Careers

‘Fundamentally Broken’: Is the Debt Worth the Degree?

EmploycoUSA

Employment expert weighs in on how Skilled Workers fare Vs. College Grads

Student DebtFormer Trump administration official A. Wayne Johnson recently described the student debt program in this country as ‘fundamentally broken.’ For the millions of college students who have an average of $37,172 in debt by the time they graduate, these words no doubt ring true.

And, students are not the only ones who are feeling the pain. Research shows that college debt leads to poor sleep and high anxiety, potentially causing employees to be unmotivated and unfocused while at work, in turn harming employers and their bottom line.

This begs the question: Is college for everyone? Or, would entering a skilled trade be a smarter choice for many young adults?

“We have this idea in our society that a college degree is the gateway to financial freedom and success,” says Rob Wilson, employment trends expert and President of Employco USA. “But the statistics don’t necessarily bear that out. Most college grads end up moving home after graduation to live with their parents, and it takes several months or more for them to find a job. In many cases, that job won’t be in their field of interest, and these young people end up spending a good chunk of their paycheck paying off their hefty student loans.”

Continue reading →

‘Entitled’ Millennials May Have the Right Idea

EmploycoUSA

Employment expert explains how younger workers are demanding more from bosses – and getting it

MillennialsMillennials often get criticized for having an ‘entitled’ attitude, and this appears to hold true in the workplace as well. Recent reports reflect that younger workers do appear to demand more than their older counterparts.

“Previous generations used to be happy to have a steady paycheck and a gold watch upon retirement,” says Rob Wilson, President of Employco USA. “But younger workers don’t approach employment the same way. Research shows that Millennials change jobs more frequently than previous generations, and they also have a lower opinion of corporations. In other words, they don’t want to commit years at companies which they see as purely self-interested.”

Wilson says that employers would be wise not to give up hope when it comes to engaging and retaining younger workers.

“Yes, these workers are more prone to dissatisfaction and more apt to leave jobs that don’t make them happy, but research shows that when companies approach Millennials as individuals and try to appeal to them on their own level, they do so with great results.”

When Millennials are engaged by their employers, and companies make an effort to reach out to the younger generation in the workplace, they see a vast improvement in both agility and innovation.

Continue reading →

The Fearful Cost of Going Freelance

EmploycoUSA

Employment expert reveals the hidden dangers of the gig economy

RideshareOver 25 percent of Americans are now participating in the new “gig economy,” in which they work part-time or contracted positions, instead of dedicated full-time positions. However, a new study warns that the gig economy could be destructive for Americans’ health and well-being.

Rob Wilson, employment trends expert and President of Employco USA, says, “The research shows that a gig economy leaves most part-time workers without health care, retirement funding, dental care, or disability benefits. Meanwhile, many of these ‘giggers’ often have to work more than one job in order to make ends meet, and this is particularly increasing among female workers.”

In fact, Wilson says that holding multiple part-time jobs can actually be destructive to a woman’s earning potential, saying, “One study showed that women who held a number of part-time jobs in their 20s saw absolutely no increase in earnings in their 30s, meaning that even as their experience and their families’ needs grow, they do not earn a dollar more.”

The gig economy can also be destructive to a worker’s physical health. “An Italian study found that contract workers are more likely to suffer from depression and require prescription anti-depressants,” says Wilson. “Which is ironic considering these workers often don’t have health insurance which makes this medication extremely cost-prohibitive.”

Furthermore, Wilson says that these workers are offered very little protection under the law, which has led to many gig employees complaining about inhumane work environments and harassment. “Those who work for companies like Uber don’t have much in the way of legal protection, nor do they have any certainty of their earning potential even a few months into the future. It’s clear that the gig economy is not kind to workers on many levels, which is why the focus right now needs to be on creating permanent full-time positions for employees of all ages. While it is possible to make a lucrative living solely off freelance work, the reality is that it comes at a cost, and not many Americans are prepared to pay the price.”

For more on this topic, please contact Rob Wilson at rwilson@thewilsoncompanies.com.

New Research Reveals Americans’ Opinion of Employment 

EmploycoUSA

A recent survey from the American Staffing Association found that most Americans have little faith that they can find a better job than the one they currently have. As for unemployed Americans, hope is equally dim as 38 percent of able-bodied workers say that they do not believe they can find a job in the coming year.

CEO of Employco USA and employment expert Rob Wilson says, “According to the old adage, there is no job harder than trying to find a job, and that can be true even if you are already gainfully employed. Many Americans are miserable in their current positions, but they don’t want to waste their precious time off looking for another job if they have little hope their hard work will pay off.”

Wilson believes part of the problem is that the job search is so terrifying to many people. “Looking for a job can make you incredibly vulnerable,” he says, “Even a confident person can become depleted after a slew of unsuccessful interviews.”

His advice? Work smarter, not harder.

“If you use an employment agency, you can immediately tap into a world of connections and possibilities that would not otherwise be available to you,” says Wilson, “And these experts can be invaluable in helping you improve your resume and interview skills.”

Wilson also believes a shotgun approach isn’t the best way to go. “Don’t waste your time applying to 50 jobs just so you can feel accomplished,” he says, “Chances are most of those jobs aren’t a good fit for you, so all you have done is waste your time and the employer’s time. Instead, hone in on jobs that are specific to your skills and interests. It’s better to apply to one job a week rather than 50, if that one job could actually open doors for you.”

Lastly, Wilson thinks practice makes perfect. “There is no such thing as a wasted interview. Every interaction gives you a chance to fine-tune your skills and improve your communication.”

For more on Wilson’s job hunting tips or to speak to him further, please contact me.

Five Tips For New Graduates Looking To Land Their Dream Job

EmploycoUSA

Recent statistics show that this is the best job market for graduates in the past decade. However, these graduates also carry more college debt than any other generation before them. Never before has it been more important for young people to find work and start making money as soon as possible.

“College debt can be astronomical,” says employment expert Rob Wilson, CEO of Employco USA, “The weight of this can often pressure new graduates to take any job they can find and start working right away. However, that might not be the best plan of action. It is better to be purposeful and discerning in your job search. Remember, you are building the foundation for a career, not just trying to get a paycheck.”

Here are Wilson’s top tips for how graduates can land a dream job:

1) Don’t be lured by a big paycheck. “Money isn’t everything, even if you do have debt looming down on you,” says Wilson, “It is better to take a job with a smaller paycheck that is in the field you actually desire than to take a job with a large paycheck that has nothing to do with your long-term career goals.”

2) Live at home if you have to. “I know most college graduates want nothing more than to break away and have their own place, but the reality is that an unpaid internship isn’t going to help you get that big city apartment. But that doesn’t mean that the internship isn’t the right choice. Working as an unpaid intern can be stressful, but it can be a very wise move and help you build lifelong connections that will serve you throughout your career.”

3) Make Google work for you. “Everyone knows that an employer is going to Google your name before they decide if they want to hire you,” says Wilson, “So make sure that your internet presence is going to be impressive. Have a personal website or create an online portfolio that features your work. Have a Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn account that reflects drive, intelligence and professionalism. Don’t be afraid to show your personality a little bit, but remember: This is about your career, not tweeting about the Kardashians.”

4) Keep attending school. “I know most graduates never want to return to a classroom, but nothing is more impressive to a prospective employer than an applicant who has continuing education credits in their field or someone who attends seminars in their field of interest. Keep learning, even after you have a diploma in your hand.”

5) Consider temp work. “Temporary work can be a great way to keep your resume padded and your bank account full,” says Wilson. “Employers hate to see big blank spots on an applicant’s resume, so prove that you are hard-working even when you haven’t found a full-time permanent position yet. Plus, temping can be a great way to make connections, build experience, and learn more about what it is like to work in a professional environment.”