What are the True Benefits of a Shorter Work Week

What are the True Benefits of a Shorter Work Week This past summer, Google’s two founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, conducted a joint interview with Vinod Khosla, founder of Khosla Ventures. In the interview, Page, Google’s CEO, covered a number of interesting topics, including his belief that society no longer needs full-time employees. He pointed out that the key elements people need to truly be happy â€" housing, security, opportunities for their children â€" are not that hard to provide, and the amount of resources that need to go into providing these is relatively small. Therefore, the idea that one needs to work frantically is unfounded. Page went on to suggest the solution of a reduced work week, possibly splitting one full-time job into multiple part-time jobs. He cited the fact that while most people like working, they would also like more spare time to spend with their families or to pursue other interests. Splitting full-time jobs into part-time jobs would not only provide more people with jobs, but provide them with more spare time as well. Who else has proposed a shorter work week? Google certainly isn’t the first to propose the idea of a shortened work week. The Swedish city of Gothenburg recently proposed a six-hour workday in the hopes that workers will feel better mentally and physically. The intended result would be fewer sick days and an increased workplace efficiency, thus creating more jobs. Similarly, Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim proposed a three-day work week, where working three 11-hour days followed by four days off would become the norm. This idea was corroborated by Richard Branson, who wrote in a blog post that people should be encouraged to work “when, where and how they like, in order to get the best results possible.” What are the benefits? The benefits of a shortened work week are fairly obvious. Who wouldn’t like more spare time, more vacation, more sleep? A well-rested workforce would ultimately lead to better productivity and increased creativity. Also, reducing the number of workdays would allow employees to cut their commuting expenses, spending less on gas and reducing traffic congestion and pollution. So where’s the downside? What are the downsides? Surprisingly, I’ve read very little on the obvious downside â€" with less hours comes less money. In an article on Mashable by Seth Fiegerman outlining the details of the Google interview, the most recent comment below the article is telling: “Left a long-term job when hours dropped below sustainable family budget. Now, as a two income household, we again face a step down with my wife’s change in jobs. Someone please show me where this ‘works’ for anyone but employers.” While we would all enjoy more time to ourselves, what employer plans on reducing employee hours without reducing pay? While Google’s CEO suggests splitting one full-time job into multiple part-time jobs, how many workers will find a part-time income sufficient? More than likely, it would send most employees scrambling to obtain a second job in order to replace the lost income. Whats the other solution? The other proposed solution to a shorter work week is longer workdays. In Carlos Slim’s proposal of a work week consisting of three 11-hour workdays, one must take into account how this would affect workers in various industries. While some who work office jobs may be able to handle a prolonged workday, what about those who work manual labor jobs such as construction, where an 11-hour workday may not be feasible? Regardless of the industry, few could maintain the same level of concentration and productivity in their work throughout an 11-hour workday as in a standard eight-hour day. While longer workdays may add up to a similar number of weekly hours, employers would most likely see a decline in productivity due to only half as many overnight breaks as in a typical five-day work week. Nearly every worker feels fatigue setting in at the end of a long day, and going home and resting allows one to return the next day feeling rejuvenated. While the allure of a four-day weekend may be strong, maintaining a five-day work week consisting of shorter days with more opportunities for rest in between will surely yield greater productivity. Conclusion: After weighing all the pros and cons, many workers will realize there are an equal number of downsides as upsides to a shortened work week. An 11-hour workday leaves little time for family or personal interests in the evenings. Essentially, all personal time would be forced into the four-day weekend, as the three-day work week would be solely dedicated to work. And don’t overlook the fact that in Carlos Slim’s proposed work week, despite the fact that employees would be working long days, they’d still only be working 33 hours a week, which would mean a lower salary for those who are paid hourly, or whose employers simply decide to pay less for less work. So could a shortened work week actually work in the U.S.? Potentially, yes. As evidence, most European countries enjoy significantly shorter hours than U.S. workers, and many still boast strong economies. However, a shortened work week would require adjustments on the part of both employees and employers. Employees would need to adjust to either lower salaries or longer workdays in a shorter week. Employers would then need to determine how to complete a week’s worth of business in a matter of days, which may prove especially challenging if other companies with whom they do business are still working a five-day work week. So are YOU ready for a shortened work week?

10 Careers Where a Graduate Degree Actually Matters

10 Careers Where a Graduate Degree Actually Matters The job market today is increasingly competitive and college graduates will find that a bachelor’s degree is more so a necessity than it is an accessory on your resume. Career advancement now involves professionals to consider a master’s degree to set them apart from the competition. A master’s degree is a financial and time investment, so deciding on taking the plunge into higher education is best saved for those looking into careers where a master’s degree will actually make a difference. Here are ten careers where a master’s degree makes not only a difference but in some cases is necessary: 1. Educator Of all the industries were a master’s degree matters, education places value on those willing to invest those extra years in higher education. To teach at the university level a master’s degree is necessary and the higher education you earn the higher your salary. University professors earn an average of about $80,000 and often will find that their experience can lend itself to also running educational programs and departments which also pay well. 2. Lawyer A law degree opens the door to many different career opportunities. Lawyers make on average about $115,000 and often further career growth is possible. Whether you are looking to start your own practice or look into judicial careers, a law degree pays off in long-term career progress. 3. Physician’s Assistant A physician’s assistant will need a master’s degree from an accredited program. They perform many tasks similar to that of an actual physician but do not need to go through the same amount of schooling. As the medical industry continues to see further growth, the more demand this position will see in the future in hospitals. 4. Financial Manager Although many might dispute the need for an MBA, statistics and facts show that an MBA in any sector of business is worthwhile. Financial managers help companies decide the savviest financial decisions to make. They are the gateway to successful profit earnings for any company. The boom in startup companies have created an increasing need for financial managers as they also help with the best strategies to implement to see financial growth. 5. CEO A company’s CEO can gain ample knowledge and experience from looking to earn an MBA. Choosing to pursue an MBA can help CEOs in the long-run because they will have the opportunity to learn the most recent research in consumer patterns and also have ample opportunities in networking. Many business owners choose to earn an MBA while working at the same time and many programs make it easier to earn a higher degree by offering part-time and full-time programs. 6. Nurse Practitioner Those looking to elevate their careers in nursing will find that become a nurse practitioner is a great way to gain more experience in their field but also earn more. A master’s degree in nursing is usually necessary to become a nurse practitioner. As more and more hospitals higher freshly graduated nursing students, the need for a nurse practitioner to guide and educate new employees becomes a necessity in many hospitals. 7. Engineer An engineer in the various fields of engineering will find that a master’s degree can help them in the job market. As more and more students look to the engineering field for a reliable and well-paid career, veteran engineers might find that a master’s degree can help them catch up to those fresh grads in terms of software and new technology. A master’s degree in engineering can also allow you to earn more as with ample knowledge and experience higher positions where most work is delegation becomes more accessible. 8. Physical Therapist A master’s degree is mandatory to become a physical therapist but there are many specialized programs that are shorter than the average two to three years of extra schooling. Physical therapist help patients recover from injuries or work with them with pain management. Growth in the medical field has seen a demand for various healthcare positions and especially physical therapists. 9. Web Designers Although a master’s degree is not a necessity for web designers, those looking to pursue a master’s degree in design will find it can open more doors. Today’s heavily visual world is helping to create a booming industry where design and aesthetics are a priority. 10. Counselors Whether you are a career or school counselor, a master’s degree will help nab in-demand positions in universities and schools. Counselors in this field help others prepare to be successful in their academic or career paths. Many counselors earn about $55,000 and can have opportunities to work in administration in higher education where they can earn even more. Thinking about how you can advance your career often involves considering graduate school. As mentioned, investing in graduate school takes commitment and self-assurance. However, clearly the rewards from those years of hard work can pay off greatly in terms of career growth and salary potential.

Use Remote Software To Become A Freelance IT Professional

Use Remote Software To Become A Freelance IT Professional With the countless complex functions performed by computers in todays workplace, the skills needed to update, upgrade, and repair those machines are far more complex than they were 20 or even ten years ago.  That has created a huge market among small businesses for technical support. Maybe its time to strike out on your own as a freelance IT specialist. Think of it: A large employer, with dozens of workers slugging away at computers all day, has enough demand for IT help that its cost-effective to hire someone full-time for the work. That someone may be you. But what of the dozens of small businesses in your town without enough staff to justify a person just for that work  Believe it or not, of the 5.9 million firms in the United States, around 5.7 million of them have fewer than 100 employees. Its a safe bet that nearly all of those employees are utilizing computers for at least some of their daily functions.  And those establishments are doing far more with their computers than drafting a few letters or playing Solitaire.  They are engaged in e-commerce, with millions of dollars changing hands via their systems. Keeping those functions in place is economic life or death. Freelance writers are silenced when the computer locks up. Sales people miss connections when email shuts down.  Even  automotive repair  workers who spend most of their time operating tools are likely to clock in and out electronically. Every one of those functions will occasionally require some skilled intervention. Enter the IT specialistthe freelance IT specialist. Namely, you. Freelance IT Specialist Youre the life preserver when something starts to sink, and a quick dial of your number brings relief to a panicked owner/operator whose financial future hinges on proper functioning of the business.  Your quick response and knowledgeable actions turn a potential disaster to another smooth-flowing day. But if thats just one of your dozens of clients, how will you be able to dart in quickly and remedy what ails them? Whos to say you wont be up to your elbows in a server crash across town when a fix-it-yesterday problem emerges elsewhere? One remedy is to familiarize yourself with remote access software. With just a few clicks of the mouse, you  are in control of any machine in the place.  Service access like this resolves most of the common IT problems, avoiding a time-consuming (and costly) trip to the client for you while still  getting them back to full operational ability. Even when you cant fix the entire problem remotely, you can still diagnose a great deal of the problem in many cases.  That  allows you to start crafting solutions, identifying needed resources, and planning your day to permit rapid resolution. Its a solution thats beneficial for everyone involved. Businesses get top-drawer IT support from an experienced, skilled person. You get the independent lifestyle you want. And maybe your old employer gets the clue.

Trouble On The Roads Heres How To Avoid A Legal Nightmare

Trouble On The Roads Heres How To Avoid A Legal Nightmare There are plenty of ways you can get in trouble out on the roads. You might be pulled over by the police, and that can be quite frightening. Particularly, if you are not sure of what you might have done wrong. Then, there are issues with other motorists such as road rage and perhaps a collision. What are the best ways to handle problems like this without ending up in hospital or a courtroom? Don’t Admit Blame   Whether you are talking to the police or a motorist, you should not admit blame. Or, even offer the slightest suggestion that you have in fact, done something wrong. There’s a key reason why this is a mistake with the police. If you are pulled over by the police there is a strong possibility that you did nothing wrong at all. Police often pull cars over for a routine check. They also have to stop a quota of cars on the road each day. They will always start this check with, do you know what you were doing wrong? At which point they are hoping you blurt out something. If you say no, they will probably tell you to be on your way. As for motorists, admitting that you made a mistake driving is an easy way to lose a lot of money in an AI lawsuit. Instead, you should simply refrain from talking to the motorists. Except for exchanging insurance information. Let the companies handle the issue. Know Your Rights Can a police officer legally search your car without a warrant? Do you always have to pull over when signalled by a police car? Can you refuse to take a breathalyser? Can you call a lawyer before you are arrested? All are interesting questions and the answers are crucial. You need to know that your rights on the road in situations like this are upheld. Otherwise, you could find yourself in the situation where things have been ignored. For instance, if you are being charged with a DUI, you can call up a DUI attorney as soon as you are charged. That way, they can meet you at the police station, ready to help you with any questions. Prove Your Innocence At some point in your life, you might be involved in a collision that wasn’t your fault. However, another motorist is red in the face screaming that it was. What do you do in this situation? Hopefully, you have a camera installed in your vehicle. This will record everything that happens on the road. That will ensure you have a complete accurate history that will show whether you did cause the accident. Nine times out of ten, it’s going to show clearly that you didn’t which is absolutely fantastic. Do be aware there are plenty of drivers who think causing an accident and then blaming someone else is a brilliant way to make some money. This advice should help you afford any of the serious issues on the road. You can’t always prevent an accident but you can stop the repercussions damaging your life. . Image credits. Main.  Police.  Cuffs.  

6 business books by women you need to read - Debut

6 business books by women you need to read - Debut Whether you’re starting your first job, working your way up the career ladder or going it alone as an entrepreneur, all of us could do with a few words of wisdom. Yet most business books are written by middle-aged male professors and CEOs, making them difficult to connect with.   There’s been great strides in workplace gender equality but that doesn’t mean there aren’t still some issues that women face when it comes to all things business. For example, dealing with imposter syndrome, confidence around public speaking, standing out in a male-dominated environment or managing things like maternity leave and having a family. So why not turn to the women who are flying the flag in the business world to find a solution? Here’s our round-up of women-written business books to read this year. For an eye-opening read, try ‘Work Like A Woman: A Manifesto for Change’ by Mary Portas Retail guru Mary Portas shares her experiences of rising through the ranks of male-orientated businesses, insightful statistics on women in the workplace (which shows just how much change needs to be done) and the need for a new way of working for women. The book is packed full of useful tips whatever stage you’re at in your career on making your voice heard. For getting that start-up on the road, read ‘Chillpreneur’ by Denise Duffield-Thomas If you’ve decided to go it alone as an entrepreneur, this is the book for you. The book delves into issues around mindset, money, fear of failure and finding a business strategy that works for you. Ideal if you are looking to escape the 9-5 and do things on your own terms. For a pocket book of wisdom, flick through ‘Little Black Book’ by Otegha Uwagba At under a fiver, this nifty little paperback is perfect for female graduates about to embark on the world of work. Covering everything from time management to work-life balance, pop this one in a handbag and dip into it every time you need a five minute pep talk. For tips on public speaking, buy ‘How to Own The Room’ by Viv Groskop Public speaking is no one’s favourite activity, but if you find yourself overcome with nerves before a big presentation, give this book a try. Written by stand-up comedian and TV presenter Viv Groskop, it’s an invaluable public speaking coach that draws on examples of famous female speakers (from Michelle Obama to Virginia Woolfe). Each section comes with tons of tips, practical exercises and challenges. For getting a business plan together, read ‘Simple Tips, Smart Ideas’ by Erica Wolfe-Murray Put simply, this weighty handbook will quickly become a business bible for any graduate in the throes of establishing a business. Unlike most business books, ‘Simple Tips Smart Ideas’ is designed with the visual learner in mind; brightly illustrated and peppered with graphs, case studies, places to jot down your ideas, reflection prompts and quick tips. It covers everything from tackling that business plan to marketing, finances and even things like patents and intellectual property. For a career online, read ‘Heart and Hustle’ by Patricia Bright Part-autobiography, part guide for those wanting to forge a career online, ‘Heart and Hustle’ is a must-read by successful YouTuber Patricia Bright (who boasts millions of subscribers). In it she talks about growing and making money from your online presence as well as reflecting on many relevant issues to young Millennials, such as ‘adulting’ and battling self-esteem issues.

Follow-up Tactics

Follow-up Tactics After  you have applied for a job you must place a phone call to follow-up.    There is no waiting period required because the purpose of your call is to find out where they are in the  review process  and what the time-frame is for bringing someone on-board.    Once you have this really important information and you have shown a little empathy towards them, they will be much more likely to help you when you ask if they received your resume. I  did business to business telemarketing for several years and learned how to work my way around tough gatekeepers and voicemail.  Here are some reminders: Please dont leave voicemail message after voicemail message. Thats very passive.   You may feel you have done your part, however, to the person receiving these messages, you become an annoyance. Try calling at different  times of the day. If they are not answering their phone, which many people do not,then try calling  around 8 am, 12 pm  and/or 5 pm.   These  are typically times of day  when people will be at their desk or at least not in a meeting. Ask for help. If you continue to go into voicemail, try hitting 0 or # to speak with a warm body who can help you. Ask for their help and find out when your contact may be reached.   Are they even in the office today?   Ask nice questions in a nice way and usually people will assist. If all else fails, let them know you called. Once you have tried all these different approaches and still arent getting the person live, then, leave a very short message with your name, briefly stated reason for calling, telephone number and state that you will call back tomorrow. I know this is difficult.   You need to keep the control in your hands as much as possible.   Waiting for someone to return your call is frustrating.   Thats why you wont ever ask them to call you back.   They dont have to or need to.   You are the one looking for a job, therefore, it is your responsibility to try and reach them.

Writing a Psychology Resume

Writing a Psychology ResumeWriting a psychology resume is probably one of the most important parts of your job search. If you fail to put together a compelling resume, you could be wasting your time and that of those reading it. In this article I will give you some tips to help you with that.A resume is like your online identity. It is your first impression in the eyes of future employers. By not putting together a convincing resume, you are missing out on a job opportunity. An employer that has read your resume has already formed an opinion about you. He or she won't think that much further if you don't present a resume that says how you might fit with their organization.It is very important to remember to put together a strong objective paragraph before your resume begins. A strong objective paragraph shows that you have thought your resume through. It also shows that you understand what your future employer is looking for.Be sure to include any previous work experience and degrees that you have held. Don't leave anything out. It will help to make your resume appear more professional and believable. Any work experience can be qualified by education or work experience, so be sure to add all the necessary information.Use your skills and abilities to show your past employers what you can do. You should write your name as if you were calling yourself by your name. Even if your name is William Smith, you can tell the interviewer that you have changed your name to William Smith II just to be different. Even when your name has been changed, the interviewer will assume that you have always known your true name.The psychological skills that you possess are the ones that will provide the interviewer with the most value. Your job is to convince them that you are the best person for the job. The interviewer is not looking for you to be intellectual; he or she wants someone who can understand the feelings of others, a person who can communicate clearly, and a person who c an demonstrate that they can get the job done.The psychological skills you possess, whether they are academic or otherwise, have been proven to have an impact on mental health. They have been shown to correlate positively with physical health as well. The employment statistics show that employees who have good writing skills and high levels of confidence are more likely to leave a job than those who lack these skills.In conclusion, writing a psychology resume is a very important step in the job search. In order to put together a truly persuasive resume, you need to put together a strong set of skills and abilities.