Category: being underemployed

If You Work…You Must Be Paid….Period!

Posted on by MentorShelly, the DREAM Career Coach

Article Discussed | Reference 1 | Reference 2  | How to Report Your Employer

Employers have a legal and moral responsibility to pay their employees fairly and on time for the work they do. However, there are some unscrupulous employers who willfully withhold wages, steal tips, or engage in other forms of wage theft. This is not only morally reprehensible but also illegal, and employers who engage in such practices can be prosecuted by the Department of Labor (DOL). In this blog post, we will discuss how employers steal money from their employees and how they are breaking DOL laws.

What is Wage Theft?
Wage theft is a term used to describe any unlawful practice by employers that results in employees being denied the wages they are legally entitled to. This can take many forms, including but not limited to: paying employees less than the minimum wage; failing to pay employees for all hours worked; stealing tips or other forms of gratuity; misclassifying employees as independent contractors; failing to pay overtime or other legally required benefits; deducting wages for uniforms, tools, or other business expenses without authorization.

Wage theft affects millions of workers across the United States and can have devastating consequences for their financial stability and well-being.

How do Employers Steal Money from Employees?
There are many ways in which employers can steal money from their employees. Here are some of the most common methods:
1. Misclassification of Employees: Some employers misclassify their employees as independent      contractors to avoid paying minimum wage, overtime, and other benefits required by law.
2. Failure to Pay Minimum Wage: Employers may pay their employees less than the minimum          wage required by law.
3. Failure to Pay Overtime: Employers may fail to pay overtime to eligible employees who work        more than 40 hours per week.
4. Illegal Deductions: Employers may illegally deduct money from an employee’s paycheck for           items such as uniforms, tools, or other business expenses.
5. Stealing Tips: Employers may withhold or steal tips from employees who are entitled to receive      them.

In the case of the article, this employer stole the employee’s commission bonuses in the thousands of dollars from each employee to take for themselves.

What are the Department of Labor Laws?

The DOL is responsible for enforcing a variety of laws related to employment, including those related to wage and hour laws. Here are some of the most important DOL laws that employers must follow:

-Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): The FLSA establishes minimum wage, overtime, and record-            keeping requirements for employers. This act provides protection for the employees this           employer decided to steal from through their deductions of commissions.

What are the Consequences for Employers who steal money from their Employees?

Employers who steal money from their employees can face a variety of consequences, including fines, lawsuits, and even criminal charges. The DOL can investigate complaints of wage theft and may require employers to pay back wages and other damages to affected employees.

Employers who engage in wage theft not only break the law but also harm their employees and their communities. If you believe that your employer has stolen money from you, you should report the issue to the Department of Labor or speak with an employment lawyer. Remember that you have legal rights as an employee, and employers who violate those rights must be held accountable for their actions.

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How to Turn Lemons into Lemonade: What Layoffs Can Teach You About Your Career

Posted on by MentorShelly, the DREAM Career Coach

Being laid off is never an easy experience. It can be difficult to stay positive, especially when you’re struggling to find a new job or facing unexpected financial hardship. But don’t forget that there is a way to turn these lemons into lemonade; layoffs can give you valuable insights into your career and help you make better decisions moving forward.

Take Stock of Your Strengths and Weaknesses
When a layoff happens, it’s natural for us to ask ourselves why it happened. This self-reflection can be uncomfortable, but it’s also necessary for personal growth. Try thinking about what strengths you brought to the table (e.g., hard work ethic, creative problem-solving skills) and what weaknesses you may have had (e.g., the inability to work in teams, too much perfectionism). This will give you a better understanding of where your strengths and weaknesses lie so that you can start building on them going forward. We also have a FREE Resource, our DREAM Career Tool to help you document your professional strengths. Go Here to grab it.

Think Creatively About Future Opportunities
It can be tempting to think that the only job opportunities available are those that are directly related to our current career path—but this isn’t always true! Layoffs offer a chance for us to step outside of our comfort zones and think more creatively about potential future roles. For example, if your background is in marketing, maybe now is the time to look into jobs in sales or customer service instead? Or if your background is in finance, could there be opportunities out there for you in project management? Keeping an open mind about the types of roles that could potentially suit your skill set will help broaden your horizons—and ultimately increase your chances of finding a good job fit! Understand you have skills that are transferable to other career paths, don’t rule anything out.

Learn How To Network Effectively
Networking is essential for career success—and layoffs provide an opportunity for us learn how to do it effectively! The key here is not just connecting with people who are already in positions of power—it’s also about connecting with those who have similar interests or who work in the same field as you do. Take advantage of social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook groups; attend industry events; reach out to former colleagues; and take every chance you get to make meaningful connections with people who share similar interests or experiences as yours. Growing your network will allow new doors of opportunity open up over time! Do you have the necessary tools to network? Do you have your business or introductory cards to hand out to people when you meet them? It’s always best to be ready, so you won’t have to get ready.
In many ways, layoffs can be seen as an opportunity rather than something negative.

By taking stock of our strengths and weaknesses, thinking creatively about future opportunities, and learning how to network effectively we can use layoffs as a stepping stone towards greater success both professionally and personally! So remember: when life gives you lemons – make lemonade! To take your lemons and make lemonade, action is required. We want to have what you need and the direction necessary to cultivate your own career success after the negative effects of this layoff. If you are ready to take the necessary steps, let us work with you directly by you clicking here, so we can this layoff be the best thing that happen to your career. You can connect with you by leaving a voicemail for me by clicking the gray tab on this page.

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Canopy’s CEO is Grossly Misrepresenting Overemployment

Posted on by MentorShelly, the DREAM Career Coach

In a recent memo to employees, Canopy’s CEO falsely claimed that the company does not have an overemployment problem. This is a gross misrepresentation of the facts and an insult to the intelligence of Canopy’s employees.

Canopy’s CEO is grossly misrepresenting the company’s overemployment problem. In a recent memo to employees, the CEO claimed that the company does have an overemployment problem and call it a new form of stealing. This is simply not true.

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Is Returning to the Office Really Necessary in 2022?

Posted on by MentorShelly, the DREAM Career Coach

We will discuss the real reason some company owners and leadership are forcing people to return to the office when they can do their jobs from anywhere remotely. Here’s the first article that shed some light on this “return to the office” requirement phenomenon

Article #1 | Article #2

What is really driving the “return to the office” requirement? We will discuss the possible reasons.

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Are You UnderEmployed? Do These 3 Things to Improve Your Economic Situation

Posted on by MentorShelly, the DREAM Career Coach

Have you ever been in a job where you just feel like you’re not being paid enough? Maybe the work isn’t particularly stimulating, or your commute is brutal. If this sounds familiar, don’t worry – you’re definitely not alone. In fact, there are plenty of steps you can take to make a change. So if you’re feeling antsy about your current salary situation, read on for some tips on how to make more money. You might be surprised at just how achievable it is!

But first, let’s define what UNDEREMPLOYED means. Based on the online Merriam Webster Dictionary, underemployed : the condition in which people in a labor force are employed at less than full-time or regular jobs or at jobs inadequate with respect to their training or economic needs.

1. Obtain an IT Certification
If you’re like many people, you might be underemployed. That is, you might have a job, but it doesn’t pay very well. In order to make ends meet, you might be working two or three jobs. Or, you might be working a job that is below your skill level. If this sounds like you, then you should consider getting an IT certification. With an IT certification, you will be able to get a better paying job. And, with a better paying job, you will be able to work fewer hours. As a result, you will have more time to spend with your family and friends. So, if you’re underemployed, get an IT certification today!

2. Start a Side Hustle
It’s time to get creative and start a side hustle, if you’re underemployed. Whether you’re looking to make some extra money or simply want to keep yourself busy, there are plenty of opportunities out there for those who are willing to look for them. From starting a blog to working as a freelance writer or editor, there are numerous ways to make money from home. And with the internet, it’s easier than ever to get started. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to get creative and start your own side hustle.

3. Network with People Online & Offline About Job Opportunities
In fact, nearly one in four workers in the United States are underemployed, according to a recent study. But there’s no need to despair. There are things you can do to improve your situation. One of the best things you can do is network with people about job opportunities, both online and offline. Online networking sites like LinkedIn can help you connect with potential employers and learn about new job openings. You can also attend job fairs and meet with employment counselors to learn more about available positions. So don’t give up. Get out there and start networking today. It could be the key to landing your dream job.

Underemployment is a real issue, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. There are plenty of ways for you to start earning more money and we want to help. You can start one of the suggestions of obtaining an IT certification, starting a side hustle and networking with people about better job opportunities. If you need additional assistance or just want someone to talk to, please connect with me here. I would be happy to chat with you about your options and how we can work together to improve your situation. Together, we can find a way for you to earn the income you deserve.

Looking for other services such as interview coaching, LinkedIn profile optimization and career strategy consultations? Go here.

If you are looking for help in the overall job market, interview tips and more, purchase my new book here.

Have a job interview coming up but need additional help to be successful with it? Check out the Interview Audio Program here that can help you navigate your next job interview with EASE.

Connect with me here
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