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      The Eid staycation deals to watch out for in the UAE

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      With Eid Al Fitr holidays around the corner, you can plan ahead with some of the best staycation offers in the UAE.Bookmark this page as we shall keep adding the latest Eid offers to watch out for in the coming weeks.Emirates Woman has curated an edit of the best getaway deals to look out for as you celebrate this annual holiday with your friends and family.Abu DhabiThe Ritz CarltonIf you’re looking for your next great adventure, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal lets you indulge in the hotel with an expansive pool and a private beach along with an array of specialty restaurants to satisfy every palate. Starting at Dhs750 per room, per night, during the Eid al Fitr holidays, it includes a sumptuous breakfast for two at Giornotte restaurant. It’s located next to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, as you enter a world to discover Middle Eastern opulence.For more information  or to make a reservation visit ritzcarlton.com/abudhabiDubaiPalazzo VersaceTo celebrate the upcoming occasion of Eid Al Fitr, you can check in to your own Versace-designed room or suite, as you relax your senses with rejuvenating spa treatments and treat your taste buds with a host of culinary experiences throughout your stay. The luxuriously appointed room or suite designed by Versace, will include a daily breakfast buffet for two adults and one child, a daily dinner or dinner set menu with a minimum two-night stay condition from 11 to 15th May, 2021, starting at Dhs1,190 per room, it’s located at Jaddaf Waterfront, Dubai.For more information or to make a reservation visit palazzoversace.aeArmani Hotel DubaiCreate memorable moments against a backdrop of elegant simplicity as you book your Eid staycation package and enjoy a two nights stay including a host of benefits such as buffet breakfast and a dinner experience at the award-winning Indian restaurant overlooking the Dubai fountain. In addition, guests will also receive tickets to Burj Khalifa level 148, Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo along with the VR park as the package starts at Dhs5,500 for two persons located at Downtown Dubai.For more information visit armanihoteldubai.comThe H DubaiThis Eid al-Fitr, guests can enjoy a relaxing city escape at the five-star property, as guests can book a minimum of four nights and enjoy up to 30 per cent discount on the best available room with access to the vast selection of dining outlets and wellness facilities including the tranquil Mandara Spa and glorious swimming pools to truly relax this season.For more information visit hhoteldubai.comRas Al KhaimahHilton, Ras Al Khaimah Beach ResortTo check-in and unwind over the Eid break, Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa is the ideal venue to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life as you completely let go with special rates for guests over the upcoming long weekend. Starting at Dhs1,100 per room, the venue includes breakfast and dinner, as guests can relish the authentic flavours of the region at the Lebanese eatery with access to the temperature-controlled pools or private beach.For more information or to make a reservation visit 3.hilton.com– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: Supplied by Hilton RAK More

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      The UAE is considering movement restrictions for the unvaccinated

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      As the UAE continues its nationwide vaccination drive against COVID-19, it’s been announced by a top health official that there are movement restrictions being considered for those who are unvaccinated.In a statement posted to the UAE’s National Crisis Emergency and Disaster Management Authority Twitter page, a statement was made by Dr. Saif Al Dhaheri.It was stated by Dr. Al Dhaheri, “Strict measures are being considered to restrict movement of unvaccinated individuals and to implement preventive measures such as restricting entry to some places and having access to some services, to ensure the health and safety of everyone.”
      We are all responsible towards society and have a role in preserving its health and safety, the vaccine is our best means to recover and return to a normal life.#TogetherWeRecover pic.twitter.com/ao5T3SRrAD
      — NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) April 20, 2021The NCEMA also explained that receiving the COVID-19 vaccine is “our best means to recover and return to a normal life”.To date, the total number of doses of the COVID-19 vaccine given is over 9.7 million.COVID-19 vaccines in the UAEAt present, there are four COVID-19 vaccines available in the UAE.The first vaccine to be approved in the UAE was the Sinophram vaccine, followed by the Pfizer vaccine being permitted in Dubai towards the end of last year. The Pfizer vaccine is also now available in Abu Dhabi.In January, Russia’s Sputnik V was approved for emergency use. The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine was approved for use in Dubai in February.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature Image: Sara Shakeel Instagram More

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      You’ve Been Asked To Take a Pay Cut—What Do You Do Next?

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      It’s fairly common to fantasize about the day your boss calls you into their office and finally offers you that well-deserved raise. Maybe they even throw in a corner office. What’s less common, and what some people may not even realize, is that your boss may be able to ask you to take a pay cut. 
      Why does this happen? One strategy some employers use to retain as much staff as possible during periods of economic downturn is to ask their employees to take a pay cut. This is a conversation no one wants to have, but it is one you may have to face if your company is struggling in light of recent events. If you do get asked to take a pay cut, you don’t want to be caught completely off guard. While it may never happen to you (fingers majorly crossed!), we’re going to answer a few questions that will help prepare you in case you are approached about taking a pay cut one day. 

      Understand what taking a pay cut means
      In short, taking a pay cut means your company will start paying you less to do the same job. While in very rare scenarios, a company may do this if an employee is underperforming; but in light of the pandemic, some companies are doing this simply to keep as many of their employees employed as possible while they fight through a difficult economic period. 
      In a 2020 study by the Pew Research Center, a third of respondents reported that either they or someone in their household had to take a pay cut in April of this year. Another study by the Conference Board found that 537 public companies have cut their top managers since the Covid-19 pandemic began. While it’s difficult to anticipate what a pay cut will look like, as every company will take a different approach, one study that reviewed changes at 22 public and private technology companies discovered that non-executive employees experienced pay cuts by an average rate of 10 to 15 percent in recent months.

      Do I have to take a pay cut?
      Maybe. If you are “hired at will,” which most employees are, then they can lower your pay or reduce your hours, as long as they don’t drop your pay below minimum wage. Workers with employment contracts may be in a different boat, but chances are an employer won’t ask someone with an iron-clad contract to take a pay cut. 

      Know your rights
      Your employer has to notify you before reducing your pay or hours, and a pay cut cannot be done discriminatorily—things like race, religion, gender, or age can’t be the reason for the cut. If you’re protected by a bargaining agreement or employment contract, they can’t lower your pay, so make sure you review your contract carefully.

      Source: Sincerely Media | Unsplash

      My employer asked me to take a pay cut… what now?

      Ask how long the pay cut will last
      Unfortunately, a pay cut can go on indefinitely. Chances are your company won’t have a clear-cut answer for you, but you still need to ask how long the dip in your salary should last. They may know that big contracts will be paid out in six months’ time or that once social distancing comes to an end that they can bounce back. You need to have a conversation about this, but don’t expect any promises made—and don’t bank on any that are.  

      Ask for something in exchange
      If your pay is going to be cut, now is the time to negotiate for more vacation days or more work-from-home days (not super relevant right now, but secure them for the future!). Something you can consider asking is if you’re able to work fewer hours in exchange for losing compensation. 

      Ask the right questions
      Do not be afraid to ask questions! You have every right to know exactly what is going on, why it is happening, and how you will be affected by these changes. Here are a few questions you deserve answers to, so make sure you ask them. 

      Why are you doing pay cuts?
      How many of my colleagues are being impacted by pay cuts?
      When will it take effect?
      How long is the cut anticipated to last?
      Are you taking away or lessening my 401(k) match?
      Will my health care costs rise?
      Are any benefits going to change?
      Is there the potential for more pay cuts to happen in the future?
      Will my hours and responsibilities remain the same?
      What are the company’s long-term plans for recovery?

      Decide what you want to do long term
      The coronavirus pandemic has caused so many companies to struggle, not just logistically but financially as well. As of September 2020, Yelp found that almost 98,000 businesses on their platform had permanently shut down during the pandemic. Companies that choose to do pay cuts instead of layoffs are trying to keep as much of their staff employed as possible, while also attempting to avoid plummeting morale for their staff. If a pay cut is too financially difficult for you, then you’ll want to start looking for a new job that can compensate you the amount that you need now. You need to prioritize your financial health and career, and you shouldn’t feel bad about doing that.

      Source: Mathilde Langevin | Unsplash

      How to turn down a pay cut gracefully
      In some cases, your employer may be informing you of a pay cut; in other cases, they may be asking employees to take pay cuts in order to help the company. If this is the case, pause for a moment. You don’t have to give your boss an answer right away. You can tell them that you need some time to digest the news and can schedule a time to talk another day. That will give you time to take a breath, talk things over with a partner or parent, and formulate a thoughtful and polite response. 
      If you do decide to reject the pay cut, you do not need to get into the details of your personal finances. You can simply say that while you understand the company is going through a difficult time, taking a pay cut isn’t feasible for you right now. If they push the issue further, you may want to involve your HR rep in any future conversations about the topic. More

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      This Week Only: Our Best-Selling Photoshop Course Is Back!

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      Our best-selling online course, The Essential Photoshop, is back for this week only! Plus, our comprehensive online course on how to edit photos with just your phone and a special one-time bundle offer. 
      In The Essential Photoshop, you’ll learn all our Photoshop secrets—from how to edit your photos for peak light and vibrancy to how to create show-stopping graphics that will grow your engagement. We use Photoshop every. single. day. here at The Everygirl and we seriously couldn’t live without it. With guided video, screen recordings, worksheets, and Photoshop templates, we’re guiding you through exactly how we use this multi-faceted program. You’ll finish the course with a solid understanding of how to leverage Photoshop for a more visually stunning brand or business.
      In Mastering Photo Editing on Your Phone, you’ll learn how we style, shoot, and edit photos with just a phone. Playing with filters is fun, but sometimes you need to overhaul a photo and a filter just won’t cut it. In this course, you’ll learn the separate core elements of photo editing, so you can edit any photo with ease. All you need to take the course is a phone with app capability. 
      Ready to get started? Grab either course for this week only or take advantage of our one-time bundle offer and get them both at a major discount! 

      What’s included in this course? 

      The Essential Photoshop
      This course is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide through Photoshop—from creating your first layer to advanced editing and graphic techniques. Each module contains multiple video tutorials walking you step by step through each part of the program, so you can learn at your own pace and rewind or review as much as you need. 

      Mastering Photo Editing On Your Phone
      We start the course with our best tips and tricks for actually taking your photos. Even though editing can cover a lot of sins when it comes to photos, it always helps to set yourself up for success when shooting. We go over how to create balance in the composition of your shots and our process for taking our fave photos—like outfit flatlays, exterior shots, and interior vignettes. 

      Next, we take you through all the edits we routinely make on our photos—from brightness to contrast to removing imperfections. You’ll see guided video tutorials and pro tips from our guest instructors Lauren Taylor and Ali Stone. Plus, you’ll learn our favorite apps for making specific edits—like Snapseed and Tezza—as well as the order we make our edits for the best results. 

      Looking for a more one-and-done solution? 
      If you want to edit your photos on the fly and need a one-click editing solution, grab our pack of exclusive Lightroom presets, available now! With nine different edit styles from ultra bright to moody to warm and soft, you can edit all your interior, exterior, and flatlay shots with one tap of a finger.  Learn more about our presets and grab yours here. 

      What do I need to take the courses? 

      The Essential Photoshop
      You’ll need access to Photoshop to take the course. We recommend using the Adobe Creative Cloud version of Photoshop, which you can purchase and download here. Adobe also offers free trials of the program for up to 30 days. 
      Besides Photoshop, all you need is a computer with Internet access and a pen and paper to take notes. 

      Mastering Photo Editing On Your Phone
      In this course, you’ll learn the separate core elements of photo editing, so you can edit any photo with ease. All you need to take the course is a phone with app capability. All the apps we use and teach in the course are either free or less than $2.99. 

      Frequently asked questions

      When do the courses start? 
      Both courses, The Essential Photoshop and Mastering Photo Editing on Your Phone, are entirely pre-recorded, so you can start them whenever works best for you! Upon purchasing, you’ll have immediate access to the full courses, including video tutorials and worksheet downloads. 

      What if I have questions while I’m taking the course?
      Each course comes with access to a private Facebook group to connect with other attendees and ask questions. You can also always reach out to [email protected] and we’ll be happy to assist. 
      Both courses also come with lifetime access, so you’ll be able to refer back to the materials, tutorial videos, and downloads as often as you’d like.

      Do you offer a payment plan? 
      Yes! We recognize our online courses are an investment, so both are available to purchase with a payment plan split into three monthly payments. If you have questions on the payment plan, reach out to [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help! More

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      A new crescent-shaped lake has appeared in the Dubai desert

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      With new buildings and attractions popping up in Dubai all the time, the latest attraction to emerge in the emirate is in the desert, inspired by the famous Love Lake.The new Moon Lake, which is in the shape of a crescent moon, can be found in the middle of the Al Qudra desert the Google Map coordinates of 24.7874218, 55.3065662.The new lake was first revealed by popular Dubai-based photographer and videographer, Mostafa, who goes by @100.pixels on Instagram.The photographer referred to it as a “hidden gem” in Dubai, “full of wildlife and barely untouched nature”.The discovery was made by Mostafa just at the start of Ramadan, and it looks particularly stunning amongst the bright sands of the desert.However, in order to access the new lake, you’ll need to ensure you have the right vehicle to get you there, namely a 4×4 as there’s no direct road leading to the Moon Lake. We suppose it does add to the adventure aspect of the journey.Earlier this year, another landmark, also a lake, was uncovered in the UAE.The unearthing of this unique nature spot – a bright pink lake in Ras Al Khaimah – was by an Emirati student, Ammar Al Farsi who is from Sharjah.Using a drone, the 19-year-old captured the stunning shots which he shared to social media. The lake is found amongst the Saraya Islands, which are located the emirate of Ras AL Khaimah.We’re just waiting to see what else will pop up in the UAE this year.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages/Media @100.pixels Instagram, Feature Image: @100.pixels/Unsplash  More

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      Sheikha Al Mayassa in the top 5 most powerful Arabs in Qatar

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      Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has ranked in the top five on Gulf Business‘ power list for the most powerful Arabs in Qatar as she continues to revamp the art scene in the region.Being the chairperson of the Qatar Museums, Sheikha Al Mayassa has made a noteworthy impact in the global art scene as she brings some of the world’s leading artists to the region through profound exhibitions and artwork purchases in the region.With an annual reported budget of $1 billion to spend according to Gulf Business, she has played a vital role in cultivating cultural growth while keeping national traditions in mind. As Sheikha Al Mayassa – who is also co-chair of Fashion Trust Arabia – continues to establish Qatar in the world of international contemporary art, as she overlooked the rebranding of the QMA (Qatar Museums Authority) under a new name which is now Qatar Museums.The museums which fall under her stewardship include the Museum of Islamic Art, Mathaf (the Arab Museum of Modern Art) and the National Museum of Qatar.The others who have ranked on the top 5 most powerful Arabs in Qatar include Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, President and CEO of Qatar Petroleum and Chairman and MD of Industries Qatar, Hassan Al Thawadi, Chairman for Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup, Mansoor Ebrahim Al-Mahmoud, the CEO of Qatar Investment Authority and Abdulla Mubarak Al-Khalifa, the Group CEO of Qatar National Bank.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: Instagram @almayassabnthamad More

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      A day in the life of a digital editor in Dubai

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      IN PARTNERSHIP: Working in publishing, one day is never the same.One day an editor could be in and out of meetings all day, another could call for a day of events and another may entail a cover shoot or shoot for next month’s magazine, all the while ensuring features for both print and online are completed, as well as social media channels being updated.It’s an all-encompassing fast-paced job, which often requires you to be here, there and everywhere, which means you need the right technology to assist you to get the job done.This is why the ASUS Zenbook 13 OLED is an ideal laptop for those who are on the go.8amI log on from home on the ASUS laptop and schedule prepped features to ensure the website is consistently updated with all the latest in fashion, luxury lifestyle, beauty and travel. With its 13.3-inch display screen and OLED HDR NanoEdge display that supports 1920 x 1080 resolution, I’m able to check and edit everything precisely and clearly with ease. Once that’s done, it’s out the door at 8.30am to head to the office.12pmAfter a morning of catching up with the team, writing and planning upcoming shoots, it’s time to log on to a Zoom meeting to learn about an exciting upcoming launch. The ASUS Zenbook 13 makes it easy to conference in on video calls, which has been particularly important in the last year. The laptop’s video conferencing tool makes it easy to communicate with clear voice quality, this includes ASUS AI Noise Cancelling Audio, which lets users select from one of four modes: Normal, Balance, Single presenter or Multi-presenter.3pmAfter a busy morning and early afternoon in the office, it’s time to head out for a couple of meetings and the ASUS laptop makes it convenient and easy to ensure I’m connected at all times in case an urgent story needs to go up, emails need to be responded to or an edit needs to be made. Given that the device only weighs 1.14kg with a side profile of only 13.9mm and the overall surface being 13.3-inches, it’s ideal for being on the go. Given the memory bandwidth too – a 16GB memory and 1TB PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD – it means I can store everything I need and more on the device. Similarly, it has all the necessities for full connectivity including two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, a standard HDMI 2.0 port, a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port and a microSD card reader.6.30pmAfter a busy afternoon, I reach home ready to log on for the final time of the day and given I’ve been out all day, the ASUS Zenbook 13’s battery has lasted the test of time. We all dread running out of charge, particularly if we forget our chargers. The laptop offers a 13-hour battery life and if that happens not to suffice, there’s a fast-charge function that powers the device up in record time – you can go from two per cent to 60 per cent in under 50 minutes.Other convenient aspects of the ASUS Zenbook 13 OLED include the ErgoLift hinge which lifts the rear of the laptop when opened, a small detail but incredibly helpful when you’ve been typing strenuously all day as an editor.Similarly, you can easily log on using face identification as your form of password as the front infrared (IR) camera recognises your face in seconds. You can also easily connect your smartphone if you’re an Android user and use it as an extension of the laptop.In the age of digital nomadism and remote working, it’s a great machine to assist those who are consistently on the go with busy schedules.For more information on the Zenbook 13 OLED visit the ASUS website.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied More

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      Career Bucket List: 7 Achievable Goals To Set For Yourself This Year

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      Even though it may feel like 2021 is flying by, we still have plenty of time left this year to work toward some major goals. If you’re looking to give your career a boost, why not put some pen to paper and start crafting your career bucket list? There’s no reason you need to limit your bucket list to travel and recreational activities. We spend so much of our time at work that putting the time and energy into building a career that fulfills and excites you can be just as thrilling as skydiving or traveling to a new continent. 
      To give yourself some guidance this year, let’s walk through a few examples of goals you can put on your career bucket list in 2021. Of course, this is just a jumping-off point. It’s your career, so you’ll need to figure out what achievements and changes are important to you to work toward this year. 

      1. Start a side hustle you’re excited about
      We chose our words carefully here, the reason we think starting a side hustle “you’re excited about” is a good thing to potentially add to your career bucket list is because you should have fun with your side hustle! We all know that the hustle culture we’re living in has gotten a bit toxic in the past few years, so it’s important to only take on a side hustle if it won’t jeopardize your wellness. One major way to make a side hustle feel fun and like a profitable hobby instead of an extra job is to choose something you’re really excited to do. You should want to work on your side hustle, not feel like you have to. If you think a side hustle is something you should add to your bucket list this year, try to choose one you’re really excited about. Not sure how to get started? Here’s what to do if you end up pursuing a side hustle this year! 

      2. Find a mentor
      Careers are tricky and as supportive as friends and family tend to be, you can’t always turn to them for advice if they’re unfamiliar with your industry or job. Finding a mentor that has experience in your chosen career path, in your industry, or at your current company, can help you gain objective insight that comes from experience. This isn’t to say that people who provide mentorship support are career genies who know all the answers, but as they’re generally further along in their careers, they can speak from experience on some of the struggles you may be going through. 
      If you don’t see any of your existing relationships evolving into a mentoring opportunity this year, it’s always okay to be upfront about your search for a mentor. People are generally happy to help. Reach out to someone you admire on LinkedIn and ask to meet for coffee. If all goes well, you can request to continue consulting them about career issues. You can also ask someone you respect at your company if you can come to them with career questions from time to time. Being upfront will help make sure you’re on the same page. For more tips on finding a mentor, read this helpful article!

      3. Be a mentor
      On the flip side, if you’re in a place in your career where you can give back to someone who is younger or new to your industry, then reach out and offer to lend a helping hand. So many people are afraid to ask for help, so if you feel like you can provide guidance and support to someone who needs it, you can make the first move. You can always consider joining an official mentorship program that helps teens find their way or can simply offer to have coffee with that newbie in the office who likes to ask a lot of questions. Will becoming a mentor give you a career boost? Maybe, maybe not! Even if you don’t benefit directly from your mentoring efforts, helping others is always a good thing to do. 

      4. Master a new skill
      As nice as it would be, you’re not going to get a raise or promotion every year, no matter how good you are at your job. As tempting as it is to focus on short-term goals, sometimes you need to pivot to devoting your energy to longer-term ones. Mastering a new skill this year will allow you to work toward goals that may be a bit farther off, while gaining the satisfaction of achieving something in the here and now. Take an online course, sign up for a professional certification program, or ask your manager if you can spearhead a new project that is a bit out of your wheelhouse. Gaining new skills now will make your larger goals easier to achieve and can be really fun and engaging. Here are a few ideas for in-demand career skills you can aim to build this year!

      5. Find work-life balance
      We’re all for hustling hard and busting your butt to meet your goals, but we’re also really big fans of taking a break when we need it. You can’t burn the midnight oil night after night, so make sure you’re working toward your career goals in a way that supports your wellness. There is a line between working to live and living to work, and that’s finding a work-life balance you’re happy with. Evaluate your commitments, your schedule, and your personal goals this year to see how you can find a balance that helps you feel your best. If a raise is off the table at work this year due to budget constraints (a familiar story for many in light of recent events), ask for help achieving work-life balance instead. Think—a more flexible schedule, more work-from-home days, or time off each month to volunteer for a cause that’s important to you. These tech tips are also a great starting point for finding more work-life balance!

      6. Plan your next big career move
      Hopefully, your career will span many happy years, so there’s no need to feel the pressure to achieve all of your goals right now. As cool as all those 30 under 30 lists are, they’ve set an unrealistic standard that we have to be at the peak of our careers in our twenties. Let’s push those thoughts aside and focus on the long game. If you can identify what you want your next big career move to be, you’re off to a great start. Finding clarity and direction for your career is a major achievement. Start thinking about what you want to achieve in 2022 and beyond, so you can start planning the steps you need to take to get there. Need some help setting career goals? This guide can help!

      7. Invest in yourself
      Let’s end this list of career bucket list suggestions on a purposely vague note. While we can’t tell you what should be on your bucket list, we strongly suggest adding “invest in yourself” to the top of the list. What investing in yourself means will vary depending on your needs and goals. For some, it might be going back to school. For others, it may be leaving work early twice a month to go to therapy. Maybe you need to commit to going to bed earlier or want to hire a career coach to help you during your upcoming job search. Whatever you need, give it to yourself in 2021, and we’re confident your career will benefit as a result.  More