Uncategorized - Mike McRitchie | Resume and LinkedIn Profile Writer

The Harms of Poor WFH Posture and How To Fix It

January 4, 2026 by Guest Post Leave a Comment

There are so many benefits to working from home, but such a big shift in work culture also comes with challenges as well, and poor posture while you work can harm your health in several different ways! In the article below, we’ll talk about how poor posture affects your health and level of productivity as well as ways to improve your WFH posture.

How Remote Work Harms Your Mind and Body

Muscle Issues

The most basic way that remote work harms your body is by causing muscle issues. Many workers enjoy the comfort of sitting on their living room couch or in a specific work chair for the entire work day, but that often comes with the cost of forcing your body into unnatural positions that cause repetitive strain injuries (RSI). Working with poor posture can also lead to nervous system disruption, spinal misalignment, and even breathing problems.

Eye Strain

Staring at screens for hours will also eventually lead to prolonged eye strain and other issues if you don’t take enough breaks. The combination of poor overhead lighting and the brightness of laptop screens will make this even worse. Some levels of eye strain can even lead to eye pain, blurred vision, headaches, and maybe even an inability to concentrate if you are not careful.

Mobility Issues

Poor WFH posture can also end up causing reduced mobility. Sitting for extended periods of time slowly makes your muscles weaker, increasing the overall difficulty of both complex and basic movement. Spending too much interrupted time in any position (even an ergonomic one) can make usually simple tasks like long walks or climbing stairs more difficult.

Mental Health Issues

Working from home can exacerbate or result in mental health issues. The physical discomfort or more serious medical issues that result from bad posture can naturally lead to feelings of irritability, anxiety, depression, and burnout.

How Remote Work Affects Productivity

Distraction and Lethargy

The discomfort and medical issues associated with poor WFH posture can lead to increased distraction and lethargy. You will likely not want to work hard or have trouble being productive if your eyes are strained, your body is aching, and you feel grumpy and annoyed.

Long-Term Issues

You can end up with long-term issues if you let poor posture at work become more than just temporary. Increased muscular pain and low spinal damage will continue to get worse unless you make lifestyle changes, and they can even become permanent over time. Stenosis, arthritis, vision issues, and other long-term issues could occur if poor WFH posture persists.

Money Problems

Medical problems caused by poor WFH posture will lead you eventually to major money problems. You will have to spend more and more to treat and manage your pain, including specific treatments, prescribed medications, and expensive surgeries to solve chronic issues.

How Can You Fix Your Posture While WFH?

Move Your Body!

The best way to work on your posture while working from home is to move your body! Shifting positions and fully moving around throughout the day reduces muscle stiffness and keeps you from constantly looking at your screen or staying seated. No matter what, try to take regular, short movement breaks during your work day to get up, walk around, and perhaps even do some basic stretches or exercises.

The golden rule here is to shoot for at least five minutes of movement every 45 minutes that you work, as this is the easiest way to keep your body in shape and unaffected by long hours at the desk. Drink plenty of water and do whatever you can to meet this quota even if you have long mandatory meetings.

Upgrade Your Work Station!

Upgrading your work station to a more ergonomic setup will also help with your posture issues. The right setup can help reverse the effects of sitting in unnatural positions for long periods of time.

The first thing you’ll want to do is to ensure that your eyes are always somewhat level with the upper portion of your monitor. Next, you need to get a well-sized and comfortable chair that has enough supportive cushions and armrests, an adjustable height, ample neck and lumbar support, and the ability to swivel.

It will also help to keep your elbows at a 90-degree angle when typing and to keep your wrists and back straight instead of sitting in a hunched position. Only buy furniture in which this position is possible.

Reduce Eye Strain!

Try your best to reduce how much eye strain you allow while WFH. Position your main monitor so that there is no glare and keep your interior lighting soft and not shining on you with harsh LED light so that the contrast does not cause further damage.

To prevent your screen from affecting your vision, you always try to follow the “20-20-20 rule.” Look at any object that is around 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes, and use this action to break up the monotony of your work day so that you can regularly give your eyes a rest.

Go to the Doctor!

You should be regularly seeing medical professionals to prevent any negative effects of poor posture. You should talk with your primary care physician about your work habits and you should try out anything they suggest in regards to diet, movement, posture, and hydration while working from home.

You can also address posture-related issues by seeing specialists like chiropractors, optometrists, and a variety of surgeons to address any more significant problems. Look for affordable options whenever you can and get the right treatment to help your body recover from poor WFH posture.

Conclusion

Working from home is a great option for all kinds of jobs and people, but the resulting poor posture can wreak havoc on the human body. You should do whatever you can to maintain good posture and to regularly move throughout your work day even if you are fully remote!

Author Bio

Author Name: Sherjan Husainie

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherjan

Author Bio: Sherjan Husainie is the Founder of KIRO, the world’s most advanced chiropractic brand. He studied Aerospace Engineering at the University of Toronto and Financial Engineering at UCLA Anderson. Before founding KIRO, Sherjan worked at Google and was a Vice President in Investment Banking at Morgan Stanley. His mission is to make modern, accessible chiropractic care available to 100 million members globally.

Reframing Your Resume When You’re Changing Industries Mid-Career

December 12, 2025 by Guest Post Leave a Comment

Changing industries in the middle of your career requires courage, clarity, and a fresh strategic approach to storytelling. Many professionals find themselves leaning on a resume writer for guidance, but the true transformation begins with understanding that reframing your resume when you’re changing industries mid-career is a must. Your resume must shift from a record of past duties into a purposeful narrative about who you are becoming. Instead of simply listing job titles, the resume of a mid-career switcher should act as a bridge—one that connects your experience to an entirely new professional landscape. This shift demands reframing: a careful examination of your skills, achievements, and values so they speak directly to your desired industry.

The Psychology Behind Career Reinvention

Reinvention begins long before the resume rewrite. It starts with the mindset that your professional identity is fluid, not fixed. Many people assume their current industry defines them, but that belief is precisely what limits opportunity. At this stage, reframing your resume when you’re changing industries mid-career is as much about reframing your thinking as it is about formatting your document. This mental shift helps you recognize the strengths you’ve built over years—leadership, problem-solving, communication, adaptability—and why they matter more than the specific job titles you once held. Overcoming imposter syndrome, age-related anxieties, or fear of rejection is part of the process. The moment you recognize the value you carry, your resume becomes a tool of empowerment rather than a summary of limitations.

People working together — There is a sense of relief when doing this

Reframing Your Resume When You’re Changing Industries Mid-Career -Identify and Translate Your Transferable Skills

Every mid-career professional has a massive arsenal of transferable skills—they’re just often hidden beneath jargon specific to one industry. This is where translation becomes powerful. Instead of describing your experience in highly technical terms from your previous role, translate it into outcomes any employer can appreciate: increased efficiency, improved processes, stronger customer experiences, revenue growth, conflict resolution. A subtle but important part of reframing your resume when you’re changing industries mid-career is learning how to turn job responsibilities into measurable achievements. When you express your work in universal terms, recruiters can immediately understand your value even if your background comes from a completely different field. Think of yourself not as a job title, but as a problem-solver with a track record of results.

Tailor Your Resume Toward Your New Industry

Mid-career transitions often fail because people send out generic resumes. Your new industry has its own language, expectations, and culture—and you must speak directly to it. One of the smartest ways to gather real insight is by exploring different industries through job postings, online communities, and informational interviews, especially if you’re curious about fast-growing fields like tech jobs in Europe. These sources act like data, revealing which skills, tools, and values your target field prioritizes. Once you understand those patterns, you can intentionally highlight the past achievements that align most closely with the roles you want. Your resume becomes less about listing everything you’ve ever done and more about telling a strategic, future-focused story. This targeted approach helps employers instantly see how you fit into their world.

Rebuild Your Professional Narrative From the Ground Up

Your narrative is the thread that ties your career together. For many mid-career switchers, it may seem like your past and future industries have nothing in common—but that is rarely true. The key is to craft a story that highlights the meaningful through-line: the motivation, expertise, or strengths that have always defined your work. Whether it’s a passion for problem-solving, a talent for mentoring people, or an eye for operational efficiency, this narrative becomes the backbone of your resume. Presenting this story clearly is another crucial aspect of reframing your resume when you’re changing industries mid-career. Instead of letting employers guess why you’re making a change, you articulate it with confidence and direction. A strong narrative shows intentionality, maturity, and readiness.

Fill Skill Gaps Strategically Without Starting Over

The fear of lacking hard skills is one of the biggest obstacles in a mid-career shift. Fortunately, you rarely need to start from scratch. Modern learning pathways—micro-courses, certificate programs, short workshops, or volunteer-based experience—allow you to build targeted expertise quickly and efficiently. The key to presenting this new training is not apologizing for what you don’t know, but demonstrating your proactive approach to growth. This mindset reflects a willingness to adapt and signals that you’re embracing change in a forward-looking way. Employers want people who take initiative. Even small, well-chosen educational steps can significantly strengthen your resume and increase your credibility in the new field.

Office setup — Reframing your resume when you’re changing industries mid-career doesn’t mean learning brand new skills

Design a Resume Format That Highlights Your Strengths

Traditional chronological resumes often bury your strengths behind years of unrelated experience. A hybrid or functional format can bring your most relevant skills and achievements to the top, allowing hiring managers to see your value instantly. Design also matters: clean formatting, strong section headings, and strategically placed accomplishments help guide the reader’s eye. Good design supports the process of reframing your resume when you’re changing industries mid-career by emphasizing what matters most for your next role—not what mattered in your old one. ATS-friendly layouts, consistent fonts, and impactful phrasing contribute to a resume that is both polished and strategically aligned with your new career direction.

The Art of Skill Stacking for a Future-Proof Resume

Skill stacking—the intentional combination of multiple complementary skills—is one of the most powerful strategies for career switchers. You are not starting at zero; instead, you’re layering new abilities onto years of professional experience. This blend creates a profile that is often more competitive than that of someone who has only worked in the industry you’re entering. For example, someone moving from hospitality to tech support can combine customer service, communication, crisis resolution, and digital tools into a unique mix. The key is to articulate this blend clearly, especially when discussing skill stacking for the modern worker. Hiring managers value versatility, and mid-career switchers often excel in precisely this area.

Powerful skill stacks for mid-career transitions:

Project management + data analysis + customer insights
Leadership + digital literacy + communication strategy
Operations experience + UX understanding + process improvement
Teaching skills + instructional design tools + content creation

Common Mistakes Mid-Career Changers Make—and How to Avoid Them

Even strong candidates weaken their resumes with common errors. Many focus too heavily on outdated job responsibilities instead of framing their accomplishments in relation to their desired industry. Others overlook keyword optimization, which prevents their resume from passing applicant tracking systems. Overcrowding the document with irrelevant experience also dilutes impact. And finally, some individuals undersell themselves by using vague, unconvincing language. Understanding these pitfalls ensures that your resume becomes a persuasive piece of communication rather than a generic list of tasks.

Person holding their head — There can be some mistakes

Your Resume Is a Bridge, Not a Biography

When executed properly, reframing your resume when you’re changing industries mid-career is not just a technical exercise but a personal transformation. Your resume becomes a forward-facing document—one that reflects potential, ambition, and adaptability rather than simply detailing your past. Every career reinvention begins with a moment of courage. Reshaping your resume is simply the first visible step toward the next chapter of your professional life. You’re not just changing industries; you’re expanding your possibilities and redefining who you can become.

Images used:

https://unsplash.com/photos/a-woman-is-reading-a-resume-at-a-table-9si2noVCVH8

https://unsplash.com/photos/three-people-sitting-in-front-of-table-laughing-together-g1Kr4Ozfoac

https://unsplash.com/photos/macbook-pro-near-white-open-book-FHnnjk1Yj7Y

https://unsplash.com/photos/a-man-with-glasses-is-looking-at-a-laptop-hHg9MC-G8_Y

The Swag Bag Is Still Smart Marketing

February 15, 2023 by Contributed Post Leave a Comment

The Swag Bag has long been a great way for businesses to give event attendees something to take away. However, you are less likely to find things like personalized pens in there (even if they are handy) than ever before.

The content of Swag Bags has been seriously upgraded, and they’re not just packed with logo-filled items either. Companies work on unique collaborations that make sense and create unique offerings.

And since you know your customer so well – or at least who you want to attract, you’ll be in a great position to put together a Swag Bag that just works.

So what should the average Swag Bag have in it?

Photo by Yue Iris on Unsplash

The Basics

The reason the basics are called the basics is that everyone needs them. They just work, and if your logo is on it while it is being used or shared – you’re top of mind. The cooler, the better, of course, but what do we mean by basics?

Reusable water bottles
Charger cables and blocks
Pen and paper
Mugs/cups
Socks, scarf, and or gloves

Anything that you consider an everyday essential is prime for the basics swag back. Practical and pretty.

The Taster

If you have a smash-hit event, that is great, but the best way for potential new clients and loyal clients to see what you’ve got coming up is a taster bag. The taster bag is a cool way to unveil new products and get them tested firsthand.

Or if you are a service provider and you have several clients, work with the clients to present a taster bag that is choc-full of what they can offer you.

Try to prepare a range of items, even if your clients are all in the same industry.

Limited Ed

There is nothing on earth that will incite FOMO and bragging as quickly as a limited edition item. And, if the entire swag bag is packed with limited edition items, they will be instantly Instagram-worthy – creating UGC (some of the best marketing).

Collaborations between local artists or big artists, companies, designers, and more can be the culmination of items that are so coveted you get plenty of exposure.

Experience

Create a bag that has everything your attendees will need for a specific experience. You can make these as elaborate as you want. Take a look at local events, global events, and even sporting events.

You can set them up for a night of fun with a star gazers goodie bag filled with warm blankets, sky maps, and tips for where you can see which constellations, or do one for a daytime sky event like an eclipse! Eclipse glasses, snacks, and a picnic blanket are perfect.

Big nights in goodie bags are big business, too; add a movie voucher for a company like Pathe, some movie snacks, popcorn boxes, cozy socks, and other fun movie night things.

Wellness and self-care are big businesses, and even if you don’t directly deal in that industry, it is beneficial to your potential clients and you to have wellness and health as a priority. Soaps, journals, bath salts, fruit and veg hampers, or a subscription to a healthy eating meal box, a year sub to the Calm or Headspace app too.
Think big when it comes to your Swag Bag because you have the opportunity to make a huge impact on your current clients, potential clients, and your business. The name of the game with events, the follow up and the swag bags is visibility. Here are some more tips on how to increase yours: Bringing More Exposure to Your Business.

Make the Most of Your Business Trips in 2023

January 24, 2023 by Diana Smith Leave a Comment

Business travel can be a great opportunity to expand your network and grow your business, but it can also be a source of stress and inconvenience. To make the most of your business trips, it’s important to be prepared and stay organized.

Plan ahead

Before you leave, make sure you have all the necessary documents, such as your passport, visa, and tickets. It’s also a good idea to research your destination and make a list of things you want to see or accomplish while you’re there. This will help you make the most of your time and ensure that you’re able to attend all the important meetings and events that you have planned. Planning ahead will also help you prepare for any potential time zone changes, so you can hit the ground running when you arrive. Additionally, it’s important to make sure that you have all the information you need, such as the contact details of the people you’ll be meeting, and the addresses of the hotels and venues where you’ll be staying.

Learn how to get around

When you reach a new country, it’s important to have a plan for getting around. One of the first things you’ll need to do is research transportation options to and from the airport, as well as options for getting around the city during your stay. Some common options include taxis, public transportation, and rental cars. Taxis are a convenient option, but they can be expensive. Public transportation is often a cost-effective option and can be a great way to get a feel for the local culture. Rental cars can be a good option if you’re planning on traveling outside of the city, but it’s important to be familiar with the local driving laws and regulations. If you’re visiting a huge country like Australia, think about car hire in Brisbane and you’ll be able to go whenever you need to do whenever you want. Finally, consider researching ride-sharing options such as Uber or Lyft, which may be available in the city you are visiting.

Pack smart

Packing is an important part of business travel, and it’s essential to pack smart. Pack only what you need and try to stick to a carry-on bag if possible. This will save you time and hassle at the airport, and it will also make it easier to stay organized once you’re on the road. Pack clothes that are easy to mix and match, so you can easily create different outfits. Also, pack a good pair of walking shoes and comfortable clothes for long flights. Additionally, make sure you pack all the essentials you’ll need for your trip, such as your toiletries, medication, and important documents. Consider also bringing a small sewing kit and a laundry bag, so you can freshen up your clothes during your trip if needed.

Stay connected

Staying connected is essential when you’re on the road, and it’s important to make sure you have all the necessary chargers and adapters for your electronic devices, and also invest in a portable charger. Staying connected with your work and family is important, so make sure you have a reliable way to connect to the internet. Consider getting a local SIM card or using a mobile hotspot to avoid high roaming charges. It’s also important to make sure that you have all the necessary apps installed on your phone, such as translation apps, maps, and transportation apps, to make your trip as smooth as possible.

Stay healthy

Business travel can be taxing on your body and mind, so it’s important to take care of yourself. Make sure you get enough sleep, eat healthy food, and exercise when you can. Try to stick to your usual routine as much as possible, and make time for yourself to relax and unwind. Also, stay hydrated and try to avoid alcohol and processed foods. Eating healthy and staying hydrated will help you to stay energized and focused throughout your trip, and will also help you to avoid getting sick. Additionally, it’s important to make sure that you’re getting enough sleep, so you’re able to perform at your best during your meetings and presentations.

Be flexible

Things don’t always go as planned, so it’s important to be flexible and adapt to unexpected changes. Make sure you have a backup plan in case of flight delays or other travel issues. Try to have a positive attitude and approach any unexpected changes as an opportunity to learn and grow. Being flexible will help you to stay calm and focused, even when things don’t go as planned. It’s also important to make sure that you’re able to change your plans if necessary and to be prepared for any eventual problems that might come your way without you even noticing.

With these tips, your business trips will be more successful, so start using them right now!

How to Find the Perfect Property to Buy

November 20, 2022 by Jess Cooper Leave a Comment

Image source

Buying a property is surely a big step in life, hence, you should approach it responsibly and with careful thought. Most average people buy a property only once in life. It is a big investment, so you must make sure that the property you buy is right for you now and in the future as well. At least some near future. Purchasing a perfect property is a long and complex process and as such, it starts way before looking at actual properties. To do it right and consider every possible factor, you should take it slow and be thorough about it.

So, to find the perfect property to buy, you should start with your budget. This is key, as it sets the direction for further steps. Then, you should identify your needs and decide what it is actually that you are looking for. After you’ve done that, it’s time to start searching and narrowing down the search. There will probably be a few properties that you like, so the next step would be to see and inspect them live. That will help you decide which one you like the best. And the final step is making an offer.

Set your budget

The first step when buying a property is setting a budget – this is what defines your search. So, before starting a property hunt, you should consider how you will pay for your property and how much money you have at your disposal. There are fewer cash buyers than those who purchase homes through a mortgage. When buying through a mortgage, you also need to have in mind that you need a deposit of 5 to 10% of the total property price, in cash. A financial adviser can help you assess how much mortgage you can afford as well as help you apply for a loan. Don’t forget to account for additional costs such as legal fees, stamp duty land tax, and removal costs.

Identify your needs

When you have set the budget, it’s time to move to the next step which is identifying your needs and wants. In this step, you should think about what kind of home would be perfect for you. Consider the criteria your new home should fulfill to fit your needs. If you aim to be close to a certain school or your work, map out the area that interests you. Don’t confuse your needs and wants. Make a list of what your needs are and another one with your wants. It will help you make a choice eventually. For instance, a want is a 4-bedroom house, while your actual need is 3. When you have a clear picture of what kind of home you need, you can hire a professional buyer’s agency, such as Curtis Associates, to help you find your dream home.

Start searching and narrow the search down

Before hiring a buyer’s agent, you can start searching on your own, to check out the market and see what is out there. Nowadays, you can easily do that using the internet. You can also check out some local real estate agencies and register on some websites to get alerts when certain new properties are listed. Use filters to narrow down your search by selecting certain locations, price ranges, and sizes of the property. You can also go for some traditional methods, such as looking at listings in local newspapers. Moreover, you can call or email prominent real estate agents in your area and ask them about currently listed properties or new ones coming in. It is easier when you have completed the previously mentioned steps and when you know how much you can afford and what exactly you are looking for.

Inspect the chosen properties

So far, you probably have a few favorites among the properties. How will you decide which one is the best for you? Well, by visiting the properties and taking a closer look at them. Even though nowadays, real estate agencies post quite quality photos of properties as well as 3D tour videos, it is still best to see the property live if possible. In that way, you can inspect it thoroughly and ask all kinds of detailed questions. You should know all about electricity, water, pipes, potential mold and rot, and so on.

Remember that if you really want to inspect it properly and fully, you can’t do better than hiring a professional home inspector. They will know what to look for and all the signs of the major problems you are hoping to avoid, and you will find that having their expertise on your side is going to be incredibly important here. As long as they give the place a clean bill of health, you will be much more confident that it is a property you are going to love, and which will treat you well for many years. That’s a peace of mind that we are all keen to have with our homes.

Make an offer

The final step is making an offer. The details will help you make a final decision about the right property to buy. Take some time to consider all the factors before making a final decision.

Searching for an ideal property to buy can be tedious and overwhelming, taking a lot of your time. However, you should approach the whole process seriously to avoid making a costly mistake.