It is the last day your employer has for mailing your W-2.

You probably already received it. There is a lot of information on this form.

For now, focus on box 3, total wages before deductions.

The questions are:

1. Are you satisfied with your gross income?
2. Does the number reflect an increase over last year’s amount?
3. Is there a noticeable increase over this year’s earnings vs. what was earned five years ago?

If the answer to any of these questions is no, it is not too late to make that New Year’s resolution that you will take the steps necessary to increase your earnings. Where do you want to go within your organization? Have you looked around to determine your marketability?

Vow that on January 31, 2018, the answer to these three questions will be YES.

Start today with a new focus, determination and mindset.

You may be struggling in your 20’s or 30’s to make ends meet.

I do not want to dismiss your present situation.
I do, however, want to encourage you to “Figure it out!”

Why? So that you can live well now.

Further, I do not want you to continue to struggle in your 40’s and 50’s .

Trying to  “figure it out” in your 60’s would be far more challenging.

You may have health issues.
You may be shunned by employers who are looking for the current version of you, one with youth, optimism and ambition.

So if I may… Make it happen now!
Put your cap and gown back on. Well…. at least the cap.
Look in the mirror. Stop seeing nothing but student loan debt . Stop saying “poor” me ,I am in the red, in debt.  Rather, see nothing but potential. The color green for earnings
should be your focus.

 

December was a festive holiday month. You may have had extended time away from work that was spent with family and friends.  Those days seemed to fly by.

In the mist of it all, the accomplishments of many of your peers went somewhat unnoticed. I am referring to the December college graduates. Take a moment to celebrate them and extend your congratulations on this milestone in their life.

Welcome them to “adulting”, the real world of full-time employment and responsibility.This is a phrase I heard a May 2016 graduate use when she suddenly felt the challenges of being independent.

She began to apply some of the concepts in the book , and for her, the term “adulating” was no longer an experience to dread or fear, but an opportunity to smile when the term comes to mind, and say with confidence, I can do this!