Movin' On Up

Baby Boomers – A Chance at a Second Career after Retirement

As the oldest of nearly 76 million Baby Boomers reach retirement age in 2008 and less than 50 million workers replace them in the workforce, there are many reasons why, besides the impending worker shortage, employers are scrambling to hire and retain this maturing workforce.

There is, however, some good news for employers. According to studies, nearly 80% of Baby Boomers plan to work in some capacity well past retirement age, either part-time or full-time with flexible schedules. In addition to easier schedules, Baby Boomers are expected to venture into new career paths. Some want less stressful or labor intensive careers that will allow them to incorporate volunteer work and family time, and others want learn something new that will continue to stimulate them mentally.

For Baby Boomers interested in changing careers, or continuing to work after they reach retirement age, Forbes recently released a Top 20 Jobs List. Below are just a few jobs that are in high demand for Baby Boomers.

• Nursing:  $20-60 plus based on training, level and specialization
• Health Care Administration:  $10-15 per hour for clerical; $20-30 for professional; $25 plus for managerial positions
• Teaching Aide:  $8-$15 per hour based on level of responsibility and qualifications
• Merchandise and Grocery Retailing:  $8-15 per hour for sales associates and customer service; $15-30 for supervisor or manager
• Office Clerical and Administrative:  $9-12 for entry clerical and administrative; $12-16 for skilled administrative staff
• Franchise Business Owners:  earnings vary based on several factors

With so many Baby Boomers planning to stay in the workforce, many employers are finding ways to accommodate this generation and entice them to work for their companies. AARP recently released a report of the best companies for employees over 50 to work for. To check out the list, click here.

Are you planning to work or change careers after retirement? Does your employer provide benefits or incentives for older employees to stay with the company?

The Great Debate: Return to School or Get a Job. How to decide your next career move

Are you struggling with your job search and getting frustrated because you haven’t landed a job, even though you have the education? Many graduates of high school, college and vocational schools have a hard time finding jobs, even after completing their degrees. Some get so frustrated that they want to head back to school to better their chances of finding a job in a different field. But before you decide to go back to school and pursue a new career, try some of these tips to turn your job search into a success.

Evaluate your situation – Take a look at where you are now, what experiences you’ve had and where you want to be in the future. If you’re looking for a job in a field that you don’t currently have any experience in, find ways to get that experience by volunteering, interning or taking an entry-level position. If you’re considering going back to school, look into the opportunities that a new career could offer. Another degree may not promise a job offer, higher salary or professional growth, so decide if it’s worth it to stick with the degree you have and just gain experience in that field. You may have to make a few sacrifices along the way, but the sacrifices you make now will pay off in the future by helping you land the job you want.

Update your résumé – Résumés create a lasting first impression. If you’ve submitted résumés to several employers and have yet to receive an invitation for an interview, pull yours out and see what updates or changes can be made. It’s important to grab the attention of potential employers, so don’t be afraid to ask someone else for their input, or contact a professional to help you. Co-workers, friends and family members can offer ways to improve your layout, design and content. Going back to school to add another degree will look great on your résumé, but if you lack the experience needed for the position, your extra degree won’t guarantee an employment offer or even an interview.

Practice interviewing – If you’ve been looking for a job for a while and have been to several interviews but haven’t received a job offer, your interview skills may need some tweaking. Ask someone to practice with you and have them ask questions that are frequently asked by employers, specific to your résumé and pertain to the job you’re interested in. When you practice with others, they can help you identify areas that need to be improved and can offer hints to help you really sell your skills to a potential employer. Going back to school won’t help you master interviewing or land a job. Practicing your interviewing skills is easier and less time consuming than school, so consider taking this step to improve your job search before hitting the books.

Finding a job can be a challenge for anyone, but it’s possible to find a job in your field. Before you give up and head back to school or switch careers, try these tips to improve your job search and land the job you want.

Were you able to find a job right out of school? How did you successfully land a job? Give us your feedback in the comments section below.

5 Secrets to Getting Promoted

Getting ahead in your career doesn’t happen by accident. If you want to get promoted you need to dedicate yourself to becoming the best employee you can be. The following five tips can help you grow professionally and land a promotion.

1. Increase your skill level. If you’ve been passed over for a promotion in the past, it could be because you’re lacking essential skills needed to advance in your industry. To remedy this, evaluate your capabilities in comparison with those who have recently been promoted. If you determine that your skills fall short in a particular area, take action. This could mean finishing a degree, getting a particular certification or working with a mentor to grow as a professional.

2. Become indispensable. When management is choosing between candidates for a promotion, they’ll review each applicant’s track record. To make sure you stand out above the competition, focus on becoming your boss’s go-to person by volunteering for tough projects and always showing eagerness to offer a helping hand. When a project demands extra time, stay late or work through your breaks will. This will show your boss that you’re dedicated to fulfilling your commitments.

3. Be in the know. Having relationships with the right people is essential to advancing your career. To get ahead, focus on developing a solid group of supporters through networking, both inside and outside of your organization. You can build your network of contacts by becoming a member of professional organizations in your field and volunteering for cross-departmental projects and committees within your company. Remember, moving up is often more about who you know rather than what you know.

4. Excel in your current role. You can show your boss that you’re worthy of greater responsibility by producing higher quality work in your current position. To do this, you’ll need to always complete projects on time, show expertise concerning all aspects of your current position and get along well with your teammates. If you consistently exceed expectations in your present role, you’ll be on the top of the list when management selects a candidate for the next big opportunity.

5. Change jobs. Leaving your current job is generally a last resort to advancing professionally. After all, if you like your job, it makes sense to stick around as long as you can. But, if your employer can’t provide adequate opportunities for professional growth and advancement, it may be time to look for a new job. But remember to always conduct yourself professionally, even as you search for greener pastures. You never know who at your current organization might be able to help your career sometime in the future.

Have you recently been promoted? What do you think caused your supervisors to select you for advancement? Let us know in the comments section below.

Tips for Saving Money While on the Job

With gas prices soaring to record highs, the cost of merely driving to your job each day can be enough to break the budget. You go to work to earn money, not to spend the money you make on work-related expenses. The following tips can help you cut down on on-the-job expenditures.

Pack Your Lunch
If you eat out for lunch everyday, you’re spending a lot of money on food. Depending on where you eat, you’re probably burning through $25-50 a week on restaurant lunches. By packing your lunch, you can greatly reduce your meal expenses and have greater control over your diet. Inexpensive lunch time options include packing a sandwich, bagel, canned soup, salad, frozen dinner or leftovers.

Keep in mind that just because you bring your lunch doesn’t mean you should stay in the office to eat it. Getting away from your desk provides a beneficial break in your day, so pack your lunch and save money, but also get some fresh air and a change of scenery on your lunch hour.

Hitch a Ride
With gas prices well over $3 a gallon, the cost of getting to work creeps higher each day. To cut back on commuting costs, consider using public transportation, carpooling or riding your bike. Even if you have to wake up a little earlier to use one of these solutions, the savings can really add up.

Investigate your city’s public transportation system to see if there are stops near your work and home. Ask around at your workplace to locate co-workers who live near you. Chances are, they’re feeling the pinch of higher gas prices as well and may be interested in carpooling. If you live close to your employer, walking or riding your bike to work may be an economical and environmentally-friendly option to consider.

Shop for Deals on Business Apparel
Purchasing business clothing and accessories can get pretty pricey. Shopping consignment and discount stores can save you lots of money as you build and maintain your wardrobe.

While looking polished and professional on the job is valuable for your career, it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In addition to shopping for in-store bargains, consider going online for deals. Websites such as eBay and Craigslist often have great deals on new or lightly worn items.

Do you have any money-saving tips for others? What’s worked for you? Let us know in the comments section.

3 Benefits of Relocating for a Job

Moving to a new city for a job has its perks along with its downfalls. Most often, the career opportunities you find will outweigh the discouraging side of relocating. Here are three advantages to encourage you to take the leap and look for a job in a new city.

A better job market. The job market differs from city to city and field to field. If you’re struggling to find a job in your area, consider looking for an area with a better job market in your desired field. Your chances of landing the job you want can increase if you move to a thriving metropolis or search for jobs in multiple markets.

Career opportunities. Some locations are better for specific careers than others. So, if you’re set on a particular career and there’s limited availability in your area, make the move to an area that offers that job. Not only will you have more opportunities to find a position in that career, you’ll also improve your chances of advancing in the field as more opportunities are available in a city that offers your career choice.

Growth potential. When it’s time for a promotion, relocating may be your only option to stay within your current company or organization. If your company has many locations, relocating can open up career options. Higher-level positions might only be in other cities, especially if you’re eyeing a position at your organization’s headquarters. If you choose not to move, you may limit yourself in the long run. Moving can set you on the fast track for a move into higher management.

Whether you’re struggling to find a job or are ready to take the next step in your career, relocating might just be the best path to new career opportunities and long-term success.

Have you relocated for a job? How has your career benefited from the move? Give us your feedback in the comments section below.