Employment

Why Becoming a Flooring Installer is a Stable Career Path

February 24, 2023 by Tim McMahon

Floor installation is a trade that has been around for centuries. The need to cover floors in homes and businesses has never gone away, and it’s highly unlikely that the demand will diminish in the future. As a floor installer, you can enjoy job security, the opportunity for career growth, and the satisfaction of providing quality services to satisfied customers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics- Flooring Installers and Tile and Stone Setters lay and finish carpet, wood, vinyl, tile, and other materials, and they earned an average of $22.74/hr in 2021.

Job Security

The need to cover floors with hardwood, carpet, tile, linoleum, or concrete will always be in demand. People want their homes and businesses to look beautiful and presentable, which means they rely on floor installers to make it happen. Plus, floor installation isn’t just about covering surfaces; it also involves making repairs when necessary or completely replacing floors as needed. This means that your skills are continually in demand – no matter what type of economy we’re living in! As of this writing, flooring companies like Sandmasters Hardwood Floors Inc. in Wisconsin are desperate for help and are offering starting salaries of $40,000 per year with many other benefits. Companies in higher living cost areas like New York or California will pay even more. [Read more…] about Why Becoming a Flooring Installer is a Stable Career Path

Strategies for Conquering Job Search Frustration

February 9, 2023 by Tim McMahon

Job hunting can be a long and frustrating process. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with the number of applications you need to fill out, interviews you need to attend, and rejections you receive. However, it is possible to stay positive throughout your job search journey if you have the right strategies in place. Read on for some tips on how to ease job-hunting frustration.

Maintain Perspective

It’s important to keep in mind that a job search is just one small part of your life. Don’t let it consume all your thoughts or take away from other activities you enjoy doing. Make sure you take time out of each day for hobbies, relaxation, and fun with family and friends—activities that will help maintain balance and perspective in your life. Speaking of family and friends, hopefully they are being supportive of your efforts. You should also enlist their suggestions, referrals and leads on available jobs. One of the best ways to find a job is to be recommended by someone who already works there. So, network, network, network to get a good reference from someone the company already trusts.

Set Realistic Expectations

Having realistic expectations will go a long way toward helping you manage stress during a job search. It’s important to remember that there are many factors beyond your control when it comes to getting hired; don’t expect too much too soon or become discouraged when things don’t happen as quickly as you’d like them to. Focus on the progress that has been made rather than any setbacks encountered along the way. [Read more…] about Strategies for Conquering Job Search Frustration

5 Career Opportunities for Disabled Individuals

December 7, 2022 by Tim McMahon

No matter what type of disability you may have, the good news is that there is a great career waiting for you in all types of industries. Unlike in years past when employers may have been hesitant to hire disabled workers, the job market of today is eager to hire workers of all backgrounds and skills. Should you be a disabled individual who is looking for a great career opportunity, here are five possibilities you may want to consider.

File Clerk

If you have a hearing impairment, being a file clerk would be a great career. The perfect job if you like routine work and keeping track of records, this job requires minimal contact with others on a daily basis, letting you work alone while you keep things organized.

Credit Counselor

Should you have a visual impairment, consider becoming a credit counselor. Working with a variety of clients, you will help people establish budgets, understand how to set and reach financial goals, and much more. A job where it is key for you to build interpersonal relationships with others, it has an annual average salary approaching $45,000.

Actuary

One of the best disability job opportunities for people who have mobility issues, becoming an actuary will provide you with a great and satisfying career. Working for an insurance company, you would use your math and statistical skills to help companies analyze risk, which helps determine insurance coverage for various situations. A job that is always in demand, the annual salary can often exceed $100,000. [Read more…] about 5 Career Opportunities for Disabled Individuals

Are You Eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits?

December 1, 2022 by Tim McMahon

If you are unable to work due to a disability, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability (SSD) Benefits. Like all government programs, there are very specific requirements you have to meet in order to be eligible for benefits. Plus, the application process for these benefits may be a bit daunting, but finding out if you qualify is worth the effort.

Eligibility for SSD Benefits

You must meet two basic criteria to be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits:

You must have a medical condition that meets the criteria of disability as defined by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Your situation should have precluded you from working for about a year or be anticipated to bar you from working for over one year.

The medical condition must prevent you from engaging in “substantial gainful activity.” Work that pays over $1,070 monthly (or $1,800 if you are blind) is considered this. The SSA’s website has a list of disabling conditions, which includes:

Cancer
Muscular dystrophy
Amputation
Multiple sclerosis
Cerebral palsy
Arthritis, etc.

Depending on your age, you must also have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain number of years. For example, a 31-year-old must have worked for the previous ten years. People who become disabled before age 22 have a different work requirement; generally, they or a parent should have worked for a sufficient period to be eligible for benefits. [Read more…] about Are You Eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits?

Unbelievably Easy Ways To Find Employment Opportunities Near You

November 16, 2022 by Guest Contributor

Whether you’ve recently moved to a new city or have lost your job, you’re likely on the search for a new avenue of employment. Knowing where you can find local employment opportunities is the key to ensuring that you get the chance to apply for jobs that you desire. There are a few different avenues that you can take to find local jobs in your area.

Online Job Posting Sites

The internet is so widely used these days that it’s no surprise it’s the first place that we recommend looking for local employment opportunities. Job posting sites allow employers to post job openings and their requirements. Those individuals who fit these requirements can easily submit their online resumes for these businesses to assess. Some sites will even allow employers to seek you out to fill their open positions.

Hiring Agency

Just like a talent agency, a hiring agency is utilized by all types of industries to help expedite their hiring process. Hiring agencies will take information from job seekers and work to match them up with companies that are looking for individuals who have a set of necessary skills. Think of a hiring agency as a matchmaker for your next job. [Read more…] about Unbelievably Easy Ways To Find Employment Opportunities Near You

Love to Drive? These 6 Jobs Are For You

October 19, 2022 by Tim McMahon

If you enjoy driving and are looking for ways to earn some extra money or are interested in a career change, there are a number of unique jobs you could pursue. Here are 6 jobs that you’ll excel at if you love to drive. Most of these jobs require a special license to carry passengers or drive large vehicles.

Taxi Drivers

Taxi and Uber or Lyft drivers will typically make more in big cities, but you can even make some extra cash in smaller towns. These jobs are perfect for those who enjoy socializing since you’ll frequently meet new passengers. While the base pay for these positions may not be very high, you can make a decent amount of extra cash in tips. You’ll have to prepare yourself for some odd working hours, though, since your services will be needed most on weekends, evenings, and during large events. [Read more…] about Love to Drive? These 6 Jobs Are For You

Injured on the Job? 3 Things to Immediately Do

October 4, 2022 by Tim McMahon

Injuries on the job are common, but a severe injury may affect your ability to work for that day, for a week, or even for several years. In this case, you may be entitled to damages from medical bills and lost wages. It’s important to know what to do after sustaining a work injury – otherwise, you may not receive the benefits you deserve. Following the proper procedures will protect your rights as an employee, including your right to worker’s compensation. Here are three important things to do immediately after a workplace accident.

1) Report Your Job-Related Injury in a Timely Manner

If an accident happens at work, it’s best to report it to your employer immediately, if possible. Establishing the timeline early makes it easier to track your condition in case it worsens, allowing insurance companies to trace the injury back to the workplace accident. Many states also have a deadline for reporting your injury. A report to your employer will likely be required for you to receive worker’s compensation. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to make this your first step.

2) Get a Medical Evaluation

After getting injured on the job and reporting your injury to your employer, [Read more…] about Injured on the Job? 3 Things to Immediately Do

Is the Average Worker “Falling Behind”?

July 29, 2022 by Tim McMahon

Wages Up: But are Employees Better Off?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released its “Employment Cost Index” report on Friday, July 29^th, for the second quarter of 2022. According to this report, “Wages and salaries increased 5.3 percent for the 12-month period ending in June 2022… Benefit costs increased 4.8 percent over the year.” This was on top of a 3.2 percent increase in wages for the 12-month period ending in June 2021.

In most recent years, this would be a good thing for employees, but with inflation currently running at over 9% for the year ending in June 2022, workers are actually losing 3.8% in purchasing power. (9.1% inflation minus 5.3% wage increase equals -3.8% purchasing power.) So the answer is that in 2022 workers are NOT better off.

Annual Inflation was 5.4% in June of 2021, so a 3.2% increase in wages left workers 2.2% in the hole last year as well.

The following table shows the annual increase in Total Civilian Compensation (i.e. Wages & Benefits) each June compared to the inflation rate for that year. [Read more…] about Is the Average Worker “Falling Behind”?

May Employment Up – Unemployment Unchanged

June 4, 2022 by Tim McMahon

May 2022 Employment — Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Jobs Report

Adjusted U-3 was Unchanged at 3.6%
Unadjusted U-3 was Up from 3.3% to 3.4%
Unadjusted U-6 was Up from 6.6% to 6.7%
Labor Force Participation Up from 62.2% to 62.3%
Unadjusted Employment rose from 150.964 to 151.773 million

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

“Nonfarm payroll employment increased by 390,000 in May, and the unemployment rate remained at 3.6 percent. Notable job gains occurred in leisure and hospitality, in professional and business services, and in transportation and warehousing. Employment in retail trade declined. Nonfarm employment is down by 822,000, or 0.5 percent, from its February 2020 level before the onset of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
In May, employment growth continued in leisure and hospitality (+84,000)… Employment in professional and business services increased by 75,000 in May… Transportation and warehousing added 47,000 jobs…”
You can read the full BLS report here.

As usual, they are talking about “Seasonally Adjusted Jobs” from the “Household Survey” rather than looking at the results reported by actual companies in the BLS “Establishment Survey”

But looking at the Establishment Survey report we see…
Originally the BLS reported employment of 150.938 million for April which they adjusted to 150.964 million. So they added 26,000 jobs disappeared for April. They are reporting 151.773 million jobs for May which is actually an increase of 835,000 jobs based on their original estimates or an increase of 809,000 based on their updated numbers.

Surprisingly, Retail LOST -60,700 jobs.

According to Trading Economics:
The US unemployment rate was unchanged at 3.6 percent in May of 2022, the same as in the previous two months, remaining the lowest since February 2020 and compared with market expectations of 3.5 percent. The number of unemployed people increased by 9 thousand to 5.950 million, while employment levels rose by 321 thousand to 158.426 million. Meanwhile, the labor force participation rate edged up to 62.3 percent in May from a 3-month low of 62.2 percent in April.

Stroudsburg PA News headline says “Lowest Unemployment Rate since 1969” … Umm No! Not really… the article text backtracks a little adding the word “about” saying… “about the lowest it has been since 1969.” I suppose that is “almost true” if you disregard the 4 months in 2019 and 2020 when it was lower (i.e. 3.5%) and 3.6% is almost 3.4%. I guess that is what passes for journalism these days.

Top Cities for Gig Worker Opportunities

May 16, 2022 by Guest Contributor

While you’re sure to find opportunities to be part of the gig economy in just about any metro area, larger cities offer the most opportunities to earn a decent living. Of course, if you are looking for an online gig, you can work from anywhere. But today, we’ll look at some of the best places in the U.S. to live and work on your “gig.”

New York City, NY

The Big Apple offers many high-paying gig opportunities, and you can find some exceptionally well-paying freelance jobs in finance and law. The city also has numerous entertainment districts and eateries, opening the door to popular gigs like food delivery. Also unique to the city, according to New York City Consumer Affairs, is the Freelance Isn’t Free Act, which provides unique protections for freelance workers, including a right to a written contract, timely payment, and protection from retaliation.

When it comes to living in New York City, you might find some surrounding areas, like Newark, New Jersey, a bit more cost-effective.

The average rent for a New York City studio apartment: $1,718.
The median price for a home: $650,000.
Healthcare and grocery costs are on par with the rest of the U.S., but transportation and utilities are much higher.

According to the Cost of Living Calculator :

According to GigLaunch, popular freelance jobs in New York City include food and grocery delivery, rideshare, renting storage, vehicles and parking spaces, being a tech product tester, and dog-walking.

Miami, Florida

According to State-to-State Move, [Read more…] about Top Cities for Gig Worker Opportunities