http://www.lifetracks.com/RSS_latest_content http://www.lifetracks.com/learning/qualifications/your-study-options/home-study With the threat of university tuition fees rising, studying at home seems like a good option. But do you have the motivation to work alone? We asked two students on distance learning courses to give us the inside track on the pros and cons of home learning. http://www.lifetracks.com/learning/qualifications/your-study-options/home-study http://www.lifetracks.com/working/job-hunting/leaving-care-and-looking-for-work Looking for a job is daunting enough, but if you've left the care system you might be worried you'll experience prejudice from employers. Luckily there's support available to help you get through this tricky transition. http://www.lifetracks.com/working/job-hunting/leaving-care-and-looking-for-work http://www.lifetracks.com/working/work-survival/your-rights-at-work/dating-a-colleague Finding love at work is not uncommon - after all, you're around your colleagues eight hours a day. Employers are often less than impressed though, with some companies even banning workplace romances. Lifetracks.com finds out what happens when harmless flirting turns into more than a fling. http://www.lifetracks.com/working/work-survival/your-rights-at-work/dating-a-colleague http://www.lifetracks.com/learning/qualifications/your-study-options/retakes Not everyone jumps for joy when they get their exam results, but that doesn't mean you're a failure. You can still get the grades you want by resitting. http://www.lifetracks.com/learning/qualifications/your-study-options/retakes http://www.lifetracks.com/learning/qualifications/types-of-qualification/post-graduate-qualifications During times of economic uncertainty it's tempting to keep studying, but with living expenses estimated at around £15,000 it's essential you choose the right course. http://www.lifetracks.com/learning/qualifications/types-of-qualification/post-graduate-qualifications http://www.lifetracks.com/learning/student-survival/life-after-uni Graduation can be a scary time; chances are you have no money, no idea what you want to do next and might have to move back in with your parents. Here's our guide to planning your next move. http://www.lifetracks.com/learning/student-survival/life-after-uni http://www.lifetracks.com/www.lifetracks.com/working/work-survival/your-health-at-work/fit-notes Fit notes replace the old-style sick notes given out by doctors. How will they affect you? http://www.lifetracks.com/www.lifetracks.com/working/work-survival/your-health-at-work/fit-notes http://www.lifetracks.com/learning/student-survival/cheating-and-plagiarism-is-it-worth-it With essays for sale on eBay and hundreds of websites offering to do your work for a fee, it's all too tempting to cheat. But is it worth it? http://www.lifetracks.com/learning/student-survival/cheating-and-plagiarism-is-it-worth-it http://www.lifetracks.com/working/work-survival/your-rights-at-work/being-laid-off-your-employment-rights Being laid-off is not the same as being made redundant or being sacked. Usually, it means your employer doesn't have enough work for you temporarily and asks you not to come in for a while. Read on to find out what your employment rights are. http://www.lifetracks.com/working/work-survival/your-rights-at-work/being-laid-off-your-employment-rights http://www.lifetracks.com/working/job-hunting/networking-how-to-network-contacts Most jobs aren't advertised, so talking to people and keeping your ears open gives you an advantage. http://www.lifetracks.com/working/job-hunting/networking-how-to-network-contacts http://www.lifetracks.com/learning/qualifications/your-study-options/study-options-for-young-mums Having a baby while you're still a student doesn't have to mean the end of your education. There's plenty of support available if you know where to look. http://www.lifetracks.com/learning/qualifications/your-study-options/study-options-for-young-mums http://www.lifetracks.com/working/work-survival/your-health-at-work/dealing-with-my-manager Your relationship with your manager can seriously impact on your working life, so it's important you start off on the right foot. http://www.lifetracks.com/working/work-survival/your-health-at-work/dealing-with-my-manager http://www.lifetracks.com/working/your-career-path/what-job/avoid-fraud-jobs If a job opportunity comes your way that sounds too good to be true, it probably is. http://www.lifetracks.com/working/your-career-path/what-job/avoid-fraud-jobs http://www.lifetracks.com/working/your-career-path/job-profiles/MP-chloe-smith At 28, Chloe Smith is the UK's youngest MP. She explains how she got into politics and what to expect from the job. http://www.lifetracks.com/working/your-career-path/job-profiles/MP-chloe-smith http://www.lifetracks.com/working/your-career-path/what-job/graduate-jobs-training-scheme Graduate opportunities might seem like gold dust right now, but there are plenty out there, you just need to know how to tap into them. http://www.lifetracks.com/working/your-career-path/what-job/graduate-jobs-training-scheme http://www.lifetracks.com/working/job-hunting/make-your-cv-stand-out-from-the-crowd Making your CV stand out isn't just about impressive qualifications - you need to prove you have other skills, too. Volunteering, activities, hobbies and interests are good ways of doing this, but which ones should you mention and what should you say? http://www.lifetracks.com/working/job-hunting/make-your-cv-stand-out-from-the-crowd http://www.lifetracks.com/working/what-job/turning-your-hobby-into-a-job If you have a hobby you are passionate about but hate your day job, it might be time to reconsider your career options. Turning a love of retro clothing or playing Xbox into full time work isn't an easy option, but with determination it could be possible. http://www.lifetracks.com/working/what-job/turning-your-hobby-into-a-job http://www.lifetracks.com/learning/student-survival/getting-student-support Studying for a qualification is never easy, but if you're dealing with a crisis it can be a painful and isolating experience. http://www.lifetracks.com/learning/student-survival/getting-student-support http://www.lifetracks.com/learning/student-money/survive-on-a-student-budget Is it possible to have enough money to spend on fun things without resorting to living off beans on toast every night? It is if you know how to budget. http://www.lifetracks.com/learning/student-money/survive-on-a-student-budget http://www.lifetracks.com/working/your-career-path/what-job/future-jobs In these uncertain times, it's hard to know which qualifications will guarantee you a job in the future. Lifetracks.com investigates what's hot in the world of work. http://www.lifetracks.com/working/your-career-path/what-job/future-jobs http://www.lifetracks.com/skills-and-experience/volunteering/case-study-volunteering-to-improve-your-job-prospects Many careers these days demand experience before you start - but how are you supposed to get it? Volunteering could be the perfect way to get some good skills and prove your worth, as long as you make sure you get out as much as you're putting in. http://www.lifetracks.com/skills-and-experience/volunteering/case-study-volunteering-to-improve-your-job-prospects http://www.lifetracks.com/working/work-survival/your-health-at-work/surviving-your-first-day-in-a-new-job Starting a new job is incredibly exciting, but the thought of walking into an office as 'the newbie' can be pretty daunting. Here's how to survive your first day. http://www.lifetracks.com/working/work-survival/your-health-at-work/surviving-your-first-day-in-a-new-job http://www.lifetracks.com/working/your-career-path/working-for-yourself/how-i-started-my-own-business Starting your own business can be incredibly exciting and rewarding but it's also full of challenges, so make sure you do your homework first. http://www.lifetracks.com/working/your-career-path/working-for-yourself/how-i-started-my-own-business http://www.lifetracks.com/skills-and-experience/volunteering/getting-a-grant-for-a-community-project If you have a great idea for a project in your community, why not apply for a grant? Many organisations offer money for a wide range of activities, and you won't need to pay it back. http://www.lifetracks.com/skills-and-experience/volunteering/getting-a-grant-for-a-community-project http://www.lifetracks.com/skills-and-experience/life-skills/transferable-skills Are you organised, punctual and good at using your own initiative? If the answer is 'yes' then you already have three of the essential transferable skills that will help you in your career path. http://www.lifetracks.com/skills-and-experience/life-skills/transferable-skills http://www.lifetracks.com/working/what-job/working-and-travelling-abroad Why wait to find a job at home when you can work somewhere sunny instead? Travelling and working overseas is always an option if you're craving a bit of adventure - and it can even help your job prospects when you get home. http://www.lifetracks.com/working/what-job/working-and-travelling-abroad http://www.lifetracks.com/skills-and-experience/volunteering/volunteer-at-christmas If all those mince pies have left you craving something more fulfilling, volunteering at Christmas is a good option. There are lots of ways to get involved - here are just a few. http://www.lifetracks.com/skills-and-experience/volunteering/volunteer-at-christmas http://www.lifetracks.com/work-survival/money/overtime Thanks to the recession, many of us are being asked to put in longer hours - often unpaid. Make sure you know your rights when it comes to overtime. http://www.lifetracks.com/work-survival/money/overtime http://www.lifetracks.com/learning/student-survival/study-motivation Feeling underwhelmed by the prospect of a session in the library is not a sign of laziness. In most cases it means you feel unclear about what you're doing, or overwhelmed by your workload. If that rings a familiar bell, here's how to kick-start yourself into action. http://www.lifetracks.com/learning/student-survival/study-motivation http://www.lifetracks.com/working/job-hunting/temp-to-perm More jobs are being advertised as 'temp to perm'. On one hand it's a great opportunity to try out a role before you commit to it. But could it also mean getting stuck as a perpetual temp when the promised permanent role doesn't materialise? Lifetracks.com investigates. http://www.lifetracks.com/working/job-hunting/temp-to-perm http://www.lifetracks.com/yourlifeontrack We want Your Life on Track to be UK's largest collection of online careers advice videos, but to make it happen we're going to need your help. http://www.lifetracks.com/yourlifeontrack http://www.lifetracks.com/working/work-survival/your-rights-at-work/assistive-technology If you have a disability or learning difficulty there's a huge range of specialist equipment that can help overcome barriers to studying and working. New products are being developing all the time so making sure you get what you need at a price you can afford can be mind boggling. To help you make sense of the most common adaptations, read on. http://www.lifetracks.com/working/work-survival/your-rights-at-work/assistive-technology http://www.lifetracks.com/working/job-hunting/xmas-jobs The festive season is fast approaching and Santa isn't the only one who needs extra help. Lifetracks.com goes on a mission to find the best Christmas jobs - Kerr-Ching! http://www.lifetracks.com/working/job-hunting/xmas-jobs http://www.lifetracks.com/working/work-survival/your-rights-at-work/sick-pay If you can't work because you're unwell, it's important to know your rights regarding sick pay. Each employer will have a different policy, but there are some basics which are covered by law. http://www.lifetracks.com/working/work-survival/your-rights-at-work/sick-pay http://www.lifetracks.com/working/work-survival/your-rights-at-work/holiday-entitlement-bank-holidays We all need time away from work to recharge our batteries and forget about the usual routine for a while, so find out how much holiday you're entitled to. http://www.lifetracks.com/working/work-survival/your-rights-at-work/holiday-entitlement-bank-holidays http://www.lifetracks.com/skills-and-experience/work-experience-and-internships/applying-for-a-work-experience-placement Work experience placements are always in demand. The Young Gov panel of young people got together to discuss how they found their work placements and what they did to maximise their chances of further employment. http://www.lifetracks.com/skills-and-experience/work-experience-and-internships/applying-for-a-work-experience-placement http://www.lifetracks.com/working/job-hunting/finding-employment-with-jobcentreplus Visiting the job centre can be frustrating - and the process of claiming benefits can be tedious - but don't despair. Find out how to survive signing on with our guide to Jobcentre Plus. http://www.lifetracks.com/working/job-hunting/finding-employment-with-jobcentreplus http://www.lifetracks.com/working/work-survival/your-rights-at-work/help-for-parents-and-carers-at-work For parents and carers, juggling work and home can be a difficult balancing act. Lifetracks finds out what options and support are available. http://www.lifetracks.com/working/work-survival/your-rights-at-work/help-for-parents-and-carers-at-work http://www.lifetracks.com/skills-and-experience/work-experience-and-internships/internships-and-your-career Working full-time for zero pay may sound like slave labour, but an internship could give you the experience you need to land the job you really want. http://www.lifetracks.com/skills-and-experience/work-experience-and-internships/internships-and-your-career http://www.lifetracks.com/report http://www.lifetracks.com/report http://www.lifetracks.com/working/work-survival/losing-your-job/recession-worries Our panel talk about whether the recession is having an affect on their lives, and if it is causing problems when finding jobs or choosing study options for the future. http://www.lifetracks.com/working/work-survival/losing-your-job/recession-worries http://www.lifetracks.com/learning/your-study-options/college-sixth-form Your GCSEs are over and it's time to move on. While the world of work may feel a long way away, the choices you make now can affect your career. Here are your options. http://www.lifetracks.com/learning/your-study-options/college-sixth-form http://www.lifetracks.com/skills-and-experience/gap-year-volunteering After taking a year out, Nerdy decided to gain experience by volunteering in her local community, including providing sex education with the Terrence Higgins Trust. She's found that the skills she's picked up will stand her in good stead when she attends university and eventually starts looking for a job. As she says, "It's shaped me, so it'll shape you." http://www.lifetracks.com/skills-and-experience/gap-year-volunteering http://www.lifetracks.com/learning/student-survival/student-loan-problems Cash flow is a major headache for students, especially if your student loan or grant hasn't turned up. Read on for practical advice about what to do when your bank account suddenly looks empty. http://www.lifetracks.com/learning/student-survival/student-loan-problems http://www.lifetracks.com/working/job-hunting/using-a-recruitment-agency Using a recruitment agency might seem like a good way of getting someone else to do all the leg work when job hunting - but you need to make sure you're in control to get the best out of the situation. http://www.lifetracks.com/working/job-hunting/using-a-recruitment-agency http://www.lifetracks.com/working/money/pay-rise-salary-increase If you think you're worth more money, it doesn't hurt to ask for more. But it can be a nerve-wracking experience, so prepare yourself with our handy guide. http://www.lifetracks.com/working/money/pay-rise-salary-increase http://www.lifetracks.com/working/your-career-path/job-profiles/engineer/forest-craftsperson Laura works for the forestry commission as a craftsperson. She explains what the job involves and where she sees her career going. http://www.lifetracks.com/working/your-career-path/job-profiles/engineer/forest-craftsperson http://www.lifetracks.com/working/your-career-path/job-profiles/engineer/crop-operator Roger reveals what being a herb production worker involves and how it's helped build up his confidence. http://www.lifetracks.com/working/your-career-path/job-profiles/engineer/crop-operator http://www.lifetracks.com/working/your-career-path/job-profiles/engineer/pharmacist/deputy-electrician Dave tells us how his passion for the theatre led to him becoming an electrician. http://www.lifetracks.com/working/your-career-path/job-profiles/engineer/pharmacist/deputy-electrician http://www.lifetracks.com/working/your-career-path/job-profiles/engineer/food-and-beverage-manager Douglas explains why he enjoys working in the hospitality trade and how he worked his way up the ladder. http://www.lifetracks.com/working/your-career-path/job-profiles/engineer/food-and-beverage-manager