by billmason on July 20, 2010
In tough economic times, the hard decisions are never popular. This was the case with California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s decision to order 200,000 of his state workers to accept the minimum wage set forth by the federal government. The hope is the state’s legislative arm can pass a budget before August 1, says EmploymentCrossing.com founder A. Harrison Barnes. The governor also assured those workers that their balances will be paid in full retroactively once the budget is approved.
With close to a 20 billion dollar budget, no one denied drastic times called for drastic measures; it’s just the state workers were a bit unprepared for their new salaries. A. Harrison Barnes mentions the minimum wage is currently set at $7.25 per hour. This, as one might expect, does not bode well with many in the state. California Assembly Speaker John Perez (D-Los Angeles) let his disapproval be known at a press conference and was quoted as saying, in part, “…using working families as leverage is not the kind of leadership we need to get through this budget process”.
If state workers were waiting for an eleventh hour save, they were disappointed when a California court said the governor was will within the legal boundaries. Appeals are being filed. It’s likely, too, that many will be searching for new jobs versus riding the storm out on the state payroll. Many say that’s a big gamble for residents in a state that was hit especially hard during the recession. This isn’t the first time the governor has ordered state workers’ salaries cut. Budgetary problems once before resulted in drastic measures by Schwarzenegger. Their unemployment rates are still high and it doesn’t appear a solution is on the horizon in terms of balancing the state’s budget.
The EmploymentCrossing.com founder says it’s likely these cuts will save the state close to 1.2 billion dollars per month; that’s if the state controller complies with the order. John Chiang, California Controller, says the computer system simply cannot meet the demands of so many pay adjustments. He says the technology isn’t available to his office. He told the Court of Appeals that his office could not comply and that the computerized systems that could handle such a request wouldn’t be a consideration until 2012. It’s not clear on how these cuts will be handled, as the Courts have cleared the way and Schwarzenegger has ordered it. Some even say by the time a solution is found that can handle so many requests, the budget could very well be remedied, making the cuts moot.
While these changes currently only affect state workers in California, other states could follow suit should the need arise, once again turning the employment sector on its head since not all employees would agree to stay during difficult financial times that required a monetary sacrifice on their parts.
by billmason on July 20, 2010
The Department of Labor announced in late June its release of more than $27 million dollars in emergency grants for four states most impacted by the devastating BP oil spill. The spill, that continues to spill since an explosion in late April, 2009 that killed eleven, continues to wreak havoc along the entire Gulf Coast. Hotels, casinos and restaurants are reporting a 75% decline in their summer business. Some businesses have even been forced to close their doors. The four states aligned to receive these funds are Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama and Florida.
U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis says, “Working families on the Gulf Coast have been dealt a tremendous blow by this oil spill…and are facing serious long term challenges”. A. Harrison Barnes, EmploymentCrossing.com founder says the industries that can expect a share of these funds include shrimping, fishing, hospitality and tourism, among others. Currently, Alabama and Mississippi are set to receive $5 million each while Florida and Louisiana have been granted $10 million each. It’s expected these percentages will fluctuate with time and as funds are doled out.
A. Harrison Barnes says these funds will be used in many dynamics, but one of the most important aspects comes from training those residents who stand ready to play a role in the clean up efforts. Part of that training, say experts, has to do with ensuring safety precautions are in place for those who do come in contact with the oil and tar balls. Everything from the owners of the vessels of opportunity that skim the waters to employees that walk the beaches and collect the beached oil must all go through training programs.
Kenneth Feinberg, the government’s point man, has reiterated his dedication to fair recompense for those who are most affected and in a press conference in June, said, “I am working for the people of the Gulf Coast…no one else”.
The EmploymentCrossing.com founder also says it’s important that those who wish to pursue new careers are provided the opportunities to do so while also ensuring they are paid fair salaries. “One positive step is the fact the breakdown and releases on fund disbursements, job training and other important information is being made public on the Department of Labor’s website. This lends to a certain transparency that is sometimes missing from government properties”, says Barnes. This announcement should clear the way for many coastal residents to move forward as the nation continues to watch the oil continue to gush into waters a mile underwater.
Other announcements included reimbursement for medical issues due to the oil. Some coastal residents have reported breathing problems and other respiratory difficulties; however, many of these same people who are no longer employed face mounting medical costs. BP has announced its intent to reimburse those with these problems.
The release of these funds by the Department of Labor are expected in the coming weeks.
by billmason on July 3, 2010
Have you ever considered becoming a big rig truck driver? If so, you’ve chosen a career avenue that you’ll likely discover is in high demand. Those who earn their livings as OTR drivers enjoy the opportunity to see the country and meet new people with each trip. There are both state and federal guidelines truckers must adhere to and depending on which state you reside in, you may be required to have specific certifications, says Hound.com founder A. Harrison Barnes.
This is also one of those careers that a person either loves or hates; there’s rarely anything in between. You must be able to withstand the long hours behind the wheel and it can be an isolating experience, as well. That said, those who don’t mind being alone can realistically expect to earn an impressive salary. The Hound.com founder says you’re afforded flexibility as a truck driver, too. With so many companies that offer different perks, you can define your own working hours, at least to some degree. Some don’t mind working through the weekend, others prefer to be home with their families and still, there are those who want to be home every night. A. Harrison Barnes says, “Before you can enjoy those flexible working hours, you must have the proper documentation and certification”. Here are a few of the universal requirements. Remember, though, state and federal laws differ and what may be required in one state might not be applicable in another; however, you still need to follow every state’s law that you travel through.
“ Generally, drivers must be at least 21 years of age.
“ He must meet the physical requirements set forth by both his employer and state or federal laws.
“ He will be required to be certified and these certifications will vary depending on what he hauls.
“ He must be aware of the law – both local laws and federal guidelines.
“ Must have a commercial driver’s license, or CDL.
“ Must be able to pass drug and alcohol testing
“ Must have a clean driving record with no DUIs or DWIs
“ If a truck driver hauls hazardous material, he will likely need a security clearance from the government.
As mentioned, this is a brief rundown of what a truck driver might be required to provide. Truck companies will have their own guidelines and safety procedures and you will be required to understand and remain in compliance at all times. Even with the regulations the trucking industry is accountable to, most driving schools can have candidates ready in weeks, thereby allowing you to earn a living a lot faster than other job choices.
Barnes, who is also a renowned career coach, says there are many jobs available right now for those wishing to pursue this career path and many of those jobs can be found on the award winning site, Hound.com.
For those who love driving these big trucks, there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing the roads unwind in front of him and those places he’s just visited in his rearview mirror.
by billmason on July 3, 2010
Are Your Employees Your Worst Enemies?
You rely on your employees and want to believe they see the same thing for the future success of your business as you do, right? And odds are, if you were asked to name the weakest link, you might find yourself struggling with choosing someone; not because there are many too choose from, but because there aren’t any at all. You’ve worked hard to build a strong foundation, you’ve attracted the best and brightest employees and you reward their efforts with generous vacation days, bonuses and other perks. This is all in an effort to keep your employees loyal and focused. But what if they are your worst enemy? They may not even be aware of it, says A. Harrison Barnes, founder of Hound.com.
So then how can it be? “You might be surprised”, says the Hound.com founder. “If your networks are left vulnerable, a quick trip to a non-work related website can bring in an enemy far worse than your competitor”. Symantec, one of the country’s leading computer security companies, says computer and network viruses increased by 71% between 2008 and 2009. Even as more aggressive measures are being taken to eradicate these virus definitions, it appears the good guys are losing ground.
This, as every business owner knows – whether it’s a small business owner in Memphis, Tennessee or a conglomerate in New York City – can result in long term and significant problems. Whether it’s an opening a hacker finds when an employee is updating his Facebook page and inadvertently opens an attachment or any method used to access your company’s financial information, there always is a risk associated with your online networks, says A. Harrison Barnes. Once access is made, companies can lose all control they have over their online existences. Even something as simple as a potential employee downloading the job description you have available on your website can lead to a bot then gaining access to the job applicant’s computer.
What is the answer? Simply stated, Symantec says it’s all about knowledge. You work to keep your networks patched, but what are you doing for your web browser? How do you know there’s not a hidden vulnerability? These are tough questions for those who have no idea what a “bot ” actually is, but it’s also what an IT specialist thrives on. Creating IT jobs might be your best bet. The alternative is worse, after all. Protecting your business and your clients is priority one and if that means brining on board one more employee, it could be the biggest and best investment you will ever make as a business owner. Another tip both Symantec and Barnes offers is to minimize your risks. Enforce your company policies regarding access to the internet. No one wants to ban the internet, and in fact, your company likely relies on the internet, but a definitive line drawn might serve to protect your interests.
by billmason on May 8, 2010
No one can quite explain the 52% jump in applications at Cornell Law School. While an increase was expected, even the Dean of Admissions Richard Geiger can’t figure out the record breaking jump. A. Harrison Barnes, attorney and founder of LegalAuthority.com says 2009 showed a jump in the number of those who took the Law School Admissions Test, or LSAT, but by his estimates, this was likely no more than 20%. Still, Dean Geiger anticipates even more last minute applications before the February 1 deadline. He also says there are no plans to increase the school’s enrollment cap and that students prefer the smaller class sizes. Cornell has always maintained its commitment of smaller class sizes in an effort to ensure more personalized attention.
So what does this mean for the future legal employment outlook? Because there is such competition, not only at Cornell, but other renowned legal institutions, including Washington University, University of San Francisco and University of Iowa, A. Harrison Barnes agrees with other experts there will be a more diverse and dedicated generation of legal minds. Even if the employment outlook for legal careers hasn’t regained its momentum before the recession, it’s only a matter of time before the gates open once again. Law firms are likely in for a completely different pool to choose from once it all comes full circle and the dust settles.
Sites such as LegalAuthority.com are beginning to see these diversities in the quality of recent law graduates just now entering the legal sector. Many opted for a more focused specialization while others, determined to keep their options open, made the decision to keep their specialties a bit more broad in order to prevent the “boxed in” feeling some lawyers begin to feel after awhile. Still, it’s a great time to be a law student – regardless of the approach you adopt.
Another trend many are noticing is with the number of part time students. The American Bar Association reports 16% of JD students are considered part time. This likely means there are many who have returned to school in an effort to obtain their degrees while also managing their current careers and likely, a family life. Not only that, a part time status is often easier from a financial perspective. US News & World Report recently indicated the new part time trends were likely as much to do with time management as it was the recession and the financial hurdles it presents. It’s not that law students are hoping to delay their new legal careers, but rather, more of us are adopting a far better work-life balance. Priorities are shifting and we’re becoming better focused as a result.
As Cornell and other legal universities continue to enjoy the renewed interest in the field of law, those who are pursing their degrees are doing so with a bit of constraint as they, as well as the rest of us, attempt to strike a healthier balance before we enter the job market.
by billmason on May 6, 2010
The healthcare industry appears to be recession-proof. As other sectors continue to report more layoffs and company closings, the need for nurses, physicians, EMTs and other medical personnel continues to grow. Further, new positions are being created to ensure medical facilities remain current in ever-changing economical and technological times.
One career expert, A. Harrison Barnes, reports both personnel and the employment sector must continue to work together to better meet the needs of an aging baby boomer generation as well as work together to find new solutions for treating those who no longer have health care and often, no means to pay for medical attention.
Job opportunities for disaster personnel, such as those who travelled across the country following Hurricane Katrina and the 2001 terrorist attacks, served as an eye opener. Disasters will continue and as such, the medical field needs those qualified to oversee the health of those most affected will continue to rise as well. A new title, “disaster medical personnel” has recently been defined as those travelling nurses, physicians and other medically trained providers willing to temporarily relocate to areas where there is a need. More resumes are including extensive experience in these noble career choices. Reputable job career sites, such as EmploymentCrossing.com and Hound.com are seeing an increase for those with this experience.
Perhaps the best part about these new roles is that they require no more education than what is currently expected of medical personnel. Often, with a brief training period designed to ensure these health care providers can provide rapid and effective healthcare in emergencies, providers go into an on-call status, ready to travel wherever help is most needed.
As a result of these enormous sacrifices, one can be sure their efforts are rewarded with exceptional salaries. Many can often earn $90,000 or more annually, making this an incredibly lucrative career. Even those just entering the job markets are discovering job opportunities that allow them to travel while gaining experience and knowledge in the medical field.
If you’re looking for entry level jobs in the medical field, consider incorporating the services of A. Harrison Barnes’s progressive job sites such as EmploymentCrossing.com. Here, you’ll discover the most current jobs, career advice and even job fair information. With an experienced staff who work to ensure the jobs provided to the client base are current and available, you can be sure those positions are not available to the general public for any number of reasons. It’s an incredible way to invest in your future while streamlining your job opportunities. A. Harrison Barnes, career coach and founder of such sites as Hound.com and LegalCrossing.com, has revolutionized the traditional job boards. With a more focused approach to one’s career, you can spend less time looking for a job and more time in your new career. In any given day, there are over 80,000 various jobs; and of those available positions, a small fraction is advertised to the general public. By having access to all of the available positions, your odds increase of finding a way to make a difference in your chosen medical career.
by billmason on May 5, 2010
The legal profession is honoring as well as full of stress and strain. The level of stress at times is so high that not everyone is able to cope with it. There are many lawyers who start questioning them if they really suit the legal profession and if they should continue with the legal practice or go for a change in another law practicing area. These lawyers are so much under pressure that they consider shifting to another legal field. At times this stress leads them to depression making it impossible for an attorney to continue the practice.
There are many other reasons apart from stress which the attorneys consider to change their legal career says A Harrison Barnes from his experience. For some attorneys it is not the kind of profession that they had expected. Some are happy with the profession if they get a chance to continue work in a relaxed environment and not live a life full of stress. Many feel that they lack skills that are required to become a good lawyer and thus prefer shifting to another field.
But the decision of a career change is not an easy decision. You have to take enough time to think a lot about it and make many researches and consult professionals who can help you with their guidance in order to take a proper decision. You cannot take the decision lightly says A Harrison Barnes because after all it is a decision that it going to affect your legal career as well as your past, present and future life. Your entire life depends on this one decision. This decision will affect the career you will have in your future, the lifestyle that you will lead and many other areas come under the effect of this single decision.
But you may even think that the decision of changing the career is taken at a very late stage and it may call for some risks. A Harrison Barnes that the decision of changing does involves risk but if you have no risk then you will have no gain. You just need to take precautions with every step that you take in order to shift to another legal career. You need to move according to a plan which will help you get success in every move of yours.
Once you have made the decision of changing your legal career, there are some things that you need to do. The very first thing that you need to do according to A Harrison Barnes is that you have to know the exact reason why you want to change your legal career, what is the actual reason behind you taking such a decision. This will help you to know the most important thing that requires a change immediately.
You need to even deal with the possibilities like losing the lifestyle that you are presently leading, the possibility of your decision not being accepted by the family members or the friends and the coworkers you are presently working with. You may even fail to understand your own financial condition. You may even fear how everything will take shape after you have taken the step of changing you legal career.
You can even set goals for yourself. This will make things a little easier for you. The plan will help you get back on the track that you were on while at your last career. Though it may take some time but following the plan will be very beneficial for you in the near future. You can make short term plans that can be achieved in a certain period of time.
A Harrison Barnes suggests that you analyze yourself in every possible way. Self assessment is very necessary if you want to change the legal career. Analyze your likes and dislikes, your passions, the lifestyle that you lead and your skills. This will help you to know which legal career suits you the best and you can fit in easily. If there is any requirement that you are lacking in according to the career that you are thinking to choose then waste no time to improve those areas. If you require any sort of training that will enhance your move then you should get it without thinking about it twice.
You can take the advice of any mentor if you want any suggestion in choosing the right legal career for yourself. They are the experts and can guide you in every problem that you face. You have to take all the precautions before changing your legal career.
by billmason on May 4, 2010
Prostitution is an act where by money is exchanged for sexual acts. A person is liable to be charged for solicitation, irrespective of the fact whether the services were purchased or not.
The CEO of LawCrossing, A. Harrison Barnes has pointed out that the lawyers of prostitution are required to deal with several issues. The issues are stated below:
The lawyer is required to investigate whether there has been any sexual contact. Sexual contact occurs when a couple engages in sexual intercourse. The laws relating to prostitution are neutral in most of the states; it covers both the opposite sex as well as the same sex prostitution. The term sexual contact includes other kinds of touching as well.
The attorneys dealing with the case of prostitution are required to investigate if any of the party supported prostitution. The person who patronizes prostitution pays certain amount of money as reward for sexual conduct. It may as well so happen, that a person patronizes prostitution in case a person requests for sexual contact in lieu of some value.
The law of prostitution sees to it that some value has been offered or exchanged with another party. The law does not differentiate between the compensation going to the person who personified sexual contact and the individuals or the third party involved. Moreover the law does not differentiate even if a person who personalized sexual conduct gets into sexual relation with the party he or she is paying, or enters into sexual relation with another third party believes A. Harrison Barnes the CEO of LawCrossing.
The competent prostitution attorneys are extremely proficient in defending the individuals who have been accused of solicitation of prostitution. This is a very important step that the lawyers must engage in, for avoiding convictions. If you have been a victim of police sting, make sure that you are not entrapped. Regrettably not all police stings require entrapments. You can get in touch with the lawyers and advocate for seeking the best defense possible. This is what A. Harrison Barnes believes.
Solicitation of prostitution is considered to be a serious offence. If a person is accused for the first time, he may be jailed for a period of up to one year. A person facing accusations for the third time may be charged with criminal offence and can be sentenced for more than one year. The sex offence trails come under the public knowledge, there by exposing to the other family members and personal acquaintances about his supposed indiscretion. The prostitution lawyers device the best possible strategies to keep the case confidential. It is the responsibility of the attorneys to see to it that the case remains confined within the court room, and away from the glare of the media, and press coverage.
In the age on information and technology, the cases pertaining to internet prostitution or “Disorderly Conduct” is on the rise. Incase you are a customer, facilitator or a prostitute; engaged in internet prostitution, you might be arrested by the police and charged. According to A. Harrison Barnes, irrespective of the fact whether you are a buyer or seller, if you are receiving or paying money via the internet for sex, you are going against the prostitution laws in some of the states. Internet now-a-days have been widely used for the purpose of cyber sex. Once convicted, you may have to face severe penalties. Make sure that you refrain from such activities, because the nature of the humiliation, fine and the sentence of jail, can have serious psychological effect on you as well as your family members.
The attorneys in most of the states are trying to crack down internet prostitution very aggressively, following the measures stated below:
All the illegal websites have been tracked and attempts have been taken to crack them down. The legitimacy of the sites are questioned and examined by the law courts says A. Harrison Barnes. Most of these illegal sites advertise as “escort” or “companionship” services. The real problem starts when sex offences are solicited as part of the escort services. Attempts have been made to break the prostitution rings. The owners of the massage parlors and escort services are charged on the basis of the evidences gathered from raids and sting operations. The undercover tactics have arrested hundreds of people all over the world on a weekly basis. A. Harrison Barnes states that the sting operations and undercover operations are very strategic measures that are adopted for arresting those involved with illegal sex trade.
by billmason on May 3, 2010
The ongoing economic down turn has hit every aspect of human life. The market is going down every day affecting the lives of every single person in the world. The condition has become so bad that even large, well-known organizations are closing down their offices. This has come as big blow affecting the lives of hundreds of thousands of people daily.
Closing Shop:
If they are not closing down their businesses, these companies are cutting down on their work resulting in many people losing their jobs. Either people have been fired or have been laid off by the companies.
A. Harrison Barnes, owner and creator of EmploymentCrossing.com, suggests that you do needn’t worry much about the situation. If you take some measures, the economic downturn would not hit you hard.
If you have recently been laid off or are expecting to be laid off, don’t panic. Turn this negative point into a positive one by thinking about it as a new start to your career and your life. According to A. Harrison Barnes, you just need to take some steps and work a little harder to help yourself in the long run.
Do an Honest SWOT analysis:
First, check the benefits that your company is entitled to give you when you quit. You should be aware of the employee rights so that you can know exactly where you stand. After this, you need to file for unemployment insurance. You should ask your employer for accumulated vacation, sick pay and, most importantly, for severance pay. You can negotiate for a good severance package. A. Harrison Barnes says you should try negotiating with your employer as there are few who can negotiate. So don’t let the chance go; you may be either benefit or get refused.
Also request your employer for information on health and life insurance benefits. You can even ask whether the company provides with outplacement resources. If they do, then it will help with your search for a new job and building a better career. Once all these are done, you can start your job search, says A. Harrison Barnes.
But make sure that you don’t spoil your relationship with your ex-employer. This may turn against your in the future. A. Harrison Barnes suggests that you should never bad mouth your ex-employer. This will leave a bad impression about you with the person you are discussing it with and may go against you at any interview.
Build a Positive Image: A. Harrison Barnes suggests that you should not even talk anything negative about yourself. Try talking about the positive career steps that you are planning to take. Even the people who are listening in may help you if you say something positive. They may help you by recommending you to any other firm. This will in effect increase your network in an unexpected way.
A. Harrison Barnes understands the trauma you undergo while dealing with a lay off. Do make sure that you have discussed it with your family and friends. Let them know what is going on in your life. They are your support system at this crucial period. Don’t feel shy to reveal the news of the lay off to them. If you suppress your feelings, it would not help your case. In fact, it will only increase your frustration and you won’t be able to focus on your job search.
Don’t jump into a job search before you are mentally prepared. Prepare yourselves against all setbacks before thinking of moving ahead.
by billmason on May 1, 2010
Before you accept the offer of a new job you must find out if the employer you are about to work with is a good fit or not. It is important for you to know whether the culture, the environment, the bonus facilities and a salary fits your needs and requirements. All these factors count before you can take a vital decision of accepting or refusing the new job offer. You should be aware that things are not always the same as you see them. So, it is suggested that you do your research well.
You cannot take a decision within a second. Understand everything that they are providing you and also what the employer expects from you. Also, evaluate if this job will help you succeed you in your career for you cannot wish to be at the same position your entire life. If you think the company will give you enough opportunities for career advancement, then you must choose working with that company. There are many things suggested by A Harrison Barnes, the owner of EmploymentCrossing.com, that are needed to be considered before taking the decision that will affect your career.
You need to make sure that you are well paid and what allowances and benefits will you get. If you have been asked to work for 40 hours per week by the interviewer, then make sure that you confirm it with the other people in the department. The reality may be different from what is shown to you says A Harrison Barnes. If you do not confirm it then you will not be able to know if the firm is a good option for you. There is a possibility that the organization may say something at the interview and the reality turns to be different.
A Harrison Barnes suggests you to ask for salary related details clearly before you start working with the employer. Bonuses are not given to the employees by every company. There are many organizations that refuse the existence of any bonus once the person has been hired. So make sure that you ask for a written statement about the salary to be paid to you. Do read the terms and conditions in the offer letter or appointment letter. If you need to sign any employment contract, do take a legal opinion before signing.
There are many jobs that ask the employees to travel. A Harrison Barnes recommends you to know the complete detail of how much traveling you will need to do. If you have no problem with traveling then it is not an issue of concern for you. But if you are a person who needs to be home with your family then you need to confirm how much traveling does your work demand.
A Harrison Barnes suggests you to ask questions to clear all your doubts that you can have and are enough to make the decision whether the employer is a good fit for you.
Before you go for the interview make sure that you have gathered enough knowledge about the company. You need to know the size of the firm for it helps you determine the salary, the work environment, etc. Smaller firms consider your overall skills and capabilities whereas large firms look for specific area of technical expertise.
You should perform an online search of the company and find out what kind of search results you get. A Harrison Barnes asks the candidates to think and re-think about the offer carefully. If most of your requirements are fulfilled by the employer then you can definitely go for it. When you visit the office, do take a look at the work area, cafeteria, lounge, etc. Do meet your boss and see what kind of temperament he has. Is he intelligent or friendly or a difficult boss? Do try and have a word with current employees about then work culture. Some employers are too strict while other are a bit easy going.
By following these tips you will definitely be able to make your mind, whether or not you want to opt working for a particular company or employer.
