The stock market isn’t the only thing that might be beating up on your 401(k) retirement plan; many employers are cutting 401(k) plan matching benefits as a way to reign in expenses, the Wall Street Journal reports. What should you do if your employer pulls your matching benefit? Read the rest of this entry »

News surfaced last week about Republican donors spending over $100,000 in less than a month on vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin’s wardrobe.

Now I think most prudent folks would balk at anybody dropping tens of thousands at Neiman Marcus, but I believe there is some truth to that old saying “dress for the job you want, not the one you have.” I also think dropping money in your work clothes—and therefore your image—as the McCain campaign did for Palin, is a smart money move. Do you agree? Read the rest of this entry »

Fortunately, twentysomethings are not usually the first employees to be laid off when an economic downturn forces employers to cut staff. After all, relative to more experienced employees, we’re cheap. But we’re not immune from being laid off and, in today’s economy, that reality could face any one of us any day.

The looming possibility of a layoff doesn’t mean you should start surfing Monster.com for a new job at your present employer (doing so might just put your name a top the cut list). You should, however, be on the lookout for warning signs that your job is endangered. If you spot them, it might be time to at least get your resume in shape. Read the rest of this entry »

Landing a new job is never a cakewalk, but today’s tough economy is sure to make it especially difficult. Whether you are fishing for a first job out of school, recently laid off, or just ready to make a change, being prepared and having the right attitude can give you an edge in today’s competitive job market. Read the rest of this entry »

Whether you’re actively aiming for a new gig or just floating a few resumes here and there, following these critical resume tips can make the difference between landing your dream job and never even getting into an interview chair. Read the rest of this entry »

I don’t think I have ever had so much fun at work as I did slinging lattes and bagging beans at Starbucks. (If you don’t get it, ask somebody who has worked at one). But at Starbucks, I also learned valuable lessons that have helped me everywhere else I have worked: Read the rest of this entry »

This month, hundreds of thousands of job seekers with newly minted diplomas will be hitting the market. Previously, I covered jobs for recent grads with good prospects and high pay. Even though I agree that an economic slump will not affect the under-30 set’s job prospects, here is a look at five career fields that will still be hiring, even in the toughest of times. Read the rest of this entry »

As I drool over the recently-unveiled BlackBerry Bold, I am reflecting on my upgrade from a regular old mobile phone to a BlackBerry about a year and a half ago. Was it worth it? Read the rest of this entry »

To all graduates and all other twentysomethings who don’t know what you want to be when you grow up (myself included): follow your dreams, but find a career that pays well and has long term growth prospects. The more money you make, and the more secure a job you hold, the more time and freedom you will have to pursue your life outside of work. In today’s rapidly changing and uncertain economy, what fields are best? Read the rest of this entry »

With the economy tightening, even good workers may find themselves on the corporate chopping block. While there’s no way to guarantee your job security during lean years, it might be high time to make sure your boss knows just how valuable you are to the company. Here are few techniques to get you started. Read the rest of this entry »