For detailed profiles of each of the 50 U.S. states, including specific career, employment, education and economic information, profiles of hundreds of cities and counties, and links to appropriate occupation and college profile pages, please click on the applicable name/link from the list below....
More and more Americans are thinking BIG like “The Donald” and working for themselves. The enormous growth of the home business sector has, quite simply, become something to write home about. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 20 million people work from home in the United States alone, including over seven million self-employed, two-thirds of which have a home-based business (that is, a business exclusively operated out of their home with no other location)....
You’re in the hot seat. Your palms are sweaty; voice is shaky; face is flushed; and mouth is dry. Maybe you’re bouncing your knees and talking too fast. Perhaps your heart is racing or your stomach is turning.
You’re nervous. Why does this happen to so many job candidates?...
Whether to hire employees or independent contractors can seem like a no-brainer. With independent contractors you don’t have to withhold taxes or pay benefits and they are easier to fire. But if your “independent contractors” are reclassified the IRS can assess crippling retroactive penalties....
If you have ever been looking for a job I’m sure asked yourself: “What can I do to make my resume stand out and get an employer to seriously consider me for a job”? If you Googled the term “resume”, you know that there’s a dizzying array of information and advice out there about what works best in putting something together that presents you best....
Here's a select collection of work from home resources available from About.com and other sites for work at home jobs, news, and working at home issues....
Once you’ve proven yourself well qualified for a job during the interview process, you have to start asking yourself the tough questions. Do you have a strong desire to work for this company? What if they don’t offer quite as much money as you’d like? Is there a way to ask for a higher salary without alienating the employer?...
There was a time when the boundaries between work and home were fairly clear. Today, however, work is likely to invade your personal life — and maintaining work-life balance is no simple task. This might be especially true if you're concerned about losing your job due to restructuring, layoffs or other factors....
A career path is a map from point “A” to point “B”. Many job seekers have a goal in mind, a dream job they are striving for. Others aren’t quite sure what the future holds for their professional life and need a nudge. Whatever your case, we can help you find a job that is a step in the right direction....
Do you want to be self-employed or an independent contractor? This page will discuss the many opportunities that are available to you and guide you to success in the small business world....
Your pathway to career success. Tools to help job seekers, students, businesses, and career professionals
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration...
An independent contractor is a natural person, business, or corporation that provides goods or services to another entity under terms specified in a contract or within a verbal agreement....
For some, freelance employment offers the opportunity to more directly follow career passions and manage alternative responsibilities. For others, freelance careers and independent contracting are appealing for the joy of independence or the freedom of working at home, often at your own pace and schedule....
Working from home definitely has its perks, but one of the drawbacks is that people sometimes think you aren't really working that hard and therefore don't take you seriously. Here are a few tips for counteracting the negative assumptions your customers might have about home based businesses....
In the world of freelancing, the entrepreneur has to take on a number of tasks for themselves that would normally be handled by a separate department at a bigger company....
Freelancers are growing their income at a significantly faster clip than employees are.
The perceived dis-incentives to be an independent with no long term employment and benefits are outweighed by the significant increase in income....
I’ve been working online for four years now, and I’m still amazed by how many freelancing sites are available. When I first started, I relied on one site for all of my work because I earned enough money to pay the bills. Once I started branching out though, I was able to get significantly higher paying jobs, many of which required less time than what I was already spending on work, which was a huge win....
While the traditional job market continues to struggle worldwide, the future is optimistic for online work. The average freelancer expects to earn 43% more in 2013 than they did this year. This rise in earnings is translating into more jobs for all as 42% of independent professionals plan to hire other freelancers to build their businesses in 2013....
Freelancers and independent workers are a growing cadre of the U.S. workforce. They already account for an estimated 16 million workers, and recruiting firm MBO Partners predicts that figure may rise to 65 million by 2020 if existing trends continue....
Here's a list of the top jobs where a four year college degree is not required. Some of the jobs may require an associate's degree, certification or training, but they are jobs that pay a decent wage and that have a good earnings potential....
Job searching isn't just about applying for jobs and hoping to get called for an interview anymore. It's more complicated than that, especially in a competitive job market. The most successful job seekers utilize a variety of job search strategies to help them stand out from the crowd....
Searching for your next career can be a frustrating and sometimes confusing process that may be mitigated by many career experts who offer valuable advice through a range of online interfaces....
With 12.2 million Americans currently unemployed and a reported 86% of employees interested in
finding a new job in 2013, landing your dream job may be more competitive than ever....
Here’s another piece from New York City career coach Win Sheffield, on job search myths. This piece has to do with strategizing your search. For me, the great pearl of wisdom in this piece comes from Sheffield’s observation about how much enthusiasm and genuine interest count when you’re looking for work. Put yourself in the employer’s shoes....
Searching for a full-time job can often be a full-time job. It’s hard work to find work. The last thing you want to do is follow the old “spray and pray” method of job searching, where you spend countless hours scrolling through random online job postings – or worse, circling jobs in the newspaper....
The important thing to realize is that the best time to put together a plan for "what if I got fired today" is the time long before you actually need it....
This includes questions that may not be straight-out "career advice" questions, but where the answers are very helpful to people looking for advice....
Finding a Job Is a Job in Itself. Searching for a new job is hard work. In fact, it can be the toughest job you'll ever have. The key to job search success is to treat the entire process like a business; think of yourself as being in the job-hunting business....
Changing careers takes focus and commitment. To be successful, you’ll need to develop short-term, intermediate and long-term goals, and decide on the steps you’ll need to accomplish them. Once you do that, it will be a lot easier to take the plunge into a new line of work....
Are you ready to interview? Once you have been selected for a job interview, it's important to prepare properly. That means practicing interview questions and answers, dressing in appropriate interview attire, and, after the interview, sending thank you letters to your interviewers....
These top interview tips will help you cover everything you need to know to successfully ace a job interview. From checking out the company to sending an interview thank you note, these job interview tips cover all the basics needed for interviewing success....
We all have to make a living somehow — and most of the time that process starts with a job interview.
The only problem is that most job interview tips are either so basic that they aren’t useful or so ridiculous that they are just a waste of time....
Job interviews are always stressful - even for job seekers who have gone on countless interviews. The best way to reduce the stress is to be prepared. Take the time to review the common interview questions you will most likely be asked. Also, review sample answers and advice on how to answer these typical interview questions....
One of the most important parts of getting ready for a job interview is to prepare responses for the typical interview questions you will be asked. Taking the time to review job interview questions and sample answers will help you interview more confidentially and you'll impress the interviewer with your knowledge and expertise....
Ever had to sit through a 5-hour interview filled with team projects, skills tests and a question-and-answer period in front of five company managers? If not, be grateful....
25 Companies With The Most Difficult Job Interviews
Job Interview Tips
The job interview process tends to be nerve-racking and frustrating for many of us–but if you’re trying to get hired by Bain, Google, or Facebook, it can be even more strenuous. Imagine having to complete written tests, answer questions like, “How would you build an engine from scratch?” or interview with close to a dozen different people at one firm....
Be prepared for your interview. Interview experts Matt & Nan DeLuca, answer tough interview questions "Tell me about yourself." The 3 easy steps to answer this common interview question are......
Self-employed individuals generally must pay self-employment tax (SE tax) as well as income tax. SE tax is a Social Security and Medicare tax primarily for individuals who work for themselves. It is similar to the Social Security and Medicare taxes withheld from the pay of most wage earners. In general, anytime the wording "self-employment tax" is used, it only refers to Social Security and Medicare taxes and not any other tax (like income tax). ...
It is critical that business owners correctly determine whether the individuals providing services are employees or independent contractors. Generally, you must withhold income taxes, withhold and pay Social Security and Medicare taxes, and pay unemployment tax on wages paid to an employee. You do not generally have to withhold or pay any taxes on payments to independent contractors....
If you’ve made the determination that the person you’re paying is an independent contractor, the first step is to have the contractor complete Form W-9 (PDF), Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification. This form can be used to request the correct name and Taxpayer Identification Number, or TIN, of the worker....
Handling the legal aspects of doing business has got to be the most dreaded part of freelancing. Most of us have very little knowledge in this field without taking the time to do some research, and even then it can be confusing and frustrating....
Most business people have some familiarity with the differences between independent contractors and employees; most obviously, you pay wages to employees and you must withhold taxes, while independent contractors handle their own taxes....
Tax Topics For Freelancers, Contractors and Consultants
Tax Advice
Many people are career freelancers. Others find themselves doing freelance work after a corporate downsizing or other job loss. Although being a freelancer, consultant, or independent contractor provides a new set of tax issues to consider, it also offers you plenty of new ways to trim your tax bill....
Freelancers may love their freedom, but they don't always love the financial uncertainty that goes with being an independent contractor. According to a recent survey by CreditDonkey.com, while 92 percent of those surveyed are happy to be freelancers, 56 percent said their biggest complaint is the uncertainty about their income....
Freelancers are in full control of their financial and tax situation, though independence comes at a cost. Independent contractors face higher taxes and more record keeping duties than employees. There are special circumstances that apply to freelance writers and other independent professionals, so I will highlight what you need to know so you not only feel like a confident independent professional but also confident in understanding and preparing your taxes as one....
Payroll Tax Hike Adds Scrutiny On Independent Contractors
Tax Advice
Whether you’re in business, self-employed or a wage earner, by now you know that 2013 brought higher payroll taxes. See Fiscal Cliff, Dairy Cliff, What About the Payroll Tax Cliff? After the hype about raising taxes only on high incomes, payroll taxes went back up for all employees, even for those earning $20,000 a year....
I have noticed a lot of people are taking jobs as an independent contractor, sometimes to supplement their income, and sometimes as a way to build a career as their own boss. I'm generally in favor of people being their own boss....
Working for yourself can be a very liberating experience, rife with flexibility and freedom to create your own financial reality. However, as an independent contractor you also carry much more responsibility, and paying taxes are no exception. Due to the economy and recent tax legislation, the IRS is watching the independent freelancer more closely than ever. ...
Need help creating or updating your resume? It certainly can be complicated because your resume is going to be reviewed by software as well as by hiring managers. Review these top resume tips for choosing a resume format, selecting a resume font, customizing your resume, using resume keywords, explaining employment gaps, and more tips for writing interview winning resumes....
These resume tips will help you write a resume that is professional, polished, and perfect. Review the top resume tips for choosing a resume format, customizing your resume, using resume keywords, and more, to help your resume (and you) get selected for an interview....
Human resources people and hiring managers receive heaps of résumés for any given job opening, so they often miss, skip or toss a lot of them. Luckily, there are things you can do to help ensure that your résumé is seen. Career experts and a spokesperson for Glassdoor.com, a jobs and career community where people share information and opinions about their workplaces, weigh in....
There it is: a stack of 150 resumes, received in the first hour of posting a job, piled up in the hiring manager’s email inbox. How will you stand out? These four tips for creating an effective, well-organized resume, should help you stay at the top of the pile and in the top of the hiring manager's mind....
Purpose of a resume: Make a good first impression - Your resume may be the only chance you have to make an impression, so you want it to be a good one. Sell yourself - A resume is a brief, concise document that presents and effectively sells your most relevant and positive credentials for employment....
Every year, millions of Americans over age 55 happily choose to retire. But whether it's due to a lack of savings or a desire to stay active, many others remain in the workforce, and their numbers are growing: In 2012, 40.6 percent of people age 55 and older considered themselves to be in the labor force, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics....
Having a solid and effective resume can greatly improve your chances of landing that dream job. That is beyond discussion. How does one make sure that his resume is top notch and bullet proof, however? There are several websites with tips around the web, but most bring just a handful of them. We wanted to put them all together in a single place, and that is what you will find below: 44 resume writing tips....
The following resume template lists the information you need to include on your resume. Use the template to generate a list of information to include on your resume, then compile the details to format your resume into a customized resume to send to employers....
The hardest part of writing a resume can be getting started. One method is to set a clear goal or career objective, and make sure your resume reflects that objective. You don't necessarily have to state your objective on your resume, but write a summary statement to show how the particular job matches your career goals....
I recently stumbled across this article on Alison Green’s “Ask a Manager” blog, which essentially tells the tale of an HR Manager turned Director of Career Development at a university. The director is pretty frustrated since they are being told by those with “fancy titles” to encourage students to start building work portfolios....
Telecommuting360 is an organization of telecommuters, providers and companies providing remote workforce opportunities to their employers. We are dedicated to bringing the right resources and people together to solve the ongoing issues surrounding telecommuting and working from home....
Telecommuting can be defined as working from home either for an employer or as an independent contractor. Learn about being a telecommuter, the pros and cons, and how to resolve any issues that come up. Also, find out how to avoid work at home scams....
Telecommuting is a regular employee’s dream, for many obvious reasons. It’s also a great way to combine a day job with a freelancing career, if you can manage to juggle two jobs at once. However, telecommuting often turns out to be less of a dream job for many people who are not prepared for the hazards of working at home, and many people will see a drop in productivity if they don’t take steps to ensure that they firewall home from work....
5 Tips & Advice To Help You Become A Successful Telecommuter
Telecommuting Resource
Working a job, no matter what you do, can be difficult, exhausting, and downright unrewarding. Waking up to the screech of an alarm, dragging yourself from your cozy bed, and making it all the way to work can be miserable, especially when the weather outside is grim and gloomy. So when you hear about people working from home, it sounds like a dream job. But is it?...
The Telework Coalition (TelCoa), America’s leading nonprofit telework education and advocacy organization, based in Washington DC, was established in 2002 by a group of professionals with experience in addressing the benefits, adoption, and implementation of telework and telecommuting programs....
Is there anyone alive who hasn't heard of the concept of "telecommuting"? This convenient way of working was originally conceived and practiced by iconoclasts and steadfastly practical professionals who insisted on the right to avoid that long commute into the office on days when they had a great deal to do -- and do alone. ...
WorldatWork is committed to advancing telework – the ability to work from anywhere – as a tool to attract, motivate and retain talent. In 2005, WorldatWork acquired ITAC to form the Telework Advisory Group of WorldatWork....
Telecommuting is getting more press lately—and for good reason. According to Forrester Research, 34 million Americans telecommute at least occasionally in 2009, a number it says will swell to 63 million by 2016. Telecommuting can boost employee recruitment efforts and retention, lower real estate costs, serve business continuity efforts, and raise a company's environmental profile....
As you may know, Lullabot is a completely distributed company. Most of our people work from their homes all across the U.S., Canada, and Europe. We have an office in Providence, RI near where I and Lullabot's other co-founder, Matt Westgate, live. However none of us work from that office as our primary location. We've found ourselves to be much more productive working from home or wherever we can get a connection for our laptop and mobile phone....
No, this post is not about abstaining from daily showers when you telecommute from home. And this is not about wearing your pajamas all day long. And this is most definitely not about slacking off while away from the watchful eyes of those at headquarters. No, this is about respect. Or, actually, a lack of respect. ...
Thinking about telecommuting but not sure how to discuss the topic with your boss? A reader recently contacted me and asked for advice. Here is our discussion with suggestions on how to handle the topic with your manager....
Glassdoor.com is a career and workplace community where anyone can find and anonymously share salary details about specific jobs for specific employers or company and interview reviews describing life on the inside of an employer — all for free. What sets Glassdoor apart is that all information comes from the people who know these companies best — either the employees who work there or the candidates who have interviewed there....
Negotiating can often be difficult and unpleasant for many. But if your financial situation is dire and you desperately need money, it becomes even more tenuous. So what do you do when a company finally shows interest......
Salary negotiations are tough under any circumstances. It's difficult to know what to expect as far as salary when you receive a job offer and it's even harder to negotiate more than you have been offered. In a very competitive job market, salary negotiations can be even more complicated....
Salary information, salary surveys, negotiation strategies, salary tools, and more resources to research how much you should be paid and how to negotiate a reasonable compensation offer....
Tips and tactics for negotiating salary with employers to help you get offered the salary you're worth. Tips and advice on how to evaluate a job offer, negotiate salary and benefits, and make a counter offer if you want to get a higher salary when you receive a job offer from an employer....
So what's the difference between getting the job you want and making a living, and getting the job you want and taking home a big fat paycheck every week? Whether you're a banker or a sales rep, grab a pad and paper and take some notes. These 20 salary negotiation tips may just make the difference between that five and six-figure paycheck....
Salary negotiation is a tricky thing. Pushing to see what you can get is human nature, but an inexpert maneuver on your end could potentially sour your employment relationship before it’s even begun....
When you read the word, "negotiation," what word pops into your mind? Perhaps "argument," "tough" or some such. But it's probably not "gentle." Nevertheless, it may be wise to negotiate gently. The first offer - Conventional wisdom is that you should try to get the first offer to come from your negotiating partner....
Use these to find out how your current compensation rate compares with others in your area. However, be careful not to take this information as fact. Many factors combine to make up the actual pay rate offered by an employer....
Women are far less likely than men to negotiate at work, which typically costs women more than half a million dollars in earnings over the course of their respective careers, according to Linda Babcock and Sara Lashever, authors of the book Women Don’t Ask....
Any situation that involves asking for more money can be awkward and unpleasant. But when it comes to salary negotiation, you should consider it one of life's necessary evils (like dentist trips or pesky insurance payments) that you just have to endure to prevent future regrets....
Work–life balance is a concept including proper prioritizing between "work" (career and ambition) and "lifestyle" (health, pleasure, leisure, family and spiritual development/meditation). Related, though broader, terms include "lifestyle calm balance" and "lifestyle choices"....
If you're finding it more challenging than ever to juggle the demands of your job and the rest of your life, you're not alone. Many people are putting in extra hours, or using their smartphones to be on call when they're not physically at work. ...
Feeling that you are merely trying to get through the day. Barely making it to the end of the week and feeling completely exhausted by the time you get home. Feeling that you are on the merry-go-round of life and just wanting to get off. Feeling like you are falling behind and never catching up in the game of life....
Work-Life Balance: 5 Ways To Turn It Into A Real Plan
Work Life Balance
One of the questions I am asked the most is, “How do you do it? How do you balance work life and home life?” The honest answer is, “I don’t.” I don`t do it all. No one can. For years I battled the guilt of not being able to do it all, especially during the period of my life that I was a single working mom trying to also be a good CEO of a company that was growing quickly...
Whichever path we chose, it was the right one. Whichever path we choose moving forward, we will find ways to feel guilty... but we shouldn't. What we should feel is supportive of each other choices. Nobody has it all, and, frankly, no one should....
17 Ways Successful People Keep Work From Destroying Their Lives
Work Life Balance
Working incessantly to achieve career success is frequently prioritized above mental health and personal obligations. While balancing work and life might not be easy early in one's career, figuring it out is necessary to lifelong satisfaction....
Lisa McGonagle has a husband, three kids and a public relations business in Boston.
Her hectic life speaks volumes about what time management means to her. As she puts it: "I'm running all the time."The same may apply to you. And that makes time management central to the health and growth of your life, profession, and business. Truth be known: Not everyone has a genuine handle on the effective use of time. So you're not alone....
If you think you're working harder than ever lately, you're probably right. According to a 2011 Towers Watson survey of 300 businesses in North America, nearly two-thirds of workers are working longer hours than they did just three years earlier....
It wasn’t really for the extra money. It’s just that she doesn’t have children. When colleagues were on kid duty, she had to pick up the slack. “Parents are a special class, and they get special treatment,” says Ms. Azevedo, 27, who left her job at an Internet marketing firm to start She’s Got Systems, a Web site for entrepreneurs based in Sacramento. ...
Too many CEOs pay lip service to “work-life balance” in an effort to attract top talent. Here in Silicon Valley, the notion of balance is basically a joke....
Twice a week we publish the problems that will feature in a forthcoming Dear Jeremy advice column in the Guardian Money supplement so that readers can offer their own advice and suggestions. We then print the best of your comments alongside Jeremy's own insights. Here is the latest dilemma – what are your thoughts?...
In this recession, budget constraints have forced many employers to lay off some of their most valuable employees. Rather than lose key workers, however, many employers are exploring alternative hiring arrangements. One popular alternative is to hire laid-off employees to perform their same jobs as independent contractors. Such a strategy, however, is not without risk....
Recently a client informed me that some of his workers are independent contractors. I asked the client whether he’s sure these workers are properly classified as independent contractors. “Yes,” the client said. “They signed agreements. It’s not a problem.”...
20 Factors To Determine Independent Contractor Status
Freelance News & Trends
An increasing number of business owners are addressing their human capital needs by hiring independent contractors. Business owners benefit by avoiding the administrative hassles of employing workers and the out-of pocket costs of payroll taxes and fringe benefits. ...
Freelancers, independent contractors, consultants, day laborers working off the books for cash, contingent workers, temps, virtual assistants, free agents. These are the names for the ever-growing part of America's labor force with an interesting distinction....
This CLE webinar will provide employers' counsel with effective strategies for litigating worker misclassification claims and reaching settlements. The panel will explain best practices for establishing and maintaining independent contractor models in a rapidly evolving legal landscape....
An increasing number of business owners are addressing their human capital needs by hiring independent contractors. Business owners benefit by avoiding the administrative hassles of employing workers and the out-of-pocket costs of payroll taxes and fringe benefits.
...
Independent Agents/Contractors An Ongoing Employment Trend
Freelance News & Trends
The Palmer Forecast™ predicted that the demand for temporary workers in the United States was expected to increase by 20.9% for the 2010 Fourth Quarter. This percentage was close to accurate at 19.2%. In these recession recovery times companies hiring independent contractors seem to be an ongoing trend....
If 30% Of Pay Is Benefits, What About Independent Contractors?
Freelance News & Trends
Compensation experts say most people get much of their pay in benefits. Figures vary materially, but benefits in some cases can amount to a whopping 30% of pay. Put differently, employers may fund another 30% in benefits on top of the salary listed on your W-2....
Worker Classification Conundrum: Employee or Independent Contractor?
Freelance News & Trends
If your clients have workers they consider to be independent contractors, you may want to drill down to ensure they are classifying them correctly and they're not actually employees in the eyes of the government.
...
As an independent contractor, you’ve got a lot of issues to deal with: self-employment taxes, pricing projects, marketing your services, and collecting payments, to name just a few. And, in most cases, you’re doing it all without any outside support or help....
In a recent article, the Associated Press examined one of the key trends that is reshaping the modern workforce. Specifically, the news source looked at how companies are cutting down on the number of permanent employees they hire and using more independent contractors, temporary workers and other non-employees to supplement their staffs....
For detailed profiles of each of the 50 U.S. states, including specific career, employment, education and economic information, profiles of hundreds of cities and counties, and links to appropriate oc...
More and more Americans are thinking BIG like “The Donald” and working for themselves. The enormous growth of the home business sector has, quite simply, become something to write home about. Acco...
You’re in the hot seat. Your palms are sweaty; voice is shaky; face is flushed; and mouth is dry. Maybe you’re bouncing your knees and talking too fast. Perhaps your heart is racing or your stomac...
Whether to hire employees or independent contractors can seem like a no-brainer. With independent contractors you don’t have to withhold taxes or pay benefits and they are easier to fire. But if y...
If you have ever been looking for a job I’m sure asked yourself: “What can I do to make my resume stand out and get an employer to seriously consider me for a job”? If you Googled the term...
Here's a select collection of work from home resources available from About.com and other sites for work at home jobs, news, and working at home issues....
Once you’ve proven yourself well qualified for a job during the interview process, you have to start asking yourself the tough questions. Do you have a strong desire to work for this company? What i...
There was a time when the boundaries between work and home were fairly clear. Today, however, work is likely to invade your personal life — and maintaining work-life balance is no simple task. This ...
A career path is a map from point “A” to point “B”. Many job seekers have a goal in mind, a dream job they are striving for. Others aren’t quite sure what the future holds for their professi...
Do you want to be self-employed or an independent contractor? This page will discuss the many opportunities that are available to you and guide you to success in the small business world....
