Choose Your Career

Ask any graduating senior and they will tell you that choosing a career, while an exciting prospect, is also terribly stressful. After all, once the safety of academia disappears, you’re on your own, often pursuing a job that matches your educational experience. We’re all told that we can be anything we want to be, and that’s true. But the part that’s often left out is the difficult road we must travel to get there. When choosing a career path, keep in mind the acronym VISE: Values Interests Skills Environment These four factors, considered in that order, can help you determine the best career path for you. But there are many traps along the way, ones that can lead you on the wrong career path. Here are the six worst ways to pick a career and tips to avoid them: 1. Picking a career because everyone says you'll be good at it. It’s flattering when friends pump your ego by saying that you’re funny or talented or super smart. But translating those … [Read more...] about The 6 Worst Ways to Pick a Career

The job industry is continually changing. Old industries are dying and new industries are springing up to replace them. Knowing what’s on the up will help you get ahead and plan your career effectively. In late 2009, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics released a report entitled, “Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition.” This study detailed trends in work, examining the types of industries where work will increase and where work is declining. The report covers trends from 2009 through 2018, and revealed some interesting changes. What is not particularly surprising in a service-driven economy is that manufacturing and mining are on a downward slope, while consumer-led services are on the increase. But which areas will experience the largest growth? The top five are detailed here...1. Healthcare and social assistanceThe largest area for growth by far is in the healthcare and social assistance industry. This sector will account for 26 percent of al new jobs in the … [Read more...] about Job Industries of the Future

Because of their bloated, distended, and very warped sense of self, as well as the huge amount of decibels they waste, the loudmouths of the world rank way up there in the pantheon of office villains. At work, it sounds like their voices careen off the walls, echo in the ether, and don't even get absorbed by thick carpeting. They won't be stopped, and they can't be easily deterred. Because to them, "the world needs to know!" How smart they are, how tough, how successful, blah, blah, blah and more blah. They are egos gone berserk, feeding their starved psyches at everyone else’s expense. So, we submit that all loudmouths leave the world of regular office work, and instead find themselves in one of the following five occupations. Tell 'em anything, just be sure to also say that the world is waiting for them...Hopefully, they can't resist and will take their toxic show on the road. As you can see, there's a host of far more suitable venues for them to infect... >Talk Show … [Read more...] about Loud and Noisy Coworker? 5 Jobs for Big Mouths

There's always a trade-off when deciding whether to continue your education. On one hand, you could start working now, but on the other hand, if you go to school for a few years, you could earn a lot more over the long term. The trick is finding the perfect blend of going to school and making more money. While you are pretty much assured to make a lot more money if you complete a bachelors degree program in a high-demand field, employers are not quite so eager to hire two-year program graduates for above-average wages. There are a few careers, however, that offer great wages if you complete a two-year associate's degree. Almost every career in the medical field is expected to have huge growth over the next 8-10 years. Why? For one, baby boomers are aging and requiring more comprehensive medical care. Many of these boomers worked in the medical field and are now retiring. So, it's definitely a good time to consider completing a degree that will get you into a high-demand medical job, … [Read more...] about 5 High Paying Jobs With a 2 Year Degree

This new Jobacle miniseries will describe the five best jobs for various work types. The French have a term for this: ‘metier.’ The definition of métier describes a field of work in which one has special ability, proclivity; a forte, if you will. The folks we’re going to focus on today are Control Freaks. Future articles will include the Introvert, the Loud, the Passive-Aggressive, and a host of others. By identifying these types, it may be easier for us to cope with them and their nasty quirks. Better yet, you may be able (good luck) to jolly them into a career change. The Control FreakBecause of their urgent and strong need to have the illusion of control over everything, and everyone, they are a royal pain in the arse to all who come across them. While they may be good at what they do, they also inflict a great deal of damage on their subordinates. Literally, they give heart attacks before they get them. So, and in the best possible spirit, we think that all … [Read more...] about Metier: 5 Jobs for Control Freaks

Like many things, discovering how to get paid to play sounds too good to be true. The fact of the matter, though, is that it’s not too good to be true. Things that are too good to be true would be things that promise results without any work. You can discover how to find a career you will enjoy each day as long as you put in a little bit of work in finding out what that career is. So how can you discover a fun job that feels like play time and is actually a career? Think About It – I know, it sounds like work. If you put some serious time and thought into figuring out what you like to do, though, you can then put some serious thought into how you can make your hobby into a paying career. Only serious self reflection will tell you what you view as play. So think about your hobbies and don’t leave anything out. If it’s snowboarding, you could be a snowboarding instructor, etc.  Take a Test Trial Run – Many ideas have a way of sounding glamorous but when … [Read more...] about Discovering How to Get Paid To Play

Some time ago, in a typical morning session with a bunch of rebellious teens, one of my many “admirers” shouted at me, “You needs to stop riding our backs and get yo'self a real job!” After I politely put her in her place (and corrected her grammar), I assured her that substitute teaching was a real job; and I assure you too. :-)BACKGROUND...Substitute teachers are like understudies are to actors.  It's estimated that by the time that most students graduate from high school, they will have spent the equivalent of one year under the instruction of a substitute teacher. Yet, substitutes remain an enigma. For example, did you know that in many states Subs are required to have a four-year degree and hold a certificate in substitute teaching before they enter the classroom? Or that Subs can earn full time pay for part-time hours? Or that these professionals are considered as part of the “real” teachers' union? Why So Many are Transitioning to this … [Read more...] about Substitute Teaching – The Perfect Job?

What does the future hold as far as education is concerned?  If you have the right degree, the future may bring many exciting career opportunities your way. Not surprisingly, most of the promising up and coming degrees have a lot to do with the technology field, green living and healthcare. Check out some of the great career fields of the future. If you chose one of these paths now, chances are you will have a great career for many years to come. 1.    Green JobsEveryone knows that going green is the future. While the trend is catching on and becoming more and more popular each day, it is no wonder that this will be one of the most important career paths of the future. There are many lucrative jobs to get into when it comes to being green, such as a Biologist, Food Scientist and Biochemical Engineer. There are also jobs in Green energy and even Marketing, in which you would market and convince others to buy and use green products. The average mean annual wages for … [Read more...] about Career Fields of the Future

Believe it or not, there are still some very solid career choices out there. While many jobs are going up in smoke, medical assisting jobs are going strong. Since the 1950’s, medical assistants have been a vital part of the medical industry. Doing everything from filing paperwork to running medical tests, they help keep any medical facility running smoothly. If you’ve been thinking about a career change and the following 5 benefits appeal to you, then it may very well be something you should consider. Job Growth and StabilityAccording to United Stats Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for medical assistants is quite impressive. In fact, it’s projected to have one of the fastest job growths all the way through to the year 2018. From 2008 to 2018, it was expected that medical assistant employment would grow 34%. With the ever-growing technologies in the healthcare industry, the number of aging citizens and rising numbers of medical conditions like diabetes; … [Read more...] about 5 Reasons to Consider Becoming a Medical Assistant

You should consider some interesting facts about nursing assistants if you are thinking of a career as a nursing assistant or know someone who works as a CNA.  A CNA is someone who provides basic care (typically non-medical care) for patients in hospitals, nursing care facilities and home-health settings.  They work closely with nurses and other members of the healthcare team to keep a patient safe and comfortable when they are ill or injured.  There are probably many things you do not know about nursing assistants. 1.    If you think a career as a certified nursing assistant is not an important career; think again.  Nursing assistants are a vital part of the healthcare team for patients and clients in a variety of healthcare settings.  You can make a difference in the lives of patients of all ages when working as a nursing assistant. 2.    There are about 1.5 million jobs in the United States, filled by certified nursing assistants, nursing aides and psychiatry aides.  Enrolling … [Read more...] about 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Nursing Assistants