Plaid is Back!

Remember, back in October, when we explored the fabulous variety that plaid can offer? Get ready for round two of the plaid obsession! This month, when I started to look for holiday crafts, do you know which pattern I found to be overwhelmingly popular? You guessed it – plaid. There are tons and tons of different plaid holiday home décor projects out in the blogosphere.

What Has the 113th Congress Accomplished This Year?

The 113th Congress comes to a close this week and lawmakers are probably just as happy as the American public to put the last two years behind them and start anew. A recent Gallup poll reported that Congressional approval ratings are just one point higher than last year at 15 percent. Under this Congress we’ve seen a government shutdown and the invocation of the nuclear option (a Senate procedure allowing a rule or precedent to be overridden). However, there were some moments worth celebrating, particularly during the second session of the Congress this year.

Five Career Pathways in the Hospitality Industry

What if I told you that a career in hospitality could lead to you traveling the world? If you consider yourself to be adaptable and hardworking, and genuinely enjoy helping others, then you could be a winning smile—and a certification or two—away from working in hotel and resort staff, tour management, cruise ships, dining and more. These career pathways are just some of the options in the field.

My Story: Guerline Guerrier

I worked for twenty years in my family’s restaurant in Haiti, where I am born. After the earthquake in 2010, I and my two children were part of the humanitarian sponsorship program instituted by the Canadian government. Upon my arrival, I was warmly welcomed, but I then had to wait for months for my work […]

Congress Lurches to the Finish Line with FY 2015 Budget Baton

Negotiations over the $1.1 trillion spending bill for FY 2015 continue despite snags over everything from trucking regulations and pension funding to terrorism insurance and the Dodd-Frank law that tightened financial regulations in the wake of the financial meltdown that helped trigger the Great Recession.

You’re Worth It! How to Ask for a Raise

Apart from the interview, one of the more stressful times in our job is asking your boss for a raise. Preparing ahead of time and making a plan will help ease the stress. Here are three things you should know when asking for a raise.

My Story: Diane Duquette

I was on welfare for a long time, but had always hoped to return to work. I began looking but had no success due to my age and prolonged inactivity. It was through my agent at Emploi-Québec that I heard about Goodwill Renaissance Montreal in Quebec.

Starting New Holiday Traditions

Perhaps one of the most wonderful things about the holiday season, no matter which occasion you celebrate, is that every family has its own unique practices, each adding to the enjoyment of the year. This year, consider starting a new tradition to amplify the spirit of the season!

Lame Duck Congress Could Yield Positive Results Amid Drama

As the 113th Congress lurches to a post-election close, known as a lame duck session, some positive results might be in the making amid the budget drama and some notable failures.

Polish Your Online Image to Improve Your Job Prospects

More and more every year, our lives extend into the virtual world. Two-thirds of Americans have a profile on at least one social network, and up to 40 percent of Americans use Facebook on a daily basis. Fair or not, the things that you and your friends might find funny, or that personal hobby that’s the center of your digital world, can stand between you and the job you really want. Here are some ways to clean up your profile and make yourself more attractive to employers.

My Story: Tony Murray

After my accident, I was unable to work for several years. In November 2012, I felt like it was time for me to go back to work, so I came back to Goodwill to see if I could get a job. The agency hired me to be a cashier in one of the Goodwill retail stores, and a couple of months later, I was employed at the Barksdale Air Force Base Commissary as a shelf stocker.

Support Your Local Community By Spending Black Friday at Goodwill

As I’m sure you’re aware, today is Black Friday. Armies of Americans are now rushing out to malls and big box stores, waiting in lines, and wrestling with strangers for the best holiday deals. But to me, the event just isn’t worth it. I can get the same amazing prices at my local Goodwill retail stores while also avoiding the stress of enormous crowds, and still benefiting my local community!