The process of identifying career choices can benefit from experimentation, similar to product development, write authors Ethan Bernstein, Michael Horn and Robert Moesta. Creating multiple job prototypes can clarify trade-offs and help individuals identify career "must-haves" while informational interviews can provide insights into daily tasks and required skills, they say.

When executive coach LaRae Quy was an FBI agent, she perfected several methods that increased cooperation from others, such as sharing personal stories and mirroring positivity. "While the chances of crossing paths with a foreign spy are minimal, you will encounter bosses, clients and family members from whom you will need to elicit cooperation if you want to move forward in business and life," Quy writes.

Neuroscientist Eleanor Maguire was reluctant to accept an Ig Nobel Prize for her study on London taxi drivers' hippocampi, fearing it would harm her career. Ultimately, she accepted, and the prize, which celebrates quirky scientific research, brought significant attention to her work. Other Ig Nobel laureates have had similar experiences.

Avoid employee recognition efforts that fail to include team efforts, only celebrate revenue producers, ignore midlevel employees, are decided only by company leaders and lack personalization, say HR leaders and consultants, who emphasize recognition supports employee well-being, reduces burnout and encourages innovation. "Some may value public praise on social media or in company newsletters, while others might prefer a private thank-you note or a personal acknowledgment in a one-on-one meeting," says Barbara Martell, senior vice president and chief HR officer at Allianz Trade Americas.

Employee engagement is high, but much of it is driven by fear and job insecurity, according to DHR Global's 2025 Workforce Trends Report. The report, which surveyed 1,500 workers in North America, Europe and Asia, found that 88% of employees feel very or extremely engaged, but 61% cite job insecurity as a key motivator. Stress is also prevalent, with 87% of Generation Z workers reporting feeling burnt out.

The traditional career path is becoming obsolete as professionals face barriers to being satisfied in their career. Internal challenges include self-doubt, unrealistic expectations, and misalignment between personal desires and job requirements. Externally, systemic challenges and economic fluctuations pose significant obstacles. Strategies to overcome these include developing resilience and maintaining a growth mindset.

Anna Webb, a dog behaviorist, highlights three breeds that can positively impact your career: Lhasa Apsos, English Toy Terriers and Labrador Retrievers. Each breed offers unique traits that enhance workplace dynamics, from the Lhasa Apso's optimism to the Labrador's sociability.

Steely Dan's music is full of geographical references, which provide a realistic a backdrop to their stories. "My Old School" mentions Annandale, "Deacon Blues" references Alabama, and "Parker's Band" takes listeners on a tour of Charlie Parker's key locations.

Fun fact: One of the places they name-check in "Parker's Band" is Camarillo State Hospital. My mom worked there, in the children's ward, and while it was way after Charlie Parker stayed there, I often imagined his ghost walking the grounds on those days when I picked up my mom after work. It's now the campus of Cal State Channel Islands. -- SmartBrief Editor Michael Domingo