Next Avenue - Work & Purpose - Most Recent

Job Hunters: Here's How You Can Stand Out From the Pack

Nancy Collamer — May 23, 2013, 2:47 pm

Job hunters can stand out from the pack with these seven clever tactics that will make them memorable candidates.

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Starting Your Own Business

Kathleen Rich-New — May 22, 2013, 10:48 am

These are the five big mistakes to avoid if you want to start your own business.

Choose the Winners of the 'Power of Age' Challenge

May 21, 2013, 12:58 pm

Cast your vote in the Unleash the Power of Age Challenge to help select three remarkable people over 60 doing inspiring work.

Gardening Lessons to Nurture Your Career

Beverly Jones — May 20, 2013, 1:45 pm

To nurture your career and help it grow, follow these lessons from gardeners.

Career Advice to My Daughter on Graduation Day

Nancy Collamer — May 16, 2013, 4:28 pm

Next Avenue’s Work & Volunteering blogger, Nancy Collamer, offers career advice for the new crop of college graduates.

Turning Volunteer Work Into an Encore Career

May 16, 2013, 3:20 pm

After suffering a layoff, Carol King stumbled onto her encore career – preparing others for their own encores.

Law Degree Earned Years Ago Leads to an Encore Career

May 16, 2013, 3:16 pm

After decades working as a writer, Janice Fuhrman put her law degree to use by helping people 60 and older who can't afford legal representation.

From Foot Surgery to a New Career Path

May 16, 2013, 3:08 pm

Elaine Chavez saw her layoff as an opportunity to deepen her teaching skills.

85-Year-Old Graduates From College, Finds Job

Jane Gross — May 16, 2013, 1:58 pm

Willadene Zedan, 85, leaves college this weekend with better grades, and a better job prospect, than many of her young classmates.

Best Ways to Comfort Your Unemployed Adult Child

Carol Ross — May 15, 2013, 12:42 pm

A career coach and parent suggests what to do and what not to do to help your unemployed adult child get back on his feet.

Women Retire Earlier Than Men, but Don't Have To

Kerry Hannon — May 14, 2013, 4:09 pm

A new study finds that women retire earlier than men, but here are eight ways they can keep working into their 60s and beyond.

Finding Meaning by Helping Women in Poverty

May 13, 2013, 6:22 pm

Susan Burgess-Lent left a long journalism career to pursue work she found more meaningful, helping women in urban slums around the world.

Layoff Leads to New Career as Job Counselor

May 13, 2013, 5:11 pm

After a layoff, Gerard Baltrusaitis went back to school and ended up landing a job helping others looking for work.

The Unexpected Benefits of Volunteering in Nature

Akiko Busch — May 13, 2013, 1:36 pm

When 'citizen scientists' volunteer to help gather data about birds, fish and nature, they don't get paid, but the personal and spiritual rewards are priceless.

10 Ways You Can Help Pets in Need

Debbie Swanson — May 3, 2013, 5:54 pm

From foster owners to marketing veterans, animal shelters need people with time, skill and a love of pets.

How to Earn Money From America's Passion for Pets

Nancy Collamer — May 3, 2013, 10:54 am

There are plenty of jobs that capitalize on our pet-crazy country, including dog walker, pet sitter and animal masseuse.

Why You Need to Love Your Job More

Kerry Hannon — May 2, 2013, 4:42 pm

Barbara Fredrickson, the author of "Love 2.0," says you’ll be happier at work if you find ways to care about and connect with your job and your co-workers.

Why You Shouldn't Be a Perfectionist at Work

Bob Sullivan — May 2, 2013, 3:29 pm

In this adaptation from "The Plateau Effect," author Bob Sullivan explains why being a perfectionist at work isn’t productive and can backfire on you.

Unconventional Career Advice You Need to Hear

May 2, 2013, 9:42 am

Stephen Pollan, author of the best-seller "Die Broke," is known for his counterintuitive views. Here’s his provocative take on how to keep your job or find a new one.

Career Shift: When Your Field Has Seen Better Days

Joanne Devereaux — May 1, 2013, 9:16 am

When a pro photographer realized her profession’s glory days were fading, she switched focus and opened Mindful Transitions, a business that helps people manage estate settlements, moving and downsizing.

What It Takes to Win an Age Discrimination Suit

Penelope Lemov — April 29, 2013, 1:35 pm

It has become harder to win an age discrimination suit in recent years, but here’s what to do if you believe you have a case against your former employer.

How Women Can Reinvent Their Careers After 50

Nancy Collamer — April 25, 2013, 6:29 pm

The success story of the two women who founded Betterafter50.com provides lessons for others eager to reinvigorate their lives.

A '60s Activist Is Back in the Trenches Again

Wendy Schuman — April 25, 2013, 11:48 am

Ruth Hague, a former '60s activist, is now volunteering to make a difference in the lives of abused women.

Profiles in Volunteering: Helping Whenever There's a Need

April Greene — April 24, 2013, 9:00 am

Marc Olson volunteers his time in numerous ways, from singing to troubleshooting computer problems, and is eager to do more.

The Lessons I Learned as an AIDS Volunteer

April 21, 2013, 7:18 pm

I became an AIDS volunteer without any training. I made a difference, but only after I learned to do it the right way.