For anyone seeking a change in career, or post-retirement options for that matter, the new book by Samuel Greengard, 'Crash Course in Finding the Work You Love', is a veritable treasure trove of everything one might ever want or need in pursuing such a life sea-change.This is a highly readable book that offers a broad array of interesting facts, figures and case studies about career change. The author, who describes his own journeys along the personal self reinvention trail, is truthful and helpful. Unlike similar books, this author achieves his objectives without an iota of pretension. Given the many, many books already published that deal with this subject matter, Greengard is to be commended for both his candor and ability to distill and simplify the many complex issues entailed in such an endeavor. The number of people reinventing themselves at age 45 and beyond is growing into nothing less than a tidal surge, and AARP, armed with their wealth of knowledge and resources on second … [Read more...] about Crash Course in Finding the Work You Love
Do You Have a 5-Year Plan?
I have always been on a "path." First I was on the straight A’s through middle school, graduating with honors from high school, playing all the typical sports to show my team spirit path. Then I was on the joining all the right clubs and volunteer organizations, finding the right college, picking a flexible degree, completing the required internships, and finding the perfect job to prove my hard work after college path.I’m exhausted just thinking back on it.I'll be completely honest and open: over the past year, I LOST THE PATH.As 2009 rapidly approaches, it has struck me that I need to get back on a plan. It used to bother me when people asked me where I saw myself in five years; now I understand it was because I never could quite picture anything after college.It truly is such a simple concept. If you want to lose 20 pounds, do you make a plan to do it? Of course you do! Making obtainable goals and reaching them gives us the motivation to keep going and hopefully to … [Read more...] about Do You Have a 5-Year Plan?
Working Podcast: Episode #81
Episode #81 of the Working Podcast brings you free career advice, employment news and the hottest job Websites:- 6 questions to ask a professional resume writer before you hire one. - A song about having an office job in a time of war.- Learn about the Layoff Tracker, JobRadio.fm and HowCast. Direct Download … [Read more...] about Working Podcast: Episode #81
Walk Through Work With TrekDesk
Health benefits at work just took on a whole new meaning with the TrekDesk. This new workstation with a built-in treadmill is garnering interest- and controversy. Let’s start with the positives of TrekDesk. *This helps Americans reach the Surgeon General set goal of 10,000 steps per day; which coincidentally, is equivalent to 3 hours of walking on the TrekDesk. *Recent research has come out reporting that there is a correlation to sedentary lifestyles and weight gain. WHAT??! I know this is mind-blowing news, but the supposed latest information is that sitting actually “switches” off the employee’s ability to burn fat properly. Let’s continue on to the potential problems with TrekDesk. *While this machine alleges to allow employees to walk without sweating, how true is this claim? This could cause some serious stink issues in the workplace. *Have you ever actually tried to read while on a treadmill? Some of us lack … [Read more...] about Walk Through Work With TrekDesk
One Memo. Two Reactions. Who Are You?
It was Friday morning, 9am. Another seemingly quiet day at Company A. Then the memo went out."It is with great excitement that we announce the merging of Company A and Company B. We expect this union to strengthen our position within the industry and create a plethora of new opportunities for all levels of staff."The blood rushed from Mike's face as he finished reading. He was thinking about the house he just bought, the flailing economy, and the baby on the way. Losing his job was NOT an option.Jenny stopped by Mike's cube. "Did you get the memo," she asked. "Pretty cool stuff, eh?"Mike was dumbfounded. "Yeah, 'cool stuff' if you can get by on $405 a week. We're probably all gonna lose our jobs.""Chill out man. First, I highly doubt they'll touch us, we're the higher grossing division. Second, they might ask you to head up the entire division! Maybe more responsibility and a larger staff will lead to a bigger paycheck.""But what if they tap my counterpart at Company B to run the show? … [Read more...] about One Memo. Two Reactions. Who Are You?
Kiss Your Raise / Bonus Goodbye?
The rumblings have already started; there will be no end-of-year raises this year at my place of employment. Only time will tell if these rumors come to fruition, but I think it's safe to assume that a majority of American employees will receive smaller salary increases (if any) and should expect anemic holiday bonuses. (Unless you work at ExxonMobile)We here at Jobacle fully anticipate these 'bad news' memos to start hitting your inbox any day now. Even if your company is doing well, they are still going to safeguard the cash this go around. Since we love taking the pulse of what's REALLY happening in the workplace, we respectfully ask you to share these types of 'economic downturn' memos with us. Whether it's a slash in pay raises, a cut in hours, the merging of two entities, or no more open bar at the holiday party, let us know what's happening in your neck of the woods.At your request we will keep your submission confidential, remove the company logo, etc. Send it through … [Read more...] about Kiss Your Raise / Bonus Goodbye?
Is Your State an Unemployment Loser?
CNN Money has released September 2008 unemployment rates ranked from best to worst by state. South Dakota takes the winning rate with only 3.2%, while the union's smallest state, Rhode Island, shamefully reports an 8.8% unemployment rate. Coincidentally, the state I am trying to move back to almost doubles the unemployment rate than the one I currently live in (OH vs. VA). Someone put the Buckeye State on an economic fitness plan!But what does this really mean? First, unemployment rates are clearly an indication of how local businesses are fairing. Second, the higher the unemployment rate, the higher your competition most likely is. Thus, you will have to try harder to land a new job or simply keep the one you have.The job market is tough right now, no matter which state you are hunting in. Here are a few tips to help you along the way. * Make a weekly resume submission goal. To figure this out, calculate how many you were previously submitted in a week’s time, and then DOUBLE … [Read more...] about Is Your State an Unemployment Loser?
Shop for the Perfect Resume Writer
In the spirit of Jobacle’s Resume Writing contest, it seems only logical to review a resume writing Web site that attempts to provide the fairest price for a brand spanking new resume. StrongResume touts a Web site that provides an “amazon.com” style approach to resume writing.In times like these, job seekers need all the help they can get; we want a reasonable price and a quick turnaround. How does a $35 start price for an entry level resume at a 48-hour turnaround sound to you? StrongResume offers resumes in four categories and lets you shop for the writer that best suits your needs: Entry level: This category embraces college students or recent grads with 1-4 years of professional work experience. Professional: This category is for those with 5-9 years of professional work experience. Executive: This is for those with 10+ years work experience. However, the website also gives a few sample titles such as VP and manager, so … [Read more...] about Shop for the Perfect Resume Writer
Time Cards Out. Hand Geometry In. Hello 1984!
Just as George Orwell predicted in his negative utopian classic '1984,' Big Brother has arrived! Not just overnight, but slowly, ever so slowly, the new corporate mindset, with its' over-obsession on worker accountability, has slithered into the workplace. Of course, and as we all know, HR, aka the Thought Police, has become not just a separate profession, but really one of the most prolific and powerful, yet stunningly unproductive, industries known to the modern American workplace.In fact, it's these corporate cops, and their big business bosses, that we have to thank for the hypocrisy of political correctness, the ever-increasing number of employee regulations that we're subjected to, and the like. It's damned ironic, if you think about it, that our employers, while perenially whining about the bottom line, can still have the gall to sink millions-yeah, milliions!-into every type of techno-crap for really only one reason, and that's to better monitor the workforce. And all under the … [Read more...] about Time Cards Out. Hand Geometry In. Hello 1984!
Is Workplace Competition Good for You?
It's often said that competition brings the best out in people. This might be true in a boxing match, on a football field, or during a Monopoly throwdown, but what does a head-to-head battle yield in the workplace?Let's look at each of the four parties involved:YOU * Pressure can lead to stress. Just the right amount can be a beautiful thing (i.e., the butterflies in your stomach when you first kissed the girl/guy). But when your competitor turns up the heat and forces you to engage when you're not interested, the stress can become too much. And stress is good friends with anger, which can lead to... * Misdirected energy. Now, instead of concentrating on work and how you can improve things, you are getting lost in "the game"-how you can best the enemy or take a competitor down. You start to make strategic moves as an individual. Before you know it, it's evident to all that you are "not a team player." However... * Being pushed to perform can help your personal development, making you … [Read more...] about Is Workplace Competition Good for You?