From the Blog
Straight from the mouths of those affected
Some say the job market is improving; others have a tendency to disagree. Regardless of which side you agree with, we can all agree that the reality is that some individuals have jobs and others do not. A large portion of those without employment are actively seeking to change their status – yet find themselves struggling to obtain something stable. Although I am in the percentage of employment, I work with those individuals who fall in the “need employment and are actively seeking it” category. Interestingly enough, I facilitate a job readiness group – not a group targeting resume writing and applications, but rather a focus on the individual views of the work world, what employers are seeking in hires, etc. The best part about this group for me, is that I get an opportunity to hear the struggles straight from individuals who are experiencing it. This week, the primary focus was on two things – the top five reasons individuals cannot obtain employment and the top five reasons people cannot maintain/keep employment. What I found interesting is that although the news highlights the struggle as a general economic struggle, these individuals never once mentioned the economy. They all noted that jobs are out there. To them, the top 5 things holding people back from employment are: lack of experience, minimal qualifications, criminal background, appearance and communication skills.
Some say the job market is improving; others have a tendency to disagree. Regardless of which side you agree with, we can all agree that the reality is that some individuals have jobs and others do not. A large portion of those without employment are actively seeking to change their status – yet find themselves struggling to obtain something stable. Although I am in the percentage of employment, I work with those individuals who fall in the “need employment and are actively seeking it” category. Interestingly enough, I facilitate a job readiness group – not a group targeting resume writing and applications, but rather a focus on the individual views of the work world, what employers are seeking in hires, etc. The best part about this group for me, is that I get an opportunity to hear the struggles straight from individuals who are experiencing it. This week, the primary focus was on two things – the top five reasons individuals cannot obtain employment and the top five reasons people cannot maintain/keep employment. What I found interesting is that although the news highlights the struggle as a general economic struggle, these individuals never once mentioned the economy. They all noted that jobs are out there. To them, the top 5 things holding people back from employment are: lack of experience, minimal qualifications, criminal background, appearance and communication skills.
A Penny For Your Thoughts
The news consistently comments on the job market; comments on the economy and the debate of whether it’s improving or not. The thing is, who knows. If you spend time asking the American people, I suppose some would agree that the market is improving. Many others who are continuing the daunting journey of job hunting, may argue that nothing has changed. That finding employment continues to be a seemingly never ending battle. Regardless, I suppose we can all agree that the economy and the job market isn’t necessarily where we would like it to be. Economic improvements or not, most of us continue to strive to find ways to make a little extra money, to pay off our debts faster than originally planned and to remove some financial burden and stress from our lives. Believe me, I have scoured the internet looking for quick money making opportunities. They are few and far between; here in Denver, we have some options, but they are not going to bring in substantial amounts of money. They are likely to give you a little extra cash here and there; a little money to throw towards a fun night on the town or a little extra to your credit card. They will not eliminate your financial struggles nor provide you with consistent money making opportunities. For those of you with or without a job, look into focus group opportunities. Focus groups are essentially a means of research, for which our perceptions, opinions and attitudes about something are evaluated. Companies use focus groups to gauge and obtain information about their products, new ideas, etc. Given that this information can be invaluable to the companies, these companies often pay participants for their participation in the group.
The news consistently comments on the job market; comments on the economy and the debate of whether it’s improving or not. The thing is, who knows. If you spend time asking the American people, I suppose some would agree that the market is improving. Many others who are continuing the daunting journey of job hunting, may argue that nothing has changed. That finding employment continues to be a seemingly never ending battle. Regardless, I suppose we can all agree that the economy and the job market isn’t necessarily where we would like it to be. Economic improvements or not, most of us continue to strive to find ways to make a little extra money, to pay off our debts faster than originally planned and to remove some financial burden and stress from our lives. Believe me, I have scoured the internet looking for quick money making opportunities. They are few and far between; here in Denver, we have some options, but they are not going to bring in substantial amounts of money. They are likely to give you a little extra cash here and there; a little money to throw towards a fun night on the town or a little extra to your credit card. They will not eliminate your financial struggles nor provide you with consistent money making opportunities. For those of you with or without a job, look into focus group opportunities. Focus groups are essentially a means of research, for which our perceptions, opinions and attitudes about something are evaluated. Companies use focus groups to gauge and obtain information about their products, new ideas, etc. Given that this information can be invaluable to the companies, these companies often pay participants for their participation in the group.
Tis' The Season
Spring and summer is upon us. With that, comes new employment opportunities. Seasonal opportunities present themselves during the holidays – stores hiring individuals to help deal with the busy hustle and bustle of those Thanksgiving and Christmas shoppers. Yet, spring and summer offer a slightly different version of seasonal help. This is the time of year that often yields landscaping opportunities, construction opportunities, outdoor opportunities (ie. Summer camps, swimming pools, concert venues etc.), and amusement park opportunities. Essentially, the job market often opens to people of all ages. It was previously noted in an earlier article, that Home Depot is hiring numerous Spring time employees. Here in Denver, for those young or young at heart, Water world and Elitches will begin hiring soon as well; Water world actually reports the need to hire about 1000 employees for this upcoming season. Skimming newspaper ads, Craigslist, etc. offers a variety of jobs designed to target this upcoming warmer weather.
Spring and summer is upon us. With that, comes new employment opportunities. Seasonal opportunities present themselves during the holidays – stores hiring individuals to help deal with the busy hustle and bustle of those Thanksgiving and Christmas shoppers. Yet, spring and summer offer a slightly different version of seasonal help. This is the time of year that often yields landscaping opportunities, construction opportunities, outdoor opportunities (ie. Summer camps, swimming pools, concert venues etc.), and amusement park opportunities. Essentially, the job market often opens to people of all ages. It was previously noted in an earlier article, that Home Depot is hiring numerous Spring time employees. Here in Denver, for those young or young at heart, Water world and Elitches will begin hiring soon as well; Water world actually reports the need to hire about 1000 employees for this upcoming season. Skimming newspaper ads, Craigslist, etc. offers a variety of jobs designed to target this upcoming warmer weather.
Youth Jobs
Finding jobs is a challenge, regardless of one’s age. Yet, for young adults, finding jobs can be a different challenge. Often times, young adults acquire jobs at fast food establishments, restaurants, grocery stores, etc. All of these, although starting towards the bottom of the employment chain, can provide valuable work lessons that we can carry with us throughout our lives. They can teach time management, how to earn a paycheck, how to work together with others and how to take direction from those in authority positions. However, if your goal isn’t to eventually create a career in these fields, these jobs can seem as if they can take you nowhere. Why not obtain employment that allows you to earn an essential skill set that you can use later in life? In Denver, there is a program designed to do just that. Mile High Youth Corps is a program tailored for 18-24 year old individuals. This program is designed for individuals who would like to obtain experience in the field of “green technology”. It provides its members with entry level experience in energy conservation, land conservation, and water conservation. There are many unique qualities to this program from education experiences to community involvement.
Finding jobs is a challenge, regardless of one’s age. Yet, for young adults, finding jobs can be a different challenge. Often times, young adults acquire jobs at fast food establishments, restaurants, grocery stores, etc. All of these, although starting towards the bottom of the employment chain, can provide valuable work lessons that we can carry with us throughout our lives. They can teach time management, how to earn a paycheck, how to work together with others and how to take direction from those in authority positions. However, if your goal isn’t to eventually create a career in these fields, these jobs can seem as if they can take you nowhere. Why not obtain employment that allows you to earn an essential skill set that you can use later in life? In Denver, there is a program designed to do just that. Mile High Youth Corps is a program tailored for 18-24 year old individuals. This program is designed for individuals who would like to obtain experience in the field of “green technology”. It provides its members with entry level experience in energy conservation, land conservation, and water conservation. There are many unique qualities to this program from education experiences to community involvement.
Home Depot Does It Again
Any news of job postings/hirings is always a positive, in an economy as up and down as ours. Ironically, a few months ago, I posted an article about Lowe’s having to let people go. The flip side was that Home Depot was hiring. News indicated that once again, Home Depot is hiring. Spring time is one of the busiest seasons for Home Depot; I suppose with the cabin fever wearing off and the desire to spring clean, garden and make some repairs to your home, Home Depot could be like a candy store for children. Home Depot is planning to hire 800 seasonal employees here in Denver alone to combat this busy season. Their career website lays out which stores are hiring and for what. Although seasonal work does not always fill the career paths of some, it does offer employment with the potential to get hired on for a more stable position.
Any news of job postings/hirings is always a positive, in an economy as up and down as ours. Ironically, a few months ago, I posted an article about Lowe’s having to let people go. The flip side was that Home Depot was hiring. News indicated that once again, Home Depot is hiring. Spring time is one of the busiest seasons for Home Depot; I suppose with the cabin fever wearing off and the desire to spring clean, garden and make some repairs to your home, Home Depot could be like a candy store for children. Home Depot is planning to hire 800 seasonal employees here in Denver alone to combat this busy season. Their career website lays out which stores are hiring and for what. Although seasonal work does not always fill the career paths of some, it does offer employment with the potential to get hired on for a more stable position.