The Denver Post recently came out with an article written by Douglas Brown that stated (Death of full-time jobs fosters “gigonomics” trend). People hunting for employment have become fully engaged with adapting with an economy that has become stingy with full-time jobs. Many people have discovered that they can make a living by working two, three or even four part time jobs to make ends meet. Economists and others who wrestle with employment issues have dubbed the trend “gigonomics”.

There is no question more people are working part-time jobs today than when the recession started in December 2007. According to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are now 4.4 million more workers toiling at part-time jobs for economic reasons than there were 18 months ago. In all, the bureau counts 9 million people falling into this category.

For most people falling into this category find it can be very stressful, but for others it has opened up new doors, flexibility, opportunities and experiences that they never would have had if not for “gigonomics”.

I have been predicting the “gigonomics” employment practice for over 6 months and believe that once “gigonomics” has arrived in the work place, it will never go away. But, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Some companies have taken all the good from the “gigonomics” concept, added sound structure and organization to foster this growth into the future work place.

Some employee leasing companies have developed an employment concept that offers companies the benefits of utilizing professional, mature, experienced workers on a full-part time basis. Companies gain the advantage by increase in production out-put, reductions in incidents and accidents while at the same time reducing labor and overhead costs. This concept is simple, condensing the average work week hours to 20, not 40, eliminates the majority of non productive hours. This does not work for all vocations, but many can fall into this category. Studies by independent organizations reflect these results over an average 8 hour work day:

1. According to the study by the American Management Association, workers spend a day dealing with email. – 1.47 hours
2. Bathroom & water, general brakes, 4 a day x 5 min ea. – .20 hours
3. General conversations/gossip with co-workers – .25 hours
4. Smokers, ? pack a day smoke brakes, 5 min each – .50 hours
5. Talking on phone and cell phone with unsolicited vendors, family and friends – .30 hours
6. Average non-billable hours per employee per day at 77% billable – 1.84 hours

TOTAL NON PRODUCTIVITY HOURS DAY – 4.56 hours

This math indicates that the majority of employees are billing their clients for non productive work to maintain their billability. Program Managers should do the math on their employees to establish their own conclusion.

It also indicates that some positions could be modified to a partial work week and still produces the same results. Marketing, Sales, Estimating, and Consulting just to name a few.

To the best of my knowledge the 40 hour work week was arbitrarily selected years ago as an average work week, with no real means to back it up. So we ask, is the 40 hour work week really necessary for all professions?

Traditionally part-time employees are labeled just what the name means, part time. But, this is changing also. More and more company employees falling into this category are being labeled full-part time, meaning they have the same job, with the same company consistently week after week. Employees gain stability by finding an additional full-part job with another non-competitive company to complete their work week. The employee gets the benefits of working full time and has no need to look for “full time positions”, but is leased out to two different companies in the same week. Most employee leasing companies offer a full benifit package for full-part time workers that they employ.

The companies get the benefits of their professional experience, improved productive and at the same time reducing their burdened overhead cost and increasing their revenue margins, and still consider these employees as theirs while consistently working full-part time.

Our world is changing faster that we can adapt. Markets have expanded globally and competition is greater than it has ever been. Drastic measures have to be made just to stay in business. But, is downsizing the answer? Is reducing cost the only answer? While both will help reduce overhead, they will also contribute to less revenue and will only hurt companies in the long run, including compounding the problems of the economy. Totally eliminating positions is not the answer, but modifying them could be. There is another way without all the doom and gloom of layoffs.

The world is what we make of it and we need to make it right! The same goes for companies. Change can be either bad or good, but change we must.

Edward Ballog

By: Edward Ballog

Kmart is a discount department store that has international appeal and a constant need for employees. Like most large department stores in the United States, it is constantly growing and expanding its reach. Kmart currently has a strong presence in countries all over the world. This in turn means that there is a constant need for employees to fill all these new jobs that are created. It is beneficial to apply for a job at Kmart because of this expansion; you are more likely to get a job right away. The Kmart website and application process is unique to its peers because the instructions and forms are offered in both English and Spanish, making jobs accessible to more people.

Applying for a position at Kmart is easy, as everything you need is located on the company’s website and you can be assured that the application and your resume will be going directly to the appropriate people. Take the time to fill out your personal information, making sure that it is accurate and up to date. Try not to leave out any information or be vague in your responses. If an employer feels that there is not information, they will dismiss your application. When answering any other questions, be sure to be concise and clear.

Your responses should be to the point, as your application has only a few seconds to make a good impression. Pay attention to spelling and grammar and give the application a re-read before you send it off. If you can, have a friends or family member proof read, to catch something you may have missed.

You will be asked to share information regarding your past employment, education and your prospective availability. Where possible, highlight any skills or past work experience that could benefit you in your new position. There are many doors that can open when joining the Kmart family, sometimes just getting your foot in the door is the first step. When applying for management positions you will be asked to also send a comprehensive resume to accompany your online application. Kmart does reserve the right to ask you to complete and online assessment examination to determine whether or not you meet the minimum qualifications for specific job positions.

In some cases references are required for specific positions. If this is the case, ask past managers or supervisors in the relevant field to be your reference. It is beneficial if you are in their good graces and they can speak highly of you. Your potential employer will be looking to them for first hand insight about your work ethic, level of competency and personality.

Regardless of what position you are applying for, it is common courtesy to wait about a week before you make the follow-up phone call. This is to give the HR department enough time to receive and consider your application. The follow-up call is important because it allows you to speak directly to a person and allows you to get a contact name for future inquiries. Not only that, but by putting a voice to a name, you are ensuring that you are standing apart from the pack, and are seriously considered for this position.

By: Nick Woods

Is the recession over yet?! Not quite you might think. Well, the recession might come to an end soon, but that does not mean things get better right away. The financial uncertainty will stay for a while and at least at the time of this writing we’re heading towards the last quarter of the year. New hires are mainly for part-time and shopping related job, but the majority of the unemployed will have only small chances to find a new gig.

Being afraid of losing your job or if you already have lost your job – it turns out this is a major health hazard. Some studies show that formerly healthy people suddenly become seriously ill in one way or the other within a certain period of time when such an event hit. We’re not talking a cold kind illness or so, but rather something more serious (flu and up so to speak). While this news certainly does not lift your spirit, it might however help to become more motivated to stay healthy and to add a little more caution to your lifestyle.

Be good to yourself in a good way. A healthy lifestyle is always good, but even a little more will never hurt. Make sure to get enough sleep and do not let the worries takeover. Not getting enough sleep is linked to many illnesses that might even turn into a long-term health related situation. Add more physical exercise to your daily routine. Walks, longer than an hour, do work wonders for your health. Add some deep-breathing exercises on top of that and positive energy will fill your body and mind for sure.

Now combine this with a healthy diet that contains a lot of Vitamin D, Omega-3s, and fiber. Also, stick to a schedule if you are unemployed. Staying in bed all morning only makes things worse – especially once you find a job. Getting out of this routine is so difficult, it might affect your performance at the new job dramatically. Let the alarm clock be part of your day and get out of bed by 6.30 AM/7.00 AM.

You will be surprised how these things can help you to turn things around. You will become more healthy and stronger due to the exercise. You will gain self-esteem and be more self-confident. Employers like confident people. Confident People get the job done. Be one of them!

By: Christoph Puetz

What Is Craniosacral Therapy?

Craniosacral therapy is the art and science of reducing stress and tension in the brain’s meningeal membrane and the various fascial connections to improve the functioning of the ‘craniosacral’ system. The craniosacral system is the system that is responsible for the circulation of the cerebrospinal fluid. The craniosacral system’s good health is important because it surrounds as well as protects the regions of the brain and spinal cord. This therapy is used to treat chronic headaches, ear infections, jaw pain, strokes, and other brain and spinal cord related ailments.

How It Practiced?
When the bones of your face, head, and spinal cord and membranes underneath the skull are manipulated, the blockages preventing free movement of the cerebrospinal fluid are removed and a balance in energy fields is created. This helps in strengthening of the brain and spinal cord leading to overall good health. Since this therapy involves delicate manipulations of the spinal region and the skull, it is used only by experts such as chiropractors, osteopaths and/or acupuncturists.

What Degrees Or Certificates Are Available?

If you want to study craniosacral therapy, you can do so only if you are health professional. You can achieve a post graduate certification if you want to utilize the benefits of this science to your practice. There are some courses on offer to students that may already be studying to become health professionals.

Where Can I Get Training?

There are many schools offering this therapy. The top 3 schools for learning this therapy are:

Arizona School of Massage Therapy – Phoenix
10000 N. 31st Avenue
Suite D-100
Phoenix, AZ 85051

Denver School of Massage Therapy – Aurora
The Plaza at Aurora Mall
14107 East Exposition Avenue
Aurora, CO 80019

Boca Beauty Academy
7820 Glades Rd, Ste. 175
Boca Raton, FL 33434

How It Works

Gentle, hands on method to dealing with health issues affecting the craniosacral system, craniosacral therapy has proven results. As the bones surrounding the brain are manipulated slowly, the passage of the fluid becomes clearer and without interruptions. The system of the cerebrospinal fluid and membranes network from the one end of the spinal cord to the other and has a very fragile balance. Even the slightest bit of damage or pressure on this region can affect the central nervous system, leading to mild or serve damage, which can be difficult to treat. Practitioners of this therapy are required to apply only very gentle pressure that is equivalent to 5milligrams or the weight of a nickel coin to the affected areas in order to release pressure to the craniosacral region. Craniosacral therapy has proven to be beneficial in conditions like migraine, autism, colic, and child birth.

Craniosacral therapy is a way to augment the natural ability of the body to heal itself from any sort of strain or injuries. Due to its effectiveness, this practice is gaining attention and popularity when compared with other more expensive, alternative therapies or medical treatments.

By: Kelly Hunter

Now that you have decided to enroll for a physician assistant program, choosing one good school to study is important to ensure that you can get the best out of your education. Here are the best ten institutions that you may want to find out more.

University of Iowa offers programs that are different compared with that offered by other institutions as its curriculum is designed to allow students to complete more than 60% of their didactic phase with sophomore medical students.

Duke University offers PA programs that are divided into two sections. One section focuses on pre-clinical studies whereas another focuses on clinical experiences.

Emory University offers a 28-month program with an emphasis on primary health care. The curriculum is divided into three phases – didactic, clinical and advanced didactic phase.

George Washington University offers 2 graduate-level programs – a traditional 2-year program and a 3-year joint program. One interesting note is that its curriculum includes a nationally recognized community service.

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas offers a program that requires students to undergo four didactic semesters with one additional semester on clinical rotation.

University of Utah offers a program that is divided into two phases – a first year on didactic teaching and a second year on clinical training.

University of Washington offers programs for both bachelor and master degree. Students are expected to spend time working on projects, attending clinical sessions and studying various medical topics.

University of Colorado at Denver offers a program with an emphasis on pediatrics, though its curriculum also prepares students to treat patients of all ages.

Baylor College of Medicine offers PA program at master level. The program takes 30 months to complete and consists of 2 phases – didactic and experiential learning phase.

Oregon Health and Sciences University offers a program that lasts for 26 months. The program consists of didactic and clinical phase.

By: Jasper Conan

Before you consider your next job change or even career change, it’s crucial that you look at the kind of lifestyle you want today and in the future, just like considering a short term loans no credit check. As you determine the course of your career path, you’ll discover that other facets of your life will enter into the picture as well–where you life, how you spend your money, how you spend your free time. This career-planning time is also time to think about life planning. When I meet with my clients for the first time, before I ask them what they want to do, I ask them what kind of life they want to live.

Even in carefree Hawaii, there’s an expression – Pau Hana–meaning “after work,” Until the last decade, most of our lives were built around work and after work. It always seemed upside-down to me that our society encourages us to work long hours at something we hate in order to get a few hours to do something we really love. When I grew up in the Midwest, it was the highest of compliments to be referred to as a ‘good’ worker or ‘hard’ worker.

Our days are typically divided into getting ready for work, going to work, working, working lunches, working late, going home from work, dinner and doing the work we took home to do and then planning for the next day of work.

And so day in and day out, 50 weeks a year with two weeks off, we follow this cycle. And we join–you guessed it–the “rat race” until we are so worn out that we have to be retired.

As we’ve already discussed, you’ll probably have as many as seven careers (or more) in your lifetime. As my mom said so succinctly when I told her the title of this book, “Yes, no more one job.” If you are value-driven and lifestyle-driven, you’ll find it much easier to create a rewarding career, when it fits in with your lifestyle.

Integrate your life/work choice: not starting over -starting ‘better’!

Just remember, this time, you’re not starting over–you’re starting “better”. In writing this chapter, I wanted to include spectacular stories of people who would inspire you to believe that you could trade your tie for a lasso and ride the open range or sell your BMW and spend the next season of your life climbing Mt. Everest. But, when I looked at the case histories, I found that some of them are indeed spectacular, but others may appear more ordinary for “getting a life, not just a job” is a highly personal venture.

Here are three examples of how people not only changed their careers but integrated their choices into their lives:

I had the good fortune to work with international baseball hero Sadahara Oh, “the Japanese Babe Ruth”. Oh San, as he is called, retired from baseball and yearned to give back to the people some of the joy of the game he had so loved. It was my honor to work with him to set up the World Children’s Baseball Foundation, a camp where kids around the world meet to play ball for a few weeks each year. By sharing what he loved, he created a new career for himself in the process. But he didn’t do it alone. I worked with him to create a board of advisors ranging from Hollywood celebrities to business leaders to other athletes to help make his dream come true. Now he can travel around the world each summer visiting his baseball camps in foreign lands.

Another extraordinary man was already integrating his career with his lifestyles while he was still in his 20′s. I met Douglas Heir while working with Olympians Mary Lou Retton and
Bob Richards on the Wheaties Search for Champions – a national quest for outstanding amateur athletes. Heir was a member of the U.S. Olympic team wheelchair division. He won four medals at the World Olympic Wheelchair games in the javelin and discus competitions. At the time I met him, Heir was also a law student and teaching assistant at Rutger’s University. He would not settle for just one career but rather combined his athletic prowess with his quest for the law.

Gina, another client, discovered that her true calling was in social work. “There is nothing more fulfilling than helping build a community center brick by brick, board by board with your own hands,” she explains. A stint as a volunteer on a local crisis line led her to go back to school at 35 to get her master’s degree in social work. After she lost her job Enron, she thought the world was over but volunteered at the local YWCA. It was there, working with their ‘displaced homemaker’ program, she realized that just getting another corporate job in Human Resources would not be enough.

Too old to change your life?

Many people worry that they are too old to start over. Yet, I’ve found that my clients successfully recareer at all ages. San Francisco actor and writer Dean Goodman dreamed his whole life of doing films, and in his 70′s broke in as a co-star on a Francis Ford Copppola movie.

In doing research for this book, I came across an interesting fact about illustrator H.A. Rey, noted for his charming drawings of Curious George, the nosey little monkey who is always getting himself in and out of trouble. Rey, who lived from 1898 to 1977, sold bathtubs up and down the Amazon River from the age of 26 to 38 until he married his wife, Margaret. Then he embarked on an artistic career that produced the wonderful “Curious George” book series. From bathtub salesman on the Amazon to children’s book illustrator with books now on Amazon.com Quite a lifestyle change!

Life changes brought on by crisis

Not all career changes are planned, many start by accident or when people like you and me go through tough times–divorce, down-sizing and even financial crisis.Actor Ed O’Neil, probably best known as Al Bundy on the classic television show “Married with Children” was a professional football player at one time. After being cut from the pro team, he decided to take a break (like many of my clients do) and stay in Florida where he had been in spring training. He supported himself as a bellboy coincidentally at the same hotel he had stayed at as a ballplayer.

He needed what I call a “station break” in life. This is not an easy time for most of my clients. And in fact, making a transition is often filled with a potpourri of emotions–confusion, anger, regret and hope. And challenges. As a bellboy, O’Neil was called to the front desk one day to carry the bags of some of his former team members who were back in town to play football. Can you imagine what kind of razzing he must have taken? He reports that he kidded them right back – using that sarcastic brand of humor that would become his trademark on TV in the future. And he also accepted the tips. Of all the qualities that help during a transition, I’ve found that the ability to ‘lighten up’ is one of the best. And to realize like O’Neil did then, that this limbo period is not permanent. Someday, you, like O’Neil will move onto the next episode and maybe even a ‘starring’ role.

Where will you live?

Where you live need not be driven by career choice, but by “personal” decision. With a plan of action, the right technology, a bit of capital and lots of ingenui9ty, you can choose to live in the mountains, in the city, on both coasts or abroad–no matter what profession you want to practice. In fact, you may want to choose where you live before you consider what you want to do.

BEST PLACES TO LIVE AND WORK?

Just what are the best places in America to live? MONEY magazine publishes it’s new list each summer, comparing about 300 different areas across the country.

Check your library for other reference books or do a search on the Internet. According to the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, the best cities for jobs were (in alphabetical order) Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco and Washington C. No wonder so many ‘dot-com’ alumni moved to the Sunbelt cities.

SMALL TOWN OR BIG CITY: TECH TAKES WORK ANYWHERE….

If you’re raising kids, you’ll want to choose a family-oriented community. The organization Zero Population Growth considers 10 factors including population stability, crowding, child health, crime, education, air quality and water resources in determining their top cities. But you may want to find out where the best hiking trails are our where the best fishing ponds are located so that you can enjoy your favorite hobbies together with your family.

Remember, “bigger isn’t always better”. A Zero Population growth spokesperson says, “We found a strong correlation between the size of a city or metropolitan area and the overall stress on children”.

To find out more about other areas of the country and even job opportunities in Europe or Asia, check with chambers of commerce and online. Many will send you sophisticated packages including fancy DVD’s of their town. In fact, some chambers and Economic Development groups will refer you to local recruiters for their area, if you have a skill they need. Or just head to the area you’re interested in for a quick weekend. Recently, while staying at a bed and breakfast in a small rural town, the owner tried to get one of my career clients to change her life and help start a local museum with her. All my client had intended to do was visit the area where her grandparents had owned a farm, but the weekend trip turned quickly into a career and life opportunity.

Matching what you want to do with where you want to live can be a creative process. Think about “your” career and life choices. How could you make them happen in a big city? In a small town? Let’s look at these two options with a few different career choices.

1. Want to be a writer/novelist or screenwriter?

Big city: You may choose to be a tech writer at a major computer firm by day and write science fiction tomes by night. You may want to hit New York and get an old college
roommate who lives there to underwrite your off-off Broadway play. Or look up that college celebrity you went to grade school with and head to Hollywood to see if you can get a gig writing for her new reality show.

Small town: Consider turning your family’s Mountain cabin into a writer’s retreat and bring in some old professors to lead some seminars – go ahead, be brave moderate some of the short story workshops yourself. You can telecommute to your company’s headquarter’s in Denver from your ski chalet in Aspen. Really think ‘outside-the-box’, love Yosemite -go ahead and set up a regional theatre repertory program on weekends and work as a forest ranger during the week. Who knows one of the highly-stressed tourist’s you meet may be a Broadway talent agent.

2. Yearn to be a travel tour leader or a river rafting guide?

Big city: You may choose to create ‘arm-chair’ multimedia adventures for local travel firms
or get a gig with your local cable station and start your own travel show.

Small town: Check out the scores of caverns, caves or other natural resources nearby and
become a tour guide for adventure trips. Organize a 21st Century travel blog online linking
handicapped travelers together for the adventures of their lifetime.

3. Want to own your own business?

Big city: Are you a great barbecue chef? Consider setting up your own weekend barbecue
catering business as fund-raisers for schools and other non-profits.

Small town: Open up a summer-time only open-air barbecue pit near the largest campground
in the area. In the winter, find a major food conglomerate to buy your family secret barbecue
sauce recipe.

4. Want to sail around the world?

Big city: head to the nearest marina and open up a ‘time-share’ visit for other would-be sailors who can help finance the boat of your dreams. Borrow a pal’s Digital Video camera and document wealthy yacht-owner’s special occasions. You get to sail for free while you sharpen your film prowess.

Small town: Teach sailing to the scouting troupes in the area or design a senior’s only class for everyone who shares your dream.

EXPERIMENT:

To challenge you creativity, consider small-town/big city options for the following careers and lifestyles:

*Making a contribution to the world.

*Preserving local history.

*Share a love of gardening and landscaping.

As you consider your lifestyle choices and where you’d like to live, there are other factors you may want to weigh:

*Your family situation. Do you have a spouse? Do you want one? Children? Are you a single parent? Does an ex-spouse have visitation rights? Are you single looking for a new partner? Do you have any family commitments that might keep you in a certain area?

*Your bank account. Do you have at least six-month’s living expenses to get you started in your new community? Keep in mind that the cost of living varies from community to city. Six months bed and board in a small town might total only $10,000 or less, while in a big metropolitan city that might not even cover moving expenses for a family of four.

*Your hobbies and leisure life. Can’t live without a quiet walk in the country each weekend? Do you thrive on theatre and nightlife? Whether it’s rock climbing or rodeo wrangling, make sure you choose a locale that’s compatible with you recreational interests or be prepared to start your own rodeo.

*Your social life. True, you can meet terrific people just about everywhere you go. But you may find that your social life revolves around your church or synagogue. All too often many of my clients depend on work to spark their social activities, and when they change jobs they feel left out. Plan to hook up with local community organizations or your alumni chapters in the new location.

But what if you can’t afford to move?

Like many of my clients, you may feel limited by lack of resources – the green kind! But don’t worry, there are ways to beat the bank.

Consider house-swapping, There are lots of online websites that offer to formally swap homes in the country for skyscraper condos in the city. Be sure to check them out carefully to make sure the one you choose is legit. I’ve found that it’s often easier to just tell someone you’d like to swap your apartment for a mountain cabin -professional organizations like Women in Film or the manager of your gym may have a pal or relative yearning for just such an opportunity.

Investigate house-sitting in the city of your choice. If you’re handy, the absentee owner may even pay you a fee for your assistance in fixing that broken porch or mending the roof.

How about going international?

What if you’d love to live in Switzerland or deep sea fish on an island in Micronesia? It’s possible even on a budget. Before you jump off the deep-end, consider these options:

1) You may want to take a leave of absence from your teaching gig and live in Barbados for a month before you make the final commitment.

2) You may want to see if you can get a regular gig in the new locale, even if you yearn to buy a franchise in the region or set up your own small biz. Having a job will give you time to check out the region without touching your own capital.

3) You may want to work for an American company internationally that has offices or worksites in the locals you yearn to travel to in the future. Or explore the area first with shorter trips before packing your trunks for a permanent move.

4) You may want to keep a safety net back home–sublet your house, get a housemate for your home, keep an emergency nest egg in the bank where you come from.

Before you leap to foreign lands, prep for the trek:

Most of my clients spend more time planning a summer vacation than mapping out their life-plans. Even if you’re checking account is minimal, you can get a head-start on your dream for little or no cost by:

1) Studying the language in your spare time (most high schools offer low-cost evening classes).

2) Stopping by the consulate for the country of your choice, make friends with the office staff and see what suggestions they have for you.

3) Check out international trade associations such as the Australian Trade Commission which will be glad to meet with you while you’re still living in the U.S. and help you prep for your relocation.

4) Place an inexpensive ad in the English-speaking newspaper in the Mexico City where you’re yearning to open a sailing school. You may be able to get students to sign up in advance. At least start a subscription or read the paper in online or at your local library to see what the business climate is like in advance.

They did it, so can you!

Here are some lifestyle choices my clients and students have made:

1. From maid service owner in Los Angeles to diner operator in small Northwest town.

2. From high-pressure traveling sales executive to telephone sales J.O.B. (Just only a bridge) and musician at night at a beach resort town.

3. From manufacturing plant manager in the Midwest to handyman at a North Shore hotel in
Hawaii so he could surf all day.

4. From real estate investor in Texas to dating service owner in Los Angeles so she could be near her own “sweetie”.

5. From musician traveling with big celebrity bands to New Age psychic healing advisor in
Sedona, Arizona.

6. From astrologer to therapist in a university town in Nebraska (after going back to school).

7. From university administrator at a college law school, to lawyer on Wall Street.

8. From copy editor to environmental analyst in New Mexico.

9. From television anchor to speech therapist in Alaska.

10. From beauty queen in North Dakota, to fitness counselor at a country club in Puerto Rico.

11. From barrio teacher to education writer in Washington, DC

12. From geologist to character actor at a Florida theme park.

13. From lawyer to off-Broadway play producer.

14. From computer salesperson in Alaska to interactive television engineer in San Francisco.

15. From soap opera actress to costume designer for regional theatre in New Mexico.

What advice do others offer?

“What you own is not as important as how you feel inside.” –salesman-turned-musician

“Allow plenty of spare time to do your own thing,” –banker-turned kindergarten teacher

“Learn how to use a computer–no matter how old you are. It will change the way you work, the way you communicate and even who you meet. Be sure to buy a laptop so you can take it anywhere.” –real-estate entrepreneur-turned inner city teacher

“Do your own thing until the money runs out, then keep doing it!” –stockbroker-turned-old-house renovator

“Don’t compromise – go for it even if it means making some sacrifices in how you live for awhile” –ad executive-turned-film-writer.

You deserve a break!

Many of my clients find that they only rediscover their values and their lifestyle choices by taking some time off. Refreshed, renewed and revitalized, they start again.

Sometimes clients come to me after taking an ‘enforced” time out–because of family illness, an accident that immobilized them for months or a life-or-death crisis. They’re sure they don’t want to go back to their old jobs – and many times they don’t even have that option. But they’re afraid to go for their dreams because they’ve been out of the job market. This is the same challenge many women who have been raising children face when they want to return to the workplace.

I encourage these people to realize that they can life out their dreams. That they do have the “right” to dream. Life is not punishment. It is here to be enjoyed. Go for it. GET A LIFE!

“In the long run,” said Eleanor Roosevelt, “when we shape our lives, we shape ourselves.”

The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make, are ultimately our own responsibility.

By: Joyce Schwarz

If you are serious about becoming a firefighter, it’s important you understand the requirements for this job. Naturally, firefighter requirements vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction but, as you will see, there are some commonalities.

First, here are the requirements to become a firefighter in the New York City Fire Department (NYFD).

To apply to take the next New York City Firefighter Exam, you must be between the ages of 17 and a half and 29.

To be hired as a New York City Firefighter

You must:

Pass both the written and physical exams Pass a medical exam and background investigation Be at least 21 years of age Be a U.S. citizen Have at least 15 college semester credits earned as a result of satisfactory completion of course work at a college or university accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education or full time military service with an honorable discharge; or 6 months of full time, satisfactory paid work experience Hold a motor vehicle driver’s license valid in New York State Be a resident of one of the five boroughs of New York City, or live in Nassau, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Suffolk or Westchester County Be a Certified First Responder with Defibrillation (CFR-D)
The city of Piqua, Ohio firefighter requirements

In comparison, here are the firefighter requirements for a small city

Take out an application Return application along with a copy of your birth certificate, copy of your diploma or equivalent, and a copy of your high school records Take a civil service test. (This test will cover general knowledge of all types of subjects and current events.) If you place in the top of the group according to how many openings there are, then you move on to the next steps Pass a physical fitness – agility test Pass a physical exam Pass a polygraph and psychological test Be interviewed by a board of Fire Officers Be interviewed by the City Manager, the Human Resource Director, and the Fire Chief
What do these requirements have in common?

You must take and pass a physical exam You must take some form of written examination You must pass a physical agility test You must have at least a high school diploma You will most certainly have to undergo an oral interview
Which is most important?

Of these requirements, the most important is the written exam because if you do not score highly on it, you will be eliminated as a candidate for a firefighter position.

The written exam

Piqua, OH seems to have the easier exam as it requires only that the applicant pass a civil service. New York City’s requires the candidate to pass a written exam. In this case, the exam is designed specifically to test firefighter applicants. The biggest majority of municipalities also use a similar test designed specifically for firefighter candidates. These firefighter exams are tough. They typically take three hours or more to complete and consist of 100 of more questions. If you would like to see a sample of this test, I recommend the book Barron’s Firefighter Exams by James J. Murtagh, which includes samples of the NYC Fire Department Exam.

In summary

The short answer to the question of what is required of a firefighter applicant is that you must be in good health, you must pass a tough written exam, you need to have a clean driver’s license, you need to be able to pass an agility test or a test that simulates the skills required to be a firefighter and you will need to do well in an oral interview.

Standing out from the crowd

Getting a job as a firefighter is very, very competitive these days. If you want to stand out as a candidate – and win that coveted badge – you should have some college, especially courses related to firefighting. And it will most likely help if you have EMT or paramedic experience.

By: Douglas Hanna

Like it or not, if you’re over 50 and changing careers, you’re going to face some challenges that younger workers aren’t accustomed to. There’s an unspoken bias out there against older workers – at least in many companies – and unless you plan ahead and are prepared to meet that bias head on, you could be in for a long and frustrating job search.

For many employers, “older” workers mean trouble. The perception is that workers over 50 will have more health problems, will miss more work days, will be more forgetful and make more mistakes on the job, and will cost more to insure. There’s also the belief that an employer will have to pay an older worker more, and that they’ll get less for their investment when the worker retires or moves on.

And perhaps the worst bias that older job seekers have to face is the idea that they’re “dinosaurs,” or some kind of museum relic that’s out of touch with the needs of modern business. And what’s surprising is that many of the employers who feel this way are over 50 themselves!

Now an employer isn’t going to come out and tell you that you’re too old for the job – that kind of discrimination is illegal, after all. You’re more likely to hear something like “Your overqualified for the position,” or “We’re looking for an entry-level worker to fill this post.”

And this comes at a time when people are living longer, more productive lives than ever before. A man or woman in good health today can expect to live to be 76 years old. And with the elimination of pension plans in most corporations, and the fall back of the stock market in recent years, many employees will have to work well beyond the traditional retirement age of 65.

So what are older job seekers supposed to do? Well first off, you need to acknowledge the challenge but don’t let it discourage you. Many companies are hiring workers over 50, and some of them actually prefer “mature” employees because of their experience and dependability. So you can still find a job, but it will probably a little longer than you were expecting.

And many older workers are skipping the job search all together in favor of starting their own businesses or moving into freelancing opportunities. Some are turning long-time hobbies into full-time businesses. In fact, a lot of these folks see a career change late in life as an opportunity to explore their passions and do things they’ve always wanted to do.

No matter which path you choose to take, you’ll need to sit down and formulate a plan of action. If you decide that you want to seek a new job instead of starting your own business, here are some tips to help you get started:

– Look for openings at smaller companies. Smaller firms tend to be more open to hiring older workers, and your experience may be more valuable here than in a larger corporation.

– Network. This is just as important for older job-seekers as it is for younger ones. Spread the word that you’re looking to change jobs or careers. Tell family and friends. And search on the Internet for companies in your area that look promising.

– Use your resume to your advantage. If you have college degrees, list them, but don’t give the date when they were awarded. You only need to go back 15 or 20 years when listing past jobs, and it’s best to only include experience that pertains to the job you’re seeking.

– Be positive during your interview. Highlight your experience and positive attributes. Be sure to tell the interviewer about your past accomplishments. Project an air of youthfulness, and make it clear that you intend to work for the company for a long time.

And most of all, don’t get discouraged. Just remember that Colonel Sanders didn’t launch his fried chicken empire until he was 65 years old, and George Burns re-invented himself as a movie actor at age 80. There are lots of opportunities for older workers, you just have to stay positive and keep trying.

By: Kent Johnson

This information is important if you’re seeking a Royal Caribbean employment. You are making the right decision if you want to work with the Royal Caribbean cruise company. It’s a well established cruise company known for its years of great service to passengers.

Lots of people desire to secure any of the numerous positions aboard any of their cruise ships. There are many reasons why people desire these jobs so much. Some include the fact that you can get to see many beautiful holiday spots around the world. For people who love to travel, this brings a wonderful feeling.

Others desire these cruise jobs because of the opportunity it provides to meet other people. Such meetings and new friendships could lead to better job opportunities off the ship.

It’s a wonderful opportunity to network with diverse people from different parts of the globe. A Royal Caribbean employment opportunity also provides an opportunity to earn a tax free income while traveling around in style.

All types of professions are required by this cruise liner and other popular cruise companies. You shouldn’t limit yourself just to work on the Royal Caribbean. You should seriously think about applying for work with the other cruise liners.

Now, many people make the mistake of simply posting their job applications and CV’s all over job sites on the internet. This is the wrong approach. It’s also wrong to simply visit online cruise ship recruitment sites and submit an application.

This usually never works out because many of these so called agencies are only interested in collecting your hard earn cash without delivering the promise they make of helping you get that job. This is the simple reason why most people never get these jobs.

A Royal Caribbean employment can only be secured when you get the right information about how to apply for these cruise jobs, where to apply to, when to apply e.t.c. You need the right information to help you apply correctly.

By: James M. Carter

One of the easiest ways for doctors to drive prospect patients to their practice is to become an expert in their field. The term “Expert” carries credibility and prestige that can open many doors for doctors, and, oddly enough, the term is relatively easy to acquire. Aurora Information Technology, Inc., a New York Web design and marketing company, has advice for doctors to quickly and effectively become the expert in their field.

1. Focus on your medical specialty – Instead of trying to be an expert in diagnosing and treating every disease in your field, narrow down your focus to the procedures that you are really, really good at. One of Aurora’s most successful clients, Nabet G. Kasabian, M.D., is a specialist in laser prostatectomy procedures for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). One of the newest and most effective treatment options for patients who’ve been diagnosed with BPH is GreenLight Laser PVP, a minimally invasive treatment using high-powered green-light to vaporize and remove enlarge prostate tissue. Dr. Kasabian has performed many GreenLight procedures and he is frequently quoted and is asked to speak at about his expertise at urology meetings. Doctors like Dr. Kasabian that find their niche will excel in their profession.

2. Launch a website – Did you know that half of American adults have searched online for health information? This makes the search for medical or health information one of the most popular online activities after email and researching things to buy online. If you don’t currently have a website, the unfortunate fact is that you aren’t even being considered by the majority of new and potential patients. Make it a priority to have a quality website detailing your medical expertise, training, patient testimonials, research and publications, and contact information as soon as possible.

3. Identify your website goals – A website is the face of a medical practice or hospital. However, based on Aurora’s research, many doctors have template, old, or dated looking websites that are not up to the marketing challenge. This is a mistake. Doctors, hospitals, and medical practices need a website that’s been designed-from the bottom up-to complement and enhance their image with pleasant graphics and intuitive site navigation. The main fact doctors need to understand is that website traffic is life. Without website traffic, there is no reason to have a website, period. Internet marketing and search engine companies like Aurora Information Technology, Inc. provide services to doctors to improve online visibility of their website using pay-per-click and organic search engine marketing techniques. Aurora is a full service medical website development, medical website design, and software programming company with offices in Ardsley, New York.

4. Publish research and clinical expertise – Doctors should frequently publish information and research about their areas of expertise on the Internet and elsewhere. Every single day, tens of thousands editors, web masters, and newsletter publishers are looking doggedly for unique and information-packed articles about disease diagnosis, treatment, research, and new advancements in medicine, like GreenLight laser treatment for BPH. If you can write articles that teach readers about your specialty, you will become a recognized expert and there will be more demand for your services. This is almost guaranteed.

5. Participate in public speaking engagements – When your articles begin to get published, you’ll start to receive requests to speak more often. 95% of the population has some nervousness about public speaking. So when you stand up and say what you want to say, the way you want to say it, you are doing what 95% of the population wish they could do. When you speak about your medical specialty, you set yourself up as the expert on that topic. You gain instant credibility. If you get nervous when you speak in front of a group, attend a public speaking class. Other than going to medical school, this will be one of the best investments of your life, because the more confident you can express your expertise and successes, the more you will impress people and your peers. This is the key to success in any profession. 6. Focus on the patient experience – The old adage, that word-of-mouth is the cheapest and most effective form of advertising, is still true. It’s important for doctors to remember that a happy patient can generate many new referrals. Be compassionate, communicative, professional, and honest with your patients and their family. Additionally, doctors should encourage patients to write testimonials about their experiences. Post the testimonials on your website regularly. Website visitors love to read positive experiences about a doctor’s services. Wouldn’t you? Doctors that follow these simple six steps can become the recognized experts in their field.

By: Daniel Gilbert