Posts Tagged ‘jobs’
Written on January 1st, 2012 by Samanthano shouts
The American dream has been getting foggier and foggier. The notion of getting good grades in school to advance on to a scholarly institution and graduate college to land a great job has become fleeting. Adding on a family, a home, car, and opportunity for enjoyment of these liberties are becoming a goal that has been cast at an even farther distance. Personal income has decreased sharply over the past 30 years—almost 10 percent. The standard of living for the American middle class has gone down with it. Jobs that were held by the middle class have turned into “low income” jobs. These jobs now make up almost half of all American jobs. This is huge.
Some experts are noting that “globalization” is a factor in creating this trend, and may contribute to a creating a two-tiered society in this country. Some experts are even mentioning that America may be on the way to becoming less that a first world country.
Technology is also a huge contributor to this trend. New technology has been the cause of the reduction of particular jobs and increased other jobs. Jobs that are now in demand are healthcare and hospitality. Jobs where there is an impact on direct care of basic human needs and relaxation will thrive in this society. All humans need healthcare, and others will still spend money on home wellness when regular health insurance is not affordable—this will not just be left for the increasingly wealthy, although the wealthy can afford to feed the more extravagant hospitality sector.
The private sector job market is steadily increasing; however, for low-income jobs. Private sector jobs for the middle class are steadily decreasing, and government jobs are about the same.
With this entire going on, some experts are noting that today’s American generation is doing better than the previous generation. So far, the greatest increase is being seen for seniors in their social security checks. However, this comes at a great cost to the government.
Surveys conducted by Gallop polls, reveal that older Americans feel better off than their parents were at the same age in comparison to younger Americans. The wealthy Americans surveyed feel much better than those that are not as wealthy. Overall, this connotation is down by 5 percent from similar surveys taken near the turn of the century. Surveys from Pew Research Center have also revealed equivalent results.
This all seems to be quite good for much needed morale. Perhaps, this may be enough to combat the reality of this situation.
The recent economic turmoil that most Americans have been feeling has been overwhelming for most. With the right amount of motivation, there is hope present for a better future. The thing is, how long will it take for this better future to be realized. Most experts have noted that although there will be steady increases, the real turn around of what has been deemed “The Great Recession” won’t be for a few years. In the meantime, we can still have hope.
Resources:
ABC News: http://abcnews.go.com
Reuters: http://www.reuters.com
Yahoo! Finance – The Daily Ticker: http://finance.yahoo.com
Written on January 1st, 2012 by Samanthano shouts
It has long been rumored that the wretched economic state that we are in has very few opportunities for recovery—one of them being a booming private sector. Start-Up businesses can help with the economic recovery system we need. Individuals that are interested in creating their own business can use their natural talents to get started. Some people have a distinct passion that he or she wants to bestow upon the world—and then there are some people that are not really sure what they may want to do.
With all of the ups and downs in the business world today, certain business paths have opened or widened as other businesses have failed. This has created a whole new way to look at business and the way people earn money. One of the factors of this phenomenon includes an increase of e-commerce, with mobile commerce (or m-commerce) climbing right behind. Keeping this in mind, here are a few great ideas for start-up businesses.
Shipping
Virtual shopping has created a boom in the shipping business. This natural occurrence has made huge profits for shipping businesses. Shopping malls are becoming ghost towns in favor or the virtual mall. This undoubtedly calls for the consistent need for shipping services and supplies. This is a good time to learn more about the shipping business and how to buy into a franchise.
Virtual Assistant
A lot of business owners need an assistant. However, not all of them are able to afford the space, equipment, and supplies he or she will need to complete the job. This is when a Virtual Assistant, also known as a VA, can be most useful. You can be that useful VA that a professional will pay to help him or her to become more successful. You will need to have your own home/office equipment and a connection to the Internet. The commute is none existent and your only steps away from the cafeteria and employee lounge.
Virtual Tutoring
Modern students are getting used to a diversified learning atmosphere—including online instruction. Although this has not eliminated in-class instruction, a lot more students expect some part of their course instruction to be online. There is an accepted convenience that makes this a highly desirable aspect of learning today.
Tutoring is an age-old student aide that can now be brought to a plethora of knowledge needy students. If you are a qualified tutor, you can now offer your services online. You can use one of the many communication portals such as video chatting or email to reach your students. Now you can tutor your pupils despite bad weather, personal ailments, or distance.
Now that you know about all of the different ways you can make 2012 your year to make it big in a private business you can talk to your financial advisor about how to get started. Pool your money resources together to make the necessary purchases. If you don’t have enough money as of yet, it will not hurt to find out how much money you will need to raise too make it to your goals—knowledge is power.
Written on November 4th, 2011 by Samanthano shouts
In a Nut Shell
Employment in America is increasingly challenging. Although there are reports of unemployment decreasing, this only accounts for those that are still eligible for unemployment benefits. A lot of Americans are no longer receiving benefits and are not necessarily getting work as a result. So what is happening to them? These are the people that are becoming, and by effect increasing, the nations poor.
The unemployment rate is being noted as approximately 9 percent, currently. However, another survey that concentrates on a wider scope of people that are not working, or are working only part-time in lieu of full-time work, brings the number to over 16 percent—this is a huge difference.
Some out of work job seekers feel they have exhausted all reasonable avenues, and have stopped looking for work. It becomes such a job, looking for a job, they become exhausted at what seems to be a matter of running in circles. According to some experts, the government really has to step it up to understand the full scope of who is unemployed and reach out with services to them all. This is the only way that a difference may be seen anytime soon.
Public jobs are decreasing while the private sector continues to increase. This is no doubt by an increasing amount of professional or expert services being offered by smaller companies. For a few lucky ones, this has been a catalyst for starting up a new business. However a problematic situation may occur if there is a lack of an ability to control costs, and maintain customers in such a cooling economy. Those that would tread those waters should do so with extreme care.
For others, there is the reality of seeking out public assistance. A lot of those that are able to utilize food stamps are still working—they have become the working poor. Demographics are shifting at an alarming rate as a direct result.
Metropolitan areas are a foreground for a growing number of poverty stricken families. Although food stamps are a non-monetary aid for families, this staple is considered to have decreased the official child poverty rate. However, the poverty rate of the elderly has recently “doubled,” according to a recent report released by the Associated Press.
One city town in Michigan has found it necessary to take a drastic and extreme turn by taking off the entire city’s funded street lamps. Not only did they cut off the electric current to public lampposts as a result to their indebtedness of over $55 million dollars, city officials have removed the lamps from the ground. The shutting off of a basic service that may sacrifice public safety is a sure sign of the drowning state of things for some communities that have more “people than they do jobs.”
The gap between the rich and the poor or the ‘haves and the haves not’ has increased tremendously. As a matter of fact, while the average American has been brought down to their knees, the nation’s rich have only gotten richer over the last thirty years. According to reports (AP), the nation’s wealthy have increased their wealth by almost 300 percent.
Resources:
Associate Press: http://www.ap.org
Contrary Indicator: http://finance.yahoo.com
Written on October 26th, 2011 by Samanthano shouts
College graduates have been having a really hard time of it lately. Unemployment is high and moral has been low. Trying to consider how to repay college loans in such an economy is more than challenging. The Obama administration has recognized this and has asserted a plan to help out college students with repaying college loans.
The Obama administration is going to ratify a college loan repayment cap in January 2012 instead of waiting to do so in 2014, according to a recent Reuters article. The cap would be at “10 percent,” of the college student’s income. This is a much welcomed and needed boost for our nation’s college graduates. At the very least, this plan is a start.
This is an independent change that does not have to have the approval of Congress for it to go forward.
According to the article, there are more Americans with college loan debt than with credit card debt right now. The amount of college loan debt is expected to increase and “exceed 1 trillion dollars this year, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.”
The loan changes are expected to be announced this week by President Obama.
There will be more changes for students with this plan as well. According to the article, there will be ”debt forgiveness,” after twenty years. Currently debt forgiveness is set at twenty-five years. The plan will also offer a loan bundling deal for some students. The plan will also allow for interest payment reductions for qualified students that choose to participate in the program.
Only a minimal amount of Americans in college loan debt are currently making use of the college loan “repayment by income” programs that are now in place. The administration is hoping that this will increase use of the program, while reducing the amount of monthly debt that students have to pay back.
Most people go to college as a way to elevate themselves to a skill set that will make him or her highly valuable to potential employers. College students work very hard and usually make very little money while in school. This is all done with an implied promise of success. However, today’s job market is so sparse. It is simply difficult to get a job that can allow for being independent, much less able to repay back significant college loans. The disparity among other reasons, have summoned low expectations for the future of American college graduates.
The Associated Press has reported that more than any other decade before, the “2000’s,” has proved to be an especially tough economic crunch on college students and their families.
College students were a huge force in getting Obama elected. Perhaps this has added to a persuasive atmosphere and called on the attention of those that can make a difference. Being able to pluck some of the more fixable issues out of the vast pool of economic despair may be a step in the right direction.
Resources:
Associated Press: http://www.ap.org
Reuters: http://www.reuters.com
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Filed under Cost Of Living, Loans
Tags:American dream, college, college loans, cost of livng, debt, economy, education, employment, finances, jobs, loans, money, new cap on college student loans
Written on October 16th, 2011 by Samanthano shouts
Social Security Loosing Ground for Modern Seniors
We would all like to retire at some point. With the increasingly disturbing economic storm that we have had to weather lately, this is becoming more fantasy than reality. More Americans must postpone retirement, and some believe that full retirement may not be possible anymore.
Americans have been retiring at age 65 since 1938. This age increased to 67 by 1960. The way that this works is that anyone born before 1937 may retire at the full retirement age of 65. As the years have gone on since then, the full retirement age has steadily increased. Options exist to retire from age 62 – 67. However, at age 62, a reduction will occur for those collecting social security benefits. Only at the corresponding full retirement age, may retirees collect the full social security benefit amount. This has been an off putting reality that have seniors scratching their heads trying to figure out how they will survive in today’s world.
Don’t Get Old
Seemingly easier said then done. What can be done is to not allow your skills to become stale and dated. Stay up on the latest working trends, including new software, business machines, methods, and technology. There are many ways to gain access to these training online, or you may be able to take classes at a local accredited school. Keep on buffing up on the latest business tools and keep your skill set growing. You will stay current and in the stream of what is happening now. Make yourself an asset to your company and you will go far.
Keep Saving and Investing
Don’t put a cap on your saving plan. Keep on saving your money, and selecting diversified stocks to invest in. The key is to keep to your saving schedule so that you may have enough to fall back on down the road. And with proper investing, you can make your money work for you.
Part-Time Work
You may be able to subsidize your benefit income with a part-time job. Use the skills that you had in your full-time work life to your benefit. You can also start your own business and take on light contracting work to make ends meet. The more creative you are, the more you will be able to resolve your own situation.
Sell Off Marketable Items
You may have acquired a hefty lot of valuables over the years. Perhaps you may be able to sell off some of it and put that into savings. Make sure that you have had these items appraised and keep track of the certificate paperwork. This can be old unwanted jewelry, artwork, property, books, automobiles, furniture, and other antiques. Make sure you have a clear record of what you have within an inventory log. You don’t have to part with your truly precious items that hold sentimental value for you. Hold on to those treasures.
If you are still holding to a big house, you may want to consider moving into a smaller home or apartment. You can save big on property tax, maintenance, and huge utility usage bills.
With careful planning and constant awareness of what is going on in the world, retirees may be able to enjoy a well-deserved rest.
Resources:
Social Security Online: http://www.socialsecurity.gov
The Wall Street Journal: http://online.wsj.com
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Filed under Cost Of Living, Income, Investment
Tags:American dream, budget, cost, economy, employment, finances, income, jobs, money, retirement, retirement age, social security
Written on September 14th, 2011 by Samanthano shouts
Highest in Decades
The American dream has been a driving ideal for those born here, and for immigrants seeking a better way of life. Along with this sentiment is a common vision, of this better way of life – a beautiful three-bedroom house, with an emerald green lawn, white picket fence, and friendly recipe-sharing neighbors. Perhaps the dream has had some new additions or modifications such as having a larger apartment within a bustling city, and a room with a view. All in all, it adds up to a want for the most desirable contemporary life experience.
The Associated Press has released information from a Census Bureau report regarding a study conducted in 2010. It states that almost one out of every six Americans is living in poverty. That is a huge amount of people: over 45 million Americans are. This is up by .8% from 2009.
The reasoning for such increasing numbers is the lack of jobs in America today. As I have reported recently, the unemployment rate in the US is rising at an exponential rate. According to the report, the last three years have had the highest increase rate from any three-year timeline since the ‘80s, and the highest amount of Americans living in poverty since the late ‘50s.
For these reasons a lot more Americans have had to rely on social services such as welfare, and food stamps. Reuters has reported the same amount of people on food stamps – 15%. Up “74% from 2007, just before the financial crisis and a deep recession led to mass job losses.” However, some of those receiving these food stamp benefits may be working as the underemployed. These are astonishing numbers – absolutely incredible.
Hopefully, Obama’s job plan will be acceptable and get Americans back to work. Economists are fully behind his plan. However, some are still reluctant to change financial “growth forecasts” for the remainder of this year, and going into the next. Predictions are still being “trimmed at a percentage point,” according to reports (AP). The US needs to produce about one-quarter million jobs on a monthly basis, to even begin to combat the high unemployment rate. A “rapid” job creation increase is what Americans need, according to the same report. Without that, we may continue at the currently over 9% unemployment rate.
At any rate, we need something extremely positive to happen quite quickly.
The census has determined that those living on less than approximately “$22,314” for a household of four, and less than “$11,139” for any one person are considered to be living in poverty.
The statue of liberty has a greeting meant for all that have chosen to live here. It states: “give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, the tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” Now it seems that we are the tired, the poor, and “huddled masses yearning to breath free…”
Resources:
Associated Press: http://www.ap.org
Reuters: http://www.reuters.com
The Statue of Liberty – Ellis Island Foundation, Inc.: http://www.statueofliberty.org
Yahoo! News – The Lookout: http://www.finance.yahoo.com
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Filed under Cost Of Living, Currency, Income
Tags:American dream, American poverty rate, cost of livng, debt, economy, employment, finances, growth, jobs, money, poor, poverty
Written on September 10th, 2011 by Samanthano shouts
Linked With Resignation of European Executive
America has been feeling the pinch of rising oil and gas costs in recent months. Political embargos or work stoppage with oil rich countries have served as a catalyst for this trend. For the first time, in a long time, oil prices are down and we can expect to get bit of a break. The reason why may surprise you.
Resignation Domination
Juergen Stark, a top Economist at the European Central Bank, has handed in his resignation according to a report by the Associated Press: Stark will be finishing out his term early. This news has inspired the price of oil to go down as doubts about Europe’s debt crisis increases. Although Stark’s exit has been noted in the article for “personal reasons,” it is believed that there may be a connection to a growing divide among European officials. These ideas seem to have taken to the wind and traveling far enough to make people fear that this change may be an indication of Europe becoming overwhelmed – furthering financial demise in Europe. If European officials cannot agree on what to do about their own issues, the world becomes very nervous and a global chain reaction begins.
How Low
It has also been reported that oil is down by 2%: approximately $.30 cents in New York and $1.30 in the UK.
Reasons for Concern
Europe is a huge consumer of oil. Without a stable European debt recovery plan in place, a trend of low usage will manifest itself. There will be no real way to know if Europe will be able to afford the same supply of oil – or other merchandise, for that matter. This will have a direct effect on the price and distribution of oil, as well as on how Europeans travel. Changes in this behavior could certainly be detrimental to American tourism.
The prices went down due to an anticipated lack of demand, according to experts. This includes heating oil as well. However, it has been reported that the U.S. supply of oil has decreased dramatically because of an increase in demand, recently. Of course this has to be related to the recent storms as well. These were a hindrance to transporting oil, as well as causing a spike in demand, for that particular time. It seems that more oil is on the way from Libya, after a stoppage of over 200 days. However, the amount being sent is hardly enough to keep American consumers satisfied for long, unfortunately.
What Else is Being Affected?
What else is not being affected is probably a better question. As it stands, stocks have been going down and the Dow fell to a significant low at close on Friday as a result. Experts have stated that they expect for stocks to fall even further – possibly pushing America into a deeper recession.
This news is quite startling. According to the experts, Stark’s separation is being seen by some as a telltale sign of worse days to come.
Hope in Sight
If Obama’s job plan actually takes flight, there may be a chance for a trickle effect recovery. Many economists are on his side and believe his bill makes perfect sense and truly will work. It is now up to congress to bring the bill into being. This will pump new life into the American economy. It is believed that this opportunity for rejuvenation will be a promising start for all of us.
Resources:
Associated Press: http://www.ap.org
Canadian Press: http://www.thecanadianpress.com
Yahoo! News: http://www.ca.finance.yahoo.com
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Filed under Banking, Currency, Income, Investment
Tags:debt, economy, employment, European Central Bank, European Debt Crisis, finances, jobs, Juergen Stark, money, risk
Written on September 9th, 2011 by Samanthano shouts
Stimulating a Path to Recovery for Job Seekers
The economy has had a deep impact on the way people are doing business. Most economists believe that it will take a flourishing small business market to successfully stimulate the job market in America.
What Job Seekers Need to Know
Those that are looking for a job may find that they may have a better chance gaining employment with an owner of a small business. As a matter of fact, experts say that it will be easier for a worker to find a job with a small business than with a large business right now. Small businesses have been described as those with 1 – 499 employees.
A majority of large businesses, especially those in the public sector, are so overwhelmed with “human capital” that they can afford to let scores of people go at a time. They simply can’t sustain huge amounts of people right now. These businesses maintain a safety net plan that allows for the streamlining of their workforce on a whim. On the other hand small business owners need help and can’t do without some sort of human support for their business. Because they are so small they have to do a lot of work themselves. Small businesses d0 not have a big business budget to hire large amounts of people at a time. However, with a high enough volume of small businesses, more workers can be extracted from the overwhelming unemployed population and put to work. These new hires can help these small businesses to grow – the ultimate goal for any small business owner.
There may also be a substantial governmental gain for small business owners that hire workers right now. President Obama has presented a job proposal to congress this week, the American Jobs Act, which includes a break for small business owners. Those that hire workers will be eligible for huge tax cuts across the board – up to 50%. This is a definite incentive for small business owners to hire. And this could mean a tremendous boost for the economy as well.
Another thing for job seekers to consider is the fact that small businesses tend to hire more people without specialized degrees or higher education. Once you have the appropriate skill and experience, you may find it easier to get into your field of work. Start-ups can be especially tolerant of staff members without advanced degrees. The focus is on getting the job done. If you can handle that, you are sure to be hired and maintain that job.
There is also a trend within the small business sector that grants more opportunities for a highly diversified range of minorities.
Overall, small firms are creating more jobs than any other sector right now. This is also a trend seen during times of higher than normal unemployment rates from large businesses or the public sector.
With all of this said, the time is now for job seekers to look for employment with a smaller firm to have their own personal needs met. You are welcome with open arms.
Resources:
Small Business Administration: http://www.sba.gov
Yahoo! News: http://www.news.yahoo.com
Written on August 26th, 2011 by credit2meno shouts
It is hard for many people right now to find a job due to the cut backs. The economy is hard and that means that there are more applicants for the jobs that are offered. A positive attitude goes a long way though so keep your chin up and think about the prospects. When a prospective employer interviews you, smile and let them know that you are going to work hard in any capacity they offer.
You may not be aware though that more than ½ of all jobs aren’t advertised. With that in mind, get the word out about what you can offer. Tell your friends, family, and neighbors you are looking for work. They may be able to tell you about a job they know about. Word of mouth is very powerful so use it to your advantage while looking for work.
Brush up on your skills if you find that you are lacking some for a particular type of job. Take a college class or an online course. If your math skills are rusty, do some online games to see what you can learn. You can also get workbooks with questions and answers. If your typing isn’t the best, practice with free online typing tests to get your words per minute up there.
Make them an offer they can’t refuse when you are looking for a job, and it will get you noticed. For example, ask an employer if you can give them an example of how you would promote their product to potential customers. Offer to work for them for one day for free so they can see how you do.
Be sincere in what you offer, with no strings attached. That determination may be enough to encourage the employer to give you the job. Keep in mind that the economy is tough so be flexible. Consider working part time until something full time is available. Consider working a shift you normally wouldn’t if that is what the business needs right now.
You can also start your own business if you are struggling to find employment. There are many types of businesses you can operate online with very little involved to get started. You can even work for someone else as a freelancer. Perhaps you would like to promote products for others through affiliate programs.
Finding employment in a tough economy takes time, so be patient. It can be rough though when you have bills but no money coming in. Use these tips though to help you with getting recognized as the best candidate for a job opening.