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Afraid You'll Fail? Meet Your New Year's Resolution Support Staff

Lydia Dishman — 2011-12-30T09:34:00+00:00

A recent study found that 88 percent of all New Year's resolutions end in failure. Those are pretty bad odds. But, before you throw in the towel on your self-improvement goals for 2012, keep in mind that there are hard-working professionals ready to help you stick to your resolutions. Why not put them to work?

"Build human relationships," advises registered dietician Georgie Fear RD, "No app, gadget, DVD or book will help keep you on the path as much as a supportive human being."

6 New Year's Resolution Strategies for Boosting Career Success in 2012

Lydia Dishman — 2011-12-27T09:07:00+00:00

As we bid hello to 2012 with a sip of bubbly and a few rounds of Auld Lang Syne, many of us will be thinking about which career changes to make starting January 2nd. Whether you want to earn a promotion, get a raise, be a better manager or increase your profitability, setting realistic goals is crucial for long-term success throughout the year.

Blue Collar Billionaires

Lydia Dishman — 2011-12-01T09:15:00+00:00

Not every American billionaire attended an Ivy League school, or even went to college. There is a select group of "Blue Collar Billionaires" who may prefer driving pick-ups to cruising in luxury sedans. From humble beginnings they started their fortunes with sweat equity in, mostly, blue-collar industries.

Working To End Cancer

Lydia Dishman — 2011-10-12T10:22:00+00:00

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and pink can be seen everywhere from lapel ribbons to football players' sneakers. With treatment advances, earlier detection through screening, and increased awareness, breast cancer death rates have been going down since 1990. In 2010, there were more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S.

10 Best-Paid Skilled Labor Jobs

Lydia Dishman — 2011-10-05T03:51:00+00:00

Skilled labor jobs can pay well, even very well. Yet, many young people feel the pressure to get a college degree and don't consider hands-on labor. Fortunately, a growing movement hopes to get younger workers enthused about building, fixing, and installing.

Flying High: Jobs in the Aviation Industry

Lydia Dishman — 2011-08-19T15:44:00+00:00

Are you looking for a job in the aviation industry? Here's a little-known fact for you. On August 19th America celebrates National Aviation Day. You won't find a greeting card dedicated to this event but it's been observed on Orville Wright's birthday since 1939, when President Franklin Roosevelt proclaimed it.

A lot has changed since the Wright Brothers' famous 12-second flight in 1903. What is it like to work in aviation today?

The Worst Deals on College

Lydia Dishman — 2011-07-13T10:53:00+00:00

There's no denying the fact that college tuition is rising and that education usually comes with some long-term debt. Among bachelor's degree recipients in the for-profit sector, the median total student debt of the 95 percent who borrowed was $32,700, according to the College Board.

Five Dying Industries: Ways to Get Out and Move On

Lydia Dishman — 2011-06-06T10:00:00+00:00

If you're knocking on doors looking for work, there are some doors you may want to skip. The economy continues to show signs of rebounding, with increases in consumer spending and a jobless rate that has declined to 9 percent. But, be careful.

While career opportunities are predicted to grow in thriving industries like health care and technology, the flip side is that some industries have a lot of occupations that are becoming obsolete.

UPS vs. FedEx: Which Employer Pays Best?

Lydia Dishman — 2011-06-02T07:15:00+00:00

Despite the fact that gas is nudging close to $4 per gallon, the delivery industry is still going strong. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, delivery and other truck drivers make up one of the largest occupational groups in the U.S., holding 3.2 million jobs. Overall, job opportunities continue to be favorable. How can you snag a delivery gig and which company stands out as the top employer?

Inside Scoop: Summer Jobs and What They Pay

Lydia Dishman — 2011-05-04T05:30:00+00:00

Faced with the prospect of hanging out with friends and catching some rays or spending all day hunched over a cash register or computer, most teens and twenty somethings would likely choose the lounging around.

But the time spent working a summer job -- even at entry-level -- can be a valuable stepping stone in any career. Here's the inside scoop on seasonal employment from young people who've been in the trenches, as well as salary information from online salary database PayScale.com.

Target vs. Walmart -- Which One Is a Better Place to Work?

Lydia Dishman — 2011-05-02T11:00:00+00:00

Attention Target Team members, did you ever wonder how your job stacks up against similar positions at the world's largest retailer, Walmart? Though the two chains may have different corporate cultures, according to PayScale, the rivals' rank and file have plenty in common, in addition to stocking scads of discounted merchandise.

You're Fired! Now You Can Negotiate a Better Severance Package

Lydia Dishman — 2011-04-18T07:00:00+00:00

Getting the feeling that you're no longer in the loop at work? Perhaps you've noticed the blinds are closed in the conference room and you are no longer invited to meetings. It may be a sign that you'll soon be out of a job.

But even if you've had no warning before getting a pink slip, there's still time to exit gracefully, maximize your severance package, and leverage your position to help you find another job.

Unemployed? Keep Building Your Resume

Lydia Dishman — 2011-02-15T04:30:00+00:00

Though the unemployment rate has dropped to 9 percent (whew!), the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average length of unemployment is at an all time high of nine months. Regardless of how long you're out of work, Lauren Milligan, a job-search coach with ResuMAYDAY, says one thing is certain: "When you do secure an interview, one of the first questions you'll be asked is what you've been doing during your recent unemployment." Don't sweat it. We've rounded up some top career experts to share their best tips for building your resume even while you're not officially working.

Nine Sexiest Jobs

Lydia Dishman — 2011-02-08T12:26:00+00:00

Is your job sexy? The dictionary defines sexy as: "marked by or tending to arouse desire or interest," but that's about as subjective as saying beauty is in the eye of the beholder -- it depends on whom you ask. So we turned to the experts -- career experts -- for a more tantalizing approach. And their answers to what elevates a job from stale to sizzling might surprise you.

Ten Jobs That Pay $80,000 Per Year

Lydia Dishman — 2010-12-28T08:51:00+00:00

What do Lauren Bush's engagement ring, and the Icon CJ3B Army Jeep have in common? They're two of the things you can buy with $80,000. And while most working stiffs can only dream of plunking down that kind of cash -- the median family income in the U.S. brings in only around $50,000 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) -- there are some career tracks that can bring those luxury visions a little closer to reality.

Here are ten jobs that earn at least $80,000, according to online salary database PayScale.com, all in industries that are expected to grow through 2018.

Six Jobs That Will Make You Healthier

Lydia Dishman — 2010-12-24T06:42:00+00:00

From an increased risk of heart disease to more fat around your middle, studies show that our time at the workplace (8.8 hours per day on average) can be hazardous to our health.

"Often psychological environments have more to do with health than physical environments," says Bill Burnett, author of Advantage: Business Competition in the New Normal.

Two companies producing the same product under the same physical conditions can have a radically different effect on employees, he maintains. "The single biggest health factor in large companies is the psychological environment established by the leadership team," says Burnett.

10 Jobs that Earn $60,000 per Year

Lydia Dishman — 2010-11-04T07:05:00+00:00

Though the National Bureau of Economic Research has declared the recession officially over, plenty of people are still struggling to make ends meet. Median family income is hovering around $50,000 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and the Consumer Price Index keeps rising.

Five Internships That Will Land You a Good Job

Lydia Dishman — 2010-10-04T06:17:00+00:00

The uncertain economy has made many more companies use internships as a cost-effective way to recruit talent. By positioning interns as trial employees, businesses get a serious look at the candidate's initiative, competence, and their fit within the existing organization.

Six Jobs That Will Earn Extra Money for Holiday Spending

Lydia Dishman — 2010-09-24T06:16:00+00:00

Looking for your next big adventure or simply looking to make extra cash? Consider seasonal employment. It could even be your ticket to discovering a new career while earning money for the holidays. Though unemployment continues for many, the good news, according to a trend report from SimplyHired.com, is that available holiday jobs have increased by 30 percent since 2009.

Searching for a Seasonal Job? Six Ways to Stand Out

Lydia Dishman — 2010-09-23T08:29:00+00:00

It's a competitive job market out there -- the unemployment rate is still flirting with 10 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics -- and you can bet the seasonal employment pool will be well-stocked with qualified candidates come holiday time. How can you set yourself apart from other applicants?