Self help book - Driven by the Drama by Val Daye

Val Daye states on the back cover of her self help book, Driven by the Drama, do not start reading this book unless you are ready to move forward in your life.


If you are ready to dish the drama in your life and move on to more of the positive issues and concerns in your life, you should read this book.


http://www.drivenbythedrama.com/

You should take all of your Vacation Days or Time Off time that your company offers

Just like a battery needs to recharge, your body needs to recharge as well.  Taking time off from your normal 9 to 5 actually refuels your body and your brain.   The unfortunate thing is when you return to work you may have a lot of work that was left in your in box, voice mail calls to return or emails to answer which may make your taking time off feel like it was in vain.  Most employers would agree that they would prefer to have a new and recharged employee (you)  rather than to have a burnt out and stressed out employee (you).


According to a February Oxford Economics survey of 971 employees, four (4) out of  ten (10) U.S. workers finished 2013 with unused paid time off – leaving a average of 3.2 days still on the table.


You should take all of your vacation days or time off days annually.  Vacation days and personal days or any time off days other than sick days should be used for something that you want to and need to do.  Preferably something fun that you enjoy to do.

Ban the Box - Does it gives ex-convicts a chance at a better job opportunity?

Does banning the box give ex-convicts a better chance at landing a better job?


The Ban the Box law will remove any questions or reference to your criminal history from an employment application.  This law also delays background checks until further into the interviewing or onboarding process.  Several states are already on board to implement this new law.  Some cities are already taking this law into effect now.  The EEOC, Equal Employment Opportunity Commissions, is making sure this law is implemented.  In New Jersey this law is referred to as the New Jersey Opportunity to Compete Act.  This law in New Jersey will go into effect on March 1, 2015.


An applicant can be a current employee as well.  What if the applicant brings up their criminal history during the initial interview process? Then the employer may make inquiries about the applicant’s criminal record during the Initial Employment Application Process (IEAP) - See more at: http://www.shrm.org/legalissues/stateandlocalresources/pages/nj-faq-ban-the-box.aspx#sthash.qh83Vmp1.dpuf


The following states have enacted statewide Ban the Box laws, for private and public companies:
California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, and Rhode Island


By prolonging or putting off asking an applicant this question does it really give an ex-convict a better chance at a better job opportunity or will it be a waste of time for the both the employer and the applicant?


What is your take on this issue?