5 Reasons to Participate in a Webinar

Webinars are a new way to get information and learn about something that interests you. In fact, there’s a webinar to cover almost any topic from self-help and personal motivation to tips and guidance for new entrepreneurs. There are even some webinars that can qualify as college credit. If you’ve considered signing up for a webinar, but have been hesitant, let these few benefits help change your mind.

They’re convenient

You can participate in a webinar from the comfort of your home or in your office because they’re broadcast online. In fact, many employers have started using webinars to conduct meetings with their employees. Since most webinars are archived on the hosting site, they can be viewed anytime, so it’s not necessary to rearrange your schedule to see one. They can also be viewed on mobile devices, making them even more convenient.

Getting college credit

Primarily, webinars have been most useful in obtaining continuing education credits, especially in the field of agriculture. As the technology and the advantages catch on, more mainstream educational opportunities may present themselves. One webinar can equate to a credit towards a continuing education course, making it easier than ever to get additional training to boost your career.

Sharing time-sensitive information

Webinar sessions are more socially and culturally relevant than traditional seminars because they can be planned and premiered within a very short time frame. This means they can discuss current events and material that is socially or politically relevant. Where a regular seminar takes months to plan and can’t be amended to incorporate the latest news, a webinar can be offered within days or weeks.

Learning from doers

When you sign up for a webinar, you’re attending a lecture conducted by someone who has real-world experience in the topic being presented. For instance, many established authors host webinars that discuss publishing a first novel. Successful real estate investors host webinars on breaking into the market. Whatever the topic, you’ll likely find that the speaker or host has had practical experience.

Lower attendance costs

Finally, most webinars are completely free of charge. Those that do charge an attendance fee keep the fees low to encourage attendance. This makes a webinar a much more desirable option than a regular seminar, which would require travel, possible lodging, and a higher fee at the door.

Considering these advantages, attending a webinar can be one of the best ways to learn about a topic that interests you. They can open you up to a new career path or better way of living, all from the comfort of your home.

Why Work-Life Balance is a Myth, But That’s Not a Bad Thing

Anyone who is juggling a career and a personal life may have heard about the concept of work-life balance, which is a cultural mantra that is currently getting a lot of media attention. The idea is encapsulated in the language: To balance work and all aspects of life, like a see-saw. The idea has an intrinsic appeal. After all, who could be against balance, right? The problem is that life does not fit into neat boxes and pressuring yourself to find this balance can be even more stressful than just moving with life’s fluctuations.

Following a blueprint leads to burnout

One of the problems that come up when attempting to implement the idea of work-life balance is that following this prescription leads to exhaustion. It is great to go after the perfect lifestyle described by experts, but it can be challenging if you’re too much of a perfectionist. Keeping up with friends and family, practicing mindfulness, and making time for civic duties are great goals. Then there are hobbies, health care, and entertainment. All these elements are necessary for the well-lived life. However, following a blueprint may lead to missing out on opportunities or burning out from fatigue.

Another reason that work-life balance is tricky is that life cannot be compartmentalized. It is one thing to have goals, schedules, and an agenda. But there are going to be events that require being open to improvisation. Whether it is a sick friend, a crushing work deadline, or a need to take time off for a mental health holiday, the best-laid schedule benefits from flexibility. Sometimes it is okay to change or modify the carefully laid plans that the experts would have us set down. The idea of balance is excellent. However, there will be times when the scales tilt in one direction. Having a vision of work-life balance is a good thing because it acknowledges the many parts of our lives, but the best plan can be one that is open to adaptation.

Integration

Consider a variation of the work-life balance paradigm, which is integration. Integration allows an individual to have all the parts of a well-ordered and well-lived life, without strict guidelines or quotas. It can mean working on the weekends to attend an exciting opportunity in the middle of the week or taking time off and then working full-on later, all without the guilt. Work-life balance is a myth, but that is not a bad thing. It is a starting point for creating the life that is just right for you.