Financial Light

Welcome to Oatmeal for Dinner

financiallight@gmail.com — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:04:00 GMT

Share your journey

financiallight@gmail.com — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 17:51:00 GMT

Are you unemployed? Share your journey here. How did you find yourself without work? How are you managing your finances, your relationships and your transition during this time? Where are you looking to go from here and how are you planning to get there? What resources have you found out about that may be helpful to others? There are millions of others unemployed. Maybe you can help some of them (and perhaps yourself) by telling your story!

The Rope

financiallight@gmail.com — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 01:07:00 GMT

http://www.ticz.com/homes/users/bob/The-Rope/The-Rope.htm

What should you do if US jobs don't return?

financiallight@gmail.com — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:03:00 GMT

What if US jobs don't return?

Companies decide to keep their newly trimmed down structures. Consumers decide they won't resume their old spending habits. Credit continues to become more difficult to obtain. Government pulls the plug on bailouts. Foreign countries such as China become stronger and protectionism becomes a greater problem. One or all of these scenarios could play themself out in the future. Maybe US society will never be the same again.

So what will happen to you if you are unemployed? There is a lot of potential risk- even if you are employed right now.

Here are a few ideas for today to help you cope.

► Be sure to have a budget and stick to it. Know your income and expense items. Also know that unexpected events will occur. Continually monitor and adjust.

► Get a grip. The fear associated with unemployment can be overwhelming to some. Seek out someone to help you get through this time.

► Get creative. Don't just rely on traditional job search techniques.

► Do a cost/benefit analysis. What can you bring to an organization in dollars and cents? Can you save a company money? Can you generate additional revenue? Can you develop new products or services? As a new employee, could you get "up to speed" faster than someone else? Quantify your potential benefit and don;t be shy in sharing it. The cost to a company is your salary/wages plus any benefits including training/orientation. Compare that to the projected financial benefit. Can you "pay for yourself" and is it worth it for someone to hire you?

► Consider self-employment. You may be more attractive to a company as an independent contractor rather than an in-house employee. Look at the pros and cons of self-employment. In particular, investigate the cost of benefits you will need and the tax implications of self-employment. If you decide to pursue self-employment, be sure to have a Business Plan. Not having one is like traveling to a strange place without your GPS navigation device.

Stop e-Mailing resumes?

financiallight@gmail.com — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 19:37:00 GMT

Often we hear about job seekers getting no response from e-mail applications. No acknowledgment of receipt. No identification of the employer hiding behind the blind posting. Not even a note of rejection.

Should you stop e-mailing resumes? Probably not- but don't rely on the e-mailing of resumes as your main job search strategy either.

The opposite of the word "mail" is conversation. Having your e-mailed resume dropped somewhere into the dark universe of the INTERNET doesn't promote conversation like a simple phone call or in-person inquiry does.

Start mixing up your search techniques. Spending all of your time behind a computer may not be as fruitful as you hope. A successful job search can be long, difficult and time consuming. Take the initiative to contact employers through alternative means. Remember to respect any stated wishes (i.e. no phone calls) but don't hesitate to make yourself more visible when the door is left open. You will likely stand out from the crowd and may be pleasantly surprised with the results too.

Are you a "discouraged worker"?

financiallight@gmail.com — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 16:25:00 GMT

The latest employment numbers were released today. In July, there were over 14 million people out of work. That figure exceeds the total population of every U.S. state and territory except California, Texas, New York and Florida.

There is also a category that measures the number of discouraged workers. There were just under 800,000 discouraged workers reported in July. In the past year, this number has nearly doubled. (Discouraged workers are persons not currently
looking for work because they think that there isn't a job available for them anywhere.)

Are you a discouraged worker? If so, DON'T GIVE UP.

There is a post on this site titled The Rope. Please read it and take it to heart. Understand that God is always with you and will lead you in the right direction, Place your full faith and confidence in Him. It is easy for many people to have "faith" when they can see, hear or touch something. They have material evidence to rely on but that is not true faith. Part of having real faith means embracing your situation- learning from it, making the best of it, becoming better because of it and truly believing that at the right time God will direct you to a higher ground that was designed for you. Put aside your discouragement and rest assured with hopeful anticipation starting today!

Matthew 6:19-34 (King James Version)

¹⁹Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

²⁰But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

²¹For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

²²The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.

²³But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

²⁴No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

²⁵Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

²⁶Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

²⁷Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

²⁸And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

²⁹And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

³⁰Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

³¹Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

³²(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

³³But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

³⁴Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Free guides for the unemployed

financiallight@gmail.com — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 11:21:00 GMT

Brighten your vision as you journey through unemployment. Opportunity in Disguise and How to Obtain True Wealth are two free guides for the unemployed that you can download at Financial Light. Just click on the links to get your copies today!

5 things they won't tell you at the interview

financiallight@gmail.com — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 23:36:00 GMT

You probably won't hear much discussed about these topics at your interview unless you ask directly.

#1 They won't tell you that the last person in the position was canned for what amounted to a difference in personalities. Yes, the employer asked for someone with initiative; however, when they displayed it they were perceived as a threat and let go. Just great. Is this who you want to work for?

#2 They won't tell you that there is a consultant or favored group of departmental employees who will really be calling the shots. To attract help and make you feel important, they may call you a 'C' level executive but in reality you will be a 'P' level (puppet) one. Is that what you are looking for?

#3 They won't tell you that the workload is astronomical. That's because due to their lack of intimate knowledge about the position, they see the workload as very reasonable. In fact, it is probably a piece of cake since they don't have to do it them self. Their only task is to "supervise" your own hard work and earn bonuses because of it.

#4 They won't tell you that even though you are being offered 4 weeks of paid vacation and 10 paid holidays per year, you probably won't be able to take them. You will be too overloaded with work. If you do take time off, there will likely be no backup provided and you will return to a diabolical mess. Some dilemma huh? Try explaining that to your family and friends.

#5 They won't tell you that you will be looked upon as an orange. You will be tightly squeezed until there is no juice left. As there will be no further use for you, you will be promptly discarded-peel and all. Not to worry, however. In the meantime, you will receive a set of fancy business cards with a power title that you can show off to others. Since many people associate themself closely with their work, they enjoy the acceptance of this temporary status boost. Oh, and you will also get an office that is cold in the winter and hot in the summer due to budgetary constraints. Some deal.

What didn't they tell you at the interview? Share your story here.

Spice up your resume like PT Barnum would

financiallight@gmail.com — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 03:49:00 GMT

Looking for a way to get your resume to stand out? When there are tons of applicants for just one job, that's a must.

Try a graphical format using your choice of presentation software. Well done graphs have the advantage of being clear and much easier to read than long narratives. Show your skills in a pie chart, slide show or even a table. Use very short descriptions to get straight to the point. Get creative but keep it simple. Your objective would be to quickly generate enough interest to secure an interview. Adding color could enhance the presentation further. If your resume is mailed, try using an odd-sized envelope. If it is e-mailed, consider attaching a one minute (or less) audio or video clip. Check for freeware if you are in need of the application.

The successful showman PT Barnum was known to have said: "I don't believe in duping the public, but I believe in first attracting and then pleasing them." Getting the attention of the busy decision maker is your first obstacle when submitting a resume in response to a job opening. Spice things up a little using an alternative presentation and then win over your potential employer at the interview. Be sure to show up with the whole enchilada (a detailed resume) at that time.

Best of success.

Who needs a job?

financiallight@gmail.com — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 16:29:00 GMT

Here is a quick tip if you really need a job fast.

Do what most people will not do. Maybe that's handling garbage, working on the weekend, filing papers or any of a multitude of other things. Think about it. If it needs done, somebody has to do it. Maybe that somebody can be you. Offer your services as a volunteer for a day or two to show your stuff. Focus on important needs that must be done but are often disliked. Too monotonous? Too dirty? Too time consuming?Those are the tasks that can often times lead to work and getting your foot in the door. Remember, this should be only temporary if your ambition is recognized. From there, it will be up to you as to how far you can go. Remember too that if this strategy works for one company, it may work with others. Don't limit your horizons!

From unemployed to self-employed?

financiallight@gmail.com — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 15:00:00 GMT

Going from unemployment to self-employment can be difficult. Nevertheless, it can be done. Is that the path you should be following?

Here are some questions to ask yourself when considering this option. Conservatively and realistically address them.

- Do I have enough capital to get started and sustain myself for the next 24 months? Starting on a shoestring is always best. Be extremely careful about assuming debt before you have even earned your first dollar of revenue.

- If I was employed, would I pursue self-employment anyway? In other words, are you making this decision because you are following your heart or due to your current lack of employment?

- Would customers pay for my product/service? People that you know may rave over your skills or products to indicate a possible market. But when you get down to it, could they and would they pay for it?

- Could I earn a satisfactory income? Your unemployment earnings should far exceed what you could earn as an employee to account for the risk you are assuming and the inevitable variability in earnings you would experience from year to year.

- Would those close to me support me in my decision? If not, you will have a significant emotional obstacle to overcome.

- Would I be happy with my work? This is probably the most important question to answer. Would your work be enjoyable? Would it help you to achieve your mission in life?

Self-employment isn't for everyone---but it may be for you. The first step is to develop a Business Plan. Without it, you will be like a traveler without a road map and are sure to get lost. You will also increase your risk of failure.

7 Tips to Avoid Employment Scams

financiallight@gmail.com — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:58:00 GMT

Today some tips will be shared to help you avoid employment scams.

1) Do not pay upfront for job placement. That includes providing personal financial information such as bank account numbers or credit card information.

2) Ads that look unprofessional should be regarded as suspect. Misspellings and improper use of the English language are examples.

3) Work at home opportunities do exist; however, the legitimacy of many of these types of ads should be called into question. Because working from home appeals to many potential job seekers, these offers can sometimes conceal fraud much easier.

4) Excessive earnings claims are another way to lure job seekers to a fraudulent "opportunity". Tread carefully if the wages to be paid appear to be well above industry norms or what you would reasonably expect under the circumstances.

5) Learn to be vigilant in your job search. Career sites are not bullet proof. Despite their best efforts, a fraudulent ad can appear on a job search site. Carefully scrutinize everything you read before responding.

6) Missing or limited job descriptions can also be a sign that something is wrong. To attract the right candidates, most legitimate employers want the job seeker to know upfront as much about the job as possible. On the other hand, scam artists tend to generalize more.

7) Guarantees that you will be found a job should be disregarded. Go the other way as fast as you can. Only a hiring employer can directly promise you a position.

Unfortunately, not all offers are designed with your best interests at heart. When you are unemployed, you are usually open to any help that you can get. If left unchecked, however, that vulnerability can get you into hot water. Be careful out there.

Unemployment by US County

financiallight@gmail.com — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 01:59:00 GMT

From the New York Times.

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/03/03/us/20090303_LEONHARDT.html?ref=business

5 ways to stop worrying about unemployment

financiallight@gmail.com — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 23:20:00 GMT

Unemployment can stir up plenty of fear and anxiety. But hey, it's not a life or death situation. Here are 5 ways to help shut off your mind from all the worries.

1) Form a support group. Use the internet or social interactions to find others that are in a similar predicament. Arrange for free space that can be used for get togethers. Talk about the issues each of you are facing: financial, emotional, relationship-wise or other-wise. See what help can be found from members within the group. Your thinking will shift to helping others, your time will be productive and you will be learning and helping yourself as well.

2) Take a few days off from job searching. No newspaper ads. No internet searches. No phone calls. No resume writing. Nothing. No matter your situation, you must step away from your job search. Unemployment is an intense period of time for many people. Find the one thing that nourishes you the most and enjoy it instead to replenish yourself. You will return with a fresher outlook and more energy than before. Don't burn out before you even start a new job!

3) Declutter your mind. Your thoughts may be negative and turn inward. Your mind may seem as if it is being constantly bombarded by these thoughts. Take time to practice or learn new techniques such as regular exercise, meditation, visualization and/or the use of affirmations. These will help you to keep things in perspective and declutter your mind. Make regular practice of these techniques and don't wait until you feel your worry is starting to get the best of you.

4) Put off the big decisions. Unless they are urgent, big decisions will only weigh you down. They will only add to your worries. This is a time to procrastinate in the areas you can afford to. Making no decision will be better than making a bad decision that could impair you into the future. Accept the gravity of your situation and know that you can defer further pressure until later. That will usually be in your best interests.

5) Pray often. Be at peace and know that you are not alone. Nor will it be by your own power that your employment situation is resolved.

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Get more tips when you download the free guide Opportunity in Disguise.

For those interested in forming a support group, please write to me at: financiallight@gmail.com.

Free copies of resume

financiallight@gmail.com — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 01:10:00 GMT

"FedEx Office, formerly FedEx Kinko's, said it will offer its printing services for free to help cash-strapped job seekers across the country. The company will host "FedEx Office Free Resume Printing Day" on Tuesday [March 10], offering to print up to 25 copies of each customer's resume for free."

[source: Indystar.com]