The Wall Street Journal covers a new study that determines the best and worst jobs in America using five criteria: environment, income, employment outlook, physical demands and stress. When all was said and done, all the data weighed and all the experts consulted, one occupation stood head and shoulders above the rest: mathematician. Yep, you read that correctly. Here’s why it took the top spot:
economy
Inspiration: Go From Unemployed To Entrepreneur
By 1.8.09
One thing I’ve certainly learned is that great ideas really do need to start somewhere. If I don’t pull the trigger and take some fliers based on nothing but faith in my own ability, great dreams won’t ever be realized
13 Companies That Are Hiring This Year
By 1.7.09
You know the economy is bad when 7-Eleven’s hiring plans are national news.
Why Can't I Use Staples Gift Cards On Staples.com?
By 1.6.09
It’s a simple question, and a little shocking that we have to ask it. I mean, it’s not like Staples specializes in technology or anything. Our tipster was shocked himself when he discovered this curious fact. His full story, inside.
Like To Wear A Suit And Sunglasses? FBI Hiring 2950 New People
By 1.6.09
In its largest ever hiring spree since 9/11, the FBI is hiring 850 new special agents and 2,100 professional support personnel. Maybe they’ll catch all those shady mortgage crooksters before they Jenga the system! Oh wait, too late. Next time there’s a sub-prime meltdown, though, we’ll be ready! [FBIjobs.gov] [CNN]
Despite Having A S*%!load Of Our Money, Banks Still Aren't Lending
By 1.5.09
Gripped by “catatonic fear,” banks still aren’t thawing credit markets, “leaving taxpayers propping up an industry that won’t lend to them.” [Bloomberg] (Photo: The Joy of the Mundane)
By 12.30.08
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According to Bloomberg, retailers expect to close 73,000 stores in the first half of 2009, because no one bought enough Christmas presents. Thanks, Marc!
By 12.27.08
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The Chicago Tribune is reporting that yesterday’s post-Christmas sales were lackluster for retailers. We don’t know about the rest of you, but we were way too full of eggnog and cookies to actually get up and go shopping.
Last-Minute Shoppers Unable To Save Christmas For Retailers
By 12.24.08
The AP says that while last-minute shoppers are still out there looking for bargains — the holiday season was over long ago for retailers.
Now That Gas Prices Are Lower, You Have Money To Buy Stuff, Save
By 12.24.08
Even though real incomes are dropping and people are worrying about their jobs — a drop in gas prices has lead to a push in retail spending, says the New York Times.
As The Economy Sinks, Shoplifting Arrests Soar!
By 12.23.08
The New York Times says that police departments all over the country are reporting an increase in shoplifting arrests — up to 20%.
Are You Ready For A 4 Day Work Week?
By 12.22.08
BusinessWeek says that employers around the country are cutting back hours rather than laying people off in response to the recession. It sounds nice at first — until you realize that it sucks.
Despite OPEC's Best Efforts, Oil Prices Have Slipped Below $40 A Barrel
By 12.18.08
Oil prices have fallen below $40 a barrel, a 4 year low, despite OPEC announcing that it would cut production by 2.2 million barrels a day.
Pier 1 Is In Danger Of Being Delisted From The NYSE
By 12.18.08
We are living in difficult times for selling wicker furniture, it seems. Pier 1 lost $36.9 million in the third quarter — and is in danger of being delisted from the NYSE.
Best Buy Falling On Hard Times
By 12.16.08
“Best Buy Co. Inc. offered voluntary severance packages to virtually all its 4,000 corporate employees Tuesday as the nation’s largest consumer electronics chain announced its third-quarter profit skidded 77 percent,” says the AP. [Forbes]
Credit Card Squeeze Is Pushing Consumers Toward Foreclosure
By 12.16.08
USAToday says that panic by the credit card industry is squeezing customers who ordinarily would be able to pay their bills — pushing them toward financial ruin and foreclosure.
Bottom Falls Out Of Movie Market
By 12.15.08
Look for next year’s movie release schedule to be full of remakes and easy-bets. I spoke with a Hollywood actor who said that the bottom has completely fallen out of the movie market.
