10 Things I Know For Sure

Taking a cue from Oprah's "20 Things I Know For Sure" campaign.

If you read O magazine or keep up with the Oprah website, you might have seen her recent campaign to have different people share 20 things that they know for sure about life. Even though I am not a devout Oprah fan, unlike some of my friends, I have to admit that sometimes she gets it right.

Personally, I think that we all have insight to share and that great advice doesn't have to come from gurus or self help specialists. Sometimes, the person who has been looking for a job for the better part of a year, the college graduate who is just figuring out how to survive in the adult world or the old woman who has been raised kids and grandkids can have unique insight into life.

I was so impressed by this idea, I'd like to share 10 things and invite everyone to add their own 10 things as well.

Here are 10 things I know for sure:

• You can't be open to receive what you need if your hands are full - When you spend your time holding onto things that aren't working, you can't be open to hear or take advantage of anything new. Look at everything as an opportunity and keep yourself open to new ideas.

• Do what you love, the pay check is a bonus - Over the years, I have worked at many different jobs. The truth is that it doesn't matter how much they pay, if you don't love what you do, it's work. Find a way to do what you love because life is too short to spend it doing anything else.

• When you feel useless, give your time to others - When I feel that I am not effective and incompetent (which happens more often than I'd care to admit) I look for ways to volunteer my time and talents to help others. Just being able to give the little bit that I have can give me back so much in return. It helps me to remember that we are all in this together and to feel a part of something bigger than myself.

• If you can't make a decision or you aren't sure, you don't have to choose - Sometimes I just can't decide what to do. Instead of forcing myself to make a choice right away, I sit with it for a little while. The right path always seems to show itself.

• If the voices in your head aren't treating you with compassion, they aren't on your side - This is a hard one. We all have an inner tape that plays and often it's purpose is to beat us up for not living up to its expectations. If your voice isn't treating you with as much compassion as you would give your closest friend then it isn't on your side. Don't listen to it.

• If you aren't making mistakes, you aren't really trying hard - Mistakes aren't failures, they just mean that you are trying. Think about a child learning to walk. Even though they fall down pretty often, those attempts aren't failures, they are just part of the process of learning something new. If you aren't making mistakes then you aren't growing.

• Money isn't the measure of success - Unless you believe that our purpose on this planet is to have as much stuff as possible before we die, having money doesn't make your life successful. Think about what your purpose is and then measure your success.

• Don't do things just because you think you're supposed to, unless they make sense for you - Trust your own judgement. For example, just because teenagers are supposed to go to college doesn't mean that all teens are college material. There is nothing wrong with opting to go to a trade school or take some time to work before deciding on a career path. Do what makes sense for you and your situation.

• Worry is not preparation - Stop worrying, it doesn't help. It just wastes energy you could be using to do something productive. If you've done all that you can, take a rest.

• Be kind - In my home, this is the first and only thing on the list of house rules. Instead of focusing on things being either good or bad, I look to see if they are kind or unkind. Being bad is sometimes fun but being unkind isn't.

What are the 10 things you know for sure? Please share your lists here in the comments.

By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer for PhillyJobsBlog and Beyond.com, along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.

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How Long Is a Minute - What You Can Do In 60 Seconds

How much gets done in 60 seconds online.

They say that nothing is faster than a New York minute, but what if we don't live in Manhattan? I think we all view a minute as a negligible amount of time. Phrases like "Wait just a minute." or "It will only take a minute." are commonplace in our language.

In fact, if someone were to see you reading this blog, rather than doing something, say looking for a new job, they might ask you if you planned to read blogs all day. (Well, if they were a jerk they could.) Of course, the most common answer would be, "I'm going to do that in a minute. Right now I have to read this really, really excellent blog post. At least that's what I'd like to assume.

The other day, I was thinking about how funny a minute is. Depending on how you look at it, it can be a very short span of time or a really long one. For example, if I said that I was going to start working in a minute or I am going to run into the store for a minute, it can be a very long period of time. But, if I were taking a test or playing Perfection, a minute isn't nearly enough time to get things correct.

I did some research and I was reminded of Murphy's Law regarding that 60 second time frame. It goes like this - The length of a minute depends on which side of the bathroom door you are on.

I couldn't have said it better myself!

Still, it made me wonder - how much stuff gets accomplished everyday in just a short minute?

While I was looking for the answer, I found this great infographic about the average internet minute. I thought it was fascinating and I couldn't wait to share it with you. If you have always wondered what you can do in under 60 seconds, take a look at this:

Were you surprised by any of these facts? Which ones? Please share your thoughts in the comments.

By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer for HealthcareJobsiteBlog and Beyond.com.. Along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.

Related articles

• 5 Ways to Keep Your Relationship Strong When Money Gets Tight (healthcarejobsiteblog.com)
• 5 Ways to Live a Happier Life (educationjobsiteblog.com)
• Winning Friends and Influencing People - 5 Things You Shouldn't Say at Work (manufacturingworkersblog.com)

Too Many Jobs--Not Enough Workers

That’s a headline you don’t see in the employment section of your local newspaper. In fact, a recent article in the Philadelphia Inquirer reported one out of two college graduates in the Philadelphia area with college degrees is unemployed. That is higher than the national average of one in three. The article told the story of a young man with an economics and journalism degree, still living at home with his parents, unable to get a job in his field. He was still looking.

While this is a serious problem for anyone in this position, employers in other states have a different problem. They have too many jobs and can’t find workers to fill them. Georgia farmers have openings for 11,000 workers to pick peaches, blueberries and peanuts. Alabama has a similar problem. In an attempt to solve one problem, another has taken its place. This is not a condemnation or approval of any decision, but a contrast with a national unemployment rate hitting over nine percent, thousands of educated and willing young people looking for work, and the lack of workers for an abundance of certain manual labor jobs.

I’m not suggesting that all the unemployed college grads in Philadelphia (and other states as well along the way) volunteer to go to Georgia to pick peaches and save the farmers. (If they did, it would probably make the headlines of the Philadelphia Inquirer as the greatest, most selfless humanitarian community outreach project of the century.) Both Georgia and Alabama tried to fill the gap by hiring local workers, using probationers and even inmates. Not one of the solutions was successful. With every month, the gap is widening between available work and the available workforce.

Our elected officials on both sides of the aisle in Washington are struggling with solutions to this national crisis. They offer proposals for “shovel ready” jobs in construction, infrastructure repair and other labor-intensive industries. While that will certainly put some people to work, it may not have an impact on thousands of unemployed young college graduates or hundreds of thousands who are currently in college, working hard for the degree that is supposed to bring them a bright and lucrative future.

The entry-level supervisory or trainee jobs that used to be the first rung on the success ladder are disappearing. In the two years since the recession began (is it really over?), companies had to make changes in order to survive, and many realized that technology could do a lot of tasks that staff people or middle managers used to do. They found a software package or app to handle it. The jobs that still need to be done, like harvesting America’s food supply, go unfilled.

The Inquirer article finished with some dire predictions, but also with hope. One young woman is working to purchase equipment needed to open a practice as a court reporter. A young man is working three part-time jobs while building up a barber practice. “Hair always grows,” he said. While the job market is changing, the American spirit and work ethic is alive and well in the new generation workforce.

Mary Nestor-Harper, SPHR, is a consultant, blogger, motivational speaker and freelance writer for phillyjobs.com. Based in Savannah, GA, her work has appeared in Training magazine, Training & Development magazine, Supervision, BiS Magazine and The Savannah Morning News. When she’s not writing, she enjoys singing with the Savannah Philharmonic Chorus and helping clients reinvent their careers for today’s job market. You can read more of her blogs at phillyjobs.com and view additional job postings on Beyond.com.

Lady Gaga’s Weight and Self-Image Concerns Mask Deeper Troubles

by Alex A. Kecskes

As a healthcare professional, you may someday encounter the challenge of dealing with the physical and emotional problems of the rich and famous. While these people can afford the finest medical care, they must often be persuaded to follow advice that interferes with their lifestyle and travel habits. It then becomes your job to do whatever you can to guide these individuals and prevent them from literally self destructing.

Lady Gaga is a prime example of someone living “on the edge.” While she may have raised the bar in media exposure and outrageous style, she’s also pushing the envelope when it comes to the consumption of food (or lack of it), possible drug abuse and some extreme self-appraisals.

The singer/performer often skimps on meals during tours in an effort to squeeze into her more form-fitting outfits. Aside from malnutrition, reports say she seems overly obsessed with her weight, often staring at her reflection in the mirror for long bouts of self-recrimination. One could say she’s acting like a teen on the verge of anorexia, endlessly subjecting herself to body-image critiques.

Some feel that her outlandish clothes and wigs, and the need to appear slim and energetic are attempts to mask the side affects of her Lupus. While publicly admitting to confronting the disease, it has taken its toll--including hair loss and the appearance of distracting red blotches that cover parts of her body.

As if the Lady hasn’t enough to worry about, there have been reports of her drug use, which began at an early age. Her friends admit that the star has done heroin, cocaine and ecstasy, as well as some other drugs. In fact, Stefi--as the Lady is known to her friends--has become somewhat of a stranger to them.

If you have any thoughts on how healthcare professionals should deal with media stars, feel free to share them in the comments section.

Alex A. Kecskes has written hundreds of published articles on health/fitness, "green" issues, TV/film entertainment, restaurant reviews and many other topics. As a former Andy/Belding/One Show ad agency copywriter, he also writes web content, ads, brochures, sales letters, mailers and scripts for national B2B and B2C clients. Please see more of his blogs and view additional job postings on Beyond.com.

Rethinking the Workplace and Taking Responsibility for Your Career

Taking ownership of your career.

If you needed more confirmation that the economy is still tough and the job market isn't going to recover overnight, you can take a look at PNC Bank's fall 2011 Economic Outlook Survey. The survey represents the bank's poll of small business owners in an attempt to get some insight on their moods and thoughts about hiring new employees and their concerns for their companies.

The survey showed that the overwhelming majority of small business owners are less than optimistic about their company's future. Almost a fourth of them said that they were actually pessimistic, an increase of 17 percent. In fact, only 18 percent of the business owners surveyed said that they were optimistic about their company's prospect for the next six months. The survey also reported that 35 percent of these small business owners planned to raise their prices at some point in the next six months. I knew it was bad, but I didn't know it was that bad yet.

Only 20 percent of the owners said that they are expecting to hire full-time employees and 14 percent plan to reduce the size of their full-time staff.

As the unemployment rate continues to stay extremely high, many people are blaming the workforce for the problem. One of the things I hear fairly often is that American young adults are entering the workforce with the belief that it owes them something. The thought is that too many people choose to "follow their dreams" rather than think about a career that will give them security and a good income.

Although that might be one cause, the truth is that there just aren't many jobs. Because so many people are out of work or underemployed, they aren't spending the kind of money they may have in previous years. Without people willing to buy their products and services, companies look for ways to slash their bottom lines. Typically, they achieve this by laying off employees and running a leaner business. Then, there are more people who lack the money to buy their stuff and the circle worsens.

However, I think that the whole idea of the "poor company" struggling just to keep from going bankrupt a little far-fetched. Perhaps when you are talking about small businesses, it may be mostly true, but large companies don't have the same excuse. The reason that they aren't hiring is because they have found out that reducing their staff and having two part-time employees do the work of three full-time employees works. It saves them money on salaries because right now, they can hire more skilled employees at a very low rate and if they keep their workforce part-time, they don't have to worry about paying benefits. Not only that, but when employees are hungry and desperate for their paycheck, they are more than willing to go above and beyond in order to keep their jobs.

It's becoming surprisingly common for businesses to hire slightly more part-time employees than they need and give each worker the bare minimum number of hours to keep them from quitting. This tactic makes great sense for the company because if an employee is having performance issues, there's no need to worry over discipline procedures or have to fire them (and worry about unemployment claims). They can just cut back the number of hours the employee's is scheduled until they quit. Of course, the employee schedules vary widely from day to day and week to week so that it would be next to impossible for them to find second jobs that might cause conflicting loyalties.

Most corporations are making a lot of money right now. It is a company's dream right now. They have access to the best and the brightest talent at a fraction of the cost. For example, if an accounting firm needs an executive assistant, they can advertise a job opening for an entry level secretary. With all of the resumes they receive, there is bound to be someone who has experience as an executive assistant. From there, they can hire the overqualified secretary for cheap and give her all of the duties of an executive assistant. Odds are high that the employee won't complain and may actually be grateful for having a job.

In addition, this extended period of economic trouble, many companies have had to rethink the way they do business and the way the company runs. They are finding new, cheaper ways to get the work done. Outsourcing, telecommuting, combining jobs and automating larger parts of the process have become very popular ways for a company to save money and increase profits.

If you think about it, almost every grocery store has a self checkout isle even though the groceries aren't any cheaper if you don't use a cashier.I'm sure you've noticed over the past 5-10 years that more and more companies have started to allow customers to order items or pay their bills online. There is a huge push for things like paperless billing and other streamlined services. In fact, with my cell phone company, if I want to get a regular paper bill mailed to me each month, I have to pay a few dollars surcharge. Similarly, if I call the company's customer service department to make a payment over the phone, I am charged a $10 convenience fee. I don't know who the fee is convenient for, but it certainly isn't me.

For most adults, even though they see the problems, there isn't much that they can do about it. They need a paycheck - it's really that simple. Because of that harsh economic reality, they have to keep quiet and take what the company will give them. Even though they might want to work for a company that provides motivation,feedback, training, benefits and the occasional pizza party, most companies have moved away from that business model several years ago.

Let's face it - That's what capitalism is all about. So, what should we do about it?

If you don't want to be in a position to have to take what you can get, then you have to re-think your attitudes about the workplace and how money is earned. If you look around, you'll see many people who have already done just that. They have started looking at options like freelancing, consulting and even starting their own businesses. Their thought is, "Hey if the companies can outsource work, why not outsource it to me?".

Taking charge of your own career requires taking chances and thinking about business and employment in a whole new way. If you want to be the owner of your career, stay tuned next week for 10 Ways to Take Control of Your Career.

Have you ever been in this type of situation? Have you ever felt stuck in a job? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer for PhillyJobsBlog and Beyond.com, along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.

Related articles

• 5 Ways to Motivate and Recognize Your Employees (salesheadsblog.com)
• Finding the Best Holiday Job (manufacturingworkersblog.com)
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5 Ways to Keep Your Relationship Strong When Money Gets Tight

When money gets tight, it can put a lot of pressure and stress onto a relationship or marriage. In fact, many studies claim that money problems are responsible for 30% of divorces. Personally, I think the number is probably higher than that because financial stress can be the underlying symptom of many other marital problems.

The thing is, traditionally, the marriage vows are "for richer or poorer" not "As long as you have a job, or if you lose your job you should have a new one within a few months.". Still, financial infidelity can end a marriage almost as quickly as sexual infidelity. To keep this from happening to you, here are 5 ways to keep your relationship strong when money gets tight:

Have dreams and talk about them often - Do you and your spouse have long term dreams like buying a summer home or retiring and moving to Central America? Whatever your dream, talk about it with your partner and make a goal. Then, while you are saving, keep talking about it so that you can both work on it together. Working toward a common goal will make your bond stronger and help you stay focused.

Give each other some personal money - Many couples make the mistake of having one person be the money manager and the other person just hands over their paychecks. Although it can work very well sometimes, you have to remember that everyone deserves to have some cash in their pocket that they don't have to be accountable for. Making an impulse decision to buy a cup of coffee or go out to lunch makes us feel like grown ups. When people don't have any power over the money they make or how it gets spent, it can make them resentful, cause them to feel desperate and even led them to act out in various ways.

Be honest and communicate - If you've made a mistake, have run up the credit cards or spent your savings account, it's always going to be better if you tell your partner right away. Sure, they will probably be upset, but it's better than them finding out later and knowing that you withheld the truth.

Discuss what to do with windfalls/bonuses/tax returns - If either you or your partner get a large amount of unexpected money like a bonus or tax return, you should both decide what to do with it before you spend it. You two might have very different idea about what to do with it and that can cause a huge amount of resentment. Make sure that your partner feels included in the decision making process.

Don't change your agreements without discussing it - If you have both decided that it is best for your family if both of you work, don't change that agreement without discussing it. Of course, you can't help it if you lose your job, but before you quit your job, decide to go back to school or change the way that money is earned, you have to talk it over first and get an agreement.

The biggest thing that kills relationships isn't the lack of money, it's the feeling that your partner has betrayed your trust financially. Small indiscretions are much easier to deal with when there is more than enough money, but when you're making every dollar stretch, the little things can add up. Just remember that there isn't a material purchase you could make that would be as valuable as the love and trust between you and your partner.

Do you have marital problems caused by money? What have you done about it? What suggestion do you have for others in this position?


By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer for HealthcareJobsiteBlog and Beyond.com.. Along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.

Related articles

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Take a Break from the Insanity

There is a lot of good information and suggestions on finding a job in a very frustrating employment market on websites like Phillyjobs.com. In a job search, the more tactics you use, the more likely you are to successfully land a job. Sending resumes, responding to Internet job posts, networking and using social media get your name out to possible employers and influential referrals.

I happened upon a discussion in one of the groups about their job searches, and it dawned on me that while the traditional tactics for a job search worked in the past, they may not be as effective today. What struck me was the number of posts, the similarity of their stories and the length of time they had been out of work. They were all trying to find jobs in their previous field, relying on their past experience and skill levels. The problem was, the rules of the game had changed.

The quote, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results,” rings true in the job search as well. If you’ve been sending out resumes and responding to ads the same way for the last six months, maybe it’s time to stop and change tactics. After a year, you have to seriously examine how your experience, skills and education measures up to the reality of available jobs. Of course, as Winston Churchill said, “Never, never, never quit,” (or something like that.) Instead of quitting, try changing the game plan with some new tactics and thoughts that just may give some momentum to the job search. Here are some things to consider:

1. Reality check—the jobs are gone. At least the type of job you had where your skills, education and experience were enough. If you rose to a management or professional level without getting your degree or certifications, you may have a harsher reality check. The reality is you are now competing for a job with a lot of new MBAs or degreed 20- or 30-somethings that grew up in high-tech world. This is also a reality check for the employed in this situation. Go directly to HR (do not pass GO, Do not collect $200) and get information about tuition reimbursement or online training. This is your best opportunity to finish your degree while you’ve got a paycheck and free financial aid.

2. Hire yourself. If not long-term, at least explore opportunities to bring in some money while you finish your education or continue your search. I have a friend who sewed for a hobby, and now makes and sells simple children’s clothing from her online store on http://www.etsy.com/. It brings in some money, keeps her motivated and busy between interviews. Companies use freelancers and contractors for a variety of projects. While you’re looking for a job, let people know you are also open to freelancing. You may land a few projects that lead to a job or new career as an entrepreneur.

3. Focus on the future, not the past. A recent news report said that patients suffering from depression recovered faster when they focused on creating a future instead of constantly rehashing their past. Instead of trying to regain the job you had or the way things were, take some time to create an image of a great future. You probably used to complain about that job you lost, your inconsiderate boss or annoying co-workers. Take inventory of all creative ways you could use your skills. The Wharton Small Business Development Center has a variety of job training and business development information.

A new perspective on employment may give you a fresh approach for your job search, make some new contacts and begin building a fresh, rewarding future.

Mary Nestor-Harper, SPHR, is a consultant, blogger, motivational speaker and freelance writer for phillyjobs.com. Based in Savannah, GA, her work has appeared in Training magazine, Training & Development magazine, Supervision, BiS Magazine and The Savannah Morning News. When she’s not writing, she enjoys singing with the Savannah Philharmonic Chorus and helping clients reinvent their careers for today’s job market. You can read more of her blogs at phillyjobs.com and view additional job postings on Beyond.com.

Many States Suffer Severe Nursing Shortage

by Alex A. Kecskes

The country as a whole suffers from a shortage of registered nurses. But if you’re an experienced RN, your job skills and training are badly needed in some states more than others.

According to a recent Health Resources and Services Administration study, the national average of nurses (792 nurses per 100,000) fluctuates widely by state. For example, the District of Columbia has the highest number of registered nurses--2,236 registered nurses per 100,000 population. Next is New Hampshire, which has 1,321 nurses per 100,000. The states with the least nurses are Idaho, Nevada, California, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma. The state of California fared worst with only 603 nurses per 100,000, followed by Nevada with just 612 nurses per 100,000.

The World Health Organization recommends that any locality have a least 1000 nurses per 100,000 population. That said, there are a number of developing countries that are severely understaffed with just 10 nurses per 100,000 population.

If you’re a nurse or presently studying to become a nurse, you might consider moving to a state where nurses are desperately needed. Hospitals and healthcare centers in these underserved areas would more than likely offer far more attractive incentives for qualified applicants. Some of these employers might even offer lucrative relocation assistance and tuition reimbursement plans.

At Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles, for example, qualified nurses are being offered high pay, big incentives, and a generous relocation program. One nursing package includes a $10,000 sign-on bonus, $1,500 monthly housing allowance and a $5,000 relocation package.

For an added perspective, check out this video:

If you have any thoughts on the nursing shortage in your state, feel free to share them in the comments section.

Alex A. Kecskes has written hundreds of published articles on health/fitness, "green" issues, TV/film entertainment, restaurant reviews and many other topics. As a former Andy/Belding/One Show ad agency copywriter, he also writes web content, ads, brochures, sales letters, mailers and scripts for national B2B and B2C clients. Please see more of his blogs and view additional job postings on Beyond.com.

5 Great Jobs For Retirees

Job ideas for retirees.

With the economy in trouble and the housing market on the rocks, many people who have recently retired or are planning on retiring soon have found themselves considering finding a new job for the short term. Taking a part time job for a couple of years can make a huge difference to your budget and give you a way to transition into retirement without leaving the workforce all at once.

If you have been thinking about getting a part time job during retirement, here are some jobs you may not have thought about:

Working Freelance - Depending on what your prior career was, you may be able to find temporary work as a freelancer or a consultant. Join social networking sites like Linkedin and look for companies that may be able to use your particular skills and talents. Some of these freelance jobs can be part time or work from home or even full time for a temporary period. Since you would be working for yourself, you would be able to work as much or as little as you'd like.

Working part time at your same job - This is becoming a more common option for those who are planning on retiring in the near future. Often, the company you already work for will offer you part time work doing the same thing you have been already doing. The key to getting this type of offer is to speak with your supervisor and let them know that you would be interested in this type of arrangement. Also, many companies offer job sharing, where several people share a full time job. For example, one person might need the benefits, and the other might want the part time salary, so they split the hours and the pay in a pre-determined way.

Look for seasonal work - Think about your hobbies and the things you enjoy, then look for seasonal work that would allow you to enjoy your part time job. For example, if you love to read, look for a part time job at a bookstore. If you love cooking, then how about a job at an organic food store?

Start your own business - This doesn't have to be elaborate, but if you think about the skills you have and what you are good at, you might be able to find a way to make money doing it. For example, offering handy man services or cooking meals for busy families. If you are great at sewing, offering to do alterations or make dresses can be a huge success. Whatever it is that you like to do, find a way to offer the service for a fee to others.

Get involved with community events- Think about your local sports team, stadium, fairground or even golf courses. Most of these places hire part time employees to help with things from parking, ushering and even just cutting the grass. These are great opportunities to get out of the house and involved with the local community while still earning a little extra money.

When you are looking for a part time job, it's helpful to think outside of the traditional options to find something that will be fun, rewarding and lucrative.

What other jobs do you think would be interesting options? If you are retired, what types of jobs have your found? Let me know in the comments.

By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer for PhillyJobsBlog and Beyond.com, along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.

Related articles

• 3 Things to do While You're Unemployed (administrativejobsblog.com)
• Job Juggling? The Changing Face Of America's Workforce (manhattanjobsblog.com)
• Finding the Best Holiday Job (manufacturingworkersblog.com)
• Surviving Long Term Unemployment (logisticsjobsiteblog.com)

Will We All Live to be 100?

An author predicts that we will all live to be 100.

I know, it sounds like a weird futuristic prediction, but author Sonia Arrison says that with help from the healthcare industry, we can all live to be 100 years old or more. To some, it might sound too good to be true, although I think that it could be exhausting.

In her new book, 100 Plus, she says that technology and healthcare will be working together to help people live longer lives. She theorizes that since scientists have mapped the human genome, they can reverse engineer it to allow medical professionals to repair damage and replace diseased or ageing organs.

It's an incredible idea, but I can't help but wonder what the impact of that type of longevity will be. Will we be forced to cope with an even larger population boom? Right now, as new people are born, older people die. It's the circle of life and increased life-spans will certainly delay the process. Already, our planet is struggling with overpopulation and some countries have even placed strict limits on reproduction. Will that become commonplace?

Another issue, at least to my mind, is healthcare costs. If it becomes possible for medical professionals to just grow a new heart using stem cells and replace a diseased one, what will the cost be? Will the life saving and life span extending procedures become something that only the rich will be able to afford? Will there be a black market for organs? Even worse, will there be greedy corporations who will offer financing for these organs?

If we had the potential to live over a century, what effect would that have on health insurance? Would we be able to have open-ended coverage? It seems to me that providing insurance that would cover all of these types of transplants and repairs would be expensive, not to mention the effects that so many surgeries would have on our bodies.

Although the idea of living past 100, with the help of science and technology is still a little far-fetched, it raises many concerns that we all should think about. Even though these futuristic medical treatments might be able to fight disease and aging, they won't be able to prevent accidental deaths.

It's interesting to think about the possibilities, but I don't think that this sort of technology is something we are likely to see in our lifetimes.

What do you think about this futuristic notion? Do you think it's possible? Let me know in the comments.

By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer for HealthcareJobsiteBlog and Beyond.com.. Along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.

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Four Tips To Compete for Philly's Knowledge Jobs

In his 1969 book, The Age of Discontinuity, Peter Drucker made the distinction between knowledge workers and manual workers. Knowledge workers were hired for their information and ability to manage and make decisions. Manual workers, on the other hand, were hired to follow instructions and work with their hands. He predicted that the future belonged to knowledge workers as we shifted from an industrial base to a knowledge and information driven marketplace.

According to the Select Greater Philadelphia website, Peter Drucker’s prediction has come true. Their data shows 75 percent of the employment in the Philadelphia area is due primarily from the importance of a knowledge-based economy. While employment in education and health services, professional and business services, financial and information technology traditionally require highly educated and skilled workers, manufacturers such as Boeing and DuPont are requiring more knowledge based workers to operate computerized and high-tech manufacturing equipment.

Job seekers who are considering relocating to the Philadelphia area would find this information helpful to determine whether they have the skills, education and knowledge required to compete for knowledge-based jobs. Local job seekers, frustrated in their job search, may not realize that 75 percent of companies are looking for individuals with good skills and knowledge to function in an increasingly technical environment. If your resume puts you in the manual worker category, your opportunities may be limited and shrinking. Here are some things you need to do now to compete in the knowledge-based sector:

1. Evaluate your own knowledge base. Like it or not, a degree or certificate from an accredited university, college or technical school is still required to prove you have knowledge in a certain area or profession. If you’ve taken some courses in the past but never finished your degree, now is the time to request your transcripts and get back on track.
2. Do some research on major companies in the area and what types of jobs are available. You may be drawn to a company because of its location, benefits, salary, opportunity, eco-friendly or one with a social conscience. Check the minimum job requirements for current job postings. This information, along with your transcripts, will give you an idea of what courses you need to take and how long before you can get your degree or certification.
3. Get started now. Enroll in classes for the next semester. If you are still working, you may be able to take classes on a tuition reimbursement program. It may take time and money, but getting your degree is an investment in your future. You can add ongoing education towards a degree and a projected graduation date on your resume.
4. Volunteer for cross-training or lateral job changes. There may be a freeze on pay raises or promotions, but you can gain valuable knowledge outside your area or field through in-house training or transfers to other areas.

Mary Nestor-Harper, SPHR, is a consultant, blogger, motivational speaker and freelance writer for phillyjobs.com. Based in Savannah, GA, her work has appeared in Training magazine, Training & Development magazine, Supervision, BiS Magazine and The Savannah Morning News. When she’s not writing, she enjoys singing with the Savannah Philharmonic Chorus and helping clients reinvent their careers for today’s job market. You can read more of her blogs at phillyjobs.com and view additional job postings on Beyond.com.

Want a Career in Bariatric Nursing? Get Certified

by Alex A. Kecskes

The growing numbers of Americans who have become dangerously obese has given rise to a proliferation of bariatric procedures. Assisting surgeons with these procedures are bariatric nurses, skilled professionals who will be in demand in this decade and the beyond.

If you want to join the ranks of bariatric nursing, you’ll need to go through the certification program for bariatric nurses administered by the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).

If you’re already an RN with a valid license and you have at least two years of experience in caring for morbidly obese and bariatric surgery patients, you can take the Certified Bariatric Nurse (CBN) examination.

The week-long, computer-based testing program covers clinical management, multidisciplinary team collaboration, communication and outreach, and leadership in program administration. The program culminates with the CBN exam. Pass the exam and you can carry the CBN designation after your name for four years before you need to renew it.

The most common bariatric procedures include gastric bypass, adjustable gastric band and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. Many of these are minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures.

ASMBS is dedicated to advancing the quality of care and ethical treatment of the obese and those with obesity-related and metabolic diseases. It educates both consumers and health professionals about the dangers of obesity, as well as the risks and benefits of bariatric surgery. Their goal is to develop high quality standards and practices that lead to improved patient outcomes.

For an added perspective, check out this video:

If you have any thoughts on bariatric nursing, feel free to share them in the comments section.

Alex A. Kecskes has written hundreds of published articles on health/fitness, "green" issues, TV/film entertainment, restaurant reviews and many other topics. As a former Andy/Belding/One Show ad agency copywriter, he also writes web content, ads, brochures, sales letters, mailers and scripts for national B2B and B2C clients. Please see more of his blogs and view additional job postings on 12.

Steve Jobs on Failure, Success and Passion

"You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something -- your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life."

The world is mourning the death of Steve Jobs, and I think that it is important for us all to remember one of the great innovators of our time. He was crazy enough to think that he was able to change the world, and he set out to do just that.

I was so impressed by a commencement address he made in 2005 at Stanford University. If you haven't had the opportunity to watch it, you should. In his speech, he had some wonderful advice to new graduates and job seekers. He talked openly about his personal failures. He very candidly talked about what it felt like to achieve success and how devastating it was to be a complete failure.

He talked about how he got fired from Apple, lost almost everything and seriously considered leaving Silicon Valley entirely. Although it was a devastating blow to him, both personally and professionally, from that failure he was able to achieve something even better than he had ever imagined.

From the ashes of that failure, he was able to rebuild and explore new opportunities. Even though he eventually found his way back to Apple, he had found his passion all over again. I was touched by his viewpoint that it is the small moments in life that shape our destiny, even if we can't see it at the time.

Steve explained that it was these moments, these dots, that are the real things that matter. The problem is that you can't connect the dots going forward, but rather you can only connect them backwards. Even when it feels like we have lost everything, have failed miserably, we have to trust that it will all make sense at some future point. We just have to keep going.

In his commencement address, he talked about how we are all going to die, and that by accepting this and knowing how short our lives are, we should never settle for doing something we aren't passionate about. We are only in this world for a short time and we don't have time to waste living someone else's life.

These are great words, and for anyone who is struggling through job loss and trying to find their passion, it's great advice.

Here is one of my favorite quotes:

"Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything -- all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart. ... Stay hungry. Stay foolish."

I can only hope that we all stay hungry and stay foolish.

By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer for PhillyJobsBlog and Beyond.com, along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.

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Sorry About Your Job Loss in a Greeting Card?

Hallmark responds to the job market.

By now, I'm sure you know that the job market is tough and for people who are being laid off or have just lost their jobs, this is an even more stressful situation than it may have been a few years ago. Right now, if you lose your job, there is a very real fear that it will take a considerable amount of time to find another.

Several years ago, if you were to lose your job, it would be hard but you could be fairly optimistic about your chances of finding a new one in a fairly short amount of time. However, with the economy a mess, it takes an average of 8 months to find a new job.

In response to this, Hallmark has added a new selection of cards to their "Sympathy" line; "Sorry about your job loss" cards. They have also added a line of cards that have recession humour and support.

Take a look at the video:

Hallmark introduces layoff greeting cards: MyFoxBOSTON.com

Leave it to Hallmark to find a way to make a card for almost anything. I just hope that there aren't any particularly vicious bosses out there who would give an employee one of these cards as a way to tell them that they are fired.

What do you think about these cards? Would you feel happy or insulted if you were given one of these?


By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer for HealthcareJobsiteBlog and Beyond.com.. Along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.

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Three Ways to Absolutely Derail Your Job Search

The best jobs, as everyone knows, aren’t in the newspaper. More companies are using online job boards, like Phillyjobs.com, to post job openings because that’s what applicants use to find jobs. They may insist that you apply for a job on their website. It is a way of screening applicants for the basic understanding of the Internet, how to follow directions and tasks like uploading documents, editing and written communications.

When you begin your job search, and periodically along the way, make a list of companies that you would like to work for. Those are companies that share your values, have a good reputation, are stable financially (or as good as it gets in this economy), and offer the job, salary and benefits you are looking for. Divide them into three categories. Your “A” list are the “to die for” companies, “B” are acceptable, and “C” you’ll consider if “A” or “B” don’t pan out. The “C” companies are a good place to start to test out your resume and interview skills, since there’s not a lot of pressure. The B’s are next, and save the A’s when you are polished and confident.

Before you click on the next job opening, consider the other side of the connection. What does the hiring manager or HR generalist see when your resume or application ends up in their Inbox? Even though you are ready to go, you may have already made some serious errors. You can derail a job search, especially in a targeted industry or company if you make these three mistakes:

1. Sending our your “C” resume. I work with a lot of clients who are anxious to get a job. They dust off their resume and maybe even tweak it a little, and then start sending it out. When they don’t get any results after a week, or a month they come to me, frustrated and frantic. The resume you used to land your last job may not be ready for prime time anymore. If you’ve changed jobs in the last two years, the technical skills and experience section of your resume is probably outdated or lacking. The way work is done has changed dramatically. Your resume should be updated with your latest work experience, highlighting any technical, Internet, digital or computer experience.

2. Saturating the market. Some job seekers make the mistake of thinking more is better. They find three jobs at one company listed on their website and apply to all three—at the same time. This is confusing to human resources and can make you look a little desperate or confused. Multiply this by five target companies and your name begins to get familiar. HR professionals communicate, and if your name becomes a household word in their circle, it may not be a good thing.

3. Letting yourself go. Job searches can take months, even years. After awhile, you get used to having your last cup of morning coffee in your pajamas with Hoda and Kathy Lee. The nails, hair, skin care and yoga classes cost money, and after awhile, you may not feel that the person in the mirror who hasn’t found a job YET isn’t worth it. When the phone does ring, it isn’t easy to snap out of that mindset and become a confident, determined person who can conquer the world.

Attitude speaks louder than your resume. Take care of yourself, body, mind and spirit. Confidence is easier to pull off with a good manicure.

Mary Nestor-Harper, SPHR, is a consultant, blogger, motivational speaker and freelance writer for phillyjobs.com. Based in Savannah, GA, her work has appeared in Training magazine, Training & Development magazine, Supervision, BiS Magazine and The Savannah Morning News. When she’s not writing, she enjoys singing Alto II with the Savannah Philharmonic Chorus and helping clients reinvent their careers for today’s job market. You can read more of her blogs at phillyjobs.com and view additional job postings on Beyond.com.

U.S. News University Directory Provides Powerful Tool for Allied Health Job Seekers

by Alex A. Kecskes

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the healthcare industry will create more than three million new jobs between 2008 and 2018. In fact, 10 of the 20 fastest growing jobs are expected to be in the healthcare area.

Now there’s a new online resource that offers detailed information about today’s allied health professions. The resource--part of U.S. News University Directory--features an easy-to-use interface, so you can quickly find accredited schools and colleges that provide allied health training and education. If you’re interested in getting into the healthcare field, this can be your one-stop resource for health career news and information.

The section on allied health careers and degrees provides valuable information on the training and education you’ll need to enter a variety of clinical healthcare professions. It will help you find allied health schools, degree and certificate programs, job descriptions with videos, and industry news.

The allied health field accounts for most of today’s healthcare jobs and includes medical assisting & transcription, medical billing & coding, occupational therapy, pharmacy, physical therapy, even medical related social work. The BLS notes that allied health fields are expected to grow faster than average between 2008 and 2018. So if you earn a certification or hold a bachelor's degree in medical assisting or a master's degree in social work, there’s a good chance you'll land a job in one of these fields.

U.S. News University Directory provides full details on over 2,000 academic institutions obtained from U.S. News & World Report, the most trusted source for college and university rankings since 1983.

For an added perspective, check out this video.

If you have any thoughts or suggestions about getting into the allied health field, feel free to share them in the comments section.

Alex A. Kecskes has written hundreds of published articles on health/fitness, "green" issues, TV/film entertainment, restaurant reviews and many other topics. As a former Andy/Belding/One Show ad agency copywriter, he also writes web content, ads, brochures, sales letters, mailers and scripts for national B2B and B2C clients. Please see more of his blogs and view additional job postings on Beyond.com.

Why The U.S Mortgage Aid Program is Shutting Down

Image via Wikipedia

In spite of the best efforts of many, the U.S Mortgage-Aid program is shutting down, and they still have $500 million in funds that haven't been spent. It's shocking, and if you're like me, you're probably wondering why. I mean, there are so many people who are out of work, looking for jobs without much luck, behind on their mortgage and in serious danger of losing their homes. With so many people in this situation, why would the program that was designed to help, shut down without spending their money? Certainly it isn't from lack of demand.

Helping homeowners stay in their homes isn't just about helping people who are having a tough financial time. It isn't just about charity and helping our fellow man. It is about our neighborhood, our towns, our communities and our future. Already, there are too many areas were the streets are filled with vacant homes. These properties are now owned by the banks, who are too overwhelmed to do anything with them. The people who used to live in them have been forced out and are now living in temporary shelters, with family and friends or even on the street. With no one there to tend to the properties, they become overgrown and bring down the property value and the spirit of the entire community.

It's hard to see so many vacant homes just sitting for months and years while homeless shelters don't have enough beds for everyone and many families are forced to sleep in their cars or on the street. With this problem being so widespread and affecting communities across the country, why is the program not doing what it was designed to do?

The program, that is being run by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, was designed to help almost 30,000 households. So far, it has only helped less than 15,000. The answer isn't exactly clear. The administrators say that the problems with the program are due to the way that it was set up in Congress. However, Representative Barney Frank, who wrote the legislation says that the problems are a result of poor administration and he blames HUD.

The program, called Emergency Homeowner's Loan Program, was created to give people who were unemployed or underemployed up to $50,000 in no interest loans to pay their mortgages. The program was signed into law in July of 2010 but didn't start accepting application until June of 2011. The original cut-off date for applications was in late July.

The mortgage counselor who worked with applicants said that the program's failure was that the eligibility requirements were complicated and overly restrictive. Applicants had to be at least 90 days behind on their mortgage payments, earn 15 percent less that they did in 2009 due to unemployment or serious illness. Once they met all of that criteria, if the repayment of the mortgage debt exceeded $50,000 they were ineligible.

According to the Philadelphia Unemployment Project, which processed applications here in Philadelphia, the stringent requirements made many people ineligible. In New York City, out of the 1,000 people who applied for help from the Neighborhood Housing Services, only 74 qualified for assistance. In Washington, one organization took 506 applications and only 49 people met the eligibility guidelines, and so far, only 26 had been approved.

There is some legislation on the table right now to extend the deadline and make the program less restrictive. It is being led by Senator Bob Casey, a Democrat from Pennsylvania. So far, the bill hasn't been voted on.

What do you think about this program? Do you think that the money should go back to the government or do you think the program should be less restrictive? Let me know in the comments.

By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer for PhillyJobsBlog and Beyond.com, along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.

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