Archive for Careers
Career Planning for Baby Boomers — Re-Entering the Workforce
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By Anna D. Banks, GCDF
Studies have shown that a large segment of mature people now want to stay employed or re-enter the workforce at the middle aged stage. There are several reasons as to why more mature people choose to start working again and many of these can be inter-connected.
The reasons why mature workers remain motivated for staying in, or re-entering the workforce, can be diverse and include:
• A necessity based approach that if focused on wages and pay.
• Satisfaction based, from contribution to economy and social contacts in the workplace (important especially for women or people living alone)
• Continuing usage of skills and abilities, expertise and capacities that are relevant to the workplace but with limited visibility and relevance outside.
• A good set of principles and work ethics, or a good set of values they have about work
• Complete pleasure and satisfaction in working, or comfort and familiarity with regular routines
However, most senior citizens don’t necessarily have to work where they worked before, or they don’t need to work in the same style as before. In fact, a considerably large number don’t want just any ordinary job, they want a kind of occupation or vocation that will allow them to fully express their interests and beliefs, values and morals and even changing objectives. While most mature adults can be looking for changes as to where and how they would like to work, for others, work might actually be something akin to a financial necessity. Today, in the United States, people aged over 45 are increasingly getting back into work, largely because they need good health care coverage, for example.
Financial independence is also and important factor in the work force re-entry of mature women. In the group of ethnically and economically diverse mature women in America, freedom from men seems to be a major motivation for work. Part of this emphasis on freedom from men – be it financial or any other sort of ties (whether spouses or children) comes from past negative experiences, some from the perceived risks of divorce, separation, abandonment, and ill treatment, faced by dependant women.
A number of reasons, in addition to the financial ones drive older, more mature people to get back to working. These may range from the fitness to the social issues. The reasons why mature adults re-enter the workforce are:
• To remain physically as well as mentally active.
• Due to family and relationship changes
• Job satisfaction
• Because they need a routine
• Want more to do
• Crave for more social contacts that can only be provided by work
The ones who do retire may not permanently leave the workforce, finding retirement less enjoyable than expected and may soon re-enter the workforce.
As increasing number of mature workers enter the workforce, there is an increasing number of 50+-year-old job seekers. Barriers, real or perceived, and the expectation of rejection undermine morale, and hurt self-confidence. Despite legislation making age discrimination illegal, it can be quite problematic, particularly for the unemployed seeking work out of necessity.
Some of the negative aspects that are attributed to older workers are:
• Lack of creativity and flexibility
• Outdated and archaic skills and abilities
• Tend to be accident prone
• Less capable of physical labor
• Poor health
In fact, research shows that older workers are:
• Faithful
• Trustworthy
• Diligent workers
• Productive
• Sophisticated
• Enthusiastic
• More experienced
• Dedicated
© 2008 Anna D. Banks, GCDF
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Author’s Note:
Do you have any questions about career development or lifestyle changes for Baby Boomers, which you think others, like you, would want to know the answers? Please place a post on www.AnnaBanks.com or email your questions to me at Anna@AnnaBanks.com.
Baby Boomer Statistics: All about the Baby Boomers Generation
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By Anna D. Banks, GCDF
During the period between 1946 and 1964 or between post World War II and the Vietnam War, a significant increase of birth rate was recorded. This generation was called the baby boomers generation.
If you were born within the years 1946 and 1964, you can consider yourself as part of the baby boomers generation. This particular generation is one of the generations that contributed a lot in politics and also to the culture of the United States.
The main cause of the baby boom was the after effect of World War II. In this period, cities were in rubbles and world economies that were affected severely by the war were in need for goods and services. The needs were so staggering that it is considered as the largest in peacetime.
The United States have been providing a lot of money and also services for their allies in order to help them recover from the war. The United States factories which made war materials before began producing peacetime goods and materials for export. Because the United States began exporting goods and materials to the free world to help them rebuild their economy, it led to a very lucrative business and didn’t slow down up until 1958. Because of this growth, education became cheaper and many people began attending colleges and some even took second college degrees. Because of the increase in education and high incomes of families in this period, it made it possible for them to produce more children. Besides, they had enough money and resources for it.
Today, the baby boomers population is one of the largest in the United States. In fact, there were almost 76 million Americans born during the baby boomers period. This means that they represent about 28 percent of the United States population. This is considered as one of the largest in the United States history.
You have to consider that there are now millions of aging baby boomers today who have reached mid-life. Because of the significantly high population of the baby boomers generation, they contributed a lot to the United States. They were the manpower who was also responsible for the increasing economy of the United States. In fact, you can even consider the baby boomers as the economy of the United States.
The baby boomers today also hold a large amount of government offices. In fact, the highest office in the United States already had 2 baby boomers, namely Bill Clinton and the incumbent president George W. Bush.
You have to expect that baby boomers will be on the political scenery for quite some time.
Also, because of the advancement of technology in the medical field, baby boomers are expected to live longer than their predecessors. Today, they now have access to advanced medical technology and great quality health care.
You should also expect baby boomers getting a hold of the judicial system for a long time in the United States. Statistics have suggested that baby boomers will be in political power up until 2010 to 2015. And, the political influence of baby boomers will be around for quite a long time.
Because people age, the government is also concerned about the health care budget for retiring baby boomers. As everyone knows, old age is always associated will illnesses and diseases, such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart related diseases. Because the baby boomer population is now in their late 50′s and 60′s, the government is now finding ways to adjust the national budget and dedicate more to health care benefits for retiring baby boomers. Obviously, the baby boomer population is one of the largest in the United States. Because of this, you have to consider the fact that without adjustment in the national budged, there will be shortages on health care financing.
Most baby boomers today are relying on their retirement benefits to provide for their health care needs.
As you can see, the baby boomers statistics on population is quite a large number. You have to consider the fact that baby boomers were one of the generations responsible for the significant boom in the United States workforce and economy.
Expect that society will further be influenced by baby boomers in the future and political views will be one of the fields that most baby boomers will have influence on.
© 2008 Anna D. Banks, GCDF
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Author’s Note:
Do you have any questions about career development or lifestyle changes for Baby Boomers, which you think others, like you, would want to know the answers? Email your questions to me at Anna@AnnaBanks.com.
Career Planning for Baby Boomers — Staying Motivated
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By Anna D. Banks, GCDF
Staying constantly motivated and being able to handle rejection easily are the cornerstones of success with any kind of job-search. This is more so, for the mature worker seeking post-retirement employment, wanting to re-enter the workforce after a gap, or simply choosing to change their field of work.
Nothing puts your self-esteem more in jeopardy than a job search. Any job search can lead to self-doubt on a regular, daily basis. And this is especially true of job search at an older age, when you might doubt your own capabilities, your new market knowledge and may have to compete with younger fresher candidates. On the other hand, hiring managers, while they may value experience, are looking for cheerful and positive people. As a result, being visibly motivated is doubly important. If you are not motivated, the lack of motivation may be visible, and this self-doubt can lose you a good job opportunity.
Some things that you can do to help you maintain a positive attitude are:
• Spruce up your resume. Get help if necessary to polish and create a truly impressive, interesting resume. Rather than chronological, try a thematic approach; group type of work and responsibilities together rather than giving a simple date-wise list of employers. Once your resume sparkles, you will have much more self-confidence and find that you actually look forward to the job search.
• Remember to schedule “downtime.” Even when you are making 30 calls a day, sending any number of resumes, and checking every possible online jobsite, set some time apart, to do the things you enjoy. Go see a movie, take a trip with your spouse, or go out with friends. This will rejuvenate you for another day in the trenches.
• Make a ‘to-do’ list. Most people tend to work better with a set of specific guidelines. Writing down a list of the tasks you want to accomplish, not only helps you to organize your day, but also can be a morale lifter. Crossing the accomplished items off the list can give you a small morale boost each time.
• Tackle the fear. Most lack of motivation or procrastination comes from fear of rejection. Ask yourself what is the worst that could happen? On a call, for example, the worst is that they might hang up on you. A few hang ups, or “no thanks” are a small price to pay for the leads you can generate by regular networking and follow up.
• Post a picture of your children, your dream home, the yacht you want to buy, right next to your computer, reminding you everyday, why you want to work. Alternatively, put some kind of an action figure symbolizing the county sheriff who wants to auction off your house if the bank forecloses.
• Remember that networking is a numbers game. Every single phone call or enquiry is not going to give you a lead on a job. Keep making those calls. Get out your Rolodex and make as many as six calls an hour, five hours a day. At the end of each all, ask them for references of people you should be talking to. This will generate more leads and increase the size of your network.
Anna D. Banks, a passionate advocate for baby boomers in exploring their priorities, planning and setting goals for the next stage of their lives. Assisting her clients to attract and build a professional and personal life consistent with their values is not just a goal of Anna’s, it’s her passion. Her diverse work experience in business, education and financial services enables her to help the diverse population of baby-boomers with their life, career, and personal finance coaching needs. Anna is currently Adjunct Faculty at Essex County College, where she teaches Career Development & Management.
Author’s Note:
Do you have any questions about career development or lifestyle changes for Baby Boomers, which you think others, like you, would want to know the answers? Post a comment on www.AnnaBanks.com or email your questions to me at Anna@AnnaBanks.com.
NJ Chapter of IAWP 2008 Spring Training Conference a Success
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Workforce Professionals around the state gathered today at Hilton Newark Liberty Airport, to attend the 2008 Spring Training Conference of the New Jersey Chapter of the International Association of Workforce Professionals(NJ-IAWP). This conference was one of New Jersey’s most informative workforce-related events thus far in 2008.
Updates on the state of workforce development in New Jersey was shared by Michelle Richardson, Assistant Commissioner, NJ Department of Labor & Workforce Development (NJ DLWD); Marilyn Davis, Deputy Commissioner, NJ DLWD and Tony Langon, Acting Assistant Commissioner of Temporary Disability Insurance and Family Leave.
Lee Foley, IAWP Legislative and Educational Liaison to US Congress, brought us valuable information from Washington, DC on legislation, and other activities impacting Workforce Development. The information included the status of the WIA Re-Authorization Act; Wagner-Peyser Act funding and workforce training budget cuts.
NJ Chapter, IAWP member, Anna D. Banks stated, “The information received today, was priceless during this time of economic uncertainty in New Jersey. While listening to the speakers today, I became acutely aware of the importance for all stakeholders in New Jersey’s Workforce system to work together and explore innovative ways to meet workplace challenges; and at the same time, to build a workforce that is competitive in this global economy.”
The 2008 NJ-IAWP Spring Training Conference is a semi-annual conference where New Jersey’s local, county and state workforce leaders and partners gather to share their common experiences and challenges in building a highly skilled and adaptable workforce.
IAWP is a nonprofit educational association representing professionals worldwide who work in public and private workforce development programs. IAWP is dedicated to advancing the field of workforce development through education, research, legislative action, financial support, and international networking.
Companies that Seek Older Employees
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By Anna D. Banks, GCDF
Employers are said to have a preference for younger employees, which speaks of a bias against offering employment to older people. This is a common phenomenon that has prevailed since a long time but is now undergoing a subtle change to favor ‘above 50′ people seeking employment.
Employers have come to realize that employee maturity and experience are age related attributes gained through long exposure to varied work conditions/situations and cannot be cultivated over a short span of time. They are finding it increasingly desirable to employ seniors to benefit from the positive traits ingrained in them with the passing of time leading to better productivity and lesser workplace problems.
Among other important factors contributing to this growing disposition is the realization of work force shrinkage and apprehension of depleting wisdom levels on account of Baby Boomers hitting retirement age in a few years.
The avant-garde is already on track. Leading companies like Borders and Principal Financial, Adecco, Bank of America, Proctor and Gamble are among those who have realized the need for the creation of an older and more mature workforce that could serve as a ‘knowledge pool’ to counteract the impending brain drain. Combined efforts have led to the creation of companies like YourEncore and also websites like Seniors4Hire.org and RetirementJobs.com that act as hiring channels of retired personnel for specific projects. Over a dozen companies including Boeing, Eli Lilly and many others are using the services offered by YourEncore.
Very soon national companies like Petco, Radio Shack, Regal Entertainment, General Nutrition Centers, the Bank of America and a host of health care companies would be posting jobs on Seniors4Hire.org and RetirementJobs.com
Companies engaged in recruitment testify to a growing acceptance of mature workers by many employers, though at a much slower pace than desired. Many employers do not select workers of a higher age group, whereas others positively turn them away.
The sentinel for seniors, AARP (American Association of Retired Persons), features a yearly list of employers on its official web site, which it honors for the best practices related to management of 50+ workers. For example, Volkswagen of America Inc. is a 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 award winner, which, over the past twelve months recruited 13% of its workforce from 50+ applicants. One fourth of the company’s total employees at present are over 50 years in age. It has various benefit programs for older employees.
Employment Policy Foundation (EPF) stats reveal a shortfall of 4 million workers within the next four years. It is predicted to go on increasing and the figure could go up to thirty-five million by 2030.
The major reason is the retirement of 30 million baby boomers out of 76 million born between 1946 and 1964. The senior most will turn sixty-five in 2011and will go for retirement. The trend will continue over the following years. Even discounting the fact that not all are in jobs, there still remains enough to fairly predict an acute shortage of workers to fill existing requirement which will lead to loss in production and consequently, loss in profits.
The nature of some of the jobs most likely to suffer a shortage of workers due to a large number of baby boomers among the present employee list includes:
• Elementary School teachers
• Secondary School teachers
• College and University teachers
• Educational and other Administrators
• Secretaries
• Accounting, Bookkeeping and auditing clerks
• Registered nurses
• Heavy Truck Drivers
• Janitors and cleaners etc.
© Anna D. Banks, GCDF
ANNA D. BANKS, GCDF, is a passionate advocate for baby boomers in exploring their priorities, planning and setting goals for the next stage of their lives. Assisting her clients to attract and build a professional and personal life consistent with their values is not just a goal of Anna’s, it’s her passion. Her diverse work experience in business, education and financial services enables her to help the diverse population of baby-boomers with their life, career, and personal finance coaching needs. Anna is currently Adjunct Faculty at Essex County College, where she teaches Career Development & Management. Please place a post on www.AnnaBanks.com or email your questions to me at Anna@AnnaBanks.com.
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Author’s Note:
Do you have any questions about career development or lifestyle changes for Baby Boomers, which you think others, like you, would want to know the answers? Please place a post on www.AnnaBanks.com or email your questions to me at Anna@AnnaBanks.com.
Resume, Cover Letter and Interview Strategies 50+
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By Anna D. Banks, GCDF
Recent surveys have shown that there are more seniors who are now returning or sticking on to their jobs than ever before! Today, there are more 50+ workers working in the job market than at any time in the past. The terms ‘white-collar’ and ‘blue-collar’ workers have now been joined by a third adage, which is, ‘The Silver-collar worker’.
With over 77 million baby boomers in the United States and only 45 million Generation-X’ers, the difference in numbers clearly define a wide gap that needs to be filled by various strategies. So, the competition in the workplace between the two generations has increased twofold over the past ten years. So, if you happen to be a baby boomer on the look out for a job, then here are a couple of resume, cover letter and interview strategies to help you get started:
Resume Strategies for the 50+
• The thumb rule for all senior workers is to put at least 15 years worth of service on the resume.
• Don’t emphasize on dates. Never list your birth date and omit all college graduation dates that are more than 10 years old.
• Try toning down the job titles that you have listed on your resume so as to not seem overqualified. For instance, you can put down ‘senior manager’ instead of ‘Vice President’.
• Make sure you list all the professional courses and development activities that you have attended as this shows that you are willing to learn.
• List all the technological and computer skills that you possess.
• Highlight accomplishments, achievements and results that set you apart from the other candidates.
Cover Letter Strategies for Senior Workers
• Older workers tend to be proud of their work histories and are prone to putting self-applauding statements in their cover letters. With so much work experience, it is probably best you don’t put such cumulative experience statements in your cover letter. Instead of bragging, stick to using statements like ‘extensive experience’ or ‘significant experience’.
• An autobiography letter that rehashes your entire job history that is already on your resume isn’t a good idea. But, as an older worker it is more harmful as it draws attention to your age.
• Add in your cover letter that you are flexible, adaptable and are willing to learn.
Job Interview Strategies for Older Workers
When you go for a job interview, remember that you will probably be interviewed by someone who is younger than you, so don’t get embarrassed or unnerved by the situation.
• Start by stressing on how you are so willing to work and learn. Interviews claim that the biggest setback when it comes to hiring older workers is that most of the time their skills are outdated and they aren’t willing to learn.
• Suggest that you have an unsurpassable work ethic, which could be possible as compared to the younger workers.
• Convince you potential employers that your maturity will only be advantageous to them as your past experience makes you wiser in problem-solving situations.
© 2008 Anna D. Banks, GCDF
ANNA D. BANKS, GCDF, is a passionate advocate for baby boomers in exploring their priorities, planning and setting goals for the next stage of their lives. Assisting her clients to attract and build a professional and personal life consistent with their values is not just a goal of Anna’s, it’s her passion. Her diverse work experience in business, education and financial services enables her to help the diverse population of baby-boomers with their life, career, and personal finance coaching needs. Anna is currently Adjunct Faculty at Essex County College, where she teaches Career Development & Management. Please place a post on www.AnnaBanks.com or email your questions to me at Anna@AnnaBanks.com.
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Author’s Note:
Do you have any questions about career development or lifestyle changes for Baby Boomers, which you think others, like you, would want to know the answers? Please place a post on www.AnnaBanks.com or email your questions to me at Anna@AnnaBanks.com.
Consulting a Counselor for Pre-Retirement Planning Needs
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By Anna D. Banks, GCDF
Retirement is a new chapter of adulthood as it transforms a person to a time of passion and purpose. Retirement is not the end of everything. It is just the beginning of a new and relaxed life which could turn out to be interesting and more productive if you plan well. So design your next phase well to lead a meaningful second adulthood.
Many people are uncertain about their pre-retirement planning. Are you confused about the right plan or selecting a career path after retirement? You should be, and more so if you are nearing your fifties as you have plenty of years to plan ahead and this question is the one that should lead you to the right path. Some people find pre-retirement planning very tedious and boring and they feel that they would need more money than they calculate. Many executives prefer leading stressful life, as they don’t know how to start planning for their retirement. Some find themselves locked in a decent pay pack and they cannot think of anything else or any change over.
You should plan well for your retirement. Seek the help of a counselor who can create a plan for your retirement and help you set your goals or define your career path so as that you can lead a satisfying retired life. Counseling is generally based on your needs and either the counselor guides you to a specialist or provides a referral. Counselors are well versed to handle all your issues relating to relationship, financial management, life balance issues, stress and well as anxiety that accompanies when you near the retirement stage.
If you seek help from the Employee assistance program, then you will be guided by counselors who formulate step-by-step pre-retirement plans, focusing on the emotional readiness of the transitional phase towards retirement. Conselors identify the stress and anxieties associated with retirement and help you handle them by discussing the use of time and money. They also help you handle your health problems and identify community resources.
Retirement is very critical for some people and other than financial issues some also face restlessness. Experts are not satisfied with the currently available pre-retirement programs as they find them shallow. They suggest that a counselor should give a holistic approach towards understanding:
• Current financial resources and the future needs.
• Management of leisure time more meaningfully, by pursuing hobbies or
opting for some volunteer activities, or
in reflection and contemplation.
• Obtainable property, or health and safety.
• Relationships.
Research shows that pre-retirement people refuse to seek help from counselors. But slowly this trend is changing and many corporations now offer specific pre-retirement help. Counselors play an important role in providing financial information with meaningful suggestions based on a special sensitivity to the fact that anxiety about retirement is often about aging.
Counseling the elderly during the pre-retirement stage is a new and challenging field that promises a more satisfying, meaningful life for America’s older citizens. The little planning and initiative goes a long way.
© Anna D. Banks, GCDF
ANNA D. BANKS, GCDF is an adjunct professor at Essex County College, career development and marketing coach, speaker, and author. Anna helps individuals design a game plan for an extraordinary career or business. Since 1996, Anna has helped hundreds of job-seekers, managers, business owners, and sales professionals achieve career success. For more information send an email to Anna@AnnaBanks.com.
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Author’s Note:
Do you have any questions about career development or lifestyle changes for Baby Boomers, which you think others, like you, would want to know the answers? Please post a comment or email your questions to me at Anna@AnnaBanks.com.
Baby Boomers – Can You Be “Too Young To Retire?”
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By Anna D. Banks, GCDF
Boomers young and old are starting to think about the years ahead. Three-quarters of the 76 million Baby Boomers in the United States plan to work full or part time after age 65. Many are still focused on their families, providing care for their children as well as their parents.
With Baby Boomers living longer, healthier lives, the conventional idea of retirement is out of date. This cohort aged 50 to 65 wants to know “What’s next?”
The “Too Young to Retire” Course answers their burning question with resources, inspiration and good humor. Enlightening exercises and workbook pages as well as a comprehensive list of publications, home exchange organizations, and websites are included to assist participants in making meaningful choices.
The 2young2retire Course
Who am I? What am I doing here? Baby Boomers start asking these Big Questions, in one form or another, around age 50. What if your Big Answers could launch a whole new, more meaningful life in the years ahead?
The 2young2retire course is a process that helps you get clear about your choices and future possibilities. Working with a 2young2retire certified facilitator,” participants will discover what matters most to them and where their skills and experience could be put to good purpose.
The six areas of discovery are:
► Work that matters (paid or not)
► Being your own boss (you can do it!)
► Community activism (it’s about time!)
► Money control (at last)
► Wellness plan (quit stalling now!)
► Intelligent travel (why to go where)
To find out more about how the 2Young2Retire Course can assist you, visit 2Young2Retire.com.
© Anna D. Banks, GCDF
ANNA D. BANKS, GCDF is an adjunct professor at Essex County College, a certified “2Young2Retire” facilitator, career development and marketing coach, speaker, and author. Anna helps baby boomers and other adults design a game plan for an extraordinary career or business. Since 1996, Anna has helped hundreds of job-seekers, managers, business owners, and sales professionals achieve career success. For more information send an email to Anna@AnnaBanks.com.
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Author’s Note:
Do you have any questions about the 2Young2Retire Course or lifestyle changes for Baby Boomers, which you think others, like you, would want to know the answers? Please post a question on this website or email your questions to me at Anna@AnnaBanks.com.
Baby Boomers – Can You Be Too Young To Retire?
Posted by: | Comments
By Anna D. Banks, GCDF
Boomers young and old are starting to think about the years ahead. Three-quarters of the 76 million Baby Boomers in the United States plan to work full or part time after age 65. Many are still focused on their families, providing care for their children as well as their parents.
With Baby Boomers living longer, healthier lives, the conventional idea of retirement is out of date. This cohort aged 50 to 65 wants to know “What’s next?”
The “Too Young to Retire” Course answers their burning question with resources, inspiration and good humor. Enlightening exercises and workbook pages as well as a comprehensive list of publications, home exchange organizations, and websites are included to assist participants in making meaningful choices.
The 2young2retire Course
Who am I? What am I doing here? Baby Boomers start asking these Big Questions, in one form or another, around age 50. What if your Big Answers could launch a whole new, more meaningful life in the years ahead?
The 2young2retire course is a process that helps you get clear about your choices and future possibilities. Working with a 2young2retire certified facilitator,” participants will discover what matters most to them and where their skills and experience could be put to good purpose.
The six areas of discovery are:
► Work that matters (paid or not)
► Being your own boss (you can do it!)
► Community activism (it’s about time!)
► Money control (at last)
► Wellness plan (quit stalling now!)
► Intelligent travel (why to go where)
To find out more about how the 2Young2Retire Course can assist you, visit 2Young2Retire.com.
© Anna D. Banks, GCDF
ANNA D. BANKS, GCDF is an adjunct professor at Essex County College, a certified “2Young2Retire facilitator, career development and marketing coach, speaker, and author. Anna helps baby boomers and other adults design a game plan for an extraordinary career or business. Since 1996, Anna has helped hundreds of job-seekers, managers, business owners, and sales professionals achieve career success. For more information send an email to Anna@AnnaBanks.com.
___________________________
Author’s Note:
Do you have any questions about the 2Young2Retire Course or lifestyle changes for Baby Boomers, which you think others, like you, would want to know the answers? Please post a question on this website or email your questions to me at Anna@AnnaBanks.com.
Business Ideas for Baby Boomers on a Shoe String Budget
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By Anna D. Banks, GCDF
Whether you want to start a small business, while you are still working in order to make a little extra income, and as a sort of retirement plan; or you want to get into the business after you have retired, there are many business ideas for baby boomers operating on a shoe string budget. You can actually start up one of many businesses quite inexpensively and all of them may have the potential to become much larger money spinning enterprises.
Put up a web site and the money will start coming in. Remember that it won’t happen immediately. However, it is not a very difficult undertaking. Just pick a subject that you are well versed with, register a domain name, and create your web site. Make sure it looks good and that you are able to give the users useful content. The money comes from appropriate affiliate programs and ads. In order to maximize your revenues, learn how to achieve search engine optimization and market and promote your site well. Set aside a fixed time every single week to update the content on your site, make sure your keep up the maintenance and delete links that no longer work. If you choose the right topics you can easily make a decent income from this. The only real costs are the money you pay to register the domain and for web hosting.
• Become a consultant.
It is relatively easy to get into. All of us have at least one thing that we are experts at, something we know in more detail than many others. Experience or talent can usually provide at least one sphere that we can teach people or work for them. Make a list of all your business and social contacts and give them a call, network, ask for references. Your only expenses would be business cards, with the price of some coffee for networking.
• Become a house-sitter or a stay at home pet-sitter.
People now have a greater need for all kind of security, and that’s where house-sitting comes in. It provides reassurance to homeowners while they are away. Becoming a house-sitter requires no special skills. All you have to do is prove that people can trust you, that you are reliable. Get personal references and make them available to prospective clients. Make sure you have transportation. If you get along with animals, pet-sitting can be an add-on service that you provide. Alternatively take in pets and take care of them while owners are away. Expenses are the cost of putting up flyers on bulletin boards, and placing classifieds in local newspapers.
•Tutor Students.
With a growing dissatisfaction of students and parents with the current system of education, there is a sharp growth in the number of kids being home-schooled. If you are strong in a subject that you can teach students, contact your local schools, and home-school groups, and talk to them about tutoring.
• Try your hand at desktop publishing.
Most people own a computer but have no idea how to make a decent presentation. With a good sense of design, and some familiarity with your computer and word processor, all you need is a good quality printer to venture into desktop publishing. Your total expense would be high quality paper for samples of your portfolio.
© 2008 Anna D. Banks, GCDF
ANNA D. BANKS, GCDF is an adjunct professor at Essex County College, career development and marketing coach, speaker, and author. Anna helps individuals design a game plan for an extraordinary career or business. Since 1996, Anna has helped hundreds of job-seekers, managers, business owners, and sales professionals achieve career success. For more information send an email to Anna@AnnaBanks.com.
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Author’s Note:
Do you have any questions about career development or lifestyle changes for Baby Boomers, which you think others, like you, would want to know the answers? Please post a comment or email your questions to me at Anna@AnnaBanks.com.
