhood snacks) and watch a notable film or series from your youth. I’m talking about Capri Suns and “A League of Their Own.” I’m talking about a bowl of Apple Jacks cereal and “Clarissa Explains It All” (on Paramount Plus!).
  11. Museums frequently offer free or discounted admission on certain weeknights. Make a night of your visit.

Read More: https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/things-to-do-after-work-37253209

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It’s The Climb: Why CRE Women Are Getting Stuck On The Way Up And What The Industry Can Do About It

The commercial real estate industry seemed to be making some strides in reversing its reputation as an unwelcoming boys club over the past few years, with the number of women ticking slowly upward in C-suites and boardrooms.

But dig a bit deeper, and it becomes apparent that progress on paper could also be paper thin in an industry where a step forward for some has sometimes meant two steps back for others.

That was the overwhelming consensus of the nearly 20 women interviewed by Bisnow’s Olivia Lueckemeyer, Taylor Driscoll and Bianca Barragán for this series on CRE women in the workforce — and the majority of the more than 180 respondents to our reader survey, which revealed that more than half of industry women believe they are missing out on opportunities right now and 71% reporting they have at least once been passed up for raises, promotions and key assignments for gender-based reasons.

Bisnow’s two-part series delves into a little-covered crisis impacting the careers of women in the early and middle stages of their careers, those who are eager to climb the ladder but find the first few rungs missing amid a still-male-dominated ecosystem that is stacked against mothers and other caregivers and remains rife with bias that is mostly unconscious and difficult to root out.

The result is predictable. 

— Katharine Carlon, Bisnow Central U.S. Editor

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home office setup

The Ultimate Home Office Setup

In the era of digital nomads and Zoom meetings, crafting the ultimate home office setup has shifted from a luxury to a necessity. As remote work becomes the norm, the importance of a well-designed workspace at home cannot be overstated—it’s vital for productivity and well-being. This article aims to guide you through creating a space that not only meets your needs but enhances your work-from-home experience.

Home Office Setup

Finding the ideal location for your home office setup is the first step toward achieving workplace zen at home. It’s about merging functionality with tranquility to foster productivity.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

  • Quiet and Distraction-Free Zone – Distractions are productivity’s nemesis. Your best bet is a zone where the noise and commotion of daily life don’t intrude. Whether it’s the peaceful attic or a snug corner away from the living area, a quiet spot will help maintain your focus and efficiency.
  • Dedicated Space Matters – Establishing a specific area for work is essential. This doesn’t necessitate an entire room—if you’re tight on space, just setting up a spot for your desk should work just fine. What’s important is that this space is reserved solely for work, which psychologically reinforces a work mindset.
  • Storage Solutions – Adequate storage is synonymous with a clutter-free mind. Ensure your chosen area can accommodate essential storage units. This might mean built-in shelves or space for a filing cabinet. A well-organized space can drastically improve your workflow and reduce unnecessary stress.
  • Ventilation for Vigor – Your brain’s performance is directly linked to the quality of air you breathe. A well-ventilated space, preferably with a source of natural air from a window, is invaluable for maintaining alertness and health, particularly during extensive work sessions.
  • Power and Connectivity – An often overlooked but critical aspect is the availability of electrical outlets and a reliable internet connection. Your workspace should have enough outlets to power all your devices without resorting to extension leads strewn across the floor. And strong Wi-Fi connectivity is a must for seamless digital work.

In essence, the right location for your home office harmonizes quietness, dedicated space, storage, ventilation, and connectivity, setting the stage for a successful and comfortable work environment.

Read More: https://careersidekick.com/home-office-setup-the-ultimate-guide/

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5 Ways to Make Your CRE Resume Stand Out

You know the job you want, and you’re ready to start applying and interviewing. But hold up just a minute. In a high-stakes field like commercial real estate, you don’t want to just be one of the pack. You want to shine. So, how do you make your CRE resume cut through the background noise and really pop?

Whether you’re just beginning a career in CRE or you’re a highly experienced veteran in the industry, you’ll face stiff competition. So, the old practices of listing your previous jobs along with some references and a blurb about being a “self-starter” just won’t cut it.

Let’s look at five simple but powerful ways to improve your resume and land the interview. These are tried and proven methods to make you stand out. Of course you want to be the most qualified for the job, but the way you present your qualifications can give you the lead in a close race. So, follow these helpful tips to write a highly effective CRE resume that will turn heads and get hiring managers to pick up the phone.

1. Make It a Tailored Fit.

It’s absolutely essential in the CRE industry that you customize your resume to each role. I know it’s extra work. But it’s worth it. Why? Because it absolutely works. Instead of blasting out the same resume to 30 different jobs, identify the handful that matter the most, and target them hard.

Align your specific skills and experiences with the specifics in the job description. Think of the JD as the question and your resume as the answer. Show exactly how you are the candidate who meets their unique needs and can hit the ground running.

2. Design Strategically.

If 5-10 resumes are sitting on a hiring manager’s desk, which one is most likely to get picked up first? The one with the most attractive design, of course! But just what makes for an attractive and effective design?

No, we’re not talking about full-color graphics and pie charts. Think strategically. Your resume should have a clean and tidy look, so it’s easy to read. But it should also emphasize key achievements and skills by sparing use of bold fonts, bulleted lists, and proper spacing that sets things apart. If it’s easy to read and absorb, it will stand out and make an impression.

3. Emphasize Education.

It’s simply not enough to list where you went to school and what degree you earned. Everyone does that. What truly stands out is continuing education. It not only shows you’re an expert, but it shows you care about growing.

Whether it’s a course in property management or a certification in commercial investment, list any and all ongoing learning activities or certifications you’ve invested in. This communicates to a hiring manager that you’re proactive, you adapt, and that you have the traits to stay on top in the fast-paced world of commercial real estate.

4. Always Be Branding.

When crafting your CRE resume, always think about your professional brand. After all, brands have value. And thinking of your resume as a tool to brand yourself for your dream CRE job will help you write in such a way that associates strategic messaging and value propositions with your name.

And really, everything contributes to or detracts from your brand. The educational choices you listed say something about you. Your clean and neat resume layout and design communicate something, as well. The words you use, the attention to detail, the skills and traits you include – all of it – sets you apart and defines your unique brand.

5. Network, Network, Network.

Not only should you network in your job search, asking everyone, “Who do you know?” or working with a recruiter. But you should also list all of the key network groups and associations you’re in to give your CRE resume the strength of numbers.

You aren’t just you. You’re a member of peer groups and professional pools that amplify and compound your value and demonstrate how much potential you as a professional really have.

So, there you have it! A well-crafted resume is so important in commercial real estate and any industry. Don’t just wing it. Implement these steps to give your job search the best possible chance.

Sources:

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ask for a raise

How To Ask for a Raise

If you believe you should be paid more for the work you do and want to do something about it, you have two choices: find a new higher-paying job or ask for a raise.

Both of these job choices can introduce new anxieties, but they’re each a gateway to new opportunities. We can certainly help you find a new job—but if you like your current employer and believe you can grow there, it’s often a good idea to ask for a raise. After all, your employer may not know you’re dissatisfied with your current pay until you speak up.

In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to ask for a raise, plus tips and scripts to help you prepare your own request.

How To Ask for a Raise?

The following is a simple step-by-step guide you can follow as you prepare to ask your employer for a raise.

1. Pick the right time to ask

It’s not uncommon to want a raise. In fact, in a recent Indeed survey, only 19% of people were comfortable with their rate of pay. However, when you do ask for a raise, you need to carefully choose your timing. Ask yourself these questions as you’re identifying the right time to ask for a raise:

How is the company doing financially?

If the company isn’t doing well, this is not the time to ask for a raise. As an employee, you may be aware of the company’s financial health. You should look for warning signs, such as cutbacks in spending or layoffs. Check the news for stories about your employer or industry. Do company research and look at financial reports.

Even if the financial health of the company is good, this research will be useful to you when you talk to your manager.

What is your manager’s workload?

If you know your manager is under a lot of stress or focused on too many things right now, it may not be the time to ask for a raise. Paying attention to your manager’s moods and identifying how to help them demonstrates a level of maturity that will be useful to mention in your conversation about compensation.

Read More: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/pay-salary/guide-how-to-ask-for-a-raise

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positive morning affirmations

Positive Morning Affirmations to Start Your Day

Starting your day with positive morning affirmations has a significant impact on how you interact with the rest of your day. Positive affirmations shimmer the light of positivity and healthy thoughts on your mind to look at the world with an empowered perspective.

Here are 110 positive morning affirmations for you:

Affirmations to Start Your Day

  1. I am feeling healthy and strong today.
  2. My body is a vessel of wellness.
  3. Today I will focus on what makes me feel good.
  4. I am a healthy and happy person.
  5. I know each day is a blessing and a gift.
  6. Today is going to be a really, really good day.
  7. I am excited to wake up today and experience this beautiful life that I am creating with my thoughts and visions.
  8. Today I align myself with freedom, growth, and joy.
  9. I am grateful that my life is so happy and successful.
  10. I believe in my ultimate potential.
  11. I greet this day with confidence and ease.
  12. I have all I need to make today a great day.
  13. I always see the good in others and in myself.
  14. I am self-sufficient, creative, and resilient.
  15. I love myself.
  16. I am the creator of my best reality.
  17. I am filled with gratitude and kindness for another wonderful day on this earth.
  18. I make the right choices all day using my inner wisdom.
  19. I am full of positive loving energy.
  20. Good things are happening.

Positive Morning Affirmations about Gratitude

  1. My heart is full of gratefulness.
  2. I am living in a state of gratitude.
  3. I am grateful now, and that is keeping the door open for more blessings.
  4. I am always finding something to appreciate around me.
  5. Things keep getting better and better, and I am so grateful.
  6. I am grateful for this moment.
  7. I am grateful for the abundance in my life.
  8. I am worthy of being loved, being happy, and doing what brings me joy.
  9. I am joyfully embracing each new day with gratitude.
  10. I am experiencing gratitude for everything I have in my life.
  11. I gratefully receive the lessons that each experience brings.
  12. I realize the gift of this precious human life.
  13. I am giving thanks for each exquisite moment.
  14. I am appreciating every blessing, no matter how small.
  15. I am grateful for my sense of gratitude.
  16. I am living my life with awareness and gratitude.
  17. I am finding gratitude and joy every day.
  18. I have so much to be thankful for.
  19. I welcome all of the ways the universe wants to bless me.
  20. With every moment, I am becoming more and more grateful.

Read More: https://blog.gratefulness.me/20-morning-affirmations-for-a-bright-start-to-your-day/

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Thank You Email Subject Line

Crafting the Perfect Post-Interview Thank You Email Subject Line

You just wrapped an interview, it couldn’t have gone better, and now you really feel like you’re one step closer to this job. Next, you know you need to sit down and write a thank you email for your interview to show just how excited you are about this opportunity. The words basically pour out of you—but then you get stuck. What should you put for the subject line?

The Importance of Thank You Email Subject Lines

The subject line is the only part of your message that your interviewer will see in their inbox. A strong thank you email subject line can mean the difference between this person reading your thank you note or skipping over it—so it needs to be clear and informative, but also brief so it doesn’t get cut off (especially if they’re reading from their phone).

Three Tips for Subject Lines

Keep these in mind as you craft your subject line:

  1. Be obvious: There’s no need to clickbait your interviewer. They should know what’s in your email before they open it.
  2. Be clear: Interviewers may be talking with a lot of candidates in a short period or hiring for multiple positions. So include enough information that between your name and the subject line, your interviewer will remember who you are and why they interviewed you.
  3. Be concise: Since there are a number of different email platforms and ways of viewing inboxes (between devices, personal settings, and applications), there’s no hard and fast rule on how long your subject line should be. However, on an iPhone 13 Pro with text size at Apple’s middle setting, the Mail app starts cutting subject lines off after about 40 characters. So, try to keep your subject line as short as you can while still being informative and professional.

What to Include

To get your interviewer to read your thank you email, you can include one or more of the following in your subject line:

  • “Thank you” or “Thanks”
  • A brief mention of your meeting. For example, “Thank you for meeting with me” or “Thanks for our call” makes for an easy post-interview subject line.
  • The title of the open position. “Thank You – Sales Associate Interview” makes for a clear, concise email subject line.
  • The day or time of your interview. When possible, you should send your thank you note within the same day as your interview. If you’re able to be so timely, you can say something like “Thanks for chatting this morning” or “this afternoon” in the subject line.

Note that there’s no reason to include your first and last name in the subject line, as this info will appear in the sender field of your interviewer’s inbox.

Read More: https://www.themuse.com/advice/interview-thank-you-email-subject-line

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Me time

The Importance of “Me” Time

In a world that is always buzzing, it seems nearly impossible to schedule time for ourselves. There is a revolving door of reasons to push “me” time until tomorrow and when tomorrow becomes today the story stays the same. Knowing why, how, and when to schedule time for yourself is the spark that ignites the fire when it comes to self-care and living out the best version of yourself.

The Advantages of “Me” Time

The importance of positive self-talk is put on a pedestal when it comes to building self-confidence but what about the good ol’ “actions speak louder than words”? Choosing to set aside time “just for me” sends a positive message, through action, to our insides. This action proclaims “I matter”, “I’m worth it” and “I am a priority”. When we choose “me” time we give ourselves a free space to try new things, fall in love with a hobby, and really find what makes us come alive.

Taking care of ourselves not only improves our relationship with ourselves but with others too. When our bodies and brains are always running it’s easy to become overwhelmed with life. This in turn causes our moods to fluctuate more quickly. We become easily frustrated while having less control over our reactions. Regular, uninterrupted “me” time helps our busy brains to unplug and unwind. In doing so we relieve stress which helps us sleep better, gives us more control over our moods, increases our patience level, and helps us to live in the moment. All of these benefits fill us up on the inside and when we are full we can pour into the things that matter most to us, including our relationships. “Me” time is our magic reset button.

Scheduling “You” Time

This is not just another responsibility to check off our list. “Me” time is something to recharge you. It is simply choosing to use the time we already have a bit more mindfully. Me time can be spent and scheduled in several ways but there are a few hacks to balance any schedule.

First things first, learn to say no. It is our nature to be social and say yes to almost every opportunity that comes our way but it also leads to an overcommitted schedule. When we are overcommitted we aren’t able to give one hundred percent of ourselves to who we are with or where we are. Saying no, helps us regain the balance we need in our lives.

Start with the big picture; your calendar. Having an overall view of your schedule will help you discern when to say no. Add in all commitments for the month in each week: work, kids activities, grocery shopping days, etc. Next, choose and add in “blocks” a.k.a at least two nights during the week with zero plans after 6 pm along with one weekend day or night block. Try to schedule all of the “opportunities” that come up outside of these while politely responding with a “no” to anything conflicting with the blocks you have chosen. Finally, pencil in some me time into the pre-set blocks, whether it be twenty minutes or three hours you will be thankful later. As a rule of thumb, if our schedule is consistently set up in this way we’re likely to have balance all month long.

Read More: https://www.claritychi.com/blog/importance-of-me-time

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How to Begin a Career in CRE: A Roadmap for Navigating the Commercial Real Estate Industry

If you’re trying to begin a career in CRE, this roadmap is for you. The fact is, the commercial real estate (or CRE) industry is a vast and varied field. And it offers numerous options for anyone seeking a rewarding career path. Currently, there are many career opportunities, and compensation in this field has been rising for years. With more than 3.7 million jobs in the United States tied to CRE and accounting for approximately 13% of the GDP, this is an industry that is ripe with potential, both for growth and for success.

But here’s the problem. It’s not always easy to navigate such a dynamic and diverse landscape. It can be downright daunting for both newcomers and industry insiders alike. But in this guide, we’ll take a look at the various career options available in CRE and provide invaluable insights to help you begin a career in CRE and get your search started on the right foot.

Exploring CRE Career Paths

When it comes to starting a career in CRE, the first step is understanding the multitude of career paths available within the industry. Contrary to popular belief, CRE encompasses much more than just brokerage and development. From acquisitions to asset management, appraisal to consulting, the field offers a plethora of roles catering to diverse skill sets and interests.

  1. Real Estate Career Roles: It doesn’t matter if you aspire to oversee the development process, or if you want to manage existing properties, or if you’re interested in specializing in acquisitions and asset management. There are many different career roles to consider within CRE. Each role plays a crucial part in the investment cycle of real estate, offering unique challenges and opportunities for professional growth.
  2. Real Estate Property Types: It’s essential for you to understanding the nuances of different property types if you want to navigate the CRE landscape effectively. There’s multifamily residential, retail, office, industrial, hotel properties, and more. And each property type presents its own set of challenges and considerations. But when you develop expertise in a particular property type, it can enhance your marketability and proficiency within the industry.
  3. Real Estate Firm Types: Which type of firm interests you? Whether you choose to work with a limited partner, general partner, or advisory/service firm, understanding the distinct characteristics and investment philosophies of different firm types is vital for aligning with your career goals and aspirations.

Key Steps to Begin a Career in CRE

It’s important to take the necessary steps to start your CRE career on the right foot. There are some crucial elements you just can’t overlook along this journey.

  1. Education and Training: Don’t skip education. You can equip yourself with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in CRE simply by investing in quality education and training programs. There are institutions like the CCIM Institute and others that offer a wide range of educational resources. Some offer online courses and self-study programs, too, covering essential topics like finance, law, and transactions.
  2. Gain Practical Experience: Hands-on experience is invaluable in the world of CRE. So, be sure to consider opportunities to intern or assist at a CRE firm, volunteer for relevant projects, or engage with industry professionals to broaden your skill set and deepen your understanding of the field.
  3. Build Your Network: There’s just no way around this. Networking is the lifeblood of the CRE industry. If you want to succeed, you need to connect. Take advantage of networking opportunities to connect with fellow professionals, brokers, lenders, and appraisers. Attend
    local, regional, and national events to expand your network and forge valuable relationships within the industry.

Following these insights and best practices can help you get on the right track and ensure career success.

Now is the Right Time

Embarking on a career in commercial real estate offers limitless possibilities for growth, success, and fulfillment. By exploring the diverse career paths, gaining practical experience, and building a robust network within the industry, you can pave the way for a rewarding career journey in CRE. Remember, the key to success lies in continuous learning, proactive engagement, and a genuine passion for the dynamic world of commercial real estate. So, seize the opportunity. Begin a career in CRE today!

Hopefully, this guide will serve as your roadmap to unlocking the doors of opportunity in the ever-evolving world of commercial real estate. Jump right in and discover the endless possibilities awaiting you in this exciting and fulfilling industry.

Sources:

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employee recognition and appreciation

A MUST HAVE List of Employee Recognition and Appreciation Ideas

Organizations need to carefully tailor their employee recognition and appreciation efforts and make them meaningful to their employees. Why? Everyone likes to be recognized for their efforts.

Think back to the last time someone expressed appreciation for your work — it stuck in your mind and meant something, didn’t it? But employee recognition is not just about making people feel good. It has a significant impact on key business metrics, including engagement, retention, and productivity. Data indicates that “lack of recognition” is the third most common reason employees leave their job, and 26% of employees feel that being undervalued and underappreciated is the highest barrier to engagement.

Leadership to Employee Appreciation Ideas

Recognition from leadership boosts employee morale and encourages positive behavior by setting an example. 58% of employees say their manager relationship would improve with more recognition, but 30% of respondents feel recognition was “not really” or “not at all” valued by leadership. And recognition from leadership above the supervisor levels matters even more: 44% of employees value recognition from higher levels of leadership the most.

To become recognition champions, leaders from the C-suite down should prioritize recognition by following these recommendations:

  1. Serve as an example by recognizing employees frequently.
  2. Publicly recognize team members by hosting company-wide meetings.
  3. Advocate for a culture of recognition in your daily interactions and in meetings with leadership.
  4. Practice both monetary and social recognition.
  5. Take advantage of one-click recognitions so that no leader can use the excuse that they’re “too busy” to recognize employees.

Recognition from leadership is especially crucial in times of difficulty. Words of positivity, support, and appreciation for team efforts help employees focus on moving forward.

Company Culture Employee Recognition and Appreciation Ideas

A positive organizational culture has a significant impact on business results and is critical to attracting top talent, and recognition is the foundation that great company cultures are built on. According to Brandon Hall Group’s recent report, organizations that rate their culture of recognition highly are:

  • 3x more likely to see increased employee retention
  • 5x more likely to see increased employee engagement
  • 2.25x more likely to give frequent recognition
  • 79% more likely to give their employer brand a high rating

To start incorporating recognition into your culture, make peer-to-peer, team, manager, and leadership recognition a regular occurrence. The Brandon Hall Group found that companies that recognize employees multiple times a month are 41% more likely to see increased employee retention and 34% more likely to see increased engagement.

You should also explicitly and clearly tie recognition to specific positive behaviors, and especially those that reflect company values. Employees are more likely to repeat actions they’re recognized for, so this is one of the most effective ways to shape your culture.

Ideas For Peer-To-Peer Recognition

Recognition from colleagues is just as important as being recognized by leadership. Peer-to-peer recognition builds employee engagement and helps establish a positive company culture. In fact, research shows that peer-to-peer recognition can boost employee performance by as much as 14%. It also fosters a sense of connection, belonging, and well-being. Here are some ideas for incorporating peer-to-peer recognition into the workplace:

  • Ensure that all employees can participate in your recognition program whether they’re on the move, in office, or working remotely.
  • Include peer participation in employee recognition celebrations. Whether its a service anniversary or personal achievement, encourage peers to comment and be a part of the event. And consider digital celebration cards that all team members can sign and customize with a special message of appreciation.
  • Make it easy for employees to recognize a peer for good work or simply living the company’s values.

Read More: https://www.achievers.com/blog/recognition-appreciation-ideas-examples/

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