Here are 6 ways to stand out at work. Lets face it, the employment pool is pretty competitive right now. It is no longer enough to just show up at your job and do good work. You have to be a standout employee to demonstrate that you are of great value and an asset to your employer! There is nothing wrong with wanting to be a standout employee - you want to be an individual who works in excellence and gives your very best. Besides, to be a standout employee leads to recognition, promotion, more responsibility and a better paycheck. Who doesn't want to advance in their career? Here are 6 ways to stand out at work:

Working from home has gained popularity over the last few years, especially due to the state of the economy. Many companies are allowing employees to work from home due to lack of a physical space or as a perk in lieu of an annual raise. However this is not the only type of work at home job available to you. It is possible to be your own boss and if you are trying to pick up the pieces after being laid off from your previous job, there are other career avenues you can look into that will allow you to work from home or wherever you chose. Here, types of work from home jobs you should know about:

Are you trying to find comfortable shoes for work? Shoe styles can range anywhere from conservative black pumps to creative futuristic booties, depending on the dress code at your place of employment. Comfortable work shoes are key when dealing with a long commute or a career that forces you to be on your feet all day and regardless of what you may think, style does not have to be sacrificed! Wedges, flats and chunky, lower heels all make great options for comfortable work shoes. Here, six fashionable and comfortable work shoes for every budget: 

It is part of American culture to be constantly moving forward. From the second we wake up in the morning until we go to sleep (well, I don't sleep much!) we as a society simply rush towards the finish line, trying to accomplish as much as we possibly can in a 24 hour day. While work is important and the desire to be successful is a fantastic goal to have, learning to balance family with career is another goal that should top your list. Balancing career and family can be tricky; do not be hard on yourself while in the process of finding what works best for your lifestyle. Practice patience, forgiveness and trial and error during this process. Do what you can until you can do it all. Here are five suggestions on ways to balance work and family:

You might be asking yourself, "Is this career right for me?" With the first month of 2012 almost behind us, you may find yourself in the beginning stages of contemplating what changes you may want for your life during this brand new year. The most common area that we question each new year, besides relationships, is our career path. You may question if you are fulfilled, satisfied or completely using your skills and talents to the best of their ability in your current position. If the answer is no, the new year is a great time to begin a little soul searching to find a career that would be best suited to you. Really give some thought to this. We spend a great majority of our time at our jobs. Even though it provides our source of income, we also want to have a sense of accomplishment at the end of our day. We want to feel that our work has assisted in a greater goal and has meaning. Evaluate if your present career is for you. You are beautiful, talented and have great purpose. Live to your full potential. There is a career that is waiting for your specialized imprint.

Picking up the pieces after you have been laid off can be daunting but it has to be done. You may not have wanted a lay off to occur, however, in these rough economic times, many companies are not safe or secure from economic tragedy. Although you may not see it at the time, this may be a blessing in disguise. Unbelievable opportunities often arise out of negative situations. When one door closes a new one is sure to open. You will work again. Either you will find a new job or create one. You will survive because you are a survivor. You will achieve great things because it is in you to do so. This is not the end of the world. It may seem like it, but you will rise again. Here are some suggestions to help you pick up the pieces after being laid off:

- Allow yourself to feel. Your emotions are apart of the process. Feel but don’t allow yourself to become stuck.

So you have decided that you want to venture into another career. Your decision is not uncommon. How many articles have we read in which a doctor left her practice to become a baker or a lawyer who decided to become a fashion designer. It happens. Life is filled with many twists and turns. It is a good thing that you have a front seat to all of the action. There are several options available to assist you. Here are just a few to get you started. I would love to hear all about your transition. Connect with me on twitter @lorenridinger. Congratulations and good luck!

- Research your desired field. You may have a degree but you may need to check to see if any further credentials are required. 

- Get connected. Increase your network. This will help to give you further insight into the industry. 

- Intern. Yes, intern! You may have extensive experience in your current field, but you need to gain experience in your potential career. Interning helps to build that experience.

- Read up on past, present, and future trends. Immerse yourself!

- Be patient. Pat yourself on the back. Enjoy the transition and the process.