Vocational Experts 7 Proposals to Solve the Unemployment Problem

The subject is constantly in the news and may decide the next national elections - the infamous jobless recovery. More than 8 million Americans are out of work with another 4 million underemployed or no longer looking for work. Good manufacturing, technical and services jobs are being shipped to India, Asia, and other developing countries. The mood of the middle and working class becomes more pessimistic, the outlook for their immediate future more grim.

Politicians debate solutions: abrogating current trade treaties, providing protection for various industries, investment in retraining programs, wishful thinking that lower taxes will turn everything around, the promise of a labor shortage within 15 years.

Meanwhile, the population grows, demanding the creation of 150,000 new jobs per month just to stay even. Where are the more than 2 million 2004 jobs promised by the Council of Economic Advisers?

They will come when the government truly invests in the social and financial welfare of the working public. Historically, the U.S. has looked at employment only in times of crisis - recession or alarming unemployment figures. Rather than "quick fixes," we need a national long- range policy on employment which addresses the issue, in good times and bad, with sustained interest, analysis, and support.

Here are seven proposals:

1. Create a National Office of Employment to develop long term strategies and oversight of the U.S. labor market in order to track trends, analyze data, research emerging problems, and prepare early interventions.

2. Identify growing and potential industries and the skills they will need in future staff.

3. Design a plan which allows for the rapid retargeting of training courses as Community Colleges and vocational schools are traditionally 5 to 15 years behind current needs.

4. Provide substantial tax incentives for businesses to hire in the U.S. rather than shipping their jobs to low income countries.

5. Devise "red-tape-less" programs to reward employers with significant tax credits for hiring the long-term employed and new trainees.

6. Overhaul the processes of State Unemployment Offices by implementing coordinated support programs in which workers participate as part of receiving unemployment benefits and employers participate as a means of meeting their future needs for staff.

7. Provide incentives for employers to hire more part-time workers. Simultaneously, America must reframe its social policy to promote a new work ethic of reduced work hours, along with increased leisure and volunteer activities, to allow more workers to be employed, albeit for fewer hours. Due to the negative emotional effects of living without work, our society needs to stress high employment rather than high productivity which often translates into fewer workers, working harder and longer.

Dr. Bola operated a rehabilitation company, developing innovative job search techniques for disabled workers, for 20 years. A licensed clinical psychologist, she directed vocational programs for the mentally ill, served as a Vocational Expert in administrative and civil court, and pioneered vocational testimony in Workers' Compensation. Author of The Wolf at the Door: An Unemployment Survival Manual, she can be found at: http://www.virginiabola.com

---

War Time Hiring: 5 Steps to Attract Top Talent

A recent report, titled "The War for Talent" stated that... Read More

Resume Writing Dos and Donts

Do these things Include your full name - don't... Read More

Identity Theft and Your Online Job Search

While identity theft is nothing new, the Web has opened... Read More

Benefits of Maintaining a Career Portfolio

Have you ever tried to contact a past employer only... Read More

How NOT to Write a Resume

You can learn a lot about how to do something... Read More

Job Interviews: Succeeding with Panel Interviews

These days, job interviews often consist of a panel of... Read More

Career Education Options For Working Adults

Ask yourself this question: "Do I like what I do... Read More

Hey, You Cant Ask Me That! (How to Respond to Inappropriate Job Interview Questions)

I received the following questions from a visitor to my... Read More

A Bit of Pollyanna

"Stop being such a Pollyanna," a trusted, more experienced colleague... Read More

Are Your Intentions Clear in Your Job Search?

1. Do you REALLY know what you want?2. Do you... Read More

Updating Your Plum Job Now That Youre a Parent

It's startling to discover how having kids changes the way... Read More

What Makes Americans Hate Their Jobs? This Advice Turns That Epidemic Around

Here are the sobering facts: studies show that almost 70%... Read More

Troubleshooting Your Job Search

OK. You've posted your resume online. You've sent out a... Read More

Any Job is an Honorable Job

Seeing your job as an honorable job, adds more meaning... Read More

How to Choose Your Ideal Career

They say that most people do complete and total career... Read More

How Much Can You Earn Working As A Proofreader?

Thinking of a career as a proofreader? Then you will... Read More

Job Hunting Tips: Accepting Judgment

Applying for work is stressful, no matter the circumstances. Even... Read More

Searching for an Executive Job

A job search for executives is far less complicated today... Read More

Why Culinary Education

If you are thinking about a career in culinary arts... Read More

Sample Resume Objectives: Good, But Summaries Are Smokin!

Since college I've been told that a resume ought to... Read More

Dissatisfied with Your Job? Take Your Power Back!

Apparently, there are all sorts of reasons to be dissatisfied... Read More

How To Conduct A Successful Job Search Campaign

1.Define your objective: Know what kind of work you most... Read More

Stacking The Deck In Your Favor

Many people do not bother to look at their own... Read More

Job Search Advice for Desperate Job Seekers

Another morning of job hunting lies ahead of you. You... Read More

So You Want A Promotion - What Do You Need To Do To Get the Champagne Corks Popping?

The champagne corks have been popping to celebrate your promotion.... Read More