106,622 Jobs to Fill

An article in the March15, 2015, issue of Fortune Magazine, “Best Companies to Work For” on page 97 identifies a total of 108,622 job openings to be filled.

Please consider reading this article and related articles.  The magazine is certainly worth your time in your job search. Please comment on this article by emailing me or mailto: glynjordan@gmail.com or posting to this your opinion of these opportunies.   

Thanks!  Glyn

Looking a Head to Graduation

An article in the April 5, 2015, The Dallas Morning News, “Advice for soon to be college graduates” Metro Creative Connection provides some timely suggestions for upcoming college graduates:

1. Attend your graduation ceremony – You should attend your last academic experience – it is also a networking experience – find out how fellow graduates plan to begin their careers.

2. Enjoy some travel and resting up before you launch a new job or searching for one.

3. Joint an alumni association and take advantage of such an organization to connect with fellow alumni who can be invaluable sources of connections and job opportunities.

4. Consider joining a volunteer organization which may assist you to determine career options.

5. Read and learn new skills particularly using the Internet and social networking.

Remember that your first job may not be the one for you.   Don’t get too down; instead keep your head up and take advantage of the next opportunity that comes your way.

Please consider these suggestions as you complete your degree.  You can share your ideas about becoming employed by posting a comment or emailing at mailto:glynjordan@gmail.com.   

Thanks!  Glyn

Where Have I Been?

In February I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure which I inherited from my mother.

I spent over two weeks in Plano Presbyterian Hospital followed by over a month in rehab at the Forum on Park Lane.

Finally, I have returned home.  

I am trading in my Lexus Hybrid 300H for a Toyota Sienna which will house my Pride Scooter.  I am having difficulty in walking distances more than 100 feet.    

I plan to begin regular postings again.  

Please share your feelings about the problems of aging with readers of this blog by posting a comment or emailing at mailto:glynjordan@gmail.com.   

Thanks!  Glyn

Why is a baker’s dozen 13 instead of 12?

The next time you get the gift of an extra doughnut added to your dozen, thank crooked 13th-century bakers for the bonus treat. In the 1260s, British bread makers were notorious for shorting customers with skimpy loaves. King Henry III was so irked by the problem that he implemented a new law to standardize the weight of a loaf—selling puny loaves could result in beatings or jail time. Since bakers wanted to stay on the right side of the law, one common trick was to give 13 loaves to any customer buying a dozen. Even if the loaves were light, the extra would cover the shortfall. It was an easy fix for bakers, and since low-carb diets were still seven centuries away, customers rejoiced.

http://mentalfloss.com/article/32259/why-bakers-dozen-13

I was thinking how this old saying might also relate to our conduct at work. As bread customers often thought in the 13^th Century that they did not get a full measure when they purchased bread, perhaps bosses today are thinking that many of their employees are not giving the company its money’s worth in terms of service provided.

My suggestion to all employees today is that they always give their employer a full measure of production – equivalent to 13 doughnuts.  Another saying is ‘going the extra mile.’  My experience at work is that my bosses appreciated my extra effort when I provided it.  In retrospect, I should have been more consistent in my focus on the job.  

Do you think that giving this extra effort will be beneficial to your organization and your career?  Please share your feelings with readers of this blog by posting a comment or emailing at mailto:glynjordan@gmail.com.   

Thanks!  Glyn

Good Employment News!

We have heard good employment news lately.  The unemployment rate in US continues to decline, and there are numerous advertisements for open positions.  What will be the result of jobs being filled and a reduction in the unemployed?  At North Dallas Shared Ministries where I do counseling each week, the number of individuals seeking a job is declining.

I would think that we will be seeing increases in pay rates with or without a raise in the minimum.  Higher wages typically require great skills among competing job seekers. 

What is the message to the yet unemployed?  I think that you should make every effort to increase your skill set.  For many, it is essential that you obtain a GED or high school certificate.  Further is critical that you increase your technical skills because many job openings require computer and other such skills.  Further, it is important to obtain proficiency in the English language.  

What is your advice for the job seekers? Please share your feelings with readers of this blog by posting a comment or emailing at mailto:glynjordan@gmail.com.   

 

Thanks!  Glyn

Bring on 2015 – We’re Ready and Hopeful

An editorial in the January 3, 2015, of The Wall Street Journal, “Bring on 2015 – We’re Ready and Hopeful” by Peggy Noonan got me thinking about 2015. 

Are you beginning this New Year with a positive or negative attitude?  Noonan writes “I’m approaching the new year with hope, which is not the same as optimism.  Hope is not the just expectation that things will turn around for the better, but the belief that they can … It invites not passive anticipation but active repair and restoration.”

Historian Amity Shlades says “A good resolution for 2015: Humility in art. A second resolution: Cause the forgotten to be remembered – Looking forward by looking back.”

The article includes several positive comments about 2015 by Jeb Bush, Ohio Senator Rob Portman, Mary Kissel of the WSJ, Boone Pickens, Historian Harry Evans, former White House Secretary  Dana Perino, Maureen Orth of Vanity Fair, attorney Lloyd Green, and Washington entrepreneur Jeremy Shane, and Father Gerald Murry, pastor of the Holy Family in New York City.

I found these comments constructive for 2015, and I think that if we approach all situations with a positive attitude, good results will surely be found.

How do you feel about the potential of 2015?  Please share your feelings with readers of this blog by posting a comment or emailing at mailto:glynjordan@gmail.com.   

Thanks!  Glyn

What Will You Do When You Grow-up?

An article in the December 27, 2014, of The Dallas Morning News, “My job has been a privilege, passion” by James Ragland got my attention about selecting and pursuing a career. 

With 30 years The News, Ragland reminisced about becoming a journalist. After considering law school, he took an internship with the newspaper where he found his passion.  Ragland says that doing something that you are passionate about is a common thread among successful folks.

How does one find such a job?  I remember when I was in high school someone ask me what I was going to do with my life.  I said that I wanted to be a success.  I thought I should be an engineer since I was fairly good at math.  However, a course in drawing led me to believe that I was not passionate about sitting at a drafting table.  I found my passion in computers and education.

It is difficult for a person to know how he/she should earn a living.  Many are fortunate and follow in a parent’s vocation or pursue God given skills and talents in the arts; others have no clue.  My advice to others is to get a job that is your passion; if it’s not, then keep on looking!

 Please describe your job that you have found to be your passion by posting on this bIog or emailing at mailto:glynjordan@gmail.com.   

 Thanks!  Glyn