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Good news is difficult to come by; but that tide appears to be turning.

Recession almost over

According to recent news reports on CNN and MSNBC, the recession may be nearing an end sooner than most of us thought possible — by the end of the 2009 calendar year. And some of those reports by financial analysts are even brighter, intimating that by summer’s end, the longest U.S. recession on record will be over.

Then optimism will rule the economy, rather than pessimism.

Economic recovery — what it means for job seekers

So what does the end of the recession mean for those who are in market for a job?

It means that even when the recession is over, economic recovery will be slow — it will not take place overnight. In fact, just as it took a long time to lay a faulty foundation in the U.S. economy, it will take sufficient time to rebuild a strong, solid foundation. And of course, various areas of the economy will recover quicker than others.

For example, the retail industry is poised for a robust comeback early on as shoppers ease up on economic fears and begin to shop at their favorite stores again. And keeping those store shelves stocked will cause an increase in demand for truckers and delivery personnel, who will join retailers in a recovery of their own.

Job losses are generally slower to recoup; but hopeful signs and definite progress should be evident over the months following the recession’s end. And those who lost jobs, yet updated their job skills by enrolling in traditional and online degree and certificate programs, will find a more user-friendly job market.

The advantages of planning ahead

One of the questions that employers may ask during job interviews is, “What have you been doing since your last job?”

Some job seekers will talk about spending their down time volunteering to keep up job skills. Others will discuss how they poured their energies into pursuing potential job opportunities while working part-time generic jobs to earn money. But no matter how any down time was spent, it will be advantageous to the job seeker to be able to tell a potential employer that new job skills were mastered by completing online classes, enrolling in an online degree program, or pursuing an online certificate.

New and improved job skills may mean money in the bank for diligent planners — in the form of higher salaries, promotions and excellent benefit packages. By honing marketable skills through accredited online schools, potential employees are viewed as possessing initiative, having a great hard-work ethic and being perfect candidates for any necessary on-the-job training. Their careers could receive a significant power boost through online education.

Recovery is on the horizon; but it is not too late to take advantage of online schools, online degrees or online certificate programs before the economy begins to spout new jobs and professional opportunities for those who planned ahead.

Historically, there has never been a recession that did not end even quicker than this one.

So this word to wise job seekers should be sufficient.

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In Florida, rows of yachts sit in front of multi-million dollar homes on the Intracoastal Waterway of Fort Lauderdale. These belong to movers and shakers who continue to prosper, in spite of a hurricane-lashed economy.

It makes one wonder whether regular folks might also find a little piece of stability in the midst of an economic storm.

It is no secret that job losses in America are widespread, rapidly increasing beyond the current 6.7% rate, as companies continue to downsize or close their doors forever. But it is a little-known fact that many businesses actually continue to do well enough to hire new workers, in spite of escalating problems with the economy. They are holding their own, even prospering in many cases.

As a result, it may be possible, and perhaps advisable, for motivated chameleon-types to broaden employment skills in order to become what employers are seeking in a job applicant.

Online schools , distance learning classes at local junior colleges, and online degree programs offered at 4-year colleges and universities provide opportunities to make headway in a job market that has seen better days. And those who are fortunate enough to remain employed should consider that learning additional skills may add points when the boss is making decisions about who to keep and who to let go.

The dour employment numbers reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) — which cites job losses of 533,000 in November, 320,000 in October and 403,000 in September of 2008 — may appear hopeless. Yet there is a glint of sunlight in employment numbers that show approximately 154 million people still working in the U.S.

Motivated individuals should be encouraged that going back to school is like panning for gold and could lead to pay dirt. It will not only strengthen a resume; but it may add confidence, open new doors or even lead to a promotion or pay increase.

Among projections of the fastest growing industries listed by the BLS are:

• management, scientific and technical consulting,
• individual and family services,
• home health care services,
• computer systems design,
• residential care facilities,
• software publishers,
• amusement and recreation industries,
• architectural and engineering services, and
• financial services.

Of course, these may change over time; so it is important do a little research and talk to professionals in a chosen field.

Rather than honing in on the dark cloud of economic forecasts, why not rise above the clouds to discover that the sun is still shining?

Even in a pessimistic climate, well-maintained yachts still travel up and down the East Coast. And though that may not be everyone’s path, there is a lesson in this. Perhaps, through higher education, more of us will joyfully discover what that lesson happens to be.

online schools , distance_learning , America , economy , employers , employment , health care , higher education , job losses , jobs , online education , e-learning

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As layoffs rise and unemployment rates hit a high of 6.5%, workers across the nation wait in nervous anticipation to learn the fate of their jobs. And although most will find their jobs shaken, but ultimately safe, others will face the stark reality of sudden job loss. If a layoff happens, there are several things to consider:

1. Losing a job is not the end of the world; no matter how it feels at the moment. Remember, better opportunities could be just around the corner. Keep an open, optimistic mind.
2. Losing a job is, however, a major stressful event; and depression could follow. Do not hesitate to see a health professional if sadness or depression symptoms last more than two weeks. Temporary treatment may be helpful.
3. Losing a job may provide the time and motivation to pursue additional education that could lead to a new career or an improvement in job qualifications. Adult education classes, online degree programs, GED preparation and vocational training are paths to reach these goals.
4. Losing a job may open the door to a wealth of benefits — including unemployment payments, free career training, alternative health care benefits, help finding another job, financial counseling to keep creditors at bay and low-cost babysitting while job-hunting. Check with individual state offices of employment, similar to California’s Employment Development Department.
5. Losing a job could be an opportunity to assess whether it is time to relocate to a place with higher-paying jobs, better weather, lower housing costs or better schools. However, it is important to make sure any eligibility for benefits will transfer to the new location.

Although no one wants to go to work and discover that they no longer have a job, the situation can be a catalyst for change. Keeping a cool head after a layoff is key to making a “return to work” plan and coming out ahead.

layoffs, unemployment rate, workers, jobs, online degree programs, job losses, vocational training, stress, health care, GED

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Earning a few extra bucks during the holidays is the main motivator for those who apply for seasonal jobs that usually end before dried-out Christmas trees are hauled away to recycling bins.

But what most job-seekers may not know is that they have a 50-50 chance of being offered a permanent position that keeps them working long after the strains of Auld Lang Syne have faded.

According to SnagAJob.com, employers expect that 46% of seasonal employees will continue to work for them into the new year.

Workers who ultimately need a secure, full-time job may find the seasonal approach to be an effective way to tap into eager employers who are scouting new talent for their companies. It is a win-win situation for all; and the short-term aspect of the job allows both parties to take advantage of a trial run without any further commitment.

So what do you need to know to snag a seasonal job?

1. Present yourself in the best possible light. There may be fewer seasonal jobs this year due to the current economic crisis, with more applicants vying for limited job opportunities. Also, half of the employers expect to rehire the same seasonal employees from last year. So show initiative; and learn about the company and the job for which you are applying. And of course, make sure your resume and job application are neat and accurate.
2. Apply now for holiday jobs. Most employers begin their seasonal hiring in October and have filled all available slots by November. Although some jobs may be up for grabs in December, pickings may be slim.
3. Employers are looking for a positive, eager-to-work attitude. Apathetic dispositions and “I need this job” sentiments rarely work unless education and skills far surpass other contenders. Employers may also require previous experience in the same industry or availability for specific work hours. So again, do your homework to avoid wasting time targeting a job that does not fit your needs.
4. Employers love hard-working employees who go the extra mile. If you are hired as a salesperson, but you have computer skills, let your employer know you are willing to help out on the computer if needed. And demonstrate a willingness to be a team player in helping the business to thrive.
5. Continue to improve your skills, even while you are working. Enroll in an online certificate or online degree program to boost current abilities or develop new skills, which will increase your value as an employee. Even if you are not hired permanently after the seasonal job ends, you will be better prepared to snag a satisfying position when the job search resumes. And you will have an additional positive recommendation to add to your resume. 

Seasonal jobs are often the doorway to unexpected opportunities. And in an uncertain economy with heavy job losses, having a foot in the door places job-seekers that much closer to meeting their financial and career goals.

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Making more money has become super convenient. For those seeking to raise their standard of living, accredited online degree programs are lifesavers. Training for most of the top wealth-building jobs may now be acquired through e-learning.

Management is the number one highest-paying occupation in the United States, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data for 2006. A bachelor’s degree in business and an MBA generally provide the necessary credentials for employment. The number two spot was secured by the legal occupations. Following are the mean hourly wages of these and other lucrative professions.

1. Management - $44.20 an hour
2. Legal – 41.04 an hour
3. Computer and mathematical science - $33.29 an hour
4. Architecture and engineering – 31.82 an hour
5. Healthcare practitioners and technical – 29.82 an hour

It is important to seek training for these careers from regionally or nationally accredited colleges and universities, whether the programs are online or on campus. The accreditation for reputable schools may be checked through the U.S. Department of Education; and scholarships, grants or loans may be available to qualified students as part of a financial aid package.

And yes, it is that simple.

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Popularity: 8% [?]

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