Summarize the following:
Most people hand in their resignation when they are burnt out and feel like they can't work at their job anymore. This burnt out feeling often inspires a lack of productivity. While this is an understandable feeling, you should do all you can to do the best work you can on your last project. You may end up wanting a recommendation from your boss in the future (or you may even work with them again.) It's best if you are remembered as a hard worker who gave it their all for the duration of their employment.  Be aware of any types of benefits you may be eligible for. If you are about to be laid off, you may have a severance package, or the option to collect unemployment benefits. These can be very handy if you have not secured a new job. Resigning from a position may disqualify you from receiving anything. It may be better in some cases to receive these benefits while looking for your next position. Make sure you learn the basic rules pertaining to retirement accounts like a 401k, if applicable, to avoid paying a tax bill. If you want to leave under the best possible terms, don't leave your employer high and dry, scrambling to cover your position. Give at least 2 weeks notice (or the minimum notice specified in your employment contract, if applicable) so that your boss can prepare to have others cover for you, or have time to groom a replacement. Even if your contract doesn't specify a notice timeline, you want to shoot for 2-3 weeks as a courtesy to your employer. Fewer than 2 weeks and your employer probably doesn't have an adequate replacement; more than 3 weeks and your employer will be wondering why you're still around. Once you've made the decision, don't go blabbing it all over company hill until word gets to your immediate supervisor. Think ahead, like a general, and know that knowledge is power.  Give your boss or supervisor time to absorb and process the information. If the company makes an attractive counter-offer, it will be awkward if you have already announced your plans to coworkers. Find out how your departure should be communicated to the rest of the staff once you have spoken with your boss. You boss may send out a company-wide email, or they may ask you to send out your own personal notice. Do not mention your departure to anyone before you have discussed these details with your boss. This is both a respectful and considerate thing to do and your boss and your coworkers are sure to appreciate it. Finish up projects that you have and prepare guidelines for the person who will fill your position. Consider creating a file that explains where you left off on any long-running projects, and other essentials your replacement might need to know about things you worked on. Make sure all of your files are in order, labeled, and easily located—you don't want to have frantic coworkers calling you after you have left the company because they can't find one of your files. This is especially important if you are working on a team. Once you have given your 2 weeks notice, discuss with your team which individuals will take on which duties until a replacement is found for you.

summary: Try to leave on a high note. Plan to give notice. Keep it to yourself. Tie up any loose ends you may have.


Summarize the following:
Once you buy the property, you will become responsible for any environmental hazards it contains. You need to find out about these hazards before purchasing. You have to determine whether the gas tanks are leaking or have leaked anything into the soil that you may have to clean up. Check the telephone book or Internet to find agencies in your area that perform environmental testing. Before engaging anyone, explain the purpose of the testing and your desire to purchase the property. The seller may not volunteer information about the quality of the storage tanks unless you inquire. You should ask the owner for copies of any purchase receipts or technical specifications of the tanks. Make sure that the tanks meet the current minimum requirements for your state.  In California, for example, gas station tanks must be made of double-walled fiberglass (DWFG) with leak detection sensors. To find the requirements in your state, you may need to hire an attorney. Alternatively, try calling the office of the Secretary of State. Each state will have its own office that sets the regulations. You need to know what you are buying. Purchasing a business may be separate from purchasing the property that the business rests on. You need to ask to see the title for the property. If you find out that the sale is only for the business and not the property included, you will need to adjust the purchase price accordingly. Don’t pay as much for the business as you would for the business and the land. A real estate attorney can help you review the paperwork to tell you what your purchase includes. Do not assume that the streets and businesses in the area of your prospective gas station will stay the same. You should check the city zoning department and office of public works to find out if any major changes are coming. A new road could divert traffic away from your site, seriously devaluing the business. If the city has plans to change zoning, you should find out before getting committed to the location.

summary: Test the soil under and around the property. Investigate the individual tanks. Verify ownership. Check with city hall.


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The background check can be a document as long as 25 pages that asks for all of your education information as well as your diplomas, all of your work experience, as well as references, as well as a myriad of other questions. You will often be given the background check packet and will be asked to return it within a week; so, before you apply, be prepared with transcripts, lists of references, and any relevant information that will be asked of you. You will be given a psychological exam to determine if you are able to handle the stresses and the pressures of the job. You will also need to demonstrate courage, as well as the ability to communicate effectively and use your analytical skills. To be a firefighter, you will need to have coordination, agility, and strength, as well as an overall high level of physical fitness. You must also be in general good health and be free of any physical constraints. This is a rigorous test that will require you to demonstrate your speed, agility, strength, and endurance. The test generally includes 8 exercise drills that must be completed in 10 minutes and 20 seconds or less and is evaluated on a pass or fail basis only. You will also have to complete the test while wearing a 50 lb. vest, long pants, a hard hat, and other heavy equipment. Though you should check the exact CPAT requirements, you should be able to complete the following tasks:  The stair climb. Climb 60 steps for 3 minutes with two 12.5 lb. weights on each shoulder. The hose drag. Place the end of a 200 feet (61.0 m). hose on your shoulder and drag it around various barriers until the 50 feet (15.2 m). hose mark crosses a finish line. The equipment carry. Carry two saws 75 feet (22.9 m). around a barrier and return them to the starting point. The ladder raise. Walk to the top rung of a 24 feet (7.3 m). ladder up a stationary wall. The forcible entry. Use a 10 lb. sledgehammer to strike a measuring device until a buzzer sounds. The search. Crawl on hands and knees in a tunnel maze. The rescue drag. Drag a heavy mannequin around a barrier. The ceiling breach and pull. Use a pike pole to push up a hinged door and a ceiling device. These skills include topics such as communication, judgment, problem solving and memory. There are guides available to help you study for the firefighter exams. Most departments rank the order of hiring by the exam scores. It is important to have the best score possible.
summary: Pass your background check. Pass the psychological evaluation. Pass the medical exam. Pass the CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test). Pass a written exam to test a variety of skills.