When the man gets you down and those 12 hour work days leave little to no time to do your otherwise typical daily tasks, there are steps to take to ensure you can get everything done to maintain some sense of sanity. I’m not talking about grabbing a Subway $5 footlong (though they are delicious) and hoping that your underwear is clean enough, I’m talking time to tackle those daily tasks, making some real food and having underoos as fresh as a daisy. It’s not possible, you say? Well, you can’t conquer the world in a day, but making sure the plants are watered and the kitten is fed will still give you a sense of accomplishment. So, take your fingers off the keyboard long enough to read these tips:

Tip #1 – Eat a Hearty and Nutrient Rich Breakfast

Actually o.k. for breakfast.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, we know it’s the oldest tale in the book. But there is something to the whole starting your day right. According to the folks over at everydayhealth.com, eating breakfast gives you a physical boost and mental advantage. In their article, Susan Kraus, a registered dietitian, says you can eat anything from a smoothie or waffles and fruit to smoked salmon or pizza. Yes, pizza for breakfast! How bad could it be to pause for a slice? And taking time to eat breakfast means not having to bail for a snack mid-morning, and being more efficient in the morning.

Tip #2 – Schedule Drop Offs and Pick Ups on  Your Way.

You’re on your way to work, but you know you have nothing for dinner, and

Make sure you have clean pants and under-roos.

stopping after work is so taxing. The simple solution is to keep a cooler in your car. Pop by Vons in the a.m. and save the trip after when the lines are longer and more tedious. Drop your drying cleaning at the a place by your office, and pick it up the next morning. And if you don’t have time for any of that, hire someone! Check out a company like California Concierge who will run those errands for you. Personally, I tackle one task everyday and make a schedule of it. Mondays are for grocery shopping and an easy dinner. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are for one load of laundry each night. Thursdays, I either cook a bulk dinner or clean up the house. That leaves Friday and the week free to par-ty. Taking on one task per day makes in manageable.

Another service site that is available and might be able to help you tackle some tasks and not break the bank is Fiverr. Fiverr is a marketplace of people listing things they will do for 5 smack-er-roos. Some things may not be so helpful such as ,”I will teach you to push a coin through a glass table magically for $5.” Yet, others, such as “I will do voiceover work for your video or site for 1 minute for $5,” is something that might come in handy.

Tip #3 – Keep Up on Current Events.

Just because work is consuming your brain, doesn’t mean you should be uninformed of current events. Clients and co-workers will laugh when you say, “What? There is something going on in the middle east?” And while we know you can’t be tuned into Anderson Cooper’s dreamy eyes all day, you can catch the highlights. Most of the cable news networks have a 30 minute round-up of the latest news which should make you enough in the know. Or, check out assigmenteditor.com, a site that has all the news sources you could need at a click.

Tip #4 – Do It Right the First Time.

While all the chaos swimming in your dome may make you a little frantic, keep cool and do your job right. Obviously, they given you more responsibility and it must be for good reason. Don’t flub it up by getting crazy with the cheese whiz. Take your time, breathe, and do it right the first time. Single rounds save time of tedious projects.

Tip #5 – Turn Day Wear into Evening Wear.

Throwing on a great pair of heels will take an outfit from day to night.

Ladies, we know the tricks. Carrying some evening wear clothes in your car in case of an impromptu client meeting or even a date. You can run and pick up that dry cleaning on your way to the meet-up without stopping by the casa. Throwon some funky accessories, and change up your footwear. Let the hair loose and amp up the eye make-up and BINGO, you are date ready. Fellas – depending on your night time options, throw a trendy T in the car and some stylish slip-on sneeks. If a lady comes a calling, you can rock a suit jacket with that T-shirt and sneakers for a laid back, yet classy look. No one will know what you do between work and meeting up out, so make the most of that gap and finish any errands you might have.

Tip #6 – Practice the Two-Minute Clean-up

Get that messy desk in order and keep it that way with some simple cleaning tips. The folks over at the housekeepingchannel.com give 10 quick steps for desk clean-up. And a clean desk will give you peace of mind to go on with your day.

Have a time saving tip we didn’t think of? We’d love to hear it. List your tips in the comments. – Lori Bartlett

Networking may even land you on a reality show.

True Story: (Sung like that cowboy guy from The Real World: Los Angeles…and if you are too young to remember that, then you should really keep reading.) The other day I witnessed an interesting event take place on Facebook. It all went down like this:

(Names have been masked, not for protection, just for fun.)

Hot RedHead posts, “Do I know anyone in L.A. that has vocal music recording equipment?”

Response from Buff Brunette Babe, “Blonde-y McGee’s husband does. Have you two been introduced?”

Hot RedHead states, “I don’t believe we have crossed paths.”

And through a little tagging magic, Buff Brunette Babe hooks Hot RedHead up with Blonde-y McGee  (and, thus, her husband and his equipment… audio equipment, you perv’s.) And BOOM, what we have here is a genuine, bona fide L.A. connection. Networking is just that simple, friends.

We all know the Kevin Bacon game, and in L.A., it works much the same in networking. Everyone knows someone, and the longer you live here, the more someones you know. Until you become a Kevin Bacon yourself, and have this town rigged like a well-oiled dancing machine.

But you can’t just jump from Animal House to Mystic River without making those important  stops

We all really want to be Kevin Bacon.

at Footloose and Apollo 13 (and why would you?). What I’m saying is that networking can’t be done in a day. It builds it over time. But you have to start somewhere, and why waste anymore time doing that bit role on Guiding Light? (Bacon did it. Thanks, IMDB.)

The first way to network is to start before you move to L.A. (If you are already here, get to it and make up for lost time.) Pick 3 friends you know in the city, and send them a letter requesting that they please forward it to anyone they know that might be able to get you an “in” somewhere in your field. So, what goes in the letter, you ask? Here’s a few things to include:

1. Explain your situation.

While you definitely don’t want to come off desperate, explain that you are moving to Los Angeles in the near future and that you are eager to jump right into the business. Talk a little about your background and why you love the field. Don’t run down a full resume, but just hit a few high points and appeal at a personal level. Be honest, and a bit entertaining.

2. Don’t send a resume.

At this point, you are basically cold calling. People hate solicitors. If you begin with the business, you will lose them. Just state a brief introduction to who you are and where you are from. Then go into why you want to work in the field. Finally, close with your aspirations for the next few years. Be realistic, and explain that you are ready to start at the bottom and work your way up.

3. Offer to meet with them.

At the end of the introduction letter, state that you would love to set up an informative meeting. Also, that if they are interested in meeting you, that you can submit a cover letter and resume. Make sure to leave plenty of relevant contact information. Essentially, you are looking to send one giant business card. Get your name out there, and hope for the best.

Help us, help you.

Now, let’s say you don’t have 3 friends in L.A. Here’s when STC is here for you. Send your introduction letter to either heather@survivethecity.com or lori@survivethecity.com and we will do our best to forward it on to at least one person in your industry. That’s right…we are talking 9 years of collective resources in L.A., and we will hook you up for FR-double-E. Just say that you read it on STC…hey, we have to network too. – Lori Bartlett

You’ve decided it’s time. The small town you grew up in just doesn’t offer the career opportunities that a big city like L.A. does. You’re Hollywood bound.

And while your career path may lead you to the West side of the nation, you are not alone. Competition is fierce, especially in a not-so-hot economy. But, no matter what business draws you to Los Angeles, there are definitely some career steps to take before you make the leap. And this, Survival Guide is here to walk through.

Do Your Homework

The internet is your best friend when trying to find a job from afar. First, get a map and study the nooks and crannies of Los Angeles. There are a multitude of neighborhoods, small cities and nicknamed areas within the large county. Knowledge of the city is a great tool to impress potential employers. It also helps you identify things such as commute time from where you are planning to live, cost of living near your potential workplace and what areas would be ideal to find employment.

Los Angeles has a traffic accident alert system called SigAlert. Check out this map every day for a week in the area you are planning to live to get an idea of traffic patterns and commute times. While you may not have too much of a say, it will help you set aim at an area that would be best to work.

Ideally starting at least a month out from your move, check out the usual job finders such as Craigslist, Monster and (if you want to be in the Biz) Entertainmentcareers. If you find something really interesting, call or email and check to see if they are looking to hire immediately. If not, see if you can send your resume and request a phone interview. Being tenacious, but not annoying is a good way to show your true interest in the position.

If you find a position that interests you, send if your resume. Even if it’s remotely interesting, send it in. Play the numbers.

There are two routes you can take when sending in your resume; the honest and the less-than-honest way. If you want to take the honest route, explain to the potential employer that you are currently living  out of state, but you will be moving to the area soon, and you are extremely interested. This may work if the employer is not looking to hire immediately, and your experience matches their requirements. However, many potential employers will pass over a resume with an out of state address. Which brings me to the less-than-honest approach…

If you have an address for the place you will be living or if you can even borrow and address from a friend who lives in town, put the local address on your resume. Employers are less likely to pass over a local with good experience, and when competition is high, you need all the little advantages. I’ve seen this technique work for multiple friends. One friend was called for an interview, and claimed she just returned home to get a few final things, but would be in the city the following week and would be able to meet for an interview. In reality, she just quickly bought a plane ticket to get there in time for the interview. If the job seems worth the cost of a plane ticket, this isn’t a bad approach.

Another friend said she was back home for a week finalizing things before she was in the city full time. The company agreed to a series of phone interviews until she was in town. This technique really only works a few weeks from your move date, and if your experience matches the requirements, but it can be successful.

Find Related Jobs

So, your small town didn’t offer the kind of job you hope to get in Los Angeles, you still have skills and a resume. Look for jobs with a required skill set that relate to what you’ve done in the past. Identify what you can bring to the table, and don’t be shy about it. Highlight what you’ve done for employers in the past, and show your transferable skills. While you may dream of being a set designer, don’t aim for the top with no experience. Accept that a Production Assistant or low entry position is where you are going  to start and prove yourself.

Network, Network, Network

If every there was a time to call in a favor, now is it. Talk to your friends, family, any hobo walking down the street and see if they have connections in L.A. Even if they know someone, and the person doesn’t know anyone hiring, give them your name and resume. If you know personally know someone in L.A., put them down as a reference and give them your resume to hand out like crazy.

Blind emails to companies you’d love to work for are not a terrible idea. While you may not get much response, find either an “Info” email for them or an HR email. Do not call, just email them. Explain that you love the work they do and would really like to work for them one day. Attach your resume, and say even if they aren’t hiring at the moment to please keep your resume on file. This is something you can do every 6 months or so, but no more than that. While you want to keep your name in their mind, you don’t want to piss them off or have them mark you as spam.

Finally, always carry your information on you. Have a business card, resume and head shot ready and willing to give out. Even on your flight over or at that truck stop in Wyoming, you never know who you will meet and who can help you. Once you arrive in L.A., if you are still without a job, go to mixers, hot hotels at happy hour and reach out to those in your desired business. Know that you are one of thousands of tiny fish in a big pond, and L.A. is a tough city. Many times the old “who you know” is true. So, get to know people and you immediately increase your job opportunities.

Don’t give up. Finding a job is probably the toughest part of relocating, especially in today’s market. Even if you have to take something less than perfect to get by, do it. Make connections there, and move on.

As cheerleaders used to chant back in high school; Be aggressive, B-E aggressive. – Lori Bartlett

Los Angeles can be a lonely place during the holidays. If you read our Career post last  week, you already know how to make the most of being part of the skeleton crew. But if you are on the job hunt, or dissatisfied in your current job, the holidays offer some opportunities to get ahead.

Attend the holiday party!

First, we’ve mentioned it in other posts, but go to the company holiday functions. While you might be bitter about your current placement, don’t show it here. This is the time to be merry, happy and show what an awesome employee you are. Be the star of the party and talk to EVERYONE. And as we said before, don’t be one to get a bad post party rep.

If you on the job hunt, the holidays are usually a slow time for other hunters, and recruiters are still in need of people. Be bold and persistent. Make it known that you are actively looking and ready to start whenever. You just might be able to capitalize on others’ vacations. Try calling between Christmas and New Years when people are likely to be back in the office for a few days.

Another tip if you are a hunter is to send out Christmas cards. Even if you just came into a business for an interview, send them a holiday card. Keep your name fresh in their mind. Perhaps the best route for this is to do an e-card or even just a professional sounding email. In this card, don’t hound them for work. Just wish a happy holiday and thank them again for taking time to talk to you this year.

Volunteering can help your career and holiday spirit.

If you have some free time, volunteering is a great way to make contacts and do something good for mankind. It is the holidays afterall. You may even pick up a new interest or meet some new friends. It’s a gamble as far as advancing your career, but it’s bound to give you a jolt of holiday spirit.

Even milling about town or buying gifts can be a time to make new connections or hand out a business card or two. That doesn’t mean have your full head shot and reel ready at a glance, but talk to those around you. If your in the 20 minute line at Macy’s, might as well talk to those sharing in the holiday tradition. And if it seems like you might have a common business, feel free to hand over a card. It might not lead to a job, but it keeps your name in circulation in your field, and in a positive light.

Finally, take advantage of the down time. Even if you are unhappy in your job, use the time to refuel and come back ready to tackle challenges with new vigor. The eager employee often gets the promotion, so talk to your co-workers upon your return. Engage in conversation and ask how their holidays were. Be positive, jolly and Santa just might bring you a little promotion. – Lori Bartlett

Make the most of your time in the "skeleton."

If you are a recent L.A. transplant, you are probably at a low level or entry level job, and thus, part of the holiday crew. And this being a city of transplants means that crew is probably pretty tiny with all those in the workplace heading home to their respective cities. While feelings of bitterness might want to rise, take this time to make the most of being an integral part of your company. Be a leader of the holiday skeleton. Below are a few tips for keeping the ship on track.

Keep Productive, Keep Calm

There are two basic scenarios that can happen during the holidays. Either, the business is crazy busy and you are thrust into new responsibilities, or there isn’t a whole lot to do. If the former is the case, while your co-workers certainly don’t expect you to be able to do the job of two, they also don’t expect you to drop the ball. Stay on top of things and use your best judgment in sticky scenarios. If something is really in question, call your co-workers. Don’t be too proud. Stay calm and keep things going.

If you are super slow with not much going on, make an impression. Organize that file cabinet that has needed it for weeks. Clean the storage room. Do something that your co-workers will notice upon their return. It will totally score you points.

Pool Resources

Even if you are the only one in your area or  department, you are likely not totally alone. Assess what needs to be done and if you are overwhelmed, see if you can get  some back up. If you are in doubt, ask the others that are there. Everyone is covering to some degree, so they will understand and likely need the support right back. When you are all working towards the same goal, titles don’t matter.

Plan Ahead

Before the office clears out, make sure you are as clear as possible on your instructions. Get emergency contact numbers and take notes. Plan your goals for the next day, each day. Do all your personal errands and shopping before the place clears out. No need for additional stress while taking on additional responsibility.

Watch for Burn Out

The holidays can be a stressful time in general. Throw you into unfamiliar tasks, plus holiday stress, and burn out is very possible. If you feel overwhelmed, make sure to take a break. Go on a walk, or call a friend and talk about unrelated events. Let your mind take a break, then go back to conquering the task at hand.

Show Off

As stated above, you want to prove you made the most of your time in charge. Have reports ready, things organized and proof that you were working hard while the others were away. Employers will notice and love a “can-do, team-player.” And that low level-entry position just might not last that long. – Lori Bartlett

Play it safe when it comes to office gifts.

When the holidays come around many companies see it as the time to get their employees into the holiday spirit. Some hold Secret Santa exchanges, others do a Yankee Gift swap and yet still others don’t do anything, but you feel compelled to gift your co-workers up. Whatever the occasion, gifting in the office can be tricky business.

My first year as office manager of my office, I assumed it was the “right” thing to get collective gifts for the big bosses. So, I sent out an email asking anyone interested to contribute $5 to $10 to their gift. I thought the best thing would be to make a donation to Toys for Tots in their name. We got nearly $250 together, made the donation and gave a lovely letter to both the head honchos signed all those who contributed. I patted myself on the back for a job well-done. I mean, it’s the thought that counts right?

Years later come to find out that the big boss, not only dislikes giving gifts, he does not ever wish to receive them either. Apparently, my well-intended gesture actually kinda pissed him off. And while in my opinion, it’s totally odd and kind rude, it’s his prerogative to be a Scrooge.

So to help prevent some awkward office gift giving, here are STC’s top 10 tips for holiday gifting in the workplace.

1. Don’t try to compensate poor performance with an extravagant gift.

If you think you’ve gotten on the bad side of a co-worker or boss, a extra nice gift makes you look desperate and is a cheap attempt to win their favor. The best thing you can do in this case is simply say, “I know my performance has been a little lackluster. I will try to work harder next year.”

2. Take notice of your co-worker or boss’s religion or traditions.

Obviously if your boss is Jewish, they won’t think to highly of a mini-decorated Christmas tree. If you chose to get a gift, aim for something religion neutral. Stick with “Happy Holidays” over “Merry Chirstmas” and snow flakes over Santa Claus.

3. Don’t go overboard.

You can find a nice gift at a reasonable price. A gift card or bottle of wine will usually suffice in any occasion. You don’t want to make anyone feel uncomfortable by going overboard or bad about the fact they spent less on a gift. Again, sticking to a neutral middle-ground will keep you in the “safe” zone.

4. Give a unique gift to each person.

Sure, this makes more work for you, but it also makes your gift more personal. Granted this doesn’t mean getting gift cards to 10 different places (unless someone is known as “the Starbucks fiend”), but it means to think of the person you are gifting. If they are on a diet, a basket of cookies is a bad idea. Aim to get neutral gifts for tailored to each person.

5. The details count.

Even if you just get an ornament, if it’s wrapped very nice and put in a very pretty box, it seems like a more lavish gift. Again, it takes a little more time, but you don’t want the gift to seem like an after thought.

6. Handmade can work if done right.

If you are an awesome baker, and want to bust out grandma’s secret cookie recipe, a bundle of delicious baked goods can be a great gift. Just make sure they look clean and professional, and it’s the right kind of gift for your relationship. Handmade gifts are fine if you have a more casual relationship where you discuss family life and whatnot. If you are all business all the time, you may want to opt for a bottle of wine.

Don't do it.

7. Don’t fruitcake.

Enough said.

8. No money, no worries.

While you’d probably be stoked to get $10 rather than a coffee mug or picture frame, it’s pretty much frowned upon to dole out cash. Gift cards or certificates are acceptable, especially to a place you know the person frequents, but cold hard green ones are a no-go.

9. Be thoughtful, but not too personal.

Perfume, jewelry or anything for the person to wear is off-limits. Stick to housewares or generic accessories like gloves or scarves. Anything else is either too personal or if you misstep the person will feel obligated to wear it even if they don’t like it. Even with gloves and scarves, stick to neutral colors or patterns and insert a gift receipt just in case.

10. Don’t over-think it. Just get in the spirit.

While I just gave you 9 reasons to ponder your gift, when in doubt go to the holiday section of department store and wander. You will likely find something for everyone on your list. Another good idea to visit a local bakeshop and pick up sweet treats and give them on a lovely plate or mug. Stay safe, neutral and merry. - Lori Bartlett

What are you planning to give your boss or co-workers? Let us know in the comments.

Don't be the one talked about the next day.

Many companies opt to throw a holiday party in December for various reasons. Some companies use it as a “thank you” to their employees. Others use it as a way to show off to clients. And still others call it a celebration or exercise of holiday spirit. And while all these intentions are good, holiday parties usually fall into one of two categories; boring, dull social event and dinner or the crazy, vodka slamming, who’s-gonna-hook-up party. Either way, you don’t want to be the at the unsavory side of the rumor mill, so here are STC’s top 6 ways to avoid being the blunder at the company holiday party.

1. Respond to the Invitation.

There is likely some office manager or assistant who will be collecting replies if your company sends out invites. This person pulls some rank (or is the little voice in a bigwigs ear), so don’t piss them off from the get-go. RSVP in the proper manner requested.

2. Determine if the Party is Mandatory Attendance.

If your boss seems to be making a big deal about the party, or if they are boasting it as a team builder, it’s pretty solid that you should show up. People notice when there are no-shows, and it could be taken indifference. If you have a valid excuse, let your boss know ahead of time, so that your lack of attendance isn’t a strike against you.

3. Dress Appropriately.

Determine from the invitation what the proper dress is for the event. If it’s in question, make sure to ask. But, when in doubt, always go beyond and throw on a suit or that little black dress. Usually, holiday parties are fancier affairs, so take it up a notch from your everyday wear. Also, ladies, while P90x may have given you some killer abs and thighs, the company party is not the place to show them off. Stay classy.

4. Don’t Drink Half the Punch Bowl.

While you are certainly entitled to have a cocktail, even two, make sure to keep some dignity when returning to work the next day, and don’t get sh*t-faced. Doing Jager bombs doesn’t exactly give off the air of confidence or trust. Having your co-workers carry you out of the bar only adds to rumor mill fodder, and will make you the butt of jokes for years. Save yourself, and know your limits.

5. Engage in Conversation and Mingle.

You might be besties with your cubical neighbor, and sure you should chat it up with them, but don’t forget to talk to those in other departments or offices. With the cocktails flowing, and everyone a little looser, it’s easier to strike up a conversation. Stay on neutral topics, and don’t be negative. It’s a party after all, and no body likes a pooper.

6. Say Thanks.

Find the bigwigs, the organizer and the host, and say thanks. If you even think they had something to do with the planning, a quick “thank you” will put you on their “good” list. Plus, it’s just another chance to make you stand out in the crowd.

So, save the hoochie gear and keg stands for your personal holiday party. When at the office party, keep it clean kids. – Lori Bartlett

Perhaps in your wandering around the web you’ve come across the little gem called Etsy, but if you haven’t, this Survival Guide suggests you head there now. Etsy is a virtual wonderland of items from flea market finds to handcrafted jewelry to unique gifts and clothing. It’s basically like the best flea market meets the best craft show and throw in a little amazing vintage store, and Etsy their the love child.

Yet, as fun as it is, Etsy isn’t only a place to indulge in a little shoppers delight, it’s a place for artist entrepreneurs to sell their creations. From photographers to artisans of every design, sellers are making profits daily from the comfort of their home. Started in 2005, this online marketplace has quickly expanded to host thousands of sellers. Just a glance at their “About” page shows the veritable mini-army that keeps the site going.

Much like the monster success of Ebay before it, Etsy’s user-friendly features and in-depth search engine make it appealing to both buyers and sellers. The pros of the site are numerous including; Listings for 4 months at a time, 5 photo uploads per listing, secure payments through Paypal and Etsy submits store items to Google for easy-access to the casual consumer. The downfalls are minimal with some complaining about the stiff competition with the ever increasing number sellers, there is limited way to make your store stand-out. Generally, most of the stores look similar, likely in an attempt to level the growing playing field.

Survive the City talked to two of our favorite Etsy sellers about their experience with the site. Both reported a positive experience overall, but don’t take it from me, check out their interviews below.

Sweet Grass Mill offers unique and lovely hairpieces.

We first spoke to Jade, who runs a store called Sweet Grass Mill. Her Etsy shop specialized in boutique and bridal feather accessories. Her pieces are delicate and lovely and much more expensive looking than her more-than-reasonable prices. This Survivor Guide met Jade by ordering a piece from her collection, and receiving exemplary customer service, the likes that traditional boutique shops can not offer due to the ease of customization and communication. Here is what Jade had to say about her Etsy experience.

STC: Do you consider Etsy a seller-friendly site? Has your experience using the site been positive and easy, or rocky and complicated?

Jade: It’s pretty simple to list items and Etsy’s selling tools are helpful. I’ve found that Etsy has been fairly consistent in their efforts to take care of their sellers.

STC: Do you find there to be too much competition, and therefore, have trouble getting people to your shop?

Jade: That’s a really good question. As an example, when I first joined Etsy two years ago, there were approximately 3,000 feather clip listings. Now, there are almost 11,000. So the competition is definitely fierce. It constantly pushes you to step it up, create more, take better pictures, etc. But, of course, if you have something very unique, you can create your own niche.

STC: Is this your only income or an additional source?

Jade: I do advertise with another on-line site, but I’ve been giving a lot of my attention to Etsy and that works for me right now.

STC: Would you recommend others try selling, and what products do you think thrive on the site?

Jade: If you have a creative side and would like to try a few listings at a time, it can be fun. A part-time effort will yield a few sales here and there. But, if you’re wanting something more regular, you have to being willing to put in your time, which means investing money for materials and listing fees, loads of time photographing and writing descriptions, packing and shipping, and maintaining good customer service. The schedule is what you make it, but it can be pretty time-consuming.

Etsy’s main draw is handmade jewelry and accessories, but you’ll be surprised at the variety of items and artisans there are now. Anything unique and photographed well will get a lot of attention. So if you have a talent and a love for handcrafted items, it’s worth doing the research and seeing if this is right for you.

April Rocha Photography offers prints, greeting cards and this photo book.

We also took time to talk to photographer, April Rocha. April is a much celebrated wedding and portrait photographer. Her work has been featured on The Knot website and in publications such as Double Exposure magazine. April’s Etsy store, simply called April Rocha Photography, features prints and greeting cards of her dreamy photography. April kindly answered a few questions for us.

STC: Do you consider Etsy a seller-friendly site? How much time do you estimate is needed to maintain a shop?

April: Etsy is a VERY user friendly shop. It takes a little time to set up the shop, but once it’s set up it’s extremely user friendly.

STC: Have you had good experience with buyers? Do they usually find your shop from outside marketing or just from an internal search?

April: They find my shop through other blogs that blog about my shop. (April’s blog can be found here.)

STC: Is this your only income or an additional source?

April: This is a very small portion of my income, but there are many shops who are successful enough to be their only income. My calendars sell the best so December is a busy month for me.

STC: What products do you think thrive on the site?

April: Stationery and vintage flea market type items seem to do really well on Etsy.

So, if the job hunt has you in a rut, use some creative energy to make a few extra dollars as an Etsy seller. It could even become a career or lead to a valuable contact. Good customer service will always win you favors in the long run. – Lori Bartlett

Are you an Etsy-seller? Have you had a good, awful or other experience with Etsy you want others to know? Leave us the info in the comments.

* Names have been changed to protect the incompetent

They say this city will eat you up and spit you out. And I can understand that surviving a job with bosses the likes of  characters in “The Devil Wears Prada” or “Swimming with Sharks” could be difficult. However, there are jobs in Los Angeles that are what I’d call “starter positions,” and to be blunt, they’re so easy that if you can’t hack it in the starters, you’re either going to have to get discovered, get a trust fund, or get a plane ticket home.

Now, before you write this story off as “not pertaining to you,” you may want to think twice.  Are you unknowingly doing the things that have you one incorrect latte away from a firing?  Are you oblivious to the mistakes you’re making, while your co-workers are holding their breath and your superiors are laughing it up behind your back?  Don’t assume you’re immune.

Fake it ‘Till You Make it

It’s always been my motto. From my first position as an executive assistant, to my time in New York when I convinced my boss-to-be I could run the entire marketing department, I’ve always been a “yes, sir I sure can,” kind of girl in interviews. I’d recommend this tactic to all of you provided that you have one very necessary skill: If you don’t know the answer, you must be the type that knows how to find the answer. Be honest, is that you?

Mandy sat bright-eyed and smiling across the table from me during the interview.  Her response to every question spoken in an adorable Southern draw. “I haven’t done thaaat before, specifically, but I’m reeallly smarrrt. I can fig’r it out ferrr surrre.” There was no doubt that she had charisma and a great look. She’d be perfect as the face of the company, answering phones, running errands, and filing papers. She was hired on the spot.

People Are Always Watching You

When you’re new on the job, the reality is that you’re being watched and not only by your boss, but by everyone. Whether it is a catty co-worker who doesn’t like your style of dress, or an earnest office mate who is overhearing the way you answer the phone, human nature says that the newbies are under the microscope.  During your first few months on the job you don’t want to screw up. Yes, mistakes happen, but don’t go out of your way to make them.

The first sign of trouble occurred right away. Mandy had settled in to her new desk and began taking on tasks, but between every task was a text message, a Facebook update, or an attempt to be overly social during working hours.  We figured it was a fluke or that, worst case, if we pointed out that excessive texting or personal conversations were not okay, it would stop.  We were wrong.

New Information

For most companies, it is completely understandable that you’ll need some time to learn the ropes.  You’re not expected to know exactly how to use every piece of machinery in the office, or exactly what protocol is for certain tasks.  Nor are you expected to know everything about a company on day one. However, you are expected to retain the information as you’re taught.  Don’t have a good memory?  Write stuff down; keep a notebook and study it at night.  No, a job isn’t school, but there will be a test. In this class F stands for fired.

If you don’t understand how to do something, it is okay to ask, but be sure to remember it the second time around. People aren’t going to want to show you five times over. If you have a question that may require a lengthier explanation, take a co-worker out to lunch, shoot your boss an email at the end of the day, or bring up a list of questions in an office meeting. Don’t bother your coworkers or especially your boss every ten minutes with a new question. And if you feel a question is really going to get you the stink eye, google it or phone a friend (on your own time.)

We taught Mandy how to use the FAX machine on four separate occasions. Various co-workers provided her with books and notebooks to read up on the company, yet downtime was spent on social networking sites. We offered helpful hints about driving directions and instructions which she blatantly refused.

When we decided to hold an office meeting, we figured we’d address some of “Mandy’s issues” but direct them at everyone so she didn’t feel attached. We had a list of some stuff that we felt was obvious, but we went over anyway.  Mandy agreed to everything but seemed unaware that she was making the mistakes. The following days were filled with unfollowed rules that we’d just discussed and mistakes continued to be made over and over again.  She dropped an entire phone consul in the middle of a live filming. She purchased the wrong items, gave incorrect information over the phone, and even was rude to a customer. Things weren’t looking great for Mandy.

See The Writing on the Wall

Watch for signs that your performance is less than satisfactory.

Is your new boss constantly correcting yo? Do people seem frustrated when they speak to you? Are coworkers becoming less and less social towards you? These are all signs that things aren’t going well.  

I knew the end was near when my assistant started to perform Mandy’s tasks because she was afraid they’d be screwed up. It became easier to do things yourself than to assign the task to Mandy, the person who was responsible for them in the first place. That’s when I knew Mandy wouldn’t last the week.

Learn from Mandy’s Mistakes

Jobs aren’t always easy, and when you’re the new guy on campus things can be even more stressful, but don’t fall in Mandy’s footsteps. Be overly well behaved during your first few months on the job.  Even if you see others doing something questionable (like eating at their desk) don’t assume you can right away until the dust settles.  Stay late to “figure stuff out” if you have to and read anything and everything you can get your hands on.  Keep a low profile and a smile and you won’t be eaten alive.  - Heather Broeker

Combat sleepiness before it attacks.

We’ve all felt that time of day roll around. The time when sitting at your computer for hours has made your eyelids start to droop, and  you have to fight to keep your head up. It’s stressful and definitely puts a damper on your day. Yet, there are  a few things you can do to ward off the afternoon sleepies. Here are STC’s anti-drowsy tips:

1. Take a Walk.

Don’t wait until the sleepiness attacks! Even if it’s just a 15 minute stroll around the block, get out. Getting some fresh air breaks up your day and gets the blood flowing again. You can also use it as time to run a personal errand and make use of this time away from your desk. It seems pretty instinctive to move around when you feel so tired, but make it a priority to get out even if you have to schedule it as a part of your day. There may even be a park near your office where you could bring a book an relax for a chapter or two. Check out the L.A. Parks website to find a park near you.

2. Do Some Desk-ersizes.

Even before you hit the desk, consider getting some exercise on your way to the office by biking or walking if the distance isn’t extreme. Yet, if commuting is your only travel option, you can get in some simple exercises while in your chair. While some exercises require you to jump up for a few moments such as running in place or doing a quick set of squats, WebMD.com lists various forms of exercise to insert into your workday. Don’t forget to utilize any nearby stairs instead of the lazy-way elevator.

3. Eat Right and Enjoy Healthy Snacks.

Living in California, your office is likely filled with some pretty health conscious folks. And surely if you’ve watched an episode of “Dateline” or “Oprah,” you understand that diet effects your daily energy and lifestyle. Starting with breakfast, try a whole-grain bagel, yogurt and fruit or cereal with skim milk. For lunch, aim to be low-carb, but high protein. This will give you an afternoon boost. Vegetables and lean proteins make for really good snacks that will keep you going throughout the day.

4. Use Caffeine in Moderation.

It’s easy when you feel a little sleepy to go grab an espresso. Yet, remember caffeine is a drug. Having one cup of coffee isn’t the worst, but if you are mixing energy drinks with coffee and sodas, you are creating a false sugar high and will eventually crash. Keep track of your caffeinated beverages. Try swapping green tea for coffee. The benefits of green tea are far superior to coffee, and it still gives you a little energy boost.

5. Take an Afternoon Power Nap.

By no means do we mean to pass out on your desk, but sneaking in a 20 minute power nap can help you feel more relaxed and energized when back at the computer screen. Take a break in your car or find a shady spot at the park when you go for a walk. A few minutes of shut-eye can rejuvenate your day. – Lori Bartlett