Where are all the Jobs?

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

The Work Buzz's Latest News: It’s Valentine’s Day: Do you love what you do?

It’s Valentine’s Day: Do you love what you do?

Posted: 14 Feb 2011 09:03 AM PST

In honor of Valentine's Day, let's talk a little about love. That fulfilling, secure and familiar kind of love that you feel when you have a really great … job.

That's right — though griping about work sometimes seems like a national pastime, (no relationship is ever perfect!) most employees agree that, when it comes to their jobs, they're actually head-over-heels.

A recent survey conducted by staffing firm Randstad found that more than half of American workers describe their feelings toward their job with the L-word, and most have found that their relationship with work is a two-way street — 62 percent of respondents reported feeling that their employers love them back.

“It's somewhat surprising that such a large percentage of workers say they love their job today despite layoffs, cutbacks and bigger workloads," Eileen Habelow, Ph.D., senior vice president of organizational development for Randstad, said in a statement. "This could point to feelings of gratitude and appreciation for being employed when so many have been laid off. Also, many workers have been given new opportunities to perform at work and could be feeling a greater sense of achievement and value to their employers."

Yet the gratitude employees feel for having a job isn't the only thing that contributes to their warm and fuzzy feelings toward their work.

According to the survey, job affinity is most common for workers who:

Enjoy the kind of work they do (66 percent)
Like their co-workers (11 percent)
Like their employers (10 percent)
Are well-paid (9 percent)

Despite the fact that most workers said they were happy in their current employment situation, more than half of those surveyed felt their job was more "casual fling" than "let’s grow old together." Fifty-two percent said they didn't think their current job was going anywhere in terms of learning opportunities or promotions. Still, most workers will remain loyal to their employment relationships. Only 17 percent said they were currently looking for a new position with another company.

Unfortunately, not everyone surveyed felt the workplace love. Thirty-seven percent of workers said they hated their jobs, with 29 percent citing the type of work they did as they reason. Other factors that contributed to a low score on the love scale included workers' dissatisfaction with salary (25 percent) or their employers (23 percent).

Unlucky in (job) love? Check out:

5 tips for quitting with class

6 reasons you hate your job (and what you can do about it)

2 weeks at this job and I hate it — should I quit?

Love your job so much you want to marry it? Read these:

How to become the employee no one can afford to lose

Are you ready for a promotion?

20 ways to impress the boss

Love your job? Tell us why, below.

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Saturday, February 12, 2011

Moola Days

Capitalize On My Past Blogging Mistakes And Turn Them Into Your Blogging Success!

Posted: 12 Feb 2011 04:30 PM PST

Have you wondered why blogs fail? I have been blogging for … Well, honestly I am just unable to put a number to it as I simply cannot remember how long it has been since I started blogging online. Ten or twelve years? More? I am really not sure. And I have been reading stuff on other people's blogs for quite a while too. Sometimes, blogs begin with great fanfare and flourish and then, a year or so later, sometimes even in a matter of a few weeks, they simply stop. I have seen plenty of success stories and failures to become an expert on this subject.

Most of us, including myself, struggle to achieve success in blogging. While some make it to the very top and become recognized bloggers, others simply lose it somewhere without understanding what went wrong and fall back to earth pretty hard. I have started quite a number of blogs myself, only to find myself losing interest in posting to them. Why? Why do some blogs keep going and others fail? I have seen the below-mentioned mistakes enough times to know they are the typical reasons why those bloggers and blogs fail.

No Plan For Regular Posting

This is probably the most important reason why blogs fail, including those of mine. They simply do not have a concrete plan to post regularly. Posts appear sporadically or not at all, for weeks at a time, or months. If you do not set aside a fixed posting schedule, then chances are that you will only post when you feel like doing so. I had a relationship advice blog site previously but because I did not commit to post to it regularly, nothing much was happening there and hence, I decided to sell that blog away to someone who has the time and passion to maintain it. As for my main blog, I post on a fixed schedule twice every week and occasionally, I do make surprise posts every other day. Posting regularly does not mean that you need to post every day; it just means that you need to adhere to a posting schedule such that your blog audience will know when to look out for your next awesome post!

No Feedback Mechanisms

Comments are what separate blogs from normal websites. However, most bloggers do not allow comments on their blogs because they feel that they will require much effort to filter off all the spammy comments. In addition, they also fear that the blog readers might write negative comments which can be detrimental to the blog's reputation. However, I personally feel that the comments section provide an avenue for the blog readers to express what they think, be it positive or negative comments. In fact, I get criticized all the time and it is not really a big deal to get upset over. This is the nature of the game. Put it in this way, a blog without comments is not a blog! Blog comments create a conversation. The conversation is already happening elsewhere so why not have it on your own blog and get your blog buzzing with life?

Lack Of Focus And Purpose

Blogs that do not pick up and run with a specific theme or interest tend to die a slow painful death. My photography blog withered after a year of existence probably because of this reason. I started this blog with a lot of enthusiasm initially and within the first few weeks, I have already made around 20 great posts. Subsequently, I struggled with myself on what to blog about. I started to write posts that began with "Well, I have not posted anything for quite a while … " or "Apologies guys for the long wait since the last post … ". The photography blog somewhat morphed into a personal blog three months later as I shared with everyone about my personal life instead … where I had breakfast, where I dated my friends during the weekends and how I got into a fight with my family etc.

This is certainly one of the more spectacular ways why such blogs qualify for "epic fails". A very common mistake amongst other blogs. If a blog is not touching much on its specific theme but rather a litany of rants, whines and complaints, then this blog will generally dwindle away very soon. Blogs that come off as whining … FAIL. I have not seen many of these blogs stay around for long either.

Giving Up Too Fast

Nobody says blogging is going to be easy peesy. However, you cannot get discouraged so easily and just give up. Keep the content going. I guess your concern is probably that "So what if I am writing consistently? No one is reading my blog posts anyway!" This is a mindset that you need to change if you want to be successful in blogging. Everyone starts with zero readers and zero subscribers. Can you imagine that at the end of the first month when my main blog went live, I had merely ten subscribers? Somehow, we imagine ourselves to be superstar bloggers – like Brian Clark of CopyBlogger or Darren Rowse of ProBlogger – overnight. We look at their blogs with much envy as they are getting tons of traffic with significant profitability. It can be quite discouraging when our early numbers look so pathetic in comparison. It is important to realize that we have to start from somewhere and that place is not attainable overnight. For now, let's just focus on writing good content for your blog audience and the rest will follow. Believe me, it took me years to build up my brand and name.

The Need For Quality Content And Unique Voice

The quality of your blog posts does play a major role in determining the success of your blog. Your blog audience will appreciate the quality of the content that you write and that will make them want to return to your blog for more content in future. On the other hand, merely reposting what TechCrunch or the like said isn't going to get you anywhere. Try to provide a unique spin on things and ensure that your voice is heard. Do not be scared to voice your opinion or disagree about something. With zillions of blogs out there, it is almost impossible to be the only one talking about a particular topic; it's not always what you say but how you say it.

Capitalize On My Past Blogging Mistakes And Turn Them Into Your Blogging Success! is a post from: Moola Days

The Work Buzz's Latest News: Have a great idea? How to tell your boss

Have a great idea? How to tell your boss

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 07:35 AM PST

Everyone is on social media these days: your friends, your favorite department store, your neighborhood coffee shop … even your grandma throws out a status update every now and again. But for whatever reason, your company missed the memo about Web 2.0 (probably because they didn't see it on Twitter) and continues to hum along in ignorant bliss, completely unaware of the marketing and engagement opportunities passing them by.

You've been dying to fill your boss in on this missed opportunity, but you just don't know how — or when — to bring it up. That's because telling your boss about an idea you have is a risk — there's a chance you may get shot down — and taking that risk can be nerve-wracking.

If you've got a great idea on the tip of your tongue, here's how to broach the subject with your boss:

Ask yourself "Is the idea good for business?"

"There is a difference between a great idea and an idea that will truly advance the cause of the business," says Dorothy Tannahill Moran, owner of Next Chapter New Life, a career change and development firm. "Make sure that you are clear on the true benefits or results you expect."

Think ahead

You don't want to present an idea only to have you boss poke a dozen holes in it within five minutes. To prevent this, prepare yourself with background information that will allow you to answer the questions that your boss will inevitably have during your conversation. "Have your idea developed enough that you can lay out some of the variables, results and implementation [and] be ready to field questions," Tannahill Moran says.

Chris Westfall, owner of business consulting firm Westfall and Associates, suggests you start by finding the answers to the three questions almost every boss will ask:

How much does the idea cost?
How much will the idea make?
What’s the long-term ripple effect of the idea?

In addition to the financial details, it's important to think through the effect that the idea will have on other areas of the company, like employee morale and company reputation.

Tie your idea to the company mission

"Always know — in detail — your company's goals, mission statements, value statements, major initiatives or items that are emphasized on your company website, in shareholder reports or in any other external documents," suggests Terry Henley, director of compensation services at Employers Resource Association, a firm that provides HR advice, training and news for small businesses. "Try to tie your proposal in to support one (or more) of these stated objectives."

Even better? "If possible, connect your idea, in some significant way, with a previous company effort that is broadly acknowledged as having been successful," he says.

Consider your boss

"Know the hot buttons for your boss, his/her boss, your division head or your CEO," Henley emphasizes. "If your idea intersects with one of their areas of known interest, that increases the likelihood of success for you, and, if the idea is likely to bring favor to your boss and their immediate superiors, it will enhance their own success. Do not hesitate to point out any manner in which this idea will benefit your boss, his organizational unit and his superiors."

One word of caution, though. "Avoid being overly manipulative or self-serving; those are career-enders," he says.

Wait for the right time

"If the house is on fire, a new idea tossed into the mix may not go over well unless the idea helps the immediate crisis," Tannahill Moran says. "You want to present an idea when the ability to focus and plan exists."

Open with a “pain” statement

A pain statement is one that directly addresses a point of concern and is a great way to get your boss's attention, says Leigh Steere, co-founder of Managing People Better, LLC. "Managers want solutions to the problems that are keeping them awake at night," he says. "For example, [say something like] 'I’ve been thinking about the last three quarters’ operating losses and believe I have a solution for turning that around and getting us back on solid footing,' or 'I see we’re getting lots of appointments with new prospects, but we just aren’t closing the deals. I think I know why and what we need to do to improve our sales results."

Be confident

"Just like job interviewing or anything else, you must exude confidence in what you are saying. If you are tentative or unsure, then your great idea is going to come across as weak," Tannahill Moran says.

Have you ever told the boss about a great idea you had? How did it work out for you? Let us know in the comments section.

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Friday, February 11, 2011

The Work Buzz's Latest News: 40 Percent of Employees Taking Advantage of that Other Office Perk: Love

40 Percent of Employees Taking Advantage of that Other Office Perk: Love

Posted: 10 Feb 2011 07:35 AM PST

If there's one thing American workers love, it's each other…at least if a new survey on office romance is any indication.

According to CareerBuilder's Annual Valentine's Day Survey, nearly 40 percent of workers say they have dated someone they worked with over the course of their careers, and another 18 percent really get around have done so at least twice. Of those who have dated a colleague, 30 percent went on to marry that person.

The survey of more than 3,900 workers nationwide also found that, of those who have dated in the workplace, 10 percent have done so within the last year.

When it comes to gender breakdowns, more women than men report dating someone who was a superior. One in three women say they have dated someone who holds a higher position in their organization; one in five men report they have done the same. Of the 8 percent of workers who are currently crushing at the office, however, more men then women (11 percent of men versus 4 percent of women) say they currently work with someone they are interested in dating.

Office romances: Business as usual? The survey also showed that people are getting less apologetic about having interoffice romances, too. "Workplace relationships no longer carry the stigma they once did, as 65 percent of workers said they aren't keeping their romance a secret," said Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources at CareerBuilder.

The prevalence of office romances doesn't surprise Haefner, either, who says that, with economic conditions forcing workers to spend more time in the office, the line between working and socializing has become blurred, creating more opportunity for deeper relationships to develop.

Despite the more relaxed attitude toward workplace romance, however, workplace romance can still be tricky, um, business. According to the survey, 6 percent of workers say they have actually left a job due to an office romance.

"It is the responsibility of the individuals to understand company policy and make sure they adhere to it," Haefner says, adding that workers also need to keep their relationships from negatively affecting their professional behavior and the quality of their work.

Happy hours, indeed
So what is it that turns people into more than just co-workers? Is it stolen looks the across the cubicle aisle? The brushing of hands when reaching for the community stapler? Coy flirtations in the copy room?

Actually, 12 percent of workers reported that their relationships started when they ran into each other outside of work. Looking for love in all the wrong workplaces? Try these other popular events where workers say romance blossomed:

Happy hour
Lunch
Working late at the office
Company holiday party
Business trip

Haefner offers the following tips for workers who may want to spark a workplace romance:

Know your company's policy on office dating: While some companies may have a formal policy, others may not have anything at all. Make sure both parties in the relationship are aware of potential rules or consequences.
Social media – office relationship friend or foe?: Before you start posting pictures and status updates about your newfound coupledom, it may be better to inform your co-workers or boss in person. That way, there is less chance for gossip or speculation.
Keep the relationship out of the office: Do your best to maintain professionalism and not let the dating issues affect your performance or others on the job.

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Thursday, February 10, 2011

Moola Days

Should you do a Roth IRA Conversion?

Posted: 10 Feb 2011 02:22 PM PST

You’ve probably heard of both Traditional IRA and Roth IRA, and most likely have heard that one or the other is simply better. This is not true. One type of IRA may benefit you but may not be so beneficial to another person. So this article isn’t telling you to convert to Roth IRA; it’s meant to be used as basic research to begin figuring out what works best for you.

The Pros

The primary benefit of switching from a Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA is the absence of income tax when you withdraw funds during retirement. But there will be tax if you withdraw funds before you reach the retirement age. However, you do pay taxes when you convert or contribute funds. This can be advantageous to you if you contribute funds to your Roth IRA in a low income year, since you will be in a lower tax bracket. It can also be advantageous if you know if the government is going to increase the tax rate in the following year. This way you can contribute earlier with lower tax, and not pay the higher tax later. Another benefit of the Roth IRA is that there are no forced distribution. You can keep your funds in the Roth IRA for as long as you like, where as in traditional IRA, you would have to retrieve your funds at age 70.

The Cons

Now, Roth IRA may sound better than traditional IRA right now, but there are disadvantages to the Roth IRA. The contributions you put into Roth IRA are not tax deductible. This means that you won’t have any tax savings from contributing, where as in traditional IRA, the funds you put are tax deductible. There are also eligibility rules to be able to contribute to Roth IRA. We will touch on that later. And there is also unpredictable changes in the future. For example, you may not live to the age of retirement, so you won’t get the tax benefit from a Roth IRA. Congress may also change the tax benefit. You have to account for unpredictable changes in your decision to convert to Roth IRA.

Possible Limitations

To be eligible for Roth IRA, you have to be under the income limits. The 2010 numbers for single filers are 105,000 to 120,000 dollars. For joint filers, the numbers are 167,000 to 177,000 dollars. Once you go over these limits, your ability to even put a partial contribution disappears. However, there is a known loophole to contribute to the Roth IRA. I will not go into detail in this article, but it basically involves contributing to a non tax-deductible IRA, then converting that contribution to a Roth IRA right afterwards.

So the question remains: should you convert to the Roth IRA? You have to decide for yourself. Many factors are involved in choosing the best retirement savings plan, but "best" is subjective and personal. A clear cut example of this: if you do not think you will live to the age of retirement, then you shouldn’t convert to Roth IRA. You would actually lose money because you would never gett a chance to use the withdrawal tax benefit, and you would’ve paid taxes to contribute the funds. I would highly suggest to evaluate your personal finance and life situation before being set on a type of IRA. I would also recommend to get a professional personal finance adviser with a lot of experience. These people do these types of research and recommendations for a living, so they can help you more than any internet article can. Do your research and plan ahead.

Should you do a Roth IRA Conversion? is a post from: Moola Days