SavvySugar

I'm Asking: What's the Most Eccentric Job You've Ever Had?

SavvySugar — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 09:30:46 -0700

Most of my closest friends have pretty traditional nine to five jobs in the finance, education and media worlds. While each of those industries is interesting in its own way, I can't say any of them qualify as particularly unique or shocking. Of course, not everyone earns her or his paycheck from a common profession or industry. Sure, it's glamorized for TV and completely illegal, but Nancy Botwin's new role as a maternity store manager hiding a pot ring on Weeds is the definition of unorthodox. Have you ever had an unusual job? You know like a racecar driver, private investigator or bowling alley manager? Photo courtesy of Showtime

Yoga Retreat Work-Exchanges Filling Up During Hard Times

SavvySugar — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 04:30:39 -0700

You might wish you had the ability to hibernate when you're handed a pink slip; that's not entirely possible, but some people are finding solace by turning to yoga retreats with work-study arrangements. In exchange for $300 to $900 a month, a few daily hours of chores like cooking, washing dishes, cleaning rooms or weeding gardens, participants receive a room, three meals a day, and unlimited access to classes and events. The retreats can last for a month, a few months, a year, and sometimes more.

While traditionally these centers have attracted people with the ability to take extended time off, like writers or entrepreneurs, the current flood of applications are increasingly from recent college graduates and those with professional careers. Todd Wolfenberg, director of marketing at the Himalayan Institute in Honesdale, PA, said, “I suspect that is due to the fact that they haven’t been able to find a job after college or are leaving a job."

Yehnemsah Oneha, work-study coordinator at Ananda Ashram in Monroe, NY, warns, "If you’re applying because you can’t deal with life, that’s not a good motivation." The work-exchange programs, sometimes known as karma yoga, are to "foster selflessness and good will." Would consider this an attractive option if you lost your job?

The Most Secure and Overrated Careers of 2008

SavvySugar — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 11:30:04 -0800

It has been a rough year for the job market, though the recession has weeded out some shining exceptions to the bad news. In a landslide vote, you chose health care as the industry with the most secure jobs in 2008. I agree it's a secure field relative to most others, and it seems that health care workers are always in demand.

As for the career you voted as most overrated, real estate agent beat advertising executive in a marginal win for the career that delivers the least in terms of expectations meeting reality. It's definitely a subjective matter, but it seems those of you who have tried these careers or know people who did, haven't exactly gotten the best impressions.

Source

Your Two Cents: Hiring Based on Handwriting

SavvySugar — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:25:57 -0700

Were you under the impression that handwriting analysis was a thing of the past? A company called Written Inc. would tell you that you're wrong, because handwriting reports "reveal the true personality traits" of job applicants. The company is dedicated to analyzing job candidates' handwriting for employers. They use a program called Candidate Insight Reporting and their website says it helps clients weed out the "bad apples, reduces turn-over rates, and reduces risk and liability."

Wondering how they get the written samples in the first place? Candidates give their consent by filling out (by hand, of course) the Sample Collection and Consent Form and are aware their writing will be analyzed.

Source