This Co

This CoBlockstack is a new internet for decentralized apps that you access through the Blockstack Browser. With Blockstack, there is a new world of apps that let you own your data and maintain your privacy, security and freedom.But better yet, Blockstack pays for premium healthcare, provides lunch, and offers flexible work hours that accommodate your schedule. All in all, Blockstack is a thoughtful company thinking of others first.Learn more about Blockstack and their open roles (NYC and remote) here. One of the biggest challenges in almost all industries today is achieving gender parity. Gender diversity provides huge benefits in the workplace. pWhile some industries have made significant advancements in gender diversity, some industries lag further behind... and the construction industry is well-known for being in the latter category. If someone says, construction workers, youll likely picture a group of men in yellow hard hats analyzing an architects plans or laying bricks on top of a scaffold. And men at work signs only help to reinforce this image.pThis stereotype is rooted in reality. When was the last time you actually spotted a woman on a construction site? Or hired a female plumber or carpenter? Your answer is most likely never. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statisticsreports that only 3.4% of the total of 8.3 million construction employees are women.pBut the construction industry has a lot more to offer than steel-toed boots and hard hats, and it needs women to help advance the industry in this era of rapid change. Here are 5 reasons why women joining the workforce or looking to make a pivot should consider a career in construction.h21. Fuel Innovation/h2pNot only is diversity the socially and morally right thing to do, but it is also actually an excellent business strategy. pResearch presented in the Harvard Business Reviewshows that diverse teams develop more innovative ideas. This is further supported by a study conducted by Gallupon the performance of gender-diverse teams versus single-gender teams, which found that the difference in backgrounds and perspectives led to better business performance and problem-solving. h22. Capitalize on Demand/h2pThe construction industry is currently experiencing a labor shortage. The industry itself is booming and projected to be one of the fastest-growing industries, with total spending projected to exceed $1.45 trillion in 2023/a. However, most construction companies are unable to meet the rising demand. pAccording to the Associated General Contractors of America/a, more than 80% of contractors are experiencing difficulties filling hourly craft positions that represent the bulk of the construction workforce.pAnd demand isnt limited to individual contributor roles. Given the industry boom, there are a number of open stable and high-paying roles (any project managers out there?) waiting for the right candidateh23. Leadership Opportunities/h2pAccor ding to the Bureau of Labor Statistics/a, women compose only 7.7% of the total 1 million managerial positions in construction.br/pBut given the highly collaborative nature of construction work, more women in leadership roles would help drive innovation and enhance productivity.Furthermore, as a woman in construction in a leadership position, youd have the unique opportunity to drive change for the industry and make it a more attractive option for other women.h24. High-Income Potential/h2pSalaries for many skilled positions in construction are on the rise, making a construction career a prime choice for women looking for a high-paying job,pThe 2018 Construction Craft Salary Surveyconducted by the National Center for Construction Education and Research revealed that salaries for many skilled craft areas are increasing. Project managers and project supervisors topped the list at $92,523 and $88,355, respectively. The next set of highest-paying jobs include those of combo welders ($71,0 67), instrumentation technicians ($70,080), pipe welders ($69,222), power line workers ($68,262) and industrial electricians ($67,269). Of the 32 categories of workers in the survey, 19 positions earned an average salary of $60,000 or higher.h25. Sense of accomplishment/h2p The construction industry can give employees a unique sense of achievement. Yes, the job is stressful and the work can be demanding, but nothing beats the feeling of being able to build something from the ground up. pHow many professionals in other industries can point at a school, a hospital, or a skyscraper and say I helped build that?pThe construction industry has a long way to go in combating gender bias and supporting women in the workforce, but given the current demand for workers, theres no better time to pick up a sledgehammer (figurative or literal) and smash the gender stereotypes plaguing the construction industry.

Failure, empty advice and mentorship Were looking at it all wrong

Failure, empty advice and mentorship Were looking at it all wrongFailure, empty advice and mentorship Were looking at it all wrongLets talk for a second about a spooky topic that scares away too many people.The idea of failure.I resent the idea that when something goes wrong in business, its considered a failure.If you work hard, take chances and learn from mistakes, then you dont fail. You know what we should call the situation? Life as an adult in the business world.No one gets it right the first time (or probably the second or third, either). But when the approach doesnt work, its too harsh to call the outcome a failure. It was an honest attempt, and with each try you move closer to the winning formula.Dont shy away from a project because you might fail. The only failure is to stand totenstill and NOT try at all.You know what I dont like? Advice that doesnt come with instruction.For instance, leadership gurus often say, You must do the work youre passionate about.Well, duh. We all want to spend time doing what we love. But HOW do we find that work?Heres my instruction, nice and simple.What do you like to do? Make time (dont try to find time) to pursue it. Like, every week for at least two years. Im serious - go all in or dont bother.As you move along, share your progress and thoughts online. By writing it down, you will grow as a person and begin to define your area of expertise.Monitor your web traffic and look at the topic(s) people read most. Over two years, the audience will tell you where you provide the most value (and solve the biggest problem). But only if you write a lot (every week, I mean it).Focus on the niche (where you provide the most value) and leave the other topics alone. Be great at one thing and one thing only. The narrower, the better.At that point, you will have aligned your passion with solving a problem. And thats the holy grail of careers. Youll wake up every day to do what you love and improve the lives of others.What could be bett er?Its important to remember, as you work hard on your career, that you are not alone. Yes, you need to do the work and make it happen for yourself. But if you stop and think, you have many people in your network who can provide guidance and feedback.I call these people mentors for the moment. Between Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and your emaille contacts, you have a HUGE list of people who can give you objective, honest advice. Take advantage of it.When friends ask me for career advice, I do what I can to help. The next minute, I might seek out the same person to draw on their strengths (ex finance, business strategy).Its not a weakness to ask for help. It shows youre serious about getting better every day.Thiscolumnfirst appeared onDannyhRubin.com.