How To Find Childcare Solutions on a Budget

Are you trying to find ways to keep working without putting your kids in daycare? Maybe there is a scarcity of qualified daycares in your area, or all your preferred choices are full right now. Perhaps you can’t afford childcare on your salary, or you just can’t stand the thought of leaving your child with a stranger while you toil away at your job all day. While daycare can be a great option for many, for whatever reason, it just doesn’t work out for some parents. 

There are two primary reasons for people to get creative when searching for childcare: cost and availability. As of 2020, the average cost of childcare was over $10,000 a year. 

In addition, 51% of families in the US live in what’s known as childcare deserts, meaning there are few to no childcare providers in their communities. Roughly half of Americans have trouble finding childcare, due in part to thousands of childcare centers closing over the last two years. 

Here are five ways you can still do your job without relying on a spot to open up at the local daycare center. Better yet, the last two ways won’t cost you a dime, just the willingness to ask for help and lend a hand in return.

5 Ways to Find Childcare on a Budget

1. In-Home Daycare

This is the most reliable, and unfortunately expensive, of the options listed. It is still considered daycare, but it’s usually smaller and less institution-like than daycare centers. People opt for this kind of setting because it feels more familiar and comforting than those big centers, kind of like dropping your child off for a play date as opposed to a school day. Keep in mind, however, that many in-home daycare businesses have closed since the pandemic, so it might be a challenge to find one. Check out Angieslist.com and Care.com for options in your area, or ask around in your neighborhood or office to find out if anyone else uses one. There’s nothing like getting another parent’s first-hand recommendation to put your mind at ease when handing off your little ones.

2. Share Care With Other Parents 

If you have a friend or family member with little kids and childcare needs like yours, you can pool your resources and hire a caregiver together. It will be cheaper for you both to pay one person to watch your little ones than it will be for you each to hire someone separately. 

3. Bring Baby to Work

Some employers offer onsite daycare for employees. Others, such as Adobe, Amazon, and Intel, have partnerships with facilities like Bright Horizons, to prioritize and place employees’ children. Make sure to find out what kind of childcare options your employer provides. If they don’t provide any, maybe it’s time to make the switch to a company that does.

In addition, some communities offer coworking spaces for freelancers with daycare provided. A couple of examples are Wiggles & Work in Los Angeles, CA, and The Hive in Austin, TX. If you’re a freelancer, it’s worth looking into whether or not there is a space like this in your community.

4. Babysitting Coop

This is an arrangement among a group of local parents in which they swap childcare with each other. If your neighborhood is full of young kids like yours, then you might ask around to see if anyone is interested in starting a coop. If you are new to the area, or you live in a neighborhood with few kids around, websites like Care.com and SittingAround.com, and the app My Komae can be great places to start. 

5. Friends and Family 

If you’re lucky enough to have family in the area, this can be a terrific resource for free child care. Grandma and Grandpa might jump at the chance to spoil–I mean spend time with–their grandchildren while you’re at work. It’s a win-win for you both: you get free child care, and they get extra hugs.

Childcare is tricky. You’re trusting your most precious asset to someone else while you work. And as if that isn’t scary enough, finding quality child care can be daunting. Exploring these options can help you decide the best childcare solution for your family, your budget, and your peace of mind.

•  
• 

from Career Tool Belt https://ift.tt/xOIry05

Read More

Different Home Building Career Paths To Consider

Every career path can lead to uncovering a passion you never knew you had. If you love building homes, take a look at the different career paths to take.

From going to school and studying interior design to a trade school and learning how to become a roofer, these different home-building career paths are some of the most rewarding fields to consider as a student. If you want to learn more about the various career fields involved in building homes, take a look at these professions.

Interior Design

Have you always had an eye for design? If so, then interior designing could be your true calling. When it’s simply working within a home, an interior designer spends their time getting to know a client’s style so they can assist in finding the best home theme for the homeowner. An interior designer will spend most of their time researching, making suggestions, and drawing blueprints via a CADD program.

To start as an interior designer, you’ll need an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. The starting pay for some jobs is around $26 an hour, with a slower profession growth. The profession growth indicates that jobs are slightly harder to find, so you should consider being an independent contractor if there are no local jobs available.

Architect

Despite common misconceptions, architects and interior designers do not have the same profession. An architect is not an interior designer. Architects spend their time drafting and building blueprints of a building, room, or outdoor space. The architect is also called a designer—when working, designers will use CADD systems to bring their drawings to life and edit as they go.

Establishing credibility and education in this field is also different. To succeed in this field, you need passion and good project management skills. While a bachelor’s degree will help you get started, an internship through an architectural firm can get your foot in the door to learn the necessary skills. The architect career, though slightly scarce in rural areas, is growing fast, with a starting pay of up to $40 an hour.

Construction Manager

Have you ever wanted to be in charge of a project—doing the hiring and making sure all safety and building guidelines are met throughout the building process? So have we! A construction manager is the homebuyer’s go-to for their home build. Being your own boss is a reason many considered house flipping full-time.

As a construction manager, you’re the boss of a home’s construction. You assist in ensuring a house gets built correctly and safely. For this field, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in construction management—this career is snowballing, with a starting pay of $45 an hour.

Roofer

Although it’s a lesser known field, roofing also comes with plenty of job opportunities. A roofer works on the longevity of a homeowner’s roof. They check cracks, raised shingles, and gutter systems to ensure no clogging or leaking. This physically demanding job requires good upper body strength and no fear of heights.

This job is a trade, meaning it doesn’t require a degree, but it’s encouraged if you go to technical school. Roofing is a job available all year-round, and the starting pay is close to $20 an hour.

You can choose any career you’d like to, but if you want a career path that revolves around home building, these are the jobs to look into. Pick a career you’ll love that involves your passion for building a better home for others.

 

•  
• 

from Career Tool Belt https://ift.tt/nrv9BUX

Read More

What To Know as a New Trucker: Your First Long-Haul Job

Joining the trucking industry is a lifestyle change, not just a career one. Here are some important things to know before your first long-haul job.

Trucking is more than just a job—it’s a lifestyle. Here are some important things to know before your first long-haul job as a new trucker.

Get Enough Sleep

Many truckers struggle with this one, but it’s vital to your health and well-being. Sleep deprivation can cause you to make careless mistakes while driving and can lead to health issues and depression. Prioritizing a healthy sleep schedule is one of the best choices you can make as a new trucker.

Don’t make the mistake of not making sleep a priority for your job or your health. Instead, ensure that you create a functionable sleep schedule before entering this career field.

Eat Healthily When You Can

It’s cheap and easy to get fast food for every meal, but this kind of diet combined with a sedentary lifestyle leads to serious health issues. There’s a reason so many truckers end up struggling with diabetes and heart issues.

Eat healthy when you can. Bring a cooler that you can take on the road with you, and restock it at truck stops or grocery stores with healthy snacks. Nuts, fruit, beef jerky, and granola bars are all great options. Most grocery stores also have ready meals, such as sushi or chicken salad, that you can stock up on.

Not only will you feel better while driving, but you’ll also save money in the long run. So, avoid the temptation of fast food meals and come prepared with premade snacks to keep you fueled for the road.

Pack the Proper Tools

There are essentials you should always carry while out on the open road. From a first aid kit to a well-stocked toolbox, these items can make a big difference in the success of your trip. One undervalued tool is proper storage. You’ll be living in your cab for weeks to months. Buy some storage bins and take some time to set up a system for storing clothes, personal items, and dirty clothes.

Nurture Your Relationships

Another thing to know as a new trucker is that trucking is an isolated job, and long periods of time away from home can be hard on relationships. Talk to your loved ones about what things will look like while you’re out on the road, and make time to contact them when you can. Ideally, talk to your family or partner once per day. Having your loved ones’ support will make a world of difference.

Take Care of Your Mental Health

Check in on your mental health frequently and watch for symptoms of burnout and depression. Many truckers struggle with mental health issues due to loneliness, stress, lack of sleep, and financial difficulties. Symptoms and warning signs can include a short temper, restlessness, exhaustion, disinterest in old hobbies or passions, and a lack of focus.

It’s important to make time to relax outside of sleep. Read a book or watch a show you enjoy. Many truckers bring pets along with them to help combat loneliness. Above all, talk to a loved one or professional if you need help.

Your first long-haul job will be difficult, but you can have a successful career as a new trucker if you keep these things in mind. Prioritize your health and happiness, and the rest will come with experience.

•  
• 

from Career Tool Belt https://ift.tt/W21MOpY

Read More

5 Tips for Starting Your Career in Information Technology

The IT field is difficult to navigate, and when you begin your journey in this technical career path, you may need some pointers to help you start.

 Information Technology, or IT, is a field of study dedicated to building, repairing, and advancing the technology we use daily. Those starting on the road of their IT occupation may encounter some obstacles to overcome. Before becoming a technician in a notable company, you will need help finding your footing as you start this endeavor.

Know the Job You Want and the Job You’re Getting Into

There are numerous jobs and career paths in the IT field, and if you want to be great at that job, you need to know as much as possible about it. Looking into the different positions within the field can help you determine what you want from your future role. Having this greater and more complete knowledge of the industry will be instrumental in ensuring you find a job you can transfer your passion into. Understanding your goals now ensures you make the best decisions possible moving forward.

Have the Right Gear

When you start your career in IT, you want to prepare, and you’ll need the best gear as you practice. Technology is expensive, especially when you want higher quality devices, but in IT, these better machines will help you perform certain actions in your role. If you work for a company specializing in developing anti-malware programs, you’ll want a computer capable of running advanced programming. Spending extra money on better equipment now will help you down the line. Some companies may even provide stipends to help with the cost of this equipment. Consider asking future employers about these resources during your initial job interviews.

Start Small and Work Your Way Up

Like any career, you must start with the occasional odd job before entering a more serious role. Freelancing is a good way to gain experience and build your résumé. Numerous people need quick tech support, and the more assignments you complete, the easier it will be to apply to better jobs with better pay. Use your time spent freelancing as an opportunity to learn new skills and expand your horizons so that you become a stronger candidate for future jobs.

Make Sure You Have Experience

All professional positions require some form of training to acquire the position. When a company needs help in its server room, they want someone they trust to do the job. There are many reasons why they will hire a professional network cable technician over an amateur. Whatever role you apply for, look into the job listing and what skills those who succeed in this position have so that you can acquire them too.

Create Your Technological Projects To Show in a Portfolio

Many jobs require years of experience to apply, but gaining that experience is challenging. Before starting your IT career, try working on personal projects that you could put in your portfolio, such as building a website or maintaining a simple program. Employers will appreciate having something tangible to interact with at a job interview. Even small projects can give employers a greater understanding of your skills and passion about IT.

The IT career has many ups and downs, and when you begin your occupational journey, it may be a bumpy start. These tips will help you prepare for and earn your role while giving you the experience you need for the future.

•  
• 

from Career Tool Belt https://ift.tt/oIpPi3f

Read More

3 Ways To Prepare for the VETS-4212 Filing Season

Federal contractors with contracts of $150,000 or more must file a VETS-4212 report annually. Learn three ways to prepare for the VETS-4212 filing season.

A legacy of the Vietnam era, the VETS-4212 form is a way for the federal government to track the efforts of federal contractors who offer opportunities and jobs to eligible vets. Employers who hold contracts worth $150,000 or more that are still in effect after July 1 of the previous year must file the VETS-4212 report.

The VETS-4212 report requires covered employers to list the number of new hires onboarded during the reporting period by employment category and specify how many of them are protected veterans. It requires the same breakdown of total employees and veterans regardless of hiring date.

The Jobs for Veterans Act (JVA) of 2000 protects veterans with disabilities, those whose service earned them a campaign badge or armed forces service medal, or those released from service within the past 36 months.

That piece of legislation amended the reporting requirements established in the Vietnam Era Veteran’s Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) of 1974. The JVA Reports are due between August 1 and September 30 each year. Here are three ways to prepare for the VETS-4212 filing season.

Gather Required Information

As an employer required to file the VETS-4212, you should be gathering and keeping the required information as standard operating procedure. This means you should keep a record of every new hire date, the job category of the new hire, the hiring location, and the new hire’s veteran status. The more diligently you record each of these measurements, the easier your VETS-4212 filing process will ultimately be.

You can discover veteran status through a request for voluntary reporting at the time of hiring or from the employer’s knowledge of an employee’s veteran status.

For the report, employers can choose a snapshot payroll period ending date between the beginning of July and the end of August of the current year to tally their workforce into the reporting categories. The reporting period will be 12 months before the selected date. Keep these dates in mind as you make your way through the calendar year to simply your filing process.

Employers required to file the VETS-4212 should also have their Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), their North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code, and their Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number ready.

Register To File Online

Although employers may file a paper form, the US Department of Labor encourages online filing and batch uploading if the employer has multiple locations. Not only does online filing make the review process faster, but online filing is also a far more convenient and user-friendly approach. Employers can register to file online or download a PDF of the paper form. Read all instructions carefully, and be sure to file between August 1 and September 30.

Determine Job Categories

The regulations implementing the law, which requires federal contractors to file the VETS-4212, will specify the job categories. These include:

• Officials and managers (executive/senior-level officials and managers and first/mid-level officials and managers)
• Professionals
• Technicians
• Sales workers
• Administrative support workers
• Craft worker
• Operatives
• Laborers and helpers
• Service workers

Defining job categories and which workers you should file in which category can be a challenge. Luckily, VETS-4212 consultants can help employers prepare for the filing season, navigate the filing requirements, and meet required deadlines. So don’t let VETS-4212 filing season immediate you. Instead, review these resources above and complete this season with full confidence.

 

•  
• 

from Career Tool Belt https://ift.tt/D4gVFOh

Read More

How Long Does It Take To Find a New Job?

Looking for a new job? You’re not alone. The ‘Great Resignation’ and looming recession have many job seekers considering a career move. Yet there is uncertainty about the length of the typical job search, particularly in today’s uncertain job market. In fact, “How long does it take to find a new job?” is one of the most common questions I am asked as a career coach and job search expert.

The honest answer is, it depends. Based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ most recent report, the average duration of unemployment is approximately five months. However, this data does not paint a full picture, as it only includes Americans who are unemployed and does consider your industry, target role, or unique situation.

There are several additional factors to how long it will take to find your next job. These include your background and experience, the competitiveness of your industry, and how much time and effort you put into your search. Luck also plays a part. You must take all of these into consideration when predicting the length of your job search.

Thankfully, there are steps you can take to find a new job faster. Here are five proven ways to speed up your search:

1. Get clear on your target role.

To begin, you want to get crystal clear on your target role. Job seekers often cast a wide net in the hopes of landing a job quicker, but this can backfire, as it can make you seem indecisive and underwhelms recruiters. Instead, you want to be specific about the type of role you want. Rather than targeting all “human resources” or “marketing” openings, for instance, consider which specific functional area you are drawn to, as well as the scope of responsibility you desire.

While you are at it, you also want to be explicit about the company type you are targeting. For example, do you want to work at a Fortune 100 company, a hyper-growth startup, or something in between? Take some time to reflect on your dream company, then make a spreadsheet of some targets, bookmark their careers pages (example: jobs.disneycareers.com), and check back weekly for openings that align with your requirements.

2. Update your resume.

Next, take the time to ensure your resume is not only up to date but also tailored to the target role you outlined in step 1. As you apply to roles, be sure to customize your resume to each opportunity. Remember that you do not need to rewrite your resume for each role you apply to. Instead, spend 20 to 30 minutes per application, strategically inserting keywords from the job listing into your resume and doublechecking that you’re addressing each requirement in the posting.

3. Optimize your LinkedIn profile.

Next, you want to take time to update and optimize your LinkedIn profile. This not only helps recruiters and hiring managers find you on the platform but also gives you a great resource when networking with prospects at your target company. Focus your attention on your headline, ensuring your target role is clearly listed, then add relevant keywords from your target job postings to your summary and experience. You don’t want to leave readers guessing about the roles you are seeking or the skills you possess.

4. Harness the power of networking.

 Remember that list of dream companies from step one? Revisit it regularly to see if you have any contacts working in your target roles. If you do, request an informational interview to learn more about the organization’s culture and hiring process, then request an introduction to the hiring manager. If you don’t have any contacts at your target companies, try leveraging LinkedIn to build out your network. Team Blind and Fishbowl can also help you build a network, especially if you are looking to break into the tech industry.

5. Invest in professional help.

Lastly, consider seeking out the help of a career coach to support you in your job search. The process of finding a new role can be challenging. Partnering with a trained professional can help you refine your job search strategy as well as identify barriers that may be standing in the way of landing your next role. You’ve got this!

•  
• 

from Career Tool Belt https://ift.tt/0v9gaeW

Read More

What To Know When Starting a Tattoo Parlor

Opening a small business can be challenging if you don’t know what to do. Here are some tips on how to successfully start a tattoo parlor in your area.

Starting or transitioning careers is never easy. Whether you’re finally fulfilling your lifelong dream of opening a small business or want to change your career path, it’s crucial to take precautions so you know what to expect. This is especially true if you plan to open a small business like a tattoo shop. To help, here are some tips on what to know when starting a tattoo parlor.

Research Ahead of Time

No one can start a small business without doing some background research first. This is especially true with something like a tattoo parlor. To accomplish your dream of running your own tattoo shop, there are some important considerations to know.

For starters, plan ahead. Keep in mind your target audience, startup and overhead costs, business name, marketing strategies, and target location. The more research you do ahead of time, the more knowledge you’ll have to successfully manage your business. Being a knowledgeable business owner will give you a major advantage against other competitors in your area as well.

Don’t neglect location either. For small businesses that service clients, rather than sell a product, target location matters. This will relate to your overhead, operational, and maintenance costs too.

Advertise

Of course, once you have a clear, well-researched business plan, it’s time to get to work. After acquiring the right loans, location, storefront, equipment, and everything else you need, don’t forget to advertise. You need customers to see your business and pay for your services.

One of the best ways to advertise a tattoo parlor is through social media. You’re an artist. Like any art, brand and name exposure via word-of-mouth marketing can increase customer traffic. If people see designs they like online, they’re likely to stop by.

You can also invest in radio, newspaper, and television advertising space. People also like to feel they’re saving money. Promotional deals are an attractive opportunity to increase revenue and foot traffic in your tattoo parlor.

Consider Eco-Conscious Business Practices

Green tattooing may not be the first thing you think about when it comes to starting a tattoo parlor, but as more consumers adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle, it is something to keep in mind. There are many ways to make tattooing environmentally friendly.

One easy way to make your parlor greener is by using eco-friendly inks and materials. Some tattoo inks use heavy metals and toxic chemicals that can leach into the environment. Using organic or eco-friendly inks helps mitigate this issue.

It doesn’t hurt to switch to reusable materials either. Investing in reusable materials can also reduce operational costs. You can also make your studio more eco-friendly. LED lightbulbs, paperless transactions, and smart electronics can further reduce energy consumption, waste, and carbon emissions in your shop.

Get the Proper Licensing and Insurance

Finally, you must get the proper paperwork approved before managing any business. Failure to do so may result in fines or shutting down your business. Research your local and state licensing requirements. You can typically find these within the state health department.

You must also provide liability for customers via signed formal consent agreements. This way, you avoid legal issues if clients are unhappy with the quality of service. Relatedly, consider general liability insurance, worker’s compensation insurance, and property insurance in case of issues later on.

•  
• 

from Career Tool Belt https://ift.tt/riWDlAu

Read More