5 Job Sectors with Recession-Proof Pay

The recession has hit most working Americans in the pocketbook, but some industries have been hit much harder than others. Construction, sales, real estate, and finance were hit hard by the real estate bust; for those lucky enough to hold on to their jobs at all, commissions have dwindled and hourly pay and workload have diminished. But there are some lucky sectors where the pay virtually never dips. Read on to find out which workers have the most recession-proof salaries.

1. Health care
Average Hourly Earnings: $23.02
We all need to see a doctor from time to time, which is why the health care industry has recession-proof salaries. As the baby boomer generation ages, health care needs are expected to rise greatly--good news for jobs in this industry. Union employees in health care may even see a slight rise in salary in tough times, which may be particularly important to nurses and entry-level employees who don't earn the highest salaries. If you're considering joining the health care labor force, look beyond jobs such as a doctor or nurse; many duties now fulfilled by doctors and nurses are expected to shift to health care aides. To fulfill the needs of the growing elderly population, home care aides and physical therapists will also be a hot commodity. The U.S. Department of Labor expects a whopping 24 percent growth by 2018 for the health care industry--a sure sign of both job and salary security.


2. Government
Average Hourly Earnings: $26.25
Few people grow up dreaming of a career in government (unless it's as the president), but government jobs offer the most stable of salaries. The benefits are great, too: when you add retirement, health care, and educational benefits, the average hourly compensation for a government employee jumps to $39.81. Look for growth in social assistance branches of government, like elder care for the aging boomer generation, and state government jobs as responsibilities shift from the federal government. Government jobs are expected to grow at a rate of 7 to 8 percent by 2018.

3. Military
Average Hourly Earnings: $21.63
Sure, combat boots aren't everyone's idea of fun, but they provide sure footing when it comes to pay. Aside from promotions, allowance, and tax benefits, the military never cuts wages, and usually keeps pace with inflation. For added financial benefits, look at this scenario: an enlistee at age 18 can retire at age 48, drawing more than $1 million in inflation-adjusted retirement pay over the rest of his or her life. Add to this education and health care benefits, and camouflage starts to look pretty good.

4. Accounting
Average Hourly Earnings: $32.42
Accounting may not be your idea of an exciting job, but this industry is one of the most stable in terms of jobs and salary. Top-earning accountants can rake in six-figure salaries, and this industry's pay is expected to hold strong. For even more job and salary security, look no further than a career in forensic accounting--with new finance and auditing regulation in the works, this branch of bean counting is expected to see larger-than-average job growth.

5. Information technology
Average Hourly Earnings: $43.35
It pays to be a computer geek: the IT industry sees salaries well above the national average, with top earners bringing home paychecks well into the six figures. Outsourcing has been a problem for this industry, and software engineers have taken the biggest impact. Look for job and salary security in network administration and security; with exponential development in Internet technology and services, job growth of 45 percent is expected by 2018 for people designing and securing computer networks.

The Bottom Line
Many of these careers offer entry-level jobs without a college education, making them a good option for people starting out or looking to make a career change. If a recession-proof salary is what you're after, consider these industries for your new career path.

5 new rules of dating

It was different in the old days. Boy and girl set eyes on each other, boy and girl took a shine to one another, boy and girl got hitched. These days, right from the first date, a million things can go wrong - and that's not even counting the new sticky situations that crop up as times change. Here are five new dating dilemmas - and how to deal with them.

RULE NO. 1: Drop out There was a time when a date ended at the door of a woman's home, even if she lived halfway across the city. But these days, a couple tends to part ways at the door of the restaurant or multiplex they've been at, each going their own way. "There's less of an obligation to see the woman all the way home," says IT professional Andrew Dias. "I might see her into a cab, but I think it's too patronising to assume she can't get home by herself."

Copywriter Ragini Yadav agrees with Dias. "There are times when I would like to be dropped home, like when it's very late," she says. "But not every time. I see no reason to drag my fiance all the way home when I know he'll just have to go all the way back again."

According to Dr Tushar Guha, chief psychologist and MD, Nrityanjali Education and Management Services, this is one instance in which women have been taking the initiative. "Unless it's very unsafe, women don't have a problem going home on their own," he explains. "That's because they also want their freedom."

RULE No. 2: Kill bill Banker Sharad Bansal isn't surprised that his girlfriend of six months pays her own way on dates. After all, more and more 20-something guys know that these days, men are no longer expected to "woo" their women by paying. The modern woman is happy, even insistent to pay her way. This, says Dr Guha, is a consequence of the need for everyone to have their own measure of independence and self-respect.

But there is one exception. "If a guy is laid off or fired, his girlfriend should not offer to pay or split the bill on a night out," says Dr Guha. "This becomes an ego issue. A man who has been made redundant may not even want to meet his girlfriend, and I know of cases where guys have borrowed money to show off on dates." His advice for women confronted with such an issue? "Tread carefully. And if you feel your man will not accept the situation, just meet for coffee."

RULE NO. 3: Stay cool When crazy work schedules led to Swapnil Deshpande and his girlfriend only seeing each other for a few hours every week, his desperation to spend more time with her drove him to suggest that she spend the weekend at his place. But it backfired. "My girlfriend was horrified," he recalls. "Maybe it wasn't the smartest idea to suddenly pop the question. After all, we hadn't known each other very long." But no such fate overtook Amar Desai when he surprised his girlfriend with an overnight trip to Lonavala. "We've been dating for three years now, so it was time we took the relationship to the next level," he explains. "We enjoyed the trip, and plan to do this more often."

According to Dr Guha, while invitations to stay over or go on overnight trips are more common now, they should only be made once a couple have achieved a comfort level with one another. "Women are generally afraid to be invited to a guy's home," he explains. "Many women will assume that a guy is too 'fast' if he suggests that she stay the night."

RULE NO. 4: Ring the changes So what if you don't want to marry. Consider living in instead. Live-in relationships have become common. Even the Supreme Court has given them legal sanction. So there are couples who shack up together to see if they are compatible, like Aarti and Sandeep Tavadia, who lived together for seven years before tying the knot. Sometimes, couples who are informally or formally engaged, move in before the wedding to save on expenses.

However, still others like Shyla Mascarenhas and Adrian Fernandes are choosing a live-in relationship as a permanent arrangement, not something that will lead to marriage. "We neither of us feel very strongly about marriage," explains Shyla. "But we have been dating for over eight years and felt this was a convenient arrangement. It was a natural transition." People appear to accept it, though Shyla says wryly that the neighbours will bring up the M word frequently. "They'll say things like 'home loans will be cheaper!'"

RULE NO. 5: Bless the child It's no secret that some marriages do not last for ever. Which means that you may well end up dating someone who has kids. "This is actually more common than you would think," says Dr Guha. "What happens in a situation where one person has kids is that both parties, especially the person who is the parent, moves forward in the relationship very slowly."

Mayuri Sen, whose mother had a second marriage, says meeting the kids and getting to know them is an indispensable part of such a relationship. "If you are looking at a long-term commitment, then it has to be a slower process because you are dating a family," she explains. "The person has to be quite sure that the kids are okay with him or her before proceeding further."

If there is tension, Sen advises starting over. "Show exaggerated levels of affection and be prepared to meet the person halfway," she advises. "And it's not necessary for everyone to have a great rapport right off. Sometimes, it's okay if you can be in the same room and make conversation."

Dealing with an obsessive lover

Many of us at some point or the other have had to deal with the attentions of obsessive lovers or over-possessive, needy friends. Experience tells us that this trait, if not nipped at the bud can become dark and murky.

What leads to obsession?
Love is defined as a strong bond between two people. And when that is threatened (imaginatively or really), the person becomes possessive, obsessive and paranoid to save their bond. This could just as well happen between friends, parent and child, as with lovers. Erotomania is the term used to describe the obsession for celebrities, where a fan is simply delusional, and has fallen in love with the celeb, and that without any reciprocation, their life is meaningless. This leads to attention seeking by text messaging or creating a scene in their presence. Even rejection doesn’t work, as they console themselves with the thought, ‘she doesn’t know how much I love her, when she realises, she will love me too.’

The obsessive lover
People with low self image and confidence generally become obsessive in their relationships.
Early childhood experiences also play a big role in determining how one behaves in his relationships later. Over critical parents who constantly keep rejecting their child, scar them for life. As adults, when they get into their first relationship, they find acceptance, but eventually become possessive, if that bond is threatened in anyway.
A series of failed relationships can also lead to an obsessive personality. They grow out to be insecure individuals who fear being ditched repeatedly.
There are some obsessive lovers who turn out to be sadistic. They can even go to the extent of harming the person. Such people usually suffer from psychopathic or anti-social tendencies.

You are an obsessive lover if...
You cannot forget the existence of that person in your life
You alter your schedule constantly to check where they are hanging out
You constantly need to check your lover’s phone history, email and text messages
You follow them everywhere and question them time and again about their whereabouts or who they are talking to.
You start fretting if your lover’s phone is engaged for sometime

Stop that
If you realise that you are unable to control your impulses, seek professional help immediately
Try to disconnect yourself with the person completely by cutting all links
Gather support from your family and friends. Ask them to help you stay away from the person you are obsessed with
Tell yourself that eventually you will get someone better.

Deal with a stalker
Call the police as early as possible
If the stalker is an ex, who threatens to show the world your personal pictures, letters, cards, do not feel scared. Chances are that they may be just empty threats.

If you're changing careers faster than Paris Hilton changes her boyfriends, you need to pull back the reins and realise it can be very bad for your career. Changing jobs is good if you feel your current one isn't furthering your career. But, watch out for these common career faux pas.

Show me the money


Changing careers only for better compensation is one of the biggest, but most tempting mistakes people make. Clyde Gomes, who works in the HR department at Manpower Services India Pvt. Ltd., says, "Some people only look at the money and don't see the change from a career perspective." This is bad, because the money maybe good, but the job can be terrible!

Boredom


Often, boredom in one field makes people decide that they need a change. This is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Gomes says, "Changing careers simply because you're bored shows you're no good at your job and take no interest in it." If you don't make an effort, you'll keep getting bored and keep field hopping.

Over the top


When you leave one job without having something else in mind, you become desperate and take what you get. This often leads to being over-qualified for a particular job. "If you do plan on changing fields, make sure you're organised and make a logical career jump," adds Gomes. So, keep the big picture in mind.

Check up on it


When you change careers, you're so eager to leave your current job, you take up any offer from any company that looks good. Big mistake! Always take time to weigh your options and do research on the new company. Gomes says, "Many people change jobs without doing a background check of the company and end up being unhappy."

Lack experience


If you keep changing careers you'll never get a firm footing in a particular field. This means you'll never rise above junior positions. "You may get exposed to a wider atmosphere, but won't learn all the tricks of a particular field. Hence, you'll never climb the ladder," Gomes adds. Stick to a job for at least a year.

While it maybe tempting to continually job hop, make sure you're doing it for the right reasons. You'll avoid any regrets later.

The job after your job


Life is a 24-hour job. Even when your body and mind seems to switch off or rest, there is still an involuntary system that works at keeping you alive non-stop. If you are a person who thinks your profession is your only job, think again. A job is a responsibility towards a greater goal and is a promise to deliver expectations. Your profession is something that you do in exchange of money. And when your day ends, your job does not end there. You have merely switched roles into another one, another agreement that you made as a family man, a social man and a self-made man. Your work stress and pressures cannot be an excuse for you to ignore them like the involuntary system of your body they demand your attention.

Here are some areas you need to recognise as your job and ideas on how you can be successful in creating a better life:

Your job towards yourself: Your greatest responsibility is towards yourself. You are the mind and the body that drives the aspiration you have for yourself and for the rest of the world. It is, therefore, your duty to constantly invest in your sanity, happiness and growth. Take time out to study, to relax and do things for yourself. The logic is simple—if you are not consciously planning and taking out time for your growth, you are deteriorating. I have personally witnessed a friend's success; the higher he rose on the corporate ladder, the more impatient, unhealthy, unreasonable and angry he had become. You are the heart of the entire system that you have built around yourself. When the heart turns weak or fails, the body dies.

Your job towards your family: Family is where most people would get the pink slip and yet where most people don't get fired. As a family person there are certain expectations and deliverables that you are liable for. It's unsaid, but it's implied. Providing an income is one of them and spending time in love and care is another. No matter what goes on in your world at work, you cannot ignore the needs of the family. To neglect the needs of old parents who brought you to this world and to neglect giving attention to the young children you brought into this world, is creating guilt and frustration that will find its way out at your job at work. Failing at the family job is like starving your body of nourishment. A sick body like an emotionally sick employee becomes a liability for others.

Your job towards your social environment: Without entertainment and friends to share your joy with, stress becomes the highlight of your life. Man is a social animal. We are not ants; we are magical and creative beings that thrive on sharing, on nurturing, on ideating and seeking pleasure and fun as a way of life. When people get so busy that they have no time to socialise creatively, they break down more often. If you are one of those who merely are interested in pursuing professional success while putting a 'do not disturb' sign on other areas of your responsibility, success will always evade you.

True success and true joy of living is in fulfilling all your responsibilities in all the jobs that you have consciously taken up and all the jobs that you are involuntarily a part of. What kind of success would you have when you have deteriorated in your attitude, don't get along with your family and have no friends to rejoice with? Don't make your professional job so important that you lose your position in others. Success lies in fulfillment and balance and it's easy when you live your day in awareness of your responsibility, not only towards your career, but also towards yourself, family and friends.

—The writer is a motivational speaker and a corporate trainer

Here's a hair and make-up guide exclusively for men.



Vanity Secrets Hair: If you have long hair, pull it back and tuck it neatly behind the ears - tie a knot at the back to keep it from getting sweaty and sticky and falling all over your neck.



Headgear: During the day, wear a casual or sports (cotton) cap or a hat - not just because headgear is a strong trend this summer, but also because it protects you from the sun. Place the cap / hat at an angle that flatters your face.



To avoid accumulation of sweat underneath, ensure you take it off occasionally, allowing the scalp to stay dry as well as to breathe. Face and neck: Try and refrain from maintaining a shadow stubble or sporting any facial hair for that matter - this will keep you feeling less itchy and moist in that area.



Underarms: Trim or remove hair to prevent excessive sweating. To smell fresh through the day and to avoid sweat patches on your T-shirts and shirts, use a long-lasting and alcohol-free deo stick.



Elbows: Use an exfoliating scrub (once a week) to keep elbows looking clean and free of grime. Better still, when in the shower, use a loofah scrub (with some soap or shower gel on it) to remove dry and dead skin.



Arms: Removing the hair on your arms doesn't just make them look wider, but also makes your skin feel lighter and softer. Vest: If you tend to sweat excessively on your back and chest, wear a light coloured cotton vest under your shirt to absorb the moisture and keep you dry.



Hair Care Nourish: In summer, avoid using oil or heavy styling products on a daily basis. Having said that, ensure that you condition your hair with an application of a nourishing oil (Salon / Modicare - almond & vitamin E oil) no more than once a week.



Condition: To wash daily, use a mild frequent use shampoo (Fruit of the Earth - arnica and tea tree shampoo) followed by a good conditioner (Fruit of the Earth - almond and aloe vera conditioner). The Styles Under 20:Wild & Rebellious Hair Length: Medium to long.



Sides: Very short, graduating and blending into medium to long strands. Slim, narrow sideburns.



Top: Uneven and ruffled in an upward and outward direction to look sharp and to add dimension. Less than 25: Short & Sporty Hair Length: Short.



Sides: Flattened and pressed down. Thick but short sideburns.



Top: Messy - lifted at the back, then styled unevenly in all directions. Over 25: Textured & Masculine Hair Length: Medium.



Sides: Pressed down towards the ears and face. Long and bushy sideburns that end in a two day old stubble.



Top: Lifted at the top and centre. Above 30: Even and Mature Hair Length: Short.



Sides: Short and flat, set in place without any product. Medium length and narrow sideburns.



Top: Pushed forward towards the forehead. Here's a hair and make-up guide exclusively for men.



Vanity Secrets Hair: If you have long hair, pull it back and tuck it neatly behind the ears - tie a knot at the back to keep it from getting sweaty and sticky and falling all over your neck. Headgear: During the day, wear a casual or sports (cotton) cap or a hat - not just because headgear is a strong trend this summer, but also because it protects you from the sun.



Place the cap / hat at an angle that flatters your face. To avoid accumulation of sweat underneath, ensure you take it off occasionally, allowing the scalp to stay dry as well as to breathe.



Face and neck: Try and refrain from maintaining a shadow stubble or sporting any facial hair for that matter - this will keep you feeling less itchy and moist in that area. Underarms: Trim or remove hair to prevent excessive sweating.



To smell fresh through the day and to avoid sweat patches on your T-shirts and shirts, use a long-lasting and alcohol-free deo stick. Elbows: Use an exfoliating scrub (once a week) to keep elbows looking clean and free of grime.



Better still, when in the shower, use a loofah scrub (with some soap or shower gel on it) to remove dry and dead skin. Arms: Removing the hair on your arms doesn't just make them look wider, but also makes your skin feel lighter and softer.



Vest: If you tend to sweat excessively on your back and chest, wear a light coloured cotton vest under your shirt to absorb the moisture and keep you dry. Hair Care Nourish: In summer, avoid using oil or heavy styling products on a daily basis.



Having said that, ensure that you condition your hair with an application of a nourishing oil (Salon / Modicare - almond & vitamin E oil) no more than once a week. Condition: To wash daily, use a mild frequent use shampoo (Fruit of the Earth - arnica and tea tree shampoo) followed by a good conditioner (Fruit of the Earth - almond and aloe vera conditioner).



The Styles Under 20: Wild & Rebellious Hair Length: Medium to long. Sides: Very short, graduating and blending into medium to long strands.



Slim, narrow sideburns. Top: Uneven and ruffled in an upward and outward direction to look sharp and to add dimension.



Less than 25: Short & Sporty Hair Length: Short. Sides: Flattened and pressed down.

Thick but short sideburns. Top: Messy - lifted at the back, then styled unevenly in all directions.



Over 25: Textured & Masculine Hair Length: Medium. Sides: Pressed down towards the ears and face.



Long and bushy sideburns that end in a two day old stubble. Top: Lifted at the top and centre.



Above 30: Even and Mature Hair Length: Short. Sides: Short and flat, set in place without any product.



Medium length and narrow sideburns.

PLEASE DO READ N MAKE U R SELF AWARE of the things

Dear Friends,,

True? Confirmed by a doctor

Make a checklist, check whether this medicine is in your home or whether it has been recommended by your doctor... please DO NOT use it...



Please Read Very Carefully - INFORM ALL YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY MEMBERS



India has become a dumping ground for banned drugs; also the business for production of banned drugs is booming. Plz make sure that u buy drugs ! only if prescribed by a doctor(Also, ask which company manufactures it, this would help to ensure that u get what is prescribed at the Drug Store) and that also from a reputed drug store. Not many people know about these banned drugs and consume them causing a lot of damage to themselves. We forward Jokes and other junk all the time.... This is far more important.



Please Make sure u forward it everyone u know.



DANGEROUS DRUGS HAVE BEEN GLOBALLY DISCARDED BUT ARE AVAILABLE IN INDIA .... The most common ones are action 500 & Nimulid.

!



PHENYLPROPANOLAMINE:

cold and cough. Reason for ban : stroke.

Brand name : Vicks Action-500

________________________________________________________________________

ANALGIN:

This is a pain-killer. Reason for ban: Bone marrow depression.

Brand name: ! Novalgin

___________________________________________________________

CISAPRIDE:

Acidity, constipation. Reason for ban : irregular heartbeat

Brand name : Ciza, Syspride

____________________________________________________________

DROPERIDOL:

Anti-depressant. Reason for ban : Irregular heartbeat.

Brand name : Droperol

______________________________________________________________

FURAZOLIDONE:

Antidiarrhoeal. Reason for ban : Cancer.

Brand name : Furoxone, Lomofen

_____________________________________________________________

NIMESULIDE:

Painkiller, fever. Reason for ban : Liver failure..

Brand name : Nise, Nimulid

________________________________________________________________________



NITROFURAZONE:

Antibacterial cream. Reason for ban : Cancer.

Brand name : Furacin

________________________________________________________________________



PHENOLPHTHALEIN:

Laxative... Reason for ban : Cancer.

Brand name : Agarol

________! ______________________ __________________________________________



OXYPHENBUTAZONE:

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Reason for ban : Bone marrow depression.

Brand name : Sioril

_______________________________________________________________________

PIPERAZI! NE:

Anti-worms.... Reason for ban : Nerve damage.

Brand name : Piperazine

________________________________________________________________________

QUINIODOCHLOR:

Anti-diarrhoeal. Reason for ban : Damage to sight.

Brand name: Enteroquinol



PLZ SPREAD THE INFO....

YOU MAY JUST SAVE

SOME LIFES.....