If you’re longing to go out on your own, bag the day job and start your own business, what’re the motivating factors? I suspect they might be:1. Setting your own hours and controlling your schedule.2. Doing something you love.3. Making a boatload of money (really?)4. Working in your sweatsI think there’s a much bigger impetus – the pea-brained boss. They’re probably responsible for thousands of newly-formed entrepreneurs. “Dilbert” creator Scott Adams summed it up nicely in a Wall Street Journal article, "The Perfect Stimulus: Bad Management." When he started out in corporate life, as Adams put it, “Though most of my immediate bosses were entirely reasonable and competent, the organization at large was riddled with hamster-brained sociopaths in leadership roles.” A bit exaggerated, but that’s why he gets the … [Read more...] about Do Pea-Brained Managers Launch Entrepreneurs?
Career Advice Blog
Weird Science: 7 Careers Your Guidance Counselor Never Told You About
A career in science doesn’t necessarily mean being cooped up in a lab all day or sitting behind a computer. The fact that science inquires into literally every part of our world means that you can pursue scientific careers in the oddest of places, from the tops of volcanoes to outer space. Check out these real and bizarre science jobs that may leave you reconsidering your current career. 1. Microbe Hunter: Crazy scientists, they’ll study anything. Even tiny bacteria that live in the most extreme climates, like hot springs or deep-ocean thermal vents. Microbe hunters are a particular type of microbiologist that scour the earth for these tiny, extremophile life forms. Microbe hunters travel for research, get samples of their life form, and head back to the lab to study its growth and characteristics. • Necessary Education: Most need at least a master’s degree in biology, geochemistry, or a related field, although a PhD will … [Read more...] about Weird Science: 7 Careers Your Guidance Counselor Never Told You About
Work Resolution #5: Leave Work in the Past
Welcome to 2011, the year that you will actually stick to your career resolution! Jobacle is here to help. Each day this week I will share a career resolution that has been effective for me. As the human race, we tend to repeat behavior/emotions we have previously experienced. For example, if you were to punch your steering wheel every time someone cut you off, you might repeat that behavior at a time when it could cause harm. Or worse yet, what happens when you have the “feeling” of being cut off and there’s no steering wheel to punch?If you have a horrible day at work it can be therapeutic to espouse to your spouse. But if you make a habit out of complaining about work, you will do it without even realizing it -and this is bad for you (and your relationship!). You also are reawakening the negative feelings that occurred during the original event - why relive negativity twice?We all work for the money. One way to leave … [Read more...] about Work Resolution #5: Leave Work in the Past
Career Resolution #4: Become a Parrot
Welcome to 2011, the year that you will actually stick to your career resolution! Jobacle is here to help. Each day this week I will share a career resolution that has been effective for me. As much as you may hate wearing a skirt and holding pom-poms, like it or not, you are your best cheerleader. Sometimes you are your only cheerleader!Today's resolution requires that you become a parrot.Repetition is one of the main ways we retain information. It's the way we learn a language, improve at math, get six-pack abs, and so on.Your mission is to pick an item that will boost your career "street cred," and repeat it every few days to different people at work.You might want to talk up a skill that you haven't had a chance to tap into. Or remind people of a past accomplishment. The point here is to spread the word about something you have done or something you want to do. You'll be amazed at how being a broken record can pay dividends. … [Read more...] about Career Resolution #4: Become a Parrot
Best Jobs in 2011 (and the worst jobs in 2011)
Software Engineer is the best job in the nation, according to the new CareerCast.com Jobs Rated Report which came out today. Roustabout (someone who works on an oil rig) was ranked as the nation's worst job. If your job made the worst list, grab a copy of How to Quit Your Job!Best Jobs in 2011 vs. How They Fared in 2010:1. Software Engineer (up 1 spot)2. Mathematician (up 4)3. Actuary (down 2)4. Statistician (up 4)5. Computer Systems Analyst (down 2)6. Meteorologist (up 6)7. Biologist (down 3)8. Historian (down 3)9. Audiologist (up 34)10. Dental Hygienist (no change) Worst Jobs in 2011 and How They Fared in 2010:200. Roustabout (no change)199. Ironworker (down 1)198. Lumberjack (up 1)197. Roofer (down 18)196. Taxi Driver (down 2)195. Emergency Medical Technician (down 9)194. Welder (up 2)191. Painter (down 32)191. Meter Reader (up 1)191. Construction Worker (up 2)To see the 2011 rankings of all 200 best and worst jobs, click here.To review the 2011 Jobs Rated … [Read more...] about Best Jobs in 2011 (and the worst jobs in 2011)
Career Resolution #3: Get Updated!
Welcome to 2011, the year that you will actually stick to your career resolution! Jobacle is here to help. Each day this week I will share a career resolution that has been effective for me. By the end of January make a commitment to have your resume updated both online and on paper...even if you are not looking for a new job!You never know when an opportunity will present itself, and it is important to be prepared. Happy at your full-time gig? Congrats, but you're not exempt from this exercise. With the turning of the calendar, many organizations will be beefing up staff and making personnel changes; your job is to be ready. YOU are your brand!January is also a great time to take inventory of all of your social netowrking profiles. From LinkedIn to Pandora - be sure that your information is work-appropriate, consistent, and accurate. … [Read more...] about Career Resolution #3: Get Updated!
Career Resolution #2: Take a January Vacation Day
Welcome to 2011, the year that you will actually stick to your career resolution! Jobacle is here to help. Each day this week I will share a career resolution that has been effective for me. When it comes to vacation days, most people are like squirrels - they hoard their days for the summer and the end of the year. While I can appreciate the pragmatism, I would like to offer a suggestion; treat yourself to a vacation day in January. Even though the winter holidays are a time for family and friends, if we're gonna be honest, they are also a time for stress. Odds are that you did very little during the holiday season for yourself. Rather than do something for someone else, take a vacation day and use it for YOU. I don't know about you, but don't you hate it when you take a day off and later discover your boss was off too? The odds of someone taking time off from work in January are slim (unless they are reading this too!).Use the day … [Read more...] about Career Resolution #2: Take a January Vacation Day
Career Resolution: Why You Should Drink More Water
My name is Andrew and I am here to tell you why you should drink more water. I guess I'm kinda a waterholic. There, I admitted it. You would be hard-pressed to find me at a meeting, at my desk, or in the car without a bottle of water. Heck, there are worse addictions, right? Well that bottle of water replaced a lot of junk in my life, and I'm not only talking about sodas and other sugary beverages. I have used a simple water bottle to help improve my time spent at the office. Along the way I've reduced my anxiety, improved my overall health, and avoided the 3 p.m. crash. And it all started after a lack of water created my biggest work nightmare: a kidney stone. If you have ever had one, you just had a shiver run up your spine. If not, consider yourself lucky. Here are a few reasons why you should drink more water -- especially at work. Water carries nutrients to your cells. Impaired cells lead to lots of nasty stuff, including fatigue, dizziness, and mental confusion. Water … [Read more...] about Career Resolution: Why You Should Drink More Water
The "Let’s Get Real" Career Goals for 2011
I’ll be straight up with this – I think New Year’s resolutions should be renamed, “Set Up to Fail.” And setting career goals for the New Year? Hmm, not sure about that one either, especially in today’s job climate.If you’ve read my posts, you know I tend to be in the “glass is half-empty” camp. But there’s nothing wrong with setting some realistic goals. Last year, I wrote, “Set 2010 Career Goals, Then Be Flexible,” which was just a reminder that sometimes “life happens when you’re busy making other plans.” And Andrew’s “6 Cures for the Post Holiday Work Trauma” is a good way to ease yourself back into work after the hols.So, how about setting some let’s-get-real career goals for 2011?· Get Over Yourself – It’s highly unlikely that even though you believe you were a shining star in 2010 and deserve some … [Read more...] about The "Let’s Get Real" Career Goals for 2011
8 Most Promising Careers for 2011
The economy has not completely recovered - not even close. But there are some bright spots in the job market. Some skills are still in high demand and jobs are easy to come by for properly trained professionals. Here are eight in-demand careers for people who are looking for a career change or who are about to enter the job market for the first time. Employees in these fields should be on the hunt for companies that provide 360 feedback so that they can develop and improve while on the job. Interpreter/translator. As more and more businesses begin to adjust to the international marketplace, they require the services of people who are skilled in languages other than English. Translators have job security and solid earning potential whether they work with a translation service or are hired to work directly with a multi-national company. Medical technicians. This field has two advantages. First, it does not require extensive training. Most medical technician jobs (from an … [Read more...] about 8 Most Promising Careers for 2011