How to Handle the Stress of Finding a New Job

This article is written as a dialogue between Carnegie Coach and Mr. Samuel.

Dear Carnegie Coach:

I've made some horrible mistakes in my career. Most recently I was a salesperson for a large computer company and I was fired because I dropped the ball on an important sale. This is the only time I've been fired but I've left other jobs under bad circumstances, mostly because I wasn't meeting my bosses' expectations. I want to be a good employee but I just seem to get in over my head. When I can't handle a situation, everything starts to go wrong. Now I'm scared to even look for a new job. -- Samuel


Dear Samuel:

You've taken the first step toward overcoming your concern -- you've realized that there is a turning point in your work situations that creates overwhelming stress. Perhaps it occurs when you've had some success so your manager raises expectations for you. Or perhaps you are very good at landing jobs that are just a bit beyond your skill level – once you've been there a few months, your grace period has ended and your manager expects you to perform at a higher level than you can. Some people fear success because it means they have to work at a higher level; instead they find a way to get out of the situation.

I can't tell you what this turning point is for you, but I can tell you that it's manageable. It's very clear that you care about your work. That sincerity is what will carry you through this difficult time. Try these tactics as you're interviewing for your new job:

1. Don't worry about the past. You can't change the past. You can't change what others will think -- or say -- about you because of past mistakes. Forgive yourself and look to the future.

2.Analyze your own mistakes and criticize yourself. As I've hinted, there are reasons you've made these mistakes. Try to figure out what they are then develop a plan for solving the problem. If you lack skills, take training. If you don't want a high-pressure sales job, look into less stressful positions. If you feel your manager tends to move you ahead too fast, plan to discuss the fact that you seem like a quick learner because you pick up on industry idiosyncrasies quickly, but you can't keep up that pace forever.

3. Do not imitate others. Often when we feel insecure we start to mimic the behavior of others. All too often, that is the beginning of a series of events that eventually turn destructive. You can't be someone else. You can't relate to your manager the same way your coworker does. You can't land a sale the same way your manager landed one last year. Instead, as you're looking at how to handle a new situation, turn to your instincts. Certainly listen to
the advice you're being given, but manipulate it into a format that works for you.

4. Count your blessings -- not your troubles. In a world fraught with war, famine, disease and natural disaster, losing a job is far from the worst thing that can happen. Try keeping a list of all your blessings in your wallet --family, friends, health, talents, etc. Then, when you're feeling like a failure, take it out and remember all the people who don't have these advantages.

Entry-Level Jobs With Big Earning Potential

Competition for entry-level work is starched-shirt stiff right now.

But grabbing the first minimum-wage, dead-end gig that comes along won't serve you well in the long run. After all, you don't want to live in Mom and Dad's basement forever. A better strategy is to pursue a career that allows your responsibilities -- and your income -- to grow year after year.

Here are eight of our top picks for those who are just starting out, and their median annual salaries, according to PayScale.com.

Environmental engineer
Have a bachelor's degree in engineering? You're in luck! According to the U.S. Department of Labor, environmental engineers make among the highest starting salaries of all college graduates. Entry-level positions in the field are similar to "an apprentice situation," says workplace expert Alexandra Levit, whose latest book is "New Job, New You: A Guide to Reinventing Yourself in a Bright New Career." "As you get more senior, you receive more independence to work on your own, eventually supervising your own staff."
Median annual salary: $68,628.

Network systems/data communications analyst
Not a computer science major? Not to worry. In information technology, getting field certification is often more valuable than a formal education, Levit says. Once you cultivate an area of expertise, such as network security or enterprise software, "You can very quickly become the go-to person in the organization and eventually the head of IT," she says. "And you can make a very, very good living."
Median annual salary: $61,949.

Marketing research analyst
From high-tech and biotech to retail and hospitality, consumer-driven industries rely on market data to make smart business decisions. If you have a business marketing or statistical background, you may be able to analyze data from the get-go in this field rather than starting as "a [low-paid] telemarketer," says Laurence Shatkin, author of more than 20 books for job hunters, including "200 Best Jobs for College Graduates," which he co-wrote with Michael Farr.
Median annual salary: $58,423.

Copywriter
Fancy yourself the next Don Draper or Peggy Olson from "Mad Men"? Why not try your hand at writing ad copy? "Here's something for the English major to be doing, now that journalism doesn't seem to be such a prospect," Shatkin says. Although you might start by contributing text to lower-profile agency projects, in time "you can be involved to the point where you're developing entire ad campaigns," Shatkin says.
Median annual salary: $53,288.

Sales associate
The beauty of sales is that you can enter the field even if you majored in art history, Shatkin says. "With a lot of products, you can learn what you need to know from a short training program," he explains. "And sometimes you'll work with a more experienced salesperson your first few days out." To boost your income, he says, you can transition into selling bigger-ticket items, or you can move into management.
Median annual salary: $45,656.

Lobbyist
"There are all sorts of places where lobbyists exist: lobbying firms, public interest groups, trade organizations," Levit says. "You can start with an unpaid internship and move within a couple years to making six figures." To get your feet wet, Levit suggests volunteering for a political campaign or interning on Capitol Hill for a few months to see what causes interest you.
Median annual salary: $66,929.

Public relations assistant
"PR and digital marketing are hot hot hot," Levit says. "Everyone is switching their traditional marketing to online, and they can't fill positions fast enough." Expect to work your hide off at a PR agency, a field with a high burnout rate, Levit warns. On the plus side, she says, annual promotions are the norm, with the path from peon to supervisor fairly short.
Median annual salary: $42,810.

Financial analyst
Yes, the financial sector took a beating during the past year, but finance jobs are starting to bounce back, Shatkin says. So if you're looking to put that business, finance, or statistics education to use, consider analyzing financial data for a living. "Analysts contribute to the decisions that financial managers make," Shatkin explains. Specifically, financial analysts make investment recommendations to the banks, insurance companies, securities firms, and other businesses employing them. From this starting point, Shatkin says, the sky's the limit -- all the way up to company controller, CFO, or CEO.
Median annual salary: $60,952.

A Job For Every Dad

What kind of dad are you? Find career options that fit your dad skills!

Dads have a unique set of skills. From carpool driver to coach to cook...the modern dad does it all. But how do these skills translate to the work force?Use our handy guide to match your dad-skill with a great career!

For the dad who can get the kids to eat vegetables...

Marketing specialists help determine a company's strategy to bring in business. Duties include: advertising, promoting, and targeting products to the right consumers.
Dad-friendly factors: Many large corporations that employ entire marketing departments offer flex time, on-site child care, and telecommuting options.
Gear up: A bachelor's degree in business or marketing will show clients you've got the knowledge and skills to help their business grow. Once you've gained some experience, you could work as a consultant or marketing manager.
Get paid: According to Jobs-Salary.com, marketing consultants earn an average of $57,851 annually. Dads who advance to the level of marketing manager have even more reason to celebrate: the average annual salary is $108,580, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

For the dad who bandages scraped knees...

Registered nurses (RNs) provide patient care, which includes everything from administering medication to checking vital signs. Job opportunities for RNs should be excellent, but will vary by location and employment setting, according to the Department of Labor.
Dad-friendly factors: Nurses are needed at all hours of the day and night, which means more scheduling options for you. Telephone triage nurses work from home via telephone or computer providing advice or managing cases.
Gear up: Complete a nursing degree or certificate program, then get licensed in your state.
Get paid: The average annual salary for registered nurses is $62,450.

For the dad who still has a spot for his laptop among the toys...

Medical coders assign codes to specific medical services and procedures, which helps insurance companies and health care providers bill for services.
Dad-friendly factors: According to the American Academy of Professional Coders, 39 percent of coders work from home at least part of the time, usually telecommuting for an employer such as a hospital or clinic.
Gear up: An associate's degree in medical billing and coding is the most common way to get started, but there are also one-year certificate and diploma programs.
Get paid: Coders who work for medical and surgical hospitals have an average annual salary of $32,600.

For the dad who can hook up a video game system...

Computer programmers develop, test, and design software and computer programs for everything from cell phones to mainframe computer systems to video game consoles.
Dad-friendly factors: Because computer programmers often work alone, it's the perfect job for telecommuting or even starting your own freelance business.
Gear up: A bachelor's degree in a field such as computer science or information systems will qualify you for most positions.
Get paid: $69,620 is the average annual salary for computer programmers.

For the dad who finger paints like a master...

Graphic designers conceive and create almost everything you see around you - from posters and web sites to the packaged goods you see on the supermarket shelf.
Dad-friendly factors: Many graphic designers work on a freelance basis from their home. Because you're not on a strict 9-to-5 schedule, you can coordinate your work with your family's routine.
Gear up: Get an associate's or bachelor's degree in graphic design.
Get paid: The average annual salary for graphic designers is $42,400.

For the dad who makes sure everyone plays fair...

Paralegals play a pivotal role in the criminal justice system, researching legal matters, putting together reports and other materials for attorneys, and assisting in the preparation of cases.
Dad-friendly factors: A lot of paralegal work involves research that can be done on any computer with an internet connection, which can make telecommuting a viable option. Web conferencing software allows you "attend" meetings while at home with the kids.
Gear up: Get started on your paralegal career with a certificate or associate's degree in paralegal studies.
Get paid: The average paralegal salary is $46,120.

Five Ways to $70k Careers You Can Fetch with a Bachelor's Degree

News reports recently highlighted a government communications job that pays $70,000 per year for a professional to post to Facebook and Twitter. Unfortunately, that's a very rare and unusual position, and it requires moving to Oregon. For the rest of us, earning over $70,000 per year requires crafting a rare skill set, usually combining knowledge from more than one discipline. Moving past the $34 per hour mark also requires leveraging experience from a previous job. Accredited online degree programs can help you prepare for one of the following exciting careers:

Environmental Engineer

With government agencies requiring builders and businesses to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, more companies are looking for assistance from environmental engineers. Department of Labor statistics show the median annual salary in 2008 for environmental engineers was over $70,000. In addition, labor analysts expect job openings for environmental engineers with advanced degrees to increase faster than for other specialized engineering professionals. Online degree programs can help engineering graduates develop careers in this crucial niche.

College Professor

During economic downturns, career counselors often suggest searching for recession-proof careers. Looking to the ivory tower for a job might seem strange, especially for professionals with little advanced academic training. However, soaring college and university enrollments have forced schools to replace retiring faculty while hunting for talented instructors. In many states, a bachelor's degree can qualify many subject matter experts for jobs as adjunct professors. Completing an advanced degree can boost your earning potential even more. Although professors' salaries can vary wildly by region and specialty, a leading industry 2006-07 survey estimates that most post-secondary instructors earn annual salaries above $73,000.

Physician Assistant

America's need for high quality health care has created numerous job opportunities over the past few years. To bridge the gap between emergency room visits and regular examinations, insurance companies, drugstores, and private businesses have expanded the number of health clinics across the country. Physician assistants handle most of the routine diagnoses in these clinics, as well as in a growing number of private medical practices where doctors have become overwhelmed with their caseloads. Online undergraduate degree programs can help nurses and other health care workers prepare for certifications necessary to earn jobs that often pay more than $74,000 per year.

Interior Designer

It's easy to absorb the wisdom of home makeover shows and call yourself an interior decorator. However, to become a licensed interior designer, you must combine formal design and engineering training with the real world experience gained from apprenticeships and entry-level jobs in established design studios. Online degree programs allow aspiring interior designers to condense the time it takes to prepare for industry certification and state licensure. Government statistics indicate that one in four interior designers are self-employed, with the top 10 percent of professionals earning over $78,000.

Software Developer

Hackers and hobbyists often point out that in the past, little formal training is necessary to become a software developer. Earning an IT bachelor's degree online helps prospective software developers learn the discipline and the industry conventions required for lucrative corporate assignments as the market becomes more competitive. Likewise, an experienced software developer who earns a business degree can better understand how to market his or her creations. According to government data, many developers working as independent publishers earn over $79,000 per year. Privately employed developers may earn slightly less, but can also benefit from company perks and stock options not tracked by salary surveys.

While you can earn some bachelor's degrees entirely online, some programs require occasional project work in a lab or seminar setting. Making time to build some real-time networking into an online degree program can help develop the kinds of connections that lead to real world job leads. The very best bachelor's degree programs provide internships, job placement assistance, and other career counseling that leverages the quality of their alumni networks. By combining your personal passion, your life experience, and the structured learning of a degree program, you can put yourself on the path to an interesting career and a strong salary within the next four years.

Good News for Teens, Top Job For Teens.

The top jobs for teens are the hidden jewels of the employment world. While these starter careers may be seem hard to find, if you have a plan and know where to look they can be found. From work suitable for 14 year olds, 15 year olds and 16 year olds to top jobs for teens that are older, there are employment positions listed here that can provide exciting, fun work and a paycheck to go with it. The top paying work for this age group is in technology and working online. The highest paying positions are working as an Internet programmer helping to build websites.

Jobs for Teens

• ACCOUNT ACE 16 year old national company, experienced sales pros - Fort Lauderdale, FL
  ACCOUNT ACE 16 year old national company, experienced sales pros only. B2B sales. Earn $1600 Per Sal...
• Preschool Teacher - Two Year Olds - Corporate - Burbank, CA
  Two Year Old (Preschool) Teachers serve as members of their Classroom Teams and report to the Two Ye...
• Internet Researcher - www.shopbest.com/sell - Arizona
  Internet researcher needed. Up to $75 per 3 hour project. Must be 16+ years old, have own computer a...
• 30+ Hours/Week - Lafayette, CA
  Take care of 2 children (16 month, 3.5 years) feeding, nap, driving to playground, classes. Also res...
• Nanny/Housekeeper needed At Once - Nanny Locators - Katonah, NY
  to care for two children ages 7and 16 and help with daily house cleaning and cooking. 16 year old is...
• english speaking baby sitter - Altro, KY
  in Milan an english mothertongue student for a 6 years old boy to help him with homeworks and take c...
• precalculus Tutoring/Teaching - WyzAnt Tutoring - Raleigh, NC
  Hi Im looking for a tutor to come to my home and work with my 16 year old son in Pre Calculus prec...
• physics Tutoring/Teaching - WyzAnt Tutoring - Pinson, AL
  I have a 16 year old daughter needing a physics tutor. She's a junior at Clay Chalkville HS. I'm hav...
• BUSSER Part-time - Bishop Gadsden Health Care - Charleston, SC
  Part-Time Busser Must be at least 16 years old Fine Dining Experience preferred. Must be availabl...
• Nurses for Pediatric Trach and Vent - Bayada - Salem, NJ
  This two year old little girl needs your help. She is currently trached and is on a ventilator and r...

Babysitter, writing, tutoring and other traditional employment is still a common way to earn money for the younger crowd. Retail jobs for teens and the dreaded fast food career may still be the easiest to work to obtain. Some cities have programs that may help you to find part time, temporary and entry level jobs for teens.

Companies Hiring: The Western Edition

Yet another trot around the country comes to a close with our list of companies hiring in the West. Below you have a list of Western states, companies hiring in them, and some sample positions. Click on any of the links for more information. Happy hunting!

Montana
PNC –Branch financial advisor
Dean Foods – Distribution helper

Wyoming
Rent-A-Center Stores – Assistant managers and customer account representatives
UPS – UPS part-time package handlers

Colorado
City Market – Service counter clerk
RehabCare – Physical therapist

New Mexico
Apollo College – Communications instructor
Tresco Inc – Nurse

Arizona
Applecore – Pediatric transition nurse
W. Atlee Burpee & Co. – National accounts manager

Nevada
Summerlin Hospital – Clinical pharmacist
Clearwire – Manager, fulfillment and distribution warehouse

Idaho
Olan Mills – Portrait sales consultant
Bonaventure Senior Living – Program manager – memory care unit

Utah
TD Ameritrade – Education sales counselor
The Art Institutes – Admissions recruiter

California
Western Career College – Dean of academic affairs
Tri Counties Bank – Assistant branch manager

Oregon
Ziplocal – Media advertising consultant
Staples – Bid analyst

Washington
Omnicare – Quality review nurse
Pfizer – Professional healthcare representative

Hawaii
Parsons Brinckerhoff, Inc. – Design quality assurance manager
Cape Fox Professional Services LLC – Regional administrative assistant / CFPS traffic safety

Alaska
Adams & Associates – Payroll
Matco Tools – Sales / automotive entrepreneur

By Anthony Balderrama

When Ambitious People Hit the Brakes

The most dangerous part of a journey can be the last leg. We are tired, our minds practically assume that the trip has ended, and we let our guard down.

There is a related career practice that deserves our attention. Many highly competitive people push themselves right up to almost achieving a goal and then begin to apply the brake. The self-doubt and the second-guessing kick in.

“Do I really want this?” “Will it disrupt my life?” “Will people regard me differently?” “Do I truly deserve this?” “Can I handle the extra responsibility?” “Am I the right person for the job?” The questions and doubts begin to accumulate. In far too many cases, the person backs away from success or sabotages the plan.

These individuals are not slackers. They choose to compete. They are competent and ambitious. Most have managed to succeed in other endeavors. The fact of their past success, however, may keep them from recognizing their efforts to apply the brake. “I’m just being responsible,” they may say. “It only makes sense to consider all factors.”

Those excuses hold enough truth to provide a cover story for self-induced failure. Their foundation is the assumption that the individual is unique and that others do not harbor such doubts. Some (I’m tempted to say most) of the highest positions in any organization are held by people who wonder if they really should be in the job.

What can help is to recognize the self-doubt as a stage and factor it in. Just as a marathoner will know the attitudes to avoid in the last few miles, so too should we be alert for the second-guessing. For many, this stage can be a natural part of competing. Moving through it should also be a standard practice.

Consulting with others can help enormously. Delaying any negative decisions is also important. Regarding the second-guessing as a mere speed bump instead of a brick wall helps to keep up the momentum. We may slow down a bit to recognize the stage, but we’ll know when it is time to hit the accelerator.

By Michael S. Wade

Best Careers for Women Over Forty

In a nationwide survey, we asked midlife women to define the most important elements of a great job. In addition to a good salary and benefits, you told us you want a profession with a bright future, a high level of control and a flexible schedule.

We grilled the experts to find careers that deliver. Ready, set, reinvent! (saying Kate Ashford in More.com)

1. Community Service Coordinator/Manager

(volunteer coordinator, program director)
Salary: Most earn $42,110 to $73,470
Top 10% Make: $96,000+
Why Now: The field is expected to grow 48% by 2016
What You’ll Need: BA, passion for a cause
Entrepreneur Opportunities: Most in the field work for nonprofits or the government

2. Personal Financial Adviser

(financial planner)
Salary: Most earn $46,390 to $119,290
Top 10% Make: $166,000
Why Now: One of the 10 fastest growing occupations, it’s projected to boom 41% by 2016
What You’ll Need: A solid business background plus education in the field. You’ll probably also need Series 7 and Series 63 or 66 licenses
Entrepreneur Opportunities: 30% are self-employed

3. Environmental Scientist

(hydrologist, environmental ecologist, environmental chemist, ecological modeler)
Salary: Most earn $45,340 to $78,980
Top 10% Make: $103,000+
Why Now: The field is expected to grow 25% by 2016
What You’ll Need: Most positions require a master’s degree in environmental science, hydrology or a related natural science
Entrepreneur Opportunities: About 2% are self-employed

4. Registered Nurse

(critical care, emergency, oncology, clinical)
Salary: Most earn $51,640 to $76,570
Top 10% Make: $92,000+
Why Now: A projected 587,000 new nursing jobs will be created by 2016
What You’ll Need: A BS in nursing (four years), an associate’s degree in nursing (two to three years) or a diploma from an approved nursing program
Entrepreneur Opportunities: Although some nurses provide care as independent contractors or wellness coaches, most are employees

5. Computer and Information Systems Manager

(chief technology officer, management information systems (MIS) director, information technology (IT) director)
Salary: Most earn $88,240 to $141,890
Top 10% Make: $166,000+
Why Now: This field will add 43,000 jobs by 2016
What You’ll Need: A bachelor’s degree and sometimes a master’s degree—consider an MBA with a focus on technology
Entrepreneur Opportunities: These tend to be leadership positions within a company

6. Education Administrator

(principal, assistant principal, provost, dean of students, school district administrator, director of student services)
Salary: Most earn $68,360 to $102,830 (elementary and secondary school)
Top 10% Make: $125,000+
Why Now: Many will retire in the next decade
What You’ll Need: Experience as a teacher or in a field such as recruiting. Some positions require a master’s degree
Entrepreneur Opportunities: Most work for school districts or universities

7. Strategic/Crisis Communication Professional

(crisis manager, strategic communication specialist)
Salary: Most earn $38,400 to $71,670
Top 10% make: $98,000+
Why Now: The field is expected to create 43,000 new jobs by 2016
What You’ll Need: Public relations experience
Entrepreneur Opportunities: With the right expertise, it’s possible to provide this service as an independent contractor

8. Accountant

(public accountant, management accountant, government accountant, internal auditor)
Salary: Most earn $45,900 to $78,210
Top 10% Make: $102,000+
Why Now: The field will grow 18% by 2016, adding 226,000 jobs, and these positions are available in every industry
What You’ll Need: A degree in accounting or a related field. You have to pass an exam to become a CPA
Entrepreneur Opportunities: 10% are self-employed

9. Human Resources Specialist

(job analyst, compensation manager, employee benefits manager, training and development manager, recruiter)
Salary: Most earn $35,020 to $67,730
Top 10% Make: $84,000+
Why Now: There will be 147,000 new specialist jobs created by 2016
What You’ll Need: Depends. To specialize, you may need an MBA with a focus in HR management
Entrepreneur Opportunities: About 2 percent are self-employed

10. Small-Scale Niche Farmer

Salary: Most earn $26,800 to $76,230
Top 10% Make: $97,000+
Why Now: Small farms are growing at a rate of 10,000 a year
What You’ll Need: Nothing—training is done on the job
Entrepreneur Opportunities: 80% are self-employed

How to Be a More Effective Communicator

Success as a supervisor, manager, or staff level employee is dependent on the ability to communicate effectively. Communication is about more that just works; it is about body language. facial expressions, posture, actions, reactions, and demeanor. Every twitch contributes to the concept one is communicating.

Instructions

Step 1

The first step to effective communication is to determine whether written communication is required, optional, or unnecessary. Typically it is only required when one is communicating something highly complex, lengthy tasks or directions, or to someone what has a history of not understanding or following through with spoken communication. It is also critical when one is attempting to create a paper trail for disciplinary or promotional actions.

Step 2

Now clarify the ideas prior to the communication. This means that one should clearly and thoroughly understand the problem, idea, and messages that one wants to communicate. This requires significant analysis of the situation. It is often helpful to outline what one seeks to convey. If one is emotional it is helpful to organize the thoughts prior to communicating them to minimize the emotional context in the communication.

Step 3

Now ascertain the purpose of the communication. Think about what the goal that you want to accomplish with the message is. Do you want information, action, paradigm shifts, or just to present a message. Tailor your approach to serve this object and be cautious about trying to accomplish too much with each communication. The more objectives you present the more diluted your message becomes and the lower the chance that your message will get across to the reader.

Step 4

Next consider the setting and try to choose the best environment to present your idea. The timing is critical if the listener is having a bad day he or she may be negative opinion that could be difficult to change. Think about the setting and if it provides privacy, if needed. Consider the current and past practices and whether or not you conform to these. Consider the medium, is the message best communicated in person, by memo, or by mail.

Step 5

Now be conscious of unintentional and unintended communications. The tone of your voice, your expression, your mannerisms, and your receptiveness to others can greatly influence your audience. If your voice is condescending or harsh, you expression negative, your mannerisms negative, and you show no receptiveness to others then the audience may take a dislike to you and regardless of how much sense you point makes, the audience may automatically go against you.

Step 6

Next make sure that you include something of help or value to the recipient. This will make them more responsive to your point of view and most likely more receptive. Even if you are telling the employee something negative such as counseling them on taking too much time on a project make sure to note how much you appreciate the effort

Step 7

Next follow up on the communication. Ask for response and reactions. This is a critical part of communicating because it enables you to adjust and take corrective actions.

Step 8

Think about the long range goals. Typically people communicate immediate needs, however communicating long range needs is just as important. It helps show how vital the idea is and how it is consistent with long range interests and goals.

Step 9

Remember that actions speak louder than words so ensure that your actions support your message. If you talk about the importance of arriving to meetings on time, yet show up to meetings late it is unlikely that people will follow what you say.

Step 10

Last but not least try to be a good listener. Communication is a two way street. The purpose of communication is to both give and receive information and feedback. It only works if both parties are open to listening and ask for feedback to ensure that the message is correctly interpreted by both parties. In order to be an effective listener one should concentrate on the works expressed, implicit meaning of those words, and attitude of the speaker.

By Cinda Roth