Many employees never took the time to explore the various benefits offered by their employers. What started out initially as an exciting and fresh new venture slowly morphs into a mechanically cold routine of perpetual boredom. Suddenly, that monthly salary you negotiated at the start of your employment does not motivate you the way it once did. Annual raises never keep pace with the inflation rate, so even if you get one, it is like chasing your shadow. You pour many youth years of yourself into an organization only to one day find that blanket of security snatched away without remorse and little notice.

While there is absolutely nothing you can do to stop the axe from falling, you can at least pillage a few villages before your head rolls. Okay, so maybe that analogy was a little harsh, but I mean this simply, take advantage of every possible benefit your employer has to offer. Yes, salary is a huge part of compensation, but why not enhance your compensation package by taking little extra. How you say? I thought you would never ask. Some employers offer tuition assistance programs to their employees since they are finding education to be an integral part of building a successful organization. If you are fortunate enough to be employed by such an organization, and you are without a degree, take advantage of the benefit. It is an absolute no-brainer, but it surprises me to know that so few actually do. I always tell people that it is tax free money (up to $5250.00) left on the table. Not only that, but education is mobile and it goes where you go, even if it is a rival organization (insert evil laugh here). Can you say the same about the company car or the laptop you were excited to get when you got the job? Imagine that, your employer is GIVING you something that cannot be taken back after you are terminated.

Flexible spending accounts are also popular with employers, and like tuition assistance, it is overlooked because people are either unaware or fail to explore their options. The maximum allotment amount toward a flexible spending account is up to $5,000.00 depending on your benefits package and employer. The money is pulled from your pay in the form of pre-tax dollars (translation: money normally reserved for Uncle Sam). Now that I think about it, opening a flexible spending account also carries the added benefit of sticking it to Uncle Sam since that money is being funneled to you, though indirectly. There are generally two types of spending accounts, medical and dependent. Medical covers most types of over-the-counter pain medication, diaper ointment, eye care, and some elective surgeries to name a few. Dependent care covers pre-school tuition, au pair services/expenses and some related travel expenses. The same mantra applies here; make the most of your benefits.

Vacation time is perhaps the most under-utilized benefit by most employees. It is there for the taking, but few capitalize on it. While companies don't mind capitalizing on every clause in that employee handbook during orientation, we as employees are reluctant to reciprocate the favor. The responsibility of keeping tabs on your psychological stability and anything that threatens it lies not with your employer. Besides, going through the motions will eventually manifest in your work and jeopardize your employment. Managers can be short-sighted, and often forgot about the extra responsibilities you took on that probably triggered your psychological meltdown. So what is the moral of the story? Take those sanity days.

There are other benefits that employers offer such as stock options plans that many people under-utilize. But I say it is time to stop going through the motions, and letting the current carry you aimlessly. Don't blend into the sea of corporate habitualness without at least exacting some quiet revenge by taking a little extra. Maximize those benefits because it goes without saying that your employer will undoubtedly attempt to push you beyond your limits in the name of increasing productivity. I realize, these benefits provide little consolation when unemployment is looming and incomes are interrupted, but at the very least you walk away with more than came with.

Finally, build a back-salary by researching online jobs when you have the spare time.  Don't spend another 10 years watching TV series that will get you no-where.  In bad times, these online jobs from home are going to be your monthly income saviour.

Relevant Reading:
Work at Home Now - The No-nonsense Guide : ~ Christine Durst

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