Journey

The Recession: An Opportunity to Improve Your Life

By Brie Hobbs on Wednesday, May 13, 2009

With much of the media focusing on the negative impact of the recession, new grads looking for employment, mature workers who’ve been laid off, and individuals struggling with survivor’s guilt, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. If you’re feeling defeated in your current job search, look beyond the grim picture the media paints to the opportunities and possibilities ahead of you before you raise the white flag of surrender.

While change and the unknown can be daunting, even frightening, it can also be a chance to redirect your life, to have an adventure, or to do and become more. It may not feel like it now, but the possibilities your life holds and the roads you choose to take are endless. So, if you find yourself at a roadblock, create a new path. Bravely step out on the road less traveled, and change your life. Choosing this mindset can make all the difference.

Not sure which road to take? Explore these avenues to discover potential alternative career paths.

Start Your Own Business. If you’ve ever wanted to be your own boss, now may be the perfect time to start your own company. While keeping your passions and skills in mind, think outside the box and develop a business that’s right for you, whether it’s a quaint neighborhood restaurant, an in-home day care, or a franchised company. Be innovative and dream big and you’ll take control of your destiny.

Gain Life Experience. If you’re a new grad or just need more adventure than an 8 – 5 desk job has to offer, consider taking some time to discover the world. Think about volunteering for the Peace Corps, or becoming an English teacher in a foreign country. Working abroad will provide you with incredible life experiences, equip you with valuable skills you can use in other fields, and help you determine your priorities and purpose.

Whatever road you choose, whether you’re just beginning or you’ve traveled great distances, take heart. As Dr. Seuss says, “Today is your day. You’re off to great places! You’re off and away! You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes, you can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own and you know what you know and you are the one who’ll decide where to go.”

Career Options

5 Booming Green Industries

By Jennifer Kenley on Monday, May 11, 2009

The $787 billion economic stimulus plan signed by President Obama is intended to spur economic and job growth, helping the American economy and putting people back to work. Forty billion dollars of that plan is designed solely to create green jobs.

Many projects in several states are already underway with more in the works. According to MSNBC, there are 10 hot green job industries that are heading our way in 2009. Check out these five green industries highlighted below.

Advanced Biofuels – Green fuel originates from non-food crops, such as cornstalks or wheat straw, and emits 60% less greenhouse gases but performs like gasoline. Advanced biofuel production is expected to increase to 21 billion gallons per year in 2022, up from 2 billion gallons per year in 2012. This industry is expected to generate around 123,000 total new jobs, according to Bio Economic Research Associates. People looking for employment in this industry can expect to find jobs in agriculture, architecture, chemical engineering, chemical plant and systems operators, and more.

Building Retrofitting – Wasted heat and energy is a major concern on the global economy and residential, commercial, and public buildings are big contributors. The president’s administration wants to retrofit 10 million homes with energy saving materials each year until 2020. This is expected to generate nearly 1.25 million jobs directly and 6 million jobs indirectly. Positions in this industry include: home performance specialists, energy auditors, managers, marketers, and more.

Geothermal Energy – Natural – or geothermal – energy is created by steam and hot water produced from heated rocks underground. This industry is expected to create 100,000 construction and manufacturing jobs for up to five years and 23,000 permanent geothermal-plant jobs. Positions available in this industry vary from chemists to drivers to property managers to sales managers.

Green Chemistry – This industry works to reduce or eliminate the use of hazardous substances. Green chemists and engineers are needed to help reformulate products and replace 95% of the petroleum-based materials people use every day with nature-derived stock, according to the American Chemical Society Green Chemistry Institute.

Green Manufacturing – This sector is comprised of mainly traditional manufacturing used to create new parts for green industries. Jobs in this industry are expected to increase by 1 million with, 2.5 million indirect jobs in related industries to support the manufacturing sector. Positions you’re likely to see in this industry are factory workers, health and safety officers, and managers, among many others.

So, if you’re looking to change directions in your career, or you’re like many Americans who are out of work and in search of hope, these hot green jobs could be your ticket to a growing career.

To see the top 10 hottest green job industries and more positions in these industries, check out MSNBC’s green jobs article.

Career Advancement Workplace Relationships

7 Habits of Successful Leaders

By Jennifer Kenley on Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Leadership is a hot topic that stirs much debate. Are individuals born with characteristics that enable them to be great leaders? Or, are these traits learned over time?

Although we may never know the answer to these questions, it’s true that leadership traits, whether engraved in our DNA or learned in life, must be cultivated over time in order to create successful leadership.

So, if you aspire to be a leader in your department, company, or any other organization, check out the seven habits below that every great leader should have.

1. Attentiveness. Great leaders listen to their team. Often, people in a position of power have a hard time listening to the very people they’re trying to lead, and this can have a very negative impact on anything they’re trying to accomplish. So, take time to truly listen to what everyone on your team has to say before you start talking. You will not only see happy, productive individuals, but you’ll create a very loyal team that will follow you anywhere.

2. Humility. Nobody likes to follow someone who acts like they know everything. People make mistakes, so it’s important for leaders to admit when they’re wrong. Successful leaders value and trust the input of the people around them. Their humility is a mark of greatness that inspires the confidence and loyalty of others. So, recognize employees when they’re observant and commend their due diligence when appropriate.

3. Inspirational. People enjoy working with and for individuals who are passionate about their work and can inspire others to do their best. When leading a group of individuals, be enthusiastic about your dreams and vision and the tasks you need to do to accomplish them. Then, see how your upbeat attitude spreads to the people on your team.

4. Adaptability. Great leaders have the ability to adapt to change, no matter how drastic. So, be the example by embracing new policies and procedures. Discuss how the change will impact each employee. Focus on the positive impacts of change for everyone involved, like how you can start fresh and recreate yourself.

5. Team Player. Most individuals will follow a leader they can trust, but to build confidence in ones ability, everyone must feel that they’re in it together as a team. Great leaders use the same work ethic they expect of their team and model the behavior of a valued employee. So, show your employees that you aren’t above any of the work you’re asking of them by helping them from time to time on their projects.

6. Empathy. Sometimes, employees just want someone to feel understood. Team members need leaders to empathize with them in a time of need. It’s important to not only be their leader, but to also show that you care for their personal well-being.

7. Empowering. Leaders are only as great as their weakest employee, so make sure that you enable others around you to lead up and feel empowered with their projects. Take the time to mentor and equip each employee to become the expert on their own tasks and ideas.

Whether leadership is born or bred, everyone can build these habits of an effective leader. Regardless of your title, you can inspire those you work with by modeling the habits great leaders possess.

Do you have a great leader who has inspired you? Or, do you know a leader who lacks in one of these areas? Tell us your stories in the comments section below.

Reader Surveys The Daily Grind Work/Life Balance

In this Recession, Are You Planning a Vacation from Work?

By tiffany monhollon on Monday, May 4, 2009

It’s that time of year when people traditionally start making summer vacation plans. But the annual summer vacation has taken a hit as the recession has worn on. Last year, reports showed that consumers were already buckling down by planning to save money in lieu of taking a vacation.

But, experts say that as economic woes have continued to increase stress levels over the past year, this year, more people may feel the need to take a break from work and spend time with family or friends.

poll by twiigs.com

Want to share your specific thoughts on taking a vacation in this recession? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section of this post!

Reader Surveys The Job Search

Mature Workers Face Toughest Job Market, Readers Say

By Job Journey on Wednesday, April 29, 2009

The debate over age and the job search may still be raging, but our results are in, and according to our readers, mature workers are having the hardest time in this job market.

In fact, of the 950 votes cast in our poll, 70% of readers selected mature workers as those having a harder time getting work, while 30% selected new grads.

That doesn’t necessarily mean great news for college students who are already hot on the job hunt ahead of May graduation. The National Association of Colleges and Employers have projected employers will hire 22% fewer graduates than in 2008, and many job searchers are finding that it’s tough to land a full-time gig without on-the-job experience.

However, help and support for college students entering this rough market is available. For example, social networking career site LinkedIn recently announced a company wide initiative devoted entirely to equipping May 2009 graduates to enter the workforce. You can also read how college students can start preparing for the job search now.

There’s also help for mature workers. One great resource is the AARP’s support and guidelines for mature workers who are looking for work. Also, check out our blog post on combating age discrimination in the job search.

The age versus experience debate may never fully go away. But reality is, no matter what your age or experience level, it’s important to be dedicated to a cohesive, professional job search process if you’re looking for work. So, polish your approach today, and focus your time, attention, and efforts on landing those interviews!

Want to know what others are saying about age and the employment process? Check out the comments thread our poll generated. Have a question you’d like to share? Leave it on our Q&A page.

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Cube Life The Daily Grind Workplace Relationships

Struggling with Workplace Change? 3 Methods to Survive the Madness

By shannon on Monday, April 27, 2009

If you’ve ever experienced change in the workplace, you know that whether the change is for better or for worse, there’s bound to be a rough patch in the middle while everyone adjusts. Tensions increase, stress levels rise, and work piles on. Much is often out of your control, but at least you can focus on three things to smooth the transition.

Attitude – Your actions are directly derived from your attitude, so focus on keeping it positive when changes happen at work. Think of something that makes you smile, whether it’s your family, the pleasant spring weather, or the thought that the changes will soon subside. Your optimism will positively reflect in your decisions and behaviors – and others will notice.

Productivity – Make a task list, set aside a block of time, or ask for help – do whatever it takes to keep your productivity high. If you can, concentrate on completing your own projects before taking on new responsibilities or offering to help others. Then, you won’t be stretching yourself too thin. Taking on an overwhelming workload can be a burden to your entire team – especially if it means you’re only able to do all of your projects halfway.

Relationships – Conflict can arise when you’re in the same environment with the same people for forty hours a week in the midst of the tension change brings. To keep your relationships strong, remember not to take your frustrations out on your co-workers. Realize they’re stressed, too, so be sympathetic to them. Don’t let them run you over with their words or actions, but remember that how people deal with stress differs. Remain professional, and don’t take things too personally.

The next time you experience change in the workplace, keep these three things in mind to cope – and make things feel less stressful.

Have you experienced workplace change? How did it affect you? Let us know in the comments section below.

The Daily Grind Work/Life Balance

Your Life: Take Control (of What You Can)

By Brie Hobbs on Friday, April 24, 2009

Balancing the deadlines, workloads, and relationships of life can be difficult enough when the rubber hits the road. Add in worries and fears – about job security or the nation’s economy – and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. While many of the concerns you face on a daily basis are beyond your control, managing the things you can control will help you feel secure, focused, and ready to face life’s challenges – both big and small.

If you feel like your life is a circus and you’re worried that something’s going to give in your balancing act, concentrate on controlling what you can and choose to worry less about what you can’t. Here are five things you can take control of today to help ease your stress.

Priorities. Create task lists – one for home and one for work. Write down the things you need to accomplish and prioritize each list. Make sure to check off your tasks as you complete them, and you’ll soon realize how much you have actually accomplished.

Clutter. Organize and clean your workspace and home environment to create an atmosphere that fosters clear thinking. When your space is free of clutter, you’ll be able to focus on the tasks at hand or just unwind from the stresses you face.

Personal Health. Make healthy lifestyle choices by exercising, eating well, and getting enough sleep. The benefits of managing your health are endless and will help give you the energy, focus, and overall wellness you need to keep pace with the demands of the day.

Goals. Make a list of goals you want to accomplish – from minor to lofty – and write them down by order of importance. Break each goal into steps, and mark off accomplishments as you complete them. This will help you gain the momentum you need to achieve your ambitions.

Attitude. Make the decision to have an optimistic outlook and a positive attitude no matter what your circumstances, and you won’t be defeated by challenges that arise. Instead, you’ll be more productive, focused, and ready to take on those challenges.

Be the ring leader of your circus. Take control of the things you can and you’ll be in the perfect position to enjoy the show.