It's possible to win a promotion even when surrounded by talented coworkers, especially if you communicate with your boss often about your goals, writes Michelle Costello. Great coworkers can also drive you to succeed in a way that other peers wouldn't, she writes.

Professionals who appear to have reached the highest level possible on their company's ladder should remember that middle and upper-level managers could leave, providing a sudden opening, writes Judy Gillespie. Still, it's a good idea to keep your eye out for new opportunities even as you continue to angle for a promotion with your current employer.

Be careful about using "pokes" or "winks" on social networks like Facebook to greet colleagues, which can be seen as "intrusive forms of expression" even though they're being delivered digitally. In addition, adopt a cautious approach to connections you make with people from your office on Facebook or other social networks, writes Monica Torres.

The California Labor Commissioner's Office says reports of employers retaliating against workers with threats of deportation when they complain about working conditions, including not being paid, are becoming more common. In 2017, the office received more than 90 retaliation complaints related to immigration, compared with 20 in 2016 and seven in 2015.

While background checks are becoming more common for freelance workers, criminal history questions will soon be left off job applications, writes Michael Klazema. Be transparent with potential employers, as ongoing criminal monitoring and social media checks will continue to be a big part of hiring.

You'll have a better 2018 if you stop defining success simply by salary or your job title. Similarly, avoid treating yourself like a machine and take regular short breaks through each work day and at least one full day off of work each week.

The ancient remains of an infant girl found in Alaska provide evidence for the idea that migrants came from Siberia to North American over 20,000 years ago, according to scientists. During the last ice age, ancient people were able to use a temporary land bridge to cross over from Siberia into what would become Alaska.