Job Hopping Isnt The Only Way to Show Ambition Heres Why

Job Hopping Isnt The Only Way to Show Ambition Heres WhyJob Hopping Isnt The Only Way to Show Ambition - Heres Why Job hopping is becoming increasingly normal, with 64 percent of prof essionals think changing roles every few years can be beneficial, according to a 2018 survey from Robert Half - just four years ago, only 42 percent of workers held the same belief.Popular amongst Millennials and younger workers, job hopping has been on the rise because they are motivated to advance in their careers ratzu sich than get stuck in one job for a couple of years. However, staying at one company for five or more years does not mean youre lame or lack ambition.The employees at AdRoll Group , an organization with unique internal mobility and flexibility, have found an employer that allows them to advance in their careers while staying within the same company. The lesson theyve shared with Glassdoor is that staying at one company can allow for as much career growth as hoppi ng from one job to the next.If youre feeling stagnant in your career, but love the company you work for, see how the employees of AdRoll have built a flourishing career without bouncing from company to the next.To grow, you need to build the proper foundation and mastering your current position should be the starting point. If youre proficient in your role, youll platzdeckchen yourself on the path for growth and mobility, suggests Emma Gilroy. Gilroy has changed positions multiple times with AdRoll. Her recommendation Number one, master your day-to-day responsibilities. Get to a place where everyone has really strong confidence in your abilities.Gilroy - who serves as the Global Head of Customer Operations - explains to do this, you must work and operate in a smart manner get your work done in a timely, efficient way do it to a high standard and tackle problems head-on, become more solutions-oriented.Mastering your core role will not only set you up for success but also help y ou get you noticed by leadership (something youll need for mobility). According to Gilroy Once youve instilled confidence across the board in your ability to fulfill your primary tasks, with people beyond just your direct line of management, other people can start to become advocates who erleichterung you and your contributions.Taking your time within your career path allows you to learn and master specific skills that set you up as the expert in your company. If youre flying up the ladder, or consistently changing roles , you cant identify these opportunities- or lack the focused time to dedicate to honing a specific skill set.Ive seen a lot of success in the teams Ive managed when people are able to identify something unique to them, where they could go deeper than others and become an expert, recalls Gilroy. If you get really strong in one specific area where you can then help other people, you can start to have a broader impact. There will be more dependency on you and your contributions.Ultimately, if youre an expert in an area you can own, you can use that to leverage movement into new positions. Gilroy explains, The key to internal growth and mobility is identifying something that interests you but also can create a specialty. In going deep, you also ensure that youre working in a role that you truly enjoy, which makes all future career changes much more fulfilling.Honing in on your position and the skills that make you successful may help you find the confidence you need to move into new roles. People can get distracted by trying to cover too much and never really become successful in that core day to day, which can lead to a lack of confidence, says Gilroy.Togbor Wentum has moved between several positions during his journey at AdRoll, each time getting closer to where he wanted to be. The solutions engineer explains how giving 110 percent in his positions not only boosted his confidence but lead to successful mobility Do your core role with dedication and then do extra. I was giving all of myself to the team and the company, essentially showing that I delve into work wholeheartedly and that my behavior was not going to change when I moved into a new role. Demonstrating full involvement by bringing your wholehearted self to work and getting after it, helps build confidence in your ability to continue doing that.Make sure that you and your boss have confidence in your abilities with these tips from GilroyMaking moves within a company that already knows your good work can make it easier to try different roles or paths without having to deal with the strenuous hopping. Kelly Eng, currently in a product management role, figured out that marketing wasnt for her after changing positionsI think marketing is really fascinating, but it wasnt something I wanted to do full time. That said, I learned a ton in that role and now have an appreciation for how challenging it can be to craft a compelling, relevant message.This als o makes you more valuable to the company, as you move from position to position, gleaning insights into the challenges of your co-workers Marketing taught me how tough it can be to truly step into the shoes of a customer and pierce the bubble of the internal myths of a company.Build a Career, One Position at a TimeIf youre worried your career progression is too slow, consider how you can move up within your current company . Dont forget, however, that you have to walk before you run. Establish yourself as the obvious candidate for new positions by mastering your current role, take the time to become an expert in a specialty, and use internal mobility to test out new departments or roles.

Harrier Jump Jet Used by the U.S. Marine Corps

Harrier Jump Jet Used by the U.S. Marine CorpsHarrier Jump Jet Used by the U.S. Marine CorpsThe AV-8B Harrier jet is the plane that acts like a helicopter and can literally take off and land anywhere a helicopter can.With its ability to conduct Vertical/Short Takeoff and Landing (V/STOL),the AV-8B Harrier II jet provides the U.S. Marine Corps with the mobility and firepower needed during combat missions over harsh terrain. With the ability to take off and land with no airstrip, the Harrier provides the U.S. Marine Corps with flexibility on the battlefield that helicopters or other jets cannot match. Subsonic Attack Aircraft The Harrier II is a subsonic attack aircraft that is used for combat. Because of its ability to conduct vertical takeoffs and landings on short runways, the AV-8B Harrier II is commonly called the Harrier Jump Jet. The aircraft welches designed by McDonnell Douglas, which is now part of the Boeing Company. The first Harrier jets were developed and entered serv ice in the late 1960s. A modification of the Harrier jet entered service with the U.S. military in 1985, and variations of the aircraft have been in active duty since then. The Harrier II is used primarily for attack missions. The aircraft can be launched from small aircraft carriers and even smaller amphibious assault ships. The U.S. Marine Corps is the main operator of the Harrier II aircraft. However, other militaries also use variations of the jet, including the British, Spanish and Italian Navies. Air-To-Air Missiles The Harrier II is capable of deploying a wide range of weapon systems.The weapons include The Advanced Medium range air to air missile (AMRAAM).TheSparrow missile and other air-to-surface AGM-65 Maverick missiles.Also the anti-ship Harpoon and Sea Eagle missiles. A 25mm cannon for close air support and theUSMC Harriers are fitted with the 1,000lb Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM). The AIM-120A Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile is an all-weather, fire-a nd-forget, air-to-air missile, equipped with an active radar seeker and a high-explosive warhead. The range is over 50 miles, and the speed of the missile is 1.2km a second. The AIM-7 Sparrow medium-range, air-to-air missileis held in the arms inventories of many countries, including the bentzer countries of the Harrier II Plus aircraft. The Harrier II Plus is capable of deploying the Sea Eagle anti-ship missile, which is a fire-and-forget, sea-skimming missile also carried on the Sea Harrier, and the air-launch version of Harpoon AGM-84 surface strike missile. Propulsion The Pegasus turbofan engine 11-61 (F402-RR-408) from Rolls-Royce provides a high thrust-to-weight ratio and retains its performance in hot and high-altitude conditions with an ability to climb 14,000 feet per minute. The significant aerodynamic features of the aircraft are large Leading-Edge Root Extensions (LERX) and under-fuselage Lift-Improvement Devices (LIDs) that are essentiallysmall valved control jets i n the nose, tail, and wings that give it control in low airspeeds. The jet is outfitted with landing gear on the fuselage and wings,drooping ailerons (the wing lift control surface that forms part of the trailing edge of the wing), and the slotted flaps augmented vectored engine thrust. AV-8B Harrier in Combat Action In the Gulf War of 1990-91, during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm AV-8B Harriers totaled nearly 4,000 flights against Iraqi targets.In 1999, AV-8Bs were inYugoslavia during Operation Allied Force.In 2001, AV-8Bs were involved inOperation Enduring Freedom in islamische republik afghanistan during the earliest operations against the Taliban after 9-11.The aircraft participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, acting primarily in support of USMC ground units.In 2011, USMC AV-8Bs were launched from USS Kearsarge in the Mediterranean Sea in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn, enforcing the UN no-fly zone over Libya. In addition to major conflicts, USMC AV-8 Bs have been deployed in support of humanitarian operations throughout the continent of Africa throughout the 1990s. USMC AV-8Bs were deployed over Iraq againstIslamic State (IS) forces. Surveillance operations continued after the departure of Operation Inherent Resolve against IS militants. The Future of USMC Aviation The AV-8B is to be replaced by the F-35B Lightning II.

These are the 15 cities with the most $100K+ jobs in March

These are the 15 cities with the most $100K+ jobs in MarchThese are the 15 cities with the most $100K+ jobs in MarchThe withdrawl of Amazon building its new headquarters in New York is a definite job market loss for the state. JP Morgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon said in an interviewat the National Governors Association Winter Meeting over the weekend, It wasnt just the 25,000 jobs that Amazon was going to do. It was probably going to be about 100,000 jobs supporting it. However, there are leise plenty of jobs in New York and many other cities.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreLadders put together a list of the 15 cities hiring the most $100K+ jobs in March using data from its continuously updated database of high-paying jobs.Check them out - and click through to see which cities and theirjob openingsthat might be right for you.1.San FranciscoJobs available27,573Despite the obscene co st of living WalletHub ranked San Francisco in the fourth spot for its job market. Check out behauptungjobs in and aroundSan Francisco.Sample jobRadiology Manager/Director2.New York, NYJobs available23,385Though Jamie Dimon says Amazons withdrawal of building its headquarters in New York cost 100,000 jobs there are still plenty of other places to work Check out thesejobs in and around New York.Sample jobRegulatory Affairs Manager3.Washington, DCJobs available15,871Washington, D.C. has plenty of jobs in tech but is lacking those with cybersecurity and business inteliigence skills. Check out thesejobs in and around Washington.Sample job Registry Med Surg RN4.Boston, MAJobs available13,871You can get a job just in time for St. Patricks Day and celebrate in Boston Check out thesejobs in and around Boston.Sample jobDigital Services Technical Architect5.Los Angeles, CAJobs available12,363This sunny city has plenty of jobs available in finance, sales, and healthcare. Check out thesejobs i n and around Los Angeles.Sample jobInsomnia Research Subject6.Chicago, ILJobs available11,064Good news Chicago homicides and shootings are way down from previous years. Check out thesejobs in and around Chicago.Sample job Software Engineer / Data Specialist7. DallasFort Worth,TXJobs available 8,611The Dallas-Fort Worth regionadded 116,400jobs during 2018 beating out Houston and New York. Check out thesejobs in and around Dallas.Sample jobChatbot Designer8. Seattle,WAJobs available8,269Seattle is a top destination job market for Gen Z, according to Glassdoor. Check out thesejobs in and around Seattle.Sample jobSenior Big Data Consultant9.Philadelphia, PAJobs available7,628Philadelphias tech industry has added 8,000 new jobs since 2013.Check out thesejobs in and around Philadelphia.Sample jobSr. Bank Regulatory Compliance Analyst10.Atlanta, GAJobs available 7,304In Georgia food industry workers are in particularly high demand. Check out thesejobs in and around Atlanta.Sample jobChief Financial Officer11.Denver, COJobs available 5,838Though there is a very bad teachers strike happening in Denver, the retail andrestaurant industriesare also actively hiring which helped them rank 13th on WalletHubs list. Check out thesejobs in and aroundDenver.Sample jobSenior Data Engineer12.Houston, TXJobs available 5,414Not loving the Polar Vortex? You may want to move to Houston. Check out thesejobs in and around Houston.Sample jobSenior Auditor13.Minneapolis-Saint Paul, MNJobs available4,345Zip Recruiter called Minneapolis the best job market for those who want to work with small to medium-sized businesses. Check out thesejobs in and around Minneapolis.Sample jobQuality Assurance Analyst14.Austin, TXJobs available 3,828Economist Ray Perrymanpredictsthat both Dallas-Plano-Irving and Austin-Round Rock will lead Texass economy through job growth over the next 20 years. Check out thesejobs in and around Austin.Sample jobLogistics Manager15. Phoenix, AZJobs available 3,749Though Ne w York is losing out on many Amazon jobs, some of those will be disbursed to 17 other sites including Phoenix. Check out these jobs in and around Phoenix.Sample jobSpeech Language Pathologist (SLP)You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

These interview questions make it harder for some job candidates to succeed

These interview questions make it harder for some job candidates to succeedThese interview questions make it harder for some job candidates to succeedCertain interview questions dont tischset up all job candidates for the same chances of success.Here some of the things recruiters should stop asking applicants if they want to level the playing field.Tell me about a time when . . .Framing a question in this way may give certain interviewees a leg up - but others may slip through the cracks because they dont have much to share.Adam Grant points outwhy behavioral questions like tell me about a time when . . . are problematic in an August 2017 post on Wondering, a monthly feature in Granted. He argues that theyre biased toward people with richer work experience.Grantwrites aboutthe pitfalls in a post(a) Theyre unfair- they give an advantage to candidates with richer experience. Ask a bunch of applicants how they handled a serious conflict with a colleague, and odds are youll get a better answer from the one who happened to face the biggest conflict.He also goes on to add that these questions dont pertain to a candidates current position or company, are about what happened in the past, not whats ahead, and that theyre too easy to game.Instead, citing research, Grant recommends posing situational questions, such as what would you do if because interviewers can predict the persons best performance and evaluate their leadership and interpersonal skills.What is the most interesting technology product on the market today?Natalie Johnson features this question as an example of bias in a HuffPost article. She argues that assessing the answer can be highly subjective, even though its used to gauge if applicants know about their field.Heres one of the questions Johnson suggests asking instead in order to assess the responses objectively and to see how much the applicant understands and is involved in their line of workTell me about a new innovation/new piece of research/new technology youve recently learned about and/or have started using. How did you hear about it? How has it affected your work?What is your biggest weakness?Asking a question about weakness isnt always the strongest tactic when face-to-face with candidates.Alison Green writes about this question in an article for U.S. News World Report, mentioning that it is a clich at this point since almost all applicants have a canned response.She addsIt rarely elicits useful information, and whats more, a good interviewer will be able to make her own judgments about a candidates weakness. Its hardly helpful to hear I work too much, Im a perfectionist, or the other disingenuous responses candidates are taught to give.Off-limits illegal interview questionsKeep in mind that just because you can technically ask someone something, it doesnt necessarily mean you should.Its worth pointing out that its reportedly illegal to ask applicants certain questions - including ones about religious holidays - dur ing an interview.Asking about salary history has also made headlines recently. Employers in New York are losing their ability to ask candidates about their salary history with a law that goes into effect this October, and more than 20 states are deliberating enacting similar legislation, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.Try these tips insteadInstead, here are some tips on asking effective questions during interviews, according to the Harvard Business Review.The article suggests steering clear of questions that are easy-to-practice, citing the classic examples of what are your greatest strengths and weaknesses? and whats your dream job? alongside other queries.It also says to see how well candidates can solve a problem, and to avoid duplication by not picking questions about things that were detailed in a phone interview or their resume.

The Forbidden Truth About What Is a Resume/cv Exposed by an Expert

The Forbidden Truth About What Is a Resume/cv Exposed by an Expert If youre a recent graduate with very little or no expert history, you would begin with your education and after that list any relevant internships or apprenticeships. Youll still have to place your education on your resume. Students often find it beneficial to review resumes from graduate students who got their very first job beyond academe. Professional CV writers arent just writers, but are expert in making your resume stand out from the remaining portion of the applicant pool and boost your odds of success. Under the skills part of your CV dont neglect to mention key skills which can help you to stick out from the crowd. In a CV, by way of example, if youre asking for work in education, you may want to place your teaching experience on top of your CV. Begin with your latest job and degree first. New Questions About What Is a Resume/cv Employing a resume builder is a time-effective means of producing profe ssional-looking outcomes. Although each form might be different, some elements could possibly be similar. A resume, on the flip side, is highly flexible in format, permitting you to decide on the order to list your relevant experience. This procedure helps clearly highlight relevant experience utilizing section titles along with job descriptions, and is a superb method to pull out keywords. The New Angle On What Is a Resume/cv Just Released Essentially, the primary difference between a resume and a curriculum vitae is the duration of each document. Skills-based resumes may also enable you to combine related work and other experience during the skills-based headings. A CV can fluctuate from two pages to many pages. In different parts of the Earth, the expression CV keeps its American meaning. What Is a Resume/cv Secrets This summary ought to be placed at the peak of your resume, right beneath your name and contact info. You always ought to tailor your resume to coincide w ith the info in the work description. Below, you will locate a list of resume examples that could assist you with your work search. See below FAQ for information about how to reset your password. What Is a Resume/cv - the Conspiracy Lets departure with a fast overview of resumes, as they are mora familiar to the majority of American writers than CVs. Resumes could be organized in various ways. Depending on the kind of job, youll need to create a Curriculum Vitae (CV) or a resume. So you have to know where a CV is necessary and where a resume is expected. You might need to translate your CV. The CV should also have relevant information like contact info. In america and Canada, theres a difference between a CV and a resume. As an example, even in North America, there are particular circumstances where a CV is required. If you wish to submit an application for online jobs in the united states, then all you need to do is to understand how to finish an application form for em ployment, how to compose a resume and cover letter. If you are searching for work in america or Canada, odds are theyll request a resume. What About What Is a Resume/cv? The clues are in the work program, so read the details from start to complete. If youre hunting for employment for quite a while without success, we advise you to work with the very best professional CV writers. Hiring has become the most important portion of my job. A resume is what is normally asked for when applying for work. Finding a best job is surely a hard job. That hiring manager needs to be fired. They go another mile to ensure the interviewer or employer doesnt have to search hard to come across important details on the resume. Resumes may be used for a number of reasons, but most often theyre utilised to secure new employment. Therefore, your resume will want to get adjusted dependent on your experience.

The Importance of How to List Unfinished College on Resume

The Importance of How to List Unfinished College on Resume To get resumes for Resumes, youre likely to want to uncover. You may wish to discover the template youd really like to download resumes for Resumes which are free. Repeat steps for any extra instruction listings that you want to enter. Repeat steps for any extra education listings that you want to enter. A Startling Fact about How to List Unfinished College on Resume Uncovered You are likely to have possibility of succeeding in your selected career area and be in an area. If youre trying to find work, its important to be sure your resume stands out over the leftovers, especially if youre up to date of college and wanting to start your career on the suitable track. There are a lot of resume strategies to master which will help you land the job that you desire. You will see lots of examples on career websites. Its also wise to be ready to talk about your college courses in your interview, once the time comes. If yo ure submitting a resume in your very last year of school for a position that demands a specific degree level, then putting your expected date of graduation is helpful since they will need to know that you are going to have the suitable degree by the moment you start. When youre applying for work, odds are either you havent yet completed your degree or you dont mean to finish it any time soon. To discover more have a peek at our Dock Worker Job Guide. Because job experience plays an important part in securing work transitions managers work in positions for some time to find the experience necessary to oversee transitions. If you finish the novel, even if it isnt published, I feel like that could rise to the degree of a geschftliches miteinander accomplishment since it demonstrates dedication. Express your enthusiasm for the organization and you prefer to learn more concerning the position. The work description for any particular position gives you a clue about whats crucial to your employer. To start with, you can analyze the job posting the simple fact that business creating to ascertain exactly what is essential for the position.

Tips for Writing a Resume When You Don#8217;t Have a Degree

Tips for Writing a Resume When You Don8217t Have a Degree Tips for Writing a Resume When You Dont Have a Degree It has long been common belief that a college degree not only opens doors to advancement in your chosen field, but also potentially allows you to earna higher salarythan those without degrees.The contrary point of view is that employers are not simply looking for people with degrees, but for people who have the talent, grit, and passion for a job, plus a unique skill set that has been acquired through the years. An applicant such as this mightbe valued above a degree holder because of the cost and time it would take to duplicate their skill set in someone else.In many cases, degrees are still important, but all in all, employers want candidates who have gained experience in their field of choice and taken the time to receive some institutional knowledge about theirprofession. Perhaps this is why more and more industries are looking favorably at candidates who acquire and maintain certifications within their chosen fields. These certifications show prospective employers that you possess a specialized body of knowledge in a core discipline and that you are up to datewith the changes and trends in theindustry.If youre one of those talented people who does not have a degree, here are a few tips to help you write an excellent resume that will still catch employers attentionScenario No. 1 You Hold a Certification and/or Have Made Steps Toward Earning a DegreeLets say you are a project manager who does not have a degree, but you have made strides toward completing a degree, have worked in the field of project management for the past seven years, and hold a relevant certification.In the event you have made strides toward completing a degree, do not discount that knowledge. Include it on your professional resume in the education section. Be honest about the name of the institution, area of focus, and the amount of time invested in the program.If you do not h ave a degree but hold a certification, you can highlight your certification and years of experience in your resume and communicate how the certification has helped you perform your job more effectively. This can tilt the scale in your favor at the interview table, where you will speak to your accomplishments and demonstrate how your skills can fill avoid within the organization.Scenario No. 2 You Hold No Certification and Have Not Earned a DegreeLets say you do not have a degree or certification within your chosen field. Have you completed relevant courses, seminars, or training? If so, add a section to your resume titled Professional Development to display this information.Scenario No. 3 You Have a Partial Degree or Your Degree Is Currently in ProgressMaybe you started a degree, but due to personal circumstances, you did not complete it. Alternatively, perhaps you are currently enrolled in a degree program and still working toward the eventual degree. Simply use the education secti on to be honest and clear about your status. For exampleWillington Way CollegeBachelor of Science Degree, Technology, In Progress (Anticipated Graduation XXX)OrWillington Way CollegeCompleted three years of Bachelor of Arts program in Marketing (XXX-XXX)The takeaway is that you should not view the lack of a degree as a deal-breaker for your career. If you meet the majority of a positions requirements except for the educational component, go ahead and submit your most current resume for the job. The prospective employer may view your skills as a fit, and your qualifications may outweigh your lack of a degree.Focus on the positive aspects of what you have to offer and build on them. Strengthen your professional resume by incorporating quantifiable achievements that place your value in context for the reader. Try adding an Achievement Snapshot section with relevant accomplishments in the upper body of your resume, right before the professional experience area. This can make for acompel ling showcase of attention-grabbing statements.Regardless of your degree situation, there is always a way that you can develop a resume that strongly showcases your value and positions you as a good fit for the desired role. Understand that it is crucial that you present your skills and quantify your contributions on your professional resume so that your future employer will consider you a top contender for a prospective job.Joyce Harold is an award-winning resume writer. She operatesResumes by Joyce.Master the art of closing deals and making placements. Take our Recruiter Certification Program today. Were SHRM certified. Learn at your own pace during this 12-week program. Access over 20 courses. Great for those who want to break into recruiting, or recruiters who want to further their career. Like this article? We also offer tons of free eBooks on career and re cruiting topics - check out Get a Better Job the Right Way and Why It Matters Who Does Your Recruiting. document.write(Read more ) in Resume

Alan Sharavsky - The Balance

Alan Sharavsky - The BalanceAlan Sharavsky - The Balance

10 free or cheap ways you can have fun this summer

10 free or cheap ways you can have fun this summer10 free or cheap ways you can have fun this summerAs I wrote last week, its important to plan ahead all year in order to have fun during the summer.Thats true of any time youll be spending mora money than usual. But its also true that you can find ways to have fun that dont cost much or any money at all.The key is to get creative and do some extra research. Going out to eat or drink is not the only way to have fun and be social.Here are just a few inexpensive ideas that I have enjoyed myself.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and morePublic PoolIn many places, if youre a resident of the city, you can visit public pools for free. In DC, you just have to show your DC ID or a recent utility statement. When I lived in DC proper, I loved going to the public pool on summer weekends. When I lived in Eckington, my local pool welches at Harry Thomas Recreation Center.The best part was that the area hadnt gotten super popular yet, so that pool was rarely crowded. When I lived over near U Street, my local pool was near Howard University.That pool was VERY crowded. The key was to get there before it opened and get in line so that you could actually get a chair by the pool. Going to the pool is a great way to stay local and still get some pool time. To make it even more fun, invite your friends But make aya to put on sunscreen.MuseumWe are spoiled by free museums in Washington, DC. Im still not used to paying to get into museums when I travel to other cities. But regardless, museums are a great way to stay entertained all day without having to spend too much money.If youre in DC, you should definitely take more advantage of the Smithsonian system.Even if youve lived here for a decade (like I have), Im sure there are plenty of museums you havent yet seen. If you dont live in DC, see what your city has to offer Some places, like the Chicago Institute of Art, can be pricey to get into, but you never know what other affordable options are in your city.Keep in mind that even if a museum is free, an easy way to blow your budget is by getting a meal inside the museum. The cafes can be very pricey (and not always very high quality), so plan to either bring a sandwich and some snacks, or get lunch afterwards.Live MusicGoing to concerts can be really expensive, especially if its a popular artist. This is one of those things that I dont mind spending money on, particularly if its my favorite artist.However, there are ways to enjoy live music without spending a pretty penny. See what kind of summer events are going on in your neighborhood.For example, in my neighborhood, there is a free concert series every Friday night until September. Look at your towns website or any blogs that represent your area. You might get lucky and find a free concert series in your town tooHikingThis is one thing that I need to do way more of ten. And its not very accessible if you dont have a car. But hiking is a great way to enjoy the summer weather for freeIf you live in the DC area, there are tons of hiking opportunities to explore. Plus, if you dont have a car, there are lots of short-term car rental companies around now that you can use if youre just going somewhere for a few hours.Bike RideMy husband bought me a bicycle last summer so that we could finally do one of his favorite activities together. The bike was a little pricey, so I definitely wouldnt recommend that as a budget-friendly idea (unless, of course, you save up for it over time).However, if you already own a bike, or if you live near a bike rental (like Capital Bikeshare or Citi Bike), its easy and affordable to go on a bike ride.If you dont like riding on busy streets, find a local trail or park. If youre in the DC area, there are tons of bike trails all over. If you dont want to travel too far, go to Rock Creek ParkMovie NightThere are a couple appr oaches to this idea. Either find local movie nights where a movie is played outside and you can watch from the comfort of a blanket on the grass.There are several different options for this in the DC area, but look around in your town to see if there is a summer film series. Alternatively, you can have friends over and host a movie night at your home.There are endless movies on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and HBO. You dont even have to rent one Make some puffmais and brownies and snuggle in for the movie.Patio TimeA couple weekends ago, I went to a birthday party up on the rooftop of an apartment building. It was a beautiful night to be outside, and the view of the Washington Monument was beautiful.The hosts provided lots of delicious snacks and drinks, so I know that they probably spent quite a bit on that shindig. However, you can host a potluck on your patio, porch, or rooftop to save money while still having fun.Local Carnival or FestivalA couple weekends ago, my town threw a P re-Centennial festival downtown. The centennial for the town is next year, but they decided to throw a party this year too.There was live music, face painting, food trucks, and local vendors. The festival itself was free, so we only had to pay for food and drinks from the food trucks and vendors.Of course, that can end up costing a lot, but if you eat ahead of time, you dont have to worry about that. Find out what kinds of fun festivals or carnivals your town or city puts onDiscount NightsMy husband and I recently found out that our local Regal movie theater sells $6 movie tickets on Tuesday nights.Its only that price if youre a rewards member, but the rewards program is free We found this out by total accident, but now we try to plan our moviegoing excursions to be on Tuesday evenings. That saves us a TON of money and then we feel more comfortable getting a snack if we want it.Do some research and find out when places near you offer discounted prices. It wont happen everywhere, but you might be surprised what you findNow go out there and have fun this summerDo you have any other affordable, fun ideas? Share in the comments belowThis article first appeared on MaggieGermano.com.