Employment

Save Money By Downsizing After Losing Your Job

July 28, 2020 by Guest Contributor

As the COVID-19 pandemic increases, more and more people are finding themselves out of work. Being able to meet your financial obligations can be challenging. Here are some helpful tips that can allow you to save money while downsizing after a recent job loss.

Start with Your Budget

It can be extremely overwhelming knowing that you no longer have a steady income, but you still have bills to pay. A great strategy for overcoming the overwhelming nature of job loss is by taking a look at your budget. You should have it clearly laid out with what your monthly expenses are, such as your mortgage payment. This will allow you to see what you’re really working with and help you determine your next move. It’s best to seek to save money with the bigger expenses first as they’ll make the biggest difference in your budget.

Move to A Smaller Place

Your housing payment is likely one of the biggest bills that you have. Therefore, [Read more…] about Save Money By Downsizing After Losing Your Job

5 Things You Can Do to Improve Your Employment Opportunities

July 20, 2020 by Guest Contributor

Many people are unemployed now due to COVID-19 and its effects on businesses. However, as things begin to even out, some are able to start finding work again. The job market is rather competitive, so you need to give yourself a boost. Here are five things you can do to improve your employment opportunities.

Amp Up Your Resume

Your resume is usually your first impression a potential employer will have of you. You want your resume to really showcase the highlights of your career and help present you as both a reliable and helpful employee. If you haven’t been looking for a job in a long time, your resume could probably use a bit of an update. Tailor your resume for the jobs you’re applying for, and have someone in your field look it over for you. Take their edits and suggestions into account before sending your new and improved resume off to potential employers.

Prioritize Your Job Search

It’s easy to put off job hunting for tomorrow or the next day or next week. However, if you expect to get a job, you need to make your job search the most important thing in your life. Get up early and get started. Don’t put partying or anything else before your goal. When you have an ambitious mindset and work toward getting a job, employers will see that.

Be sure to watch the above video he has a GREAT tip on how to turn a “we’re not interested” into a promising lead.

Criminal Record Expungement

No one is perfect. Some of us may have [Read more…] about 5 Things You Can Do to Improve Your Employment Opportunities

Over 5 Million More Jobs in June

July 2, 2020 by Tim McMahon

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released its employment / unemployment report for June on July 2^nd.

More than 5 million People Return to Work in June as COVID restrictions relax.

Unadjusted U-3 was Down from 13.0% to 11.2%!
Adjusted U-3 was Down from 13.3% to 11.1%!
Unadjusted U-6 was Down from 20.7% to 18.3%!
Labor Force Participation rose from 60.8% to 61.5%.
Unadjusted Employment up by approx. 5.1 million jobs.

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

“Nonfarm payroll employment increased by 4.8 million in June, and the unemployment rate declined by 2.2 percentage points to 11.1 percent. These improvements reflect the continued resumption of economic activity that had been curtailed in March and April due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and efforts to contain it.
In June, employment continued to rise in several major industry sectors, with the largest gain in leisure and hospitality. Notable gains also occurred in retail trade, education and health services, other services, manufacturing, and professional and business services.”

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)”

But looking at the CES report we see…
Originally the BLS reported 133.342 million jobs for May and then in June, they added 68,000 jobs to that estimate.
So currently they are saying 133.410 million jobs for May and 138.513 million jobs for June which is actually an increase of 5.171 million jobs compared to what they originally reported last month or 5.103 million increase based on their updated estimates.

4 Tests And Examinations You Need to Pass Before Becoming a Trucker

June 22, 2020 by Tim McMahon

Being a truck driver can be a rewarding experience. You have a chance to travel and make a good income. However, there are several tests that you will need to take before you become a truck driver.

Department of Transportation Exam

In order for you to be a truck driver, you will have to be healthy. That is why you will be required to take a DOT certified physical exam before you become a truck driver. The exam will consist of a hearing test, vision test, blood pressure check, pulse check, and general physical assessment. If the doctor finds any problems during the exam, then they will document it in your records. Keep in mind that a medical problem may not necessarily bar you from becoming a truck driver. However, you will have to get the proper treatment.

Commercial Driving Permit

Most people know that you are required to have a commercial driver’s license before they become a truck driver. However, you will have to get your commercial learner’s permit before you get your commercial driver’s license. You need to have a current driver’s license. You will have to pay a fee and pass a basic skills test.

Written Test

You will need to be [Read more…] about 4 Tests And Examinations You Need to Pass Before Becoming a Trucker

Why Woodworking and Manual Trades Are Still in Demand

May 14, 2020 by Guest Contributor

Today, more and more students are turning away from the conventional route of earning a college degree to get a job in lieu of alternative careers. Trades like woodworking and similar occupations offer talented students the opportunity to embark on a fruitful and rewarding career in their trade of choice. Read on to learn why certain trades are still in demand in 2020.

There’s an Increase in Demand for Skilled Tradespeople

Trades like woodworking are constantly in demand, regardless of the season. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) woodworkers manufacture a variety of products such as cabinets and furniture, using wood, veneers, and laminates. A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required to become a woodworker. Although some entry-level jobs can be learned in less than 1 year, becoming fully proficient generally takes several years of on-the-job training. The ability to use computer-controlled machinery is becoming increasingly important. The median annual wage for woodworkers was $32,690 in May 2019.

Carpenters work indoors and outdoors on many types of construction projects, from installing kitchen cabinets to constructing, repairing, and installing building frameworks and structures made from wood and other materials. Carpenters typically learn on the job and through apprenticeships. The median annual wage for carpenters was $48,330 in May 2019.

Job vacancies in electrical, construction, and industrial trades make these types of careers ideal for anyone hoping to have guaranteed work after completing their training. As more people move away from apprenticeships and trades, the demand for skilled workers will only increase.

Tradespeople Earn High Salaries

While pursuing a career as a tradesperson [Read more…] about Why Woodworking and Manual Trades Are Still in Demand

4 Industries That Are Urgently Hiring Essential Workers

April 23, 2020 by Guest Contributor

During our current economic and health situation, there are a number of companies that are not hiring or simply not in operation. However, there are other industries that are facing a critical shortage of workers. Here are four industries that are hiring right now.

Consumer Staples Manufacturing

There are many items that are manufactured overseas. However, consumer staples such as home cleaning materials, toilet paper, diapers and packaged food is created right here in the United States in places as diverse as Oconto Falls, Wisconsin and Elmwood Park, New Jersey. For instance, the Proctor & Gamble plant located in Mehoopany, Pa., manufactures Charmin toilet paper, Bounty paper towels and Pampers and Luvs diapers.

P&G operates six paper products plants across the U.S., the other five are in:

Albany, Georgia
Box Elder, Utah
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Oxnard, California

Top 3 Toilet Paper Manufacturers in the U.S.


	Company	Headquarters	Number of Employees
1	Proctor & Gamble	Cincinnati, OH	97,000
2	Kimberly Clark	Irving, TX	40,000
3	Georgia-Pacific	Atlanta, GA	30,000

Because of the increased demand for these consumer staples, manufacturing facilities are reaching a breaking point when it comes to capacity. That’s why these companies have been undergoing a huge hiring push. If you are looking to find a manufacturing job fast, then looking at a facility that makes these everyday home products will be a smart choice.

Truck Drivers

Today more and more people are [Read more…] about 4 Industries That Are Urgently Hiring Essential Workers

7 Reasons to Consider a Career in Data Analytics

April 22, 2020 by Tim McMahon

Whether in finance, manufacturing, consulting, government or education, the demand for data analysts is growing at an astronomical pace across all companies and industries. The need to collect, preserve and interpret data is urgent as businesses fear missing out on discovering insights that can give them the upper hand.

This has made data analysts some of the most sought-after professionals out there. And with the ideal combination of strong demand and limited supply, the field has never looked better for those looking to become a part of it. Even at entry-level, data analysts command high salaries and great benefits.

Moreover, the sheer depth and variety of work conducted by data analysts makes it an exciting field. There’s much to learn and every day can bring a new experience. Before we continue with the reasons to consider a job in data analytics, let’s take an in-depth look at what you can expect from this career path.

What Does a Data Analyst Do?

While the nature of the work can vary depending on where you’re doing it, the basic job of a data analyst is to take large amounts of data and probe it to obtain insights that will help their employers make more informed decisions. The specific career path you take as a data analyst will largely be influenced by the company you work for.

Some data analysts work in the healthcare sector, while others can be found on Wall Street in banks and private equity firms. In addition, there are roles in industries such as technology, retail, marketing, government and more. Insurance companies also have deep data structures that require an analyst’s expertise.

Responsibilities

Some of the things you can expect to do as a data analyst include: [Read more…] about 7 Reasons to Consider a Career in Data Analytics

Coronavirus Skyrockets March Unemployment

April 4, 2020 by Tim McMahon

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released its employment / unemployment report for March on April 3rd.

COVID-19 Shutdowns Send Unemployment Rate Soaring

The BLS commissioner emphasized that even though the numbers are collected mid-month and the massive shutdown had just begun it was already having detrimental effects on the unemployment rate and we can expect worse to come.

Unadjusted U-3 was Up from 3.8% to 4.5%!
Adjusted U-3 was Up from 3.5% to 4.4%!
Unadjusted U-6 was Up from 7.4% to 8.9%!
Labor Force Participation fell from 63.4% to 62.7%.
Unadjusted Employment down by approx. 193,000 jobs.

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

“Nonfarm payroll employment declined by 701,000 in March, and the unemployment rate increased to 4.4 percent, reflecting the broad impact on the job market of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and efforts to contain the illness. Employment fell by 459,000 in the leisure and hospitality industry, mainly in food services and drinking places. Notable employment decreases also occurred in health care and social assistance, professional and business services, retail trade, and construction.

It is important to keep in mind that the March survey reference periods for the establishment and household surveys (the pay period or week, respectively, that includes the 12th of the month) predated many business and school closures that occurred in the second half of the month. In addition, data collection for the two surveys was affected by the coronavirus.

Although response rates for both surveys were adversely affected by pandemic-related issues, we still were able to obtain estimates from our two surveys that met BLS standards for accuracy and reliability.”

But looking at the CES report we see…
Originally the BLS reported 150.997 million jobs for February and then they added 58,000 jobs to that estimate.
So currently they are saying 151.055 million jobs for February and 150.804 million jobs for March
which is actually a decrease of 193,000 jobs compared to what they originally reported last month. [Read more…] about Coronavirus Skyrockets March Unemployment

Essential Jobs That Are in High Demand During Emergencies

April 2, 2020 by Guest Contributor

You may not think about it until it happens but when emergencies hit, there are some essential people that always have to work. Getting a career in these fields is a great way to ensure that you always have a job regardless of what’s going on in the world. When you first think of essential jobs that get kicked into high demand when emergencies occur you might think of firemen or police. But the COVID-19 pandemic has led us to realize that there are a lot of other critical jobs as well.

Hospital Staff

One extremely in-demand field when emergencies happen is hospital staff. When emergencies happen, the demand for health services increases greatly. Not just Doctors, and Nurses, but Nursing Assistants and Orderlies, X-ray technicians, EMT personnel and even maintenance people are in high demand during an emergency.

Utility Personnel

During natural disasters infrastructure often gets damaged and people are without electricity, water, gas, internet and phone services. This requires Line Installers and Repairers, Power Plant Operators, Distributors, and Dispatchers, and Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians among many others.

Inventory Management

During ordinary times people don’t give much thought to [Read more…] about Essential Jobs That Are in High Demand During Emergencies

Dealing With Temporary Disability After a Workplace Injury

March 25, 2020 by Guest Contributor

Since 1970, workplace deaths have been reduced by more than 60%, and occupational injuries have declined by 40%.

Although workplaces are safer than ever before, many jobs still carry a significant risk of injury and even death. After experiencing an injury on the job, many workers become temporarily disabled and unfit to work.

This type of sidelining from the job can cause a number of hardships. Many people find making ends meet difficult, especially if they have families, and mental health is frequently also negatively impacted. Here is a quick guide on strategies that can help you recover faster and get your life back on track.

Mental Health

Understanding why many injured workers slip into depression is easy. Unable to work, with nothing to occupy their time, workers often fall into the trap of repetitive thinking, obsessive thoughts, deflated morale, and lower self-confidence. Staying connected with friends and family is crucial for maintaining your mental health throughout the recovery process. In addition, many professional therapists specialize in treating injured workers who are experiencing a difficult recovery.

Stay on Top of Physical Therapy

For the fastest, most complete recovery possible, consult with a physical therapist who is trained to help patients with your particular injury. A good physical therapy regimen is medically proven to improve results by restoring your function closer to what it was prior to the accident than without the therapy. [Read more…] about Dealing With Temporary Disability After a Workplace Injury