The Sentinel

Leave the snow behind and head to the ocean this winter holiday season

Photo provided

NAPSI — As an increasing number of people have discovered: for delightful holidays by just adding water. Simply hop on a plane and leave the midwest for the warm waters, whether it be a lake, bay or the ocean, and head for Florida, Texas, or California. For an unique way to celebrate this Christmas, look at using Boatsetter, a mobile app for boat rentals, charters, and on-water experiences, making it easier to have fun with family and friends by spending the season at sea.

Just imagine — using Boatsetter to host Friendsgiving onboard, be part of a lighted boat parade, or secure the best view for New Year’s Eve fireworks.

With more than 50,000 boats in over 700 global locations, the company makes getting on the water as easy as calling a rideshare. With no sign-up fees or membership dues, its easy-to-use app and simplified booking process lets anyone — with or without prior boating experience—browse, book, and go.

As Michael Farb, Boatsetter CEO, put it, “The holiday season is about spending quality time with loved ones, and what better way to do that than on a boat?”

Sample Sailings

• A pontoon party where you can take in unparalleled views of dolphins, sea turtles, and manatees.

• A day of offshore fishing and cruising.

• A luxury sailing experience on board the aptly named “Serenity” sailboat. Learn to sail or just relax under the careful watch of a U.S. Coast Guard-certified captain.

• A two-day overnight charter for the extended family in Turks and Caicos. Escape to a private beach of your choosing on board a luxury yacht complete with crew.

By connecting qualified renters directly to boat owners and licensed USCG-certified captains, Boatsetter makes it easy to discover and enjoy a wide array of on-water experiences.

For further facts, to see available tours or to book one, visit www.boatsetter.com.

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Overcoming burnout while searching for your next career opportunity

Photo: Pavel Chernonogov/PEXELS

StatePoint Media - As the job search continues for unemployed Illinoians, a new national survey reveals a massive case of job hunt burnout.

The Insight Global survey, conducted among recently unemployed American adults actively seeking employment, found that a competitive job market, a lack of applicable jobs, low self-confidence and an inability to interview well are all contributing factors in job candidates’ lack of success in securing employment.

Fifty-five percent of respondents have been searching for a new job for so long that they are completely burnt out, and many are willing to take drastic measures to save and make money in the meantime: More than 2 in 5 would live at home with their parents; the same amount would rather create an Etsy business or thrift flip than send out another blast of resumes, and of Gen Z respondents, 44% admit they would rather get a sugar daddy or sugar mommy than apply to more jobs.

“It’s no wonder that so many unemployed Americans are feeling unmotivated – between several years of a volatile job market, headcount reductions, budget cuts, hiring freezes and a total overhaul of the way companies are running their businesses, it can feel downright impossible to get back on track,” says Bert Bean, CEO of Insight Global, a leading national staffing company.

To beat job hunting burnout and get back in the game, Bean recommends the following tips:

• Rethink Remote: Of millennials surveyed, 21% feel they’re still unemployed because they will only apply to remote job opportunities. To greatly expand your options, be open to hybrid and on-site work opportunities.

• Stand Out: Over a quarter of those seeking full-time work feel that there are no jobs available for their skill set or there is too much competition for available jobs. To stand out in the crowd, get creative. Whether it’s creating an interactive resume, dropping by the office for a quick hello, or just not stopping until you hear back, doing whatever it takes to get your foot in the door improves your chances of success.

• Find Small Wins: Job hunting can be exhausting and disheartening. Find things you can accomplish that help you feel productive and remind you what it feels like to win again. It could be getting in shape, completing a 5K, journaling for a month, or making five new daily connections on LinkedIn.

• Don’t Write Anything Off: Interestingly, 26% of men surveyed said they are still unemployed because the jobs they hear back from are beneath them. Leave preconceived notions like this at the door. Many companies offer opportunities for promotions and upskilling, so look past the specific outlined role and imagine future possibilities with that organization.

• Reach for Resources: When trying to get back in the workforce, don’t go at it alone. Companies like Insight Global can help you shape up your resume, brush up on interview skills, boost your confidence and connect you with companies and opportunities that fit the bill. Leverage events like the Be The Light tour, Insight Global’s free-to-attend mobile career center in select cities around the country. Accepting help from professionals will put you in a better position for landing a job. To learn more, and for additional tips and resources, visit insightglobal.com.

“While searching for employment that fulfills your professional goals can feel overwhelming, changing the narrative and thinking about the market in new ways can connect you with additional opportunities and position you to succeed,” says Bean.

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