News on Today's Workplace

In yesterday’s Parade Magazine, the popular Sunday newspaper supplement, they presented their annual report on what people around the country in all lines of work earn. Very interesting figures, statistics and comments from those interviewed. Still a huge disparity between athletes and entertainers, and the rest of us!

There were also some very interesting articles about work. Here’s a brief overview:

Hottest jobs for College Grads: Forensic Accountant, Logistics Manager, Corporate Librarian, Emerging Media Specialist, Physical Therapist, and Information Security

Hottest Jobs (no college degree required): Sales Representatives, Translators, Dental Hygienists, Registered Nurses, Insurance Adjusters, Transportation Workers, Athletic Trainers, Auto Technicians, Legal Secretaries.

Wages: National median weekly income: $671 (Northeast: $736; South: $624; West: $694) Highest median weekly salary: Washington D.C.: $864; Lowest median weekly salary: Mississippi: $564 (You can check your own salary against others at www.salary.com)

Vacation: Americans receive less vacation time (14 days) than other Western countries, yet the typical employee only uses 10 of their days. (French – 39 days; Germans – 27; English – 24; Canadians – 19) Only 37% take less than 7 consecutive days off, and those working more than 50 hours per week is increasing.

And in “Change your career, change your life” by Sharon Male, they ask: “If time and money didn’t matter what would you want to be?” followed by 3 encouraging steps for making a career change: Open your mind; Be prepared; and Get sound advice.

While reading some of their downward trends and somewhat dismal opinions, it’s important to focus on what’s important, which they do also make mention of: “The happiest employees are those who have flexibility and control over how much they work” and “A growing number of Americans are leaving their jobs to pursue their real passions.” If you missed reading this issue, you can find it at www.parade.com.

It all goes back to maintaining perspective and taking control of your own future and career by managing every piece of it – your Time off, Wages, Direction, Growth, Meaning, and Communication skills to ensure you get what you want. It’s never too late. Grab hold and make it the life you’ve dreamed of.

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