For some, this meant that coming to office every day was an option - not a requirement.

Mothers and fathers found new freedom to take care of their children while still collecting paycheck they needed to support them. Work could be done at home, at park, at grocery store, at night...

Unfortunately, this ability to work anywhere has become a nuisance instead of a luxury for some individuals. The fact that they are ABLE to do business any time, any where, means that they actually ARE doing business all time.

Rather than free them, they found that they cannot get far enough away from work to really put it away for day. Illness and emergencies do not stop phone from ringing or email from piling up - and because you can access it, there is no excuse for not dealing with it.

So for some, convenience has become a ball and chain - creating longer work hours and constant stress. For these individuals it is necessary to commit themselves and their work mates to guidelines such as turning phone off. Not accessing email regularly. Sticking to these rules and telling other work mates your new practices should help.

Remember that you were supposed to be ASSISTED by these devices. It is in best interest of your health and well-being of your family if these tools keep their proper place.

Mr. Job Seeker: “Thank you. I’m excited at prospect of working for Rutherford Enterprises, however; my salary needs at $55,000 level. As you know, accepting this position will require that I relocate to Seattle area. Accepting anything less than $55,000 would simply be far too costly given moving expenses.”

Ms. Employer. “Hmmm, I can understand your position; but I simply can’t offer you more than $45,000 per year. Our company policy is to bring all new hires at this management level in for $45,000 per year. We are looking at raising salaries on a cost of living adjustment sometime next year….”

Mr. Job Seeker. “I’m afraid that simply would not work, as I would need to make move this year in order to begin by your requested hire date.”

Ms. Employer. “I really hate to lose you. I believe we need someone with your experience on our team. Perhaps we could work out something else. As I said, I can’t start you out any higher than $45,000 per year, but I could possibly offer you a $3,000 sign on bonus. That would help to defray your moving costs. Would that be acceptable?”

Now, obviously all conversations are not going to go exactly as one in example did. In some cases, employer will remain adamant that they simply can’t pay any more and they won’t offer any other type of compensatory benefit on their own either. In this situation job seeker will need to come up with a creative idea and nudge employer. Just keep in mind that not all of money you bring home is tied up in your paycheck. Sometimes you can do as well as or better than a higher salary by negotiating for sign on bonuses, moving expenses, company stock options, better retirement benefits, extra time off, etc.

Employers will rarely offer you everything you need and want with first job offer. It’s up to you to define parameters of negotiation and determine whether or not you will simply accept offer on table or sell employer on your unique skills and experience and thereby obtain best deal possible.