Dealing with a shrinking budget is difficult for any family, but just how do you go about explaining it to your children? One useful solution: deploy the Muppets. More »
The wealthy folks on the BRW Rich 200 might have lost $25 billion in collective value, but can they offer any tips on how to hang onto your money for ordinary folks? More »
If you’ve submitted more resumes to more places than you can possibly remember, it’s time to start keeping a log of where and when you’ve applied to each job. More »
Unemployment levels are generally expected to rise, posing a challenge for full-time staff and contract workers alike. But do contractors have the same options for unemployment benefits in Australia? More »
Multi-billionaire and finance guru Warren Buffett knows a thing or two about making good investments, and weblog Get Rich Slowly offers three lessons from Berkshire Hathaway’s annual meeting. More »
The ongoing decline in tech isn’t just bad news for geeks looking for steady employment — it also means you’re going to wait longer than ever when you have to make a phone call to get a problem fixed. More »
Forget team-building or flexible hours — when it comes to deciding on the best place to work, it seems our heads are still more likely to be turned by beanbags and doughnuts. More »
It’s no surprise that when business belts get tightened, the perks are the first to go — and that rule seems to apply just as much to small business as it does to multi-national corporations. More »
Marketing wizard Seth Godin notes that the recession has caused an excess of work for many, while for others it’s created an abundance of slack time. If you’re experiencing the latter, it’s time to take advantage.Godin suggests using the extra time by either boosting your skills or reputation in your field. For example:
Earn a following and reputation. Use social networking tools to connect to people for no good reason. Post tons of useful answers on discussion boards where your expertise is valued. Build a permission asset in the form of an email newsletter or a fascinating blog that people want to read. Do resume makeovers for 100 friends. Start a neighbourhood or industry book group. Don’t go to conventions, earn the right to speak at them.
It can be tough to focus your energy on that extra work at first, but if you’re facing a lot of slack time at work, just consider it part of your job. Are you using your slack time (or just plain old after-work spare time) to build your skills or reputation right now? Let’s hear what approach you’ve taken in the comments. Photo by el asso wipo.
Slack [Seth's Blog]If the axe is about to fall at your office, the chief career officer at temp/HR franchise Adecco says now is the time to get all Ed Koch and ask everyone how you’re doing. Wired’s How-To Wiki has a collaborative post up on how to lower the odds of your name being selected in the next round of layoffs. While a little sparse at the moment, the wiki-post does point out the two sides of keeping a high/low profile. You want to be seeking feedback and direction from as many people as you can, and be seen involved in projects, especially new ones, whenever you can. But you don’t your theoretically on-the-sly job-hunting to be seen by anybody, anywhere, inside your firm, or your likelihood of being considered for a layoff shoots up exponentially. Other than that, it’s the same kind of advice—upgrade your skills, network, look outside your field—that we’ve previously explored in tips on recession-proofing your career (on paper and on the web). Got a good (and anonymous) tip on putting your best feedback-hungry face forward around the office? Drop it in the comments. Keep Your Job [Wired How-To Wiki]
