Are Hitech Jobs Hell

Are Hitech Jobs Hell 2 High salaries, comfortable offices and reaching for the stars. Long hours, crazy pace and recovery sabbaticals. Are you sure that you want to work for a hitech company? Larry Derfner of the Jerusalem Post has put together an exposé titled Inside the hi-tech bubble. He paints a bleak picture of what is now considered to be Israel's #1 export but the stories could easily have come from employees in Silicon Valley or elsewhere. Scared or intrigued? Here are some choice quotes from interviewees in the article: Israelis who work for large companies say that being relocated to America is an opportunity for relaxation I got no management training, which is typical in hi-tech. They throw you in the water and if you swim, great, and if you drown, well, that's too bad. G-d forbid they should give you swimming lessons. I understood from the beginning that if you're good, you advance, and if you don't advance, it's a signal that you're not good enough. Everybody wants everything yesterday bosses, customers, everybody's working at hyperspeed. I never felt I had the time to do the job as well as I wanted I was always up against a new crisis The job got into every corner of my life. I felt I was working all the time, that when I was home I was still at work. My children were being raised by babysitters. No one tells you to stay at the office until eight at night, every night, but if you go home at five more than once or twice, it shows up in your year-end review. It happened to me After my release from the Israeli Army in 1999, I started my hitech career working as a programmer for Amazon.com during the Internet Bubble, splitting my time between Paris, France and Seattle. I quickly took on a firefighter role running from virtual fire to virtual fire and putting them out. I advanced when others didn't, became a manager with no management training, and worked the longest hours. A few times I even put on tefillin in my cubicle at daybreak and then left in a company-paid taxi early the next morning. As long as I loved that job, putting in all that effort felt effortless. It was challenging and fun and there were amazingly-talented people working there. After almost 2 years there, I resigned and moved back to Israel. I was no Amazon failure they got a terrific return on their investment but if some of the above quotes ring true, it's because I tolerated that situation at that time. Companies can only take advantage of you if you let them There will always be companies, especially small startups, that will continue many of the terrible practices mentioned above. However, as more and more talented employees push back for work-life balance, the industry will have no choice but to evolve to accommodate them. The smart companies that really care about their employees will always do everything they can to keep you happy. But you need to tell them what you want, and the job interview process is the best place to do it. Life is too short to spend years wasting away at a bad company. Is it better in America? I think that's just typical grass-is-greener envy. If anything, the changes will happen sooner in Israel where people get married and have kids younger than in other Western countries. Conclusion You don't need to be afraid to work in hitech, but more than in other industries you do need to keep things in perspective. Like with any job, know your priorities going in, check yourself every few months and you'll be fine. Hitech-bound?

How to divorce new-millennium style (and I love Kate Gosselin)

How to divorce new-millennium style (and I love Kate Gosselin) The generation leading the revolution in divorce is, of course, Gen X. The biggest change is that there is a generation of people getting a divorce who were more or less equals in parenting and in work. Baby boomers talked about it, but when the women went to work, they did all the housework and childcare as well. Not as true with Gen X. Dont get me wrong women still do more than their male counterparts â€" for example, even women who have stay-at-home husbands are more involved in parenting than men who have stay-at-home wives. But Gen X men have been more involved in parenting than any generation before. And Gen X women have done a better job of mixing high-powered careers and family than anyone else. There is another trend here as well: Gen X is much more family-focused than previous generations. Baby boomers talk about putting kids before work, but Gen X actually does it. For example, even with full-time jobs outside the home, Gen X spends more time playing with their kids than housewives did in the 1950s. (I cant remember where I read this. I think its from Sylvia Hewlett.) The result is a new sort of divorce, especially in the case where the woman earns more than the man. The woman cannot stop working. We already know the laws require the breadwinner before the divorce to continue to be the breadwinner. But when the difference between breadwinner and caretaker are not as clear cut, its not so clear where the kids should live. What is clear is that kids need a home. We know from decades of research that one of the most traumatic parts of a divorce for kids is that they have no home. The parents each have a home and the kids shuttle between homes. This undermines the childs sense of security in irreparable ways. We also know how to solve the problem: The kids stay in the house and the parents shuttle between two houses. This preserves a sense of the family home. Parents are raising kids in their home and parents have a consistent set of house rules. Its much harder on the parents, much better for the kids. When my ex-husband and I started doing this, people thought we were nuts. But I knew, deep down, it was good for the kids. The kids feel almost like both parents live in the house. We have family dinners. And my ex has an apartment outside the house. The kids never stay there. My ex sleeps over (in his own bedroom) when I go out on an overnight date, and when I travel away on business. But the kids feel like I live with them. I am always trying to figure out what is the best way to make this work. I am always wishing I could meet other people doing this because it feels right to do, even if there are not a lot of people in my world doing it. (I think Alexis Martin Neely does this on some level with her ex. Her videos documenting their arrangement on her blog sidebar are fun.) Then the Gosselins separated. And while its sad they are not staying together, I cant help looking forward to seeing how they run their lives. They are a great example of a couple who both earn a living and they do equal amounts of parenting (as equal as any) and now they will try to continue that divorced. The kids will have the house and each parent will live part-time away from the house. I wonder what it will be like. People are so hard on Kate Gosselin, but I think she is an anthem to Gen X women. She has taken charge of her career, and she has a job that accommodates her doing what shes good at, and her making time to take care of kids. Shes an homage to the fertility mess Gen X has found itself in. She an homage to the fact that Gen X not Gen Y is the first generation to manage their childrens online identities, and shes handling the issues with flair. And Kate is the quintessential Gen X mom getting post-baby plastic surgery. I love that she has a husband who is fun and cute and not a demon but yet, the marriage still isnt working out, because thats what life is like. Its not good and bad. Its messy, and Kates figuring things out. Gen X is great with messy.

Why Advokatfirmans Michael Sterner Believes Niche Specialization is Essential - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Why Advokatfirmans Michael Sterner Believes Niche Specialization is Essential - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career [Sponsored Blog Post] As Ive mentioned  numerous times throughout the years, having a niche focus is critical to being successful in business. If you try to be everything to everyone, you will be nothing to no one and people will simply not pay attention to you. You have to come up with a specific area of expertise and focus on one market instead of many. This way, you will have the resources and time required to satisfy that particular market. Choosing the right vertical within your chosen industry will position you and your company for success later. By  taking a niche specialization, you can increase your chances of getting referrals because people will be able to easily communicate what you do and who you serve to their peers and colleagues. In the law field especially, if you are trying to be a generalist, your will not have the edge and advantage that attracts business. People who hire lawyers want the top person in the field to help them solve their problems. Whether its a family or business related matter, they dont want a lawyer who is good at everything because he or she might only be somewhat good at solving your problems and thats simply not good enough. One benefit of being a specialist is appearing higher in search results because your website will be optimized for that area of expertise. After all, people search for experts, not generalists. As a specialist, you should optimize your website by including keywords that relate to your specialty skills numerous times in your blog posts, headlines, website titles, and meta tags. By creating blog posts that utilize specific keywords, other sites will link back to you and consequently, your site will rise in the Google rankings. In order to further understand this important topic, I spoke to Michael Sterner, a lawyer with 14 years of international experience, now based in Gothenburg, Sweden.  His unique   focus on   information technology and intellectual property   law, has created a niche that leads to long-term business success. Why is it so important for a law firm specifically to fill a niche? When you work in a pervasive space like law, in order to do outstanding work, you need to fill a niche, Sterner explained. You could fill several niches, but choosing one to specialize in is imperative. Otherwise, you will be spreading yourself too thin throughout the industry, making it difficult to do any one thing well. When asked why other companies and individuals should fill specific niches, Sterner noted, When you do a lot of things decently, its difficult to do one thing perfectly. And thats what people pay for: your expertise in one specific area. You might find that when you start doing one thing extremely well, people will start banging on your door to get access to your expertise when before, they might have only knocked politely. Finding a niche may take some time, but it could be the single greatest competitive advantage you have in your business, so its well worth the effort involved. Take some time to think about what youre the best at, what youre most interested in, and what currently underserved market could benefit from your expertise.

How to Use People to Activate Your Employer Brand

How to Use People to Activate Your Employer Brand What’s the best source of talent attraction at your company? Chances are it’s your own employees. This week, we’re speaking to a pharma giant that has a strong human focus in its employer brand activation. John Graham Jr.  is the  Global Talent Acquisition Social Digital Strategy Lead  at  Merck. In this episode, he shares his journey with the company, the culture inside the organization, the EVP used in all employer communications. We also learn why John believes personal branding is so important for employer branding, where he thinks employer branding is heading in the future and what tech stack he uses on a daily basis. Have a listen to the interview below, keep reading for a summary and be sure to subscribe to the  Employer Branding Podcast. Listen on  Apple Podcasts,  Stitcher Radio,  Google Play  or  SoundCloud. In this episode youll learn: What the culture is all about at Merck, and why the term Inventiveness is important. What talent  challenges Merck face on a daily basis and why they combat this. How Merck formulated their employer brand strategy from ideation to execution. What the terms Invent, Impact and Inspire mean to Merck. What Mercks 4 EVP pillars are. Whats unique about Mercks EVP. How Merck activates their EVP. What is Johns tech stack when it comes to winning at employer branding. What Johns top 3 tips for employer brand managers are. Whats next for employer branding in general, according to Johns crystal ball! Connect with John on LinkedIn.

10 Ideal Jobs for People who are Not Afraid of Heights CareerMetis.com

10 Ideal Jobs for People who are Not Afraid of Heights Acrophobia is an extreme fear of heights, experienced by around 5% of the population. But heights can cause some degree of anxiety in most people and we generally feel safest when we can feel solid ground beneath our feet.There are, however, a number of people who not only aren’t afraid of heights, but they simply enjoy spending their time on high altitudes.evalIf you are one of them, you probably take pleasure in feeling the adrenaline rush connected with being high up above the ground and admiring incredible views of the earth below. If this is the case, there are several job opportunities that you may want to consider.Here is a list of 10 Ideal Jobs for People who are Not Afraid of Heights:1) RooferevalSpending most of your working day on the roof may not sound as daunting as some other high-altitude jobs. But considering having to deal with all the weather conditions, often with only a safety cord for security, it’s definitely not a career choice for those who’d rather keep their feet firmly on the ground.Your responsibilities would be to determine the condition of the roof, choose the best solutions for your clients’ concerns and estimate the possible costs, among others. As a roofer, you’ll also be expected to be in a good shape, as this line of work demands that you perform many physically taxing activities.Average salary:$56,550/yearRequirements:In order to become a roofer, you need to finish a four-year apprenticeship, during which you’ll be expected to take part in on-the-job training, technical training and pass an exam at the end.More information:Canadian Roofing Contractors Association2) FirefighterevalThe first thing that comes to mind when thinking about a job of a firefighter is the heroic image of saving people from burning buildings, but fighting fires is not their only responsibility. They are usually the first group to arrive at the scene of road accidents, being the first responders means they may be expected to provide first ai d to the victims. They also take part in search and rescue operations, prevent fire hazards by conducting inspections in buildings and oversee fire drills. While working as a firefighter, you have to deal with difficult working conditions. Risking your life is calculated into your job and it can be very heavy on your nerves and health, but if all of this doesn’t scare you off and your main focus is on helping keep people safe, being a firefighter may be a very gratifying experience for you.Average salary: $58,442/yearRequirements:You’ll need a high school diploma to apply for the job. Then you’ll be obliged to pass a medical examination and complete firefighting training.More information:IAFF Canadaeval3) Rope access technicianThe range of duties a rope worker may perform is very diverse and choice of tasks depends mainly on personal skills and requirements of particular clients. It may involve carrying out inspections of high structures, maintenance, window cleaning and so on . Rope access services can also be involved in construction and renovation of high-rise buildings. A team of specialists may be called in to perform tasks such as welding and cladding removal or installation.Average salary:$52,650/yearRequirements: You must obtain a certification in order to work as a rope access technician. Such certifications can be issued by The International Rope Access Trade Association 5) Steel workerevalSteel workers are responsible for constructing the steel frames for high-rise buildings and bridges, among others. Details of their everyday work will depend, however, on the type of construction and the crew available for the project, though it will most likely involve welding, cutting steel and installing steel or iron girders.In order to work in this field, one will also need to possess the ability to interpret blueprints. Having good stamina will also be essential, as this job involves performing physically demanding tasks.Average salary:$38,025 per yearRe quirements:It’s necessary to do an apprenticeship, which may last around 4 years. In some cases, it’s possible to get on-the-job training provided by the employer.More information:The United Steelworkerseval6) Flight attendantEnsuring that all safety requirements are met and everything is in accordance with the procedures is a responsibility that demands one’s full attention. That’s why being a flight attendant can be a demanding and stressful occupation. While on board, they are responsible not only for the comfort of the passengers but even more so for their safety. They need to possess the ability to stay calm even in the most disagreeable situations.During an emergency it’ll be the flight attendant’s composure that will help to reassure the passengers. With all its challenges, it simply isn’t a job for people with a fear of heights, as constant feeling of nervousness related to being in the air would be too distracting.Average salary:$49,316 per yearRequirements:Yo u must have at least a high school diploma and be fit to perform physically demanding tasks. It’s necessary to complete flight attendant training and pass a criminal background check. Some airlines also demand that candidates are of certain height to be able to easily reach necessary equipment.More information: Transport Canada â€" flight attendant training7) PilotAs in case of flight attendants, pilots must be able to keep continuous focus on their duties. There are different career paths you may follow after deciding to be a pilot. And depending on which one you choose, there may be different requirements you’ll have to meet.For example, if you decide to become a commercial pilot your work can involve flying during rescue missions or aerial application of agricultural materials. As an airline pilot you’d be responsible for transporting cargo and people. This job can be very taxing and with lives of so many people on your shoulders, there is no room for error. Even after hour s of training and mastering all the procedures, being able to stay collected in the face of an emergency will be one of your biggest assets.Average salary:$68,453 per yearRequirements:You need to possess a good understanding of physics and mathematics to join a flight training. After finishing it you have to acquire a licence in order to be allowed to start working in the air.More information:Air Canada Pilots Association8) Wind turbine technicianWind turbines are becoming more common as the knowledge about renewable energy increases in society. They work by converting wind energy into electricity. Wind gets stronger on higher altitudes, which is why wind turbines are generally at least 20m high, to maximise their productivity. To ensure their uninterrupted functioning, regular maintenance is necessary.Wind turbine technicians’ main duties revolve around maintaining equipment and making repairs. You’ll need to feel comfortable in high places if you want to do this job, as climbi ng towers to perform inspections will be one of your responsibilities.Average salary:$37,044 per yearRequirements:Most wind turbine technicians get their certificates in wind energy technology by graduating technical schools or colleges.More information:Canadian Wind Energy Association9) Skydiving instructorEven though this job doesn’t require a formal education, if you want to become an instructor, you need to attend an instructor training course. It will allow you to acquire a license which will serve as proof that you’ve completed a sufficient number of jumps and are familiar enough with safety measures to be able to pass your knowledge to others.As a skydiving instructor, it will be your duty to prepare your students by explaining the whole process and all the procedures to them while still on the ground, and then assist them up in the sky.In this job you need to be ready to quickly respond to all unanticipated situations and problems as you are responsible for the security of the less experienced jumpers.Average salary:$37 per hour (on average)Requirements:You need to acquire skydiving licenses and complete coaching or instructor training before starting to work.More information:Canadian Sport Parachuting Association10) Rock climbing instructorCombining work and hobby sounds like a dream come true for many. And If you love climbing, fulfilling it may be just within your reach. Provided that you have enough experience and competence, you may be able to convert your favorite pastime into your job. As a rock climbing instructor you’d be responsible for adapting your lessons to the needs and abilities of particular climbers and monitoring their safety. You will definitely need to possess a broad set of skills, as it will involve working with people of all skill levels and ages.Average salary:$13.61 per hour (on average)Requirements:To become an instructor, you need to be 18 years old, show evidence of completed Standard First Aid and CPR courses and a r ecommendation from a facility operator confirming your experience.More information:Association of Canadian Mountain Guides

Your Reputation Begins Today

Your Reputation Begins Today As college Freshmen begin unpacking their stuff and moving into dorms across the country, I wanted to share some important information. It is too important and cant wait until senior year!   As the wise Warren Buffet said:   It Begins the Day You Arrive On Campus It is your reputation. And your reputation is how people perceive you and/or what you are known for. What better time to give careful thought to your image and character. In many respects, freshman year is a time of new beginnings. The slate has been wiped clean with your set of new friends. Online- Your Reputation Is Already Out There- Keep It Clean Profanity, photos, extremismthese things damage your reputation, so keep it clean online. Heck, in person too. I realize Facebook may be the weapon of choice to keep in contact with friends. Please make sure you have chosen the appropriate privacy settings for your status updates. Usually this is friends.  And be careful when posting from your mobile device, those privacy settings can sometimes change and you dont want to send updates to the entire Facebook universe accidentally. Your Parents Didnt Tell You This There are three things your parents probably didnt tell you. 1) Get a job, internship, co-op every year!  You need work experience because your future employer expects it. It is one thing to get good grades and another thing to have good work ethic and apply what youve learned. No excuses, get work experience! 2) Join on-campus activities! Clubs, groups, sororities, whatever. Become involved on campus. These activities provide leadership opportunities, build interpersonal communication, and build your network! 3) Link with people! Dont wait until senior year to begin thinking about who you know who can help you find a job. Begin building these connections on LINKEDIN today. Oh, you dont have a LinkedIn profile? Go get one and connect with the professors, alumni, group leaders and people you will work with! Build Your Portfolio The experiences you will have over the next for years can be documented in your online portfolio! Dont just tuck those awards and projects in a folder- post them to your online portfolio (either on LinkedIn or on your own website!) This becomes visual proof that you have skills and experience! Congratulations and Good Luck Make it the best four years ever! But never forget, perception is reality! Be the best you possible! PS: I delivered this message to RIT freshmen last year and will be delivering it again to them today! This was last years shot from the stage at over 2,000 freshmen. And here is a link to the video of my presentation!

Use a Sign Up Template For WordPress to Make Your First Website Easier

Use a Sign Up Template For WordPress to Make Your First Website EasierA sign up template for WordPress can really make the time taken to build your website really worth it. A free online service like this can help you get started on your new website within a few minutes, and you can continue to add content as you go along. This is something that is very helpful for those who are just starting out with a new website. It's a great tool to use in building your site.The great thing about signing up is that it can be a time saver. You don't have to wait for a whole month for your domain name to be registered, for your hosting to come up and for your hosting plan to be paid off. You can sign up for a free WordPress template and continue to build your site as long as you want.When you sign up with a web host you will typically need to put in some information about yourself and of course, you need to pay for your hosting. On the other hand, when you sign up with a free WordPress template you don't have to pay anything until you actually build your website.The great thing about using free templates is that they can allow you to make a great deal of money over the course of the first few months of building your website. This means that it's very likely that you will eventually make money off of your website.If you have never built a website before it can be confusing at first. It's a good idea to get a website builder and learn how to build a website by yourself. Then you can add more content as you go along to make it a much more user friendly experience.You should also look into finding a host to host your site with, as well as a domain name, if you're going to be using the same domain name for all of your websites. You can also look into something like Twitterto get a more interactive experience as you build your site.There are many different things you can do with free templates. The options are endless.