While the employment numbers continue to show mixed signals, one interesting statistic is
the increase in people reporting their incomes using 1099 forms rather than W2s -- that more
businesses are hiring freelancers and temporary workers, which some economists are
calling the workforce of the future. Being a freelancer gives you much more flexibility, but
it also comes without any kind of benefits or job security.
Some signs that the job market, including manufacturing jobs, may be indeed be stronger
in 2004 (finally): The National Association for Business Economics reported that more than a
third (34 percent) of the companies they surveyed expect to add jobs in the next six months (an increase
from only 21 percent in the previous survey conducted in the fourth quarter of 2003).
January 21, 2004
About one-quarter of workers say they are currently dissatisfied with their jobs, a 20%
increase over 2001. And six-in-ten workers say they plan to leave their jobs for other
pursuits in the next two years.
These statistics and others can be found in CareerBuilder.com's new report on
worker trends and aspirations titled "At Work 2003: Past, Present, and Future."
The in-depth report compares workers' attitudes and opinions between 2001 and
2003, discusses trends in select industries and job functions, and explores
gender differences in perceptions of work.
January 18, 2004
Looks like workers are not going to see any big pay increases in 2004.
According to compliance publisher Business & Legal Reports (BLR), most employers are planning
their smallest pay increases since at least 1985.
In its annual Pay Budget Survey, BLR found employers nationwide budgeting for
pay increases averaging well below 4% for 2004.
Based on the results, exempt and nonexempt white-collar employees can expect
merit increases of 3.4%, unionized plant employees 3.2%, and non-unionized
plant employees 3.3%. General increases will be slightly lower in each category.
January 10, 2004
Topjobsites.com (using Alexa.com rankings) categorizes and ranks the
top job sites in the world. Here are the top three ranked sites in several categories:
Job Stuff, A Blog for Your Career, from Stephen Harris.
Stephen's blog is a great resource for those job-seekers who find yourselves in transition, searching for guidance
and reassurance.
The Occupational Adventure Blog, from
Curt Rosengren, a Passion Catalyst. Curt's blog is great for finding encouraging ideas (and resources) for moving forward with your career... a career
that lights your fire.
TrueCareers Career Blog, from the career and job site
dedicated to professional and college-educated job-seekers... where they say you get the real scoop on how to get the job you want faster --
with insider tips and more.
