Posts Tagged ‘Self assessment’

Career Transition: Turning a Career Change into a Positive Life Transition

March 31st, 2011

By Lydia Whitney

We all know that life sometimes throws you curve balls. Our lives are full of transitions; and so we need to be prepared to reinvent ourselves again and again. In order to take advantage of change, you need to be ready to embrace it and turn it into a positive – whether you were expecting that change or not.

These days, it is not uncommon for you to find yourself facing a career or job change. Current statistics on job loss and unemployment are, frankly, frightening. Whether you are entering today’s job market voluntarily or not, you will find that it is more challenging than ever.  But it is possible to turn this into an opportunity instead of facing it as a hurdle.

  1. First of all, take a deep breath.  Consider how this might be a positive situation.  What could you potentially gain by searching for a new job or career?  More income?  Greater job satisfaction?  More time with your family?  A position where you have the opportunity to learn and grow? If you can find a positive to focus on, then the entire experience will be much less stressful – and you are more likely to find that you end up in a better position. » Read more: Career Transition: Turning a Career Change into a Positive Life Transition

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Career Assssment: Starting Your Own Business, Part 6

December 10th, 2009

By Thomas Arrison, Certified Public Accountant

Thomas ArrisonQuick Hitters

Tax Professionals
Owning your own business can be confusing and lonely. Legal and tax difficulties can appear at any time. If you hire a tax professional, they can help with your tax return and estimates.  A good tax professional will also advise you on running your business and work with you to make it more profitable.  They also can advise you on legal ways to reduce your taxes. Don’t depend on your friends and family when you are self-employed.

Checking Accounts
It is best to set up a separate business checking account for the business.  Pay all your business bills from the business account and all your personal bills from your personal account.  Transfer money from the business account to your personal account so your checks won’t bounce

Health Insurance
You can get health insurance from several sources.  Cobra should be available to you from your former employer. Chambers of Commerce offer health insurance options and there are various other organizations that offer this benefit.  Your payments for health insurance are not deductible on Schedule C as a business expense, but could be deductible on the first page of your Form 1040.

Employees
Do your best to avoid hiring employees.  The requirements you must meet when you have employees are significant and time consuming.  Contact your tax professional if you are seriously thinking about hiring employees.

Sales taxes
Very little of this blog talks about a business that sells things.  Be aware that if you sell a product you must collect and pay sales taxes in most states.  Some states, such as Connecticut, have a sales tax on services as well.

» Read more: Career Assssment: Starting Your Own Business, Part 6

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Career Assessment: Sure My Job Search Lacks Focus…

August 29th, 2009

jpg_susanBy Susan B. Posluszny of OPTIONS for Career & Life Planning LLC

Sometime back, I received a phone call from a woman who was looking for support with her resume.  She wanted it to stand out from the masses…to ‘pop out’ at employers so that they would take notice of it.  As I inquired about her job search goals, I learned she was working as a dental hygienist and that she was in the process of completing an MBA degree.  She was eager to apply the business knowledge that she was gaining in the work world.

» Read more: Career Assessment: Sure My Job Search Lacks Focus…

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