Dear Experts, My mom's killing my confidence. I just graduated in May and have been looking for full-time job non-stop. The industry I want to get into is not really hiring right now. I have a part-time job, but it's not paying all the bills. I have student loans and credit card debt. So, I'm living at home. My mom is really unhappy about it. She helped pay for school and just assumed I'd be out and not her financial responsibility by now. Every day she says mean things to me about how much of a burden this is. I'm doing my best, but her comments are making me feel stupid. I want to get out on my own, but it's financially impossible. Any suggestions on how I can hurry up the process because I'm starting to lose faith that I'll ever find a job and get out of the house. Here is how our T.A.P. experts answered this question:Q#320 Find roommate (or 6). Get out of that toxic cesspool. Need confidence in search. Love mom from a distance. (@dawnbugni) Q#320 Take it easy on her. She loves U & wants U 2 have a job for YOU, too. Sit. Talk. Compromise. (@beneubanks) Q#320 Research 'other' industries/companies via LinkedIn/Twitter/ZoomInfo; focus ur resume message on their needs. [1/2] (@ValueIntoWords) Q#320 Consider 2nd part-time job to boost income (e.g., temp srvcs);share apartment costs w/roommate; be creative. [2/2] (@ValueIntoWords) Q#320 Moving out forced me 2 do EVERYTHING 2 find job; it happnd fast; relying on parents not healthy 4 me. (@juliaerickson) Q#320 Been there; so hard! Had 2 expand network, lv no stone untrnd, take temp wrk, housesit, move out ASAP. (@juliaerickson) Q#320 First problem to address is your Mom. Have a heart-to-heart with her and explain how she is hurting your efforts. (@gradversity) Q#320 Surround yourself w/mentors! Seek daily conversations w/supportive people to offset mom's negativity. (@jtodonnell) Q#320 It's a shame that u feel that way. Speak 2 ur mom abt. her comments. Consider getting addl p/t work to pay bills. (@DebraWheatman) Q#320 The 2nd p/t job will help pay bills while u continue ur search. U must have a heart 2 heart w ur mom though. (@DebraWheatman) Our Twitter Advice Project (T.A.P.) is no longer an active campaign. To find an answer to the above question, please use the "Search" box in the right-hand column of this website.
When you're working a full-time job, finding time to enjoy the warm, bright summer weather can be a challenge. This is especially true for young professionals, as many of them are used to having summers off (or, at the very least, having a flexible summer schedule). But there's no need to feel trapped behind your cubicle walls. Go out and enjoy summer!
Here are a few tips for making the most of your summer while working full time.
1. Grab Some Foldable Chairs
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Keep a couple of foldable camping chairs at the office so you and a co-worker can catch some rays during lunch—whether it's in the park or the parking lot.
2. Keep A Beach Bag In Your Car
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Keep a bag full of summer supplies for your favorite summer activities. Having a bag (or, in my case, a backseat) full of towels, sunscreen, and swimwear keeps you prepared for anything. Friends hitting up the pool after work? You're covered. Once the clock strikes five, you can head to your destination of choice immediately.
3. Plan An Office Outing
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Plan an office field trip to the beach, the park, or the pool. Just do something fun so your brain can recharge and refresh!
4. Organize Group Walks
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Get a bunch of co-workers together and go on regular walks around town during lunch. (Or you could suggest a quick jaunt over to the ice cream shop.) This is a great way to get some fresh air, sunshine, and exercise.
5. Eat Lunch At The Park
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When you find yourself eating out, hit up places with a deck, porch, or patio of some sort. Obviously, eating out every day isn't really a feasible option for most of us, so look into alternative ideas as well. Pack a lunch and hit the park for your own little picnic.
6. Organize Office Sports
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Whether it's setting up an official office sports team or just hanging out with your colleagues a few times a week, playing sports is a great way to get out and enjoy the weather. Have a field nearby? Try setting up some slow-pitch softball games. Or see if you can get a basketball hoop for the office so you and a few co-workers can shoot some hoops at lunch.
7. Join A Professional Group
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During the summer, professional networking groups often have fun events like harbor cruises, pub crawls, and outdoor mixers. Find a professional group in your area and make networking fun this summer.
8. Have An Office BBQ
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Get your grill on! Talk to your boss about setting up an office BBQ. Ask everyone to contribute their favorite dish, side, or drink. Fire up the grill and relax! Hey, it's summer after all.
9. Wake Up Early
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Yes, yes, I know...waking up early is an incredibly painful and unbearable experience for some of us, but waking up even an hour earlier has its benefits—especially in the summer. Go for a morning run, putter around in the garden, or watch the sunrise with a loved one. Talk about starting the day off right!
10. Strategically Use Your Time Off
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Strategically use your vacation days around holidays. This way, you can make a potentially long weekend longer without having to use too much of your precious vacation time. Half days are also pretty awesome. It's amazing how much you can do with four extra hours! If you want an early weekend but don't want to burn up your vacation days too quickly, try taking a half day on a Friday instead of using a full day off.
11. Bike To Work
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If you're one of the lucky few who live within walking or biking distance of work, take advantage of it! Not only will you get plenty of fresh air, but you'll also save money on gas, which is always a plus!
There are plenty of easy ways to enjoy summer when you work a full-time job. So this summer, try out a few of these ideas and make the most of the sunshine and warm weather—while they're still around!
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