5 Overlooked Perks to Negotiate Beyond Your Salary

You’ve just ripped open the envelope that encases your offer letter, and your eyes dart to the number that represents one of the best parts of full-time employment: your pay. You’re immediately dismayed — it’s a living wage, but you’ll be penny-pinching more than you’d hoped. You attempt to negotiate your salary to a few thousand dollars more, but no such luck. Before you pass on the opportunity (especially if it’s your dream job), try negotiating for these business-professional-approved perks to help offset a less-than-satisfactory income.

1. Parental Leave: Kris Hughes, a senior content marketing manager for the software company ProjectManager, underscores the value of maternity and paternity leave — especially the latter, as urges his male companions to be persistent about the opportunity. “It’s an understated benefit, which may not have the same quantifiable value as salary or a medical benefits package,” Hughes states, “but it still has an immense value to the new parent to be able to spend quality time with their newborn [or adopted child] in those critical first few months.” And though Hughes admits that most companies have adopted maternity leave, he cautions women against assuming so until they’ve seen it in writing. You could always angle for more time off in preparation for if you become a new mama.

2. Working from Home: We’ve all heard the Fifth Harmony song, but according to Valerie Streif — a former senior advisor for Mentat, an AI-based networking platform for job seekers — working from home is, in fact, a worthwhile perk. “As tech is taking over so many aspects of our workdays, there’s no reason why employees shouldn’t be allowed to ditch their commute and instead work from the comfort of their homes,” Streif remarks. She says this benefit is especially valuable for people who live in places with unpredictable weather, have children, or juggle erratic schedules (or all three!). Streif suggests requesting that this perk begin three to six months after your start date in order to prove you’re hardworking in the office first. “This will diminish their fear of you taking advantage of an extra day off and is a reasonable amount of time to prove yourself.”

3. Commuting Expense Coverage: Say “See ya!” to the subway pass line on your monthly budget. Kerri Moriarty, who runs a Boston-based professional and lifestyle consulting business with the same name, encourages requesting compensation for costs such as parking, public transit passes, work-related Uber rides, etc. Moriarty explains that this has the potential to be a win-win for both parties: “Corporate discounts and packages are often available, so your employer can likely secure a lower price than you would as an individual, and if they already provide that benefit for some employees, it’s even more cost effective.” Currently, monthly subway passes in New York City are around $120, so we’ll take back that $1,440 every year, please and thank you.

4. Vacation Days: Sure, almost every job is going to allow for some days off, but Suz O’Donnell, the president of Thrivatize, which offers executive advisory services, advocates for a different kind of time off: “Vacation before you’ve earned it.” During the hiring process, make the hiring manager aware of any upcoming vacations you have planned, and see if they will allow you to take a trip without it counting toward your annually allotted vacation days — AKA free vacation (minus the travel costs, housing accommodations, and food and drink, of course). “Nine times out of ten, they’ll gift it to you,” O’Donnell claims. Worst-case scenario? “They let you pre-dip into your vacation, so you don’t get it for free, but at least you can take it when you planned for it.”

5. Earlier Performance Review: If you’re still hung up on your pay, Dana Case has a solution for you. Case, the director of operations at MyCorporation, a company that provides services for starting and running a business, recommends negotiating a performance review within the first six months of your employment so your salary can be reassessed. When the time comes for that review, be ready. “Bring along any additional projects or assignments you have completed during this time to prove how you have gone above and beyond during your short amount of time on the job to do great work that contributes to the return on investment of the business,” she encourages. Knowing there’s a raise on the horizon can offset any stress caused by a subpar starting salary.

Have you had success securing bonus benefits? Let us know @BritandCo!

(Photos via Getty)

Nothing sets your week up for success more than a productive Sunday. By taking a few hours out of your weekend to get everything ready for the workdays ahead, you can set yourself up for success in every area of your life. Trying toeat healthier? Working toward some career goals? Trying to reduce stress in your life? All of these goals can be more easily accomplished by laying the proper groundwork for each week as it starts. Here are a few of the habits you should try to cultivate on Sundays for a more productive workweek.

Photo by Ella Olsson on Unsplash

1. Meal prep. First and foremost, meal prepping makes eating healthy throughout the week significantly easier. This is especially true if you work full time. Meal prepping doesn’t have to be a multi-hour, day-long process either. Here are a few of our favorite tips and tricks for keeping it quick:

  • Meal-prep your breakfasts by creating ready-to-go smoothies. Slice up whatever fruit and veggies you like to use and place them, along with any other mix-ins, into a ziplock bag. Store in the freezer. Each morning, all you need to do is add the contents of the bag along with water or milk to your blender and hit go.
  • Batch-cook your proteins for the week by laying 5-6 servings of meat on a baking sheet. Cook in the oven and store in the fridge, and then reheat throughout the week.
  • Cook a huge batch of rice or quinoa as a base for convenient, ready-to-go healthy sides.
  • Pre-slice any veggies you use tend to use often so you don't have to slice them up as you cook throughout the week. Common combos include mirepoix (onion, carrot, celery), sofrito (onion, garlic, tomato, bell pepper), and the Cajun “holy trinity" (onion, bell pepper, celery).
Photo by STIL on Unsplash

2. Organize your planner. Whether you use a day planner or a bullet journal, take 30 minutes or so to get everything organized for the week. Write in any appointments, plans, or projects you have on the horizon, and section off as much time as you'll need to get everything done. You can also use your planner to make grocery lists, track habits you want to accomplish each day, and schedule relaxation time.

3. Set goals. While you're working in your planner, set some goals for the week. Make sure they are timely things you can actually accomplish before the following Sunday: When you set unattainable goals, you only stress yourself out. In your planner, break down concrete steps and actions to take to ensure you achieve those weekly goals.

Photo by Lee Campbell on Unsplash

4. Clean out your bag. Too many of us start the week with last weekend's receipts, wrappers, scraps, movie tickets, and god-knows-what-else in our bags. Give yourself an organized start to the week and stay ahead of the mess by cleaning out your purse.

5. Pick out your outfits. Take a glance at the weather forecast, and use it to inform what outfits you want to wear on each day of the week. Even if you're WFH these days, having outfits all picked out will keep you feeling both comfy and ready to crush the day each day. You can either fold each outfit and arrange them side by side, our plan the outfits in an app like Stylebook.

6. Call an accountability partner. Pick a person — be it your mom, your best friend, or your SO — who will be an uplifting force in your life and help you stay focused as the week goes on. Agree to check in on each other mid-week to see how each other is doing and help gently remind each other of the goals you both want to accomplish. This should be a person who can also lend a friendly ear if you need to vent about your passion project, your coworker, or your creative blocks.

What productivity hacks do you use to prepare for the week? Tweet us @BritandCo and let us know, and sign up for our newsletter to get more tips delivered straight to your inbox!

In case you missed it, a new rom-com following a pair that bears a great resemblance to the internet's favorite “It” couple is coming to Lifetime for the holidays! Although the film isn’t technically inspired by Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s love story per se, the story line is quite uncanny to their high profile romance (but more on that later). From the release date to the plot, here's everything we know about Lifetime’s Christmas in the Spotlight. Read up on Hallmark's Holiday Touchdown — and the Kelce who joined the cast!

  • Lifetime's Christmas in the Spotlight is a new holiday movie premiering this November.
  • The movie follows a popstar who starts dating a pro football player after they meet at one of her concerts.
  • The film stars Jessica Lord, Laith Wallschleger, Jeannie Mai, and Haley Kalil.

What is Christmas in the Spotlight about?

Lifetime/A&E

Christmas in the Spotlight Plot

Set to be a part of the network's “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime” lineup, which officially starts November 16, Christmas in the Spotlight follows a famous pop star named Bowyn (Jessica Lord), who always sings about falling in love, but has yet to find The One. Right when she's given up on finding Prince Charming, sparks fly when she meets a handsome professional football player named Drew (Laith Wallschleger) after one of her shows. However, they don’t start dating until after Drew publicly declares his feelings for Bowyn. Sound familiar?

The movie synopsis continues, “With each passing day they spend together, their feelings grow stronger…but can it last in the limelight, especially when they both have such hectic schedules? With people questioning if their feelings for each other are real or just for show, the pressure mounts from the press, paparazzi, their fans and even their family.” I need this on my screen now!!!

Is there a trailer for Christmas in the Spotlight?

Well, no. (At least, not yet). But there is a preview teaser for Lifetime’s “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime” lineup, which features numerous clips from the upcoming Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce-esque holiday film Christmas in the Spotlight. In the first few seconds of the teaser, co-stars Jessica Lord and Laith Wallschleger can be seen gleefully walking side by side while surrounded by holiday decor. Meanwhile, another clip shows Lord’s Bowyn wearing a blue football jersey. Now, if that’s not TayVis-coded, then I don’t know what is.

When is Christmas in the Spotlight coming out?

Christmas in the Spotlight Release Date

Be sure to mark your calendars because Christmas in the Spotlight is scheduled to debut on Lifetime November 23, 2024, at 8 PM ET/PT. Let the countdown begin!

Where can I watch Christmas in the Spotlight?

Lifetime/A&E

If you can’t catch the premiere on Lifetime, then don’t worry because we have you covered! After the movie premieres on the Lifetime channel, Christmas in the Spotlight will be available to watch on TVE/VOD in addition to the Lifetime Movie Club.

Who’s in the cast of Christmas in the Spotlight?

Lifetime/A&E

Christmas in the Spotlight Cast

Aside from Lord and Wallschleger, Christmas in the Spotlight stars former The Real talk show host Jeannie Mai, who will portray Bowyn’s manager. But she won’t be the only familiar face in the ensemble cast. And if you’re constantly on TikTok, then you may recognize TikTok influencer Haley Kalil, who, according to People, is set to make her onscreen debut as Drew’s sister-in-law, Nicole.

Stay tuned for more updates about Christmas in the Spotlight and 2024 Christmas movies — & follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

Finally getting time off during your holiday break is the perfect time to relax and catch up on your favorite Netflix series. From heartfelt comedies to dramas that keep us on the edge of our seats, there's just something magical about falling in love with a cast of characters and getting lost in a story. If you're looking for something new to start this December, watch the Netflix original that matches your Myers-Briggs personality type, then go back and watch the rest!

ISTJ — "Ginny & Georgia"

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Ginny & Georgia | Official Trailer | Netflix

15-year-old Ginny moves to New England with her mom Georgia and her brother Austin after the death of her stepfather. The fact that she often feels like the most mature person in her family frustrates her, but as Ginny navigates love, friendship, and life as a teenager, she realizes there might be more to her mother, and her stepfather's death, then meets the eye. The strong mother-daughter bond in this show will appeal to ISTJs' loyalty and dedication to family.

ISTP — "The Queen's Gambit"

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THE QUEEN'S GAMBIT Trailer (2020)

As Beth falls in love with playing chess, she also develops an addiction to the daily tranquilizer pills given out by her orphanage. Her success in the game and her addiction intertwine as she becomes one of the most famous players in the world. Independent ISTPs will love Beth's hands-on nature and her ferocity.

ISFJ — "Sweet Magnolias"

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SWEET MAGNOLIAS | Official Trailer | Netflix

Maddie, Helen, and Dana Sue have been friends since high school, and when they decide to open a spa in their town of Serenity, South Carolina, both their personal and love lives get very complicated. ISFJs, and their kind, responsible natures will fall in love with this warm-hearted Netflix series.

ISFP — "Virgin River"

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Virgin River | Official Trailer | Netflix

Mel moves to Virgin River after she sees an ad looking for a midwife nurse practitioner. She thinks it will be the perfect fresh start until she realizes that living in a small town is not as drama-free as she hoped. Because ISFPs can be easy-going and sensitive, they'll resonate with the journey Mel goes on to find healing and make a home in Virgin River.

INFJ — "Anne With An E"

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Anne | Official Trailer [HD] | Netflix

Siblings Mathew and Marilla think they've adopted a boy until they discover red-haired Anne instead. With a temper that matches her hair, Anne always seems to be getting into trouble, but her kindness, imagination, and loyalty quickly win the town over. INFJs will relate to Anne's complexity, creativity, and her love for all things beautiful.

INFP — "Bridgerton"

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Bridgerton | Official Trailer | Netflix

In a story that's a little bit Jane Austen, a little bit Gossip Girl, Daphne has one thing on her mind during her debut season: a suitor. When Daphne and the Duke fake a courtship to make her look desirable and him unavailable, they begin to develop real feelings. The idealistic and creative nature of INFPs will love this drama's colorful details and high stakes.

INTJ — "Never Have I Ever"

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Never Have I Ever | Official Trailer | Netflix

After dealing with her father's passing and being in a wheelchair for three months, Devi decides to change her social status. However her grief, Indian identity, and complicated relationships make it more difficult than she anticipated. INTJs are analytical, logical, and creative, which is why they'll relate to Devi's drive and passion.

INTP — "Shadow and Bone"

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​Shadow and Bone | Official Trailer | Netflix

When Alina saves her friend Mal while inside the Fold (a physical darkness splitting her country in two), she accidentally releases a power she didn't know she possessed. Everyone quickly realizes she's the Sun Summoner they've been waiting for and Alina gets swept into a world of power, intrigue, and magic that will certainly appeal to INTPs.

ESTP — "Girlboss"

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GIRLBOSS Trailer (2017) Britt Robertson Netflix Series HD

Sophia begins to flip clothing online after discovering a passion for fashion. When her business plans snag, she decides to start her own company, but realizes that being her own boss is harder than she thought. Sophia's outgoing nature and attention to detail will appeal to ESTPs who value the same things.

ESTJ — "The Chair"

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The Chair | Official Trailer | Netflix

Pembroke University appoints Ji-Yoon as the chair of the English department. As the first woman and woman of color in the position, she navigates love and parenting, while also realizing that the issues in the department run much deeper than she realized. ESTJs can be logical and assertive, and will relate to Ji-Yoon's take-charge nature.

ESFP — "Family Reunion"

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FAMILY REUNION Official Trailer (HD) Netflix Family Series

The McKellans decide to move to Georgia from Seattle after attending their family reunion. While they expect life in a small town to be simpler, it leaves them feeling out of place instead. Spontaneous, outgoing ESFPs will love this heartfelt family sitcom.

ESFJ — "Emily In Paris"

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Watch Emily in Paris | Netflix Official Site

Vibrant Emily becomes the American representative at a Parisian marketing firm in this fun, flirty show that can definitely be described as brain candy. Both Emily and ESFJs are outgoing and encourage others to be their best selves, making them the perfect match.

ENFP — "Julie and the Phantoms"

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Julie and the Phantoms NEW Series Trailer | Netflix Futures

Julie hasn't played the piano since her mom's death, but with the help of a boy band that's been dead for 25 years (yes, you read that right), she rediscovers her passion for music. This Netflix series is so fun, creative, and oh-so heartfelt that ENFPs of all ages will love it. Plus it's got a great soundtrack.

ENFJ — "The Babysitter's Club"

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The Baby-Sitters Club Official Trailer | Netflix Futures

Five best friends start a babysitting business in their Connecticut small town, and must deal with bullies, school, and crushes. Don't be fooled by the the fact that this show is about middle schoolers: The issues they face definitely speak to ones faced by people of all ages today and the girls are confident, social, and able to pick up on the needs of the people around them, just like ENFJs.

ENTJ — "Tiny Pretty Things"

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Tiny Pretty Things | Official Trailer | Netflix

When Cassie, the star dancer at a Chicago ballet school, is attacked, Neveah must take her place, but is unprepared for the cutthroat competition that awaits her there. The characters' focus on success is perfect for ENTJs and their no-nonsense, hardworking nature.

ENTP — "Stranger Things"

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Stranger Things | Official Final Trailer | Netflix

When Will goes missing from his Indiana small town, the search to find him uncovers a mysterious girl and a string of government experiments. The more Will's friends and family discover, the more they wonder why the authorities are so interested in his disappearance. ENTPs' innovation and idea-oriented nature will love this unique, creative Netflix series.

Let us know on Instagram what your favorite Netflix series is and subscribe to our email newsletter for more holiday break ideas!

Featured image via Roger Do Minh/Netflix

It's been a minute since we last saw our Southern Charm faves on screen, but they're finally back for season 10! From the Taylor-Shep-Olivia-Austen of it all to the gradual shift of Craig away from...everyone, a lot's happened since last year. And as if keeping up with all that wasn't enough, the trailer just dropped, and I have plenty of thoughts. So here's everything you should know from what to expect for season 10, who's returning, and when you can watch Southern Charm! Let's get into it!

Watch The 'Southern Charm' Trailer Here!

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- YouTube
Here's every thought I had throughout the Southern Charm season 10 trailer!
  • The whole trailer starts off with Craig saying, “You can either accept the life that I live now, or not." That DEFINITELY sets the tone for the rest of this first look — and seemingly the rest of season 10.
  • Despite whatever drama may come, it's clear that Shep's inner child is alive and well. That "olly olly oxen free" and cannonball moment is soooo extremely him.
  • We're getting a group Bahamas trip! You know that can only mean one thing: DRAMA. Nothing changes the dynamic like being outside of Charleston!
  • There's a new girl in the group, named Molly! Apparently she "used to sext Craig," but she's " not trying to steal him from Paige or anything." Okay, sure Jan...
  • Taylor has a new boyfriend. Color me unsurprised!

Bravo

  • Excuse me, but Venita & JT?!?! IDK how to feel...
  • After Craig tells Patricia that JT called her a b--ch, Madison says, “He will be the b--ch when I’m done with him.” I mean, you really just don't go after Patricia — everyone knows that!
  • Every time Craig and Austen talk, it's clear they're exasperated with one another. Craig said, “Our friendship will never look like it used to." As much as I'm happy to see Craig setting clear boundaries with his friends, I'd definitely hate to see this bromance die. (Even though IDK if I'll ever forgive Austen for the Ciara of it all...)
  • And in another unsurprising update: Shep has a new girlfriend — and she's the former Miss Bahamas! According to Madison, she's a Southern Charm fan, so it seems like some people think she's just using him as pawn to get on the show. All I know is we eventually see Shep walking away dejected and saying, “I shouldn’t have done this.” YIKES.
  • And as predictable as the rain, of course there's drama with Shep, Taylor, and another woman — Salley. According to Salley, she and Shep slept together, and Taylor doesn't seem to take this well. She said, "I dated Shep for two years. Y'all just f----d!"
It's clear this southern faves have no shortage of drama to pull from yet again...

Who's returning for 'Southern Charm' season 10?

Bravo

Our charmers Venita Aspen, Leva Bonaparte, Craig Conover, Taylor Ann Green, Austen Kroll, Madison LeCroy, Rodrigo Reyes, Shep Rose, and Jarrett “JT” Thomas are all set to return for season 10! Patricia Altschul and her son Whitney Sudler-Smith will also appear throughout the season — because it wouldn't be Southern Charm without this duo, TBH!

One face we're sad to see gone is Olivia Flowers. In regards to leaving the show, she told Scheana Shay on Scheananigans, "It wasn't my choice." Apparently producers told her the decision came because she seemed estranged from the Charleston scene, often traveling, spending time in Texas, and connecting with her new boyfriend. And while that may have bothered her at the time, it's clear that Olivia doesn't have time to worry about all that given her recent engagement to Alex Williams.

Are there any new cast members for 'Southern Charm' season 10?

This season, we're getting a few newcomers to Charleston! Salley Carson is "a bubbly party girl by night and a robotics technician for surgical procedures by day. The debutante is gorgeous, intelligent, and independent, and she shares a curiously parallel romantic past with Taylor." Yeah, that definitely spells trouble in Shep-ville. Outside of the social scene, her bio reads that Salley works in spinal robotics — nothing short of impressive there! I can't wait to see what this brainy beauty adds to the group!

Molly O’Connell also joins season 10 after apparently showing up in the background of previous seasons for years. So while she's new to the show, she's definitely been a friend of the group for a while. Still, this isn't Molly's first foray into TV — she was on America's Next Top Model in 2010 and continued her modeling career for years afterwards. On top of all that? She's also appeared as a charter guest on Below Deck. Clearly, this girl was made for the screen!

Ryan Albert hops on board this season as a friend of Patricia's — because who doesn't this woman know in Charleston?! According to Bravo, he's a stay-at-home-husband who volunteers — and hosts parties — in his free time.

When does 'Southern Charm' season 10 come out?

Bravo

Southern Charm season 10 premieres Thursday, Dec. 5 at 9 p.m. ET/PT! I'll be tuned in with rosé in-hand and mouth agape!

Looking for more entertainment news? Be sure to follow us on TikTok so you never miss a thing!

ICYMI, while some of us were showing off our best Halloween costumesthis weekend, hundreds of people gathered in New York City's Washington Square Park for a Timothée Chalamet Lookalike Contest. Various people who look similar to the actor (AKA, Timmy's in different fonts) showed up in costume, while others genuinely look so much like him they were believable in their own clothes!

Get hundreds of people together in NYC and you're in for a crazy afternoon, but things got even more chaotic when Timothée Chalamet himself showed up...and then the police came disperse the crowd (and even arrested one attendee). Despite this turn of events, one lookalike, dressed up as the titular character from Wonka, was crowned the winner. Here are the best tweets about the very-eventful Sunday.

The Best Tweets About The Timothée Chalamet Lookalike Contest

He was, folks!

In the flesh!

And even Netflix got in on the conversation!

The Timothée Chalamet Lookalike Contest made New York City feel even more like your very strange, very random small town.

I was definitely feeling nostalgic for 2014.

There are some things that can't be explained in words, for real.

How could anyone focus on anything else?!

Work smarter, not harder.

The only thing better than showing up to the Timothée Chalamet Lookalike Contest? Accidentally showing up to the Timothée Chalamet Lookalike Contest.

Hang this in the Louvre.

I think Timmy (and Wonka) would approve.

The Timothée Chalamet Lookalike Contest was a day for the history books.

Pull through Timmy!

With his current Marty Supremelook, it's no wonder no one recognized him.

Okay, we had to suspend our disbelief just a bit, but that's the fun of it!

This was more entertaining than any Halloween party could be, TBH.

I truly don't know the last time I felt mindless joy like this.

There are so many layers to the Timothée Chalamet Lookalike Contest.

And on a fine Sunday afternoon, there's nowhere I'd rather see them.

WHERE'S HIS TROPHY?!

Well, that's one way to look at it.

Love is in the air!

Y'all want to meet in Central Park next weekend?

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