As much as some of us love our jobs and hate missing even a day at the office or computer, the following are three times when it is not only ok to skip work, but it’s probably a good idea to definitely stay in bed.

3 Times When it’s ok to Skip Work

1. High Fever- If you have the flu or think that you might have the flu, one sign is usually a fever above 100 degrees. Other symptoms may include body aches, fatigue and nausea. Worst of all, the flu usually pops up out of nowhere (like overnight), and it is highly contagious. Therefore, do yourself and your co-workers a break and confine yourself to your room or home until your fever breaks and you can decontaminate.
2. Common Cold- What is the ‘common cold’? Think of it as nonstop sneezing, sniffling and coughing that is NOT related to your allergies. And don’t let OTC meds fool you into thinking that you’re ok to head off to work. Just because you can get through the workday doesn’t mean that you’re not contaminating everything you touch or even the air that other people have to breathe. Instead, stay in bed and get some rest for a couple of days.
3. Prescription Meds- If you have strep throat, pink eye, bronchitis or some other sort of bacterial infection, it typically takes 24 hours of the prescribed stuff before you’re no longer a threat to society. Wait a day or two after taking medications before returning to work.

[via: Yahoo Health]

At some point in your career, you will more than likely have to attend a business meeting over dinner or lunch. And as a matter of fact, as more people are now working from home, it has grown increasingly common to meet up with a prospect to discuss business at a restaurant or cafe. Therefore, it is a good idea to know a thing or two about dining etiquette. The following are a few tips to help you create a positive, lasting impression on someone during a business meeting that takes place while eating.

Dining Etiquette

Table Settings- Depending on what restaurant you are going to, the table settings can vary from being quite simple to incredibly complex. Luckily, all you have to remember is the rule of working from the outside in. For example, in a more formal restaurant where you are served a salad or soup first, you would start with the outer-most fork or spoon on your table setting. If you are unsure, in a worst-case scenario, wait until someone else starts eating to see what utensil they use!

Napkin use- As soon as you are seated at your table, be sure to place your napkin in your lap. At a more formal restaurant, the waiter will do this for you. The main purpose of your napkin is to catch any stray food that falls. do not shake out your napkin, crumple it up or use it to blow your nose. When you are done with your meal, simply fold the napkin and place it on the table.

Ordering food- Look over the menu and choose a meal or item that is priced somewhere in the middle. If you are unsure of what to order, follow your host’s lead or ask what he or she recommends. Keep in mind that you are dining for business reasons. That said, choose a meal or menu item that is easy to eat (ie. something without bones or messy sauces). Also, be sure to be respectful to the person who is waiting on you.

Conversing- When speaking to a prospective client or business associate, avoid discussing religion and politics. Focus on the conversation, and make sure to not let your guard down even if or when the conversation takes on a more conversational, relaxed tone. Prior to meeting for lunch or dinner, be sure to know what is going on in the news for that day, this way you are informed should something be brought up. If you are eating, make sure to keep your mouth closed while you chew, and only speak once you have finished swallowing your food.

Times are tough as thousands of Americans are on the hunt for a new career due to being laid off. Still, thousands more are just graduating college and are new to the workforce. That said, it is important to know a thing or two about business etiquette as it may mean the difference between landing a job versus making it easier for the next person in line to land it. The following are some simple steps to help refresh your memory as to what is and isn’t acceptable to possible employers.

Business Etiquette 101

Prep- First impressions are lasting impressions. If you are attending a career fair or a job interview, make sure that you know what the attire is for the event. You can never go wrong by dressing more on the conservative side. Make sure that you hair is styled neatly and that you look presentable. Turn your cell phone off or to silent.

Punctuality-Invest in a watch and/or an alarm clock. Know what time the event or interview starts, and plan on arriving at least 10 to 15 minutes early. If, for some reason, you experience a delay in getting to your appointment on time, make sure that you call your contact to let them know that you will be arriving late. While it is not ideal to arrive late, alerting the other person will demonstrate responsibility.

Body language- When you speak to someone, make eye contact but don’t stare at them either. Smile, use good posture and carry yourself with confidence. If you smoke, avoid doing so before a first meeting with someone or an interview. Do not chew gum either, and avoid looking around too much as it will suggest a lack of interest.

Introductions- When you are first introduced, stand (if you are seated) and be sure to shake hands firmly while making eye contact. Also, if the other person introduced themselves, include his or her name in your greeting (i.e. “Nice to meet you, John.”)

Remembering these simple rules will most certainly help you regardless of  whether or not you are going to your first job interview or a business meeting.