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According to a recent CareerBuilder survey, a whopping 43% of US retailers plan to hire seasonal workers this year. But not all of them are a joy to work for.
CareerBliss.com, an online
careers community, recently identified those that are in its new list of
the retail companies with the happiest employees.
Ross Dress For Less ranked No. 1, followed by Costco and Ikea.
A Ross employee wrote on the CareerBliss site: "I feel challenged every
day; love the new opportunities. The culture allows us to figure things
out on our own and that gives me a great deal of independence at work."
To measure employee happiness, CareerBliss analyzed thousands of reviews
from retail employees who evaluated nine factors that affect work
happiness on a five-point scale: work-life balance, senior management,
compensation, benefits, job security, whether the employee would
recommend their employer, the work the employee does, the company
culture, and the employee's work environment.
CareerBliss combined those numbers to find an average rating of overall
happiness, which they call a "Bliss Score," for each respondent and
sorted the results by employer to determine which retail companies have
the happiest workers.
"Knowing you are shopping at a company that truly embodies the holiday
spirit by treating their employees with respect and letting them feel
some holiday cheer about their career makes shopping an even happier
experience," says Heidi Golledge, CEO of CareerBliss.
You're too young for retirement, too experienced for entry-level
positions and too fed up with your job to stay any longer. Have you
considered starting a second career? Beginning a new profession can be
an exciting way to change how you feel about your work life, and the
shifting economy offers more opportunities for change than you might
think. Whether you've never before thought of switching careers, or if
it's been a recurring dream of yours, here are some ideas for getting
started.
Create An 'Open Ideas' List
If you're ready to leave your first career behind and move on to what's
next in life, it's time to ask what's next. Keep a running list of ideas
for your future -- hobbies you enjoy, your areas of expertise, business
ideas you've previously passed on, childhood dreams. This list can
include every pipedream you've had. Then, narrow it down to what
interests you most, what you can make happen and what you want to learn
more about. Try out different fields by volunteering, taking classes and
talking to those who have the position you want. Transitioning
successfully to a second career depends on how much research and
preparation you can do to ensure it'll be the right fit.
Use Economic Advantages
Making a career switch can be intimidating at any point in life, but a
tepid economy and family responsibilities can hinder even the biggest
risk-takers. Rather than starting off on your own, take advantage of
newly created roles that are growing in demand. CareerBuilder's midyear
job forecast shared hopeful news for job seekers and career changers.
More employers are reporting that, within their organizations, new jobs
are emerging that didn't exist five years ago, including positions tied
to:
Employers are hiring in large numbers in some key areas, including those
impacting revenue and innovation. To gain experience before launching
an independent career, here are some areas where employers are hiring
first:
Still not convinced there's a second career in your future? "150 Best
Jobs for a Secure Future" author Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D., shares a
variety of secure-job lists based on different demographics. Switching
careers during economic uncertainty is actually more common and
practical than it may seem. "People tend to lose recession-sensitive
jobs when economic downturns strike and the jobs they find during those
hard times tend to be available because they're secure," Shatkin says.
Among Shatkin's many lists of secure jobs, here are seven examples of
the best secure jobs with a high percentage of mature workers:
1. Athletic trainers* Growth between 2010-20: 30 percent (much faster than average)
Median annual salary: $41,600
For some 8 million Americans, part-time jobs are a way of life. Many
are cobbling together several part-time gigs while they search for that elusive full-time job. Some, though, prefer part-time work because it offers flexibility and time off for other pursuits, including raising kids.
But whether you are looking for part-time work out of choice or
necessity, you probably want to find one that offers some personal
satisfaction and good wages. With the help of PayScale,
AOL Jobs has a compiled a list of the seven best part-time jobs. Some
require little training, and many pay more than $25 an hour.
One caveat: The wages shown for each position represent a range of
amounts paid to the 25th and 75th percentiles of workers who've been
operating in their fields for five to eight years. In other words, a
quarter of workers within a given job description earn less than the
reported low wage, while the rest earn less than the reported high wage.
Also, PayScale notes that the range of wages shown are national
numbers. If you live in a metropolitan area, you'll probably earn far
more -- sometimes twice as much -- than what's listed here.
Hourly Wage Range: $12.40 to $16.70, nationally. (As
noted, pay is often higher in urban markets, such as New York City,
where the hourly median wage is $29.50.) Median Weekly Hours Worked: 26
What you'd do: No surprises here -- school bus drivers
transport children to and from school and related special events.
Depending on several factors, including the distance to be traveled on a
given route and when school starts, part-time school bus drivers may
start work early in the morning -- 6 a.m. or earlier isn't unusual.
Others work the afternoon "shift," picking up children from school and
bringing them back home. Weather, heavy traffic and unruly children can
make the job challenging at times, though one perk that many school bus
drivers enjoy is summer break, giving them two to three months to pursue
other jobs or interests.
What you need to get started: A commercial driver's license is usually required, and certain hearing and vision requirements must be met.
2. Makeup Artist AFP/Getty ImagesA makeup artist prepares a model backstage before an event.Hourly Wage Range: $14.70 to $23.50
Median Weekly Hours Worked: 20
About the Job: Makeup artists enhance performers' and
consumers' appearance through the application of cosmetics, which may
include knowledge of period styles to reflect actors' roles. They work
in a wide variety of settings, including theaters, broadcast studios,
amusement parks, as well as boutiques and department stores. States with
a significant show business industry -- New York, California and Nevada
-- have the highest numbers of workers employed in this profession.
Ohio and Texas, with numerous large media markets and amusement parks,
also rank high.
What you need to get started: Most makeup artists
complete formal training that requires a high school diploma and may
include obtaining an associate degree in cosmetology or bachelor's
degree in theater. Some states also require cosmetologists and makeup
artists to be licensed.
3. Tutor APTutor working with a student on a set of math problems.Hourly Wage Range: $12.70 to $27
Median Weekly Hours Worked: 8
What you'd do: Think of a tutor as a personalized
teacher, who typically works one-on-one with students who are are having
difficulty comprehending a specific field of study, such as language or
math. The job requires patience and a willingness to listen. It also
requires organization, an attention to detail and the ability to show up
on time.
What you need to get started: There are few industry
standards that apply to tutors, who generally gain expertise in a field
of study through their own achievements, such as a high school diploma,
an associate degree or a bachelor's degree. Certification is available
through numerous organizations, such as the College Reading &
Learning Association and the American Tutoring Association.
4. Dance Teacher APDance teacher watches students at a rumba rehearsal.Hourly Wage Range: $15.30 to $24.50
Median Weekly Hours Worked: 8
What you'd do: Teaching dance often involves working
one-on-one with students to help them master the techniques in different
styles of dance -- jazz, ballroom, Western swing, tap, children's --
though instructors frequently work with large groups. Settings vary and
include dance halls or studios, classrooms, restaurants, retirement
communities, resorts and even cruise ships. It requires a willingness to
work with people and patience in dealing with students struggling to
learn.
What you need to get started: Education and training
requirements vary, however, part-time dance instructors typically
require two years of teaching experience.
5. English Teacher for Non-Native Speakers Denver Post via Getty ImagesTeacher works with students at an English Language Acquisition class in Denver.Hourly Wage Range: $18.10 to $30.50
Median Weekly Hours Worked: 17
What you'd do: Teaching English as a foreign language
can be rewarding but also challenging. Students may be reluctant to
learn or find English to difficult to master. For instructors, that
means being well prepared with lesson plans, a knowledge of how to
inspire and motivate struggling students and a degree of patience.
Public and private grade and high schools, college campuses and
community organizations are typical settings. Demand for English as a
second language, or ESL, instruction is such that qualified teachers can
land a job in virtually any country in the world.
What you need to get started: Generally, a bachelor's
degree is required; a certification specializing in teaching ESL is also
available from numerous institutions, including many colleges and
universities.
6. Flight Attendant Denver Post via Getty ImagesFlight attendent points to the other near by exits on a United Airlines flight.Hourly Wage Range: $26 to $34.80
Median Weekly Hours Worked: 20
What you'd do: Though viewed by some travelers as
little more than airborne waiters and waitresses, the primary
responsibility offlight attendants is the safety of passengers aboard
aircraft, which often includes reminding them about what is and isn't
allowed during flight. There are perks, of course, which may include
travel to many destinations and pay that's near the top for part-time
work. Downsides include dealing with stubborn or unruly passengers,
frequent downtime, and working in an industry that has gone through
major layoffs in recent years.
What you need to get started: Many major airlines
require flight attendants to have a college degree. A professional
appearance and an outgoing personality are also key to landing the job.
7. Pilates or Yoga Instructor AFP/Getty ImagesA teacher gives advice during a session of Bikram yoga. Hourly Wage Range: $20.20 to $39.90
Median Weekly Hours Worked: 6
What you'd do: Yoga and Pilates instructors typically
work with groups of students in the movements and techniques unique to
each exercise. One-on-one training is common, too. As with other
teaching professions, it requires a degree of patience with those
students struggling to learn. One benefit is relatively high pay for a
part-time profession -- and all that teaching helps keep you fit, too.
What you need to get started: Both exercise techniques
require months or even years of practice before practitioners can begin
teaching. Numerous certification programs are available for both
disciplines.
Sometimes, great jobs come in unusual packages. Sometimes, they're
things you've never considered at all. Below, you'll find what Reddit
users consider some of the best careers around--none of which, you'll
find, are especially glamorous. Because come on: glamour is overrated!
What matters is finding a career you love and can depend upon, and for
the right job seeker, these underrated, high-paying jobs could satisfy
both. Take a look, and happy applying!
"The cool thing is you don't need a college degree, or any kind of
education (personally, I have my Bachelors in an unrelated field)." – IClimbStuff
> Find a job as a tower technician
3. Geomatic Engineer/Land Surveyor
Median salary: $42,053
"Most surveyors are old, for instance, the average age of a surveyor
in the state of CA is in the mid to late fifties, which means you will
definitely get a job out of college and you can quickly work your way up
to a decent 6 figure income once you get your professional license." – TheGeomatician
> Find a job as a land surveyor
If you’re in the market for a new job in 2015, check out these 18 top jobs based on supply and demand.
Things that are
hot right now: sweatpants-as-real-pants, [insert any name] of the Jenner/Kardashian clan (sorry haters), anything produced by Shonda Rhimes, “Shake it Off” inspired videos — and this list of hot jobs for 2015.
CareerBuilder and Economic Modeling Specialists Intl. compiled a list of the top jobs for the New Year
by looking at supply versus demand – the occupations that have a large
number of openings each month compared to the number of people actually
hired for these jobs.
The list is broken down into two sections – those jobs that require a
college degree and those that don’t – and both sections include jobs
that span industries, so there are opportunities for every type of job
seeker looking to make a change.
If you’re in the market for a new job in 2015, check out the 18 jobs
featured below (that is, if you’re not too busy catching up on “Scandal”
or
copying outfit ideas from North West). Among occupations that require a college education and have the largest gap between job openings and hires are:
1 The marketing manager occupation includes everything from vice president of marketing to director and manager, etc. 2 Some occupations may require additional training after high school.
It's no secret that STEM jobs (science, technology, engineering and
math) are some of the hottest careers to pursue. In fact, according to
the Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM jobs will increase by 9 million
from 2012-2022.
While these industries are ripe with opportunities for any type of
worker with the right skills, they've historically been male-dominated.
In 2009, women represented less than 25 percent of STEM jobs. But the good news is that's quickly changing, in part due to initiatives like the one driven by the White House, which empower young women to pursue these areas of study.
While major strides have been taken to diversify the STEM workforce,
there are some occupations that have higher percentages of women than
others. Here's a list* of six jobs – spanning the science, technology,
engineering and math fields – that have the highest percentage of women:
1. Clinical psychologists assess, diagnose and treat mental, emotional and behavioral disorders. Counseling psychologists advise people on how to deal with problems. School psychologists apply psychological principles and techniques to education-related and developmental issues. Percentage of women: 68 percent Average hourly wage: $33.39 2012 – 2022 growth: 11 percent Education: Doctoral/professional degree
2. Epidemiologists are public health professionals who investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury in humans. Percentage of women: 53 percent Average hourly wage: $34.34 2012 – 2022 growth: 10 percent Education: Master's degree required
3. Physical scientists
conduct research tasks within a chosen field of study. Sample job
titles include chemist, biochemist, astronomer, geologist, physiologist,
environmental scientist and physicist. Percentage of women: 41 percent Average hourly wage: $45.05 2012 – 2022 growth: 5 percent Education: Bachelor's degree
4. Statisticians
use statistical methods to collect and analyze data and help solve
real-world problems in business, engineering, the sciences or other
fields. Percentage of women: 41 percent Average hourly wage: $38.28 2012 – 2022 growth: 27 percent Education: Master's degree
5. Database administrators use specialized software to store and organize data, such as financial information and customer shipping records. Percentage of women: 38 percent Average hourly wage: $38.04 2012 – 2022 growth: 15 percent Education: Bachelor's degree
6. Environmental engineers use the principles of engineering, soil science, biology and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems. Percentage of women: 26 percent Average hourly wage: $40.93 2012 – 2022 growth: 15 percent Education: Bachelor's degree
Employers and recruiters: For more information on women in STEM and tips for attracting STEM workers, download a free report here.
Workers played "Would you rather" with workplace perks, careers
You
don’t always get what you want, in life or in your career. In fact,
most of your day is made up of compromises between what you want and
what others are asking for. You rearrange your priorities to keep
projects moving, to earn a bigger paycheck, to accommodate your family.
But if somebody asked you what you really wanted, would you answer your
job or the perks that come with it?
A CareerBuilder survey found
the choices that workers will make when faced with hard decisions (like
choosing between a bigger paycheck or a shorter work week) and the dream
jobs we secretly yearn for. How would you answer?
Would you rather…
Workplace
perks are becoming a bigger selling point in finding a new job, but you
can’t expect to get it all. The survey attempted to find what workers
really want, asking: If you had to choose between the following at work, which would you choose?
A car (76 percent) vs. a smart phone (24 percent)
Air conditioning (54 percent) vs. Internet access (46 percent)
Free lunches at work (63 percent) vs. the ability to wear jeans every day (37 percent)
A bigger paycheck (77 percent) vs. a shorter work week (23 percent)
An office (71 percent) vs. your own bathroom (29 percent)
A concierge (70 percent) vs. a valet (30 percent)
Dream careers and second careers Most
careers end up looking different from what we imagined while growing up
because we find more practical options or follow the labor market’s
in-demand jobs. Though we pursue careers that are different from what we
originally hoped for, we never really forget what we’d like to be doing
if we could. The survey got to the heart of this, asking:
“How I stumbled into my dream career”
Some people have known since they were young what they wanted to do for
work. Others took a less-direct route to get to their dream career
path.
Why uncertainty is necessary for a career switch
When you're entering the workforce for the first time, it's natural to
be nervous about your career and uncertain of how things will turn out.
But what about later in life, when you're ready for a change or career
switch?
Navigating a career crossroads
When standing at a career crossroads, you need to give careful thought
to the consequences of your actions. Take into account your unique
situation and the potential benefits of making -- or not making -- a
change.
Quiz: Are you really ready to switch careers?
Have you thought carefully about the personal and professional
implications of making a switch, or have you decided that anything is
better than what you're doing?
Why quitting my job was the best decision I ever madeEverybody’s
had a project, co-worker or boss who has caused them to think, “I’m
going to quit!” But rarely do we follow through with the threat, and
usually the job gets better or the problem gets fixed. But for some
people, choosing to quit has been the best decision they ever made.
