Mounting Unhappiness in the Workplace

Coming up on At Work...

A new survey suggests more Americans than ever before are unhappy in their jobs.

Can the worst recession since the 1930s be fueling this wave of employee dissatisfaction or is there more to it?

Join us for At Work this Friday at 3 p.m. and hear what the experts have to say about mounting unhappiness in the workplace.

And a new year means new career goals. Tune in for tips on getting a fresh start in 2010!

That’s At Work this Friday at 3 here on GPB Radio.

At Work Producer Dresses for Success

At Work Producer Dresses for Success

Clothing courtesy of Re Career Fashion Consignment LLC

At Work producer Myriam Levy is treated to a dress for success shopping spree courtesy of Emory Mulling and Re Career Fashion Consignment shop in Buckhead-Atlanta,Ga.

Here she meets with shop owner Judi Gerhardt, for a little fashion consulting. Judi sure knows here stuff! Her story is equally as incredible as her style. Judi is a Hurricane Katrina survivor and started this new business venture after losing her horse farm. Two more hurricanes brushed through, re-arranged her life and caused her to re-open her shop more than once.

Thus re-wiring the name and purpose of her consignment business.

Myriam Levy is seeking a new look for the workplace and while deciding on where to shop

and what to buy, At Work host Valarie Edwards and one of the At Work resident experts, Emory Mulling started a challenge: Buying a good business suit for under $100.

Myriam has unique taste and a fun, quirky look when dressing for the workplace. The id

ea of this makeover is to tune into that quirky style and implement it into a suit.

I think we've found our suit! A perfect, plaid and off white combination. Party on the top and business at the bottom. Check out the brown suede shoes too!
Throw it in the BAG!
Shopping DONE.

At Work says: Dress For Success!

On the next At Work, for some, Dressing for Success has meant the old standard...dark suits and power shoes. On this week's show, how "Dressing for Success," has taken on a whole new meaning.
Hear what local hiring managers have to say. That's at work this Friday afternoon at 3pm on GPB, or log on to our chat room at www.gpb.org/atwork to post your comments.

Also, meet local business and clothing shop owner, Judi Gerhardt. After Hurricane Katrina, Ms. Gerhardt has had to rebuild her consignment business more than once and will be talking about starting over and recreating your passion during times of disaster and recession . For more information about Judi log on to http://www.careerfashionconsignment.com/aboutus.php.

Nominate Someone You Know for a Career Make-Over!

(Photo Credit: Patrick Q.)

We are looking for a man and a woman interested in a full career make-over. The chosen candidate will work with our career experts and will be "made-over" from top to bottom. This make-over will include video and resume coaching, and a career consultation.

The following services will also be donated:

Wardrobe Consulting by Opulant Elegance
A professional ensemble/outfit by Career Fashion Consignment
Hair Cut and Make-Over by Sweet Pea Spa

If you are interested or know someone that needs a professional make-over, please send us an email to atwork@gpb.org. Please include a resume, the reason you would like a career make-over for yourself or someone else, and please include a full body shot.

Finding Your Mentor

Like any relationship, mentoring can shape lives and propel careers. On the next At Work: Finding Your Mentor. How mentoring can guide your career and personal progress.

Our guest this week is Dr. Susan Kossak. A "Jill of all trades,"Dr. Kossak came together with Georgia Public Broadcasting on a documentary narrated by Jane Fonda, The Road Beyond Abuse, featuring the life story of her mentee, Johnnetta McSwain. The Road Beyond Abuse aired on GPB TV and also on GPB Radio with At Work host Valarie Edwards. Learn more about her at
"Discover The Power Of Us."

And as always our experts are ready to answer your questions.

Join us for At Work this Friday @ 3 here on GPB.

Books Available to Our Listeners

This is a no-nonsense career guide on how to weather America's stormy job market. Limited copies available: send us an email: atwork@gpb.org





Best selling author Connie Glaser has plenty of insight when it comes to communication skills between men and women in the workplace. Limited copies available, send us an email: atwork@gpb.org

More Tips for Mompreneurs

Mompreneur Resources

http://www.ladieswholaunch.com/magazine/mommy-launching

http://www.ladieswholaunch.com/magazine/resources-for-mompreneurs

http://www.millionairemom.com

http://www.metromom.com

5 Tips for Mompreneurs

1. Start with a clear vision

For a vision to be compelling and inspiring, it needs to be more than just a list of things you are going to accomplish. For a rich vision to move you it must be about what you’ll do – and who you’ll be – and how you’ll impact others’ lives.

2. Have a plan that works for you

The idea of a traditional business plan can be intimidating. What’s key is that you’re clear about your goals, that you have them on paper, and that you have a timeline in which to accomplish those goals. The plan and the timeline will undoubtedly change, but having a timeline and a taskline will keep you moving forward.

3. Create a success support team

Ask for help. Delegate whenever possible. Even if you are bootstrapping, be alert to “partnering your weaknesses”—barter, trade, negotiate – get creative in outsourcing those tasks in your business that don’t require your unique talents.

4. Make self-care part of your business plan

Balancing business and family responsibilities requires that you treat self-care like any other business essential. Set boundaries with both the business and with you family. Have “office hours” for yourself (even if they are anything but “regular”) and stick to them. Schedule self-care “meetings” with yourself and honor those commitments.

5. Find a community of support

Don’t try to go it alone. Women seek a nurturing environment whether with family or friends and leverage relationships in a way that makes sense and moves people forward. Using your natural connecting abilities, and find a supportive environment, either online, in-person, or both.


Launching and Growing a Business during an Economic Downturn

In spite of troubling economic times, launching or expanding your business doesn’t have to be out of reach. Here are five tips to consider when making your decision to start or grow your business:

Organic approach. Connecting with like-minded entrepreneurs and offering to exchange services to help each other’s businesses grow is a popular and effective strategy in launching on bootstrap budget. That is why it is so important to have professional organizations where you can meet and connect for support, tools and resources.

Side Launching. Transitioning from your full time job into your business is often a more comfortable starting point for entrepreneurs. Use evenings and weekends to start slowly on the side of your full-time job. This will give you the chance to measure success and determine whether your idea is truly viable before committing to it full-time.

Online Distribution of your product or service is often a more affordable entry point for those launching businesses. It reduces the costs of the traditional brick and mortar store fronts and allows for global accessibility to products immediately

Technology has changed the scope of how anyone can do business. Blackberries and Wireless Internet have made working from home or even the carpool line an acceptable method of doing business.

Investing in startup instead of stock market. It is possible taking a chance on starting a business or investing in a person you trust starting a business in some ways feels safer to those who are scared of the stock market right now.

Employment Issues - More sites to help you with your search:

http://atlantajobleads.wordpress.com/ (job listings)

http://www.skyresumes.com/job-board.aspx (job listings)

http://misspinkslip.wordpress.com/

http://www.joblanta.com/

Disaster Unemployment Assistance Program

By Valarie Edwards for GPB News.

State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond said today that workers in two Georgia counties – Baker and Early -- have until Friday, July 24, 2009, to file initial claims for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) benefits to compensate for loss of income, directly resulting from severe storms and tornadoes, which struck the area on March 26, 2009.

Federal DUA differs from the state’s regular unemployment insurance program in that it provides benefits to self-employed business people, farmers, diversified farming operations, loggers, commission paid employees and others who are not eligible for Georgia’s regular unemployment insurance benefits. The maximum weekly benefits amount is $330.

Potentially eligible workers should contact the nearest Georgia Department of Labor office Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Workers may call the Georgia Department of Labor’s toll-free customer service line at (877) 709-8185 to obtain career center information

Should I Stay, Or Should I Go?

Everyone needs a break, but can you afford to get away? On the next At Work: Vacation or Staycation? Can a temporary get away lead to a permanent lay off? How to pry yourself away from the workplace. We'll take your calls and answer your questions. Join us this Friday at 3 for At Work here on GPB....

Click here for tips on how to truly "get away" with a "staycation"

Schedule start and end dates. Just as you would with a vacation, schedule a beginning and ending for your staycation to make it feel like an official vacation. Otherwise, it runs the risk of feeling like just another string of nights in front of the tube.

Pack that time with activities. Plan a daily activity, and make sure something takes you out of the house — for fun — every day.

Declare a "choratorium." That means no chores! Don't make the bed, vacuum, clean out the closets, pull weeds — nothing. You're on vacation!

Take staycation photos or videos, just as you would if you went away from home for your vacation.

Office Politics

There's one in every office - the plotter, the schemer, the master manipulator... Coming up on the next At Work - Politics in the Workplace. Protecting your career from sabotage and navigating the political mine field. We'll show you how to strategize in the workplace. Tune in this Friday at 3, we'll be taking your calls and answering your workplace questions. That's At Work this Friday at 3 on GPB...

Stress in the Workplace

Losing your job can be devastating. Holding on to a job in today’s uncertain economy can be downright painstaking. On the next At Work on GPB... “Stress in the Workplace.” Coping with increased tension in a constantly shifting work environment…

To tide you over until the show, check out this helpful link for advice on managing stress in the workplace.

We take your calls and answer your questions. Plus, a live web chat to follow the show. Join us for At Work this Friday at 3, right here on GPB.

Consumer Call In

The cost of natural gas is down … so why are consumers still paying those sky high home heating prices? We’ll tell you why and where to turn to if you need help to pay your heating bills. Plus, unemployment number are soaring. And, companies which promise a big paycheck to people who work from home have sprung up like mushrooms after a spring rain. Is it a promise too good to be true? And, weeding out bogus charities during this season of giving.

GPB’s Consumer Call-In with Valarie Edwards and guests Bobby Baker & Shawn Conroy comes your way Friday afternoon at 3PM, right here on GPB.

FORECLOSED

Today on Consumer Call-In:

Shawn Conroy from the Governor's office of consumer affairs and Cynthia Johnson of the public service commission join Valarie Edwards as they discuss the unseen victims of the nation’s foreclosure crisis. What happens when the home you’re renting goes into foreclosure? Plus, a consumer alert about selling your car, when you still owe money on it. And we’ll have the latest consumer news you can use. All this on Consumer Call-In with Valarie Edwards.