Logging in a few extra hours reading about your career field may not rank very high on your priority list, but I’ve found that it has really helped me get ahead in my career and become more engaged in life. While job experience is irreplaceable, hearing the same topics presented in different voices can open your mind and perhaps giving you a new perspective on topics you are interested in.

Reading blogs is also a way to keep on top of industry news…something potential employers are expecting of new hires as well as current employees looking to be promoted. But don’t limit yourself to only reading about your small slice of the business world. Use blogs to become a more well-rounded person, by doing so you’ll gain knowledge, confidence, learn to take better care of yourself and others, be better able to navigate life’s ups and downs and improve your business and personal relationships.

So now you might be asking ‘How do you find good blogs to follow?’ Here are some that we at CustomerSkills recommend:

Glass Door Blog – http://www.glassdoor.com/blog/ a well-known website where you can read articles written by the Glass Door staff. You can also look up employee reviews of location specific companies, average salaries, look for jobs, etc.

Life Hacker – http://lifehacker.com/ a blog devoted to getting things done in many arenas of life.

Jeffery Gitomer – This week’s column – http://www.gitomer.com/articles/ThisWeeksColumn.html this longtime business, sales and customer service author is a favorite of the CustomerSkills staff.

CustomerSkills – Ms. Chatterback – http://www.customerskills.com/ms-chatterback Written by yours truly, this sassy column gives you straight-up no B.S. advice to make your work and personal life better.

Pick The Brain – http://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/ Advice on motivation, productivity and self-improvement.

Naomi Simson – http://naomisimson.com/ – A very successful business woman and panel member on Australia’s TV version of Shark Tank writes about her adventures and misadventures in business.

Better Life Coaching Blog – http://betterlifecoachingblog.com/ written by an experienced life coach it is meant to equip, encourage and inspire people to make meaningful action and make a difference in the world.

Jason Silva – Shots of Awe – http://thisisjasonsilva.com/ Jason Silva is a modern day philosopher, his blog explores innovation, technology, creativity, futurism and ‘metaphysics of the imagination’ all in a series of fun, short video clips.