When it comes to work, we all have that co-worker that will put in an extra 20 hours a week like it’s no big deal, while many of us struggle through a regular work week.

Because everyone’s tolerance for stress is different, it can be tough to draw a clear line between rising to a challenge at work, and crossing into the danger zone of being overworked. For example, while your superstar co-worker may have time to put in an extra 20 hours a week, you may have a family at home that requires your attention, and may not be able to handle as many overtime hours without feeling like you’re at your wits’ end.

Though breaking points may be different for everyone, there are certain gauges that can help you establish a personal boundary between stepping up to the plate at work, and stepping into the dangerous territory of being overworked.

Examine the emotional effect

If your workload is affecting your emotional health, chances are, you’re overworked. Employees who worry about not getting work finished and keeping up a fast pace can feel like they are drowning in their workload, a feeling that manifests itself in chronic stress and anxiety.

“[Being] overworked is about the gap between the tasks you are currently doing and what you expected to be doing,” says Louis Barajas, author of “Overworked, Overwhelmed, Underpaid.” “It can also mean that you are working too many hours. When you are asked to do more than you think you should, to do tasks beyond your capabilities or work more hours than your mind and body can take, you can quickly burn out. The stress also creates a lot of tension in personal and work relationships.”

If you find yourself unable to sleep because of work-stress, or if you are feeling so strained that you take it out on the people you love, it’s time to reevaluate your workload.

However, Barajas says, not everyone experiences burnout from working long hours. Those who enjoy the type of work they do, and feel that they are making a worthwhile contribution to society experience less incidences of feeling overworked, and may be able to work longer hours without a negative emotional impact, than those who don’t find satisfaction in their job.

“If you are doing work that has purpose or meaning, you tend to see the work as justified because of the vision of the ‘end in mind.’ For example, when President Barack Obama was running for election, a lot of his volunteers were working almost 100 hours a week.  They had tremendous energy and felt that their time and effort would eventually change the history of America,” he says.

If you’re starting to feel like you are overworked, evaluate whether it’s due to longer hours and increased workload, or whether it’s time to consider other, more fulfilling career options.

Examine the physical effect

One of the key indicators that you’re being overworked and not merely challenged, is if work-related stress begins to take a toll on your physical health.

“Being overworked can manifest into different types of physical symptoms,” Barajas says. “You get sick a lot, your immune system weakens, you can get depressed, you can get insomnia.  All these symptoms can cause more fatigue related errors at work or in your personal life.”

According to the Mayo Clinic, other physical symptoms may include headache, neck pain, lower back pain, depression, changes to appetite and chronic fatigue. If you experience any of these physical symptoms, it’s time to talk to your supervisor about adjusting your workload.

Assess whether the heavy workload is permanent

All jobs have ebbs and flows — periods of heavy workloads, and periods of not-so-heavy workloads. Accountants, for example, may work far more hours during tax season then they do during the rest of the year.  If your job is cyclical, or you are assigned to a high stress project that is temporary, you may have no other option than to rise to the challenge.

“Unfortunately, there are times when you do need to suck it up and do the extra work,” Barajas says.  ”But you should suck it up temporarily. You need to create a plan to move forward and free yourself from the tyranny of work that creates such dysfunction in your life.”

Feeling like your workload is constantly insurmountable and like you can’t seem to get ahead means that you’re at risk for being overworked.

Discuss it with your supervisor

If you’re still unclear as to how serious your work stress is, address the problem with your supervisor. Tell your boss how you are feeling in an objective way, taking care not to come off as “whiny” or like you’re complaining, which will make you seem immature and like less of a team player, especially if the whole office is feeling overworked.

Instead, Barajas advises “Don’t be part of the problem, be part of the solution. If the bosses will listen to you, offer constructive advice as to how you can make the work more efficient and tolerable.”

If your boss is elusive, or doesn’t take your concerns seriously, look into whether your company has an Employee Assistance Program. Oftentimes, such programs offer therapy, counseling and support to employees who are having workplace issues. If your company doesn’t offer an EAP, it may be time to evaluate whether your job is worth the potential risks to your well-being.

For more information on burning out at work, visit the Mayo Clinic website.

Kaitlin Madden is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow @CBForJobSeekers on Twitter.

Of course, having a freelance career requires tremendous self-discipline (no sleeping in on workdays!) but many workers have brought in a stable income by expanding their network and landing a constant stream of assignments. Here are 10 jobs where you can comfortably navigate as a freelancer.

Photographer

Many freelance photographers differentiate themselves with their work. Anyone who photographs weddings to those who travel to remote regions to pursue news stories can call themselves a freelance photographer, so it’s important to really hone your craft. Fees are often paid per diem and travel is sometimes reimbursed.

Writer

Writing for a variety of needs including news, ghostwriting, or even grant proposals is all part of the freelance writing umbrella. Many writers are focused on building their expertise and work hard to develop a distinct brand and voice. Assignments are given on a project basis and depend largely on previous experience and published works. Some writers are freelance journalists and must report their stories as well as write them.

Graphic designer

Working in print or online, graphic designers put together drawings or layouts of the visual page. Companies often hire designers to put their words into effective visuals and further the identity of specific brands. Designers work on a company’s visual materials and can design anything from simple company logos to promotional displays. Freelance designers are often paid by the hour.

Interior designer

A dream job for many, some interior designers focus on commercial spaces, while others design for private homes. Interior designers may also acquire specialized accreditation (like green living) and often find new clients through word-of-mouth referrals. Most interior designers balance designing several spaces at once and workload can be unsteady.

Web developer

With a steady stream of new companies or existing firms simply wanting a new look, building websites can be a great way to get constant freelance work. Many web developers are contracted by companies to work on specific projects.

IT consultant

With companies cutting down budgets, many IT specialists who once worked in-house have taken the freelance route. Most consultants work on helping firms stay ahead of current tech trends by implementing new software and IT systems like SAP and PeopleSoft. Some assignments can be for just a few months, while others can last up to a year or longer. Consultants focus on one project at a time, before jumping to the next.

Recruiter

A slowly improving economy means many recruiters are taking on small consulting assignments to find valuable candidates for specific roles. Depending on the recruiter’s expertise — such as finance or engineering — companies are willing to invest in outside help in order to find the perfect candidate.

Translator

As companies become more global, many work with translators on a project basis. Freelance translators need to have great language skills and turn work around quickly in order to land more opportunities. Many have full-time work experience before going out on their own.

Online community manager

As companies place a greater focus on social networking, they are also looking for freelancers to direct their brand online. Community managers update accounts like Facebook or Twitter on behalf of the company, as well as browse discussion boards to help build these marketing platforms. Managing communities can be fun but requires odd hours and significant computer screen time.

Copywriter

Creating powerful advertising copy takes talent and many firms give these tasks to expert copywriters who can make the company shine. Many copywriters have a marketing or journalism background and work on a consulting basis to produce web, broadcast or advertising copy.

But should you do the same? Following are some pros and cons to help you decide whether you should seek a position that may not offer the money or prestige of your former job.

Pro: You can make a mark

If you take a job that you may perceive as a step down from where your career had been, one thing is virtually guaranteed: You won’t be overlooked. Chances are you can bring valuable perspective, new ideas or suggestions for improvement to the role because of your professional experience. As a result, you’re likely to gain a higher level of visibility than you might otherwise. You might even be first in line for a promotion if the right opportunity emerges.

Accepting a staff position when you were formerly a manager also could help you build certain aspects of your skill set that have been underdeveloped or overlooked. For instance, if you’ve been in a leadership role for several years, you may not have had a chance to do hands-on work in your field for some time. This could expose you to technologies or processes that have evolved since you were last in an individual-contributor role. If you go back to a management role at a later date, this experience in the trenches can be invaluable.

Con: You might be bored

If you accept a less challenging or demanding position than you had before, you could quickly grow bored with the job. Be sure you’ll be comfortable and satisfied with less challenge and, likely, less reward.

Also keep in mind how your previous roles may affect your relationships with managers and co-workers. You may very well have more experience or more impressive credentials than your supervisor. Are you OK with being told what to do and how to do it, even if you feel more qualified than your supervisor to make decisions? Respect the chain of command, be open to others’ opinions and avoid bragging about your advanced qualifications if you want to establish solid working relationships within your team.

Pro: You may reignite your passion

In the middle of a busy career where you’ve always been focused on the next move up, a step down can give you a new perspective. Working in a capacity you haven’t for a while — programming again after moving far enough up the IT ladder that you were managing people instead of code, for example — can also give you fresh insight into what you enjoy most about your profession. You may even find, for instance, that you like programming more than managing others. Many people seek this kind of career change because it allows them to find a long-lost passion or improve their work/life balance.

Should you pursue a role for which you feel you may be overqualified? There’s no right or wrong answer, and in many cases it comes down to economics. It’s a complicated decision, and one that depends heavily on your personal situation and future career goals. Any experience is a learning experience, and weighing the pros and cons can help you make the right choice for you.

Con: You could set yourself back professionally

Prospective employers often do not hire workers with more experience than they seek because they worry these professionals will leave as soon as a better job offer comes along. If you are one of those people, you risk burning bridges with your new employer by confirming his initial fears about hiring you.

Consider also that employers look for a pattern of growth when hiring. Going backward a step or two could raise a red flag for future employers. They will likely understand that a difficult job market prompted you to accept the role, but just know that the topic will almost certainly come up.

Robert Half International is the world’s first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of 360 offices worldwide. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.roberthalf.com. For additional career advice, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/roberthalf.

According to a 2009 study by Internet security firm Proofpoint, 8 percent of companies with over 1,000 employees have fired someone for their social media actions — a figure that is double what was reported in 2008. Yet it probably comes as no surprise that Facebook firings are on the rise. Cases of employers firing employees for social media slipups have been consistent in the news over the past few years.

Just in case you need a refresher of what not to say online, here’s a timeline of 12 ridiculous examples of how Facebook can get you fired.

1. November 4, 2008:  New England Patriots cheerleader Caitlin Davis was cut from the squad over controversial pictures that were posted on her Facebook page. Then eighteen-year-old Davis was at a Halloween party when she posed for photos with a passed out man who was covered in graffiti, including swastikas, anti-Semitic remarks and profanity. Davis was fired from the squad after the pictures appeared on various Internet websites and caught the attention of the Patriot’s management team. She had been the youngest cheerleader ever to make an NFL squad.

2. February 26, 2009: A U.K. teenager was fired for calling her job “boring.” According to The Daily Mail, Kimberley Swann posted comments like “First day at work. Omg (oh my god)!! So dull!!” and “All I do is shred holepunch and scan paper!!!” [sic]. Swann was canned after her boss discovered the comments.

3. March 9, 2009: Dan Leone, a stadium operations employee for the Philadelphia Eagles, was fired for voicing his opinion on the team’s trading practices via Facebook. Leone reportedly updated his Facebook status with “Dan is [expletive] devastated about Dawkins signing with Denver … Dam Eagles R Retarted!!” [sic].

4. April 27, 2009: A Swiss woman was let-go after calling in sick, and then logging into Facebook on her “sick day.” Apparently the women had a migraine and called out of work because she thought the light from a computer would bother her and she needed to lie in a dark room. When her employer caught her surfing Facebook, it was presumed that she was indeed well enough to sit in front of a computer, and she was let go.

5. April 28, 2009:  A Minnesota nursing home employee was fired after rumors spread that she had posted photos of herself with nude patients on her Facebook page. Though no nude pictures were found, the employee did have pictures of herself with clothed patients, which violated the home’s privacy policy and lead to her termination.

6. August 27, 2009:  Ashley Payne, a Georgia high school teacher, was forced to resign after the local school board came across pictures of her sipping beer and wine. The pictures, which appeared on Payne’s Facebook page, were from a vacation she had taken that summer, which included a trip to the Guinness Brewery in Ireland. Payne was quoted as saying “I did not think that any of this could jeopardize my job because I was just doing what adults do and have drinks on vacation and being responsible about it.” She sued the school district last November.

7. February 11, 2010: South Carolina firefighter and paramedic Jason Brown was fired for creating a three minute long animated video and posting it on Facebook. The video, which showed a cartoon doctor and paramedic responding to an emergency in a hospital, was meant to be a spoof, according to Brown. However, his department didn’t find the video to be funny, calling it “an embarrassment,” and Brown was fired.

8. March 3, 2010: Gloria Gadsden, a professor at East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania, was fired after updating her Facebook status with things like “Does anyone know where I can find a very discrete hitman? Yes, it’s been that kind of day.” The school said it was being overcautious due to the then- recent Amy Bishop case, in which the University of Alabama professor went on a shooting spree and killed three of her fellow professors.

9. May 17, 2010: North Carolina waitress Ashley Johnson was fired from her job at a Brixx pizzeria after posting a negative comment about two of her customers. Johnson called the customers — who left her a $5 tip after sitting at their table for three hours — “cheap.” Though she did not mention the names of the customers, Johnson did include the name of the pizzeria in her post. A few days later, management called her to tell her she was fired for violating the restaurant’s social media policy.

10. May 24, 2010: The city of West Allis, Wis. fired a veteran police dispatcher of 21 years over a status update. Dana Kuchler was terminated after posting that she was “addicted to vicodin, adderall, quality marijuana, MD 20/20 grape and absinthe,” on her Facebook page. Kuchler, who said the post was meant to be a joke, filed a lawsuit against the city.

11. June 10, 2010: Five California nurses were terminated after it was discovered that they were discussing patient cases on the site. The situation was investigated for weeks by both the nurses‘ employer (Tri City Medical Center in San Diego) and the California Department of Health, before the nurses were fired for allegedly violating privacy laws.

12. June 21, 2010:  A Pittsburgh Pirates’ mascot was let go earlier this summer, after posting a comment about the team’s choice to extend the contracts of two of its managers. Andrew Kurtz, 24, was fired within hours of posting the comment “Coonelly extended the contracts of Russell and Huntington through the 2011 season. That means a 19-straight losing streak. Way to go Pirates,” to his Facebook page.

Whether you think the above are examples of employees exercising free speech or simple stupidity, it seems as if Facebook postings are fair grounds for termination at many employers. With that in mind, post at your own risk.

Kaitlin Madden is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow @CBForJobSeekers on Twitter.

When you think of the term “executive,” what comes to mind? Most likely, words like successful, professional, hardworking, composed, smart, admired and well-spoken pop into your head.

Want your co-workers to associate those same terms with you? Then follow these tips for being taken seriously at work.

Dress professionally

Though we’ve all been raised on sayings like “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” in the professional world, presentation counts. There is a certain level of expectation when it comes to dress in the workplace. We expect to see executives in business attire, and consequently, we associate those who wear business attire with positions of power.  So if you want to be taken seriously at work, start dressing like it.

According to Frances Cole Jones, author of “The Wow Factor: The 33 Things You Must (and Must Not) Do to Guarantee Your Edge in Today’s Business World,” the dressing professionally rule applies on Fridays, too. “If the C-suite level is not dressing down on Fridays, I recommend you follow their lead and remain in professional dress on Fridays,” she says.

Choose appropriate hairstyles

For women, Jones advises “Having your hair hanging in your face will always make you look younger/less authoritative than you are.” Pulling hair back or putting it up will help you to look more professional.

For men, this means keeping hair short and neat by getting a regular haircut.

Take note of what management has to say

“Writing down what others say in meetings is a fast way to create camaraderie with senior staff,” Jones says. “This works the same way as watching your waiter write down your order — it helps the speaker to relax because they’ve seen you physically acknowledge the point they were making.”

Know what you’re talking about

Or at least sound like you do. Listen to yourself talk.  Do say “Like” or “um” after every three words? Do you raise your voice at the end of sentences, so it sounds like you’re asking a question when you’re really making a statement? Do you speak too softly or quickly?

All of these will undermine the authority of the message you are trying to communicate. Practice projecting your voice, keeping an even tone and speaking slowly enough so that you’re understood.

Avoid being the office clown / flirt / sportscaster, etc.

“Despite sitcoms like ‘The Office,’ places of business are not places of entertainment,” Jones says.

“Although the clown or the flirt will generate humor/controversy, neither will ever be first in line for promotion. In fact, they’re likely to be first in line should people need to be laid off.”

Though it’s always great to have friends at the office, remember that the number one reason you’re there is because you have a job to do.

Don’t air your dirty laundry

Is your credit card past due? Did you just break up with your boyfriend? While it’s fine to confide in a close work friend when you’re having personal difficulties, don’t have a full-blown conversation about your personal life in the middle of your office.

Same goes for seemingly private spaces in your office, Jones says. “Don’t conduct personal conversations in the elevator or the bathrooms. They are not private spaces — even if you don’t have a direct connection to anyone present.”

Don’t turn your desk into your bedroom

No matter how long you’ve been at your job or how much stuff seems to keep piling up on your desk, do you best to keep it organized. A messy workspace conveys a message of immaturity. Plus it will be hard for your boss to take your seriously if she comes over to your desk to ask for a file and you have to dig through piles of lunch napkins and year-old spreadsheets to find it.

Additionally, says Jones “Don’t keep overtly personal items in your desk area — a framed photo is fine. A birthday card that says, ‘Yo Dawg!’ is not.”

Mind your social media manners

Nowadays, your professional reputation isn’t only based on what you do at work.  It’s also shaped by how you appear on the Internet. So if you have pictures of your wild bachelor party displayed for all to see on your Facebook page, it’s time to take them down, change your privacy settings or make it a personal rule that to not accept friend requests from colleagues.

Additionally, adds Jones, “Don’t ever, ever, ever write anything derogatory about your boss, the company or your colleagues on your social media pages. If you don’t think others are looking at these, you’re mistaken.”

Chat up the Chief Executive

If you’re an employee at a larger company, you probably don’t interact with your CEO on a daily basis. Take advantage of any time you get to make an impression on your company’s top dog.

“Speak up when you see your CEO in the elevator. You don’t need to get into detail, but saying ‘Good morning,’ will make you stand out,” Jones says.

Go the extra mile

Show that you’re serious about your career by volunteering to head-up department projects and getting involved with company fundraisers and volunteer activities.

“Upper level management definitely notices who contributes during non-business hours,” Jones says.

Kaitlin Madden is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow @CBForJobSeekers on Twitter.

Yet when Kate arrived on the job, it was nothing like she’d expected — and she eventually realized she’d been the victim of a “bait and switch” job offer.

“The job, I was told, would consist of proofreading and writing copy for marketing materials as well as some design work — they even asked me to bring in a portfolio of writing and design samples,” Kate says. “They happened to mention that there might also be ‘you know, a little bit of administrative work, but that’s to be expected at every office.’ Um, not so much…”

Turns out, Kate’s job consisted of all administrative work.  “I was basically a glorified secretary,” she says. “Not that there’s anything wrong with that — it’s just that that’s not the job I applied for and it’s not the job they had me believe I would have during the interview process. My major ‘writing’ responsibility turned out to be creating envelope labels for the proposals we sent out.”

Frustrated, Kate stayed on at the job, hoping it would get better, and that it would eventually take the shape of what was promised when she’d interviewed — but she has no such luck. “It took months before I was even given a proposal to proofread, and even longer than that before I was trusted to contribute any copy to the proposals. I’m still baffled as to why they insisted I bring in writing and design samples. Or why the job advertisement called for someone with ‘at least five years of experience’ in a marketing role — this was clearly an entry-level position. (A high school intern could’ve easily done my job.)  The only ‘design’ I ever did there was to help manually reformat our proposal templates — in Microsoft Word.”

It took about a year for Kate to realize that the job was never going to be what she’d hoped it would, and she left for another company, where she has been ever since.  Yet she still feels slighted by the company that wasted a year of her professional life. Looking back, Kate says there were some reasons she believed her job turned out to be totally different than expected, though.

“I think part of the reason for the ‘confusion’ over my job was that I don’t think the company really had a clear idea of what it was hiring for — they knew they needed people, they just weren’t sure for what.  I think they also knew it was a menial (and humiliating for someone at my age and experience level) position, so they oversold it. Another major thing, though, was that this company’s culture was based on fear.  And my manager was so afraid to give me any responsibility lest I make a tiny mistake that would reflect badly on her, that she ended up micromanaging me — and ultimately putting more work on herself.”

Though Kate’s job was nothing like what she imagined, many employees find that, to some degree, the job they end up doing is not the one they’d anticipated when they accepted their job offer.  This tough situation then leaves workers with the difficult decision of whether to stick out job duties they weren’t expecting, or call it quits.

Below are three tips on making that decision from Tina Chen, Vice President at Carlisle Staffing, an Illinois recruiting firm.
1. Determine how different the job is – Then decide whether or not you would be able to adapt to the new responsibilities. For example, says Chen, “If you interviewed for an administrative position and end up in a sales position — that might be too big of a difference to overcome. However, if you interviewed for an account manager position and are now being asked to up sell while interacting with clients, this is just additional responsibility that may be easy to handle and not too far of a stretch.”

2. Ask yourself if the role will be beneficial to your career — While it can be daunting taking on responsibilities you weren’t prepared for, if the job can be a stepping stone in your career path, consider sticking it out. Ask yourself if you can gain experience that you otherwise may not have had to chance to learn, or if the new position will broaden your horizons to other opportunities in the future, Chen says.

3. Square pegs don’t fit into round holes — Don’t force a job that’s just a bad fit. If you signed up for A and found yourself with Z, it’s okay to admit that it’s just not working out. Thank your employer for the opportunity and move on. “Don’t try to fit a square peg into a round hole because it’ll end up being counter-productive for all parties involved,” Chen says.

* Name has been changed to protect privacy

Kaitlin Madden is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow @CBForJobSeekers on Twitter.

Though jobs are being added to the economy, the U.S. unemployment rate is holding strong at almost 10 percent and new jobs are still hard to come by.

Being stuck in a job that is below your skill level and outside of your career path can be as stressful as not being employed at all.

As bad as the job is, however, you may be making it harder on yourself.

Any of these behaviors sound familiar? If so, don’t worry. Simple changes to your attitude will get you back on track.

1. Complaining constantly: Let’s face it, it feels good to talk about how much you don’t like something, so you do. A lot. But pointless complaining can also reinforce negative feelings Instead of helping you find a solution.

Instead: Turn your lamenting into solution-oriented conversations. Talking positively about issues can help ease stress and lead you to find ways to make your workdays better.

2. Doing your job badly: To save yourself from the stress of doing what you don’t like doing, you may simply slack off or not do it at all. That kind of passive-aggressive rebellion may feel good in the moment, but it will only create resentment toward you, extra work for co-workers and a higher likelihood that you won’t have that much-needed job much longer.

Instead: Keep up with your work. Working efficiently and professionally will make you more eligible for a better job when your company expands again.

3. Avoiding company functions: If you’re already bummed to be there, why not skip out on group lunch, the weekend retreat or the non-mandatory meeting?

Because being absent sends a message that you are not interested in the company, and that won’t win you any favors. You also miss out on valuable time with the boss where you can show your support and petition for a better situation.

Instead: Make it to some company events, even if you only attend for a little while. Be friendly and to chat with as many people as possible to boost your reputation and keep you abreast of better opportunities.

4. No longer looking for new employment: It can be very discouraging to keep looking for a new job when you’re just not getting what you need; so you decide to take a break for a month or two.

Instead: Keep looking for work (not in front of your boss, of course) in a variety of ways. Apply online, send your resume to friends and family, attend alumni or special interest events — basically network, network, network!

5. Not enjoying your time off: You just want out of this job, so you devote every second off the clock to looking for a better position. Too bad all work and no play makes Jane or Joe Jobseeker very dull indeed.

Instead: Enjoy yourself when you’re not at work! A weekend away, a relaxing night with movies or indulging in a hobby can fill your soul while you work to fill your wallet. This will make you more relaxed and give you more energy to face your workweek.

6. Getting fired: As much as you don’t want to be doing it, you need this job. If you didn’t, you wouldn’t still be there.

Instead: Do what you can to keep your job. Show up on time, do the work required of you, don’t burn a coffee cup statue of your boss in effigy. With a firing on your record, it may be difficult to impossible for you to collect unemployment or get your next job. You will also lose out on contacts and a good reference.

Being underemployed or stuck in a job that’s sucking you dry is an incredibly difficult place to be. But you can work to make the most of it and make yourself ready for when the right opportunity comes along.

Aydrea Walden ten Bosch is a writer and author of the book “How to get the Raise You Want in 90 Days or Less.” In the lean times between her last steady job and the one she currently has, she worked as a driving instructor.

1. What does your company do?

Sure, an interview is a two-way street designed for both parties to learn about one another. Yet how can a job seeker prove he is the person for the position if he doesn’t even know the basics about where he wants to work?

“I feel that if someone is coming to an interview he should have some background about who we are and what we do,” says Tina Kummelman, human resources business partner for Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital in Baltimore, Md. “Specific questions are great, but the overall blanketed question tells me someone did not do his homework.”

Bottom line: Don’t waste the interviewer’s time by having her recite what could have been learned beforehand on the company’s website.

2. How much does the role pay?

It may be the answer you’re dying to know, but seeking this information too soon can make you look like you’re jumping the gun.

“Just don’t ask it. It sends the wrong message,” says Chris Brabec, director of leadership talent acquisition for Western Union. Adds colleague Julie Rulis, senior recruiter with the talent acquisition team, “I believe this question should be saved for later stages in the interview process. Asking about salary or benefits in the first interview isn’t the impression you want to leave with an employer.”

A better idea: Do some research ahead of time to get a feel for what similar jobs are paying.

3. What are the hours of this position?

“This one question makes me cringe more than any other,” says Paul Solomon, president of Solo Management, a New York-based executive recruitment firm that specializes in financial industry recruitment. “Wall Street managers don’t want a clock watcher, so when I hear that question I know the candidate will not be the right fit.”

Rulis agrees. “Although I understand why candidates are eager to know this up front, it
can raise a question regarding their work ethic if asked too early in the process.”

4. How many sick days do I get?

What goes through the interviewer’s mind when hearing this question?

“We are in the business of developing leaders, not slouchers!” states Gary Rich, president of Rich Leadership, an executive coaching firm in New York City.

Keep a potential employer from questioning your motivation (or your health) by looking this up in the employee handbook at a later time.

5. How much time do I get off?

Like numbers three and four, this question can make a potential employer wonder if a candidate is more interested in getting out of work than actually contributing. It is especially frowned upon in fields requiring significant motivation from the get-go.

“A career as a financial representative is what you make of it. Your hard work helps determine your rewards. You have the ability to be your own boss, build your own practice and arrange your own schedule, while making a positive impact on your clients’ lives,” states Randi Michaelson, a director of recruitment and selection for The McTigue Financial Group in Chicago who recruits career changers to work as Northwestern Mutual financial representatives. ”In the beginning, it takes time, energy and commitment, but successful financial representatives — like successful entrepreneurs — are able to enjoy work-life balance among other rewards.”

6. If I’m hired, when can I begin applying for other roles within the company?

“This question makes it seem like the candidate isn’t really interested in the job she is currently interviewing for — that she really just wants a foot in the door,” Rulis says.

While ultimately you might have higher aspirations than the position for which you are applying, remember that an employer is looking for the best person to fill an opening for what the company needs now, not in the future.

7. Do you do background checks?

If you don’t have something to hide, you probably aren’t going to bother asking this one. If you do …

Rich sums up the feelings most interviewers have after hearing this question, “I definitely don’t want this person on my payroll!”

Indeed, a recent CareerBuilder survey showed that, largely due to the effects of the recession, more than half of workers think they need a vacation more now than in the past. Despite the growing need for vacation, though, recent research has shown that about a third of workers don’t take all of their paid time off. So why are so many stressed-out workers still hesitant to take vacation?

According to a recent survey by Expedia.com, the three biggest factors in not taking vacation were:

·  Getting money back for unused vacation days – 11 percent

·   The need to schedule vacation time in advance – 10 percent

·   A spouse/partner who is unable to get away from his/her job – 10 percent

Additionally, the CareerBuilder survey reported that many workers still felt uncomfortable taking a vacation due to the economy — either because they couldn’t afford it or thought they shouldn’t miss work when their companies were already understaffed.

Yet despite any hesitation, vacation days are given to workers for a reason: Everyone needs a day off once in  awhile. “It is important to take time off, as we need a change of pace, both physically and mentally,” says Beverly Beuermann-King, a stress and wellness expert. “Similar to a car engine, we can’t continue to rev and rev without putting some maintenance into it.  We need to jump off the roller coaster for a while and enjoy the down time so that we can come back to work rested and rejuvenated. It can give us the energy we need to problem-solve and be more creative in solving those problems,” she says.

Following are tips to eliminate the counterproductive stress often associated with taking time off.

Plan and communicate

Often, workers skip vacation because they think they are inconveniencing their co-workers or employer, or they think they have too much on their plate to miss work. In order to combat these thoughts, “Plan for when the best time would be and communicate with supervisors and team members on how to take that time off,” Beuermann-King suggests.

Lay out how decisions will be made while you are away, train a co-worker on how to do the most important parts of your job, and decide what should get done by someone else and what can wait until you return.  ”It is only through this kind of teamwork, that vacations can be energizing and not a drain when we return to our jobs,” Beuermann-King says.

Take a  ’staycation’

If cost, the stress of planning, or coordinating schedules with your spouse are preventing you from taking time off, consider taking a “staycation” instead. A trend made popular in the past couple of years, staycations involve vacationing at home, and can actually be one of the most rewarding and stress-free ways to take time off. They require very little research and planning, are cost-effective and are a great compromise for those with family obligations. Additionally, vacationing at home eliminates anxiety-provoking logistical and travel plans, allowing workers to return to the job rested and refreshed.

So book an appointment at the nearest spa, grab a few new books, throw a cocktail party or plan a night at your favorite local restaurant – you’re going on staycation.

Look for bargains

If you think you need to actually get away during your time off, but the expense is keeping you from traveling, look for last-minute vacation packages on the Internet, which are often deeply discounted. “Be open to last-minute deals,” Beuermann-King says. “When your schedule permits, you need to be able to act. With the economy being the way it is, these deals may be just the right fit for your budget and schedule.”

Last-minute travel doesn’t mean you have to leave unprepared and in a hurry. Once you decide to start searching for last-minute deals, prepare like you would for any other vacation. Make a packing list, gather necessary travel documents, ask your baby sitter or a family member if she is up for spontaneous child care and start a list of projects you are working on in the office. That way, when an eleventh-hour deal comes up, it will seem as if you’ve been planning your vacation for months.

Leave work behind

It’s not a vacation if you can’t put down the BlackBerry. In order to get the most out of your vacation time, concentrate on enjoying yourself and restoring your energy. “Ideally, we should completely disconnect and focus on enjoying ourselves, relaxing and connecting with our friends or family,” Beuermann-King says. “However, if you must check [with work], do so at the beginning or at the end of the day. This is not the time to be carrying on detailed conversations; otherwise you might as well be back at work. Vacations are for re-energizing, not for doing work in a different location.”

Kaitlin Madden is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow @CBForJobSeekers on Twitter.

Jobs offering work-from-home options and flexible hours are sought by workers ranging from parents who want to be there when the kids get home from school to employees tired of daily commutes. But what types of occupations offer this type of arrangement? More fields than you may think. Below, meet all kinds of people who are living outside the 9-to-5 cubicle.

Communications

While authors up all night to get their vision into words have been around for ages, computers and mobile phones have opened up that lifestyle to others. Copywriters, editors, researchers, translators and even public relations directors can use their laptops and cell phones to work virtually anywhere at any time.

Technology has created new communications positions, too. Lisa Gordon of Needham, Mass., is co-founder of Catcher in the Sky, a business that develops applications for the iPhone. “Both my partner and I are moms of elementary-school-aged children, so flexibility is a must,” Gordon says. “I have chosen to work for myself and to be accountable only to my partner. We drive each other to do our best and are also understanding of family needs that arise.”

James Larson works as a social media assistant for The Corporate Educator, a company in Wallingford, Conn. “Essentially, my position is to maximize the presence of our business on various media outlets,” Larson  says. “I respond to blogs, interact with customers and am even beginning to develop sales leads as well.”

Sales

Speaking of sales, this field has a wealth of potentially flexible positions: telemarketers, Avon ladies, eBay shop owners, real estate agents and insurance company representatives, to name a few.

“I manage the domestic and international sales for a lumber manufacturing company headquartered in Charlottesville, Va.” says Bo Hammond, a vice president with Coastal Lumber  Co. “With technology, remote access and smart phones, my hours are flexible. Work from home is accepted. The motivation is to get the job done. For my specific job, that is being accessible, whether in the office or remotely.”

Support services

Getting things done is the bottom line for many companies, so typists, transcribers, data entry workers and payroll organizers are often free to work on-site or off — as long as they complete assignments.

Charles Viagas of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., sets his own hours as an independent contractor with LiveOps, a virtual call center company that enables workers to take customer service calls at their home. The arrangement allows him to schedule hours around his wife’s job and to be an active caretaker for his two young children.

Education

College professors often have been able to pick the times they teach, and online schools have taken this freedom even  further. Other flexible positions include substitute teachers, textbook developers and tutors.

As an educational consultant, Sara Lise Raff of New York City performs a variety of duties. “I am basically a freelancer who has clients that range from individuals (usually parents) to not-for-profits to schools,” Raff  says. “I am generally asked to write curriculums, help with educational grant applications, create and facilitate workshops, evaluate and hire staff and act as a sounding board. I love what I do and can usually create a convenient schedule that allows me to be around for my three kids most of the time.”

Artists and designers

Sculptors, painters, jewelry makers, graphic designers, photographers, illustrators and cartoonists are among the creative professionals who often enjoy job flexibility.

One such artist is Steven Kubien of Ajax, Ontario. He is a full-time wood-turner who creates everything from pepper grinders to cremation urns for Green Leaf Wood Studio. He also is a stay-at-home dad who schedules his studio time around his family.

Barbara McCandless is employed by Closet Factory in Virginia Beach, Va. “I design and sell custom storage of all kinds — closets, home offices, wall units, entertainment centers, kitchen pantries, laundry rooms and garage systems,” McCandless says. “Each month I submit a calendar on which I indicate my availability to take design appointments. I work full time, but I am free to X-out times that I need for personal appointments, vacations, etc.”

One last art for consideration: comedy. “You won’t find a more flexible job than that of a comedian,” says Dan Nainan, who left his job as a senior computer engineer to pursue his dream. “Our actual scheduled work takes perhaps less than one hour a day, and the rest of the time is spent marketing our product and improving it. The hours for that are completely, utterly  flexible.”

Bing: Telecommuting tips

For more news and information on your job search and answers to your workplace questions, visit The Work Buzz and follow CBforJobSeekers on Twitter.

Nels Wroe, SLH Group

Nels Wroe is an assessment and talent management expert for SHL (http://www.shl.com/), a global leader in workforce-related talent assessment solutions. Nels.Wroe@shlgroup.com

Unfortunately, job seekers continue to ask dumb questions every day. These questions demonstrate very poor judgment and effectively ensure their rejection.

It’s hard to generalize about such stunningly bad interview questions, but they all are forms of “Me” questions. These are questions that appear to put your needs before those of the employer. The best interview questions focus on what the applicant can do for the company, not what the company can do for applicant.

Be certain that the question you ask doesn’t raise barriers or objections. For example, don’t ask, “Is relocation a necessary part of the job?”

The very question raises doubts about your willingness to relocate. Even if the person selected for the position is not tracked for relocation, the negativity of the question makes the hiring manager wonder whether you are resistant in other areas as well.

If the issue of relocation is important to you, by all means ask, but go with a phrasing that reinforces your flexibility, not challenges it. A good response: “I’m aware that relocation is often required in a career and I am prepared to relocate for the good of the company as necessary. Could you tell me how often I might be asked to relocate in a five- or ten-year period?”

Here are five more bad questions you might be tempted to ask and what hiring managers will hear:

What you ask: Is job-sharing a possibility?
What they hear: Possibly, but does this mean you can’t give us a commitment for full-time work?

What you ask: Can you tell me whether you have considered the incredible benefits of telecommuting for this position?
What they hear: Why do you want to get out of the office before you have even seen it?

What you ask: I understand that employee paychecks are electronically deposited. Can I get my paycheck in the old-fashioned way?
What they hear: You are already asking for exceptions. What’s next? And are you afraid of technology?

What you ask: I won’t have to work for someone with less education than I have, will I?
What they hear: You clearly have a chip on your shoulder. Why should we take a chance that you don’t have other interpersonal issues?

What you ask: The job description mentions weekend work. Are you serious?
What they hear: We’re serious about the job description. We’re suddenly less serious about you.

John Kador is the author of 301 Best Questions to Ask on Your Interview (McGraw-Hill, 2010) and other business books. He can be reached at jkador@jkador.com