Being more productive means understanding where you spend your time, says author Laura Vanderkam. You should be tracking your hours and reviewing your performance against set goals, she adds.

Instead of focusing on failures and setbacks you should be willing to push outside your comfort zone and turn challenges into opportunities, career coach Melissa Dawn writes. A hurdle at work, for example, could be a chance to develop a new technical skill.

Mentors can help build new skills and create opportunities for your career, Ashira Prossack writes. Have a clear view of what you want to get out of the relationship, and be committed to learning and putting your new skills into practice.

Only about 5% of US employers offer student-loan repayment benefits, but student debt "is a universal workforce challenge," said Heather Coughlin, financial wellness leader at Mercer. She was among several experts in a panel discussion on the topic hosted by CommonBond.

Having to answer tough interview questions and bring up uncomfortable topics are part of the job hunt process, Alison Green writes. Ask questions beforehand so you'll understand the interview process and avoid surprises.

It's a good time to be a job seeker, says Glassdoor chief cconomist Andrew Chamberlain, but you still have to stand out to get hired. Job search expert Scott Dobroski adds that you should attach a cover letter and always include a career profile summary on your resume.

Ali Demirkaya watched a Denizlispor soccer match from the top of a crane after being banned from Denizil Ataturk Stadium in Turkey. Demirkaya didn't get to watch the entire game from the crane -- he was stopped by police.