When you really think about it, the sum of these parts can add up to more than the whole paycheck. Working in a Job that doesn't give you the time and opportunity to increase your skills or advance your career any can be more costly than you realize. Say you choose to work for one year at a $17/hr Job that does nothing to further your career, rather than at a $15/hr Job that teaches you relevant skills in your field.

At the end of six months you receive a $4/hr raise at Job #2, and at the end of one year you've earned the same amount of money as with the first Job. The difference is you have more marketable skills, are on a higher income track, and Employers will look at you as one of their 'star' performers. It doesn't matter whether you are performing your tasks at a higher level. What matters is that your Employer (and future Employers and Recruiters) will see you as ambitious, self-starting, a 'go-getter', etc.

Perception is always more important than reality, because the latter is impossible to pinpoint.

In addition to your career and skills advancement, the Quality of your workplace is frequently overlooked when comparing Job offers. Does your new Boss seem like someone you can get along with? Is there any historical evidence from current Employees that this Supervisor will be supportive to your career, and to you during high stress periods? Is the company culture one that you'll feel comfortable working in? Are your future colleagues backslappers or backstabbers?

And while small businesses and startup companies may offer stock options and easy opportunities for promotion, they are more likely to send you a friendly email one morning that says, "Clear out your desk. You're fired. We're out of business. Oh, have a good day!" During wartime, in the military, fast promotions are a sure sign that your side is losing the battle. There are some parallels to startup companies, so watch your step.

-Mark Poppen

Ready, Set, Jump

November 27, 2000

So, are you set to go it alone or with virtual partners? How will you start?

Once you've decided to give entrepreneurship, cyberpreneurship, or virtual partnering a try, pick a field where you're needed.

A Manpower survey cited in PR NewsWire says that companies will be more aggressive and creative in their recruiting efforts due to a shortage of labor. In particular, several industries were highlighted as needing additional workers.

• 38% of those involved in wholesale and retail trades need additional employees while only 7% expect to make cutbacks.
• 31% of durable goods manufacturers say they will add staff and just 7% will cut back.
• 26% of the educational sector expects to continue the hiring efforts begun last year, with only 4% reporting a decline in staffing.
• 23% of non-durable goods manufacturers and those involved in transportation and public utilities expect to need additional workers, while 7% expect to reduce their workforce.
• 24% of the service industry anticipates additional hiring with 7% believing a decline is in store.
• 21% of those polled in the finance, insurance, and real estate trade foresee a need to hire, while only 5% see cutbacks looming.
• 17% of the public administration sector plan to boost hiring; 9% plan to trim the rolls.

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