Here are this week’s Life Pro Tips.
1. A friendly reminder that employees currently have more power to negotiate for improved benefits and pay raises than at any point in the last 20+ years. Take advantage of it!!
Due to the shortage of employees, most employers are desperate for good help. That means you should be seeking pay raises, promotions, and increased benefits.
Unless you are completely satisfied with your job and your income, shop around. Chances are you will find someone desperate for help and willing to pay more than your current employer. If you like your job, shop around anyway, then politely ask your employer to match/beat those offers.
Look after yourself! This employment opportunity will not last forever!
2. If you bring home a new house plant, put it somewhere fairly bright and don’t touch it for at least a week.
The thing about plants is that, in nature, they don’t really move and their environment is somewhat consistent and predictable. When you move a plant from point A to point B (e.g. from Lowe’s to your kitchen), this is a huge shock to the plant and it needs time to recover. Repotting is also a huge shock and, if you don’t let the plant recover from being moved first, it’s really not going to like this and probably drop leaves, turn yellow, and look really sad/die. If you hold your horses and wait a week or two, you’ll have a much higher chance of having a positive outcome (some plants are just wimps and will die even if you do everything right).
3. Give yourself time alone in the morning to do something that you genuinely enjoy. Something not related to your job, preferably a hobby. This will start your day off with a curious mind and a happy mood.
4. Compliment your perpetually single friends, or even tell them why you love them, regularly. They may not have anyone to do so for long stretches of time and it can take a toll on their mental health.
5. “Anonymous” employee surveys are often not anonymous. Be careful how you answer if you value your job.
