The online self improvement encyclopedia

(ARA) – For all the other signs that the economy is improving, unemployment rates still remain alarming, especially if you’re one of the unfortunate millions pounding the pavement looking for a new job. Ever resourceful and adaptable, many Americans are finding new ways to make a living, turning layoffs into launch pads for new careers.

For many, massage therapy tops the list for realizing monetary and spiritual rewards within a manageable time frame. The profession seems a natural fit for career changers. In fact, the average massage therapist is in his or her 40s, and has entered the profession as a second career, according to the American Massage Therapy Association.

Growing acceptance and understanding of the benefits of massage – both physical and psychological – have created opportunities for therapists to interact with and serve the public in exciting new ways. In addition to traditional settings like spas or resorts, independent businesses, chiropractic clinics and athletic clubs, massage therapists are working with insurance networks, within corporate settings, in hospice care, and in hospital oncology, maternity or post-natal care departments.

To learn more about career opportunities in massage therapy and how to get started on becoming a certified massage therapist, visit www.cortiva.com.

(ARA) – With a wide-spread recession and high jobless rates, it would be no surprise to find that many employed Americans doing what they can to make the most of the jobs and resources they have at hand. Yet, a 2009 World of Work study by recruitment agency Randstad found a workforce that is ready to step up and regain control of its own and its companies’ destinies.

“This is one of the most challenging workplace environments in decades. Layoffs are forcing people to wear more hats and take on more responsibility,” offered Eileen Habelow, Randstad’s senior vice president for organizational development.

So, how do you push beyond survivor mentality and begin focusing your energies on a future where you will thrive at work? Here are a few ideas recommended by Habelow:

Ask questions: Stay connected to what’s going on at work by making a list of questions and scheduling time with your manager to discuss.

Be social: Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn are fast becoming part of today’s business landscape. Get to know what they offer, how they work, who uses them and why.

To learn more about how you can thrive at work, visit www.us.randstad.com.

(ARA) – From digitizing and analyzing America’s health records to developing the next big video game or hardware program, careers in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields continue to gain prominence in the workforce. In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor predicts a growing demand for technological advances will result in a job growth of 22 percent for STEM occupations between 2004 and 2014.

DeVry University, a leader in providing career-focused higher education to today’s students, is one of these institutions taking notice.

“Students are looking to obtain the education and knowledge needed to succeed in the high-growth industries that continue to thrive, says Donna Loraine, vice president, academic affairs for DeVry Inc., and dean, DeVry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management. “Our academic structure is one that allows for swift implementation of new programs and curriculum once we notice a specific need, allowing us to better prepare students for these in-demand 21st century careers.”

DeVry is one of the universities working directly with high-caliber employers, such IBM and Cisco, to ensure their future employee needs will be met. DeVry University graduates from the last five years have worked at 96 of the Fortune 100 companies.

(ARA) – Whether you are facing a slowed economy or one that is bursting at the seams, there are ways to make your job search less frustrating.

“Looking for a job is a job in itself,” says Anthony Davis, director of Career Services at Brown Mackie College – Fort Wayne. “If you expect to work 40 hours a week, then you must be prepared to put in many hours in your job search.”

The next step is to have a razor-sharp resume. “Your resume must speak to the job you are applying for,” Davis says. “A resume that does not will quickly be tossed in the outbox trash.”

Now it’s time to create your own job search team to help advise you while you are looking for a job. A sampling of team members can be professional colleagues, close friends, parents, college professors and alumni.

Job seekers should be networking. In fact, according to Davis, members of the job seeker’s job search team should be some of the same people the job seeker should be networking with.

Other networking opportunities can be found just by volunteering for a nonprofit organization. There have been job seekers who have turned their volunteer opportunity into real jobs.

If you have been working with the Law of Attraction then you know that maintaining a positive outlook is tantamount to your success. For those who were born with that “All is well, I’m so blessed” attitude it’s an easy thing to do. But for those who sometimes struggle in the darkness with only a tiny flame of determination to guide your way, it seems to take a little more effort. But once you see how easy it is to get back to a place of joy by using this method, you’ll never again fear those times of darkness.

Attracting abundance can be a very enjoyable journey, especially for people who have seen their desires fully manifest. For others, it can be extremely aggravating if what they hope to attract never comes. If you have a burning desire, learning to step out of the way is the best thing you can do!