Free Resignation Letters & Career Advice Blog at Iquit.org

How Can I make Quitting Easier?

2008-11-06T11:15:00.000-05:00

You may find it hard to stop smoking but the government is doing everything in their power to help you cut down. With all these new laws about not smoking in restaurants and at your place of employment, places to smoke are becoming scarce. But ultimately it is up to you to quit. Nicotine is very addicting and it is said to be harder to quit than cocaine. But it can be done; the main tool you need here is the will to quit. If you are saying that you want to quit just for the sake of saying it, you will never do it. But the old saying goes, where there is a will there is a way.
First, you want to set a goal for yourself. There are a lot of people who say I want to quit smoking by June 1st. Do you know what happens when June 1st comes around and you have not quit? You will end up smoking more because you are now discouraged. Take it one day at a time, give yourself a month and everyday, take one less cigarette out of the box and throw it away, it will be one less that you smoke that day.

Then you want to figure out what times of the day you smoke and why. For example, if you write down at 10:30 I have a cigarette and it is when I go outside with my coworkers. Now, you have a starting point to change that. Most people who go outside at smoke breaks do it to socialize. Even though it is a great time to get out of the office for 15 minutes, try staying at your desk and work. By cutting out or changing up your routine, you will start to see your craving for a smoke decrease.

Many people, who attempt to quit, are not successful. This is because they do not take the right steps in order to change. Another prime example is, people say they smoke when they drink coffee. Switch from coffee to tea, not only is tea better for you but it will also relax you where you don't have the anxiety to smoke. If you need a little extra help, it is ok. There are many things that you can do. One great way to make quitting easier is to quit with a friend, almost the buddy system.

The support there would be tremendous and it would help both of you out so much. Support from friends and family is key, ask those who smoke, not to smoke around you. If you don't see someone else do it you will be less likely to go out and smoke yourself. Attend cessation programs, check with your local library or adult center. Hospitals offer programs that you can sign up for. It is ok to use Nicorette gum or the patch. The main objective here is to quit once and for all.

When is it a Good Time to Quit a Job?

2008-08-28T10:22:00.000-05:00

There are good times and bad times for everything and that includes quitting a job. There have been studies that have shown that certain times of the year are actually very bad for quitting a job. You may not have realized that so much thought goes into quitting a job. Not only does the time of the year play a role in whether or not it is a good time to quit your job but also personal situations will affect your life as well.

It is hopefully obvious to everyone that quitting your job around the holidays is a bad idea. It is bad for the company you work for and bad for you because even though there are stores that are hiring, mostly are hiring for the holidays. No big companies or even office jobs are hiring during the holiday season. The winter is just not a great time to find work. Of course there are companies that are hiring but you may get some stiff competition from college graduates or kids home from college looking to make some money.

Summer time is better because, a lot of people quit their jobs in the warmer weather. Sure, the threat of college students is still there but there are more jobs around to choose from. Also, a good time to quit your job will also depend on what your financial situation is like. For example, if you cannot afford to pay the rent then a job change is not in the cards at that point in time. But if you have the means to stay afloat and pay your bills and you can afford to be out of work for a while then, it is ok to quit.

If you already have another job lined up like most people do before they quit then taking off two weeks before starting a job is acceptable. There are so many variables when it comes to quitting a job that you probably have never heard of before. You want to quit a job when the time is right. Don't just quit because the job is stressful, if you have been someplace a long period of time then seek some stress reliever techniques. If you are having some health issues contact your doctor and ask him to write a note so you can present it to your boss, they may be able to make some changes so that you don't have to quit.

The same goes for any problems you may be having such as problems with another employee or if you would like a raise, don't assume that these problems cannot be worked out. At least take a meeting with you boss or supervisor and see what can be worked out. If they cannot, they you can still walk out of that job with a recommendation and you can leave on good terms, which is always important down the road. You never know where the road can take you.

Quitting a Job and Your Benefits

2008-03-19T09:35:00.000-05:00

The temptation to quit your job is present in millions of people. Some people act on that and others stick it out until they can no longer take it anymore. It sounds rather simply doesn't it? If you don't like something quit. But there are circumstances that can favor you quitting a job and then there are others that do not work in your favor. When a person decides to quit a job, they quit without thinking of the long-term effects. They usually wait for their last check and hope to find another job quickly.

But what about your benefits. Most people don't think about these things. For example if you quit a job, you will not receive unemployment. At the start of 99.9 percent of jobs, the employer will offer you a handbook. Make sure that you read the handbook before you decide to quit. In the handbook it will outline what you are and are not entitled to when you leave a job. If you receive stock options or profit bonus checks you will most likely lose those benefits.

Now, most companies don't offer such things so the only things that you will have to contend with are sick days and vacation days. If you have a 401k plan with your company, you are entitled to take the whole thing including the money that your boss has put in. You want to get any and all vacation and sick pay that you are entitled to.

So, read the fine print and see what you are entitled to. If you are not allowed to get paid for the vacation and the sick days after you quit. Most people take this time before they quit. If you have an idea that you want to quit and you have a weeks vacation left then take these days off. Then when you do quit, you will have gotten the vacation pay as well as the sick days before you left. The timing may not be what you wanted but if you are set on quitting that job then get the most from your benefits. You worked for them and you are entitled to them.

Some companies won't let you have them because they set it up that way as an incentive to stay. But employees are finding ways around that, just we mentioned. If an employee is not happy then they will leave and they will find a way to get their benefits, whether or not the company will give them or not. But it is your responsibility as an employee to know and understand what you need to know as far as what happens when you quit. Read the handbook and if you are not handed one when you are hired, ask for one.

You don't want to quit too soon either; sometimes a company will offer you full benefits even if you quit if you stay with the company for X amount of years.

How to Properly Quit a Job

2008-01-15T10:43:00.000-05:00

Believe it or not there is actually a right way and a wrong way to quit a job. By the way you leave a jib could make a difference in how long it may take you to find another job, it you haven't already. The wrong way to quit a job is just to leave one day and never come back. What happens when you do this it can lose you any sick and vacation time that may be due to you. If you are involved in any profit-sharing program with the company you may have complications with that as well.

Another effect that can be caused by just getting up or leaving for the day is when you apply for another job, you will want to use that job as a reference. So by quitting the wrong way it may cost you a great recommendation. There are many situations where a jib becomes so unbearable that you cannot take it and your first instinct is to quit. But you want to make sure that you quit properly if only for your own benefit.

There are many different ways to quit a job. One of these ways would be to, put in two-week notice. The best way to do that would be to put t in writing. A two-week notice does not have to be a formal letter but it should include the reason why you are leaving and the date the two-week notice become effective. This way there is no confusion as to when you are leaving. A two-week notice is designed to help your employer more than it is to help you. It gives your boss two weeks to find someone else.

Sometimes, depending on what job you have, your boss may ask you to stay longer than originally agreed up on. It takes some time to hire someone else ad then to get them properly trained. The goal of quitting a job is to get another job because for some reason you don' like the one you have and the second is to get a recommendation from your boss or supervisor so you can get a better job.

You also want to get any sick or vacation time that is coming to you, so read the employee handbook or a rules sheet that you received when you started because it may say something about vacation and sick time. There may be a chance that you cannot receive the vacation days and sick time because you quit. Take a vacation before you actually quit a job. This way, you can use these days to help find a job and you still get paid for the time you are using.

Some things to remember when quitting a job, first, give a two-week notice, put it in writing if possible. Second, read the employee handbook and see what you are entitled to. Third, try to leave with a recommendation from your boss or supervisor. It could make all the difference.

What to say when you submit a resignation letter?

2007-10-23T11:10:00.000-05:00

There really are right words to say to your boss when you decide to quit your job. The first thing you need to do is write the appropriate resignation letter. When you leave a job the ultimate goal is to leave on good terms and nit just up and quit. So the first step is to write a short and to the point resignation letter. Make sure you let them know in your letter that you will be giving a 2 week notice. Thank them for the opportunity for having worked there, put this in whether or not you hated every minute of it.

Next thing to do is date the letter the exact date two weeks before your last day. You can still give the letter to your boss before the date it comes effective. You may be hesitant to talk to your boss and you may be tempted to slide the letter under their door and run but that would not be professional. If your boss has a secretary ask her when would be a good time to see him and if they have a busy schedule make an appointment.

When you get into the office, simple hand the letter and say I am giving you my resignation. For some employers it may come as a surprise and unfortunately for others it may not. Then hand them the letter. The boss may not read it while you are there, but then explain you are giving your two week notice from whatever date you decided on. If you are feeling generous you can offer your services in training the replacement.

Most bosses if they are good bosses will ask you why you are leaving and at this point be honest but be professional. If you did not get along with someone say so but say just that, do not give details. If yo9ur boss is inclined to he or she may try to convince you to stay. That would be up to you, just because you wrote the letter doesn't mean you have to stick to it if your boss gives you an incentive to stay.

If nothing more can be done or said then simply stand up and say I really am Thankful for the opportunity you gave me and shake your boss's hand and walk out.

How to Quit your Job

2007-09-28T16:18:00.000-05:00

There are two ways to quit your job, the right way and the wrong way. The right way would be to write a resignation letter or give an appropriate 2 week notice giving your employer two weeks to find a replacement. The wrong way would be to just quit and not come back. We will explain why these reasons are right and wrong.

The right way to quit all depending on your jib type is to send a resignation letter but if you work retail as a cashier or stock clerk then a letter really isn't necessary. Letters of resignation are for office jobs mostly. But the two week rule applies no matter what kind of jib you have because it is a matter of etiquette to give a two week notice. The most important thing when quitting your job is that you remain in good terms because if you don't have a job lined up you may need your boss or supervisor to give you a good recommendation.

By not giving that notice you could be jeopardizing future jobs because if you don't have a job lined up not only will you not get a reference but when a potential employer asks what you have been doing since your last job you have to mention that job and on applications they always ask if they can contact your last employer and if you say no they will want to know. It really isn't a good situation to in. It is ok if you want to look for something better for yourself but at least give them the courtesy of a two week notice.

The wrong way of quitting your job is just to go home at the end of the day and not come back or leave for lunch as some of us have done. This has the same repercussions of not giving a notice. You leave on bad terms and if you are owed a paycheck or sick days there may be something in your employee handbook forfeiting these benefits if you just walk off the job.

Unfortunately, we are in the age of people who sometimes have no regard for others. The employer and employee relationship has demonstrated that. But if you want that recommendation or any days that are owned to you do the right thing and write a letter or resignation or give a two week notice.

What should I use in my Resume

2007-08-24T09:37:00.000-05:00

When you quit your job or in the process of quitting you will need that killer resume in order to get the job you want and to quit the job you have. Your resume should have your name and address and make sure you put a landline phone number on your resume. Most people put a cell phone instead because they want to get in touch with any place they go. The enthusiasm is good the reception in some places is bad and what if a potential new employer calls and you are in a place where reception isn't great. There is nothing more annoying to the caller than the receiver saying I can't hear you. It may make the employer change their minds. Always give a landline phone number.

The next thing that you should have on your resume is the last 4 jobs you have had. Do not list more than that. The reason being is that if you had more than 4 in the past year or so the employer may not hire you because you have had too many jobs, they really aren't interested in what job you had 5 or more years ago. With that thought in mind, make sure you keep you resume limited to one page.

Potential employers do not want to read a two page resume. Chances are if you have something on the second page and it is interesting the potential employer will not read it because most employers will not read a two page resume. They really only scan the resume anyway so make sure what they read is interesting and to the point. Only put in pertinent information, if one of your jib functions at your last jib was to make coffee, don't put that in.

Only put in relevant jib function that pertains to your day to day functions. Do not lie on your resume, do not embellish any skill, because if you put something on there and you really can't do it and the employer hires you based on that skill then chances are you are going to get fired and you have to start over again.

Never have the attitude that I don't have to know this because they will train me anyway. While it may be true, they expect you to have a basic knowledge of the task.

Things to remember when you quit

2007-07-11T15:59:00.000-05:00

You may not think you need to remember anything except to make sure you clean out your desk when you leave, but that isn’t true. You need to remember that you need to leave that jib on good terms. You may be thinking why I am never going back. That would not be the reason you leave on good terms. You need to leave on good terms because in case you need a reference you can have your new potential job call the one who had and if you leave on good terms they will be more than happy to help you out.

Sometimes when you put that the new employer cannot contact the old they might anyway because they may be curious as to why the can’t. You also can’t quit on bad terms because if you are owed any overtime or any sick or vacation days you may get them easier if you part on good terms. By parting on good terms we mean giving a two week notice and handing in a polite two week resignation.

You also should remember that finding a new jib may not be that easy so make sure that you have a job lined up before you quit. Even if you can’t stand going to work day after day if you don’t have a job you can’t pay the bills. You need to remember rent, car insurance, bills, car payment and if you have children that should be enough reason in itself not to quit before you get a new job.

Remember your responsibilities and remember you need to have income coming in. If you have a husband or wife and they are working they support your decision to just quit without getting another job but don’t take advantage of that fact. If you do quit your job without a new one, then start looking for one right a way. Even though they are being supportive you can’t really take advantage because bills still need to be paid and to out the burden on your spouse it is not fair.

Overall, remember when quitting your job it is important to keep in mind your family, your bills and not to impulsively quit without getting a new job and to quit with proper notice and on good terms. It will help you in the long run.

Resignation Letters

2007-06-11T09:56:00.000-05:00

When you decide you want to leave your current job, one of the best things you can do for yourself and for your employer is to write them a resignation letter. There are many different types of letters you can write. One letter is the simple and to the point letter. When writing your letter you should include

- Your name
- The Date of the Letter
- The Person to whom you are writing to
- Company name and address

Then a letter that reads something like this. Please accept this letter as my formal notice of resignation from and then type in the company name and the date that you are leaving. Thank them for the years or months of employment and then let them know that you are giving a two week notice and then add if you could be any help in training your replacement you will be more than happy to do so. Then thank them again for the opportunity to work for them and then sign your name.

Or if you are not quite feeling so generous and friendly, you could write a letter that is simple and to the point. Use the header information as well as the company name and address but the body can be something simpler such as I hereby tender my resignation effective and then give the date and then sign the letter. This letter is short and sweet and to the point. This letter can be used if you haven't worked somewhere a long time or you are leaving because you did not get along with someone and there is friction then you still did the right thing and it wasn't too much.

Or you could use the same premise as far as the company information like address, address and whom you are giving it to and then write something like, Effective two weeks from this date I and resigning my position as and type in whatever that may be and then Thank them for the opportunity and sign the letter, but make sure you date it for it to become effective.

These resignation letters do not have to be a lengthy explanation to why you are leaving, the basics are that you are giving your resignation, the date it will be in effect and that you are giving a two week notice, you can put a Thank you for the opportunity if you wish. Then sign it and make sure you hand to the person who is supposed to get it.

How to deal with an angry Boss

2007-05-18T08:20:00.000-05:00

If you have an angry boss then this may be one of the reasons why you are quitting. Dealing with a boss or manager that is hard to get along with can be a volatile situation. While you may like your job, is it worth coming in to work everyday and deal with someone who constantly makes your 8 hours of work unbearable.

For most people it can be, believe it or not if the person at work giving you a hard time is your boss or manager some people tend to stay because they have a good deal and the money is good. While it can be tempting to stay, it really is in your best interest to leave that job.

If you work for a big company ask for a transfer but chances are you won't get one unless the boss doesn't like you either. Then it is a win win situation. But if a transfer is not possible then the best thing to do is quit. We will explain why.

While it is never in the best interest to quit your job. We want to make it clear that before you quit you find a new job first. But by coming into a hostile work environment everyday should motivate you faster. Any way, what happens over time is that you spend 8 hours a day at this job and you are working for the one person who makes life hard there after some time it will weigh on you and you will begin to be hostile back to the boss and other co-workers who may not deserve it. What is worse is by working in that kind of situation all day you are guaranteed to bring that attitude home with you and you will take it out on your family which is never a good thing.

So before you have a hostile work and home situation, look for a new job. Write your letter or resignation and then give it to your boss.

If they ask why you are leaving explain you are not happy anymore and it is time for you to move on. If the boss doesn't like you, then handing in that letter won't be a problem and he or she will let you know they appreciate your work and they will wish you luck and you politely replay Thank You, you too.

Advice on Changing Careers

2007-05-02T09:24:00.000-05:00

Most people if they had planned the right way are ready to leave one job for another. There are many people who do that and then realize they made too many changes a little to fast. So what can you do to lessen the blow of leaving one job and then beginning another.

One of the first things you should do is to be prepared by not quitting one job without having another job. This way it alleviates the pressure of rushing around and panicking when you can't pay the rent because you impulsively quit your job. We know the temptation is there sometimes to just walk away and think I will have no trouble finding a job but the truth is chances are unless you left on good terms you will not get a recommendation from your old job.

Be smart and you will be Ok.

Once you have decided to quit your job that is when you can begin looking for a new job. The beauty of looking for a new job while still working is that you still have money coming in. Once you have interviewed and they call you that you got the job. They will ask you when you can start. You want to take a week off between jobs so explain that you need to give a two week notice and you need a week to tie up lose end. Chances are they will have no problem giving you that time. It will also look good to them that you are considerate of your job to give them a 2 week notice. It does show character.

The next thing you need to do is write a letter or resignation and give it to your boss as soon as possible. Because the letter of resignation should have the two week notice in it and it will be effective from the date you give it to your boss. You want to make sure that you give them 2 weeks plus have that week off in between.

Planning is half the key, if you plan the right way you can successfully switch jobs without any type of stress and you can make everyone happy. Your old jib will get two weeks to replace you, you get a week off to relax and unwind before starting a new job and your new job will get a fresh, rested new employee.

How to Write Your Resignation Letter

2007-03-31T22:19:00.000-05:00

You have heard the old adage, "Don'tt burn any bridges." This is the most important idea to keep in mind when resigning from a job. Whether you love your current job and are leaving for a better opportunity, or you hate your present position and are fleeing to save you sanity, be sure to be polite, discreet, and mature when tendering your resignation. Your current employer will appear on your resume for years to come, and you never know when you may need a recommendation or a favor from a former boss. Remember, you build a professional reputation through your actions and behavior.

There is no need to write a dissertation. Simply construct a brief, concise note that covers all the bases. Here are a few suggestions:

Get right to the point. Start off the letter by stating your intention to resign and by mentioning your acceptance of another offer or other reason for leaving, such as moving cities.
Be sure to say when your last day of employment will be. It is common courtesy to give two weeks notice before ceasing employment.

You may wish to mention that the offer you have accepted is for a position that fits better with your personal preferences or career goals.

You should also thank your employer for the opportunity to work for his/her organization. After you start your new job, you may wish to send a letter to your former boss and coworkers with your new contact information, so that they can keep in touch and remain a part of your network.

Q&A: I'd like to quit my job, but how can I tell my boss?

2007-03-15T11:01:00.000-05:00

Q: My annual review meeting with my boss is next week. I want to go, but I'm afraid to say anything.
Lately work has been a huge drag and I know it's time to go. I've been at this office for 4 years now. Pay is good, but promises of advancement have been broken or deferred time and time again. I have plenty of other work opportunities elsewhere and, actually, I have plans to leave this joint and start my own thing. The problem is, as things get worse, I'm also more "needed here". Moreover, I've really built a good circle of friends here. Do I mention that I am seriously considering leaving in hopes that things may change, or just be quiet and just bail when the time is right?

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A: Our first advice is to resolve for yourself what is important to YOU. Write down 101 things you love (EVERYTHING and ANYTHING); look "above" that list for patterns and really important stuff.
Second (and here's the tricky part), we humans will CHOOSE to stay in simmering low-grade pain until the pain is unbearable--but not sooner. In other words, if you don't make an effort for yourself toward actually LEAVING, you'll probably stay in your shitty job for years (because the fear of leaving, with all of its risks and unknowns, is worse than the pain of staying). In order to leave, we need to make a contract with ourselves before we do so with our bosses. You need to make an "irrevocable choice".

Here's what you do: Figure out what's important. Then when you've sorted that out, walk to your boss and say, "I'll be leaving here in one year." Holy shit, it's done! Fear will come and go--you may not even know today how you're gonna leave your old job (not to mention getting a NEW ONE!) But now everyone is aware of your intentions (INCLUDING YOURSELF!). You are now on a "irrevocable path", one that will help you and move you toward actually leaving.
First, most bosses will appreciate an exit strategy rather than just quitting. Many will actually help you through your transition. A good boss knows that a good ext plan is good for everyone involved. Hope this helps.

Think before your Quit.!

2007-02-23T12:14:00.000-05:00

Perhaps you started a business or made some good investments. The money is starting to pour in. Now it’s time to quit your job right?

If this is you, follow this rule:
Go One Year without cashing a paycheck from your job.

Why?

After having a year under your belt you’ll know if you can survive the ups and downs of your new venture. I’ve never seen one that produces the exact same amount of money every month like a job. They all fluctuate.

In that one-year’s time you’re not spending your paychecks. Put them in the bank. Then you’ll have money to fall back on if you need it.
Too many people I know leave their day jobs too early only to regret it a few months later. Don’t put yourself in this situation.

Tips on how to write a resignation letter gracefully

2007-02-13T10:05:00.000-05:00

Here are some quick tips to help you write a resignation letter and resign gracefully.

Here's How:
1. Date your resignation letter to officiate your day of notice.
2. Address your resignation letter directly to your immediate manager or supervisor.
3. State what your are resigning, such as the title of your position.
4. State when your last day of work will be (typically a Friday), providing sufficient notice per company policy. Two full weeks are standard, but your company may require more.
5. Proofread it and make corrections.
6. Sign it.
7. Submit your resignation letter to your immediate manager or supervisor.8. Keep a copy for your records.

Tips:
1. Type your resignation letter in a standard business letter format.
2. Its sole purpose is to officially document your dates of resignation and notice. Keep it simple and positive. Avoid unnecessary statements and defending yourself, voicing opinions or settling scores.
3. Before you submit it, make sure you've discreetly prepared to leave. You may be escorted off the premises shortly after you give notice.

Free Resignation Letters Are Hot, Since 1999

2006-04-05T10:30:00.000-05:00

Seems like more and more people visit this site every day. I would say that since 1999, Iquit.org has provided free resignation letters to 1 million +, at least. Amazing, considering that I started this site to originally allow people to actually email their boss a resignation letter. But, I never got around to making it work.

So, have you used our resignation letters? Has Iquit.org helped you? I'd love to hear from you. Please email info (at) iquit.org if you want to leave some feedback, thanks!

Advice on Choosing a College

2006-02-07T23:46:00.000-05:00

Depending on what type of career you have or what you want to end up doing, choosing a college can be extremely difficult. You should investigate lots of different colleges and make sure that you choose the perfect one that will best meet your career goals. There are many things that you should consider when trying to make the choice.

Location. You should decide if you want to attend a local college or one that will require you to relocate. An alternative option would be to enroll in an online college, which would allow you to work from a computer anywhere.

Environment. What type of environment do you want to be in? Would you prefer a rural, suburban, or urban setting to attend college in? This decision will affect which type of school you should search for.

Programs. When trying to choose the college that is right for your career, you should look closely at the programs of study that each college offers. Some colleges may not offer the exact program that you are looking for, which will help you narrow down your choices.

Staff. You should look into the staff at the college you are considering. You should see what qualifications each staff member has to offer their students and what type of professional certification they have obtained.

Accreditation. The school that you choose should be accredited. This is something you should find out before you enroll because you could regret your decision if you find out later that you will not be obtaining an accredited degree. This could negatively affect your career and leave you feeling frustrated and lost.

How to Get Started Taking Classes Now

2006-01-23T23:02:00.001-05:00

So you've decided to go back to school and earn an advanced degree. You've thought about the online environment, but are not sure how to get yourself started. Here's how you can be a part of it.

The Preliminaries
The first thing you need to do is to find out which online degree programs are available for you in your desired discipline. A simple keyword search will give you a comprehensive list of all of the online degree programs that you can choose from. The great thing about the online environment is that you can apply for your program and get your acceptance from the comfort of your computer. Send in your application and get approval much faster than through the traditional campus route. Once you have been accepted to your program, you will be given all of the information that you need to begin your program.

The Nuts and Bolts
Taking classes through the online environment holds a variety of special benefits that go above and beyond the traditional campus route. You will be able to complete your academic requirements at your own pace without sacrificing your personal and professional obligations. You will simply log onto your class from the comfort of your own home and follow the activities and instruction step by step. You will also have access to a virtual environment of supportive professors, counselors, and cohorts that will give you the help you need to be successful. Once you get used to the way the online environment works, you will gain confidence and momentum by the day.

Working and Going to School: Making Them Both Work

2006-01-23T23:02:00.000-05:00

You want to go back to school to get an advanced degree but you're not sure how you can do it and continue to satisfy the responsibilities of a full-time job. You can do and here's how.

The Online Answer
The arrival of online education has been the answer to the prayers of millions of full-time working professionals. The online degree environment holds a variety of excellent benefits over the traditional campus route. Not only can you take the courses that will help you in your present career, but you can do so without sacrificing your professional responsibilities. The online degree program allows you to complete your academic requirements at your own pace and in the comfort of your own living room. You also have the benefit of a virtual support system of professors, counselors, and fellow classmates to keep you going when the going gets tough.

Get Started Today
A quick keyword search on the Internet will give you a variety of programs that will allow you to work and go to school at the same time. Once you've found the degree program that interests you, you can apply online and be accepted much faster than you would through the traditional campus route. Once you've been accepted, you will receive correspondence form your school telling you exactly what you need to do to begin your classes. From that point, you will be a part of the online education community and well on your way to earning that advanced degree that will give you the edge in your profession.

Will Your Job Pay for Your Degree?

2006-01-23T23:00:00.000-05:00

One of the chief concerns of professionals who consider earning an advanced degree is how to fund the venture. Believe it or not, there are ways that you can get your employer to foot the bill for you.

The world of advanced education has gone through several changes in the last ten years. Financial aid options have improved a great deal allowing students to earn a degree that might not have been able to afford it. Another big change is the introduction of employee funded education. Many employers will now assist their employees in getting an advanced degree.

Your organization stands a lot to gain by offering you financial help in earning your degree. When you reach that next academic plateau, you will be a much more valuable commodity for your boss. You will have the experience and credentials to take on more responsibility around the office.

In order to find out if your employer will foot the bill for your education, the first step is to simply ask. Approach your boss and explain your intentions as well as what the company stands to gain through such a financial arrangement. Or you can check with your human resources department for any financial aid programs that might already be in place. Also check with other employees to see if they have received support for their educational aspirations. With a little detective work, you will be able to determine if you can expect some financial support to help you increase your academic standing.

What If the Boss Catches You Going to School?

2005-12-21T23:11:00.000-05:00

You've started a great new program that will result in an advanced degree in your field. But you're concerned about your boss and what he will say when he discovers that you're in school. Don't worry!

One of the biggest concerns of professionals who are trying to earn their degree while working a full-time job is that the boss will eventually find out. Many worry that the boss won't be so understanding. This is a legitimate concern for many student professionals. But the truth of the matter is that the boss could be, and should be, impressed by this level of commitment of his employee.

If the boss catches you with a nose in the books, make sure that it's not on the company time. This will give any boss a bad impression of your efforts and might get you a pink slip to boot. Study and complete your academic obligations on your own time.

But if your boss catches wind of your intentions through the grapevine, explain to him that you are going back to school in order to earn an advanced degree and increase your value to the company. Your boss will respect this decision and keep an eye on your for bigger and better things. He might even give you increased responsibilities within the organization if he perceives your efforts will benefit him in the future. Doing the double duty of earning your degree while satisfying your professional responsibilities will speak volumes for you as a person.

Don't Be Afraid to Get More Training

2005-12-20T22:45:00.000-05:00

In the dog eat dog world of your profession, there's no better way to improve your position than to get your advanced degree. And it's not the daunting task that you may think that it is. You can do it!

There are several great reasons why you should go back to school and earn an advanced degree. Not only will it improve you on a personal level, but it will give you an impressive set of credentials that you can use to earn a promotion or seek a better job altogether. But the key to reaching your goals is to believe that you can do it.

Benefits to Advanced Training

Become an Expert. An advanced degree in your field will make you an expert in whatever discipline you choose. There are several programs that will give you an edge in your profession that employers are desperately looking for from employees.
Pad Your Bank Account. Of course, the ultimate reason that anyone gets an advanced degree is to increase their level of pay. Earning a masters degree, for example, will make you eligible for a raise that is dependant on reaching that next level of professional and academic experience.

Finding Your Motivation

Study What You Love. The best way to gear yourself up for the task of earning an advanced degree is to find a college program that teaches you the ins and outs of the field you are most passionate about.

Study What You Know. If you have a respectable level of experience in a particular field, you will find that earning an advanced degree in that field will be much easier.

The truth of the matter is that the only thing that is keeping you from earning an advanced degree and all of the accolades that come with it is you. Once you break past that initial apprehension, the sky is the limit.

Which Comes First: Quit My Job or Get a Better Degree?

2005-12-20T22:44:00.000-05:00

Perhaps you are sitting at your desk entertaining the thought of going back to school. But the question remains. Should you quit your job first or should you send in that program application.

There's no doubt that increasing your level of education is a good move to make for your career. But it might not be such a good idea to quit your job before you do. In fact, there's a good chance that you can have your cake and eat it, too. Here are both sides of the coin before you make your decision.

Quitting Your Job: The Risk Factors

Out in the Lurch. Quitting your job might free up more time to concentrate on your studies but it will leave you without a steady salary to pay your bills.
Breaking Your Stride. Another consideration to keep in mind is that quitting your job will break any career momentum that you may have built up.

The Best of Both Worlds

Income and Education. If you can somehow manage to juggle the two, earning an advanced degree while working will improve your potential as well as keep your income coming in.

Online Answers. An online program is a great way to manage both aspects of your life. An online program will allow you to earn your degree at your own pace without compromising your personal or professional responsibilities.

There is no denying that going to school and working full time will be a difficult task to realize. But nobody said that improving your position would be easy. If you play your cards right, you can earn that advanced degree while you are working and ready yourself for that next career step.

I Lost My Job Because I Didn't Have a College Degree

2005-12-19T23:42:00.000-05:00

Maybe you got hired right out of high school by a big company, and kept getting promoted. You thought about going back to school, but demands of the job and family made it easy to put off getting that degree. However, now you’ve been forced to deal with a new situation. Perhaps your company was acquired by another company. Perhaps all the employees were reevaluated, and those in managerial positions without a college degree were let go.

Earning an Online Degree
As depressing as it might seem at first, this is finally the right time to get that degree you always thought about. If you have to take a "maintenance" job just to make ends meet, consider getting a degree from an accredited online institution at the same time. You can study when it's convenient for you. Accredited online institutions across the country offer Associate, Bachelor and Master degrees in many subjects that suit your interests and abilities..

It might take a bit longer to earn that degree, with your busy schedule, plus job and family demands. Don't worry about the time it takes; just enjoy the opportunity to study subjects you've always wanted to know more about. And think about the end result. When you finally start interviewing for a new, career-track job, you’ll have something you didn't have in your old job - a new degree and more respect for yourself and your ability to get ahead.

Getting a New Career after Being Fired

2005-12-19T23:41:00.000-05:00

So you've been fired from you job. You're in good company; thousands of Americans get fired each year, from both big and small companies. It may hurt your professional dignity, but it's not the end of the world. As the saying goes, when one door closes, another opens. Being fired means you're ready for a new job, which, in most cases, can be a better job.

Online Education for a New Career
Unfortunately, the bills don’t stop coming even though the paychecks have. So it may be necessary to get a new job to pay those bills. This new job may not be a career job, however. Getting a new job to further your career may mean that you have to arm yourself with additional education. An online education may be the best way to go, in terms of your lifestyle and schedule. You can study during the hours you're not working, rather than worry about class schedules. If you're a night owl, you can take exams at night, or early in the morning, if that suits you. The end result will be a new degree and the chance for a new and better career.

The point is, with stiff competition in the workplace and with many applicants vying for the same position, the one getting hired may be the applicant with both the experience and education to fit the bill. With that newly earned online education, that new hire could be you.