Greetings from California

<strong>Work</strong><br />I'm in Oakland for my job, another deployment that has gone awry. It's 2 a.m. and essentially the entire counter and gates are down right now and none of the "experts" can figure out how to get it all working.<br /><br />You would think by now, this being our seventh city doing this, that we would all have it figured out. Unfortunately, that's not the case. Every airport is different, different network setups, different systems. I just hope we can get it all working by 5 a.m. when the counter opens...or it will be hell. I'm not even sure how we can function without computers and printers.<br /><br /><strong>Diet and Exercise</strong><br />My eating is on track. I lost a pound since yesterday, so I'm back to my pre-Thanksgiving, and pre-death in the family weight. I'm still up 20 pounds from where I was a couple months ago, but I'm working on it.<br /><br />My hotel is pretty nice, and my room is gorgeous. I'm in the new section with the new gym., which I haven't been able to check out yet (later , if I ever make it back to my hotel). I'm in a suite with a microwave and fridge. I even packed a bunch of my own food for sandwiches and snacks. I'm sick to death of eating out, plus I don't always make the best choices even if there are good choices to make.<br /><br />Well, that's it. Not much new. Still sitting here waiting for my network guys to figure out this mess. It's 2:16 a.m. and I'm exhausted. I just want to sleep.

Greetings from California

Work I'm in Oakland for my job, another deployment that has gone awry. It's 2 a.m. and essentially the entire counter and gates are ...

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7 Things You Should Have Said at the Job Interview

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/hm/ar5c7yl7406cxbnxz9hm.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/hm/ar5c7yl7406cxbnxz9hm.gif" yr="true" /></a><br /></div>One common complaint among job seekers is that they go on interview after interview and never receive a job offer. If you fit into this category, consider the possibility that you might be unknowingly sabotaging yourself by offering a weak interview performance.<br /><br />Below are typical interview scenarios, common job-seeker mistakes and the best way to manage each situation.<br /><br />Scenario No. 1: The interviewer came out swinging, asking tough but appropriate questions regarding a professional hiccup: your employment gap and job-hopping image. The question either left you stuttering with an incoherent message or sounding defensive because you were confrontational.<br />What you should have said: When the interviewer read your résumé, she knew about your job- search challenge and invited you in for an interview. As such, your hiccup wasn't a deal breaker, but a negative response could be one. Explain your situation without getting emotional or hotheaded by saying, "In the past I made the mistake of accepting a position based on salary alone. That mindset led to hopping from one job to another, because I was never completely satisfied. Now, I'm looking to work for a company where I'm compensated well and the company values complement mine."<br /><br />Scenario No. 2: The interviewer asked, "Why should I hire you?" You listed strengths that align with the open position. Although there's nothing technically wrong with your response, you could have taken your answer a step further.<br />What you should have said: "That's a fair question. Instead of providing a canned response, I'd like to participate in an audition interview so you can see my work ethic firsthand." An audition interview is when you perform the tasks of the position as though you were hired. This way, the hiring manager can see your performance before extending an official job offer.<br /><br />Scenario No. 3: "Why are you looking to leave your existing position?" is another typical question, one that you were expecting but weren't quite sure how to address. Your motive is grounded in bad feelings, and you blurt out, "My boss is out to get me. I'm tired of being looked over for promotions."<br />What you should have said: Honesty is always the best policy when answering interview questions. There is a difference, however, between shooting yourself in the foot and providing a straightforward response. If you're leaving a position because of office politics, the interviewer doesn't need to know the specifics. As a result, a neutral response such as, "I've advanced as far as I can with ABC Co. So I'm looking for a position where I can manage a larger territory and bring in lucrative accounts," works well because it's truthful without oversharing.<br /><br />Scenario No. 4: Since the average person searches for a new job about every two years, the interviewer wanted to know how long you planned to stay with the company if hired. Not sure how to respond, you said, "Until retirement." At first blush, the response sounds like a good one, because you're making a commitment to the hiring organization. But the response comes off as brown-nosing and not entirely believable in today's environment.<br />What you should have said: Show your ambition alongside your dedication by saying, "I plan on staying on board as long as I'm contributing to the department and growing professionally."<br /><br />Scenario No. 5: You committed an interview misstep by arriving late. Nervous, you rambled with a long excuse, bringing prolonged attention to your blunder.<br />What you should have said: Apologize and move on quickly. Extend your hands and say, "My apologies for my late arrival. I'm enthusiastic about the position and am looking forward to discussing how my accomplishments support the open requirements."<br /><br />Scenario No. 6: Toward the end of the interview, you were given an opportunity to raise questions. You asked typical questions, such as, "How soon do you expect to make a decision?" but stopped short of asking for the job outright.<br />What you should have said: "Based on today's conversation, do you have any reservations about extending me a job offer? If the interviewer provides a reason for hesitation, resell your qualifications. If the interviewer says "no," respond with, "I'm interested in the position. Can I have the job?" You'll be surprised that many will hire you contingent on a referral check.<br /><br />Scenario No. 7: At one point during the interview you were asked about your salary requirements. Based on advice you read over and over again, you throw back the question by asking, "What's the budget for the position?" Unfortunately, you did this one too many times, and the interviewer became irritated.<br />What you should have said: It's acceptable to avoid answering the salary question one or two times, but answer the question when asked a third time. You can provide a range by saying, "Based on the responsibilities of the job and my proven success in driving profits, I'm looking for compensation within the $60,000 to $75,000 range."<br /><br />With the right responses, you can turn those awkward interview situations around and land the job you want.<br /><br />By Linda Matias, JCTC, CIC, NCRW, is the author of the new book "201 Knockout Answers to Tough Interview Questions: The Ultimate Guide to Handling the New Competency-Based Interview Style" (Amacom 2009). As the president of CareerStrides, a career consulting firm, Matias coaches clients on effective interview techniques. For additional information visit: www.careerstrides.com

7 Things You Should Have Said at the Job Interview

One common complaint among job seekers is that they go on interview after interview and never receive a job offer. If you fit into this cate...

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Acing a Job Interview After 50

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/ph/ar5f5pz6wk9k2hqhrlph.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/ph/ar5f5pz6wk9k2hqhrlph.gif" yr="true" /></a><br /></div>"I was fully qualified and it makes no sense." <br /><br />"They simply don't know how to hire." <br /><br />"They told me that I was overqualified." <br /><br />Randy Block, a seasoned career transition coach and consultant in the Bay Area, hears these comments often. <br /><br />If you're an "older" job hunter, more than likely you already know that the ultracompetitive job search process in today's economy is especially hard on you. Part of the challenge you're facing is a major generation gap between baby boomer job hunters and the Gen X hiring managers of today. As Block noted, "30-somethings don't want to hire their parents. Unfortunately, that's how we often come across -- as their parents."<br /><br />You can succeed during interviews with younger hiring managers, but you'll want to think and act differently. Here are five areas to start with:<br /><br />Show passion for your work<br />Relationships are based on shared values, which make up most of what we call chemistry, Block says. Chemistry is enhanced when we meet others who have a shared interest. This extends to your work, profession or industry. If there is little passion or commitment from you for your work, how can you expect others to get excited during the interview? On the other hand, if you consider yourself driven or committed to what you do for a living, you'll most likely meet up with a hiring manager who has a shared interest in the same area. This, in fact, may be a new area for you as you undergo a possible career change. It gives you the opportunity to take your transferable skills and put them to use in some new ways for a different industry. If you're genuinely excited about your possibilities, your excitement can be contagious, especially during your interview. <br /><br />Sell your brand<br />The best way to prepare for an interview is to start with a focus and brand that sells you. Develop a personal brand statement for yourself, a simple sentence that offers three important selling points about you. First, it should say who you are. Second, it should offer your biggest strength(s) and third, it should offer the biggest benefit that you would bring to your next employer. <br /><br />The purpose of your brand is to go beyond mere duties and job descriptions and get to the "what's in it for them" benefit that will make the employer sit up and take notice. <br /><br />Being 'led' versus being managed<br />Another disparity that needs to be addressed, according to Block, is the fact that boomers want to be "led" and not managed. In his coaching practice, he found that most 30-something managers look for someone they can manage. In coaching sessions with young managers, he observed that their leadership skills typically lag behind their management skills. <br /><br />If you're a boomer, take note and realize that you might not get the visionary leader you hoped for in your next hiring manager. Block has discovered that most young managers need help and guidance. They actually appreciate being mentored, coached or advised. They recognize the need, but look at it as a temporary or project-based opportunity. <br /><br />This is an opportunity to sell yourself as a consultant whose many years of expertise can be useful in the role of a temporary coach or mentor. This may be a great meld between the "management versus leadership" dichotomy. This also increases your opportunities, since companies are hiring more consultants in this economic downturn. As the economy improves, that 1099 contract could well turn into a salaried position.<br /><br />Think 'tactical' versus 'strategic'<br />According to Block and other employment analysts, many companies today view their short-term survival needs as having paramount importance. They're looking for players who can hit the ground now and help them grunt through the next six to nine months. That will require a change in your marketing approach as phrases such as "long-term" and "strategic" won't have the sales impact of a year ago. Rather than emphasize the long haul in your résumé and interview marketing, look instead at selling yourself as an expert who can get in and fix the problems of today quickly and efficiently. Downplay any talk about long-range solutions and instead focus on clear, results-oriented achievements for short-range problems.<br /><br />Talk money<br />Money talks and it talks loudly. Money can also trump age, so try to get as close to the money as you can [TS1] when you describe who you are and what you bring to the table. <br /><br />Keep in mind that all organizations have only two basic needs: revenue and productivity. This is what keeps any top manager up at night. If you can help them, they will seek your advice and counsel. Therefore, come to the interview armed with specific examples of how you can solve their money (or productivity) problem. Your past achievements are examples of how to tackle the similar problems they're faced with today. If you can show yourself to be the problem-solver they need, you'll quickly rise to the shortlist of candidates. Your goal is to become the "go-to" person for their short-term revenue or productivity problems.<br /><br />Summary<br />Gen X managers need your help. Your working relationship will likely begin as either part time or a short-term contract but can extend into full time once you've proven yourself. Focus on ways you can help their short term "survivability" through this recession and get as close as you can to their revenue or productivity concerns. Talk money and how you can help them produce immediate results. A younger manager would have to be shortsighted not to explore a working relationship with someone more experienced. Capitalize on your wealth of experience to make a positive difference in the lives and careers of the Gen Xers.<br /><br />By Joe Turner a former recruiter, who spent 15 years finding and placing top candidates in some of the best jobs of their careers. The author of "Job Search Secrets Unlocked" and "Paycheck 911," Joe also hosts his weekly "Job Search Guy Radio Show" on JobRadio.fm as well as other locations. You'll find Joe's free tips and advice on landing a job in this tough economy at: http://www.jobchangesecrets.com.

Acing a Job Interview After 50

"I was fully qualified and it makes no sense." "They simply don't know how to hire." "They told me that I was o...

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Post Thanksgiving update

<div align="center"></div><div align="center">Alaskan Snow Puppies (my sister's two Bichon Frises) </div><div align="center"></div><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcoouDhIhraklbln5Rse-UusTvizeX42L5Dx6vRRyXZsdw3Uk4_zPWQkij_kItoKIqBC5FZYJ_KbgSoEEmS95Uf65zbBzd3OJMviU2C4Val_vuaRKMf09cTfQz3N1qG8z3WwrWppgu_Hy7/s1600/Alaskan+Snow+Puppies.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409628356699899666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcoouDhIhraklbln5Rse-UusTvizeX42L5Dx6vRRyXZsdw3Uk4_zPWQkij_kItoKIqBC5FZYJ_KbgSoEEmS95Uf65zbBzd3OJMviU2C4Val_vuaRKMf09cTfQz3N1qG8z3WwrWppgu_Hy7/s400/Alaskan+Snow+Puppies.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> </p><p align="center">View from the road my sister lives on - the Tanana River near North Pole, Alaska (at 3pm)</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh04x8EgGHsTKSdF0q9q3s2sHKrfRCq-slhhJPaWzM7B3NjdUUSJibmPpOrR4BeFkrjvwfUodvASJSTOboNKXYP3bBRI-JcgXGEdU4cwC5_oiLHds7UKQmD1iVFvrOqJFNskTit3IyrH2qv/s1600/Tanana2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409628353858717570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh04x8EgGHsTKSdF0q9q3s2sHKrfRCq-slhhJPaWzM7B3NjdUUSJibmPpOrR4BeFkrjvwfUodvASJSTOboNKXYP3bBRI-JcgXGEdU4cwC5_oiLHds7UKQmD1iVFvrOqJFNskTit3IyrH2qv/s400/Tanana2.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /> <p align="center"></a>Tanana River</p><p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5djFmnlP2285QNEbajCuuMYg5BafGGb0RTGDPZf9IQlxymRhBEuYO5utQgj3dMxTkycC_GErYwdpiIox6bkZgn6pekNYO-bEFQGnYpx9y9sTQ00vocYJSU6snPEhBJhtynCIdwzhdhiuT/s1600/Tanana+River.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409628341735440002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5djFmnlP2285QNEbajCuuMYg5BafGGb0RTGDPZf9IQlxymRhBEuYO5utQgj3dMxTkycC_GErYwdpiIox6bkZgn6pekNYO-bEFQGnYpx9y9sTQ00vocYJSU6snPEhBJhtynCIdwzhdhiuT/s400/Tanana+River.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br />I'm back home. I had a really good week with my sister and her family, and my brother. A lot of visiting, remembering the good times with my brother-in-law. A few tears, but more laughter than tears. Although leaving was really hard it was wonderful to sleep in my own bed last night. I'm glad to be home.</p><p align="left">I weighed on my home scales this morning. I'm up .6 pounds. That's slightly over 1/2 pound. Instead of beating myself up for not losing weight, which was my goal, I'm actually kind of happy it's only 6/10ths of a pound. It could have been so much worse.<br /><br />I worked out on the treadmill and with the weights for at least an hour five of the eight days I was in Fairbanks, and went for a two hour walk on the last day (it was 30 degrees - spring time weather!). I ate healthy every day until after dinner. Then the cookie, candy and ice cream monster took control, and I made some really poor choices.<br /><br />Unfortunately for me, all the treats on hand for the grandkids are all my favorite things. Ranger cookies, chocolate chip cookies, sugar cookies with frosting, cranberry cookies with oatmeal and white chocolate chips, every kind of candy imaginable, as well as several flavors of ice cream (we're talking about at least six 1/2 gallons of different flavors). Also, the pièce de résistance is my sister's homemade whole wheat bread. It's healthy, but eaten in large quantities with butter, it's not so healthy.<br /><br />Where does this put me in my plan to get to my goal of 135? Obviously I'm not on plan at all since my plan was to get to goal by the end of the year. Today it's back to counting Points and back to the gym. Even though my weight has been going the wrong direction, I'm not giving up, and I'm not beating myself up. I feel more determined than ever to get back on track.<br /><br />~Diana<br />176.2</p>

Post Thanksgiving update

Alaskan Snow Puppies (my sister's two Bichon Frises) View from the road my sister lives on - the Tanana River near North Pole, Alaska (...

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Planning de la semaine du 30 novembre au 04 décembre 2009

<BR><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Permanences<br /></span></strong></h2><ul><br /><li>Le <strong>Conseil Général du Loiret</strong> sera présent dans les locaux de la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans<br />- le lundi 30 novembre de 9h à 12h30<br />- le mardi 1er décembre de 9h à 12h30 et de 13h30 à 17h,<br />- le mercredi 02 décembre de 13h30 à 17h<br />- le jeudi 03 décembre de 13h30 à 17h<br />- le vendredi 04 décembre de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2007/11/solidarits-nouvelles-face-au-chmage.html">Solidarités Nouvelles face au Chômage</a></strong><br />- mercredi 02 décembre de 10h à 12h30<br /><br /><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2007/11/boutique-de-gestion.html">Boutique de gestion</a></strong><br />- vendredi 04 décembre de 9h à 12h30</li></ul><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Ateliers</span></strong><br /></h2><br /><ul><li><strong>CV</strong> - mardi 1er décembre de 9h à 12h30<br /><br /><li><strong>Lettre de Motivation </strong>- mardi 1er décembre de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2009/07/atelier-situtilises-tu-trouves.html">Sit'Utilises tu trouves</a></strong> - jeudi 03 décembre de 10h à 12h<br /><br /><li><strong>Préparation à l'entretien</strong> - jeudi 03 décembre de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong>Pôle-emploi.fr</strong> - vendredi 04 décembre de 10h à 11h30</ul>

Planning de la semaine du 30 novembre au 04 décembre 2009

Permanences Le Conseil Général du Loiret sera présent dans les locaux de la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans - le lundi 30 no...

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Forum de recrutement multi-sectoriel le 10 décembre

<BR><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfzu8Y6bMvJgPLtyc-6mHqZJfR_wRm93vVkYB0l1NIQeVHRNUK12-1wdMW39-KEHL28C9ig35Sg6TUGbjkQZ9g-5ny7Kb_eX_bwIJSYkj1vFoniCAsVRm2GLcFoY6hJzXgJjszGG4GiYr/s1600-h/au+centre+de+l%27emploi.gif"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382819620292507314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfzu8Y6bMvJgPLtyc-6mHqZJfR_wRm93vVkYB0l1NIQeVHRNUK12-1wdMW39-KEHL28C9ig35Sg6TUGbjkQZ9g-5ny7Kb_eX_bwIJSYkj1vFoniCAsVRm2GLcFoY6hJzXgJjszGG4GiYr/s320/au+centre+de+l%27emploi.gif" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 75px;" /></a><br />Un Forum de recrutement multisectoriel aura lieu :<br /><ul><li>le Jeudi 10 décembre 2009 de 9h30 à 17h<br /><li>au Parc des Expositions – Orléans</ul><br />La Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans présente sur le forum proposera notamment aux visiteurs de participer à un atelier de recherche d'emploi sur internet intitulé "<a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2009/07/atelier-situtilises-tu-trouves.html">Sit'Utilises tu trouves</a>".<br /><br /><a href="http://www.aucentredelemploi.fr/html/entreprises/entreprises_45.htm" "target=_blank">Liste des entreprises présentes</a><br /><BR>

Forum de recrutement multi-sectoriel le 10 décembre

Un Forum de recrutement multisectoriel aura lieu : le Jeudi 10 décembre 2009 de 9h30 à 17h au Parc des Expositions – Orléans La Maison de l&...

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Happy Thanksgiving!

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7i92H8qa3xDPSqRm2AfdHRwNwe07CspRaazeZfg1I_WGrfUFB59eHhCMicJA20bfU21NxXiGdwIGlxJ-dPWJOpq1Z9xpMIAhQRUjqlOVE9QpagMqieyc8_hiYS4fSqdz7pK_HIZtr5QJS/s1600/Diana+pics+007.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408254064173373794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7i92H8qa3xDPSqRm2AfdHRwNwe07CspRaazeZfg1I_WGrfUFB59eHhCMicJA20bfU21NxXiGdwIGlxJ-dPWJOpq1Z9xpMIAhQRUjqlOVE9QpagMqieyc8_hiYS4fSqdz7pK_HIZtr5QJS/s400/Diana+pics+007.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMqfxI8R9vgbWMIN2D6dQG5t1KipGKPBZw36AEHQi_jiVfI06s1BNvoHoEt4QjbrrcXE6bhNZjmwwkaanEUyhlmZkaDyR6TFVq0Xg8bJCwWddXIDFQez3DjmMjUANTuUphF63lOzlVkpRm/s1600/Diana+pics+015.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408252756641971330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMqfxI8R9vgbWMIN2D6dQG5t1KipGKPBZw36AEHQi_jiVfI06s1BNvoHoEt4QjbrrcXE6bhNZjmwwkaanEUyhlmZkaDyR6TFVq0Xg8bJCwWddXIDFQez3DjmMjUANTuUphF63lOzlVkpRm/s400/Diana+pics+015.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><br />The top picture is what I see while walking/running on the treadmill at my sister's house. The picture was taken at noon, and you can the sun is barely above the trees. Total daylight here is now at 5 hours and 14 minutes.<br /><br />The second picture is what I see when I lay on the floor by the windows to do my floor exercises, and look up. It's so pretty here, it looks like a Christmas card when I look outside.<br /><br />I've exercised three of the last four days, 50 minutes on the treadmill and only about 20 minutes weights. I don't have my iPod, so I watch TV. It's kind of like torture but I've been doing it.<br /><br />My food has been pretty good, lots of vegetables and fruits, except those darn cookies, ice cream and candy that are here for the kids are getting me almost every night. I'm perfect all day, then ruin it each night. I'm hoping the exercise is helping. I haven't dared step on the scales all week even though they haunt me every day.<br /><br />It's early here in North Pole, Alaska, 6:30am. The temperature outside isn't too bad, it's a balmy -5 degrees (it was -42 earlier this week so that feels warm!). I love that they have radiant heat in the floor so it's warm and toasty on my bare feet.<br /><br />My sister and my husband are in the kitchen fussing over the turkey. Today will be a day of food, fun, and family. There will be 18 people here for dinner, eleven adults and six children. It'll be a crazy, loud day, with a lot of laughter.<br /><br />Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

Happy Thanksgiving!

The top picture is what I see while walking/running on the treadmill at my sister's house. The picture was taken at noon, and you can th...

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25 Best Jobs for Baby Boomers

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/hr/ar5c4296vtrx0w6wt8hr.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/hr/ar5c4296vtrx0w6wt8hr.gif" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><br />Baby boomers, those born between 1946 and 1964, are nearing retirement age. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that there are 78.2 million boomers, and that every hour, 330 of them turn 60. That means an entire generation of workers might leave the work force in the coming years.<br /><br />But they might not.<br /><br />Many baby boomers are choosing to postpone retirement and stay at their current jobs or find new ones. Some can't afford to retire, but many want to explore new avenues. After decades of working in jobs that paid the bills but didn't fulfill them, they're moving to different industries.<br /><br />For their book "225 Best Jobs for Baby Boomers," authors Michael Farr and Laurence Shatkin decided to comb through data to discover what the best jobs are for baby boomers. They looked at salaries, projected job growth and the number of openings to calculate which jobs have the most promise.<br /><br />Farr and Shatkin break down their findings in more than 70 lists, ranging from the best-paying jobs to the best jobs for boomers age 45-54. Whatever your criteria are, Farr and Shatkin have the job for you.<br /><br />Below you'll find the list for the 25 overall best jobs for all baby boomers:<br /><br />1. Management analysts<br />What they make*: $67,005<br />Projected annual openings**: 78,000<br /><br />2. Teachers, post-secondary<br />What they make: $68,456<br />Projected annual openings: 216,000<br /><br />3. Logisticians<br />What they make: $44,563<br />Projected annual openings: 162,000<br /><br />4. General and operations managers<br />What they make: $93,594<br />Projected annual openings: 260,000<br /><br />5. Registered nurses<br />What they make: $66,427<br />Projected annual openings: 215,000<br /><br />6. Anesthesiologists<br />What they make: $310,132<br />Projected annual openings: 38,000<br /><br />7. General internists<br />What they make: $351,307<br />Projected annual openings: 38,000<br /><br />8. Obstetricians and gynecologists<br />What they make: $285,254<br />Projected annual openings: 38,000<br /><br />9. Family and general practitioners<br />What they make: $198,221<br />Projected annual openings: 38,000<br /><br />10. Psychiatrists<br />What they make: $191,080<br />Project annual openings: 38,000<br /><br />11. Surgeons<br />What they make: $322,281<br />Projected annual openings: 38,000<br /><br />12. General pediatricians<br />What they make: $181,764<br />Projected annual openings: 38,000<br /><br />13. Medical and health services managers<br />What they make: $94,269<br />Projected annual openings: 33,000<br /><br />14. Financial managers, branch or department <br />What they make: $101,963<br />Projected annual openings: 71,000<br /><br />15. Treasurers, controllers and chief financial officers<br />What they make: $172,946 - $240,588<br />Projected annual openings: 71,000<br /><br />16. Chief executives<br />What they make: $382,705<br />Projected annual openings: 63,000<br /><br />17. Government service executives<br />What they make: $167,766<br />Projected annual openings: 63,000<br /><br />18. Private sector executives<br />What they make: $169,570<br />Projected annual openings: 63,000<br /><br />19. Pharmacists<br />What they make: $108,499<br />Projected annual openings: 23,000<br /><br />20. Lawyers<br />What they make: $116,810<br />Projected annual openings: 53,000<br /><br />21. Education administrators, elementary and secondary school<br />What they make: $150,467<br />Projected annual openings: 31,000<br /><br />22. Administrative services managers<br />What they make: $86,666<br />Projected annual openings: 40,000<br /><br />23. Sales representatives, agricultural<br />What they make: $53,034<br />Projected annual openings: 44,000<br /><br />24. Sales representatives, chemical and pharmaceutical<br />What they make: $88,049<br />Projected annual openings: 44,000<br /><br />25. Sales representatives, electrical/electronics<br />What they make: $51,105<br />Projected annual openings: 44,000<br /><br />For more information on careers for baby boomers, visit PrimeCB.<br /><br />*Salary figures based on data from CBsalary.com, powered by SalaryExpert.com<br />**Projected annual openings figures based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.<br /><br />By Anthony Balderrama writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/abalderrama.

25 Best Jobs for Baby Boomers

Baby boomers, those born between 1946 and 1964, are nearing retirement age. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that there are 78.2 million boo...

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Greetings from Alaska

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGyf4GZA_1rp1rPO7FMxpYXtdv-Rh7H5XidWIVriXpRljdHmZctkj9W7_kmHB1T4rhDGv_1K1gJI1yF_1GGjPgcxVg83UrxUlcV6myif4ecuQbm2dpKq9X8ROI1WNbCoGZucmFFJF7T2Ze/s1600/Fairbanks+Nov+2009+009.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407018106143936946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGyf4GZA_1rp1rPO7FMxpYXtdv-Rh7H5XidWIVriXpRljdHmZctkj9W7_kmHB1T4rhDGv_1K1gJI1yF_1GGjPgcxVg83UrxUlcV6myif4ecuQbm2dpKq9X8ROI1WNbCoGZucmFFJF7T2Ze/s400/Fairbanks+Nov+2009+009.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWWZuxsbKsr_O1ITS9VP8xAAiaqdZ2ujVrITAr3mzGalPkzacpGCd7U6tj4RHgOauZdsmDnZjiG3GlWzD76tMrHocHkiyXDlTSdgzUoxsiWGMyONUF8QdasTBeKvH6108Ho56jzMF1IHav/s1600/Fairbanks+Nov+2009+003.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407017498474369170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWWZuxsbKsr_O1ITS9VP8xAAiaqdZ2ujVrITAr3mzGalPkzacpGCd7U6tj4RHgOauZdsmDnZjiG3GlWzD76tMrHocHkiyXDlTSdgzUoxsiWGMyONUF8QdasTBeKvH6108Ho56jzMF1IHav/s400/Fairbanks+Nov+2009+003.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEYDJMQEJVrzNJtjBYmCZoD5CRGRO2Hjsba9O32iVBt6myKVGKnXuEsQ94CicRAl58M5b8PZ-A8Vg7Im_bdrufMRezUUzYQHudxNzK7f6E0I_pOhB8sDkKBi0FaUWJPOI4p9lg7502S2Y/s1600/Fairbanks+Nov+2009+002.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407016743972224130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEYDJMQEJVrzNJtjBYmCZoD5CRGRO2Hjsba9O32iVBt6myKVGKnXuEsQ94CicRAl58M5b8PZ-A8Vg7Im_bdrufMRezUUzYQHudxNzK7f6E0I_pOhB8sDkKBi0FaUWJPOI4p9lg7502S2Y/s400/Fairbanks+Nov+2009+002.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> </div><br /><div>Yes, they kill animals and stuff them, then put them in airports up here in Alaska. These are polar bears in the Anchorage airport, where we changed planes on our way to Fairbanks. A rather barbaric custom. The first picture is of some mountains on our way to Anchorage. Mountains are everywhere up here. So beautiful.<br /><br /><strong>The memorial service</strong></div><br />Yesterday the memorial service yesterday for my brother-in-law was really beautiful. The picture boards my nieces (his daughters) had put together brought tears to my eyes, but at the same time emphasized he lived a very full and happy life.<br /><br />The little chapel was filled with people that had worked with him or known him for many years. Everyone had warm, funny, or loving memories to share. It was -34 degrees yesterday, but people in Fairbanks don't let the weather stop them. They were all there and it helped my sister a lot to hear the stories about her husband. There were tears and laughter as we listened to people stand up and share their memories of Bill. It was a good day<br /><br /><strong>The diet and exercise</strong><br />I'm trying to eat good, but darn it's hard with all this food around. Today we're having another big family dinner. I'm eating a lot of vegetables but a lot of other stuff I shouldn't be eating (like cookies). I'm staying out of the ice cream because I bought some Weight Watcher ice cream bars but my 7-year old nephew saw me eating them and wanted to try one. Of course he loves them so now I have to share with him. <br /><br />I made a good choice this morning and skipped the cookies for breakfast and had my usual low-fat egg mcmuffin thing I make every day at home (except I used my sister's homemade whole wheat bread instead of the multi-grain muffin I usually use--which is so much better).<br /><br />As soon as I finish this post I'm heading upstairs to the treadmill and my sister's weight set. Maybe I can undo some damage I did on Saturday (cookies, cheese, ice cream).<br /><br />I'm trying but it's not easy.

Greetings from Alaska

Yes, they kill animals and stuff them, then put them in airports up here in Alaska. These are polar bears in the Anchorage airport, where w...

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Planning de la semaine du 23 au 27 novembre 2009

<BR><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Permanences<br /></span></strong></h2><ul><br /><li>Le <strong>Conseil Général du Loiret</strong> sera présent dans les locaux de la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans<br />- le lundi 23 novembre de 9h à 12h30<br />- le mardi 24 novembre de 9h à 12h30 et de 13h30 à 17h,<br />- le mercredi 25 novembre de 13h30 à 17h<br />- le jeudi 26 novembre de 13h30 à 17h<br />- le vendredi 27 novembre de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2007/11/boutique-de-gestion.html">Boutique de gestion</a></strong><br />- lundi 23 novembre de 13h30 à 17h<br />- vendredi 27 novembre de 9h à 12h30</li></ul><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Ateliers</span></strong><br /></h2><br /><ul><li><strong>CV</strong> - mardi 24 novembre de 9h à 12h30<br /><br /><li><strong>Lettre de Motivation </strong>- mardi 24 novembre de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2009/07/atelier-situtilises-tu-trouves.html">Sit'Utilises tu trouves</a></strong> - jeudi 26 novembre de 10h à 12h<br /><br /><li><strong>Préparation à l'entretien</strong> - jeudi 26 novembre de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong>Pôle-emploi.fr</strong> - vendredi 27 novembre de 10h à 11h30</ul><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Information collective</span></strong> </h2><ul><li><strong>RSA - Conseil Général</strong> - mardi 24 novembre à 10h</li></ul><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Visite d'entreprise</span></strong> </h2><ul><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2009/11/souvrir-les-portes-des-metiers-du.html">Visite de l'entreprise Sandvik</a></strong> - jeudi 26 novembre à 14h</li></ul>

Planning de la semaine du 23 au 27 novembre 2009

Permanences Le Conseil Général du Loiret sera présent dans les locaux de la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans - le lundi 23 no...

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It's a crazy life, but it's my life

Quoting Jon <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gosselin</span> (who would of thought??).<br /><br />My life is going to be a bit nuts the next few weeks, not that is hasn't been pretty crazy for several weeks, so really it's just the saga continuing.<br /><br />My husband and I are leaving in about two hours for Fairbanks for Thanksgiving week with my sister, nieces and their families, and my brother and his wife. It'll be a bittersweet week since the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">patriarch</span> of the family won't be at the dinner table Thanksgiving day. Here's the <a href="http://www.legacy.com/newsminer/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=136144660" target="blank">link</a> to my brother-in-law's obituary. He lived a good life and I'm sure he's in a better place right now. It's just the rest of us that are suffering.<br /><br />The Monday after Thanksgiving I'll be heading to Oakland for a week for work. Then a week in the office. December 14 I'll be off to Edmonton, Alberta (Canada) for a week. Immediately after that we're going to Denver to spend time with my husband's sister and family, and his dad. After that a week in Arkansas with my mother-in-law and her husband for New Years.<br /><br />I'm exhausted just thinking about it all, but we both decided we need to spend more time with our loved ones. We chose to live far away from them mainly for financial reasons because this is where the jobs are in our field, not in Fairbanks or Denver or Arkansas. Tech jobs are here in Seattle. We're lucky in that we really like our families. I like his and he likes mine. We all get along really well.<br /><br />As our relatives are getting older we want to spend as much time with them as possible. They won't be around forever and we want to be with them while we can, not regret having been too busy to travel to be with them.<br /><br />My blog will be neglected for the next few weeks. I'm going to try my best to stay good with the eating and exercise. I'm at 175.4 this morning. Not great and certainly not where I want to be. My goal is to at least maintain until the end of the year. I'm not setting any unrealistic goals for myself. I know how this works when I travel. Exercise is difficult, although I will hit that treadmill at my sister's house and the hotel gyms when I'm on the road.<br /><br />Happy holidays to everyone. Enjoy your families and your loved ones. Be kind to each other. You never know when it'll be the last time you see someone. Settle old grievances, nurture relationships.

It's a crazy life, but it's my life

Quoting Jon Gosselin (who would of thought??). My life is going to be a bit nuts the next few weeks, not that is hasn't been pretty cra...

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S'ouvrir les portes des métiers du secteur de la fabrication de machines et d'équipements : visite d'entreprise le 26 novembre 2009

<BR><br />En partenariat avec le PLIE, la Maison de l'emploi du bassin d'Orléans organise une visite d'entreprise pour découvrir les métiers liés au secteur de la fabrication de machines et d'équipements (opérateur de production, usineur ...) :<ul><br /><li>le jeudi 26 novembre 2009<br /><li>dans les locaux de l'entreprise <strong><a href="http://www.sandvik.com/" "target=_blank">Sandvik</a></strong>.</li></ul><br />En accord avec l’entreprise, les personnes intéressées pourront échanger de façon individuelle avec des professionnels dans le cadre d’entretiens « blancs ».<br /><br />Le transport est pris en charge par la Maison de l'emploi du bassin d'Orléans avec l'appui du PLIE.<br /><br />Le nombre de places est limité.<br /><br />Pour s'inscrire, contacter la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans : 02 38 24 18 03 ou <a href="mailto:accueil@news-these-days.fr">accueil@news-these-days.fr</a>. <br /><br /><strong>Départ</strong> : <strong>Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans</strong>, (dans l'espace d'accueil) à <strong>14h00</strong><br /><BR>

S'ouvrir les portes des métiers du secteur de la fabrication de machines et d'équipements : visite d'entreprise le 26 novembre 2009

En partenariat avec le PLIE, la Maison de l'emploi du bassin d'Orléans organise une visite d'entreprise pour découvrir les méti...

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It beats the alternative

It was almost impossible for me to get to the gym this morning. It was dark, pouring rain, windy and cold. At 5am it took every bit of energy I had to get out of bed, dressed in my workout clothes, get into the car and drive to the gym.<br /><br />How did I do this all last winter? Even after I got to the gym this morning I had to force myself to work out. Maybe it's because I worked out late yesterday, 4pm-6pm, or maybe like so many others, I'm just tired of it all.<br /><br />I was on the StairMaster thinking to myself, would it be so bad to die at 73? Let's say I stopped exercising today, stopped watching what I eat and just forget about being healthy. I wonder what would happen?<br /><br />1. I'd be tired, sad, depressed, miserable. My self-esteem would plummet.<br /><br />2. I wouldn't be able to do my job to the best of my ability.<br /><br />3. My marriage would suffer because I wouldn't have any confidence and wouldn't want to go anywhere or do anything. I'd take it out on my husband.<br /><br />4. I'd probably suffer a premature death, if I was lucky. More likely I'd get diabetes or some other dreaded weight-related illness and be in a wheelchair or go blind. I'd probably have to move into an assisted living home because I wouldn't be able to care for myself.<br /><br />5. None of my clothes would fit. This doesn't sound like a really big deal, but having lost and gained a large amount of weight several times in my life, this would be really difficult for me. I'm already back into a size 12 and not happy about it. To gain any more weight would be devastating.<br /><br />6. If in #2 I suffered a premature death, my husband would be left alone. He would be very sad. Even with the marital difficulties we've had over the years I know he loves me to pieces. It makes me sad to think of him being hurt because I was too stupid to take care of myself. Or worse yet, he'd have to take care of me if I became ill.<br /><br />7. I would be walking around in a fog from the crappy food I was eating. A sugar-induced, refined foods fog. I don't want to live in a fog. I want to be awake for my life. Whether it's sadness or happiness, I want to experience it.<br /><br />8. I would be in pain. When I was at my highest weight of 240 my knees and ankles hurt like hell. There was also something that hurt. I hate pain. I don't do it well. If I can prevent it then I will.<br /><br />9. Sex wouldn't be as fun (maybe this should be #1).<br /><br />10. I would kind of hate myself for being so stupid to let the nine things above happen to me.<br /><br />Overall, it would be a miserable existence. Even though getting my butt out of bed and into the gym every morning isn't exactly a joyous experience, nor is counting my Points in everything I eat, it sure beats the alternative.

It beats the alternative

It was almost impossible for me to get to the gym this morning. It was dark, pouring rain, windy and cold. At 5am it took every bit of energ...

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I now return you to my regularly scheduled programming.

Being home for a day has done wonders for my attitude and outlook on life.<br /><br />During the past few weeks I was eating a lot of bad food in excess. Just for the record, I believe there are "bad" foods, things that probably shouldn't even be eaten in moderation. Unfortunately for me, I don't seem to have an ounce of moderation or control when it comes to these bad foods.<br /><br />I was eating a lot of processed foods high in sugar, white flour and fat, and very little exercise. I've been in a fog for weeks. My brain hasn't been clear, and I felt like I wasn't really living in the here and now.<br /><br />Perhaps it was the stress or laziness on my part, but my eating was very unhealthy. I could have and should have made healthier choices.<br /><br />After just one day of being on plan and 90 minutes of exercise where I really pushed myself, I feel a hundred percent back to the old me. It's a really good feeling. It's true, we are what we eat.<br />I'm going to bed now. I'm actually looking forward to tomorrow, to going back to work where things are normal. Back to the gym in the morning. Back to my life.

I now return you to my regularly scheduled programming.

Being home for a day has done wonders for my attitude and outlook on life. During the past few weeks I was eating a lot of bad food in exces...

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Life is for the living

I took today off from work and stayed home, alone. I'm so exhausted from lack of sleep, stress and overwhelming sadness that I couldn't stand the thought of going back to work and explaining what happened during the last two weeks.<br /><br />I'm actually doing much better. I went to a 10am Weight Watcher meeting and feel like I'm back in touch with life, and back to eating healthy and exercising.<br /><br />I went crazy with the eating the last two weeks. The hospital cafeteria was only open three hours a day (and the food was horrible!). The other option was Subway, which was right next to the cafeteria. We usually only ate two meals a day, and I had to force my sister to eat anything. I, on the other hand, was on some sort of feeding frenzy, eating my emotions.<br /><br />I ate a lot of vending machine candy, cookies, and ice cream (Dove bars). I managed to gain 7.2 pounds since my last weighin on October 10. I'm back up to 176.4.<br /><br />The WW meeting was great and I feel totally back on track. I've barely exercised in the last seven weeks due to traveling for work and being in Anchorage and Fairbanks with my sister. I used her treadmill the last two days for a couple good walks. Today I'm going to the gym for a couple hours.<br /><br />Now that I'm home and really thinking about Bill (my brother-in-law), it makes me want to get healthy. Seeing him connected to 23 machines to keep him alive was a real eye opener. He was 73, which is only 19 years older than me.<br /><br />Athough he'd been a smoker for 40 years, the doctors said they've seen these same type of heart problems (clogged arteries, collapsed valve) in people who had never smoked. It was a guaranteed death sentence if you were a smoker. Even though he'd quit for 12 years, the damage was done. It can still happen if you have a bad diet, don't exercise and are overweight.<br /><br />Since I really want to live longer than 73, I need to get back on track and get to my goal weight. I know the holidays are coming, but I feel in control again.<br /><br />Even though life sometimes is full of sadness, it's also full of joy. Life is for the living and I want to live it to it's fullest. I can't do that by being overweight and out of shape.

Life is for the living

I took today off from work and stayed home, alone. I'm so exhausted from lack of sleep, stress and overwhelming sadness that I couldn...

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5 Good Jobs for Winter

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/0w/ar5c31s61bd6z1ccft0w.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/0w/ar5c31s61bd6z1ccft0w.gif" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><br />What winter means to you probably depends on where you live. You know the postcard scenes of families enjoying a warm fireplace as pure snow falls outside the window? That might be accurate in some towns, but in many Southern locales, that's about as realistic as "Jurassic Park." In some of the Midwestern and Northern regions where snow does blanket the ground, it's not quite as pretty as you'd think. The ivory snow looks more like mushy charcoal after enough cars drive over it.<br /><br />Some people love wearing shorts in January. Others can't imagine walking to the mailbox in fewer than seven layers of clothing. Different wintry strokes for different bundled-up folks.<br /><br />Whether you want to be waist-deep in the embrace of Jack Frost or you want to be baking under the sun, you can find work when the vernal equinox rolls around.<br /><br />Here are five jobs that are popular during winter:<br /><br />1. Accountants<br />What they do: Accountants are knowledgeable on various financial fronts, including tax issues. <br />Why they're popular in winter: Although many people begrudgingly file their taxes as close to April 15 as possible, many do it as soon as they get all the necessary documents. Beginning in January, when W-2 forms are sent to employees, accountants are busy helping their clients navigate all the messy forms and confusing jargon.<br />Salary: $54,440<br /><br />2. Cruise line passenger attendants<br />What they do: On cruise ships, attendants see that passengers have everything they need to enjoy their voyage. They might help guests with accommodations or assist with group activities.<br />Why they're popular in winter: Ask anyone who lives in a painfully cold climate where the winters stretch on for an eternity, and he'll tell you that by February, you need to see some sunlight. That's why so many people book cruises in the midst of winter. They get out of their gloomy city and onto a bright, sunny boat deck.<br />Salary: $23,211<br /><br />3. Personal trainers<br />What they do: Work with clients to set fitness goals and help them achieve those goals through exercise at fitness centers or private gyms.<br />Why they're popular in winter: People worry about their weight during all four seasons, but on Jan. 1, many people vow to get better about eating right and exercising. Of course most people don't stick to these promises, but for the first few months of the year, the gyms are packed with clients eager to begin anew.<br />Salary: $46,049<br /><br />4. Snowplow operators<br />What they do: Snowplow operators clear streets, highways and paths so that snow doesn't prevent drivers and pedestrians from getting around.<br />Why they're popular in winter: Well, it's hard to use a snowplow in any season other than winter.<br />Salary: $33,799 <br /><br />5. Tow-truck drivers<br />What they do: Tow-truck drivers haul vehicles that have broken down or been wrecked.<br />Why they're popular in winter: Snow and ice wreak havoc on cars, and even the best drivers can end up with a sputtering engine on the side of the road. That's where tow-truck drivers come to the rescue.<br />Salary: $39,373<br /><br />Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/abalderrama.

5 Good Jobs for Winter

What winter means to you probably depends on where you live. You know the postcard scenes of families enjoying a warm fireplace as pure snow...

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Death is part of life

In spite of all the prayers, even my sister the atheist going to the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">hospital</span> chapel and praying several times a day, my brother-in-law passed away last Wednesday. My sister, his wife of 51 years, and I held his hand and each other as the life support was turned off. He was gone within a few minutes.<br /><br />This is just something we have to go through. Death is part of life. I don't like it but I accept it.<br /><br />Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers.

Death is part of life

In spite of all the prayers, even my sister the atheist going to the hospital chapel and praying several times a day, my brother-in-law pas...

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Planning de la semaine du 16 au 20 novembre 2009

<BR><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Permanences<br /></span></strong></h2><ul><br /><li>Le <strong>Conseil Général du Loiret</strong> sera présent dans les locaux de la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans<br />- le lundi 16 novembre de 9h à 12h30<br />- le mardi 17 novembre de 9h à 12h30 et de 13h30 à 17h,<br />- le mercredi 18 novembre de 13h30 à 17h<br />- le jeudi 19 novembre de 13h30 à 17h<br />- le vendredi 20 novembre de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2007/11/solidarits-nouvelles-face-au-chmage.html">Solidarités Nouvelles face au Chômage</a></strong><br />- mercredi 18 novembre de 10h à 12h30<br /><br /><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2007/11/boutique-de-gestion.html">Boutique de gestion</a></strong><br />- lundi 16 novembre de 13h30 à 17h<br />- vendredi 20 novembre de 9h à 12h30</li></ul><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Ateliers</span></strong><br /></h2><br /><ul><li><strong>CV</strong> - mardi 17 novembre de 9h à 12h30<br /><br /><li><strong>Lettre de Motivation </strong>- mardi 17 novembre de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong>Pôle-emploi.fr</strong> - vendredi 20 novembre de 10h à 11h30<br /><br /><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2009/07/atelier-situtilises-tu-trouves.html">Sit'Utilises tu trouves</a></strong> - vendredi 20 novembre de 14h à 16h<br /><br />Cette semaine, l'atelier <strong>Préparation à l'entretien</strong> aura lieu le <strong>jeudi 19 novembre</strong> au <strong>Relais Emploi Insertion de Saint Jean de la Ruelle</strong> (75 rue Charles Beauhaire - 02.38.79.33.49).</ul><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Information collective</span></strong> </h2><ul><li><strong>RSA - Conseil Général</strong> - mardi 17 novembre à 10h</li></ul><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Visite d'entreprise</span></strong> </h2><ul><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2009/11/souvrir-les-portes-des-metiers-de.html">Visite de l'entreprise Honda</a></strong> - mardi 17 novembre à 14h</li></ul>

Planning de la semaine du 16 au 20 novembre 2009

Permanences Le Conseil Général du Loiret sera présent dans les locaux de la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans - le lundi 16 no...

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Forum de recrutement dédié aux travailleurs handicapés

<BR><br />Un Forum de recrutement multisectoriel dédié aux travailleurs handicapés aura lieu :<br /><ul><li>le Mardi 17 novembre 2009<br /><li>au Zénith d'Orléans - 1 rue du Président Robert Schumann - Orléans</ul><br /><a href="http://www.aucentredelemploi.fr/html/entreprises/entreprises_TH.htm" "target=_blank">Liste des entreprises présentes</a><br /><br />Cette manifestation spécifique s’inscrit dans le cadre de la <a href="http://www.semaine-emploi-handicap.com/" "target=_blank">Semaine pour l’Emploi des Personnes Handicapées</a> du 16 au 22 novembre 2009.<br /><BR>

Forum de recrutement dédié aux travailleurs handicapés

Un Forum de recrutement multisectoriel dédié aux travailleurs handicapés aura lieu : le Mardi 17 novembre 2009 au Zénith d'Orléans - 1 r...

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The Top 10 Positions in 2010

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jobfairusa.net/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" sr="true" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/gx/ar5c12l6l1jxr7xhzmgx.gif" /></a><br /></div>Research conducted for the "2010 Salary Guides" from Robert Half International is painting a surprising picture about the salary landscape in the new year. Starting salaries in the accounting and finance, information technology and administrative fields are expected to remain relatively flat or see modest declines in 2010. But base compensation for certain positions will buck the trend, in some cases even increasing over 2009 levels. <br /><br />Here are 10 positions, segmented by industry, with the best prospects for 2010:<br /><br />Accounting and finance<br /><br />1. Tax accountant: Companies seek tax accountants who can help their organizations achieve bottom-line savings through effective tax management strategies. Businesses also need their guidance to maintain compliance with tax regulations. Tax accountants with one to three years of experience at large companies, defined as earning more than $250 million in sales, are expected to see an average national starting salary in the range of $46,500 to $61,500.<br /><br />2. Compliance director: Firms need professionals who can help them comply with U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission mandates and prepare for the potential transition to International Financial Reporting Standards. New regulations that are issued as a result of the financial crisis may generate further demand for professionals with the requisite compliance expertise. The starting salary range for a compliance director at a small company, defined as earning up to $25 million in sales, is forecast to be $83,750 to $108,500.<br /><br />3. Credit manager or supervisor: Companies need professionals who can contribute to the bottom line by reducing inefficiencies and enhancing profitability. As a result, credit and collections specialists who can evaluate credit risk, manage delinquent payments and help improve cash flow are in demand. Base compensation for credit managers or supervisors working in small companies is projected to range between $42,500 and $57,500.<br /><br />4. Senior financial analyst: Businesses need professionals who are able to evaluate financial plans, forecasts and budgets, and identify ways to improve profitability. A senior financial analyst at a midsize company, defined as earning $25 million to $250 million in sales, is anticipated to earn $57,750 to $74,000 in starting salary in 2010.<br /><br />Information technology<br /><br />5. Network administrator: Cloud computing, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Software as a Service (SaaS) have significantly increased the complexity of and requirements placed on networks. Further, network administration remains an in-demand skill, according to chief information officers interviewed by Robert Half. Network administrators can expect to see starting salaries in the range of $54,500 to $80,250 in the coming year.<br /><br />6. Information systems security manager: Protecting the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information from internal and external breaches is a must-have for companies of all sizes, making security professionals integral to the IT department. The salary range for an information systems security manager is expected to be $96,500 to $130,750.<br /><br />7. Systems engineer: As companies implement new technologies, technical services roles remain critical to the organization. Systems engineers are in demand to help companies develop and maintain technical infrastructure, hardware and system software components in support of a variety of IT projects. Base compensation for these professionals is projected to range from $64,250 to $93,250.<br /><br />Administrative and office support<br /><br />8. Medical records clerk: As more hospitals and healthcare organizations transition from paper to electronic medical records, facilities will seek medical records clerks who can help supervise the scanning and processing of patient data. These individuals can expect to earn a starting salary of $23,750 to $31,500 in 2010.<br /><br />9. Customer service representative: In the current economy, hiring managers consider customer service the function most critical to their organizations' success, according to the 2009 Employment Dynamics and Growth Expectations (EDGE) Report from Robert Half and CareerBuilder. The salary range for a customer service representative is projected to be $22,750 to $30,750.<br /><br />10. Executive assistant: Companies with leaner teams are looking for employees to take on a wider range of duties. Executive assistants who can wear many hats, support multiple managers and adapt readily to change are in particular demand. These individuals are likely to see starting salaries in the range of $35,000 to $47,000.<br /><br />Visit www.rhi.com/SalaryGuides for more information about the Salary Guides, which include the "2010 Salary Guide" for accounting and finance, produced by Accountemps, Robert Half Finance & Accounting and Robert Half Management Resources;the Robert Half Technology "2010 Salary Guide" for technology professionals; and the OfficeTeam 2010 Salary Guide for administrative positions. <br /><br />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 http://www.rhi.com/.

The Top 10 Positions in 2010

Research conducted for the "2010 Salary Guides" from Robert Half International is painting a surprising picture about the salary l...

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