Office Romance Rises With Recession: Key Tips for Dating on the Job

by Maria Hanson, LiveCareer

Surveys show that office romance is on the rise, fuelled by -- of all things -- the recession.

"Think about it. People can't job hop, they work longer hours than ever before, they don't have much money for social life," says Stephanie Losee, co-author of "Office Mate: Your Employee Handbook for Finding -- and Managing -- Romance on the Job."

"Their dating pool is likely to be the office."

About half of all employees date someone they work with at some point in their careers. And, amazingly, 20 to 30 percent of office romances end up as marriages.

Of course, train wrecks still can happen, and, when they do, it's not pretty. Here are some ideas on how you can start -- and keep -- an office romance on the right track.

Tip: Office romance can be a delightfully sane way to meet your mate.

"It's usually based on a long foundation of friendship. You watch them in action, every day; they're really stripped of their defenses, so you see them as they are," says Losee.

Living proof: Anila Nitekman worked with a man she was always trying to set up with her friends. "I kept saying, 'He's such a great guy, so cute, and so sweet,' and then it hit me: Why was I trying to set up this great guy with someone else? Why not keep him for myself? The rest is history. I married my best friend."

Tip: Be very careful when it comes to boss-subordinate relationships.

Many companies even have a policy against them. This is the last-standing office romance taboo -- for a reason.

Living proof: Brenda (not her real name) dated her boss for two years. When they had fights, he would shut her out at office meetings and give her dirty looks. When they were doing well, he'd bring her flowers and rub her shoulders, even if someone was near. "It was uncomfortable either way," she said. "Eventually I just had it and quit him and my job."

Tip: Keep your work and personal life separate.

"You may have met at work, but you mustn't conduct your relationship at work," says Losee.

Living proof: Alex (not his real name) dated a coworker for a year. He called it off because of her harsh temperament. "She was livid. She emailed me nasty notes all the time. She'd come to my desk and make a scene." Eventually she got changed to a different branch. "I'll never date a colleague again. I learned my lesson."

You can't find office romance if you don't have a job. The surest path to a good job with good pay is to continue your education.

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5 Careers You Can Start at Any Age

by Jessica Hanley, FindtheRightSchool.com

In-demand jobs often require specific degrees or career training, but you shouldn't feel discouraged if you lack the necessary education.

Today's abundance of online education options means you're never too old to go back to school, and many online degree programs cater specifically to the busy lives of working adults. By working and attending school online, you can prepare for your next job without sacrificing your current income. The following jobs are expected to grow faster than average from 2008 to 2018, and each requires training that can be achieved at any age.

1. Physical Therapist Assistant

Physical therapist assistants help physical therapists rehabilitate patients, including accident victims and sufferers of debilitating diseases. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of physical therapist assistants is expected to grow 33 percent thru 2018, much faster than the national average. In 2008, these assistants earned an average of $46,140.

Physical therapist assistants must earn an associate's degree in physical therapy from an accredited program. These programs generally last two years and prepare students for state licensing. If you're interested in becoming a physical therapist assistant, career training and online education can help you make the transition.

2. Registered Nurse

Registered nurses help doctors treat, diagnose, and care for patients in hospitals, doctors' offices, and care centers. Nurses make up the largest employment group within health care, and their numbers are expected to grow by another 22 percent from 2008 to 2018. According to the BLS, registered nurses earned an average of $62,450 in 2008.

To prepare for licensing, nurses must earn at least an associate's degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program. Associate's degree programs take approximately two years to complete, while programs offering a bachelor's degree in nursing take about four years. Online degree programs can help you train for a career in nursing without leaving your current job.

3. Elementary School Teacher

If you have a passion for learning and enjoy working with kids, a career as an elementary school teacher may be a good fit. Elementary school teachers teach multiple subjects to students from kindergarten through sixth grade, emphasizing understanding, responsibility, and consideration. According to the BLS, elementary school teachers earned an average of $49,330 in 2008, and the field is expected to grow by 16 percent from 2008 to 2018.

To teach in public schools, elementary school teachers must earn a bachelor's degree and graduate from a teacher education program. With online classes available, it's never too late to return to school and qualify to become a teacher.

4. Computer Software Engineer

Computer software engineers use principles of computer science and mathematics to design and develop software. From computer games to networking systems, the programs developed by computer software engineers help computers function in our everyday lives. The BLS expects employment of computer software engineers to increase by 34 percent thru 2018, which means plenty of opportunities to enter the field. In 2008, these engineers earned an average of $85,430.

To become a computer software engineer, you need to earn a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, mathematics, or a related field. Some positions require a master's degree in computer science, and all expect employees to be up-to-date with new technologies and computer systems. Online degree programs in computer science and software engineering can prepare you for a career in this innovative field, regardless of your age or schedule.

5. Management Analyst

Management analysts (also called management consultants) are business experts that help companies solve problems to remain competitive. Management analysts must think strategically and come up with innovative, effective solutions for their clients. In 2008, management analysts earned an average of $73,570, and the BLS expects their employment to increase by 24 percent in the next decade.

Competition for management analyst positions is intense, and often a master's of business administration (MBA) degree is required. Online business degrees are increasingly common, so it's possible to enhance your industry knowledge with a formal degree.

Taking the Next Step

These five careers prove that opportunities exist across industries, and it's not too late to transition into a field you're passionate about. With online degree programs and career training options, you can reach your education goals without giving up your current job and lifestyle.

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And the Promotion Goes to ... Someone Else

How to Recover and Stay on Track for Advancement

by Clea Badion, Robert Half International

Business is improving for your employer, and you're certain you'll receive the long-delayed promotion you've been coveting. But when the announcement is made, you find out a colleague was given the opportunity to move up. You've been passed over. What do you do now?

When a promotion is awarded to someone else, it stings -- especially if you thought you'd positioned yourself well for the next rung on the career ladder. But instead of letting the situation throw you off track, keep the following tips in mind:

Go ahead, let yourself be disappointed. It's perfectly normal to feel frustrated and angry; just make sure you express those sentiments outside of work. This is not the time to run to your supervisor and demand a full explanation of why you didn't get the position. Instead, talk to members of your professional network who may have experienced similar setbacks, and seek support from friends and family for help managing your disappointment.

Above all, be professional. Remind yourself that a wide range of factors can influence promotion decisions, including internal politics or job requirements that you were unaware of. No matter how you feel, demonstrate your professionalism by congratulating the individual who was awarded the position and continuing to work hard.

Get the facts. After overcoming your disappointment, set up a meeting with your supervisor and ask for an honest explanation of the decision. Find out why, specifically, you didn't get the job and whether or not you were close to receiving it. You may discover, for example, that your boss was unaware that you sought a higher-level role. Or perhaps you are missing a significant qualification. Then, ask what you need to do to receive a promotion in the future and work with your manager on devising steps necessary to reach this goal.

Make a plan and get your boss' support. Using your supervisor's feedback, work with him or her to establish a plan to earning a promotion. You should have a clear idea of the requirements to move to the next level and steps you must take to do so. Make sure that your boss agrees that once you receive the training, you'll be first in line for a promotion the next time one arises.

Alternatively, after meeting with your manager, you may decide a promotion isn't right for you. Perhaps the responsibilities are different than you imagined, or the sacrifices too great. In this case, consider why you wanted the promotion in the first place. You might need to reassess your career goals or look for other ways to achieve them.

Make sure you're visible at work. No matter what you decide to do, keep in mind that hard work and excellent reviews aren't always enough to get ahead. It's also vital that the people you work with, especially your supervisor, know the value you bring to the firm and how you can help the company move forward. Provide your manager with regular status updates so he or she is aware of your accomplishments. Other simple steps, such as speaking up during meetings and getting to know others throughout the organization, can help you establish a solid reputation and build your internal network.

Missing out on a promotion can be extremely disappointing. However, by using the opportunity to demonstrate your professionalism and reassess your goals, you'll keep your career moving forward.

Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 360 offices worldwide. For more information about our professional services, please visit roberthalf.com. For additional career advice, visit workvine.com or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/roberthalf.

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7 Growing Jobs in the Small-Business Sector

by Carol Tice, PayScale.com

If you've been focusing your job search on major corporations, you may be missing out on the hottest hiring spot in our slowly dawning economic recovery: small business.

Small businesses employ just over half of all private-sector workers, according to the Small Business Administration, and they generated 64 percent of all net new jobs over the past 15 years. Historically, as businesses start to hire again coming out of a downturn, small businesses lead the way.

Hidden in last December's depressing 84,000 net job losses was one interesting indicator of a small resurgence in small-business hiring: Small businesses in the service sector added 11,000 jobs that month, an ADP study showed.

How can you target jobs at small businesses? We spoke to two experts who offer search tips for finding the well-paid, small-business jobs that may emerge in the coming year. Our experts are Drew White, chief financial officer at small-business financial research firm Sageworks; and Debra Yergen, author of "Creating Job Security Resource Guide."

Sales

At the top of the list of roles small business owners in all industry sectors will fill first are sales positions, says Yergen. As soon as small businesses sense the economy is turning, they'll add sales staff to try to capture more business.

To find local small businesses in your sector that are hiring, network at business events, or look at niche industry websites online, Yergen says. Some employers who are tired of getting overwhelmed with resumes when they post jobs on major online portals are using niche sites instead.
General Sales Manager: $59,400

Green Jobs

Fueled by federal money from the stimulus bill, environmental jobs are forecast to grow in the coming year. Try specialty job-search sites in the sector, such as ecojobs.com, to find openings in hot niches like solar-photovoltaic installers and wind-turbine service technicians. Government-contracting rules require that a portion of awards go to small businesses -- you can look on Recovery.gov to find names of companies that have won stimulus contracts.
Project Manager, Environmental: $65,200

Computers and Technology

This is another area the stimulus bill directed ample funding toward, especially healthcare-related technology. A recent search on computerjobs.com for security-related jobs turned up nearly 700 postings for computer security specialists, information systems security managers, information security analysts, and similar posts.
Security Administrator, Computer Network: $71,800

Maintenance and Repair

When money's tight, companies seek to save on expenses, and tend to spend more on maintaining and fixing their equipment. Many repair companies are either small, local businesses or locally owned franchisees of a national chain. A good site for careers in this field is mepjobs.com, Yergen says.

"Things keep breaking," Yergen notes, "and when companies are watching their hard costs, they will repair whenever possible."
HVAC service technician: $44,000

Food and Beverage

Food-related businesses continued to grow modestly last year, particularly in grocery, says Sageworks' White. Seek out niche, locally owned grocery stores to find small-business job opportunities. A good job site for this industry is careersinfood.com. Jobs in the sector include roles behind the scenes in areas such as finance, IT, buying, and public relations, as well as bakers, meat cutters and customer-service reps.
Assistant Manager, Restaurant: $37,200

Outpatient Medical Centers

Follow sales-growth trends here to spot possible small-business job opportunities, says White. Niches within health care that saw solid sales growth last year include outpatient medical centers, which grew 12.4 percent last year. Though some are national chains, many outpatient centers are locally owned small businesses. Well-paid jobs in this field recently listed on the job site Medicalworkers.com include physical and occupational therapists, registered nurses, and outpatient clinicians.
Occupational Therapy Assistant: $43,300

Non-Physician Health Practitioners

Second in sales growth with an 11 percent gain are offices of non-physician health practitioners such as chiropractors, optometrists, podiatrists and mental-health practitioners. Many such healthcare practices are small business owned by the doctor-partners. For one example of the opportunities here, the job site Optometry.com had more than 250 recent job listings including openings for opticians, optometric assistants, optical sales managers and lab technicians.
Optometric Assistant: $36,300

Source: Salary data from PayScale.com, a leading online provider of employee compensation data. The salaries listed are median annual salaries for full-time workers with 5 to 8 years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions, or profit sharing.

Business writer Carol Tice is a regular contributor to Entrepreneur, The Seattle Times and other major publications.

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Insider Secrets to Get Your Resume Read

by Maria Hanson, LiveCareer.com

It's becoming harder than ever to get your resume read by a real person.

"HR people are drowning in resumes, and despite their best intentions, many can't keep up," says executive recruiter Mike Travis.

Help your resume win the attention it deserves by following these up-to-date tips from industry insiders.

* "Keep it shorter, tighter, and more laser-focused," advises resume expert Louise Kursmark. "Resumes are by necessity becoming crisper and more to the point." With Twitter, texting, and a barrage of quick-hit multimedia messages, we're getting accustomed to the succinct. "Readers quickly lose interest in wordy resumes that don't get right to the point," she says. This goes for cover letters, too.

* "Show some humor or personality," says Jennifer Turner, of Talagy recruiting and staffing company. "I recently called a candidate, even though he didn't match any current positions, because his online resume title was, 'Smart and Funny Sales Guy.'"

* "Make your resume read like a news story, not an encyclopedia entry," suggests Sam Levine, of The Buttonwood Group. Pop an eye-catching headline and lead on the top and be sure to include a summary of qualifications.

* "Be results-oriented," advises Erin Riley, assistant director of career services at the Chapman University School of Law. Whenever possible, quantify your accomplishments. Example: Instead of simply writing "Drafted OSHA appeal," she says, include results: "Drafted OSHA appeal resulting in 90% reduction of employer fine for employee's serious on-the-job injury."

* "Show what sets you apart," says Nancy Keene, a director of Stanton Chase global executive search firm. "I like to see some indication of personal interests. It's a good conversation trigger and provides some additional insight into who the person is."

Riley agrees. "It's an opportunity to make yourself memorable as an applicant," she says. While an actual Personal Interest section is not usually advised, you can find ways to integrate your interests into your resume. For example, you could list your volunteer activities to give hiring managers some sense of your passions.

* "Use appropriate keywords," suggests Kursmark. Since machines are increasingly reading your resume before people are, give the tracking systems what they're looking for: the most significant keywords from the job description that fit your qualifications -- anything from degrees to programming languages and other specialized job-related skills.

* "Let others sing your praises," says Richard Deems, co-author of "Make Job Loss Work for You." "We add a section at the end we title, 'What Others Say.' Then we list five short statements, usually without attribution, that others have said about the person." Examples: "Sticks with it until the job gets done," or "The most creative, prolific employee I've ever had."

* "If your name is difficult to pronounce, include your nickname," says Heather R. Huhman, president of Come Recommended. Like it or not, "Companies are more likely to call you for an interview if you provide a name they can easily pronounce," she says.

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How a Tweet Could Trash Your Career

by Caroline M.L. Potter, Yahoo! HotJobs

Twitter is a must for many careers now. Some employers even insist that you have a certain number of followers to be eligible for media jobs. But there is a dark side to this medium.

Its immediacy and its casual nature (how formal can one be in 140 characters?) have caused a number of professional slip-ups over the past year. Be sure not to do any of these Twitter don'ts to protect your career and your online reputation in the coming year:

Don't tweet your way out of a job before the start.

Last spring Connor Riley, a graduate student at University of California, Berkeley, took to Twitter after receiving a job offer from Cisco, tweeting, "Cisco just offered me a job! Now I have to weigh the utility of a fatty paycheck against the daily commute to San Jose and hating the work." She received a reply from a Cisco employee, "Who is the hiring manager. I'm sure they would love to know that you will hate the work. We here at Cisco are versed in the Web."

Riley's blog was bombarded with negative comments and she never wound up working at Cisco. Regarding the backlash, she later told MSNBC, "I was just looking at summer internship positions. It's perfectly reasonable for some people to be extremely offended that someone would be so flippant about a job in such a bad job market."

Don't forget that even a personal tweet is a client's business.

While working for public relations firm Ketchum, James Andrews traveled to Memphis to meet with FedEx, a client of the firm. Before his presentation, he tweeted, "True confession but I am in one of those towns where I scratch my head and say 'I would die if I had to live here.'"

A FedEx employee found the tweet and shared it with upper management, who are very loyal to the city of Memphis, and to managers at Ketchum. FedEx promptly issued a lengthy dressing down to Mr. Andrews, who no longer works at Ketchum.

Don't use Twitter to negotiate with your employer.

On the eve of the first auditions for the ninth season of "American Idol," judge Paula Abdul tweeted, "With sadness in my heart, I've decided not to return to #IDOL. I'll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all being a part of a show that I helped from day1 become an international phenomenon." Some speculated that this was a contract negotiation tactic; but if it was, it didn't work.

The very next morning, Fox and producers FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment issued a statement that said, Paula Abdul was "an important part of the 'American Idol' family over the last eight seasons and we are saddened that she has decided not to return to the show." Ellen DeGeneres has stepped in as a judge instead.

Don't use a tweet to settle a beef.

Alice Hoffman, author of "Practical Magic" and "Here on Earth" and not someone you might expect to have a misstep involving the written word, did just that when critic Roberta Silman gave Hoffman's latest book a tepid review in the Boston Globe.

The novelist took to Twitter to trash Silman. Not once. Not twice. Not thrice. Rather, Hoffman sent out 27 tweets in which she called Silman, among other things, a moron and revealed the critic's phone number and email address, urging her followers to "tell Roberta Silman off." Shortly after this feud, Hoffman deleted her Twitter account.

Don't blow your cover with a tweet.

Lawmakers are often in the news for their own missteps. Rep. Pete Hoekstra of Michigan visited Iraq in February and promptly tweeted his whereabouts, "Moved into green zone by helicopter Iraqi flag now over palace. Headed to new US embassy Appears calmer less chaotic than previous here." MSNBC pointed out that he was fortunate his followers didn't include "guys who may wish America ill."

That same month Jeff Frederick, the chairman of Virginia's Republican party, sent out this tweet: "Big news coming out of Senate: Apparently one dem is either switching or leaving the dem caucus. Negotiations for power sharing underway." Democrats were following his stream and, according to MSNBC, negotiations came to a standstill.

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5 Top Careers for Active People

by Patricia Cecil-Reed, FindtheRightSchool.com

Most people dread the idea of boring work, but some particularly crave the adrenaline rush of a high-energy job. Whether it's physical or mental activity, or a combination of the two, challenging work is essential for career satisfaction to some. With the right career training, you can prepare for a job that's as active as you are.

Clinical Medical Assistant

Medical assistants have to stay on their toes to keep the offices of physicians and health professionals running smoothly. Their duties are usually both clinical and administrative, from scheduling appointments to assisting the physician during an examination. In a typical day, a clinical medical assistant might greet clients, record medical histories, prepare patients for exams, and administer medications.

Education and career training: Employers may prefer formal training in the form of a one-year certificate program or two-year associate's degree program in medical assisting.

Salary range: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), median earnings in May 2008 for medical assistants were $29,060, with top salaries around $40,000.

Fringe benefits: Medical assistants rank among the fastest-growing professions for the coming decade, and job prospects should be outstanding.

Meeting and Convention Planner

Meeting and convention planners make sure every aspect of an event is well-planned and seamlessly executed, making this an ideal career for the detail-oriented. From scouting location sites to designing reading materials and booking guest speakers, meeting and convention planners cover these bases and more. Even after the event has taken place, planners rely on feedback from their clients to stay on top of their game.

Education and career training: There is more than one way to become a meeting and convention planner, although employers often prefer a bachelor's degree.

Salary range: $47,500 is the average annual salary for meeting and convention planners, with top earnings around $74,000.

Fringe benefits: Travel opportunities and fast employment growth are among the top benefits of this career.

Elementary School Teacher

Teaching is a busy job no matter what the grade level, but elementary school teachers may be particularly active in planning field trips, hands-on projects to facilitate learning, and learning through play and activity. Combined with other aspects of the job like lesson planning and grading papers, this is one career that will keep you on your toes.

Education and career training: A bachelor's degree in education is one way to earn your teaching license. Alternately, fast-track certification programs may be available for aspiring teachers who hold bachelor's degrees in other subjects.

Salary range: The mean annual salary for elementary school teachers was $52,240 in May 2008.

Fringe benefits: These days, most teachers work hard year-round, but summer breaks and smaller breaks throughout the year may give you the rest you need to balance your busy career life.

Public Relations Specialist

Crave a working environment where phones are ringing, deadlines are waiting to be met, and your appointment book is filled? Then a career as a public relations specialist might be for you. These professionals help maintain the gleaming images of businesses, organizations, and sometimes even high-profile individuals. PR specialists deal with the media and the public, writing press releases, arranging meetings, and generally spinning the public image of the client for the better.

Education and career training: You'll likely need a bachelor's degree in a communications field like public relations or journalism. Internships can be a great way to get your foot in the door.

Salary range: $58,960 is the mean annual wage for PR specialists, with the top 10 percent earning close to $100,000 annually.

Fringe benefits: PR specialists are becoming more and more valuable to organizations, and job growth for this profession is expected to be much faster than average in coming years.

Landscape Architect

Responsible for planning all kinds of outdoor spaces from parks and playgrounds to shopping centers and college campuses, landscape architects are hands-on from the beginning to the end of a project. They spend time at the location site, meet with other professionals like builders and surveyors, and draw the plans for the landscaping, all in a day's work.

Education and career training: A bachelor's or master's degree in landscape architecture is usually a requirement, along with a license in your state.

Salary range: $64,000 was the annual average salary for landscape architects in 2008.

Fringe benefits: Over 20 percent of landscape architects are self-employed. That's about three times more than the usual for other professions.

Why settle for a job that's stationary when you're anything but? Consider training for a new career that meets your high energy level.

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Own the Interview: 10 Questions to Ask

by Larry Buhl, for Yahoo! HotJobs

For many job seekers an interview can seem too much like an inquisition. That's usually because they're doing all the answering and none of the asking.

"Somewhere in the interview you have a chance to impress the employer on your own terms and see if the job is a good fit for you," says Florida-based career coach and executive recruiter Jonathan Milligan. "And you absolutely should take this opportunity. By asking the right questions you can determine if the job is right for you and also show you're engaged and interested in the job."

Employment experts identify five key question areas where you can gain insight, put yourself in a good light, and take some control in the interview.

Identify their pain.

• "What is one of the biggest problems the company faces that someone with my background could help alleviate?"
• "If I started in this job tomorrow, what would be my two most pressing priorities?"

Find out where the company is going.

• "Where do you see this department/company in five years?"
• "What are the long and short term goals of the company/department/work group?"

Determine whether you'd fit in.

• "How would you describe your company's culture?
• "What tangible and intangible qualities attracted you to the organization?"

Show you're really interested.

• "What additional information can I provide about my qualifications?"
• "What are the next steps in the selection process?"

Ask follow-ups.

• "Can you clarify what you said about ...?"
• "Can you give me some examples of ...?"

"By requesting clarification or examples, you show interviewers you care and that you're thinking deeply about the issues they brought up," says learning and development consultant Bill Denyer. He suggests taking notes in the interview, using keywords to jog your memory of what was discussed but not burying your head in your notebook.

What you don't want to ask are questions with obvious answers, according to Susan RoAne, author of "Face to Face: How to Reclaim the Personal Touch in a Digital World."

"You really need to do your homework," RoAne tells Yahoo! HotJobs. "Before the interview go to the company website and use search engines to get up to speed, and browse social networking sites like Yahoo! Groups to see who knows what about the company."

"And never, never ask an interviewer, 'How long is the vacation'? or, 'What does your company do?'" RoAne added.

Some experts suggest waiting for the inevitable "Do you have any questions for us?" at the interview, while others recommend looking for conversation openings to ask appropriate questions.

"It depends on the situation," Milligan says. "If the interviewer seems to be reading from a sheet of questions, don't interrupt. If it's a more casual conversation, you may have chances to turn the questions back on the interviewer."

"It's important to remember the job interview is a two-way street," RoAne said.

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Super Staying Power: How to Not Lose Your Job

by Caroline M.L. Potter, Yahoo! HotJobs

You hear a lot about how to get a new job, but do you hear enough about how to keep the one you've got? Now more than ever, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Just as with the dating world, you're always more attractive to a professional suitor when you've already got a position. So, how can you hang on to the job you've got in these still-tough times?

Jason Seiden, author of "Super Staying Power: What You Need to Become Valuable and Resilient at Work," says, "If you start by thinking, 'What are the things I need to do not to lose my job,' you'll wind up on the unemployment line."

Instead, he advises workers, "First, you need to recognize that the old world is gone. There is flux all the time. This ambiguity is permanent."

Use these strategies to embrace the unknown and thrive amid the chaos of your current position.

1. Have confidence.

Seiden, a leadership and career development expert, states, "Work as if you are totally confident that your job is there forever." That's a tall order, but, he says, "If you bring worry into work, people are going to smell it."

He recommends avoiding entertaining paranoia at every turn, wondering why you were or weren't given a particular project or assignment. "Even if you see the writing on the wall [that your job is not going to last], you have to put blinders on." Just keep showing up, physically and mentally, to do a great job in the here and now.

2. Don't ask for clarity.

Nobody seems to get enough feedback or direction these days, and if your workplace is in flux, as many are, you'll probably get even less. Get over it, says Seiden. "When a worker asks for 'all the details' about a project, her boss is going to see a lack of critical thinking, a lack of being able to handle ambiguity." And, a lack of independence.

He urges professionals to create their own environments at work and resolve problems themselves, "whether your boss is a micromanager or not."

3. Use positive language.

It's very basic, but, says Seiden, "This is also very tactical and very powerful. Semantics matter. You need to frame things in the positive." A can-do attitude will help you go the distance, even when things are strained.

"If you need a resource for a project, don't tell your boss, 'I can't do this until I get this resource.' Instead, say, "Of course, I can do this, and I'm going to need this resource.' It's a simple thing that can save your job," Seiden says.

"If you think about the people you like spending time with, you'll realize how powerful positive language can be."

4. Find passion where you are.

Don't daydream about the market improving enough for you to jump ship and pursue your passion. Rather, he advises, "Stop looking for your dream job, and start creating it where you are. You don't follow your passions; you cultivate them. Passion is fire in your belly that starts as kindling. Settle in, get your fire burning, and create the job you want right now."

He suggests setting small goals you can accomplish every day, admitting, "Most jobs are not that exciting, but if you focus on everyday goals, you'll gain satisfaction from that." Start feeling good about getting your part done in your current job and then think about whether or not you want to move on. "Most people," Seiden shares, "never give their job a chance."

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Safe, Secure, and Super Hot: 10 'Sexy' Careers

by Siri Anderson, PayScale.com

These days, Prince Charming doesn't typically wear white armor and Lady Fair no longer dons a bustling skirt -- but the general rule still stands that certain "uniforms" carry more sex appeal than others.

A bit of cognitive dissonance shows up, however, when it comes to which careers people say are hot, and which they'd really go after. Women may say they swoon over bike messengers, or men the miniskirt-wearing receptionist, but there's plenty of evidence that money matters with sexual attraction.

"If sexy is who you want to look at, it's construction workers and strippers. If sexy is who you want to marry, it's investment bankers on both sides," says Penelope Trunk, CEO and blogger for Brazen Careerist. "We can't change our DNA. For 10 million years women have stayed with the man who can 'bring home the lion.'" And men have looked for women who are best equipped pass on that DNA.

Many people bristle under the idea that money is all that matters. However, it may help to look at attraction as superficial cues that say, "This person can meet my needs," from safety and security to sex and family. Check out our list below based on Trunk's theory, and some of her top picks. You'll see that, for both men and women, sexy careers are characterized by workers with a balance of physical attractiveness, intelligence, and, you guessed it, money.

1. Investment Bankers ($101,000/year)
According to Trunk, investment bankers top the hot list for both men and women. High earnings associated with this career often take away survival stresses -- the ability to consistently pay rent and provide luxuries creates a sense of security. When you can pay the bills, you can enjoy the frills, and spend the extra energy sneaking smooches from your sweetie.

2. Doctors ($134,000/year)
Another occupation that hit the short list for both sexes is doctors. Somehow they just don't look so scrubby in scrubs. This occupation is all about demonstrating a sense of strength, intelligence, and securing health. After all, who can take care of physical needs better than a top-notch doc? They earn well and keep you healthy.

3. Models ($53,000/year)
It's no secret that men look forward to lingerie catalogs as much or more than women. Busty beauties are prime symbols of fertility. Enough said.

4. Psychologist ($78,000/year)
Not just high-earners, psychologists tend to be highly communicative, understanding, and intelligent people -- prime qualities that women look for in a mate. Women, more often than men, need emotional understanding before being able to let the sparks fly with their partner. Psychologists, if they can keep their analysis in the clinic, have the interpersonal skills needed to put hesitations at rest so passions can erupt.

5. Professors ($70,000/year)
Who hasn't had at least one professor crush? Though earnings vary widely with this set, depending on departments and institutions, societal respect gives them a boost of power that tips the sexy scale well into their favor. A brawny brain is a clear survival asset for humans. Whether your sexy prof is theorizing about quantum physics, or pondering the meaning of life, chances are their genes are pushing human evolution in the right direction.

6. Lawyer ($118,000/year)
Aggressively arguing for what's right speaks to a higher level of human needs -- those for justice and truth. Obviously, there are competing stereotypes for lawyers, from the smarmy on one end to the brilliant on the other. The sexy lawyer, however, is one who can achieve clarity and prove the truth, qualities that everyone looks for in an ideal mate to establish a sense of trust and bonding.

7. Chief Executive Officers ($148,000/year)
This is a profession that matches ambition, creativity, and business acumen. The higher earning and more successful an individual is with a business proves survival skills well adapted to the modern age.

8. Firefighters ($57,000/year)
Somewhat akin to men's fascination with models, women often love the physical build of a firefighter. Strength, bravery, and focus on community are key features that women look for in a potential mate, and that's a bill firefighters fit to a tee. Though not the highest earners, the sense of safety that characterizes their career is enough to put a flame in many hearts.

9. Nurse ($53,000/year)
A secure career choice plus a nurturing disposition puts this career on top of many men's fantasy lists. Nurses are smart, hard-working, and care for your every physical need.

10. Engineer ($73,200/year)
Ladies love a guy who likes to work with his hands, especially if he sports the solid training and paycheck available from an engineer's salary. Intelligence, creativity, and the ability to make things work demonstrate a guy's potential to bring home the bacon and pass on some good genes to the future generation.

Source: Salary data from PayScale.com, a leading online provider of employee compensation data. The salaries listed are median annual salaries for full-time workers with 8 years of experience and include bonuses, commissions, and profit sharing.

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Stop Office Bandits

Prevent Coworkers from Taking Credit for Your Work

by Maria Hanson, LiveCareer

Has a colleague been claiming credit for your hard work? Or taking all your good ideas and presenting them as his own?

More than one-fourth of employees have had to deal with an office bandit--a workplace pest who takes credit for your work. But less than half of bandit victims do something about it, according to a survey by OfficeTeam, a staffing service.

"Today's workplace is more competitive than ever, and unfortunately there are people who will go to these kinds of lengths to make themselves look good or get promoted," says Robert Hosking, OfficeTeam's executive director.

To protect your reputation and career, read expert advice on how to handle three common types of bandits:

1. The Accidental Bandit

These bandits are often unaware that they've stolen an idea. In work environments where brainstorming is common and group meetings are routine, the source of an original idea isn't always clear. And when you're working on group projects, getting your individual contributions noted can be difficult.

Expert Advice

"Providing management with regular updates and candidly discussing projects and the milestones achieved can help build a more productive working environment with little room for misunderstandings," says Janet Flewelling, director of HR operations for Administaff.

If you think someone is taking credit for your work, "don't jump to conclusions before hearing the other person out," says Laurent Duperval, of Duperval Consulting. "Deal with observed behavior only."

2. The "Helper" Bandit

These bandits seem innocent, asking for your help or offering theirs, but really they're looking to take your work and run with it. While you work with a Helper behind the scenes, she moves forward, taking full credit for your contributions.

Expert Advice

If a colleague submits your work as her own, "send an email to the boss asking for feedback on the work you did," suggests Blaine Loomer, an author with more than 20 years of experience in corporate management and sales. Asking for a critique on your work will alert the boss that you were involved with a project but doesn't require that you "tattle."

"Call [the person's] attention to it and ask him to please refrain from doing it again in the future," says Donna Flagg, the author of "Surviving Dreaded Conversations." This may seem too bold, but it's an effective approach: "Once it is brought to light, it is virtually impossible for the person to continue."

3. The Criminal Bandit

This is the most extreme of the bandit types. The criminal may log on to your computer after hours, rifle through your desk, or pretend to be your project partner while claiming credit for your work and ideas, says Linnda Durre, the author of "Surviving the Toxic Workplace."

Expert Advice

If you have evidence of illegal acts like computer hacking, report it directly to your boss and to HR.

Do not share information with this person. "Make sure you don't explain ideas unless there is an audience to hear you out," advises Duperval.

If your job security is being threatened by career bandits, you need to defend yourself. You can also secure your position through more education. Take a free education test to see how more education can help your career. And get help sorting through degree program options with a college and university search.

Take LiveCareer's free Online Career Test to find the best career for your interests and work personality.

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New Job Niches for the New Decade

by Carol Tice, PayScale.com

Buried in a vast government database is a revelation about two dozen careers forecast to grow well in the next decade. Most pay more than $45,000 a year.

Roughly once every ten years, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reviews and changes its manual of Standard Occupational Classifications (SOCs), basing those changes on information it receives about emerging and declining jobs. It then assigns emerging jobs a new SOC. To get an SOC, a job must already employ enough workers for the BLS to collect data; these jobs also usually have an outlook for future growth, says BLS assistant commissioner of occupational statistics Dixie Sommers.

In the next few weeks, the full version of the new manual will be released and published on the BLS's Web site. Some introductory information on the new SOCs is already posted there. Here's a sneak peek at some of the best-paying occupations that BLS analysts have identified as likely to see rapid growth in the next decade.

1. Computers: Growing specialization within the information-technology field has brought several new occupations to the BLS's attention, including information security analyst, web developer, and computer network architect.

(IT security consultant, $80,771; web developer, $61,402; IT network administrator, $55,181)

2. Nursing: The healthcare boom has brought forward several expertise areas that are now being tracked as individual jobs, including nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, and nurse practitioner.

(certified registered nurse anesthetist, $142,800; certified nurse midwife, $91,600; nurse practitioner, $86,400)

3. Healthcare: The BLS identified well-paid new jobs in a wide range of healthcare specialties, including magnetic resonance imaging technologist, which previously hadn't been differentiated from the "radiology technician" classification, Sommers says. The growing sophistication of MRI equipment and the more-advanced images it creates prompted the breakout to a separate category.

(magnetic resonance imaging technologist, $61,650)

Other growing niches in healthcare include community health worker, genetic counselor, and hearing aid specialist. Of this last category, Sommers says, "Just because of the demographics of the aging population, we judged it likely to be growing."

(community health advocate $55,181; genetic counselor, $63,199; hearing instrument specialist, $45,938)

An unusual new niche in this category is exercise physiologist. Sommers says these workers assess patients--including athletes and people who need to improve their fitness--and design programs that will address their needs.

(exercise physiologist, $51,500)

4. Teaching: Growing needs in special education led to the breakout of two specialties within this area, special education teacher-preschool and special education teachers-middle school.

(special education teacher-preschool, $45,500; special education teacher-middle school $47,700)

5. Green Jobs: As the solar and wind energy industries grow--helped by funding from the 2009 federal stimulus bill--an increasing need for solar photovoltaic installers and wind turbine service technicians is expected.

(solar energy system installer, $47,658; wind turbine technician, $49,990)

6. Charitable Fundraising: Explosive growth in the nonprofit sector--which now includes more than 1.5 million organizations, according to the National Center for Charitable Statistics--has brought increasing demand for the fundraisers who bring in money needed to fulfill charities' missions. Previously, fundraisers were lumped into the catchall "sales and related workers" category, Sommers notes.

(fundraiser, $56,163)

7. Transportation Security Screening: Heightened security needs have meant a bigger role for security screeners at airports around the country. Since these people are usually federal employees, Sommers says the BLS should soon have more precise salary information.

(airline security screener, $48,392)

8. Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Directors: As the giant baby-boom generation reaches the end of life, demand for these jobs is growing. Sommers says the BLS felt it was time to separate out funeral directors, who serve in purely a managerial role, planning funerals and talking with the bereaved. Previously, most funeral-related roles were included in the "mortician" classification, and funeral directors were part of a larger managerial category.

Business writer Carol Tice is a regular contributor to "Entrepreneur," the "Seattle Times," and other major publications.

Source: All salary data is from leading online salary database PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with 5-8 years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions, or profit sharing.

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The Best Jobs for Making the Leap to $100K

by Michelle Goodman, PayScale.com

Hoping to make six figures by the end of the decade? Then you need to select your career path wisely--because the path you embark on today can greatly affect how much you make ten years down the line.

Here are six jobs in thriving industries that, according to career experts and data from the online salary database PayScale.com, can prime you for a six-figure salary (once you've paid your dues). All these jobs require a bachelor's degree or another professional degree; several require additional certification, licensure, or even a graduate degree.

Actuary ($100,408): If you like to put your head down and crunch numbers, this could be the career for you. "You can go as far in the field as your ability and drive will take you," says Dr. Laurence Shatkin, the author of "Your $100,000 Career Plan: Match Your Personality to a Six-Figure Job." The more certification exams you pass, the higher in the profession you rise, he explains. Actuaries are paid handsomely, with many reaching the six-figure salary threshold after five to eight years in the field; the median annual salary after a decade is $111,000. As an added bonus, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects job opportunities in the profession--a majority of which are in the insurance industry--to grow by 21 percent this decade.

Marketing research analyst ($58,423): Market research is a high-growth field, with job opportunities predicted to increase by 28 percent this decade, the BLS reports. Rather than entering marketing as an administrator or a copywriter, choosing to become a research analyst (a person who helps companies determine which products consumers want) will better position you for a future in management, Shatkin says. Many marketing managers clear six figures, he adds. And at the vice president level, you're looking at a median annual salary of $146,000. If you don't have a business or statistical background, Shatkin says, "you're going to need some coursework" to pursue this path. According to the BLS, someone with a graduate degree in marketing or social science will nab the best opportunities.

Pharmacist ($116,024): "The challenge with pharmacy is you're often stuck in a retail setting. But you will have lifetime employment," says Julie Jansen, the author of "I Don't Know What I Want, but I Know It's Not This: A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Gratifying Work." In fact, the BLS predicts that job prospects for pharmacists will increase by 17 percent this decade, thanks to a growing middle-aged and senior population. You'll also be well paid; many pharmacists earn well over $100,000 after a decade on the job. To advance in the field, Shatkin says, pharmacists can move into drugstore management (earning $123,867) and sometimes even district or regional management of a chain. As the BLS reports, a doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) degree from an accredited college is required to embark on a pharmacy career, as is passing a series of exams.

Wholesale and retail buyer ($52,354): Supply-chain management isn't a career path most college grads know about, let alone consider, Jansen says. But she thinks more of them should. "Companies are clearly very focused on cost cutting, cost containment, and efficiency," Jansen explains. "It's a really good niche to get into." So good, in fact, that supply-chain management directors make $122,000 a year. For people not interested in pursuing an industrial engineering degree, Jansen says, working as a corporate buyer of goods like clothing and electronics is another way to get your foot in the door. According to the BLS, would-be buyers with an undergraduate degree in business or economics will enjoy the best opportunities. Those looking to advance to the managerial ranks will need to earn one or more certifications in the field.

Registered nurse ($56,763): It's no secret that nursing remains a sure bet for solid income and job growth. The BLS predicts that this decade will see nearly 600,000 new RN jobs, which it calls "among the largest number of new jobs for any occupation." People looking to boost their skills and push their salary to six figures by becoming an advanced practice nurse, such as a nurse anesthetist ($141,000), need to obtain a master's degree. These higher-end nursing jobs offer ample opportunity, too, Shatkin says. "There's an increasing tendency to use nurse practitioners because they're cheaper than MDs," he explains.

Electrical engineer ($72,149): The BLS reports that new engineers are among the highest-earning college grads and that job growth in the field is expected to be steady this decade. But that's only half the good news: a degree in electrical engineering can lead you down many professional avenues, Shatkin says. By acquiring management skills on the job or in a graduate or certificate program--from budgeting and forecasting to hiring and managing staff--an electrical engineer might go on to become a vice president of engineering (132,000), a research and development manager ($111,000), or a product development director ($125,000).

Michelle Goodman is a freelance business journalist and the author of "The Anti 9-to-5 Guide" and "My So-Called Freelance Life."

Source: Salary data from leading online salary database PayScale.com. The salaries for the stepping-stone jobs listed (in parentheses) are median annual salaries for full-time workers with 5 to 8 years of experience and include bonuses, commissions, and profit sharing. Salaries for the six-figure jobs described are median annual salaries for full-time workers with 8 to 13 years of experience and include bonuses, commissions, and profit sharing.

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Top 5 Money-Making Associate’s Degrees

by By Mary Fineday, FindtheRightSchool.com

You can make more money with less classroom time than you might think. Nearly one third of people who hold associate's degrees earn more money than those with bachelor's degrees, according to a report released by Demos, a research and advocacy organization.

Part of the reason these two-year degrees can lead to higher salaries is the targeted training they provide. So in only two years of full-time training, you could be enjoying a more rewarding career, a higher salary, and a job with a promising potential for future growth.

Check out the top money-making associate's degrees, and learn what you can do to get on a fast track to a bigger paycheck.

Career #1: Dental Hygienist

Earn a living caring for people's teeth and gums. With a degree in dental hygiene, you'll work closely with a dentist. Part-time work is common in the career, and hygienists who want to earn more may work with multiple dentists. Hygienists earned mean annual wages of $66,950 in 2008, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports.

Extra Credit: Dental hygienists must be licensed, which requires passing a test administered by The American Dental Association's (ADA) Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations.

Career #2: Registered Nurse

Put your compassion to work by getting an associate's degree in nursing. Working as a registered nurse means having a focused knowledge of health issues and techniques. Long or late hours are common, but nurses can often set their schedules to meet their needs. The BLS reports that registered nurses earned mean annual wages of $65,130 in 2008.

Extra Credit: All nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination. Some nurses earn a bachelor's degree and go on to specialize or supervise.

Career #3: Legal Assistant

Go behind the scenes of the legal world as a legal assistant. With a degree in legal assisting, you'll help research and prepare cases, help lawyers organize their presentations, and work with clients. Part-time work is common, and assistants can often enjoy some flexibility in their schedules. Legal assistants earned mean annual wages of $48,790 in 2008, according to the BLS.

Extra Credit: Voluntary certification from groups like the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) can help your chances of advancing in the field.

Career #4: Computer Programmer

Create the software and devices we rely on with a degree in computer science. If you have a passion for technology, a head for math, and an eye for details, you can excel in the career. Full-time work is common for computer programmers, with most logging forty-hour work weeks in an office setting. Computer programmers earned mean annual wages of $73,470 in 2008, according to the BLS.

Extra Credit: A bachelor's degree is required for many careers beyond entry-level programming positions.

Career #5: Engineering Technician

Work with licensed engineers to design and implement technologies in a range of fields, including civil, electrical, and biomedical engineering. Full-time work is common. Some engineers regularly visit work sites, and their jobs may involve travel. Civil-engineering technicians earned mean annual wages of $45,730, according to the BLS.

Extra Credit: Engineering technicians sometimes pair a formal associate's degree in engineering with training they received through the Armed Forces.

Training for Top Jobs

Education is an essential qualifier for all these careers. While no associate's degree can guarantee a particular career or salary, specialized training for these jobs is typically preferred or required by hiring managers in their respective fields.

But if you're considering heading back to school, remember that a higher degree doesn't necessarily mean a higher salary. Your key to success is finding the career training that interests you and inspires you to learn more.

Mary Fineday is a freelance writer from Austin, Texas.

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Jobless and Moving Back Home

by Gina Cappiello, www.123Movers.com


Moving back home with your parents after being let go from a job can make you feel disappointed and frustrated. Don't get discouraged by this minor setback. Here are some tips to help you during your job hunt while home:

Stay active

Some parents tend to meddle. This means you should prepare for a lot of questions about your job hunt. The best way to avoid being badgered with questions is to stay busy. While looking for jobs, it could be beneficial for you to start volunteering for an organization in town. This not only gets you out of the house but also can open doors to a potential career elsewhere. If a full-time job isn't happening, you may want to look for an opportunity to take on a part-time job. It, too, may turn into something more permanent and will give you some extra income to pay bills off with.

Listen

It's going to be tempting to snap at your parents when they try to offer advice. Instead of interrupting them with angry comments, take a breath and listen--they know you're in a tough situation and want you to make the best decisions. And they may have good advice. Getting hounded daily about what you should and shouldn't be doing during your job hunt? You may have to calmly tell your parents that, as much as you appreciate their advice, they need to let you make decisions for yourself.

Be independent but respectful

You may be moving back home, but you certainly aren't a kid anymore! Show your parents that you're an adult by doing many of the things you do when you're living on your own. Continue to go out with friends, go on interviews for jobs you want, and so on. However, avoid slipping into behaving like a rebellious teenager: though it's important to maintain your independence when you move back home, it's also very important to obey the major house rules. Give your parents a heads up about what you're doing and when you'll be home. Behaving in a mature way is the best way to make sure you're treated like a grownup.

Help out

Now that you're living at home again, you may not have to worry about paying rent. This doesn't mean that you're entitled to sit around and not contribute. Make a conscious effort to help out, and make yourself available for your family as payment for their generosity. Keep your room tidy, do chores when necessary, and offer to run errands to help lighten the load on your parents. They will appreciate your thoughtfulness and it'll further prove that you're a responsible adult.

Moving home requires some huge adjustments, but it doesn't have to be difficult. Follow the tips above to make your job search and living situation less stressful.

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Career Relocation Tips from Career Mover Patricia Roberts

by Gina Cappiello, www.123Movers.com

Patricia Roberts knows what it's like to relocate for work. As one of the first females selling with General Motors, she has moved 22 times for the sake of her career. Retired as of 2006, Roberts now resides in Michigan and works from home as the Director of Business Development for AskPatty.com, a website devoted to giving women automotive advice. We spoke with Roberts about her moving experiences and asked her to give job seekers some moving tips:

Don't constrain yourself based on location

You don't shop at an automotive store for jewelry, so why look for a job in an area where there are none? "Michigan is going through a huge contraction with the auto industry, but we don't have the people with the skills with the companies that are coming in," said Roberts, a Michigan native who has relocated with Michigan movers in the past. "I encourage everyone to leave for work because if you're in an area where there's nothing and you have no hope, you have to do what you have to do."

Move to where the jobs are

"I always encourage people to go where the opportunities are," said Roberts, whose 22 moves happened because of job promotions. If you can't find a job first, Roberts suggests packing up and moving out to where work is anyhow. Even if you have to leave the family behind for a bit, she emphasized the fact that it's not too difficult to move nowadays. "It doesn't cost anything to make a call anymore with Skype or cell phone plans with flat rates," said Roberts. "There is so much more connection available today that I don't think it's as traumatizing to pick up and go as it used to be. Go where the work is and grow from it, because it's ultimately the right decision for the family."

Embrace your move

"Moving is a stressful event even with all my experience," said Roberts. "Even though I know things are going to be fine, I get sick to my stomach about it." Although moving gets Roberts stressed at times, she's always embraced and enjoyed every move she made. She also considers moving to be a great way for a family to learn and grow. "The people I used to work with are moving to China and India for work now. It's a bigger move, but they all made the right decision as a result of it. They're exposed to a new country and learned about themselves through others." By embracing and learning to love your move, you'll be on your way to enjoying your new life.

Moving for a new job doesn't have to be a strenuous or upsetting experience. "There's always a bright side to moving," said Roberts, "like making new friends, going through new experiences, and such." Focus on the positives for your next job relocation, and you'll be in great shape when moving day arrives.

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