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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+.

Keys to Advancing in Your Chosen Career

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Whether you work for an organization or run your own business, there are some skills that you can master to improve your chances for success. Interestingly, there are a few skills that no-matter what your industry, sector, or position, mastering these skills will help you to advance in your career.

1. Learn How to Network

People who want to succeed in business must learn how to network. Develop strong relationships with others to work your way up the ladder and take advantage of opportunities. However, the relationship must never seem forced or transactional. If you only reach out to people when you require something from them, they may feel as if they are being used and may cut ties with you altogether. The old adage that it is “better to give than receive” may sound like it has nothing to do with business but if you give first people are much more likely to reciprocate. Find out what they need and try to find ways to help them get it.  Keep up with your contacts, it only takes a few minutes to send an email to say hello to a connection and ask how they are, and they’ll be more likely to help you when you need it, as a result.

2. Improve Your Presentation Skills

Presentations are a natural part of most businesses. You may have to undertake some form of public speaking at some point in your career. A public speaking course might, therefore, be the ideal solution to refine your delivery and pitches, so you appear to be a knowledgeable presenter and more confident in your approach. You should also use the best online presentation software to capture your audience’s attention and create engaging presentations.

3. Find a Mentor

A mentor can help guide you in [Read more…] about Keys to Advancing in Your Chosen Career

December Retail Employment Down

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Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment RateOn Friday January 5th the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released their monthly employment survey results for the month of December. Many of the numbers remained unchanged from November which was also unchanged from October.

Unemployment

According to the BLS Seasonally Adjusted U-3 was 4.1% since October while Unadjusted U-3 was 3.9% for three months. Unadjusted U-6 unemployment which is a broader measure of Unemployment rose from 7.6% in October to 7.7% in November to 8.0% in December. This is still significantly better than a year ago when in November 2016 Unadjusted U-6  was 9% and December was 9.1%.

Typically January sees an uptick in unemployment as all the seasonal employees get laid-off. So we would expect some sort of uptick next month.

According to the BLS Commissioner’s report for this month:

“Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for teenagers declined to 13.6 percent in December, offsetting an increase in November. In December, the unemployment rates for adult men (3.8 percent), adult women (3.7 percent), Whites (3.7 percent), Blacks (6.8 percent), Asians (2.5 percent), and Hispanics (4.9 percent) showed little or no change.”

See: Current Unemployment Rate Chart for more info.

Employment

Historical Employment ChartBack in October, employment was 147,952,000 in November it rose to 148,526,000 but then it fell slightly in December to 148,346,000 for a net loss from November to December of 180,000 jobs. The BLS Commissioner’s report however said, “Total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 148,000 in December…”  That is because he is talking about “Seasonally Adjusted” jobs. Meaning that although actual jobs are down, they are down by 148,000 less than average for this time of year.

See Current Employment Commentary and Historical Employment Commentary

 

Labor Force Participation Rate

Labor Force Participation Rate w/ RecessionsYou might be wondering if [Read more…] about December Retail Employment Down

Seeking to Succeed? 14 Ways to Get an Edge in the Business World

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No matter what field you are in there are some basic strategies that can help you succeed in life. Here are 14 things you can do to improve your chances for a successful life.

Set Smart Goals

If you’re really serious about succeeding in the business sector, make sure that you take the time to set goals. These goals will empower you to stay organized and focused on the specific objectives that you’re trying to accomplish through your career. Remember that without a clear plan, you can wind up wandering around in circles without completing any real business-building work that establishes you in your field. Note that the goals you set could be anything from qualifying for a promotion to meeting a specific sales goal. When you set goals, make sure that they are SMART:

  • Specific
  • Measurable
  • Attainable
  • Realistic
  • Time-Specific

Manage Your Time

In today’s society we have so many “time-saving” devices… we no longer have to spend hours going to the well to carry a bucket of water (although in some places in the world this is still a problem), we can just turn on a faucet. We don’t have to hand scrub the laundry, we have a machine to do that. We don’t have to go to the library we have the internet to learn anything. But with all these time saving devices we have many time-wasting devices… like the internet, online games, facebook, etc. The key to success is to use your time wisely. You only have so many hours… and days and years.  Don’t waste them. Don’t let the time leeches steal your hours and days learn to manage your time wisely. The average person only spends 20% of their time doing the things that will help you get ahead and 80% of your time is “busy work”. Learn to avoid the “busy work” and focus on the important stuff  and you will be miles ahead. Imagine if you could shift just 10% from the 80 column to the 20 column. You would be 50% more productive than the average person… that is a major advantage!

Learn to Speak in Public

Public speaking is a skill that will last your lifetime. Once you feel [Read more…] about Seeking to Succeed? 14 Ways to Get an Edge in the Business World

How the Medical Industry is Poised for an Employee Boom

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Healthcare has changed vastly in the past 100 years and is poised to grow significantly in the next decades. These changes are due to numerous factors, such as changing technologies and worldwide demographics.

This means that the medical industry is ready for a massive employee boom across all sectors in the next several years. Here are some of the top growing areas where those looking to get in on the changes ahead can find an amazing job.

More Home Health for Baby Boomers

As the Baby Boomer generation ages, there is sure to be an increased need for aides and nurses who serve patients in their own homes. This generation puts great stress upon the joys of being in one’s own home, and these individuals are expected to want to stay at home rather than head to assisted living facilities and nursing homes.

https://youtu.be/aVHYE0SOCmI?t=3m24s

Increased Needs for Healthcare Management

Healthcare managers lead teams in the medical industry. They are often [Read more…] about How the Medical Industry is Poised for an Employee Boom

Why Criminal Justice Careers are Perfect for Military Veterans

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Most people who join the military only serve for a short amount of time. Once they have honored their commitment, many search for new careers. Veterans gain important skills throughout their service, which can be great assets in the workplace. One particularly promising choice is working in the field of criminal justice. There are certain aspects of these careers that blend very well with military experience. Here are a few reasons why a position in criminal justice may be a perfect fit.

Commitment to Serve & Protect

One of the core values of military veterans is the desire to protect our country’s rights and freedom. Our military takes great pride in its commitment to keeping citizens safe. For veterans, there is a sense of duty that does not fade over time. Fortunately, this is a vow that is also shared by the criminal justice system. Whether out in the field or working behind the scenes, you would be a part of upholding the law, which is a huge part of preserving our democracy.

Familiar with Protocol

Because of their service, veterans are [Read more…] about Why Criminal Justice Careers are Perfect for Military Veterans

Manufacturing Jobs Soar Under Trump

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Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment RateOn Friday December 8th the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released their monthly employment survey results for the month of November.

According to the BLS the Unemployment for November is virtually unchanged from October to November on both an Unadjusted and Seasonally Adjusted basis. Seasonally Adjusted U-3 was 4.1% for both months while Unadjusted U-3 was 3.9% for both months. Unadjusted U-6 unemployment which is a broader measure of Unemployment rose slightly from 7.6% in October to 7.7% in November. This is still significantly better than a year ago when in November 2016 Unadjusted U-6  was 9%.

Unemployment

Over the last month, the actual number of people working has increased by 532,000  and the civilian non-institutional population (a fairly narrow measurement of population) has increased by a very low 183,000.

This means that not only has the increase in jobs kept up with the increase in the population but it was actually almost 3 times greater than the population growth! And since only about half of the population is working, job growth has far exceeded the level needed to keep things on a steady keel.  See: Current Unemployment Rate Chart for more info.

Employment

Historical Employment ChartEmployment was 147,975,000 in October (148,006,000 when the numbers were originally released in November) and the current numbers for employment are 148,507,000 in November for a net gain of 501,000 over the original October numbers or 532,000 increase over the new October numbers.

See Employment Commentary.

 

Although unemployment rates are virtually unchanged the Employment numbers tell a slightly different story. According to [Read more…] about Manufacturing Jobs Soar Under Trump

Moving on After Being Laid Off: How to Gain Back Confidence

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Getting laid off can be a traumatic experience. If you have found yourself in this situation, you could be wondering what you can do to restore your confidence. Getting motivated to go out job hunting after this hit to the psyche can be pretty tough. Below are a few tips that can help you move on after this difficult period in your career.

Know You’re Not Alone

First, you should know you are not the only person who is in this situation. In fact, layoffs are actually very common. You might even know a few coworkers from the same company in the same boat. Understanding that you are not alone in this situation can help you feel a little bit better about things. It might even help to go out to lunch with a few of these coworkers and lament your circumstance. Let yourself grieve and move on. You can also find support through a hiring service or resources from hiring firms.

Work Out a Financial Plan

A lot of people find themselves [Read more…] about Moving on After Being Laid Off: How to Gain Back Confidence

5 Tips for Starting Your Own Moving Company

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Starting up your own moving company can be a great way to make a good living and to finally work for yourself. However, to ensure your success, you have to make sure that you go about it the right way. These are a few tips that you can follow if you would like to start your own moving company.

Buy the Right Equipment and Supplies

First of all, you’ll need to make an investment in the right equipment and supplies. You should be able to get started with one moving truck, although you might want to expand your business and purchase more trucks later. Then, you’ll need appliance dollies to help with the heavy lifting and a nice stock of cardboard boxes and packing materials. However, if you are on a strict budget you can still get started without a truck. Simply sign up with companies like U-Haul to help people who have rented a truck load or unload. You will need to have a couple of strong helpers but you can get started with not much more than a moving dolly and a vehicle to get you to the jobsite. Become a U-Haul Service Provider.

[Read more…] about 5 Tips for Starting Your Own Moving Company

4 Reasons to Consider a Career as a Civil Servant

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“Civil servants” are employees that work under the local and national government to render services to the public. The state offers numerous services that the public continually requires, therefore considering taking up a career in civil service can be a wise move. People working in civil service, more often than not, have financial stability and are less likely to be laid off during an economic downturn. Here are some four reasons why you should start up a career as a civil servant.

Good Salary

Depending on the position you are holding of course, but most civil servant positions enjoy better than average salaries and benefits. This hasn’t always been the case. Years ago civil servants could expect lower than average salaries in exchange for more stability and less likelihood of being laid off. In recent years however, civil servant salaries have risen to be more comparable to industry averages. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has published a guide called, “How to get a job in the Federal Government“. That states “With more than 1.7 million jobs and over 400 occupational specialties (excluding postal service and military workers), the Federal Government offers more choices than any other single employer in the United States. Whatever your interest and background, you can probably find a Government career to match.”

The Availability of Jobs Is Consistent

Getting a job in the civil service sector can be a good option if [Read more…] about 4 Reasons to Consider a Career as a Civil Servant

Why is Employee Development Important for Small Businesses?

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In the corporate environment, there are plenty of opportunities for growth and development. However, on the flipside, it is just as easy to become overworked and stressed out, leading to a series of issues in both your personal and professional life. Although the anonymity of working within larger corporations can be a great way to build workplace relationships and climb the corporate ladder, working in small businesses tends to offer a much more intimate, personal experience.

However, when you do work in a start-up or small business, it is all too easy to end up taking on more than your job role and, often, more than you can realistically handle. With fewer opportunities for career progression, at least during the early days, you can also end up becoming stuck in a rut, performing the same tasks day after day instead of learning new skills and naturally progressing within your chosen field.

Getting a Grip on Employee Engagement

For this reason, it is more important than ever to ensure that employees are happy, content and busy at work; with development on a personal level comes growth for the business as a whole.

But what is employee engagement, and what makes it so important?

Equality and inclusivity are integral to employee engagement, where those at the top are committed to giving each and every employee the ability to work to their best. Each member of the team is dedicated to the business’ values, working together to contribute to its success. However, personal growth and development are also a vital part of this, where employees have plenty of opportunities to better their own careers, learn new skills and develop a greater sense of happiness and wellbeing at work.

Although they may seem like an unnecessary expense, particularly for small businesses, activities which relate to employee development can leave you reaping the rewards well into the future. It is important to get into the mindset where you see your employees not just as a means to an end, but as a real asset to the business and complex, individual people with hopes, dreams and goals in their own rights. In order to motivate your employees and leave them feeling connected, valued and appreciated, you must be respectful and mindful of their individual personalities.

[Read more…] about Why is Employee Development Important for Small Businesses?