Career - DWD Community

Will Your Bending Break Your Best People?

This entry is part 11 of 12 in the series Workplace Success.

Every manager has them—the employees who always deliver, handle challenges without drama, and can be trusted with the “mission critical” tasks. It’s natural to want those people on your most important projects. But here’s the hard truth: when resources are tight, high performers can become the default safety net for everything the rest of the team can’t—or won’t—do. And while that may solve a short-term problem, it can create long-term risks: burnout, resentment, and even…

TwinCityMama August 16, 2025

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When Being the Goat Becomes a Lot

This entry is part 10 of 12 in the series Workplace Success.

In every organization, there’s a quiet truth: the better you are at your job, the more people lean on you. You’re trusted. You’re capable. You make things happen. That’s wonderful—until it isn’t. In today’s “do more with less” workplace, high performers often find themselves carrying workloads that spill beyond their job description. And while it’s flattering to be the person leaders count on, the reality is that this trust can turn into an unspoken expectation:…

TwinCityMama August 13, 2025

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Is It Time for Universities to Welcome the Trades?

This entry is part 3 of 3 in the series Career Minded.

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the students who start college full of hope, only to leave before finishing. Maybe they discover the traditional academic path isn’t for them. Maybe life circumstances change. Maybe they’re drawn to work that’s more hands-on and directly tied to building, fixing, or creating. The recently published ‘Some College, No Credential’ report puts a number to this—over 40 million Americans have started college but left without earning a degree….

DigitalNinja August 10, 2025

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You’ve Chosen Your Benefits—Now What?

This entry is part 8 of 8 in the series Guide to Employee Benefits.

You made it. Whether you read one article or worked your way through the entire onboarding series—congrats on taking a powerful step toward greater financial confidence. Choosing your employee benefits isn’t just about checking boxes. It’s about building a safety net. Planning for your future. And giving yourself the tools to navigate life’s inevitable ups and downs. What You’ve Just Done. By learning how to: Fill out your W-4 strategically, Choose the right healthcare and…

Preston July 24, 2025

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Voluntary Benefits: What Are They, and Are They Worth It?

This entry is part 7 of 8 in the series Guide to Employee Benefits.

Once you’ve picked your major medical health insurance and set your 401(k) contributions, there’s often one more section of your benefits package to consider: voluntary or supplemental insurance plans. These aren’t required, but they can offer targeted support that fits your life and risk profile. And since they’re offered through your employer, they’re usually more affordable than if you bought them on your own. This type of insurance can be significant income protection as the…

Preston July 21, 2025

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Disability Insurance: The Most Overlooked Benefit You Might Desperately Need

This entry is part 6 of 8 in the series Guide to Employee Benefits.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing, “That won’t happen to me.” But here’s the truth: you’re far more likely to experience a serious illness or injury that prevents you from working, than to die unexpectedly before retirement. Think about this; If you die, your obligations end. If you are sick or seriously injured, not only do your obligations persist – you will likely encounter more financial obligations as a result of the…

Preston July 17, 2025

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Life Insurance: Do You Really Need It (and How Much)?

This entry is part 5 of 8 in the series Guide to Employee Benefits.

Life insurance isn’t always top of mind when you’re starting a new job. But understanding whether you need it—and how much—is an essential part of building financial stability for those who depend on you. Let’s walk through the basics so you can make a clear and confident choice. What Is Life Insurance? Life insurance pays out a lump sum to your chosen beneficiary (like a spouse or child) if you pass away. It’s designed to…

Preston July 15, 2025

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401(k) Contributions: Your Future-Self Will Thank You

This entry is part 4 of 8 in the series Guide to Employee Benefits.

When you’re just starting a job, retirement might feel like a lifetime away. But starting to save for retirement early is one of the smartest financial decisions you can make. Why? Because time—and compound interest—are on your side. As much as compound interest on credit card borrowing can put you in a death spiral – the opposite occurs with savings. One of the best retirement savings vehicles is the 401(k). Let’s walk through how to…

Preston July 10, 2025

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Choosing a Healthcare Plan

This entry is part 3 of 8 in the series Guide to Employee Benefits.

Making the Right Call for Your Health (and Wallet) Your new job offers health benefits—congrats! But now you’re staring at acronyms, charts, and confusing terminology. PPO? HMO? HDHP? HSA or FSA? Don’t worry. With a little clarity, you can confidently choose a plan that fits your health and your wallet. Let’s walk through what all this means—and how to choose wisely based on your own needs. How Employer Healthcare Plans Work An employer-sponsored healthcare plan…

Preston July 8, 2025

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Changing Perceptions of Career Schools

This entry is part 2 of 6 in the series How Trades Lost the Spotlight.

From Back-Up Plan to First Choice Ask a high school student what they want to do after graduation, and you’ll likely hear the word “college.” Ask them if they’ve considered a career school—a program focused on trades, technical skills, or certifications—and many will look puzzled or unsure. That reaction isn’t accidental. For decades, vocational education has lived under the shadow of the four-year degree, seen by many as the back-up option for students who “couldn’t”…

DigitalNinja July 6, 2025

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