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Think you’re reaching professional burnout? It’s a typical job hazard in the high-pressure business world. If you’re not sure, check out these tell-tale signs that you’re in dire need of a career change:

1. You’re Less Than Motivated

If your usual get-it-done attitude has taken a bad turn, you might be spending more time looking out the window than performing your duties. While this isn’t a good thing for the company, it’s not so hot for you either. Remember those days when you were so excited about your job that you whipped through those challenging projects and the days flew by? If you’ve mastered your job to the point that it’s boring you to death with no hint of an upcoming promotion, it may be time to look for greener pastures and bigger opportunities.

2. You’re Fantasizing About the Pre-Mature Demise of Your Current Boss

While everyone butts head with their boss from time to time, certain situations are worse than others. If your current manager doesn’t appreciate your talents or is heck-bent on keeping you in your place, maybe it’s time for a change? This situation is one that’s almost guaranteed to keep you miserable until you take a leap into a new job or a totally new career. As the economy picks up, the list of hottest upcoming jobs is definitely getting longer. Why not look for one that takes advantage of your superior skills? If you’re lacking in that category, it might be the perfect time to head back to school to get a new lease on life. Right now, there are some new and awesome careers out there just waiting for you to give them a try.

3. Your Current Company is in the Toilet

If your present employer isn’t handing out raises or promotions, it could be simply because they haven’t been able to afford to lately. However, if they’re instituting a hiring freeze or handing out the proverbial pink slip here and there, it could be a sign of things to come. Before there are mass layoffs and everyone is out there competing for the same job, make your own career move. Even if you’re kept on until the company turns around, it won’t be a fun-filled workweek for you; the corporate culture of a company that’s going down the toilet can be depressing for even the workers who get to keep their job.

4. You’re Under Appreciated

When your interest in taking on more responsibility is ignored or the promotions are going to less experienced (and less intelligent) coworkers, it’s definitely time for a change. While money is one way to keep an employee happy, no one can maintain a high level of job satisfaction if his efforts are not appreciated. During your search for a new career, you may find a new employer who will appreciate your input and make the most of your skills.
Although changing career can be a scary, and sometimes risky, proposition, that’s what life is all about! By not taking this chance, you could be short-changing the rest of your life. Do you experience any of these signs at your job?

In today’s digital world, companies are finding more ways to reach past their product to directly interact with their customers. In years past, it was nearly impossible to really bond with customers, but with social media brands have more power than ever to communicate and connect with their clientele. Let’s take a look at four brands that are extending beyond their product through the power of social media.
 
The Reach Card
 
This is much more than a prepaid credit card. Sure, you’ll get the same great benefits that a prepaid card will give you, but the Reach Card on Facebook has really extended itself beyond its brand. The company has turned to Facebook as a way to share with its customers. You’ll find information about your card and how to improve your credit score. The Reach Card Facebook page is a good example of going beyond the product to connect with consumers.
 
Whole Foods Market
 
Here’s another example of a big brand reaching out to customers through Facebook. Whole Foods Market lets their customers know everything that is going on through social media. In fact, the company asks their Facebook fans for their opinions! Go ahead and recommend new podcasts, read and watch interesting information that is recommended by other fans and attend company events. You can do all of this from the Whole Foods Market Facebook page.
 
Ford
 
Yes, even Ford has figured how to effectively use Facebook to interact with customers. Have you seen the latest Focus commercials? All of these ads actually originated through Facebook. Ford shows videos of upcoming products, lets you contact Customer Service and even allows customers to find out how to “go green”…all through social media. Ford is one of those “old” companies that has found a way to be “new” by utilizing social media in a good way.
 
When it comes to brands making a presence, the use of social media is an absolute must. It’s not enough anymore for companies to make a couple of commercials or create a flyer and call it a day. Nowadays, it’s important for any brand – big or small – to have a way to connect and communicate directly with its customers. Facebook allows brands to know immediately what a customer wants and how to deliver it. This can only lead to greater brand loyalty and an increase in sales. After all, isn’t that what all brands really want?

It’s felt by many that a small business generally has a more laid-back feel; that more people are comfortable in this type of environment. Because of this, there are many corporations that are starting to move toward having a small business feel. There are many ways to do this and you can easily bring the small business feel to your large corporation.
 
Casual Days
 
Have a casual Friday, or even a whole casual week every once in a while. This simple act can do a lot for employee morale, as well as helping everyone feel a little more comfortable. Many people get frustrated having to dress in business dress every day. Having a casual day can significantly increase the happiness that one feels in the office. Make sure that you do set guidelines for your casual day, so that it doesn’t get out of hand.
 
Celebrate Birthdays
 
Many big businesses today have done away with birthday celebrations all together. There are a variety of reasons for this, ranging from the cost to the thought that it is not professional to possible food allergies. If there is a possibility of food allergies, you can at least celebrate with birthday decorations. This will help the employees of your company to feel more welcome at their job, and more at ease through the year. 
 
Pay for Lunch
 
You don’t need to buy your employees their lunch every day, but many smaller companies provide lunch to their employees at times, just because they want to. There doesn’t need to necessarily be a reason to bring in lunch. Everyone loves free food, and when you provide this to your employees, they will appreciate the company more. Even something as simple as bringing in donuts, or ordering pizza is usually greatly appreciated.
 
Allow Personalization
 
Most people spend a large portion of their lives at work. Because of this, it can become disheartening to work in a completely business and sterile environment. Allow some personalization at your employee’s cubicle or desk. It may not be appropriate to allow them to put all sorts of decorations everywhere, but even allowing family pictures is a huge step in the right direction.
 
All Work and no Play?
 
Of course you want things to get done. Unfortunately, if your employees feel like they will get in trouble if they do anything other than work, they will quickly get disheartened. Allowing for some conversation between employees, or team building activities will allow your employees to stay fresh. This will keep them on the job better than if you try to force work at all times.
 
Many people feel that small businesses are much more personal. They like feeling that they are understood, and seen as people, not just employees. Adding in these simple things to your corporate business can help improve company morale, and bring your business closer to the feel of a small business. What steps will you take to make people happier at work?