As the old saying goes your home is your castle. Whether you are building, improving, or just maintaining your home, many tradesmen or women will be assisting you to that end. When such a valuable asset is being worked on by another, quality is one of your foremost concerns. This quality comes from knowledge and experience in ones field as well as a certain amount of self respect and pride in ones work. Unfortunately, previous generations regarded these jobs with more respect, which has precipitated a collapse in the size of our younger labor pool. “Over the past ten years construction workers in the 20-30 age group declined from 40.5 percent to 26.5 percent. The percentage of workers in the 41-50 age group increased from 18 to 26 percent”(1).

Labor drying up has made it so “contractors of all sizes are on their own, forced to recruit and train on an individual basis. This is an ineffective process and cost prohibitive” (1). In a time when fewer workers are entering the market the industry is poised for growth. This gives employers fewer choices, causes them to settle for lower standards in workers and service, and allows competitors to gain market share who are willing to compromise service standards even further. “If companies want to fill their vacant positions, they might have to loosen up their hiring standards, too, said Jim Mize, manager of employer outreach at Pima County One-Stop Career Center”(5). Does this seem unfair for the consumer with their castle and the honest hard working Americans that have pride in their work?

Most high school students have no idea what one can earn by learning a trade, “A journeyman generally earns between $28 and $32 an hour (up to $64,000 a year)–a pretty nice wage for a 23-year-old. Most states require a plumber to have 2 to 10 years of experience at the apprentice level to qualify as a journeyman. My neighbor attended a trade school. He is a tool and die maker. He learned the skill in night classes. After spending time as an apprentice, he opened his own shop. It is now a multi-million dollar business” (3,4). A competent person learning a skilled trade can easily achieve the American dream. We at 10 best Tucson are on a mission to find the best home service professionals in Tucson and share them with the community. By uniting community officials and business leaders under the common goal of higher quality trades in the labor pool, the ability for honest companies to grow without compromising their excellent service records will be achievable. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao recently announced her “Skills to Build America’s Future” initiative. It “will reach out to a new generation of tradesmen and women and encourage them to use their skills and talents to find careers that will help to pave the way to a fulfilling career and bright financial future” (Doleta).

This message must be made clear to the future of our local labor market and to current workers who are considering changing careers. These skills that are currently cultivated by a unique few are ones to be proud of, and can be quite lucrative as well. Becoming a journeyman and with an entrepreneurial co-education or an enterprising spirit practically ensures an exalted status of financial wealth. These are pragmatic messages that must be presented to our youth. Our businesses can grow while maintaining their integrity and providing the absolute best possible service to home owners and customers. They deserve it. Keep a watchful eye on this topic. 10 best Tucson will be the catalyst for change.

-Todd Cuson Article Source

Article Reource:

1. Louis J. Coletti, Workforce development needs for industry are great, Real Estate Weekly, Feb 23, 2005.

2. Ilana Mercer, U.S. Jobs: Reach for the Stars e or a Hammer, Insight on the News, May 11, 2004.

3. Billijo Saffold and Bobbi Aschwanden Thomas, Should high schools prepare all students for college?, NEA Today, November 2005.

4. Susan Sales Harkins, Plumb perfect: sure, drains and pipes can be messy-but plumbing has plenty of rewards, Career World, September 2005.

5. Shelley Shelton, Local companies find tight market for workers, Arizona Daily Star, September 02, 2007.

There have been a number of articles written in the past few weeks identifying the possible changing recruitment habits of some employers. The uncertainty in the stock markets, fuel price movement and the relatively weak pound against other currencies would appear to be causing employers to think twice about recruiting permanent executives in some cases. Perhaps they are playing a waiting game and are turning to contractors and interim managers to plug the skills gap until such time as the way ahead becomes more predictable.

This could a blessing in disguise for the interim management sector although I am a little too old in the tooth to get excited too quickly. We have seen no evidence of this trend as yet but we have seen an influx of first time interim managers registering with us as a result of changing career aspirations and increased corporate redundancy programmes.

Redundancy is one of the main changes in executive careers that cause a re-think of what people want from their work life balance. Many successful interim managers would not have considered an interim career had they not been forced to consider all options following a corporate redundancy programme.

We mainly supply the manufacturing sector with interim managers and the demand is still consistently buoyant but with no spike in extra demand as a result of changing recruitment policies as yet. Rest assured we will keep you informed if we detect any change in recruitment patterns.

Visit Paul Wilson’s interim management blogto read more articles about interim management, recruitment and coaching.

The average person changes jobs every 7 years, and they will change careers an average of three times in their working lives. Why? Because many people are chasing someone else’s dreams instead of their own. I have many friends who were pushed into careers they were not truly invested in by well-meaning parents. While most of these parents simply wanted to help give their child the best career and thereby best life possible, what they did not realize was that each person needs to determine for himself what he needs to do with his life.

Thankfully, my own situation is an example of the opposite. I grew up working in a family business, a small retail operation. However, my parents never pressured me to follow in their footsteps. In fact I was discouraged from doing just that. Instead they pushed me to go out and get a liberal education so that I could see all the world had to offer. They understood that the most important thing in life was to be doing something that would make me happy, to find a calling rather than just a career. I happened to find that in teaching, which is what I have been doping for 14 years now- 11 of them in the same school.

I could have ended up running the family business, making more money than I do now, and having the opportunities available to me that are exclusive to business owners. But along with those advantages would have come the required risks: the uncertainty of income from one year to the next, the reliance on the national and local economy, and the stress of running a multifaceted operation. Both my parents and I realized that these were not my strengths and that I would not thrive, personally or professionally, under those types of circumstances. Therefore, I was never pushed in that direction but was allowed to find my own path.

Most people I know do not look forward to Monday mornings, as it signals a return to a job or career that while financially rewarding, is not personally fulfilling. I am fortunate not to have that problem, as I have found something that I love to do and can do well. The self-satisfaction that comes from doing something you know you were meant to do is honestly hard to explain.

We live in a society that often puts too much stress on financial success and not enough on personal well-being. Because of this parents understandably can over-focus on guiding their children towards a lucrative career rather than giving them the time and space to find their own path in life. In the long run if you are doing something you truly love, then you will find ways to make that financially rewarding. Most importantly you will have that sense of well-being that only comes from finding a calling rather than just a career.

There are many careers out there, but it goes without a saying the best are the hardest to get. So having said that what describes the best career change, a career change that has a very high salary, a career that allows you to work what ever time that satisfies you, a career that allows you to make your own decisions, choose your own holiday seasons. Well all of those are found in many careers but I think that there is no career or job opportunity that gives you the dispensation of all in one. Unless you take your future into your own hands, when you do then the career change will be the furthest most important decision that you will make yet.

The number one career change that satisfies everyone.

The internet marketing and internet business industry. Changing from a normal average career to a career that has the potential to make your situations a whole lot different, positive, view. Making the biggest commitment of starting to work in the online industry is the biggest opportunity a person who has ambitions to being successful in life can have. This is what the online business industry can offer, work anytime anywhere, and work for as much or as little as you would want, choose your own salary and make all the decision for yourself. No more taking rubbish from your boss, no more worrying about being late, and no more paper work. This is the career change that is changing thousands of people’s lives. Even though you think that this is not the career for you, I believe after research is completed. That this will be your best career change, what possible job or career can you think of that satisfies all the qualities I mentioned very few right, and how hard is to get it in these times, impossible sparks some questions. How about if you can have it all, with only using the mouse and keyboard? This career is waiting to be found by many people, the best thing is there is space and roles for everyone.

How would you pay your bills by teaching Yoga for a living? Everyone needs a certain amount of income to live on and Yoga teachers are no different. Yoga jobs may not instantly “fall into your lap.” So what can you do to make a painless transition into becoming a Yoga teacher full time?

The keyword is full time because this is a very big step. Most of us got into teaching Yoga gradually, on a part time basis, and gradually built up a student base. This is the safest way to approach teaching Yoga. You get to perfect your teaching skills, while you are an independent contractor working at health clubs, corporate fitness centers, senior centers, ashrams, or Yoga studios.

Some Yoga teachers have home businesses. You may decide to open a small studio in your barn, loft, back yard, garage, den, or a separate building on your property. This is not for everyone and does have a few drawbacks.

Some Yoga teachers may not want to give their students the “run of the house.” Also, some female teachers may feel uncomfortable with male students in their homes. Think about this scenario: When you have a home business, it is hard to separate business time from personal time.

Let’s say you decided to take Memorial Day off. Memorial Day is always celebrated on a Monday. You tell all of your students class is canceled, but one on them drives up for a Yoga class on Monday evening, at the usual time.

You have family visiting and explain that there is no Yoga class tonight. Now, you feel uncomfortable because your forgetful Yoga student does not remember it is a holiday, until you tell him or her. Do you think this could never happen? Think again, and you would be surprised how many times you may be “on call.”

Home businesses have the advantage of no commute, low overhead, and convenience for the Yoga teacher. However, the drawbacks of being expected to teach anytime can make a home based Yoga studio inconvenient. If you decide to go this route, make sure you draw the line when it comes to your personal time.

Back to getting part time work as a Yoga teacher: Many Yoga teachers gradually build their student base to a point where there is a decision to bring in a partner, limited partner, junior partner, hire an employee, jump into teaching full time, or stop at a few Yoga teaching assignments per week.

You see – The final decision is up to you, and only you know, whether you want to keep teaching Yoga on the side or expand into teaching Yoga full time.

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

If your job is leaving you feeling bored, frustrated, uninspired, or burned out, you’re probably wondering what else is out there. Where can you find a career that makes you excited to get to work each day? Does your dream job really exist? It may seem overwhelming to try to find that perfect career, especially if you’re feeling stuck in your current one, but if you start small and do some hard thinking, you’ll find that a satisfying career is not so far out of reach.

1. Start positive. If you’re dissatisfied with your current job, it may be hard to identify the elements you like about it. Most people, though, enjoy at least a few aspects of even the dreariest job. You may hate your boss but love your colleagues. Or maybe you believe in the cause you’re working for, despite the dismal pay. Make a list of the things you like about your current job—these are your first clues about what to look for in a new one.

2. Think big. Now’s the time to make a wish list. What characteristics would make a job perfect for you? Would it be flexible hours, a cooperative team, more responsibility? Maybe you’d like a chance to work in a creative or artistic setting, or the opportunity to show your leadership potential. Don’t worry about whether these things are realistic or whether there’s a job out there that fits the bill (not just yet!). Make a list of all the factors that you’re looking for in a dream career.

3. Brainstorm. Compile a list of every job, no matter how farfetched, that you’ve ever thought you might like or be good at. Don’t censor yourself; once you’ve got a good list going, you’ll start to see patterns. Look for common factors in the jobs you’ve listed. Maybe your fantasy careers are all active, fast-paced physical jobs (like firefighter, forest ranger, and FBI agent), or they might involve caring for and helping others (nurse, teacher, counselor).

4. Test yourself. There are dozens of career tests on the market designed to help you discover your ideal career. While these tests range in quality, from novelty tests on free sites to scientifically validated tests provided only by psychologists, there are many excellent resources online. Look for a website that provides well-researched career assessments such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator or the Strong Interest Inventory, which will provide you with comprehensive information on appropriate careers for your personality type and interests.

5. Do some research. The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides a great resource for career searchers. Visit their website at bls.gov and click on the Occupational Outlook Handbook to view salary ranges, educational requirements, job descriptions, and growth projections for hundreds of careers.

6. Check with an expert. A career coach can help you further identify the elements of a career that will bring you lasting satisfaction. A knowledgeable coach can also suggest careers similar to ones you’ve come up with yourself, and help you decide which careers best fit your goals.

7. Start where you are. If it’s not practical for you to completely retrain for a new career right now, think again about what’s missing from your current job. Is there a different position within your current company that provides more of what you need? Could you keep your job title, but find a new company with a better work environment? You might even ask your boss about making changes in your regular responsibilities that would allow you to do more of what you enjoy. Changing careers is a major goal, and if you can start by taking gradual steps towards doing what you really want, you’ll find that your efforts pay off quickly in greater satisfaction with your work.

Do you enjoy practicing Yoga? Does teaching Yoga seem like your ultimate dream job? Does the thought of becoming a Yoga teacher feel like a “calling from within?” How would you pay your bills teaching Yoga? If your life mission is becoming a Yoga teacher; let’s look at a few practical solutions to your obstacles.

If you feel like a “fish in water” during a Yoga class you are not alone. However, when teaching Yoga becomes your own long-held aspiration, your spirit will not be fulfilled in the “daily grind.” You begin to feel frustrated in commuter traffic, and during office hours, when your dream job of teaching Yoga seems out of reach. So what do you do next – if you really want to become a Yoga teacher?

Apparently, you are focused on your goal, so you are far ahead of the majority of people who do not have a clue about what they really want. Here is a formula, and sequence of events, for you to consider: Focus, action, plan, envision, pace yourself, and goal realization.

Focus: It seems like you already are focused on becoming a Yoga teacher, but you should do some research on what teaching Yoga is really like. The types of Yoga teacher training courses will vary, according to style, hours required, on-site training, or correspondence course. Also, the preparation for a 90-minute Yoga class is something the average Yoga student is unaware of.

Action: Most of the world’s population never gets to this point. Most people fall into a “rut” and never take any action to move forward. This requires even more research about what you plan to do, how you plan to teach Yoga, and who you plan to teach Yoga to.

Plan: Write your goals down and only share them with people you can trust. Look at your goal of becoming a Yoga teacher as often as possible. Write down the exact chain of events required for you to become a Yoga teacher.

Envision: Visualization is important in reaching any goal. When you practice meditation, you should see, feel, hear, and possibly smell, what your new career of teaching Yoga will be like.

Pace Yourself: There is a saying, “Rome was not built in a day.” If you try to get to your goal of teaching Yoga too quickly, you will “burn out” along the way. Life is a journey, not a race; “stop and smell the flowers” along the way.

Goal Realization: Once you become a Yoga teacher, do not “rest on your laurels.” Continuing education will be an important and valuable part of your life. A Yoga teacher is a student of healthy living for life.

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

If you’re a career-changing Baby Boomer, you may feel like you’ve gotten lost with Dorothy in Oz. You’ve achieved success in your career. You’ve built skills and a strong work ethic. And now you’re ready to move on…and it’s not working.
Many of my own clients tell me, “I haven’t had to look for a job for 20 years.”
Twenty years ago, you probably didn’t have a cell phone or an email account. A worm was something you put on a fish hook and a virus was something you caught from visiting friends. You could bring your whole set of kitchen knives onto an airplane and gas prices…well, we won’t go there.
And career counselors were handing out tests that promised to predict our aptitude and attitude.
Today as many as 90% of workers wish they could find a new career, but few actually succeed. Most are held back because they’re still guiding their progress by what they learned when they begin their careers, 20, 30 or 40 years ago.
Myth #1: Science supports the traditional linear career change model: test for interests, identify careers and go find a job.
Reality #1: You probably discovered this idea in a self-help book. Maybe you hired a career counselor. But it doesn’t work. Clients often call me because they’re stuck in the first stage: looking inward for guidance. They take tests and contemplate “what I really want.”
But researchers at Stanford and Harvard have found that career exploration proceeds in a zig-zag trial-and-error path. The word “serendipity” has been used in mainstream career research journals. Action, not introspection, is the key.
Myth #2: Starting a business is riskier than seeking a new job.
Reality #2: I would never tell anyone, “Stop job hunting and start your own entrepreneurial venture!” But these days, I recommend moving in parallel paths. Keep looking for a job but get serious about self-employment.
If you have a high profile in your industry or community, you may have trouble getting hired – but you might find yourself in demand as a self-employed business person. And if you’re above a certain age, you may meet resistance from the traditional job market.
Myth #3: Skills that brought you career success are the same skills you need for career change.
Reality #3: Career and business achievement calls for football skills: teamwork, planning and playing your position. You get rewarded for being in the right place at the right time.
But career change typically happens like playground basketball. Your biggest successes will be unplanned. The rules change and if you want a team, you will have to find them — or even hire them.
Myth #4: Ignore unexpected thoughts like, “Maybe it’s time to move.” They’ll soon go away.
Reality #4: These hints come from your intuition, which is not a woo-woo concept but a reliable source of insight that has been recognized by mainstream psychologists and scientists. When you ignore these whispers, you may find yourself sabotaging your own success.
Myth #5: Make tough career decisions like business decisions: run the numbers.
Reality #5: In my experience, career decisions follow their own logic. You develop scenarios and stories. You ask, “Can I live with my worst case scenario? If not, what can I do now to avoid having this scenario unfold?”
Myth #6: Fear is a signal to stay where you are, not challenge the status quo.
Reality #6: Contemporary psychologists recognize that fear can be your friend, especially when you’re moving outside your comfort zone into a new adventure. Fear means you’re taking care of yourself as you move into the unknown.
Sometimes you will work in and through the fear. And sometimes you experience fear for a good reason: time to gather more information before moving ahead.
Myth #7: Career change means feeling stressed and miserable.
Reality #7: Career change can become a source of meaning and growth. Most people look back with gratitude on this time in their lives.
As you progress, you begin to feel strong and powerful. You recognize more and more of what you want. The magic happens when you connect with a glimpse of, “This could be good.”