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Posts Tagged ‘Career Planning’

Survey Says Retirement Is A Dream For Some

March 4th, 2010 by Matthew C. Keegan | 1 Comment | Filed in Career Planning

Putting off retirement for valid reasons

Some employees long for the day when the shackles of work have finally been removed from them. For most people that event comes by the time they reach age 65, the traditional retirement age for Americans.

Distant Dreams

Most workers approaching retirement age are staying put citing finances and other reasons for extending their careers.

But dreams about retiring are just that for many who are approaching retirement as a recent survey by the employment site, CareerBuilder, revealed that more than 70 percent of people are postponing it. Moreover, as a clear sign pointing to the times in which we live, their reasons usually are just about the same: financial.

Harris Interactive conducted the survey on behalf of CareerBuilder in November 2009 interviewing hiring managers and people nearing retirement to arrive at their findings.

72 percent of employees say that they are putting off retirement because they can’t afford to quit work yet. With the financial market meltdown of September 2008 having a major impact, many would be retirees know that their depleted retirement accounts and other savings just aren’t enough to sustain them over the final chapters of their lives.

Other Reasons

Finances are an important factor in the retirement plans on those surveyed, but CareerBuilder identified some other reasons why workers plan on staying on the job including:

  • They either enjoy their job or enjoy where they work and don’t want to leave it (71 percent)
  • Plan to stay because they need the health insurance and additional benefits provided (50 percent)
  • Fear that their retirement may just be boring (24 percent)
  • Enjoy feeling needed (15 percent)

“The economy continues to cast doubt in the minds of mature workers regarding executing on their future retirement plans. As a result, they are requesting to stay with employers a bit longer,” said Jason Ferrara, senior career adviser at CareerBuilder. “Twenty-seven percent of hiring managers say they were approached about postponing retirements last year and were open to retaining mature workers. The key is to let your employer know sooner than later that you would like to put off your plans to leave.”

Career Planning

In addition to the survey findings, CareerBuilder’s site for mature workers—PrimeCB.com—offers tips for mature workers including encouraging employees to talk with their Human Resources department to map out a strategy for their remaining time on the job.

What is more, you may want to remain flexible by considering taking another job in the company if you already announced your retirement and have reversed course. Work on becoming a top networker if you are considering transitioning to a new job outside of the company and, lastly, mentor internally and externally to demonstrate your human capital and experience.


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Looking For Work? Career Site Launches!

December 19th, 2008 by Matthew C. Keegan | 1 Comment | Filed in Career Planning

Today’s economic conditions are certainly gloomy, some of the toughest times we’ve seen over the past two decades. Over the last few months, hundreds of thousands of Americans have lost their jobs career planningwith many more employees expecting to lose their jobs in early 2009. America’s business sector is shedding jobs at a rapid pace and the economy shows no sign of hitting bottom.

For everyone else, budget cutbacks have meant wage freezes, the discontinuation of 401(k) matching funds, trimming back in work hours, and other cost saving measures. Clearly, Americans will have to work harder next year and hope that the government offers a sound response to the recession.

If you’ve recently lost your job or are concerned that your current position will soon be coming to an end, launching a job search is the way to go. However, before applying for work, you’ll want to assess the market and review your skills in order to find out what jobs are out there and whether you can do the work.

To that end you will need to do some career planning and, thanks to the launch of our all-new partner site – SayMyCareer.com – you can begin your search today. SayMyCareer.com is a free site with no sign up needed, offering to you the following information and tools:

Career Assessments – including career trends, job options, and conducting your personal assessments. Also, find out who is in the market, what companies are looking for work, and where the jobs are. Lastly, maybe this is the best time for you to return to school or buy or start your own business!

Finding Your Career – features a section on how to write and market your resume plus sections on job options including temp employment, hourly work, and more. Plenty of information on interviewing strategies, salary negotiation and accepting a new job.

Building Your Career – once you land your job what steps should you take to advance your position within the company or beyond? What skills can you acquire to improve your position and how can you network? If you have to relocate are you prepared to make a move?

Job Search – Links to various job sites are provided.

Get Educated – Established adults are returning to school in record numbers and, thanks to online education, are able to balance their time by taking classes over the internet.

Start your career search today by giving SayMyCareer.com a visit and please bookmark the site to keep tabs on new information posted. Most of all, best wishes with your job search!


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You Can Increase Your Income In 2008

January 2nd, 2008 by Matthew C. Keegan | 1 Comment | Filed in Money Management

The new year is here and it is time to make some important personal resolutions. No, I’m not talking about losing weight, reading more books or taking an exotic vacation which are small businessall good things, rather increasing your income for 2008. That’s easier said then done, you say? Well, you don’t have to rely solely upon the good wishes of your boss to make more money this year. Keep reading and we’ll take a look at five ways you can bring home more bacon in 2008.

Build Up Your Career — Are you doing what you want to do or are you doing what you do because you fell into your career choice? Consider taking a career assessment to discover hidden talents, seek fresh direction and learn how to market yourself better. Why be stuck in a job you don’t like or settle for less money than you are worth?

Acquire New Skills By Going Back To School — Maybe you’re several courses shy of receiving a bachelor’s degree. Perhaps you have considered a certificate program or a master’s degree to further your career. People who are better educated and have strong skill sets receive better compensation and have a higher level of career satisfaction. Online programs are worth exploring as well as courses available at your local community college or state university.

Purchase An Established Business — One in five small businesses change ownership every year. Owners sell out, people die, and other business opportunities come up. Perhaps your personal career satisfaction can only come form working for yourself? Explore small business opportunities that might be a match for you. Taking over an existing business can be advantageous than starting a business on your own with loyal customers, business records and a desirable location already in place.

Start A Home Business — You may not be able to leave your current job right away, but starting a side business you manage at home is something every American can do. Bring in some extra income and get a taste for working for yourself: a home business is the ultimate try before you buy work scenario!

Make Smart Investment Decisions — If you are in your 20s, the way you manage and save your money is different from the person who is in their 50s and at the top of his peak earning years. Take a look at some investment guides to help you find out if you are on track for 2008 or not.

Even small steps can yield income increases of 3, 5 even 10 percent for this year with larger increases if you take an aggressive approach to earning more money. Make 2008 the year you make important decisions to strengthen your financial position and increase your career satisfaction.


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