How to Impress Your Boss - No Kissing Butt Required

Making a good impression with your boss must last far longer than the interview/hiring process. In order to have an impactful and positive relationship with him or her is to stand out at all stages of your employment. Impressing your boss goes well beyond bringing in coffee and donuts on Fridays and wearing snappy suits and loafers.

Dig a little deeper to exemplify the type of employee you are any why your boss made the right choice in bringing you onto the team in the first place. Don't worry, your co-workers won't accuse you of vying for the role of "teacher's pet." These 3 tactics and long-term workplace qualities and standards will make you an employee to look up to, even by the "big man" himself!

1. Be Proactive

Sitting back and waiting to be called on is no way to progress in your role or status. Taking the initiative whenever possible is a quality bosses will notice. Wallflowers may blend in just fine, but they'll never shine as brightly as those who take proactive measures to succeed.

As per Ask Men, "If you see a new project, go after it. If you see something that needs doing, do it. And that means taking risks. Start a new task that's valuable to the company. Let your boss know what you're working on. They may take the task away from you, but they won't forget your vision."

Additionally, if you see areas of business that can be improved upon, make it your mission to make a difference. As Hongkiat notes, "Come up with some potential solutions to solve (problems). Even if you have yet to appreciate the scenario as much as your boss does, the fact that you've showed the initiative to think through them will probably impress on him or her."

2. Be Money Mindful

Any successful business is in the business of making money. Overspending and working on a shoestring budget is not only stressful, but can lead the company into a sinkhole. Your boss will be delighted if you can work well on a lean budget and make the company more and more money with each passing quarter.

Taking note of where and how you can help save money will be a great gift to your employer. According to Ask Men, "Keep an eye peeled for ways the company can spend less, and share your ideas early and often. Found a cheaper vendor for one of your company's needs? Share it! The day may come when the company passes the savings on to you in the form of a larger paycheck."

If your savvy economic sensibilities can help the company's bottom line, be sure you'll be looked upon in high regard. This type of attention aimed towards protecting the company's assets will not be easily forgotten.

3. Keep Learning

Even people in the highest level roles of a business still have the capacity and need to continue to explore further information and education about their field. Let your boss know that you're eager to go to conferences, sit in on meetings that can help you grow, and may even seek a further degree to become more entrenched in your area of expertise.

As per Hongkiat, "When you first join an organization, chances are that your boss will only 'teach' you what you need to know in order to do your job properly. There are also things that can't be taught, such as unofficial or unwritten shortcuts that your boss and/or colleagues might know of when it comes to dealing with certain things or people. Your boss would probably prefer that you find out these shortcuts for yourself through the course of your work or interactions with colleagues. That's where your willingness to learn will help propel your career."

Read up on the latest industry news. Learn from other companies in your field who are successful. Take advice from those who are making a difference. When- and wherever you can absorb more knowledge, drink it in. When your boss sees your enthusiasm and genuine interest in moving the needle, you'll always be on their good side.

For more ways to impress starting day one, check out The Muse's advice for winning over your boss.

With individual motivation and cooperative teamwork, you'll impress your boss with your confidence and hard work. No kissing butt required!

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Where to Donate to Support Afghanistan and Haiti

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NBC

Over the past month, both Haiti and Afghanistan have been pummeled by tragic disasters that left devastation in their wake.

In Haiti, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake erupted, leading over to 2,189 deaths and counting. A few hours later, in Afghanistan, Kabul fell to the Taliban just after U.S. troops had pulled out after 20 years of war.

In many ways, these disasters are both chillingly connected to US interference. The United States invaded Haiti in 1915, ostensibly promising to restore order after a presidential assassination but really intending to preserve the route to the Panama Canal and to defend US creditors, among other reasons.

But the US forces soon realized that they were not able to control the country alone, and so formed an army of Haitian enlistees, powered by US air power and intended to quell Haitian insurrection against US controls. Then, in 1934, the US pulled out on its own, disappointed with how slow progress was going. Haiti's institutions were never really able to rebuild themselves, leaving them immensely vulnerable to natural disasters.

Something similar happened in Afghanistan, where the US sent troops and supported an insurgent Afghan army – only to pull out, abandoning the country they left in ruins, with many Afghans supporting the Taliban.

In both cases, defense contractors benefited by far the most from the conflict, making billions in profits while civilians faced fallout and devastation. While the conflicts and circumstances are extremely different and while the US is obviously not solely to blame for either crisis, it's hard not to see the US-based roots of these disasters.

Today, in Haiti and Afghanistan, civilians are facing unimaginable tragedy.

Here are charities offering support in Afghanistan:

1. The International Rescue Committee is looking to raise $10 million to deliver aid directly to Afghanistan

2. CARE is matching donations for an Afghanistan relief fund. They are providing food, shelter, and water to families in need; a donation of $89.50 covers 1 family's emergency needs for a month.

3. Women for Women International is matching donations up to 500,000 for Afghan women, who will be facing unimaginable horrors under Taliban control.


4. AfghanAid offers support for people living in remote regions of Afghanistan.

5. VitalVoices supports female leaders and changemakers and survivors of gender-based violence around the world.

Here are charities offering support in Haiti:

1. Partners in Health has been working with Haiti for a long time, and they work with the Department of Health rather than around them, which is extremely important in a charity.

2. Health Equity International helps run Saint Boniface Hospital, a hospital in Haiti close to the earthquake's epicenter.

3. SOIL is an organization based Haiti, "a local organization with a track record of supporting after natural disasters." They are distributing hygiene kits and provisions on the ground to hospitals and to victims of the earthquake.

4. Hope for Haiti has been working in emergency response in Haiti for three decades, and their team is comprised of people who live and work in Haiti. They focus on supporting children and people in need across Haiti.

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How the Beyoncé and Jay Z Controversy Shows Gen Z's Money Priorities

via Tiffany & Co.

When the new Tiffany's campaign was unveiled, reactions were mixed.

Tiffany's, the iconic jewelry brand which does not (despite what some might be misled to believe) in fact serve breakfast, featured Jay Z, Beyoncé, and a rare Basquiat painting in their recent campaign.

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How to Save Money on a Road Trip

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Stacker.com

Road trips can be a lot of fun — but they can also drain your wallet quickly if you aren't careful.

From high gas costs and park admission fares to lodging and the price of eating out every night, the expenses can add up quickly. But at the same time, it's very possible to do road trips cheaply and efficiently. Without the headache of worrying about how much money you're leaking, you can enjoy the open road a whole lot more. Here's how to save money on a road trip.

1. Prepare Your Budget, Route, and Packing List in Advance

If you want to save money on a road trip, be sure you're ready to go. Try to count up all your expenses before you hit the road and create a budget. It's also a good idea to plan your route in advance so you don't end up taking unnecessary, gas-guzzling detours. And finally, be sure to pack in advance so you don't find yourself having to buy tons of things you forgot along the way.

2. Book Cheap Accommodations — Or Try Camping

All those motel rooms can add up surprisingly quick, but camping is often cheap or free, and it's a great way to get intimate with the place you're visiting. You can check the Bureau of Land Management's website for free campsites. Freecampsite.com also provides great information on If you don't have a tent or don't want to camp every night, try booking cheap Airbnbs or booking hotels in advance, making sure to compare prices.

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If you're planning on sleeping in your car, a few tips: WalMart allows all-night parking, as do many 24-hour gyms. (Buying a membership to Planet Fitness or something like it also gives you a great place to stop, shower, and recharge while on the road).

3. Bring Food From Home

Don't go on a road trip expecting to subsist on fast food alone. You'll wind up feeling like shit, and it'll drain your pocketbook stunningly quickly. Instead, be sure to bring food from home. Consider buying a gas stove and a coffee pot for easy on-the-go meals, and make sure you bring substantial snacks to satiate midday or late night cravings so you can avoid getting those late night Mickey D's expeditions.

Try bringing your own cooler, filling it with easy stuff for breakfast and lunch — some bread and peanut butter and jelly will go a long way. Bring your own utensils, plates, and napkins, and avoid buying bottled water by packing some big water jugs and a reusable water bottle. Alternatively, try staying at hotels or Airbnbs with kitchens so you can cook there.

4. Avoid Tolls

Apps like Google Maps and Waze point out toll locations, so be sure to avoid those to save those pennies. (If it takes you too far off route, you might have to bite the bullet and drive across that expensive bridge).

You can also save on parking fees by using sites like Parkopedia.

Road Trip Road TripThe Orange Backpack


5. Save on Gas

Gas can get pricy incredibly fast, so be sure that you're stopping at cheap gas stations. Free apps like GasBuddy help you find the most affordable gas prices in the area. Also, try going the speed limit on the highways — anything faster will burn through your tank. Be sure that you don't wait till you arrive at touristy locations or big cities to fill up.

6. Get a National Park Pass

All those parks can get really expensive really fast. If you're planning on visiting three or more parks, it's a great idea to get an America the Beautiful National Parks Pass. For $80 you can get into every National Park for one year.

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