Does Stimulus Plan = New Jobs?

The $150 billion stimulus package is estimated to add 500,000 new jobs to the economy.  It is assumed that when people receive their rebate checks, that money will be spent, flowing back into the economy.  Businesses, especially retailers, will have to hire more staff to meet the increased demand.

However, many economists argue that businesses won’t hire permanent workers because many taxpayers will most likely quickly spend their one-time $600 rebate.  In addition to that, many companies are not going to change their hiring habits and procedures based on a one-time check to consumers.

According to CNNMoney.com, even economists who believe the stimulus plan will help the job market argue that it will be felt from limiting layoffs, not spurring hiring.

“I don’t think stimulus is going to cause a burst of hiring, it’s just going to prevent firing that might otherwise take place,” said Dean Baker, co-director of the Center for Economic and Policy Research.

There is even some concern that when taxpayers receive rebate checks, they will go to the mall and splurge so the rebate checks from Congress will go straight to China.

Do you believe the stimulus plan will bring new jobs?  Tell us what you think by adding to the comments below.

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Is Your Job Recession Proof?

With the economic forecast looking grim, the housing market at an all time high in foreclosures, and lay offs on the rise, the “R” word is starting to be used to describe what is happening to the U.S. economy.  The last thing you would want to do right now is take time off from your job to go on a long vacation.  When you get back, your position could be cut.

Now is the time to take those steps to recession proof your job. 

Being visible and standing out on the job is one way to raise your profile.  Email your boss and let him/her know about your contributions, without being obnoxious.  Basically it’s time to get your nose brown, do your job well, and make sure others know it.

Investing in yourself can also assist you to keep your job.  Cross train and increase your skills in other areas.  Get your skills up to date.  Take classes for certifications in areas of expertise.  Raise your value and specialize in something.  You could take some software classes and even volunteer to set up trainings for co-workers.  Considering graduate school is also an option.

Joining social networks like Facebook or Linked In can provide great ways to stay connected with others in your field.  Joining professional organizations can align you with others in your profession to bring to you support and value.  In addition, these networking opportunities can lead to job offers.  Make sure that your information on the social networks is tasteful and something you wouldn’t mind your potential employer to see.

If none of the above works, alternative tips on how to recession proof your job are not limited to but, include the following:

• Gather all the dirt you can find on the boss.
• Make known to boss you have gathered said dirt.
• Make him/her squirm as you blithely hint at spilling said dirt.
• Keep job.

Hey, it’s up to you on how you make sure you keep your job.  Those are merely opinionated suggestions. 

How are you making sure your job is recession proof?  Tell us by adding to the comments below.

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The Next Pink Slip Might Be Yours

    

The state of Georgia reported that the unemployment rate in Metro Atlanta rose from 4.0 percent in November 2007 to 4.4 percent in December 2007.

For the entire state of Georgia, the unemployment rate rose from 4.2 percent in November to 4.6 percent in December said the Georgia Department of Labor, but this rate in Georgia is still below the U.S. unemployment rate of 4.8 percent.

The unemployment increase is largely due to job losses in construction, manufacturing, and other service related jobs.

The economic forecast was looking a bit grim and unemployment was expected to continue to rise, but the U.S. Department of Labor has reported Thursday, that applications for unemployment benefits decreased by 1,000.

However, the gloomy telltale signs of a weakening economy are becoming more and more evident as the first month in 2008 comes to a close.  An unusally high number of layoffs and company closings are being reported.  Lack of job creation and not to mention the stock market dive are all key indicators that…..Houston, we have a problem. 

Could it be that those 1,000 have reached their end for receiving unemployment benefits?

What does this say about the U.S. economy?  Are we really headed for a recession?

How do you prevent the next pink slip from being yours?

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