This is how you can convert an idea into a reality

This is how you can convert an idea into a realityThis is how you can convert an idea into a realityBut first, lets address this harsh truth

Where to Get Help When Your Unemployment Runs Out

Where to Get Help When Your Unemployment Runs OutWhere to Get Help When Your Unemployment Runs OutWhat can you do if your unemployment benefits run out or are about to run out? First, check with your state unemployment office to make sure that you are receiving all the extended benefits you qualify for. If your eligibility is almost exhausted,look at the other resources that are available and take advantage of whatever you can to help you get by until you find your new job. What to Do When Unemployment Runs Out Dont be proud- your temporarily reduced circumstances may qualify you for food stamps or other government benefits. Remember, you paid for those benefits out of every paycheck you earned. Your states Social Services department can inform you what assistance you qualify for. If you are a member of a church, ask if any help is available. Community organizations often have resources to help the unemployed with food baskets, donations, and babysitting assistance. If you can ge t assistance from family or friends, dont hesitate to ask. Loans for Unemployed Workers You may be able to borrow moneyeven though you are not employed. Findinformation on the types of loans available for unemployed workers, how to qualify for a loan, and options for borrowing money when you are out of work.Free Job Search Help Identify and find free, or inexpensive, job search and career resources in your geographic areas.Check With Your Local One-Stop Career Center Your local One-Stop Career Centermayhave information on local resources such as community organizations that may be able to offer support with utility bills, food costs, etc. One-Stops might also have information on temporary positions, in addition to permanent or long-term job listings and possible assistance with upgrading skills and obtaining training to increase a job landseekers marketability. Nonprofit and Social Services Agencies 2-1-1 Call Center Call to find local assistance with training, employment, food pantries, affordable housing, and support groups.Directory of Homeless Shelters Find a listing of homeless shelters throughout the United States from the National Coalition of the Homeless.Free Phones Free phone service is available to eligible low-income families through several different programs. Each program is funded by telecommunications companies to ensure that low-income families have access to affordable phone service. Loans for Unemployed Workers Find information on the types of loans available for unemployed workers, how to qualify for a loan, and options for borrowing money when you are out of work.Help With Pets If you are having difficulty caring for your pets, there is help available. Check with your local animal shelter and veterinarian to see if they can assist or refer you to sources for pet food and care.Home Affordable Modification Program (AMP) This program, along with others,allows qualifying unemployed homeowners to reduce or suspend mortgage payments for 12 months or moreso that they can focus on finding a job without the pressure of foreclosure. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Each state has a Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program (formerly called welfare). TANF can help with food stamps, financial assistance, training, and job searching.Food Stamps The federal food stamp program, now called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), helps low-income families and individuals buy food.Medicaid Medicaid provides medical benefits to low-income people who have no medical insurance or inadequate medical insurance. WIC WIC stands for Women, Infants, and Children. WIC is a supplemental nutrition program administered by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.State and Local Social Services Offices It can be scary when you have lost your job and are about to lose your unemployment benefits, but there are still resources available for you to access when you need he lp.Job Search Tips for Unemployed Job Seekers It might be difficult to be upbeat, confident, and energetic during interviews but its important for an unemployed job seeker to remain positive. Free Email Accounts A prospective job seeker could create a professional e-mail separate from their personal e-mail in assistance with their job search.

5 Tips for Dealing With Impostor Syndrome

5 Tips for Dealing With Impostor Syndrome 5 Tips for Dealing With Impostor Syndrome When I started at XO Group, I had just left my career in investment banking. I would often tell others how “lucky” I was to snag the CFO role, and I would promise my family, friends and former colleagues that, once I’d racked up a few years in the role, I’d finally be the “real deal.” Looking back, I realize that was   impostor syndrome  talking. Now, after almost four years at my job, I recognize that the CEO, board of directors and employees were excited when I was hired as their new CFO. I got the job because I deserved it: I had amassed the necessary experience - and, moreover, I was up to the task. While I’m confident in the workplace today , that wasn’t always the case. Over the years, I’ve held many different jobs - from administrative assistant to research analyst and, later, from venture capitalist to CFO. In each of these roles, I’ve had moments where I’ve felt completely unqualified or overwhelmingly doubtful about my chances for success. These moments were paralyzing and extremely stressful. If you’ve convinced yourself that your accomplishments are only the result of dumb luck, of course you’re going to feel like a complete fraud. And when these feelings begin to consume your everyday thoughts, impostor syndrome can seem impossible to overcome. The good news? You’re not alone. It’s estimated that   70 percent of people will experience at least one episode of impostor syndrome . Even renowned American author John Steinbeck confessed   in a 1938 diary passage : “I am not a writer. I’ve been fooling myself and other people.” Life is hard enough without having to inflict more pain on yourself. Simply put, give yourself a break! Put one foot in front of the other and tackle each obstacle, issue, and fear with the mindset that you’re learning and growing with each new day. If ridding yourself of the nagging impostor syndrome seems difficult, you can beat the blues by trying the below tips. I love people, and I love to laugh. So, I try to bring that joy to my day-to-day dealings. I try hard not to fit into a specific mold or live up to an arbitrary standard that people may have of me and my role. Essentially, I am branding my own take on my role, and that is very freeing. There’s no point in pushing yourself in isolation. Very little gets accomplished all on your own. Instead, surround yourself with people who are great at what they do, and encourage them to tackle big challenges. And be sure to take the time to learn from them as well. Appreciate and acknowledge your achievements - no matter how small - when you wake up each morning and before you go to bed at night. Every day before I leave for work, I write down my goals and plans for the day - what I want to accomplish and how I’m going to do it. Before I turn in for the night, I recap the wins I’ve had, what I’m grateful for and what I learned that day. The key is not to dwell on the negative, but instead to see how losses can become learning experiences for the future. There’s no better way to continuously remind yourself of your expertise than to become a mentor . In helping others, you can share what you’ve learned throughout your career, which in turn will increase your own sense of self-worth. It’s amazing what a 30-minute chat with a mentee can do for your confidence. I’m grateful to have found a boss and team at XO Group whom I can be honest with. Our company culture inherently helps diminish impostor syndrome by promoting productive conflict, encouraging constant feedback and making sure that everyone in the room has a voice. We’re constantly challenging each other - in a positive way - and we’re great at picking each other up if at first we don’t succeed. If you work in a toxic environment , it’s no wonder if you’re paranoid. Start positioning yourself now to transition to a more positive and encouraging company. Ultimately, we all want to get better every day. Use that mantra as motivation so that you can celebrate your achievements, take your mistakes in stride and accept the fact that your work will never be 100 percent flawless. And truly, that’s OK. And when the worst happens, try to remember that the sun comes up every 24 hours, giving you another shot at a great day. This article was originally published on DailyWorth . It is reprinted with permission.