Tim McMahon, Editor of UnemploymentData.com

My grandfather lived through the Hyperinflation in Weimar, Germany--to say he was an original “gold bug” would be an understatement. I began reading his “hard money” newsletters at the age of 16 and the dividends from gold stocks helped put me through college. I began publishing the Financial Trend Forecaster paper newsletter in 1995 upon the death of James Moore editor of Your Window into the Future and the creator of the Moore Inflation Predictor©. FTF specializes in trends in the stock market, gold, inflation and bonds. In January of 2003, I began publishing InflationData.com to specialize in all forms of information about the nature of Inflation. In 2009, we added Elliott Wave University to help teach you the principles of Elliott Wave analysis. In January 2013, we began publishing OptioMoney. Connect with Tim on Google+.

How to Get Recruiters on Linkedin (And Land That Dream Job!)

January 29, 2020 by Tim McMahon

Did you know that 122 million people got a job interview through LinkedIn? And job applicants with a ‘comprehensive’ LinkedIn profile are 71% more likely to get interviews.

This is great news for anyone who’s looking for a new job, but the truth is that LinkedIn currently has 260 million monthly active users. So the question is, what can you do to you stand out among so much competition?

1. Complete Your LinkedIn Profile

First things first, it’s important that any recruiter who visits your LinkedIn profile has access to [Read more…] about How to Get Recruiters on Linkedin (And Land That Dream Job!)

How to Fund a Personal Injury Lawsuit to Get the Settlement You Need

January 28, 2020 by Tim McMahon

If you’ve been injured in an accident or by someone’s negligence, you may have decided to consult an attorney to get legal relief. This could include compensation to cover expenses stemming from your injuries, such as lost wages, medical services and treatments, hospital costs, physical or occupational rehabilitation, repairs to your vehicle if impacted, and other possible monetary considerations.

Personal injury attorneys will file a lawsuit to protect your rights and secure a court judgment. However, even if the attorney agrees to wait on getting paid until the case is resolved there will be costs along the way for witnesses, documentation and other things. Unfortunately, you may have to pay for these out-of-pocket expenses. Here are some ways for you to cover the expenses you may be expected to pay.

Take Out a Personal Loan

You may be eligible to be approved for a personal loan, or signature loan, that will finance your legal expenses. This type of loan does not require collateral like a car title or a second mortgage. Typically, the prevailing interest rate will apply as you make payments until the lawsuit is concluded.

A Guide to Working in Finance in the UK

January 21, 2020 by Tim McMahon

Finding your ideal job in the world of finance can be a challenge. To put this into perspective, in 2018 alone, there were a reported 1.1 million individuals employed in the UK’s financial sector.

With so much competition, it can be difficult to know where to begin in your search for the right job in finance. Furthermore, the financial sector is so diverse that you might not know what sort of position you would like to work in.

Here is a brief guide to help you learn a little bit more about the world of finance so that you can understand exactly where you might fit in.

The Key Areas of Finance

There are a lot of options to look into when trying to figure out what area of finance you’d like to work in. A few of the more popular areas are: [Read more…] about A Guide to Working in Finance in the UK

December Jobs Report Not “Disappointing”

January 11, 2020 by Tim McMahon

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released its employment / unemployment report for December on January 10^th.

CNBC was quick to label it “disappointing” but at 1/10^th of a percent off a 50 year low how disappointing can it really be? The unadjusted numbers were up slightly but that isn’t unusual for December and they weren’t even up by as much as they were last year. In December 2018 the unadjusted U-6 went from 7.2% to 7.5% (i.e. 0.3%). This year it went from 6.5% to 6.7% (up 0.2%). Last year the unadjusted U-3 went from 3.5% to 3.7% (up 0.2%) this year it went from 3.3% to 3.4% (up 0.1%). Last year the adjusted U-3 went from 3.7% to 3.9%. This year it went from… wait for it… 3.5% to 3.5%… what? Yes, it was unchanged. On a seasonally adjusted basis, unemployment is exactly the same as last month (i.e. one of the best months in recorded history). What about Labor Force Participation? Unchanged at 63.2%… slightly off recent highs of 63.3% which it reached in October. The only “fly in the ointment” was actual unadjusted employment which was down slightly while adjusted Employment was still up by 145,000.

December Jobs Report

Adjusted U-3 was Unchanged at 3.5%!
Unadjusted U-3 was up slightly from 3.3% to 3.4%!
Unadjusted U-6 was Up from 6.5% to 6.7%
Labor Force Participation was unchanged at 63.2%.
Unadjusted Employment down slightly while adjusted Employment was up by 145,000.

According to the Commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Nonfarm payroll employment rose by 145,000 in December, and the unemployment rate was unchanged at 3.5 percent. Notable employment gains occurred in retail trade and health care, while mining lost jobs. In 2019, payroll employment growth totaled 2.1 million, compared with a gain of 2.7 million in 2018.

Of course, he is talking about “Seasonally Adjusted Jobs” from the “Current Population Survey (CPS)”
rather than looking at the results reported by actual companies in their “Current Employment Statistics survey (CES)”

This was not a bad jobs report!

For more info see our Current Unemployment Chart and Current U.S. Employment Chart commentary.

A UK Guide to Getting Back to Work After an Injury

January 6, 2020 by Tim McMahon

Injuries and accidents are very debilitating to your everyday way of life, so when you find yourself in such a situation, one of the biggest concerns for people that can cause a lot of stress is wondering what will happen about work. Will there be a financial loss and time off work? When you have to try to get back into your work routine after you’ve been absent for a significant period of time, it can be difficult. Your confidence may also have taken a substantial knock, especially if the injury occurred in your actual workplace.

Here is a guide for returning to work after an injury, with your safety in mind.

Prepare Your Routine in Advance

During your period of injury, your routine may have included not much movement or significant rest and sleep periods. This means your body clock will be out of sync, so it’s a good idea before returning to work to try and set an alarm and get back into the same wake and movement routine you would have during your work schedule.

This can help it to be less of a shock on the first morning returning to work.

During your period of recovery, pay attention to your condition worsening, as any issues with misdiagnosis or new issues which have arisen may be a result of medical negligence, in which case you can gain advice from a medical negligence solicitor.

Speak with Your Supervisor or Manager

It’s important to have a meeting with your superior when you return to work, just to ensure that everyone is on the same page. Your boss may have been in touch with you while you were absent and may be aware of the extent of your injuries, whether minor or severe, but a meeting upon returning to work is important regardless.

Even if this is just an informal chat, it can help your boss to understand your current state and whether you need any extra allowances – such as not being able to complete certain tasks as quickly as you usually would – and it can also help you to feel more comfortable and open about the effects of your injury.

Don’t Take on More Than You Can Handle

If you are physically or mentally unable to directly return to your full-time workload following your injury, you may prefer to phase yourself back in to work. This could be working from home or even working part-time instead of full-time just until you can rebuild your confidence and your workplace ability. Don’t push yourself too hard, and be open and honest about the workload you’re capable of managing following your injury.

Take Care of Yourself

This is a necessary step even without accident or injury, but it’s even more important when on the road to recovery. Ensure that you have time in your work schedule for regular breaks and that you are eating healthy lunches and staying hydrated and well-nourished during the course of your workday.

Work gets busy but this shouldn’t mean that you sacrifice any breaks or the opportunity to eat and drink while you are fulfilling your duties.

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Careers to Consider if You Have a Variety of Job Skills

December 20, 2019 by Tim McMahon

It can be an asset to be a well-rounded jobseeker. If you’re a job seeker who is fortunate enough to be equipped with a range of talents and skills, then you should take full advantage of them. There are all sorts of careers that can be optimal for people who have a lot going for them in the skills department, after all.

Publicist

Publicists are professionals who work in public relations. They tend to know a lot about marketing, advertising, and spreading the word about companies and their associated services. If you’re an individual who knows how to work well in teams, then you may want to apply for publicist positions. These positions can even be ideal for people who know how to speak in front of large groups. According to Payscale.com Publicists earn an average of $45,961/yr but tend to earn commissions and profit-sharing so their salary is closely tied to their skill level.

Teacher

The United States could use more teachers. [Read more…] about Careers to Consider if You Have a Variety of Job Skills

How To Get Back to Work After a Long Illness

December 19, 2019 by Tim McMahon

Very few people are healthy 100% of the time, so everyone has to take time off work every now and then. However, a sick day here and there, because you have a cold or the Flu, is entirely different than needing to take many weeks or even months off work due to a chronic condition, accident or due to having to recover from surgery.

When this happens, it can be hard to return to work. Depending on how long you have been away, things can change, and you might be worried that your job won’t be the same anymore. Or you might be concerned that the job you once did will be too strenuous for you now. Whatever your concerns, it’s a good idea to have a plan to deal with them so you can more easily return to work after an illness.

Use The Time Wisely

Being sick is never any fun, and it can be extremely boring, especially if you have had surgery and feel fine but still need to rest. If this is the case, then make the most of the time you have off to ensure that by the time you get back to work you are entirely ready. You can read up on any new company policies, or research industry news to see what changes might be coming,

Alternatively, you might use your time to think about what it is you want to do with your life, and this could be the ideal time to take a class or gain an additional qualification that will benefit you. You can work on additional certifications to keep your skills up to date for instance if you are in the IT industry you could work on getting your MCSE certification. If you are working in healthcare you can obtain an MS in healthcare analytics, or if you work in business/Management you can work on an online MBA.

Have Your Paperwork Ready

Not all roles are going to require paperwork when you go back to them, and not all company policies demand it. What about yours? If you’re not sure, check your contract and the terms of your employment, or ask your manager about what you need to bring with you on your first day back. Usual paperwork includes medical clearance from your surgeon or doctor to prove you are fit for work again.

If you don’t have the right documents when you go back, then your first day may be a slog of finding the right paperwork and getting it authorized, which is inconvenient and time-consuming.

Work with Your Doctor

Your doctor will be best equipped to determine when a reasonable date is for your return to work. He/she will probably ask what type of work you do and how strenuous it is. Depending on your injury even sitting might be a problem but your Doctor should be able to determine when it is safe for you to return to work. Your doctor might have to coordinate with your HR department on some accommodations they will have to make for your return.

Arrange A Phased Return

The mistake that a lot of people – employers and employees alike – make is to assume that the person who has been away is going to come back as though nothing has happened and will be able to fit right back in where they left off. Although this would be great and maybe the case for you, it isn’t always this way, and for many, the return to work can be a strain if you have been seriously sick.

If you need to arrange a phased return to work, speak to your boss and/or your HR department about it. You might start on part-time or reduced hours, or you might only work three days a week, to begin with. Gradually, as you get stronger and your confidence grows, you can go back to full time.

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Would You Like a Career as a Cardiac UltraSound Technician?

December 18, 2019 by Tim McMahon

We’ve all heard of pregnant mothers using ultrasound to see their baby before it is born. But ultrasound can be used for much more than that. According to Better Health “An ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves to make an image of a person’s internal body structures. Doctors commonly use ultrasound to study a developing fetus (unborn baby), a person’s abdominal and pelvic organs, muscles and tendons, or their heart and blood vessels.”

When ultrasound is used to look at the heart it is called “Echocardiography”.

A How-To Guide to a Career in Echocardiography

Your heart is about the size of a human fist and it’s the hardest working muscle in your body. On average it beats 115,000 times a day pumping 2,000 gallons of blood throughout your body. The heart’s rhythms are controlled by an electrical system called the cardiac conduction system.

But when something goes wrong with your heart Echocardiography is an important tool for Doctors to diagnose the problem.

According to Medical News Today:

During an echocardiogram, a doctor can see:

the size and thickness of the chambers
how the valves of the heart are functioning
the direction of blood flow through the heart
any blood clots in the heart
areas of damaged or weak cardiac muscle tissue
problems affecting the pericardium, which is the fluid filled sac around the heart

Echocardiography 101

Echocardiography is also referred to as cardiac sonography, it refers to the use of sound wave technology to make real time images of the heart.

There are two types of imaging associated with the heart.

The first is known as an echocardiogram (echo), and it lets physicians gain an inside look at the heart’s valves and chambers. Echos prove useful, especially when determining damage from a past heart attack.

The second type of imaging is known as an EKG, and it lets you assess the rhythm, rate, and overall electrical activity going on in a patient’s heart.

Who Benefits from Echocardiography?

A wide variety of patients need echocardiography, including individuals who have experienced heart attacks, strokes, or unexplained chest pain.

They are also used to diagnose people with a history of heart murmurs, congenital heart defects, or even those who have experienced rheumatic fever.

Echocardiography technicians specialize in different types of patients. In other words, there are specific technicians who work with adults, children, and in a fetal setting. Technicians can even earn certifications in these specialized areas.

There are also a wide variety of types of echocardiograms performed. These include:

Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)
Stress echocardiogram
Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE)
Dopple echocardiogram

Each test deals with particular parts of the body or certain conditions under which the body is placed. For example, the most common type of echocardiogram is the TTE, which creates an image of the chest wall to the heart.

Echo Techs are well paid. According to Salary.com “The average Echocardiograph Technician salary in the United States is $75,178 as of November 25, 2019, but the range typically falls between $67,635 and $83,405. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.”

How to Become an Echocardiography Technician

If you’re passionate about helping people and have an innate fascination with the human body, then you could make a fantastic echocardiography technician. It all starts with education. Find out more information about sonography and echocardiography training.

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Fun Jobs for Tech-Savvy People

December 13, 2019 by Tim McMahon

If you enjoy working with technology, you may be interested in pursuing a career in the tech sector. These careers don’t have to be bland, either—many of them are fun and engaging. If you are tech-savvy, here are four fun jobs you can consider.

Machine Learning Engineer

Artificial intelligence (AI) is growing by leaps and bounds, with nearly every device seeming to have a “smart” variant. AI is only possible through the efforts of machine learning engineers, who create and program these devices to perform their expected function while automatically adjusting to the behaviors of humans. Getting a job in this field may require a degree in electrical engineering or computer science as well as knowledge about data science. Although the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn’t have a specific category entitled Machine Learning Engineer they do track Computer and Information Research Scientists. They say “Computer and information research scientists invent and design new approaches to computing technology and find innovative uses for existing technology. They study and solve complex problems in computing for business, science, medicine, and other fields… Creating and improving software involves working with algorithms, which are sets of instructions that tell a computer what to do. Some computing tasks are very difficult and require complex algorithms. Computer and information research scientists try to simplify these algorithms to make computer systems as efficient as possible. The algorithms allow advancements in many types of technology, such as machine learning systems and cloud computing.”

“Employment of computer and information research scientists is projected to grow 16 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. Computer scientists are likely to enjoy excellent job prospects, because many companies report difficulties finding these highly skilled workers.”

The median annual wage for computer and information research scientists was $118,370 in May 2018.

Video Game Designer

The video game industry has been growing by leaps and bounds for over thirty years. Many people of all ages, cultures and walks of life greatly enjoy playing video games and some may consider turning their passion into a full-time career. This is certainly possible, especially if you think you might want to make and publish your own video game. You can also look for jobs at both large and smaller video game studios. Roles you could pursue include [Read more…] about Fun Jobs for Tech-Savvy People

Find a Good Job by Updating Your Resume

December 10, 2019 by Tim McMahon

If you’re in the process of hunting for a job and haven’t had any luck getting an interview, the problem could be your resume. Here are some ways you can update your resume to find a much better job.

Quantify More

Using numbers to quantify your achievements where possible, adds more substance to any resume. For example, instead of just saying “managed employees and brought on new clients,” you can instead state that you managed a team of eight employees and grew your company’s client base by 20%. You can also add numbers in a range or frequency to give your achievements more impact.

Give More Examples

You’ve probably heard to “show, don’t tell” in a lot of different areas of life. Your resume is no different. The strongest resumes give tangible examples of your skillset, past achievements, and experiences you have had. This is [Read more…] about Find a Good Job by Updating Your Resume