Monday, August 30, 2010

Moonlighting takes on a whole new meaning …

The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary. ~Attributed to both Vidal Sassoon and Donald Kendall

Back in the day, it was so common for parents to work more than one job to make ends meet. Many moms stayed at home and dads worked two – maybe three – jobs to meet the needs of the family. It was expected and very common.

Things changed with the growth of more two wage earner families where the mom and dad both worked. Fewer and fewer worked two jobs. The family dynamic changed as well. Many say for the better; some say not. I guess that is up to the family.

Now moonlighting is back …

Seven million – yes seven million – families now have one member of the family working more than one job to make ends meet as a result of the recession, higher costs, healthcare costs and lower wages in many cases, as reported by the Today Show on August 25th. This is the highest number seen in decades, and experts feel it will continue to go up. Moonlighting is back – big time – but it is different this time.

Moonlighting can present an opportunity …

Over the past year and a half or so, I have had the privilege of working with more people who wanted to moonlight --- but do so to start their own business “on the side” and grow it to be their full-time endeavor. This is referred to a working in a business while working on a business. This is an excellent way to start up an idea, vet an idea and launch without being totally at risk, which for many, just can’t be done. It is so pleasing and exciting to see someone do this, grow their business and then quit their day job to launch full steam. That is a rush!

Moonlighting can also provide you with the opportunity to develop new skills, or “test” a career direction you might have been considering. Perhaps you have had an interest in sales but just sure it would be right for you – moonlight, try it and verify. Perhaps working in a community service agency providing direct service to those in need is in your mind – moonlight and try it out.

Make that second job or business not just for money, but the opportunity to learn, grow, test yourself and explore new options. One caution – just be sure you know if your current employer has any policy restriction on working another job. As well, and this I without saying, never compete with your employer – that will surely get you fired!

Every situation can present an opportunity – if you are open to new ideas. Nothing can beat hard work! And thank you for reading this. -Dan

Dan Moran
President & Founder
Next-Act
Career Management & Transition Specialists
125 Wolf Road, Suite #128
Albany, NY 12205
Office: 518-261-4212
Cell: 518-641-8968
eFax: 586-279-4212
dmoran@next-act.com

Friday, August 27, 2010

Jobs report for August 25th ...

This week's jobs report ...

For Immediate Release
For Information, Dan Moran 518-641-8968

Albany, NY, August 25, 2010

Job Postings Unexpectedly Drop Past Week …

(Albany, NY, August 25, 2010) – Job postings in the Capital Region dropped this past week by close to 5% coming in at just over 5550, down from just over 5800 last week. “This is indeed surprising as history shows that in mid to late August we should see a consistent rise in job postings as employers plan for Fall hiring. This drop, along with other survey results I am tracking, indicates that hiring may be cooling in the Region, not good news for the Region or for job seekers”, stated Dan Moran, Founder & President of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie. Moran assists individuals in identifying new careers and also those in the midst of a job search and needing direction. His firm also tracks the job market on a regional and statewide basis. “While down, the number of job postings is still much better than last year when at this time we saw just over 3660 job postings”.

“The real indicator will be the first few weeks following the Labor Day holiday when hiring and job posting activity has been historically brisk”, continued Moran.
# Background#

Job postings in the Region are normally in the baseline of 4000 – 4900 on a weekly basis and 7-day rolling average, consistent for this area. Monitoring job postings is a leading indicator of hiring within the following 30-45 days. This methodology is utilized by reading research houses nationally and is employed in the Region by Moran’s firm. For the purpose of reporting, the Region is defined as a 50 mile radius of Albany.

## End##

About Next-Act

Next-Act, a division of DVG, Inc. is a career management & transition firm directed by Dan Moran, the Founder & President of the firm. Moran contributes over thirty years experience in career consulting, business and human resources management. Moran is noted for his expertise in helping today’s “boomers” move on to fulfilling second careers, while helping executives and professionals achieve their career goals. The firm also provides human resources consulting and corporate services to companies. Moran is also a certified facilitator for C.J. Hayden’s Get Clients Now! & Get Hired Now! programs.

For further press information: http://www.next-act.com/press_room.

Dan Moran
President & Founder
Next-Act
Career Management & Transition Specialists
125 Wolf Road, Suite #128
Albany, NY 12205
Office: 518-261-4212
Cell: 518-641-8968
eFax: 586-279-4212
dmoran@next-act.com

Monday, August 23, 2010

Be an opportunist …

“Realize that ultimate success comes from opportunistic, bold moves which by definition, cannot be planned. - Baraka Atkin

You never know where a position in a company – a position you at first appear to have no interest in – can lead you.

An example.

A person I know very well was a returning mom to the workforce and wanted to work flexible hours as her child was just staring school. She was interviewed by a company for a commission-only sales position. She had never sold in her life, but the manager who interviewed her saw a spark. She took the job, made money quickly and over the span of 21 years grew to be a senior vice president of the company making a significant amount of money with over 100 people reporting to her and her team of managers. What set her apart – she was an opportunist. She saw potential. She got beyond the commission-only thing. She created her career path and that has taken her far.

This is an excellent example of opportunities that may not be right in your wheelhouse, but offer potential if you open your mind to it. I talk to many who will state that they “looked” at a job opportunity but passed because something just wasn’t perfect, in their mind. It might have been starting pay, how they were paid, hours, location --- whatever. They passed and likely gave up a great opportunity, if they were a bit more open minded and opportunistic.

Today’s market is very competitive for jobs and it will continue. The “perfect” job written just for you may not exist so it will be time to get out of the comfort zone and try something new. It might not be perfect in the beginning, or might not work – so you move on.

At least you can say you tried. You got out of your trap of a comfort zone. You opened your mind.

• Stuck trying to find a job – open up your options. Find jobs and careers that align to your personality and interests, not just your skills and experience.

• Not sure where to go – get help. Talk to a mentor or counselor or your family and friends. Just get the answers.

• Afraid of failing – who isn’t. Turn that fear into the drive to propel you. Notice how you can run fast when a car approaches you and you are about to get hit. Fear drives!

By the way – the woman I told the story about that I know well. My wife Vikki …

Opportunity knocks – be there to open the door and let it in. And thank you for reading this. –Dan

Dan Moran
President & Founder
Next-Act
Career Management & Transition Specialists
125 Wolf Road, Suite #128
Albany, NY 12205
Office: 518-261-4212
Cell: 518-641-8968
eFax: 586-279-4212
dmoran@next-act.com

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Capital Region Jobs Report - August 19, 2010

For Immediate Release
For Information, Dan Moran 518-641-8968

Albany, NY, August 18, 2010

Job Postings Up Again the week .. However caution in the market …

(Albany, NY, August 18, 2010) – Job postings in the Capital Region rose again this week to just over 5800 from 5400 last week, which is a continued sign that employers are gearing up for Fall hiring needs as well as holiday hiring. “Certainly good news to those seeking a job and for the Region as a whole as we see the job market showing life, especially when compared to last year when at this time job postings were just over 3200”, stated Dan Moran, Founder & President of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie. Moran assists individuals in identifying new careers and also those in the midst of a job search and needing direction. His firm also tracks the job market on a regional and statewide basis. “We are still way off the mark for the Region which we saw last in 2008 when at this time of the year, we would see 7000 – 8000 job postings so we have quite a way to go to get back to those numbers”.

Caution in the market
There is caution in the market as evidenced by recent surveys – one conducted by Next-Act – that found employers are cooling off on immediate hiring plans and are more pessimistic about the economy in the Region than any time in over four months. “Job postings are a great sign of future hiring activity, but in our immediate future – looking 30 days out – it appears employers will not be hiring to the pace they did over the previous four months and at the same time, many are more concerned and pessimistic about the economy in our Region”, continued Moran. Moran is citing a CBS6/CRHRA/Next-Act survey of over 140 employers reported last week which showed hiring dipping and an increase in planned job cuts as well as a soured attitude about the Region by many respondents. “We will have to watch this trend”.

# Background#

Job postings in the Region are normally in the baseline of 4000 – 4900 on a weekly basis and 7-day rolling average, consistent for this area. Monitoring job postings is a leading indicator of hiring within the following 30-45 days. This methodology is utilized by reading research houses nationally and is employed in the Region by Moran’s firm. For the purpose of reporting, the Region is defined as a 50 mile radius of Albany.

## End##

About Next-Act

Next-Act, a division of DVG, Inc. is a career management & transition firm directed by Dan Moran, the Founder & President of the firm. Moran contributes over thirty years experience in career consulting, business and human resources management. Moran is noted for his expertise in helping today’s “boomers” move on to fulfilling second careers, while helping executives and professionals achieve their career goals. The firm also provides human resources consulting and corporate services to companies. Moran is also a certified facilitator for C.J. Hayden’s Get Clients Now! & Get Hired Now! programs.

For further press information: http://www.next-act.com/press_room.

Dan Moran
President & Founder
Next-Act
Career Management & Transition Specialists
125 Wolf Road, Suite #128
Albany, NY 12205
Office: 518-261-4212
Cell: 518-641-8968
eFax: 586-279-4212
dmoran@next-act.com

Monday, August 16, 2010

Determination ... an example ...

Never give in--never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy. – Sir Winston Churchill

I had the opportunity to meet and talk with one of horse racing’s stellar stars from the past, retired jockey Randy Romero on the evening before his induction into the horse Racing Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs. Randy rode in over 23,000 races during his career, winning over 4,300 which is quite an accomplishment. He was injured often and endured 27 surgeries but he kept on. He was determined to win – determined to be the best – and when he felt he wasn’t the best anymore and could not be on top of his game, he retired with honor.

During his career, like many jockeys, he battled his weight and spent hours in the hot box where he would lose pounds on race day through heat. It destroyed his kidneys and while in the box on day, it exploded burning 60% of his body. While being treated, he was given a transfusion – it was infected with hepatitis which will never leave his body and will not allow him to get a kidney transplant – it would simply reject. Randy is in dialysis 3 times per week at 4 hours a clip. He has to watch his diet. He has to exercise. He does this because he is determined to live and be there for his family and not just give up and give in like many in his situation would do.

Randy talks about those in dialysis with him in his native New Orleans. Many have lost hope; some just stop this difficult ordeal, and they die. Others just stop living, succumbing to their plight.

But not Randy. He has determination. He speaks about kidney disease. He has written a book, and soon a movie. And he never stops smiling.

That is living and making lemonade from lemons. That is an example to follow.

Perhaps things are not going well in your job or maybe you find yourself in the wrong career. Perhaps there is an issue with a relationship or maybe you just are not “connecting” in life. You can just give in and endure, suffer and not grow. Or you can find that determination to change your situation for the better. Once you do, your motivation will return if lost; you will see positive change and you will achieve your goals.

Never give in. Never let any situation command you to be who you do not want to be. Be a Randy in life …

And thank you for reading this. – Dan

PS: Thank you to the team at the National Kidney Foundation for inviting Vikki and I to the reception for Randy Romero in Saratoga Springs this past Thursday.

Dan Moran

President & Founder

Next-Act
Career Management & Transition Specialists
125 Wolf Road, Suite #128
Albany, NY 12205
Office: 518-261-4212
Cell: 518-641-8968
eFax: 586-279-4212
dmoran@next-act.com

Thursday, August 12, 2010

This week's Jobs Report - 8/12/10

For Immediate Release
For Information, Dan Moran 518-641-8968

Albany, NY, August 11, 2010

Job Postings Up 10% Over Previous Week

(Albany, NY, August 11, 2010) – Job postings in the Capital Region jumped by 10% over the previous week, signaling that employers may be kicking in Fall hiring plans, which is typical and good news for those in the job market or considering entering the market. Postings were just over 5400, up from 4900 the week prior. “It is good to see such a strong rebound and hopefully this is a good sign for Fall job opportunities as many employers beef up staff for anticipated holiday needs and 3rd quarter business beginning this time of the year”, stated Dan Moran, Founder & President of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie. Moran assists individuals in identifying new careers and also those in the midst of a job search and needing direction. His firm also tracks the job market on a regional and statewide basis.

Last year at this time, job postings were just over 3400 compared to 5400 this past week in 2010, representing a significant increase.


# Background#

Job postings in the Region are normally in the baseline of 4000 – 4900 on a weekly basis and 7-day rolling average, consistent for this area. Monitoring job postings is a leading indicator of hiring within the following 30-45 days. This methodology is utilized by reading research houses nationally and is employed in the Region by Moran’s firm. For the purpose of reporting, the Region is defined as a 50 mile radius of Albany.

## End##

About Next-Act

Next-Act, a division of DVG, Inc. is a career management & transition firm directed by Dan Moran, the Founder & President of the firm. Moran contributes over thirty years experience in career consulting, business and human resources management. Moran is noted for his expertise in helping today’s “boomers” move on to fulfilling second careers, while helping executives and professionals achieve their career goals. The firm also provides human resources consulting and corporate services to companies. Moran is also a certified facilitator for C.J. Hayden’s Get Clients Now! & Get Hired Now! programs.

For further press information: http://www.next-act.com/press_room.

Dan Moran
President & Founder
Next-Act
Career Management & Transition Specialists
125 Wolf Road, Suite #128
Albany, NY 12205
Office: 518-261-4212
Cell: 518-641-8968
eFax: 586-279-4212
dmoran@next-act.com

Monday, August 9, 2010

Career & Life 2.0: Either enjoy it - or don't do it ..

"When we find inspiration, we need to take action for ourselves and for our communities. Even if it means making a hard choice, or cutting out something and leaving it in your past." - Aaron Ralston

Yes you must stop at stop signs, pay your taxes and do other things that are just required for life, career and staying alive. They are required, and the consequences tough!

But then there are the other things that we do that we do not enjoy at all - sometimes out of habit, to escape embarrassment, perceived obligation or just maybe being a bit stubborn. In many cases, one doesn’t know why they do those things that they don’t enjoy – just do it, over and over again. That is one description of insanity – doing the same thing over and over again, in the same manner, and expecting different results!

You have the right to make choices and you should do so.
It is up to you to define what you want to do when you have a choice, and what you don’t want to do. No one can command you – the choice is yours. Situations like:
•Enjoy that party - or don't accept the invitation.
•On a volunteer committee that isn't fulfilling and meeting your need - leave it or don't join in the beginning.
•Believe in that particular charitable cause - or just don't contribute out of perceived obligation
•Not connected to your career - change it. You can do it. Million are doing so every year – sometimes 2 to 5 times in their career life. You are not stuck.
•Hate your job - change it. Why be miserable another day.
•In sales and hate cold-calling - then just don’t do it. Find another way of prospecting that meshes with your personality and style.
•In a relationship that you feel you just must continue but you don’t want to - end it. It is your choice.

The list can go on ...

Remember --- everything in life is a choice - make wise choices that maximize your happiness, provide a return to you and at the end of the day, what you enjoy. You deserve it. Go for it.

And thank you for reading this. - Dan


Dan Moran
President & Founder
Next-Act
Career Management & Transition Specialists
125 Wolf Road, Suite #128
Albany, NY 12205
Office: 518-261-4212
Cell: 518-641-8968
eFax: 586-279-4212
dmoran@next-act.com

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Job Market Report, August 4, 2010

This week's job market update report - hope you find this helpful!
_____________________________________________________

For Immediate Release
For Information, Dan Moran 518-641-8968

Albany, NY, August 4, 2010

Job Postings Flat and Unchanged Past Seven Days

(Albany, NY, August 4, 2010) – Job postings in the Capital Region remained flat the past seven days, and unchanged from last week after we saw an increase over the past several weeks. Postings were just over 4900, down very slightly from 5000 last week. “ The first few weeks in August are historically a bit slower for hiring activity, given the number of vacations so this is not unexpected. However, what is very interesting is while the Capital Region was flat, all other markets in NYS showed increases – with a significant increase in metro New York which is consistent with other reports of brisk hiring activity in NYC – always good news”, stated Dan Moran, Founder & President of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie. Moran assists individuals in identifying new careers and also those in the midst of a job search and needing direction. His firm also tracks the job market on a regional and statewide basis.

Moran continued, “While many turn down their search activity believing wrongly that jobs are not filled in Summer (there is no statistical basis to back this up), this is a time to turn up your activity if you are seeking a new job as the competition will be less”.

# Background#

Job postings in the Region are normally in the baseline of 4000 – 4900 on a weekly basis and 7-day rolling average, consistent for this area. Monitoring job postings is a leading indicator of hiring within the following 30-45 days. This methodology is utilized by reading research houses nationally and is employed in the Region by Moran’s firm. For the purpose of reporting, the Region is defined as a 50 mile radius of Albany.

## End##

About Next-Act

Next-Act, a division of DVG, Inc. is a career management & transition firm directed by Dan Moran, the Founder & President of the firm. Moran contributes over thirty years experience in career consulting, business and human resources management. Moran is noted for his expertise in helping today’s “boomers” move on to fulfilling second careers, while helping executives and professionals achieve their career goals. The firm also provides human resources consulting and corporate services to companies. Moran is also a certified facilitator for C.J. Hayden’s Get Clients Now! & Get Hired Now! programs.

For further press information: http://www.next-act.com/press_room.


Dan Moran
President & Founder
Next-Act
Career Management & Transition Specialists
125 Wolf Road, Suite #128
Albany, NY 12205
Office: 518-261-4212
Cell: 518-641-8968
eFax: 586-279-4212
dmoran@next-act.com

Monday, August 2, 2010

Where are the jobs? Confused?

Don’t blame you. On Saturday last week I received a copy of the Albany Business Review and read, page –by-page, the entire section on who is hiring, what employers are looking for etc. There was a survey completed by 23 companies – large and small - and they had over 1200 current job openings. The news was very positive and I believe very well done.

Then comes Sunday and blaring across the front page of the Times Union: Where are the jobs? This article chronicled two people who have had a tough time finding a job, and had been unemployed for a long period of time. We all feel badly for those who haven’t been able to connect to a new job after a layoff or other defining career moment, and I do hope they connect soon. The article then cited national statistics on unemployment, lack of jobs and job growth. References were made to the Capital Region as well. However, the picture painted was bleak at best.

Saturday- there are hundreds of jobs. Sunday - where are the jobs. Makes you scratch your head and wonder – what is the real truth?

The truth, as it normally is, is somewhere in the middle – but leaning more to the positive side. I live this job market every day. I study the trends daily, monitor job opportunities and report to many media outlets in the Region. I cannot claim to be “the” expert, but I believe there are trends that clearly show: Our Region is unique. There are jobs – many very good jobs. It just takes longer and being more aggressive to find them.

Let me add facts:

• 3,500 net jobs were added to the payroll in the Region last month. That is good and a reversal of prior month trends.
• On any given day over the past two weeks, there have been 4800 to close to 6000 job postings on the web board sources. That’s was up from last year (about 3500 on average) and slightly more than July of 2008 before the economy tanked.
• Unemployment in our Region is 6.6% as of the latest report from NYS Dept. of Labor, compared to the State unemployment rate of 8.2% and US rate of 9.5%. The Region rate has been trending down as well.
• Sadly there are 31,000 still unemployed in the region and those who have been unemployed for a number of months seem to be having the most difficult time landing a new job. This is indeed a problem.
• WRBG- CBS6 reports a monthly Employment Index which I compile with the cooperation of the Capital Region Human Resource Association which is a survey of 149 local companies to determine hiring trends. Consistently over 50% of companies surveyed are actively hiring. As well, close to 40% are adding new jobs – that is real job growth. That is huge and the trend strong. The next report will be out this coming week – watch CBS 6 Wednesday between 5 and 6 pm.

As you can see, I am bullish on the Region and our jobs picture compared to where we have been and compared to the nation. Yes we do have employment challenges like any part of the country, but nowhere as severe and we are pulling out of the downturn faster. Our Region has the benefit of a significant workforce in the public sector and smaller employers to buffer the effects of recession – this creates some stability. If the State hiccups and there are layoffs, that will have a significantly negative effect on the region, but we will be through it – we did before.

I hope this helps provide clarity – and maybe some motivation as well! And thank you for reading this. - Dan

Dan Moran
President & Founder
Next-Act
Career Management & Transition Specialists
125 Wolf Road, Suite #128
Albany, NY 12205
Office: 518-261-4212
Cell: 518-641-8968
eFax: 586-279-4212
dmoran@next-act.com