Employment

What Next In U.S. Economy?

April 29, 2016 By Twila Van Leer

Even though the government reports job growth again this spring, other factors seem inconsistent, leading to a somewhat hazy view as to what actually can be said for the national economy in the long run.

Inconsistent Factors In Determining Growth Or Decline In Economy

In March, only 126,000 new jobs were reported by the Labor Department, ending a run that saw more than 200,000 per month. The April figure rose again, to 225,500 new jobs. But the rising employment numbers have not been matched by significant increases in earnings.

Counterpoints to the job market improvements are signs that worker productivity is lagging, exports are diminishing, only modest gains have been reported in consumer spending and overall economic expansion is “sluggish.”

America has been the engine pushing the world’s economy in recent years, but the International Monetary Fund predicted recently that recovering strength in the big Asian economies could see them move into the lead.

The many factors determining either growth or decline in the economy are sending mixed signals of either potential strength or potential weakness. Lower oil prices have led to cutbacks at energy companies and the manufacturers who supply them. A stronger dollar has stymied export growth and depressed corporate profits.

On the rosy side, layoffs are down and home sales have surged this spring. A bad winter weather-wise, cheaper oil and a West Coast port wrangle (since resolved) all had a negative impact.

Factors Being Poured Into The Economic Mix In Recent Reports Include:

The number of Americans who applied for unemployment benefits dropped to 279,500 recently, the lowest level in 15 years. The decline seems to portend more hiring, according to the Labor Department. Some employers are holding off on hiring until the trend of the economy is clarified, the department report said. That opinion was supported by a private survey by ADP, a payroll processor. That survey showed that businesses added 169,000 jobs in April, compared with 175,000 in March.

Worker productivity dipped in the first quarter of this year while labor costs went up. The Labor Department report said it was only the third time in 25 years that productivity has shown a decline over two quarterly reporting periods. Such declines suggest that workers are becoming less efficient.

The trade deficit increased in March, creating a drag on the U.S. gross domestic product. However, imports rebounded after the West Coast ports dispute was settled. American exports have become more expensive for foreign purchasers because of the strength of the dollar. The trade gap rose 43 percent over February, the government report shows.

Although the government estimated an 0.2 percent annual growth during the first quarter of 2015, some economists argue that when the trade deficit is factored in, there was actual shrinkage in the economy from January through March.

Job Hunting? Go Online

April 28, 2016 By Twila Van Leer

The number of online resources to help in the job search is expanding and creating a very valuable tool for people looking for work. They have the advantages of being available 24 hours a day and of being constantly refreshed as new jobs come onto the market.

Online Resources Convenient For Employers

Employers are becoming aware of the resources and find them convenient in matching the qualifications of applicants to their particular needs. There is no charge for the majority of the services.

Among The Resources You Might Tap Are:

1. America’s Job Bank, which lists job openings nationwide.

2. FirmFind, which lists job possibilities by category to make your search more specific.

3. Your state also is likely to have job listings online if you are interested in staying put geographically.

How Resources Work

The computerized systems streamline by matching your skills, abilities and work history to specific job requirements. They list government jobs as well as those in the private sector. They range from unskilled to highly technical and can be part-time, temporary or permanent.

How Can You Enhance Your Possibility Of Finding The Perfect Job Online?

Be professional in your application. Be sure you include a current phone number, address and email address. Be straightforward and accurate in listing your qualifications. Be thorough and use correct grammar and punctuation.

Create An Online Account

Create an account that will enable you to apply for thousands of jobs. When you spot something that interests you, follow the instructions on the announcement to apply. You must be completely registered to be able to see the application instructions.

Stay Current

Check on your applications frequently to learn your status and update your account regularly.

Be Available

Be certain that you are available to respond if a prospective employer is interested in your application. Remember, he has plenty of choices.

Paid Parental Leave Largely Ignored

April 22, 2016 By Twila Van Leer

Fear of job loss factor in ignoring parental leave. — Fear of loosing a job a factor in people not choosing to use parental leave.

More states are joining the effort to require employers to provide paid maternity leave, but the programs seem to be vastly underused, according to Business Insider. A growing number of employers are opting to provide the service even if their states do not require it. But surveys show that the programs are not being used to their potential. For instance, in California, where parental leave will be paid for six weeks at 55 percent salary, only 25-40 percent of eligible mothers use the leave.

The benefits of being paid at least a percentage of income for several weeks to welcome a new family member should be encouraging. Studies show that there are increases in employee morale, healthier babies, better bonding and fewer problems down the road that require state assistance.

So why are employees not taking full advantage of the option? Studies have consistently shown the following as reasons:

People Fear They Will Lose Their Jobs

In some cases, discrepancies between state and federal laws mean that the employee may have to choose between the paid leave and job loss. Gaps between the federal Family Medical Leave Act, which has guaranteed job protection for some, leaves other employees vulnerable. The act ensures job security up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave, but only for those who work at least 1,250 hours per year at businesses with at least 50 employees. Statistics show that more than half of all American workers are employed by small businesses that don’t meet the requirement.

The Possibility Of Negative Career Outcomes Deters Many

Even if they have FMLA assurance that their job will be protected, there is subtle evidence that employers may discriminate against workers who accept the leave. The New York Times reported survey results that showed women, after passage of FMLA, were 5 percent more likely to keep their jobs, but 8 percent less likely to get promotions. Men who take advantage of the leave may get negative performance reviews and there is a perception that workers of either gender are less committed to their jobs if they stay home for awhile after the birth of a child.

Many Workers Are Not Aware That They Are Entitled To Paid Parental Leave

In California, 12 years after the state initiated its paid leave provisions, only 36 percent of workers were aware of the program, according to paidfamilyleave.org. The organization’s survey also showed that those in the age group 18-29, Latinos, less educated workers and those in lower income brackets – those most likely to benefit from the program – were not aware.

The question of paid maternity leave is gaining momentum, but these obvious flaws must be addressed before it will be a viable option for the many Americans who work during the childbearing years.

Preparing For Your Career

April 21, 2016 By Twila Van Leer

The more education the broader range of jobs which leads to greater earnings. — Higher education leads to greater earnings.

“What are you going to be when you grow up?” It’s the standard question kids get from the time they are able to converse. The answer, though they don’t have any way of knowing it, will make a huge difference in their lives.

Used to be most boys opted for jobs as firemen or star-quality quarterbacks. Girls for a long time were limited to teaching and nursing. Now there are dozens of job options for children of either gender and preparation for them runs the gamut, from high school education through years of graduate work. Likewise, the income they can expect has a wide range. The tales of high school dropouts who made fantastic fortunes are few and far between.

Career Preparation Begins In Elementary School

Experts can reasonably predict how successful a child is going to be based on performance in grades K-12, although, of course, there are exceptions. Many job opportunities are sidelined along the way, placed off-limits to children who don’t see the connection between education and the future in the job market. A serious approach to the foundation years of education will help a child and the support and guidance of parents can make a huge difference. Ideally, however, children should be advised that money is not the only reward for work. Satisfaction in the activity a child chooses to pursue is as important as what they can earn.

The More Education The Greater The Earnings

Logically, a child needs to know that the more education they get, the broader the range of jobs they will qualify for and the greater their earnings will be. If they don’t finish high school, for example, the jobs that are available include such things as waitressing, farm work, fast food preparation, custodial jobs or highway maintenance, will pay from $1,583 to $2,500, according to standard listings.

High School

A high school diploma will generally offer entry into such jobs as bank teller, construction, data entry, child care, military, travel agent and others. The pay range is $2,049 per month to $3,494.

Vocational

A vocational degree (two years or less of post-high school education) in fields such as auto mechanic, cosmetologist, machinist, plumber, welder, etc., increases the range from $2,040 to $3,666.

Associate

A two-year associate degree ups the ante. Jobs such as dental hygienist, office manager, paralegal, nurse or real estate agent are opened up., with pay ranging from $3,205 to $5,759.

Bachelor’s

A bachelor’s degree is required for accountants, teachers, elementary teachers, flight attendants, social workers, marketing managers, news reporters, graphic designers, meteorologists and many other professional jobs. Pay ranges from $3,154 to $7,859.

Master’s

A master’s degree prepares secondary teachers, physical therapists, psychologists, engineers, guidance counselors, librarians and speech pathologists and other specialized fields, with pay from $4,479 to $7,318.

Professional

The step up to a professional degree is required for college professors, dentists, lawyers, optometrists, pharmacists, veterinarians, etc. The pay ranges from $4,500 to $12,645.

Medical

Medical degrees take several years of very expensive training beyond a bachelor’s degree, but the wages are commensurately higher, beginning at an average of $14,500 for a pediatrician to $15,246 for a general practitioner.

There are, obviously, dozens of variables that enter into the equation, but the general truth is that the better, highest-paying jobs go to those who are educationally prepared.

Career Planning Tips

March 11, 2016 By Sherry Tingley

The statistics leave little doubt that post secondary education is the best way to improve your earning power. But simply going on to college is not the best way to approach such education. Target your post-high school learning to specific goals, a publication of the U.S. Department of Education suggests.

Schooling that meets your goals.

There are many types of universities, colleges and other training opportunities. Picking the one that meets your goals can save you time and money. If a one-year certificate will get you the job you want, don’t head to a four-year degree institution. For some students, the one- or two-year qualification may set you up to earn enough to finance further education, if that’s what you want.

Stackable credentials.

It is sometimes possible to combine work experiences and training at the same time. “Stackable credentials” may be available and could move you toward additional education while working to pay for it.

Campus size and experience.

Consider what size campus and student population makes you most comfortable. It can have a telling effect on the quality of your education. Consider extracurricular opportunities and social aspects of the experience if those things are important to you, but always work toward the short-term goals. Do you want to be near home or in an entirely new location?

Best programs for chosen field.

If you are already determined to pursue a particular career objective, choose an institution that will get you there without a lot of side trips. Research the academic departments in several schools to determine if they have strong programs in your chosen field. Network with people already working in your chosen career path. Their advice could be valuable.

Choosing a career.

If you are not set on a career, an academically balanced school will give you the opportunity for exposure to a variety of options.

Explore financial opportunities.

College costs are going up and you should explore any an all opportunities for scholarships, grants, work-study options and loans to prepare to meet the financial challenge. Search online to see where you can get the best education for the money expended. Be acutely aware of how much debt you want to acquire. Education debt has become a drain on future earnings for many college graduates.

Prepare while in high school.

While you are still in high school is the best time to prepare to meet the requirements of the post-secondary institution of choice. Some colleges and universities have admissions policies that require you to apply six or eight months before you expect to attend classes. Others accept new students year round. Many have minimal GPA or SAT scores.

Look into retention rates.

Dropping out of a higher education program is costly and time consuming and leaves you years away from the goals you set. Don’t stop short of the goal if you can help it. Look at the retention rates of the school you want to attend. They may give you clues as to how much the school will be willing to do to hold onto you as a student.