
Empower Yourself!
Tips for Success In Life & Work
YOU’RE IN THE RIGHT SPOT IF YOU’RE HUNTING FOR REAL-DEAL ADVICE AND TOOLS TO KICK YOUR PERSONAL AND WORK LIFE UP A NOTCH.
EVERYTHING HERE’S PUT TOGETHER BY RAE A. STONEHOUSE, A SEASONED AUTHOR WHO KNOWS HIS STUFF.
READY TO DIVE IN? JUST CLICK ON THE ‘RESOURCE CATEGORIES’ LINKS ON THE RIGHT AND GET THE GOOD STUFF. ENJOY!

How can I ask for my job back after getting fired?
After losing your temper at work, considering a return requires self-reflection. Were you apologetic? Did your actions harm the company? While it’s possible to ask for your position back, ensure you’ve assessed the situation and have a plan to mitigate any potential fallout. Sometimes, it’s best to move forward and seek new opportunities.
How Big is Your Sandbox?
Ever feel like a goldfish limited by its tank? Goldfish in small tanks grow to 2-3 inches, but in the wild, they can reach 14 inches. Similarly, we often limit our own potential based on external and internal constraints. Take a step back and ask: Is your environment or mindset holding you back? Expand your “sandbox” and challenge yourself to grow!
Feedback from Boss
Balancing intelligence with interpersonal relationships can be challenging. While your team appreciates you, your peers might feel intimidated. Exploring this feedback with your boss and seeking a mentor can be beneficial. Embrace growth, improve relationships, and ensure a harmonious workplace. Remember, understanding and change come in small, intentional steps.
Does my new manager want me to quit by giving me less hours?
Not sure if your new manager wants you to quit just ’cause you got fewer hours. Could be other reasons. Best way to find out? Just ask ’em. Keep it chill and professional, and see what’s up. Communication clears the air.
Does it make you uneasy to interview for an experienced, mid-level position that has been open for 60 days or more?
Don’t sweat it if a job’s been open for 60 days or more. Could be a bunch of reasons, like they didn’t find the right fit yet. Use it as a chance to dig deeper. Find out if there’s something off about the job or the work environment. Gives you a heads-up for the interview.
I have given six interviews so far and I’m constantly getting rejected in the final round.
Getting to the final round six times means you’re doing something right, so don’t get too down. Use each experience to learn and adjust. Maybe you’re tripping up at the last hurdle—nerves, tough questions, who knows? Take some time to review what went well and what didn’t. Keep pushing, you’ll get there.
Company terminated me from work without advising me to bring a support person. Do I have the right to complain to fair work
After a workplace altercation, your employment rights depend on factors like union membership, regional legislation, and company policies. Even if acting in self-defence, some workplaces may have a zero-tolerance policy for violence. Support from unions or a support person during termination might offer limited aid, but understanding local employment standards is crucial.
Can you call your colleagues after working hours, even if they don’t agree?
Contacting colleagues outside work hours is acceptable unless policies prohibit it. While there can be urgent reasons, like in healthcare, it’s essential to respect boundaries. If someone requests not to be contacted off-duty, it’s best to honor their wishes. Some people value a clear separation between work and personal time.
Can management legally demote an employee for speaking up against them?
No clear-cut answer here. Laws vary by location and the presence of a union can change things. Speaking out might get you demoted, or even fired. Sometimes, employers find roundabout ways to penalize you. Got a story to tell against your boss? Might wanna get some legal advice first.
Can I update my job position on LinkedIn but share it with chosen connections only?
Nah, you can’t do that on LinkedIn. Changing your job position is a public update that goes out to all your connections. LinkedIn doesn’t let you pick and choose who sees this specific kind of update. If you wanna keep it on the down-low, maybe just tweak your privacy settings to limit who can see your entire profile.
Can you give out two different business cards at the same time for separate things you do?
Two business cards for separate gigs? No biggie. Just don’t mix ’em up and confuse folks. If the convo goes deeper, toss ’em your other card. Like, if they’re into morning meetups, hit ’em with your breakfast club card. Need better speaking skills? Pass the Toastmasters one. Keep it relevant, keep it clear.
Can you do too much networking?
Networking’s not just schmoozing at events; it’s a mix of activities from research to providing value. But don’t forget, if all you’re doing is networking, you’re ignoring other parts of running your business. It’s all about balance. Too much networking? Yeah, it’s possible if it gets in the way of actually doing your job.
Are most business professionals good at networking?
Being outgoing doesn’t mean you’re good at networking. Trust me, networking needs strategy and purpose, not just chit-chat. Among business pros, you’ve got all types: introverts, extroverts, the shy, the bold. Just ’cause you like to talk doesn’t make you a networking pro. It’s a skill, and not everyone’s got it down.
When meeting someone for coffee professionally, what do you talk about or try to accomplish?
Coffee chats, whether in academia or business, aim to find common ground for possible collaboration. In 60 minutes, you can gauge if you click and plan a follow-up. To shine in conversation, ask good questions and listen more than you talk. It keeps the vibe comfortable and opens doors for future opportunities.
What is the best self-introduction?
The best self-introduction is one you’re comfortable with and suits the situation. From business meetups to social gatherings, tailor your intro to fit. Aim for a quick snapshot that sparks curiosity, inviting questions and deeper conversation. Having multiple versions ready to go helps you adapt on the fly, making you a networking pro.