Good News Wrap - First Week of Sept

• Reflections on Recession-Proof Jobs and Life-Changing Careers

  Posted: Tue, 08 Sep 2009 02:47:00 +0000

  There is no doubt that many were examining their careers this Labor Day. Some were just thankful to have a job. Many were reflecting on changes they'd like to make. And still others have already made those changes and are just now headed into new careers. Over the weekend I read of three individuals who have made those changes and currently reaping the benefits.
  
  Eric Olinger, 36, of Longmont, CO had worked in lumber and hardware for most of his life. After being let go several times, Eric decided to take charge and find a recession proof job. His research pointed him at the nursing field. He entered nursing school at a community college and has just recently become a certified nursing assistant. He plans to continue his schooling and move further up the medical profession ladder. Eric bets, "People are still going to need medical care no matter what."
  
  Joseph Vogel, 52, of Aurora, CO was a certified master technician in the automobile industry. After losing his job at Ford, Vogel also decided to go back to community college to become a radiology technician. "Trying to go back to school at an older age is tough," he says, "but you can do it. It's frightening, it's scary, it's literally life changing, but you can do it." This past Tuesday, Vogel cleared a final certification test. His new job awaits at the University of Colorado Hospital.
  
  Laura Woods, of Hygiene, CO has been a real estate broker for the last several years. Her career in real estate wasn't unsuccessful, but in a round about way taught her that what she really wanted to do was teach. Woods just landed and has started as a full-time fourth grade teacher. When asked if she has any advice for others looking for work or considering a change, Wood says, "Go for it. You only go around the block once, and you're not going to know what you truly love unless you try different things."
  
  When I began to reflect on these three individual I thought, how did these folks get the job they wanted even amidst all the gloomsters out there claiming there are no jobs to be had?
  
  Then I stumbled upon a new book, "Get the Job You Want, Even When No One's Hiring" by Ford Myers. The top Amazon review is quoted below:
  

  There is nothing I dislike more than reading a self-help book that turns out to be filled with re-warmed platitudes and stale ideas. That is definitely not the case with "Get the Job You Want, Even When No One's Hiring". Ford R. Myers gets straight to real time solutions, with a step by step approach that gets the job done. Finding yourself unemployed is not a pleasurable circumstance in the best economic times. In today's environment it can be downright terrifying.
  
  From new graduates to those displaced later in their careers, this book is the best tool in your job search arsenal. So buy it, read it, do the exercises, regain your confidence and get out there, armed with a realistic strategic plan to do what needs to be done to "Get the Job You Want When No One's Hiring".

  If you are searching for meaningful work on this Labor Day, I truly wish you Good News and Good Fortune.

  Feel free to repost this story on your favorite social network...

  

  

• Employment Index Makes Monster Jump

  Posted: Fri, 04 Sep 2009 03:52:00 +0000

  Wednesday we pointed to three reports that reflect job market improvement. On Thursday another encouraging sign emerged.
  
  The Monster Employment Index for August was released. It recorded its highest monthly rate of improvement in four years spiking 6% higher than its July reading. The report -- produced monthly by the popular online jobs bulletin board -- registered increased job availability in a majority of industries, occupations, and regions.
  
  The Monster Employment Index is a dynamic gauge of U.S. job demand based
  on a real-time review of millions of employer work opportunities selected from a large representative sampling of corporate career Web sites and job boards, including Monster's own listings.
  
  During August positive indications were broad based with online job postings rising in 15 of the Index's 20 industry sectors and 18 of the 23 occupational categories monitored by Monster.
  
  In an press release, Monster's senior Vice President Jess Harriott reflected on the report: "The significant jump in the Monster Employment Index in August offers encouraging signs of improvement in the US economy with the demand for managers and professionals as well as sales and office workers picking up in time for the fall hiring season."
  
  Indeed we would agree that the second half of 2009 will be characterized by surprisingly strong economic growth.

  Feel free to repost this story on your favorite social network...

  

  

• Merry Christmas In September - Jobs Outlook Continues to Improve

  Posted: Thu, 03 Sep 2009 03:21:00 +0000

  On Wednesday, two jobs related reports continued to show a labor market on the mend. The Challenger, Grey, and Christmas report showed corporation layoff counts fell sizably in August, to 76,456 versus July's 97,373.
  
  
  The more closely watched ADP employment report also showed improvement on Wednesday. And Tuesday, the ISM manufacturing report also showed employment improvement for 4 months in a row.
  
  More employment reports (including new jobless claims and overall unemployment) are on the way Thursday and Friday. Don't be surprised if they also point to an improving jobs climate.

  Feel free to repost this story on your favorite social network...

  

  

• US Economic Growth Rate Now Likely Near 3.7% Annually

  Posted: Wed, 02 Sep 2009 02:58:00 +0000

  We've continued to point to the ISM Manufacturing Index as a superb indicator of what is occuring in theoverall US economy. In addition to reporting the manufacturing sector conditions, the ISM's PMI index has an impressive track record in GDP growth correlation. A PMI in excess of 41.2 percent, over a period of time, generally indicates an expansion of the overall economy. On Tuesday the PMI was reported at 52.9 by the ISM and thus indicates growth in the overall US economy for the fourth consecutive month.
  
  Additionally, a reading above 50 percent indicates that the manufacturing sector of the economy is generally expanding. Tuesday's reading of 52.9 represents an end to the 18 months of decline in that sector. The August reading is the highest since June 2007. Much of the PMI reading was caused by significant strength in the New Orders Index, which was driven to its highest level since December 2004.
  
  Norbert J. Ore, CPSM, C.P.M., chair of the Institute for Supply Management Manufacturing Business Survey Committee punctuated their report by stating, "If the PMI for August (52.9 percent) is annualized, it corresponds to a 3.7 percent increase in real GDP annually."
  
  The report is the strongest indicator yet that second half growth is coming on strong.

  Feel free to repost this story on your favorite social network...