One of the Biggest Myths About “Sounding Smart” Has Just Been Debunked

You’re writing a cover letter for the greatest job you’ve ever seen. You’ve never been more excited about a job posting—let’s say the position is “Associate Puppy Cuddler” (starting salary: $12 billion per year)—so you really want to impress the recruiters with your class, your smarts, and your vocabulary. You set your font to the fanciest cursive typeface you can find, open a browser to Thesauraus.com, and begin.

“To the stalwart impresarios of PuppyCuddles Incorporated,” you write, already nailing this. “I send you this missive to petition for the vacant appointment of Associate Puppy Cuddler at your venerable outpost. My prowess in this arena is manifold and myriad—to wit: In 2013, I was voted Most Cuddly Human by a panel of 7 dogs…”

The recruiter stopped reading long ago. The job went to a candidate who summarized their skills in three pithy sentences, addressed the recruiter by name, and used a standard Times New Roman font. Better luck next time, Chaucer.

We’d all like to sound as smart as we can, as often as we can. Using big, “five-dollar words” (as my 5th grade teacher once called them) seems like an obvious way to achieve this—but, as recent research shows, it’s almost guaranteed to backfire. It turns out that trying too hard to sound smart by using big, scholarly sounding words actually makes you sound dumber.

“Anything that makes a text hard to read and understand, such as unnecessarily long words or complicated fonts, will lower readers’ evaluations of the text and its author,” said Daniel Oppenheimer, author of the Princeton University study Consequences of Erudite Vernacular Utilized Irrespective of Necessity: Problems with using long words needlessly. Oppenheimer had students read a collection of documents including grad school applications, thesis excerpts, and translations of writing by philosopher Rene Descartes, then rate the perceived intelligence of the papers’ authors. Oppenheimer manipulated certain writing samples to include unnecessarily long words and flowery fonts in an attempt to look smarter or more important. Students, it turned out, saw right through this—and hated it. Works with these fancy quirks added were consistently rated as less intelligence than those that used simple, clear language and font.

“One thing seems certain: write as simply and plainly as possible and it’s more likely you’ll be thought of as intelligent,” says Oppenheimer.

Or, as they say in that bastion of straight-shooting clarity known as the U.S. Military: Keep it simple, stupid.

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Want More Work-Life Balance? This Is the Most Flexible Job, According to a New Survey

Did your job make the list?

With work emails available at our fingertips at all times, it’s easy to lose out on work-life balance as our jobs squeeze their ways into our lives. “It used to be that when you left the office, you left the office, and now there aren’t as many distinct boundaries,” says Manon DeFelice, founder and CEO of Inkwell, a staffing company that helps candidates find flexible jobs. “More people live in the gray, that space between home life and work.”

Glassdoor, a job site that posts company reviews, analyzed feedback to create a list of the top 29 careers with the best work-life balance. Corporate recruiters have the best work-life balance, with UX (user experience) designers as a close second, according to the Glassdoor findings. They both had an average work-life balance rating of 4.1 out of 5, compared to the average of 3.2 among all jobs.

Other jobs to reach a 4.0 rating include data scientist, strategy manager, user interface designer, recruiting coordinator, technical account manager, mobile developer, and development and operations engineer.

The site looked at the average work-life balance rating from jobs with a minimum of 75 reviews for at least that many companies, and included positions with at least 20 percent of reviews listing work-life balance as a pro of that occupation.

Some ways to hit a great work-life balance include working from home certain days, setting flexible hours, and getting more vacation time, says DeFelice.

While technology might make it tempting to stay preoccupied with work 24/7, it also makes it easier to get the schedule you want. “The traditional 9-to-5 office job is not really applicable anymore to the needs of workers,” says DeFelice. “That time isn’t ideal anymore, nor is it necessary because of technology like iPhones and FaceTime Skype, and all those tools that make office face time obsolete.”

In her experience, DeFelice says, startups tend to be more on the cutting edge of structuring their organizations around flexibility, but bigger companies are starting to join in too. Parents have historically been the ones asking for more flexibility, but now millennials are starting to look for it, whether they have kids or not. “If companies can’t attract and retain that pool of talent, they’re at a detriment,” she says. “Bigger companies are starting to adopt it, and if they don’t they’ll be dinosaurs.”

Averaging $71,161 a year, the 29 Glassdoor jobs with the best work-life balance had a wide range of salaries. Substitute teachers ranked 13th, with a median salary of $25,178, while data scientists made $112,000 at number 3 on the list.

If you’d like to stick with your job but want shorter hours or more days at home, you might need to take a pay cut, says DeFelice, but the reduced salary could be better than dropping out of the work force entirely because you won’t end up with a gap in your résumé. “If you work for less, you still have that experience, and your future income is higher,” says DeFelice. “If the employee values flexibility more than cash, why should the company give cash if they can give flexibility?”

Make a plan for the work you’ll accomplish with your ideal schedule, then ask your boss to give your proposal a trial period of a few months while you track your goals—start with these smart ways to get your boss to trust you—and look for a new job if your company can’t give you that flexibility. “To train and hire a new employee is expensive and time-consuming,” says DeFelice. “If you’re a valued employee, that employer would be foolish not to accommodate you.”

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6 Things You Should Do ASAP If Your Wallet Is Lost or Stolen

Don't panic just yet—you can avoid identity theft by taking the right steps.

FIRST: Call the police

If you suspect your wallet was stolen, call the cops. Even though the police might not be able to track down your wallet, putting in a report will cover you in other ways. If a thief does try committing identity fraud, you’ll have to prove that you aren’t responsible for the costs. “Someone is going to lose here, and it’s either the credit card company, bank, or you,” says Robert Siciliano, CSP, CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com. “If you say you’re a victim, you need to prove it.” That police report could be the proof you need to show you’re telling the truth about false charges. Don't miss these tips for keeping your purse safe in public.

Close your debit and credit cards

Any lost credit or debit accounts should be closed as soon as possible. Start with debit, which can be even more devastating than having a credit card stolen. “The money is coming right out of your bank account, whereas credit is a credit card company’s money,” Siciliano says. But act fast—you’ll be liable for up to only $50 of fraudulent charges if you report it within two business days, but any longer and you could lose $500 or more. Credit cards, on the other hand, have a 60-day gap for you to report. Siciliano recommends swapping out a debit card for an ATM card, which lets you take out or deposit cash and checks but can’t be swiped to pay at a store or restaurant. These are 26 secrets identity thieves won't tell you.

Put up a fraud alert

One option is to put up a fraud alert on your file by calling just one of the three credit reporting companies (Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union). If someone tries to open credit using your name and information, the business will take more steps to confirm their identty. “The problem here is that if they have a hold of your license, they could take your information and put their picture on a faked license,” says Adam Levin, chairman and founder of identity protection service IDT911 and author of Swiped: How to Protect Yourself in a World Full of Scammers, Phishers, and Identity Thieves.

Freeze your credit

An even better alternative to a fraud alert is freezing your credit. Whether your wallet was stolen or you just want extra security, a credit freeze will keep you—or thieves—from opening any new accounts. “All a credit card company does is refund your account if there’s fraud,” Siciliano says. “They’re just forgiving the debt, not guarding your credit.” You’ll have to call all three credit reporting companies to freeze your credit, but you can call just one if you want to thaw it. There’s a fee of about $10 every time you freeze and unfreeze (though it’s free if you’re an identity theft victim), but it provides extra protection that’s hard to crack.

Set up a monitoring program

A program that keeps an eye on your credit is especially important if you lost your Social Security card (though you should leave that or any of these items out of your wallet in the first place). “Once they have your social security number, they have that option on your life,” Levin says. “It’s not ‘if’ but ‘when.’” With a monitoring program, you’ll get an email, text, or phone notification whenever you or anyone else tries to apply for credit to confirm that it’s you.

Keep an eye on your accounts

Thieves can’t buy with a card once you’ve closed the account, but that doesn’t mean you should be lax about double-checking your spending—a routine you should make habit even if you don’t think you’ve been a victim of fraud. “Closely monitor before and after you lose your wallet,” Siciliano says. Depending on what your bank or credit card offers, you could get an email, text message, or app notification alerting you of account activity. If not—or in addition, just to be safe—go through your statements regularly to make sure everything is accurate, he says. Some thieves sell cards based on zip code, meaning the credit card company will think charges seem normal and won’t issue a warning, though you’ll recognize the extra costs, Levin says.

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5 Things Highly Organized People Do on Their Smartphone

Take advantage of these neat tips and let your phone keep your life together.

They master their to-do list

To-do lists are key to living an organized life, and having access to them wherever you go with a smartphone only makes them even more effective. Organizing expert Donna Smallin Kuper recommends using an app like Any.Do to create a master list of everything you know you need to accomplish. Then, pick a few tasks each day that you want to get done, and add them into the open slots on your calendar. “There’s a saying that what gets scheduled gets done, and I really think it’s true,” Kuper says. Once you take care of your to-do list, make sure to have a stress-free weekend.

They grocery shop as they go

Paper grocery lists can be a pain to write out, and even harder to keep track of. Instead, Kuper uses the Android app “Out of Milk” to record what groceries she’s running low on and what she needs to buy regularly. The app also sorts your items into categories—produce, dairy etc.—to make grocery shopping a breeze.

They pay without plastic

Dozens of credit cards and loyalty cards weighing your wallet down? Kuper recommends lightening your load by taking advantage of the various pay apps available for smartphones, such as Apple Pay and Android Pay. These apps let you load your credit or debit card information right onto your phone, and all you need to do at the store is tap your device on a sensor to pay. You can also link your loyalty and rewards cards with the app, allowing for quick and easy savings.

They make multitasking look easy

Juggling a bunch of projects at once can get messy, but professional organizer Alejandra Costello of Alejandra.tv suggests using a project management app like Basecamp to stay organized with separate to-do lists, due dates, and schedules for each of your endeavors. Basecamp syncs your information between your computer, phone, and tablet, allowing you to start a new project or finish up an old task any time, anywhere. Here's how to make the most of leftover free time.

They download key documents anytime, anywhere

Professional organizer Andrew Mellen recommends apps like Google Drive and Dropbox to store your documents and photos in the cloud. Not only does doing so let you retrieve your files anywhere, but it also backs them up in case of a tragic (but all too common) computer crash.

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This Is the Exact Genius Way to Pack Makeup For Travel to Prevent Messy Disasters

Don't start your trip with a broken eye-shadow palette. This is how to keep everything secure.

Make DIY travel-sized bottles

Head to your local 99-cent store to pick up a few reusable plastic bottles (make sure they're under three ounces in order to comply with TSA guidelines). For products you'll need even less of, such as foundation or primer, pack a few drops into an old contact lenses case.

Pack powders tightly

Avoid a broken palette fiasco by packing powders with care. To do so, place a cotton ball between the makeup and the mirror of the compact (you can also use a makeup sponge or tissue). The added cushion should provide enough shock absorption to keep things secure. If the powder does break, don't freak. Drop a bit of rubbing alcohol into the compact and press the pieces back in place. The makeup should dry as good as new. Try these tricks to make your beauty supplies last longer.

Squeeze the air out of bottles

It's not your imagination: lotions and serums really are more likely to break open during flights. (The same increase in air pressure that causes your ears to pop also causes lids to snap open.) Reduce the chance of spillage by puffing the air out of your bottles before you pack them. Here's are easy ways to keep your skin moisturized skin on an airplane.

Add an extra layer of protection

Keep shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and other gooey products secure by placing a square of saran wrap over their lids. Pack an extra sheet or two for the return trip to avoid an unwanted surprise when you unpack. Trust us, you don't want to make these suitcase packing mistakes.

Compartmentalize your makeup bag

Bundle similar items together in zip-top bags before you pack them into your makeup bag. Once they're ready to go, place the heaviest items (like foundation and setting spray) on the bottom of the bag and lighter items on top.

Pack your makeup into the center of your suitcase

Allow your clothing to help with shock absorption by packing your makeup bag into the center of your suitcase. For even better results, wrap the bag into a sweater or beach towel first. If you've got an extra-fragile product (say, a glass bottle of perfume) fold it into a pair of socks or pack it into the hood of a sweatshirt.

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Why Forgetting Their Anniversary Was the Best Thing This Couple Ever Did

This couple's "every-other-year" anniversary rule is the best idea ever.

I forgot my anniversary this year, and I don’t feel guilty about it. In fact, I did it with my husband’s blessing. In our marriage it is mandatory. I forget it this year, and he forgets it the next.

Chad and I spent about 15 years celebrating our anniversary the old-fashioned way. He’d get me flowers, I’d get him a card and we’d go out for dinner. While we both enjoyed our child-free time together, I finally admitted that I didn’t even like red roses, and his card wound up in the garbage can.

So we devised a new tradition called the Every Other Year Anniversary. We alternate years planning a surprise for each other. A celebration of a marriage should be special, and we intended to make it so.

I volunteered to go first, planning a weekend getaway to Hiawassee, where we stayed in a lake lodge and saw the Charlie Daniels Band in concert. I chose all the activities—Chad didn’t have to think of anything. Planning it was as much fun for me as going. As for Chad, the suspense added to his excitement. And, he didn’t have to call the florist at the last minute to order flowers.

This was the first anniversary that I took pictures, and that sealed the deal for me. Making memories is what it’s all about.

The next year was my turn to be surprised. Chad, though traditionally not a romantic, came through with flying colors, planning a weekend in Nashville. We went on a comedy bus tour that was hilarious; we visited the Grand Ole Opry and downtown Nashville. Chad even endured some shopping just because he knew I would like it. We ate at a very upscale restaurant and enjoyed each other’s company more than ever.

For once, I didn’t have to make any decisions. I could tell Chad had put a lot of thought into where we went and what we did.

We agreed at this point that the new challenge would be topping each other the following year. Surprisingly, we manage to do it every time. Of course, some years have been more elaborate than others, depending on finances or the children’s schedules.

Our celebrations have included hot air balloon flights, beekeeping lessons and visits to the Fox Theatre in Atlanta; the Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee; and the beautiful Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina.

We have now been married for more than 20 years. The Every Other Year Anniversary has made our marriage loving, complete and, above all else, fun! I can’t wait to see what’s in store next year.

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