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 Make a Living as a Sound Engineer

January 10, 2024 by Tim McMahon

If you’re passionate about music and have an ear for sound, a career as a sound engineer could be the perfect fit for you. Sound engineering is a specialized field that involves mixing, recording, and manipulating sound for various types of media. It’s a highly sought-after profession in the music industry, film industry, television industry, and even gaming industry. This blog post will discuss how to make a living as a sound engineer. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the median pay for Broadcast, Sound, and Video Technicians is $53,960.

What Broadcast, Sound, and Video Technicians Do

According to the BLS:

Broadcast, sound, and video technicians set up, operate, and maintain the electrical equipment for radio programs, television broadcasts, concerts, sound recordings, and movies.

Duties

Broadcast, sound, and video technicians typically do the following:

Operate, monitor, and adjust audio, video, sound, lighting, and broadcast equipment to ensure consistent quality
Set up and take down equipment for events and live performances
Record speech, music, and other sounds on recording equipment or computers, sometimes using complex software
Synchronize sounds and dialogue with action taking place on television or in movie productions
Convert video and audio records to digital formats for editing on computers
Install audio, video, and lighting equipment in hotels, offices, and schools
Report any problems that arise with complex equipment and make routine repairs
Keep records of recordings and equipment used

These workers may be called broadcast or sound engineering technicians, operators, or engineers. They set up and operate audio and video equipment, and the kind of equipment they use may depend on the particular type of technician or industry. At smaller radio and television stations, broadcast, sound, and video technicians may have more responsibilities. At larger stations, they may do more specialized work, although their job assignments may vary from day to day. [Read more…] about How to Make a Living as a Sound Engineer

December Unemployment Unchanged

January 6, 2024 by Tim McMahon

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released its employment / unemployment report for December on January 5^th,2024.

Employment Up- Unemployment Down

Adjusted U-3 was 3.7% unchanged from November
Unadjusted U-3 was 3.5% unchanged from November
Unadjusted U-6 was 7.0% Up from 6.7% in November
Labor Force Participation was 62.5% down from 62.8% in November
Unadjusted Employment fell from 158.395 million to 158.228 million

Summary:
Total Employed decreased in December, Labor Force Participation was down but Unemployment was unchanged.

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

Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 216,000 in December, and the unemployment rate was unchanged at 3.7 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Employment continued to trend up in government, health care, social assistance, and construction, while transportation and warehousing lost jobs…

The unemployment rate held at 3.7 percent in December, and the number of unemployed persons was essentially unchanged at 6.3 million. These measures are higher than a year earlier, when the jobless rate was 3.5 percent and the number of unemployed persons was 5.7 million.

You can read the full BLS report here.

As usual, they are talking about “Seasonally Adjusted Jobs”.

Looking at the Unadjusted Establishment Survey report we see…Originally the BLS reported employment of 158.461 million for November which they adjusted to 158.395 million in December (for a loss of -66,000 jobs). They are currently reporting 158.228 million jobs for December which is actually a loss of -233,000 jobs compared to their original numbers. This in confirmed by the decline in the LFPR which fell from 62.8% to 62.5%.

BLS Source

Current Unemployment Rate Chart

Adjusted Unemployment is slightly above the pre-COVID 2019 cyclical lows of 3.5% as well as above the lows made earlier this year. Current levels are still within the “Green Zone”.

Conquer the Skies and Stand Out as an Aviation Medical Examiner

December 15, 2023 by Tim McMahon

Do you have a passion for aviation and a desire to play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of pilots and air traffic personnel? Although you may never have heard of this profession, becoming an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) may be just the career opportunity you have been seeking.

According to Wikipedia:

An Aviation Medical Examiner or Aero-medical Examiner is a physician designated by the national aviation authority and given the authority to perform flight physical examinations and issue aviation medical certificates. AMEs are practitioners of aviation medicine, although most are also qualified in other medical specialties.

Meet the Qualifications

To become a first-class AME, you must have a medical degree and be licensed to practice medicine in your state. You must also be a United States citizen or a resident alien. Gaining experience in aerospace medicine, emergency or internal medicine, occupational or preventive medicine, or general practice is also recommended. Once you have met these minimum qualifications, you can begin the application process to become an AME.

Complete the Application

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires all potential AMEs to complete an online application, which includes information about your background, education, and experience. This application is comprehensive and requires a great deal of detail, so be prepared to spend some time gathering the necessary information before you begin the process. Once submitted, the FAA will review your application and notify you of your status typically within 4 to 6 weeks. [Read more…] about Conquer the Skies and Stand Out as an Aviation Medical Examiner

November 2023 Employment Situation

December 9, 2023 by Tim McMahon

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released its employment / unemployment report for November on December 8^th,2023.

Employment Up- Unemployment Down

Adjusted U-3 was 3.7% down from 3.9% in October
Unadjusted U-3 was 3.5% down from 3.6% in October
Unadjusted U-6 was 6.7% down from 6.8% in October
Labor Force Participation was 62.7% down from 62.8% in October
Unadjusted Employment rose from 157.984 million to 158.461 million

Summary:
Total Employed increased in November, Unemployment was down, and Labor Force Participation was up.

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

“Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 199,000 in November, and the unemployment rate
edged down to 3.7 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Job gains
occurred in health care and government. Employment also increased in manufacturing, reflecting
the return of workers from a strike. Employment in retail trade declined…

Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for teenagers (11.4 percent) edged down
in November. The jobless rates for adult men (3.7 percent), adult women (3.1 percent), Whites
(3.3 percent), Blacks (5.8 percent), Asians (3.5 percent), and Hispanics (4.6 percent) showed
little or no change over the month.”

You can read the full BLS report here.

As usual, they are talking about “Seasonally Adjusted Jobs”.

Looking at the Unadjusted Establishment Survey report we see…
Originally the BLS reported employment of 157.984 million for October which uncharacteristically they didn’t adjust in November. They are currently reporting 158.461 million jobs for November which is actually an increase of 477,000 jobs. The LFPR rose from 62.7 to 62.8%.

BLS Source

Current Unemployment Rate Chart

Adjusted Unemployment is slightly above the pre-COVID 2019 cyclical lows of 3.5% as well as above the lows made earlier this year. Current levels are still within the “Green Zone”.

October 2023 Unemployment by State

November 17, 2023 by Tim McMahon

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that: “Unemployment rates were higher in October in 26 states and stable in 24 states and the District of Columbia, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Twenty-one states had jobless rate decreases from a year earlier, 12 states and the District had increases, and 17 states had little change. The national unemployment rate, 3.9 percent, changed little both over the month and over the year.”

In the following chart, bubble size indicates the number of unemployed. As we can see the largest number of unemployed is the red California bubble followed by the purple Texas bubble.

The vertical axis indicates the percent change from a year ago. So, New Jersey has the biggest change from a year ago, followed by California and D.C. while the majority of states are below the zero line (indicating lower unemployment than a year ago). Maryland is the most improved followed by Oregon.

The horizontal axis indicates the current unemployment rate (in percent). Puerto Rico has the highest unemployment rate by far, followed by Nevada, D.C., California, New Jersey, and Illinois.

Source: BLS

10 Job Hazards Everyone Should Watch Out For No Matter Their Industry

November 8, 2023 by Tim McMahon

Whether you work in construction, healthcare, or finance, there are certain hazards that transcend all industries. Safety is a top priority for any employee, and being aware of potential risks can prevent injuries and save lives. In this post, we’ll be highlighting 10 job hazards that anyone should watch out for, no matter their industry. From slips and falls to repetitive stress injuries, we’ll be covering a range of potential hazards that you should be aware of in order to stay safe on the job.

1. Slips, Trips, and Falls

One of the most common hazards in any workplace is slipping, tripping, or falling. This can be caused by wet or slippery floors, loose cords, or cluttered workspaces. To prevent this hazard, make sure to keep your workplace clean and tidy, wear non-slip shoes, and use caution when walking on uneven surfaces.

Particular places to watch out for in any workspace include stairways, entryways or exits, and high-traffic areas such as hallways. These areas are more prone to hazards due to heavy foot traffic and potential obstructions. It’s important to always have a clear path and avoid running or rushing through these areas, as well as ensuring proper lighting for visibility.

2. Repetitive Strain Injuries

If your job requires a lot of typing or other repetitive tasks, you may be at risk for developing a repetitive strain injury (RSI). These injuries can affect your hands, wrists, and arms and can cause pain and discomfort. To prevent RSIs, take breaks often, use ergonomic equipment, and stretch regularly.

In addition to preventing repetitive strain injuries, it’s important to also know how to treat them if they do occur. This can include rest, ice or heat therapy, physical therapy, and using braces or supports for affected areas. It’s important to listen to your body and seek medical attention if pain persists. [Read more…] about 10 Job Hazards Everyone Should Watch Out For No Matter Their Industry

Unemployment Report for October 2023

November 3, 2023 by Tim McMahon

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released its employment / unemployment report for October on November 3^rd,2023.

Unadjusted U3 Unemployment Unchanged

Adjusted U-3 was 3.9% up from 3.8% in September
Unadjusted U-3 was 3.6% unchanged
Unadjusted U-6 was 6.8% up from 6.7%
Labor Force Participation was 62.7% down from 62.8% in September
Unadjusted Employment rose from 156.918 to 157.984 million

Summary:
Total Employed increased in October, Unemployment was little changed, and Labor Force Participation was down slightly.

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

“Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 150,000 in October, and the unemployment rate
changed little at 3.9 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Job gains
occurred in health care, government, and social assistance. Employment declined in manufacturing
due to strike activity…

Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for adult men (3.7 percent), adult women
(3.3 percent), teenagers (13.2 percent), Whites (3.5 percent), Blacks (5.8 percent), Asians (3.1
percent), and Hispanics (4.8 percent) showed little change in October.”

You can read the full BLS report here.

As usual, they are talking about “Seasonally Adjusted Jobs”.

Looking at the Unadjusted Establishment Survey report we see…
Originally the BLS reported employment of 157.001 million for September which they adjusted to 156.918 million. So, they subtracted 83,000 jobs for September. They are currently reporting 157.984 million jobs for October which is actually an increase of 983,000 jobs based on their original estimates or an increase of 1,066,000 based on their updated numbers. But despite a supposed million plus new jobs the unemployment rate is virtually unchanged (and LFPR fell)?

BLS Source

Current Unemployment Rate Chart

Adjusted Unemployment is slightly above the pre-COVID 2019 cyclical lows of 3.5% as well as above the lows made earlier this year. Current levels are still within the “Green Zone”.

5 Powerful Ways to Find Your Next Job Online

October 31, 2023 by Tim McMahon

Looking for a job can be daunting, but thanks to the internet, job seekers have unlimited opportunities to find their next position. Nowadays, job search engines, social media, and professional networking sites have made it easy to look for a job online. Today we’ll explore five powerful ways that can help job seekers land their dream job online.

Job Search Engines

Job search engines are the first thing job seekers think of when they start looking for a job online, and for a good reason. Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and Monster offer users a simple and effective way to search for a variety of jobs in various industries. Users can select their preferred location, job position, and even their salary range, and the website will provide listings that match their preferences. [Read more…] about 5 Powerful Ways to Find Your Next Job Online

Signs of a Great (and Not So Great) Staffing Agency

October 24, 2023 by Tim McMahon

In today’s fast-paced business world, staffing agencies have become valuable resources for companies looking to fill their workforce quickly and efficiently. However, not all staffing agencies are created equal. Some provide excellent services and fantastic job opportunities, while others may be disorganized or unresponsive.

If you’re looking for a staffing agency to help you find a job, it’s crucial to know how to spot a great one and avoid a bad one. In this post, we’ll outline the signs of a great staffing agency and what to watch out for in agencies that may not be a good fit for you.

A Great Staffing Agency:

Listens and Understands Your Needs

An agency that actively listens to your needs and understands your career goals is most likely a great one. They will take the time to get to know you, find out what you’re looking for in a job and provide personalized assistance in your job search. A great staffing agency should also be responsive and available whenever you need them.

Has a Great Reputation

Reputation is everything in the staffing industry. A good staffing agency should have a strong track record of helping job seekers find employment. Take the time to research the agency thoroughly.

There are a few critical ways to tell if a staffing agency has a great reputation. One is by checking online reviews from current and past clients. If the majority of reviews are positive and highlight successful placements, this is a good sign. Additionally, you can ask for references from the agency or reach out to your network to see if anyone has had experience with them. A great staffing agency should also have strong relationships with reputable companies and a good track record of filling positions quickly and efficiently. [Read more…] about Signs of a Great (and Not So Great) Staffing Agency

October Unemployment Report for September 2023

October 6, 2023 by Tim McMahon

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released its employment / unemployment report for September on October 6^th,2023.

Adjusted U3 Unemployment Unchanged

Adjusted U-3 was 3.8% unchanged from August
Unadjusted U-3 was 3.6% down from 3.9%
Unadjusted U-6 was 6.7% down from 7.2%
Labor Force Participation was 62.8% unchanged
Unadjusted Employment rose from 156.416 to 157.001 million

Summary:
Despite the fact that the Seasonally Adjusted U3 unemployment rate was unchanged,
the UNADJUSTED U3 Rate was down… as is typical for this time of year.
Total Employed increased from 156.416 million in August to 157.001 million in September.

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

“Total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 336,000 in September, and the unemployment rate was unchanged at 3.8 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Job gains occurred in leisure and hospitality; government; health care; professional, scientific, and technical services; and social assistance…

Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for adult men (3.8 percent), adult women (3.1 percent), teenagers (11.6 percent), Whites (3.4 percent), Blacks (5.7 percent), Asians (2.8 percent), and Hispanics (4.6 percent) showed little or no change in September.”

You can read the full BLS report here.

As usual, they are talking about “Seasonally Adjusted Jobs”.

Looking at the Unadjusted Establishment Survey report we see…
Originally the BLS reported employment of 156.302 million for August which they adjusted to 156.416 million. So they added 114,000 jobs for August. They are currently reporting 157.001 million jobs for September which is actually an increase of 699,000 jobs based on their original estimates or an increase of 585,000 based on their updated numbers.

BLS Source

Current Employment Rate Chart

Adjusted Unemployment is slightly above the pre-COVID 2019 cyclical lows of 3.5% as well as above the lows made earlier this year. Current levels are still within the “Green Zone”.