

Searching For Remote Work? Look Out For These Red Flags
Living through a pandemic has many of us wondering how to find remote jobs, and since everyone seems to be working from home (or are now privy to the wonderful world of flex hours), the allure of the seemingly countless remote work opportunities is definitely there. I mean, you can't go online without seeing some pop-up ad, YouTube video, or social media webinar touting the freedom, demand, success and "can't miss" dream of remote work.
Well, with anything that seems to be in-demand and full of fantasy, there are always red flags. The scamming is real, and even in the world of regular recruitment, you've got to be careful. Here are a few red flags to look out for so that your desire to pursue remote work doesn't lead you to new and avoidable problems:
1. The salary listed is too good to be true.
This one is a doozy because we could all use a few more coins. Here's the thing: The company could offer you that salary but never pay you for the work. Why? Because it was a farce in the first place. Or worse: The job never existed, the "recruiter" actually doesn't even work for the company, or the listing was fake. Scammers will use tactics like offering a high salary that is not even commiserate with the industry nor does it match with what you've researched online. According to reports, job scams have increased during the pandemic, and this is a major tell-tale sign that you're dealing with a counterfeit professional or fraudster.
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2. They ask you for an upfront payment or "investment."
When you're unemployed (or even when you're not), you definitely don't have money to waste, and there are so many free resources out here for finding work. No reputable company will ask for an upfront payment to interview you or to give you access to more information about the job. Also, no company will need your debit or credit card information in order to vet you for a position. Sis, don't even question this. It's a scam. Period. Case closed. (If you need even more information about this or you want to find out if you've been a victim—and what you should do—check out the Federal Trade Commission's website or consult a local legal professional, several of which offer free consultations.
(Now, hiring a career coach, headhunter, recruitment consultant, or leadership coach is a different story. In this case, you're paying for actual services and time, but you still need to vet these professionals as well.)
3. The company's online presence is a tad sus, at best.
No matter the industry or type of work: If the company's website has not been updated and the information on their site is old or sparse, raise more than an eyebrow. (You can check these things by looking at the year listed at the bottom of the home page of most reputable businesses' Websites.)
Furthermore, if the company or brand doesn't have a presence on LinkedIn, writes you from an email address that includes misspellings or is mostly used for personal correspondences, or if you can't verify its financials, team members, or management via several online sources that you trust, sis, walk away.
Most companies have social media accounts and Websites that are actively updated, and company information is usually readily available on the Web, whether it's on their own site or via Forbes, Inc., the Better Business Bureau or local news outlets. Use sites like Yelp, Glassdoor, and Indeed to read reviews about the company or brand, check online for applicable licenses or certifications or visit the attorney general's site for where the company is based. It's also a good idea to Google the names of the people emailing you about the position and see if they have their own LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram accounts. If they don't, again, that's a red flag.
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4. Their payment process is sketchy.
As a remote worker, you should have a clear understanding of how you'll be paid, via what platform or means, how often, and how your taxes will be handled. You should also be able to get this in information in writing, and feel comfortable offering information required for payroll or tax purposes (such as your address or social security number.) If you ask questions on this and feel like you're pulling teeth to get answers, chuck the dueces. Also, if you're given vague insights in reference to pay or you just don't feel comfortable with the payment method or process, you might want to just reconsider working for the company or brand altogether.
At reputable companies, many remote workers are paid through the same processes as regular, in-office workers, so keep that in mind. If they don't have an in-house HR and payroll team, they'll typically contract with companies like ADP or offer to pay via platforms like PayPal. Also, I love a company that is super-responsive, especially when it comes to payment issues or questions, so having a direct phone number for talking to a live human or at least a chat option where you can get real-time responses is a good look.
Might I add, as a freelancer, this doesn't just apply to major corporations or brands. It's also in reference to small business owners or solopreneurs who contract you for work. That still counts as remote work, and when you depend on this to pay your bills—and your taxes—you'll want to be sure you're not setting yourself up for nonsense and drama.
5. They are asking for personal information—like a social security number—up front.
Again, fraud, fraud, and more fraud. This information is typically not required until after a job offer is made, according to experts, and that makes perfect sense considering that the social is often needed solely for payroll purposes or background checks. Some companies ask for a social during the application process, but I'd side-eye considering the privacy and ethics issues. (Also, it's a practice that is highly discouraged.)
Vet companies and get to know who you're corresponding with before you give out your personal information, especially your social security number. In some states, asking for the social before an offer is made is a big no-no and could put a company in a position to face fines or legal action, so be sure you're aware of the the statutes and best practices.
Before offering this information—and only after you've gotten that congrats email—ask about the companies' cybersecurity policies as well as their privacy efforts in storing your information. Ask them how the information will be used, and get details of this in writing. And even if you get pretty comfortable with the interviewer or recruiter, verify if it's even necessary to give out that information. Some contract workers who are self-employed, for example, use EIN numbers.
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6. You have no idea who handles HR or tech issues.
As a remote worker, you can sometimes feel super-displaced, almost like a distant cousin or step-child who is part of the family but not necessarily acknowledged and almost always forgotten when its time to send out those family reunion invites. Having an HR professional to address questions or troubleshoot any problems that might arise with management, work hours, pay, expectations, or grievances is always a good sign that the company values all its workers—not just those who come into an actual office every day.
Companies that don't have at least one neutral party you can talk to about the usual everyday work-related issues you're confronted with that actually affect your work can create cultures that facilitate toxic, unfulfilled experiences. When there is no unbiased, professional party to turn to for recourse in resolving challenges or addressing unprofessional behaviors, the situation can turn into the remote job from hell. It's good to take note of who handles these issues or ask questions related to human resources before moving forward.
And when it comes to tech, companies that actually have a dedicated team, hotline, or person to handle IT issues are great to work for, especially since many remote jobs require use of a laptop or computer and some sort of Internet connection. Who wants to have to worry about not being able to get their work done because they can't get in contact with an actual tech professional to find out why their email isn't working or why they're locked out of certain platforms? Again, it'll be the flex job from hell. Run.
7. You are required to use your own equipment or buy equipment to do your job.
Unless you're a freelancer or small business owner by trade and you're able to write off your equipment as a business or work expense, don't accommodate requests to go out spending your own money for a job. Once your home computer breaks down, gets a virus from something you were required to download, or is overwhelmed by constant file-sharing and video calls, you're left holding the bag while the company doesn't have to invest a penny in providing proper equipment or compensating you for your losses.
If there are special tech accessories, hardware, or software requirements, reputable companies will provide without question. I know plenty of people whose jobs suddenly went remote and their companies provided headsets, computers, keyboards, phones, and other items needed to make the transition seamless. I've also worked for companies that have provided a laptop, phone, and reimbursements or discounts for expenses related to remote work. It was part of the offer package and I would never ask for anything less.
8. The job duties are vague, even after you've asked specific questions about them.
To start, it's a good practice to ask about the everyday tasks, the success metrics, the communication requirements and the work hours. I mean, the title might sound good, but if you don't know what you'll actually be required to do and how, you can't really thrive. When employers want quality candidates, they'll be super-clear on the qualifications, the daily duties, and how a candidate's performance will be reviewed. If they're being mum or you're still confused after corresponding with a prospective employer, just say no. You want to avoid being catfished at all costs.
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9. You can't pinpoint who your manager is or who will be evaluating your performance.
Again, this goes back to quality of experience and thriving in your career journey. You'd hate to be in a remote-job experience where you've got one too many bosses to answer to (with nonstop, conflicting emails or Slack messages from each), or you have no clue as to how good or awful you're doing at a job. In a remote situation, this can be both devastating and mentally draining. You should be able to inquire about who your direct manager will be, how they communicate, and what their specific expectations are for the position. This will also give you the information you need to research your potential manager by looking up their social profiles or reading reviews of their leadership on job search sites.
10. It's remote... until it's not.
Yep, some companies will pull the ol' bait-and-switch with you where they initially advertised the position as remote but during the interview slide in a mention of the possibility that "once everything gets back to normal" you will be "asked" to come into the office. There are also those recruiters and managers who will use very blurry language when asked whether the position you're interviewing for will remain remote. It's the "For now, we all work remote, but we have offices in..." for me.
If you enjoy working remote, still don't feel comfortable working in an office, have a health issue, or want to continue having the flexibility to home school your children or to travel, this is definitely a red flag to consider. In weeding out these sorts of fuzzy and potentially problematic employers, I just ask about the remote aspect of the job three times in at least three different ways, and I will even politely require the remote guarantee in writing before accepting an offer. When asked if you'd be OK with coming into an office, be honest and either go the direct route by simply saying, "No," or tell them why you prefer remote work.
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Smile, Sis! These Five Improvements Can Upgrade Your Oral Hygiene Instantly
This article is in partnership with Sensodyne.
Our teeth are connected to so many things - our nutrition, our confidence, and our overall mood. We often take for granted how important healthy teeth are, until issues like tooth sensitivity or gum recession come to remind us. Like most things related to our bodies, prevention is the best medicine. Here are five things you can do immediately to improve your oral hygiene, prevent tooth sensitivity, and avoid dental issues down the road.
1) Go Easy On the Rough Brushing: Brushing your teeth is and always will be priority number one in the oral hygiene department. No surprises there! However, there is such a thing as applying too much pressure when brushing…and that can lead to problems over time. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and brush in smooth, circular motions. It may seem counterintuitive, but a gentle approach to brushing is the most effective way to clean those pearly whites without wearing away enamel and exposing sensitive areas of the teeth.
2) Use A Desensitizing Toothpaste: As everyone knows, mouth pain can be highly uncomfortable; but tooth sensitivity is a whole different beast. Hot weather favorites like ice cream and popsicles have the ability to trigger tooth sensitivity, which might make you want to stay away from icy foods altogether. But as always, prevention is the best medicine here. Switching to a toothpaste like Sensodyne’s Sensitivity & Gum toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth will help build a protective layer over sensitive areas of the tooth. Over time, those sharp sensations that occur with extremely cold foods will subside, and you’ll be back to treating yourself to your icy faves like this one!
3) Floss, Rinse, Brush. (And In That Order!): Have you ever heard the saying, “It’s not what you do, but how you do it”? Well, the same thing applies to taking care of your teeth. Even if you are flossing and brushing religiously, you could be missing out on some of the benefits simply because you aren’t doing so in the right order. Flossing is best to do before brushing because it removes food particles and plaque from places your toothbrush can’t reach. After a proper flossing sesh, it is important to rinse out your mouth with water after. Finally, you can whip out your toothbrush and get to brushing. Though many of us commonly rinse with water after brushing to remove excess toothpaste, it may not be the best thing for our teeth. That’s because fluoride, the active ingredient in toothpaste that protects your enamel, works best when it gets to sit on the teeth and continue working its magic. Rinsing with water after brushing doesn’t let the toothpaste go to work like it really can. Changing up your order may take some getting used to, but over time, you’ll see the difference.
4) Stay Hydrated: Upping your water supply is a no-fail way to level up your health overall, and your teeth are no exception to this rule. Drinking water not only helps maintain a healthy pH balance in your mouth, but it also washes away residue and acids that can cause enamel erosion. It also helps you steer clear of dry mouth, which is a gateway to bad breath. And who needs that?
5) Show Your Gums Some Love: When it comes to improving your smile, you may be laser-focused on getting your teeth whiter, straighter, and overall healthier. Rightfully so, as these are all attributes of a megawatt smile; but you certainly don’t want to leave gum health out of the equation. If you neglect your gums, you’ll start to notice the effects of plaque buildup, which can irritate the gums and cause gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. Seeing blood while brushing and flossing is a tell-tale sign that your gums are suffering. You may also experience gum recession — a condition where the gum tissue surrounding your teeth pulls back, exposing more of your tooth. Brushing at least twice a day with a gum-protecting toothpaste like Sensodyne Sensitivity and Gum, coupled with regular dentist visits, will keep your gums shining as bright as those pearly whites.
The Libra woman and Aries man are the divine feminine and divine masculine, coming together as one. The love compatibility between these two is one for the books. These two are opposite signs, however, their differences tend to complement each other well. This is a dynamic relationship where they know how to have a lot of fun together, but also aren’t afraid to deal with the more serious stuff that comes with a relationship.
The Libra woman is looking for her equal in love, someone who is willing to put in the same effort she is, and the Aries man sees Libra as someone he is willing to do that with.
The Love Compatibility Of A Libra Woman And An Aries Man
What attracts a Libra woman and an Aries man to each other?
There is a magnet of attraction pulling these two together, and things tend to move pretty fast in this relationship. The Libra woman is always open to love and her charming nature rarely has any challenges here. The Aries man fights for his independence and doesn’t sacrifice that unless he is completely enamored with someone.
Once the Aries man catches the eye of the Libra woman, he is typically the one to make the first move and this instantly wins the approval of Libra.
These two feel like they have known each other forever when they meet, and this spark between them doesn’t die down easily.
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What is the relationship like between a Libra woman and an Aries man?
The relationship between the Libra woman and the Aries man is one of balance and excitement. The Aries man tends to take on the more dominant role in this relationship and the Libra woman tends to be the more receptive one. Aries is ruled by masculine Mars, and Libra is ruled by feminine Venus. They understand they are coming from two completely different worlds, yet they also instinctively feel this underlying connection to each other and like they could be something each other needs in their lives.
The Libra woman can rely on the Aries man, and the Aries man never has to ask for the love that Libra already knows he needs.
This is a couple that is often reading each other’s minds and wanting to do a lot of the same things. However, not everything is rainbow in this relationship as well, and there are some major differences they have to overcome to make things work. One argument can lead to an explosion between these two, and addressing things when they come up rather than sweeping them under the rug, will be needed to make this relationship long-term.
What is the sex like between a Libra woman and an Aries man?
The sex between a Libra woman and an Aries man is adventurous. These are two cardinal signs with plenty of energy and stamina to keep things exciting in the bedroom. There tends to be a good give and take in this relationship, and their yin and yang energy benefits them when it comes to their sex life.
There is electricity felt between the two of them in this area of their life, and their power of attraction to each other is strong. These are two people who will want to do a lot of things together, including exploring sexually together.
The Aries man will have to be careful with being overly aggressive, however, as the soft Libra woman may not like this energy- it will completely depend on the two individuals at hand. The Libra woman wants to ease into things, the Aries man wants to get going right away. Learning about each other's bodies, and energy, and reading each other’s cues will help with this.
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What makes a relationship between a Libra woman and an Aries man work?
These two genuinely like each other, and that basis is a key factor for success in any relationship. The Aries man is straight to the point, direct, and inspired. The Libra woman admires these characteristics in others, as she is often herself finding her balance in this type of energy as well. Neither sign is overly emotional in a way that turns them off, and they both require a lot of the same things in a committed relationship. They want honesty, fun, good communication, passion, and to be moving towards a common goal together.
The Libra woman and Aries man don’t have a problem being real with each other and this is something they really value within the relationship. They are both very charming, and there is plenty of flirtation and attraction to keep this relationship going. Aries being the protector they are, Libra finds a sense of safety and ease in this energy, and like they have found their match. Overall, this is a well-balanced relationship and one where they don’t have a problem when it comes to compatibility or chemistry in the relationship.
What may cause a Libra woman and an Aries man to break up?
Libra is the lover, Aries is the fighter, and this energy may be tiring for the both of them after time. The Libra woman can be passive to a fault, and the Aries man who is not evolved, may take advantage of that. She will need to be careful with putting Aries’ needs above her own, creating resentment later down the road. The Aries man loves a challenge, and the Libra woman would be up for that game for a little bit, but if she is not being met in the middle, she will begin to look for other places. These two can have a difficult time keeping the peace in the relationship, and there could be a lot of arguments and disagreements here if they both aren’t willing to put their egos or self-pleasing attitudes to the side.
The Libra woman and Aries man are both more sensitive than they appear or come off as. They are also not necessarily the type to dive deep into their emotions and express them to others, even in their relationships. However, this energy can keep the relationship to a surface level than what is needed to progress and grow the relationship, and a sense of openness is required for this couple to work. Libra needs romance, she wants to be wowed. Aries needs to remember this and to always consider her love language.
Summary
Overall, this is a successful pairing. They will have their fair share of challenges in the relationship, but nothing they can’t overcome if they are willing to. The trouble will come in when it comes to the longevity of the relationship, keeping Aries excited and Libra in love. However, all in all, there is more power, attraction, and love to keep this relationship together rather than apart. No relationship is perfect, but this one is a little more blessed than most.
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