Jennifer Kenley

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Jennifer Kenley

Three Tips to Survive a Job Loss

By Jennifer Kenley on Monday, December 1, 2008

Losing a job can be tough, but you’re not alone. In today’s economy, more and more people are finding themselves without work. And, with the holiday season upon us, being without a job is even more stressful.

According to expert psychologists, losing a job can be as traumatic as losing a loved one. People often associate themselves with their job. If your job defines you and you’re without a job, you’re without an identity. So, it’s no wonder people become depressed after a job loss. But, there’s hope. Check out these three tips to cope with the loss of a job.

Move Forward. Instead of dwelling on your old job, look ahead to the chance of finding a new job. This can be exciting with the right outlook. Think about it as a chance to move your career in a new direction. Don’t waste time feeling sorry for yourself. Instead, pick yourself up and dust off your résumé. Take this opportunity to reinvent yourself.

Create a Budget. One of the biggest stressors of not having a job is not having a steady income to pay the bills. But, this doesn’t have to get you down. There are things you can do to prepare yourself. Cut back on unnecessary spending, create a budget, and make a list of ways you can generate income until you’re employed full-time again.

Be Calm. This is easier said than done, but experts say that being impatient leads to unnecessary stress which can lead to an even longer unemployment period. So, relax, and don’t get worked up if you don’t find a job right away. Try working a temporary or part-time position as you search for a new job. On average, it takes people months to find a job that closely resembles the one they had, according to experts. Commit to sending off your résumé to a prospective employer once a day – no matter how long it takes to find a job.

Losing a job can be rough, not only on you but your family as well. But, by keeping a positive attitude and being diligent to find a new position, you can move on.

The Job Search

3 Industries With Staying Power

By Jennifer Kenley on Friday, November 21, 2008

With new technology in an ever evolving world, there are times when some jobs are in higher demand than others. But, even with all this change, there are some careers that never stop being in demand and are certain to stand the test of time.

Health Care. Whatever career choice you decide to go after in this industry is surely to have staying power throughout time. These occupations pay pretty well, too. As long as there are people getting sick, needing checkups, and requiring life-saving surgeries, there’s going to be a need for professional health care. Nurses, doctors, and surgeons are just a few career choices in this vast industry with median salaries spanning from $57,280 for nurses to $156,010 and up for doctors. Not sure you want to spend years in school to be a surgeon? Physical therapists, physician assistants, and X-ray technicians make good money and don’t have to spend as much time in the classroom.

Education. Teachers, professors, and school administrators will be here as long as people continue to have children and simply seek knowledge. Depending on grade level and specialized fields such as math, science, and bilingual education, teachers can expect median salaries around $43,580 and up, and may find landing a job is a little easier than other careers. College instructors can make $56,120 and up, and with the increase in college enrollment, finding a career as a professor at a university or local community college is more attainable than in past decades.

Civil Service. As long as there is crime and fire, police officers, detectives, and firefighters are here to stay. And, if you like helping others and keeping your community safe, then finding a career in this industry should be no problem. The median salary for a police officer is $47,460 and detectives average $69,310 a year. This industry is a good choice for individuals who want stability, and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, layoffs in this industry are rare.

So, whether you’re just beginning your career search or thinking about making a change, check out these industries to find jobs that have staying power and offer a nice paycheck.

At Work

Job Security in Tough Economic Times

By Jennifer Kenley on Wednesday, November 12, 2008

According to recent reports, the unemployment rate has risen to 6.5% in October as employers cut another 240,000 jobs. With this being the highest unemployment rate since March 1994, many employees are starting to feel anxiety that they could be next on the unemployment line.

No matter what industry you’re in, it’s important to focus on your performance now to increase job security. Here are four tips to help you navigate an uncertain job future.

Show your value. Whether you work in an office pushing papers or in a warehouse moving boxes, show how much value you can bring to your company. Show up early, stay late, and ask for extra projects. Make sure you work well with other employees and never, ever complain. Keep a positive, can-do attitude, and be a joy to work with.

Increase your knowledge. Show your boss that you’re a valuable asset to the company by increasing your knowledge and skills. Ask your boss if you can cross train so you can gain more experience and knowledge about the business and increase your productivity.

Network with others. Some people think that just because they have a job, there’s no longer a need to network. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Networking within your company and industry can keep your name top of mind when executives are thinking of who to keep during layoffs. Make sure you keep a great attitude and focus on building a good reputation too, because this affects how others perceive you.

Be the best. Whatever your job title, show that you’re the best person for your position. Protecting your job also means being a person who others know they can come to when they need help. Make sure you’re doing quality work because this shows employers that you can do your job well without much supervision.

Unfortunately, in times like these, many Americans face the reality of a job loss – whether it’s deserved or not. But, by focusing on being the best employee possible, you’ll not only increase your chances of keeping your job, you’ll be in a better position to land a new one should the once unthinkable pink slip happen to you.

Job Interviews

4 Job Interview Musts

By Jennifer Kenley on Friday, October 31, 2008

Job seekers worry so much about preparing for the big things before a job interview – the résumé, the research, the qualifications – that they forget about the basics. Simple job interview etiquette can be the factor that makes or breaks an interview.

So, here are a few “small” things that you need to remember before heading into an interview.

Don’t chew gum. Chewing gum is definitely a no go. The interviewer can’t concentrate on what you’re saying if you’re smacking your gum obnoxiously.

Do dress appropriately. Wearing clothes that are too tight or too baggy will distract you and the interviewer during the interview. Make sure you wear something that is comfortable, yet professional. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to dress up than to dress down.

Don’t forget your manners. “Please” and “thank you” are not a thing of the past. When going on an interview, remember to be courteous to everyone in the building. You could have a great interview, but if your manners are lacking to even one individual, you could lose your chances at landing the job. You never know who can influence your desired boss’s decision.

Do be professional. Whether you have a loud voice or tend to go into a shell when you’re nervous, make sure to adapt your mannerisms to the personality style of the person you’re interviewing with. You don’t want to go to extremes, so don’t overpower or close off during an interview.

The next time you go on a job interview, don’t assume you have all your bases covered. Remember that sometimes the little things make all the difference

The Daily Grind

Weathering the Winter Blues

By Jennifer Kenley on Friday, October 24, 2008

As the daylight grows shorter with the arrival of winter, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects many people around the world. And, depending how far you live from the equator can determine the degree of symptoms you can develop. Symptoms of SAD include sleep problems, overeating, depression, lethargy, and social awkwardness which all stem from the lack of bright light in the winter months.

Even if you don’t experience all of these symptoms, chances are, this time of year has you feeling a little less motivated to run errands, engage in extra-curricular activities, or even go to work. With the cold winter months approaching and the memories of long summer days fading, people have to fight a little bit harder to combat the winter blues.

To help you get through the winter months, try these tips below.

Exercise. Even if it’s only a few days a week, get out there and be active for at least 30 minutes. Exercising boosts energy levels and releases endorphins that make you happy. So, join a gym, stretch at your desk, or jog in place in front of the television to help fight the cold weather blues.

Eat Healthy. It’s important to be conscious about your eating habits all year round, but during the winter months, eating healthy can drastically improve your mental health. Try increasing your fresh fruit and vegetable intake as well as taking vitamins. Cut down on coffee and soda pops, and drink more water to flush out toxins.

Get Out. Not everyone may be able to, but if you can, take a vacation to a warm, sunny place. Just getting out of the winter places for a few days can give you just what you need to make it through the winter months. If you can’t travel to a warmer climate, spend more time outdoors to absorb the benefits of sunshine or read a book that takes place somewhere tropical.

The cold season can be hard to handle, especially if you’re a spring or summer person, but you can avoid SAD symptoms and create your own sunny outlook to last throughout the winter months.

Reader Surveys Workplace Goofs Workplace Relationships

Should You Talk Politics at Work?

By Jennifer Kenley on Monday, October 13, 2008

With all the talk about the upcoming election – not to mention the candidates, the economy, and the new bailout bill that just passed, politics is a hot topic of conversation – just about as hot as whether or not we should be talking about it at work. In the past, politics has been a major faux paus of controversial topics, along with sex, money, and religion – not just at work, but in general. But, as our culture has changed, people are more and more vocal about their opinions in a variety of places, from blogs to conversation with friends.

When you spend so much time at work chatting it up with your fellow co-workers about all other types of issues, it’s hard not to bring up your thoughts and opinions about this hot topic – one of the most historic elections in our lifetime.

poll by twiigs.com

Work/Life Balance

Balancing Work and School: 3 Tips to Be Successful at Both

By Jennifer Kenley on Monday, October 6, 2008

With the uncertainty of the nation’s economy looming over the heads of every American worker, many are planning to go back to school to expand their career opportunities.

According to a recent survey by Rutgers University, 61% of 1,000 Americans surveyed said they would like more education and training to be more efficient at their jobs.

But some might find it difficult to balance work life with school life. If you’re one of the many individuals wanting to hit the books while continuing your career, check out these tips to help you juggle both and come out on top.

Create a Schedule. Time management is essential to be successful in both your career and at school. Mark all your commitments down on a calendar and create a weekly routine that you will be able to stick to. For example, schedule time to study and schedule time to socialize. Having specific time slots each week for all your commitments will help you form healthy habits and stay on task.

Communicate with Others. Let others know the elements of your schedule. Include your family, friends, co-workers, and superiors. You want to make sure people are aware of your commitments so they can schedule around you if needed.

Be Organized. To help decrease the overwhelming feeling of having too much to do, create a weekly to-do list to help you prioritize and stay on top of your assignments. Along with the calendar you’ve made detailing your schedule and deadlines for work and class assignments, make a list of everything you want to accomplish for the week and make an effort to check something off every day.

It’s no easy task, but using these tips can help you successfully navigate through work and school and avoid becoming overwhelmed by having too much to do.