Boredom-Free Careers

There's nothing boring about these 6 careers.

Bored at work? Instead of going through the motions, consider transitioning to a new career...it might be a healthy choice.

In a 2010 study by University College London, researchers found a possible link between boredom at work and a shorter life expectancy. While researchers said that a boring job alone can't kill you (phew!), they did conclude it can potentially lead to risky habits that pose possible health concerns.

Whether you want to make a career change or are planning for your first job and don't want to be bored at work, we have broken down some of the more interesting career choices by industry.

Keep reading for info on how you can prepare for these interesting careers ...

Business Careers

From marketing to PR to event planning, the business world is full of anything but boring career opportunities. Check out these boredom bashing business careers:

• #1 - Event Planner

  If you like to throw parties, you should think about a career as a convention or event planner. In this career, you probably won't be confined to a cubicle and you'll get a chance to meet new people.

  Education: To pursue this track, one option would be to earn an associate's degree in business administration. According to the Department of Labor, detail-oriented administrative assistants often transition into this career.

  Average Earnings: $48,780*

• #2 - Public Relations Specialist

  Enjoy talking to and communicating with others? A career in public relations (PR) may be for you. Whether you're working for a big or small company, the gig will probably involve communicating your message to the masses, perhaps through the press or social media.

  Education: Many entry-level PR specialists have a bachelor's degree in PR, marketing, or communications, according to the Department of Labor. Courses in advertising, business administration, and journalism can also be helpful.

  Average earnings: $59,150*

Health Care Careers

If you're exploring more interesting career options, look to an industry with real life and death stakes: health care. The timing may be good for transitioning into health care, since it currently features 10 of the 20 fastest growing careers in the country, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Check out these two interesting health care career options:

• #1 - Pharmacy Technician

  Want to avoid a lengthy degree program and still pursue health care opportunities? This career - which can involve interacting with customers, assisting pharmacists, and helping fill prescriptions - generally doesn't need a bachelor's degree to get hired, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

  Education: Requirements vary by state in this career, according to the Department of Labor, which adds that most employers prefer to hire pharmacy techs who have prepared in a career-based program.

  Average earnings: $29,330*

• #2 - Health Services Manager

  Sick and tired of taking orders and want to pursue a job in management? As a health services manager, you'll likely be in charge of a department of a hospital or health care clinic, if not an entire facility.

  Education: Earning a bachelor's degree in health care administration, business administration, or even management could provide a strong foundation and help you pursue more entry-level positions in smaller facilities and departments, according to the Department of Labor. To pursue a manager position, you'll likely need work experience and perhaps even an MBA, according to the Department.

  Average earnings: $93,670*

Technology Careers

Mark Twain once said that if you don't like the weather in New England, wait a few minutes and it will change. It seems like technology is evolving at the same speed these days, making for an always interesting career track. Check out these two exciting career options in IT:

• #1 - Computer Support Specialist

  Helping companies and individuals overcome technical glitches and computer and software problems is the name of the game for computer support specialists.

  Education: Employers usually look for applicants with an associate's degree in IT or a certificate in tech support, according to the U.S. Department, while others may prefer a bachelor's degree. Either way, strong-problem solving skills and the ability to communicate well is also important.

  Average earnings: $49,930*

• #2 - Information Security Analyst

  There is nothing boring about fighting cyber-crime and helping prevent computer security breaches, which is what information security analysts do for a living, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

  Education: Employers generally prefer applicants with a bachelor's degree in an IT-related field like computer science or network administration, according to the Department of Labor, which adds that in some cases work experience and certification may be enough to join this cutting-edge career as well.

  Average earnings: $79,370*

*All average earnings info comes from the U.S Department of Labor using May 2010 national estimates.

Earning Potential Rises for Class of 2011

See which degrees are leading to a boost in income potential for this year's graduating class.

By Chris Kyle

In what can only be good news for the economy, the average starting salary offer for the class of 2011 is on the rise for the first time in three years.

According to a recent survey from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the average job offer to a bachelor's degree graduate this year is $50,034, up 3.5 percent over last year.

Hot fields enjoying a boost in starting offers include accounting, finance, business, and computer science.

Keep reading to learn about these degrees and see why they are helping students find work while sparking an economic turnaround:

Hot Degree #1 - Accounting
Average Starting Offer: $49,022*

The recent recession was a financial wake-up call for everyone from Wall Street to Main Street. As a result, accountants are in demand like never before to help balance budgets.

Curriculum: By earning your degree in accounting, you'll learn about generally accepted accounting principles and study courses like statistics, tax planning, auditing, corporate valuation, and accounting for mergers & acquisitions.

Potential Career Paths: Some students choose accounting to prepare for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam, but an accounting degree can lead to a surprisingly wide range of careers.

According to North Carolina State University's accounting department website, your business card could eventually read accountant, financial analyst, real estate assessor, or even forensic actuary.

Hot Degree #2 - Finance
Average Starting Offer: $50,535

While the study of accounting deals more specifically with the preparation and analysis of financial statements, finance majors focus more intently on the markets and learn about financial portfolios and investments, as well as the money that's needed to start and keep a company afloat. These are skills that corporations need right now.

Curriculum: While working your way toward a degree in finance, you're likely to study courses like macroeconomics, international banking, fixed income securities, investment management, and financial derivatives.

Potential Career Paths: Financial analyst is certainly one occupation that links up well with a finance degree. There are plenty of careers that require financially savvy professionals, including buying, selling and managing commercial real estate, as well as software sales for the financial services industry.

Many finance graduates find positions within the finance departments of firms; with banks, mutual funds, and other kinds of financial institutions; in government; or in a charitable organization, according to the Princeton Review's website.

Hot Degree #3 - Business
Average Starting Offer: $48,089

Today's global economy is a key reason why a business degree is a popular choice for students worldwide. To use just a couple examples, you might study different theories on how to build and operate a business, and learn how to market a whole host of products - as well as how to market yourself.

Curriculum: While getting your business degree, you're likely to build a strong foundation of skills in areas like accounting, communications, economics, finance, leadership, management, and marketing.

Potential Career Paths: Students may choose to enter marketing, sales, operations, or finance. Other possibilities include human resources (HR) and public relations (PR).

According to Washington State University's online business degree program, possible careers include:

• Global logistics and transportation
• Import-export positions
• Multinational product management, advertising, and sales
• Travel and tourism
• International consulting
• Electronic commerce

Hot Degree #4 - Computer Science
Average Starting Offer: $61,783

Computer science plays a huge role in every industry imaginable, from medicine and entertainment to finance and disaster recovery. Though its graduates sometimes work behind-the-scenes, they're often compensated well for their efforts, and companies like Google have changed the way people think about these experts. Computer geeks, as they are often affectionately called, are most definitely chic!

Curriculum: While earning your computer science degree, you'll likely study programming and the principles of computing, data structures and algorithms, information technology (IT), cloud computing, and network systems design.

Potential Career Paths: Common careers for computer science graduates include database and systems analysts, software engineers, and computer programmers, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

A computer-related degree is often paired with high starting salary offers, according to a 2010 article in "Network World", an IT-related publication and website. "Here's a tip for incoming and current college students: If you want to have a high-paying job on graduation day, study computer science," said the article.

*All salary information comes from the National Association of Colleges and Employers' Winter 2011 Salary Survey.

How to Criticize Your Boss -- Nicely

Q: How can you tell your senior manager that they use a catch phrase too much in conversation? Phrases like "well obviously," "you know," and, my personal favorite, "to be honest" can cause them to disengage with their audience and diminish their effectiveness as speakers.

San Francisco, California

A: Your concerns are well justified, but you'll want to put a lot of thought into how you approach your manager on this topic. Just as important as what you say to him or her is how you say it. Depending on the relationship you have with your boss as well as the tone you use, it could work to bring you closer or end up causing a rift, say experts.

More from Yahoo! Finance: • World's Billionaires in 2011 • 7 Networking Mistakes • 10 Reasons to Quit Your Job Visit the Career & Work Center

"Any time you are offering unsolicited advice, you run the risk of alienating versus helping," explains Jodie Charlop, founder of Atlanta-based career coaching firm Potential Matters. "It adds to the complexity if there is a power differential."

Timing also matters, says Tracey Trottenberg, a Los Angeles-based leadership trainer, coach, and speaker. "Catch them in a moment when they're more receptive and not racing around or short on time," she recommends. Still, the conversation doesn't have to be long or drawn out, she says. "It can be delivered simply and to the point."

In addition to your tone and timing, you'll also want to consider your motivation. "If you are coming from a place of truly wanting to help [your] manager, then you'll have a higher probability of finding the right words and approach," says Ms. Charlop. But if you're bringing this up with your manager because the habit is driving you nuts, don't let your emotions push you to be too blunt.

[More from WSJ.com: How to Deal With a Bully of a Boss]

It is quite common for people to feel like they need to correct or "fix" others, she says. Often, people justify their actions with the idea that they are helping the person in question. "But the fact is we are judging by our own personal standards," says Ms. Charlop.

When you're ready to bring it up, find a safe setting and ask permission to talk about something that you've observed in your informal conversations. "Share how it is impacting you," says Ms. Charlop. For example, you could say something along the lines of: "Bob, I value your expertise. I've observed in our conversations that you use the catch phrase 'you know' many times in our conversation -- so much, I find it hinders my ability to really hear you." Then, follow it up with a positive. "It's important to me that we have great communication."

[More from WSJ.com: How to Handle Office Politics]

Rather than singling out your manager, try to make him or her a part of a larger class or group, suggests crisis management expert Davia Temin.

Years ago, when Ms. Temin worked as a marketing director for a major investment bank, she was asked by the bank's president to help fix some of the senior managers' poor table manners. Rather than approach the managers directly, Ms. Temin says she hired two men to coach them as a group on communication skills. By Ms. Temin's design, the first meeting was held over breakfast in the corporate dining room and the bankers were handed copies of "Tiffany's Table Manners for Teenagers." Then, the consultants talked about the importance of table manners, she recalls. "I orchestrated it all, and the message got through."

[More from WSJ.com: How to Get a Raise]

Another approach is to put the onus on you, says Ms. Trottenberg. She suggests saying something along the lines of: "I've been learning about communication and that the fillers we use can make us less effective when we speak. I'm working on eliminating key phrases like 'you know' and a few others, and it might be something you want to do, too. I realize more and more that when someone says 'to be honest,' it can sound like they weren't telling the truth before, so that's definitely one to eliminate."

You could then follow it up by asking your boss his or her thoughts on the subject. "That's clean communication that opens up a discussion for more specific feedback and won't put your manager on the defensive," says Ms. Trottenberg.

Write to Elizabeth Garone at cjeditor@dowjones.com

How To Craft A Successful Career Plan

Career experts share winning strategies that many workers overlook.

By Chris Kyle

Want to get ahead in your career?

Tired of treading water at work?

Looking for professional success?

To help you find your stride at work, we asked career experts to share their best tips on getting to the top.

Keep reading to learn more about successful strategies that many workers overlook...

Career Tip #1 - Slow Down

Instant messenger, iPhone, Twitter. These are tools to help us get what we want, whenever we want it.

As much as we'd like to tell you otherwise, a successful career plan isn't a quick click, tweet, or phone call away. It takes time and patience to develop the proper blueprint.

Deborah Brown-Volkman, a certified career coach in Long Island, New York, says that most people are speeding up in today's fast-paced world when they should be slowing down.

"Many people feel like they want something new and they want it now," Brown-Volkman says. "They hop. They go to a new job and it's no good so when a recruiter calls, they go to another new job."

Brown-Volkman tells clients that they need to take a step back and figure out their long-term vision.

In other words, slow down and take a deep breath. That's our first tip and it's also the first step to putting together a successful career strategy.

Career Tip #2 - Unmask Yourself

Curt Rosengren, a Seattle-based career coach and author of "101 Ways to Get Wild About Work," says that any successful strategy starts from within.

"If you look at the percentage of people who are truly engaged and happy with their work, the statistics are pretty meager," Rosengren says. "For too many people, getting up and going to work is putting on a mask. It's putting on a costume."

Rosengren tells his clients that their long-term success is tied to finding and pursuing their true talent.

"When you are trying to do something that isn't what you're naturally built to do, you may be able to do it well but you're not going to be able to sustain it for nearly as long," Rosengren says. "The quality of your experience is going to be significantly less than something that is in line with who you really are."

"Bottom line: you can never be anyone else half as well as you can be you," Rosengren says.

Career Tip #3 - Focus

In archery there's no way you can hit your target without focusing on it first.

Every other pursuit in life is the same, whether it's archery, accounting, or web design.

This is the stage where you need to focus, says Brown-Volkman. "You need to get clear on what you want."

"It involves some work and perspective and it's not always comfortable to look at yourself, but without having a destination or asking yourself what you want, your plan is not going to be effective."

Brown-Volkman says the number one mistake people make is skipping this step.

When identifying your goals, don't be afraid to get greedy. Think of it as a career wish list.

Already know what you want? Good. You're ready to move on to our next career tip...

Career Tip #4 - Start Planning

Once you understand where it is that you want to go, it's time to plan how to get there.

Rosengren says this may involve taking a class, reading a book, or asking friends and co-workers for advice.

For people experiencing financial hardship, Rosengren recommends pursuing a parallel track.

"I'm not a fan of saying that everything is daisies and tulips and sunshine when things are hard," Rosengren says. "But I'm also not a fan of saying that things are tough now so I have to focus 100 percent of my attention on how to get through this."

Rosengren tells clients to strike the right balance for their plan. "Maybe the vast majority of your time should be focused on getting that next paycheck and there is a percentage of time - maybe it's just 10 percent - that can you use to start moving in the direction that you want to go. That's okay."

Going back to school, whether it's part-time, at night or online, may be a good option for people who want to pursue a new career or promotion without giving up their day job.

Finding the right school or degree program involves the same tips we've talked about. Figure out what you want and then plan how to get there.

Career #5 - Go For It

Congratulations are in order! Yes, yes. We know. You're not at the finish line quite yet, but you've come a long way and there is reason to celebrate getting this far.

You figured out what you want and you put together a plan. Now you need to go for it.

"Here you need to talk to people and network," Brown-Volkman says. "Even if your goal is a promotion, you need to talk to your boss and your co-workers. Ask them how you are coming across. Find out what you need to differently."

If you're introverted or afraid, this step requires a leap of faith.

"Many people have a perception of what other people are going to say," she says. "That holds them back. Most people are their own worst critics."

Just keep in mind that the most important part of this last step is your commitment to seeing it through.

"Don't stop and don't give up," Brown-Volkman says. "Most people don't get what they want because they stop and a lot of times what stops them are their thoughts. But if you have a clear vision and a clear plan and you are implementing your plan on a regular basis, you will be successful and you will get what you want."

Things Your Coworkers Won't Say

"You're the most stressful part of my day."

While working in the IT department at a large telecommunications firm a few years back, Hayley Chalmers, 38, was tormented by a coworker who regularly left his cell phone at his desk while he was away — with the ringer volume jacked way up high. Three or four times a day, Chalmers and some four dozen annoyed colleagues were treated to a loud, digital rendition of Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's "Flight of the Bumblebee." After a few months Chalmers finally confronted her tormentor — to no avail. "He never apologized and just kept doing it," she recalls. "It was maddening."

Nearly 80% of American workers say they are stressed out by at least one aspect of their jobs — with about one in ten saying coworkers cause the most tension, according to a study conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Everest College. Those colleagues who talk too much, share too much personal information, gossip often or blame others for their failures are among the most stressful, says career coach Marc Dorio, who conducted an informal survey of employees during a management seminar. Despite all the agony they inflict, stress-inducing workers are rarely asked to change by their exasperated office mates — and that may be an expensive mistake: Stressed-out workers spend nearly 50% more on health care each year than their more-relaxed peers, according to a study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

"It's your fault I can't squeeze into my skinny jeans anymore."

Cupcakes for your coworker's birthday, cookies to celebrate an upcoming vacation, a crumb cake "just because" — all these thoughtful gestures may in fact be fueling resentment among some of your coworkers, says career coach David Couper, especially those trying to slim down. Almost half of workers say they have gained weight at their current jobs (up slightly from 2009), with nearly one in five citing "workplace celebrations" like birthdays or potlucks as major contributors to this weight gain, according to 2010 study by CareerBuilder.com. On top of that, 38% of workers say they eat more unhealthy snacks at the office than at home.

All that extra snacking, of course, can lead to serious health problems and higher medical costs. The average overweight person pays $346 more per year on medical-related costs than their healthier peers, according to a study from George Washington University. The average severely obese person pays an additional $1,566 each year.

"Stop being such a bully."

More than one in three people has been a victim of bullying in the workplace — from verbal abuse and intimidation to sabotage — according to a study conducted in 2010 by the Workplace Bullying Institute, a non-profit.

In most cases, the bully was a higher-ranking worker, but 28% of the time, it was someone at an equal or lower level. And often such harassment is inadvertent. For example, you may consider the teasing of a colleague good-natured, while it's actually making him or her uncomfortable — not that you'd necessarily know it, says career coach David Couper. Just like at the playground, "people are scared of the consequences of calling a bully out."

If it gets bad enough, it may cost a victim his job. More than 40% of women and 36% of men who had been the victim of bullying said they left their jobs because of it, a 2010 study by the Workplace Bullying Institute found. And that may be the best possible outcome. Workplace bullying can lead to "excessive and prolonged stress," which contributes to a host of health problems, including both physical health issues like heart disease and irritable bowel syndrome, as well as mental health issues like depression and anxiety, says Dr. Joseph Cilona, a Manhattan psychologist. Treatment for depression, for example, can cost as much as $1,000 or more per month for counseling and medication, he says, and many insurance plans limit the number of therapy sessions per year.

"I hate you because you make more than me."

Workers with lower salaries like their higher-paid colleagues significantly less than those who make about the same (or less), according to a study published by the National Bureau of Economic Research. In fact, due to the level of the lower-paid employees' dissatisfaction with pay discrepancies, the researchers note that "employers have a strong incentive to impose pay secrecy rules." "People get really resentful when they find something like this out," says Couper. "Sometimes they feel like this even if they just sense that someone is getting paid more or receives a bonus of bigger pay raise."

Sharing paycheck details isn't common among coworkers. While 83% of workers say they're comfortable sharing how much they make with someone in their lives (usually their spouse or significant other), just 15% would do it with coworkers at their level, according to a 2010 Glassdoor.com survey. But some groups are more candid. "The millennial generation is more open about salaries than older generations," Couper reveals. Furthermore, employees in the West are twice as likely as employees in the South to share salary information with coworkers at the same level, and those that make more money are more apt to discuss the payday details, according to the survey.

"We trash you behind your back."

You'd probably prefer no one ever mentioned your alcohol-fueled dance-a-thon at the holiday party or the botched presentation in front of your boss' boss. Not likely. Office gossip is "very prevalent" and spreads even quicker these days due to IM and email, says Bettina Seidman, president of career coaching firm SEIDBET Associates. Such workplace chatter is primarily negative and happens in formal and informal settings, from scheduled meetings to the break room, according to a 2009 study published in the Journal of Contemporary Ethnography. Furthermore, 28% of employees in offices without a consistent method of communicating news (like regular staff meetings) rely on gossip as their first source for information, according to a study by office supply manufacturer Steelcase. And that all means that all those untruths your coworkers might be spreading about you can be especially harmful these days, affecting how others in the office view you both personally and professionally, says Seidman.

Jobs For People Who Want To Make An Impact

See great-paying career options for ambitious people who want to make a difference.

By Chris Kyle

Want a career that lets you make an impact...without going broke?

There's nothing wrong with wanting to get paid to make a difference.

Having a career that lets you help others is one way to have an impact. Being in a position to make significant changes is yet another possibility. So is working in management.

As you can see, there are many ways to channel your ambition and make a difference, so finding the right career may depend on what suits you and your personality best.

[Want to make an impact? Find schools now.]

With that in mind, check out our list of careers that pay you to make a difference...then see how you can get the job.

Career #1 - Marketing Manager

Want to make an impact in the business world? Marketing managers promote their product to the public and the results have a profound effect on a company's bottom line, making them critical, game-changing players.

Education: Studying marketing or business administration is the best way to get started, but often a bachelor's degree isn't enough. To break into management, many people earn an MBA as well.

Salary: $120,070

[Search for Marketing and Business degree programs]

Career #2 - Paralegal

In the legal world, the difference between winning and losing usually happens long before a case goes to trial and more often than not there's a paralegal who is a pivotal player in that process. Working alongside lawyers, paralegals have a huge behind-the-scenes role, analyzing cases and researching and interviewing witnesses.

Education: An associate's degree in paralegal studies can prepare you to become a paralegal. If you already have a degree, you can earn a certificate in paralegal studies in as little as six months.

Salary: $50,080

[Find Paralegal schools near you]

Career #3 - Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

CPAs are among the very few people who actually understand the tax code, let alone the new federal banking regulations that Congress just passed. And unlike unlicensed accountants, CPAs can file reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), making them an influential ally of public companies registered with the SEC.

Education: The road to becoming a CPA varies, depending upon the state in which you practice, but the minimum requirement is generally a bachelor's degree in an area like accounting or finance.

Salary: $48,468 - $73,440

[Search for Accounting degree programs now]

Career #4 - HR Manager

HR managers are the gatekeepers to companies large and small. Not only do HR managers actively work to recruit and retain the best workers, their efforts have a huge impact in shaping a company's culture.

Education: Going to business school is a good investment for aspiring HR managers. A bachelor's degree is required and many managers also have an MBA.

Salary: $105,510

[Find Business schools now]

Career #5 - Computer Programmer

As a computer programmer, your co-workers might not fully understand what you do for a living, but they do understand that you're an invaluable part of today's digital world. Using computer languages like C++ and Python, programmers write the code that powers ideas to life.

Education: To attract employers, you'll want to demonstrate your expertise with a technology-related degree, whether it's an associate's or bachelor's. Certificate programs are another great resumé builder.

Salary: $74,690

[Find Technology degree programs]

Career #6 - K-12 Teacher

When talking about making an impact, it's impossible to overstate the difference teachers make in the lives of their students. By simply doing your job, you'll be reaching the next generation and helping map their futures.

Education: You'll need a bachelor's degree and your teacher certification. Earning a master's degree can also help.

Salary:
Elementary School Teachers: $53,150
Middle School Teachers: $53,550
Secondary School Teachers: $55,150

[Search for Teaching programs]

Career #7 - Database Administrator

Unlike in the past, finding information isn't the problem these days. The tough part is figuring out how to sort and make sense of it all. Enter database administrators, who are often charged with safeguarding data from hackers and computer meltdowns.

Education: Employers want to hire database administrators who have a bachelor's degree in an area like information systems or database technology. Earning a master's degree can increase your opportunities.

Salary: $74,290

[Find IT training programs]

*Average salaries come from the U.S. Department of Labor, using 2009 median salary information, except CPA, which comes from January 2011 salary data from PayScale.com.

18 Common Work E-mail Mistakes

Most of us rely on e-mail as one of our primary communication tools. And given the number of messages we send and receive, we do it with remarkable success.

But as with anything, the more e-mails we send, the more likely we are to screw one up. And simple e-mail mistakes can be disastrous. They can cost us a raise, promotion--even a job.

With a new year upon us, this is the perfect time to go through some of the worst e-mail mistakes employees make and how to avoid them.

1. Sending before you mean to. Enter the recipient's e-mail address only when your e-mail is ready to be sent. This helps reduce the risk of an embarrassing misfire, such as sending an important e-mail to the wrong person or e-mailing a half-written note.

[See 9 Little-Known Ways to Damage Your Reputation at Work.]

2. Forgetting the attachment. If your e-mail includes an attachment, upload the file to the e-mail before composing it. This eliminates the embarrassing mistake of forgetting it before hitting "send," and having to send another e-mail saying you forgot to attach the document.

3. Expecting an instant response. Don't send an e-mail and show up at the recipient's desk 30 seconds later asking if they've received it. They did, and they'll answer at their convenience. That's the point of e-mail.

4. Forwarding useless e-mails. I've never seen a single e-mail forward at work that was beneficial. Whether it's a silly joke or a heartwarming charity, there's never a time to share an e-mail forward using your work e-mail.

5. Not reviewing all new messages before replying. When you return to the office after a week or more away, review all new e-mails before firing off responses. It might be hard to accept, but odds are, things did march on without you. Replying to something that was already handled by a co-worker creates extra communication, which can lead to confusion, errors, and at the very least, wasted time for everyone involved.

6. Omitting recipients when you "reply all." Unless there's an important reason to omit someone, don't arbitrarily leave people off the response if they were included on the original message.

7. Including your e-mail signature again and again. Nor do you need to include it at the end of an e-mail you send to your long-time co-worker who sits six feet away. If you have your e-mail program set to automatically generate a signature with each new message, take a second to delete it when communicating with someone who knows who you are. It's always wise to include your phone number, but the entire blurb with your title and mailing address is often nothing but clutter.

8. Composing the note too quickly. Don't be careless; write every e-mail as if it will be read at Saint Peter's Square during the blessing of a new Pope. Be respectful with your words and take pride in every communication.

9. Violating your company's e-mail policy. Many companies have aggressive spam filters in place that monitor "blue" language. From that famous four-letter word to simple terms, such as "job search," don't end up tripping the system by letting your guard down.

10. Failing to include basic greetings. Simple pleasantries do the trick. Say "hi" at the start of the message and "thanks" at the end. Be sure to use the recipient's name. Be polite yet brief with your courtesy.

11. E-mailing when you're angry. Don't do it. Ever. Recall buttons are far from a perfect science, and sending a business e-mail tainted by emotion is often a catastrophic mistake. It sounds cliche, but sleep on it. Save the message as a draft and see if you still want to send it the next morning.

[See Don't Make These Interview Mistakes.]

12. Underestimating the importance of the subject line. The subject line is your headline. Make it interesting, and you'll increase the odds of getting the recipient's attention. Our inboxes are cluttered; you need to be creative and direct to help the recipient cut through the noise. You should consistently use meaningful and descriptive subject lines. This will help your colleagues determine what you're writing about and build your "inbox street cred," which means important messages are more likely to be read.

13. Using incorrect subject lines. Change the subject line if you're changing the topic of conversation. Better yet, start a new e-mail thread.

14. Sending the wrong attachment. If you double-check an attachment immediately before sending and decide that you need to make changes, don't forget to update the source file. Making corrections to the version that's attached to the e-mail does not often work, and it can lead to different versions of the same doc floating around.

15. Not putting an e-mail in context. Even if you were talking to someone an hour ago about something, remind them in the e-mail why you're writing. In this multi-tasking world of ours, it's easy for even the sharpest minds to forget what's going on.

16. Using BCC too often. Use BCC (blind carbon copy) sparingly. Even though it's supposed to be a secret, it rarely is. Burn someone once, and they'll never trust you again. Likewise, forwarding e-mail is a great way to destroy your credibility. When people send you something, they aren't expecting you to pass it on to your co-workers. The e-mail might make its way back to the sender, who will see that their original message was shared. They might not call you out on it, but they'll make a mental note that you can't be trusted.

[For more career advice, visit U.S. News Careers, or find us on Facebook or Twitter.]

17. Relying too much on e-mail. News flash! No one is sitting around staring at their inbox waiting for your e-mail. If something is urgent, use another means of communication. A red "rush" exclamation point doesn't compare to getting up from your desk and conducting business in person.

18. Hitting "reply all" unintentionally. This is a biggie. And it's not just embarrassing; depending on what you wrote in that e-mail, it can ruin your relationship with a co-worker or even your boss. Take extra care whenever you respond so you don't hit this fatal button.

Now it's time to fess up: Are you guilty of any of these common work e-mail mistakes? Any you'd like to add to the list?

Andrew G. Rosen is the founder and editor of Jobacle.com, a career advice blog. He is also the author of How to Quit Your Job.

Number of illegal immigrants in US now declining

AP – FILE - This file photo taken July 28, 2010, shows a group of illegal immigrants waiting in line while …

By HOPE YEN, Associated Press Writer Hope Yen, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON – The number of illegal immigrants living in the U.S. has dropped for the first time in two decades — decreasing by 8 percent since 2007, a new study finds. The reasons range from the sour economy to Mexican violence and increased U.S. enforcement that has made it harder to sneak across the border.

Much of the decline comes from a sharp drop-off in illegal immigrants from the Caribbean, Central America and South America attempting to cross the southern border of the U.S., according to the Pew Hispanic Center, which based its report on an analysis of 2009 census data.

The findings come amid bitter debate over Arizona's strict new immigration law, which was passed earlier this year but is on hold for now as it is challenged in federal court. The Obama administration contends the state law usurps federal authority and promotes racial profiling, while Arizona leaders say states are justified to step in if federal enforcement falls substantially short.

The study released Wednesday estimates that 11.1 million illegal immigrants lived in the U.S. in 2009. That represents a decrease of roughly 1 million, or 8 percent, from a peak of 12 million in 2007.

The study puts the number of illegal immigrants down to about where it was in 2005. They still make up roughly 4 percent of the U.S. population.

The Homeland Security Department's own estimate of illegal immigrants is slightly lower, at 10.8 million. The government uses a different census survey that makes some year-to-year comparisons difficult.

An increase in unauthorized immigrants leaving the U.S., by deportation or for economic reasons, may have played a factor in the falling number.

In recent years, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has deported an increasing number of illegal immigrants, reaching a high last year of more than 389,000 people, according to government figures.

States in the Southeast and Southwest saw some of the biggest declines in the number of illegal immigrants from 2008 to 2009, including Florida, Nevada and Virginia. Arizona saw a decrease, but it was too small to be statistically significant.

It's hard to figure out how much of the decline to attribute to the bad economy and how much to federal immigration enforcement, said Jeffrey Passel, a senior demographer at Pew who co-wrote the analysis.

"They're certainly acting together," he said. Passel said illegal immigrants now find it more expensive and dangerous to cross into the U.S. and also have less incentive to do so given the languishing job market in construction and other low-wage industries.

The Pew analysis found the sharpest decline — 22 percent — among illegal immigrants from Latin American countries other than Mexico. This may reflect a lesser-known aspect of the immigration debate that broke into the news again last week when the bodies of 72 Central and South American migrants were found in a cartel stronghold in northern Mexico: Thousands of non-Mexicans go missing on their way to the United States, falling victim to demands that they pay impossible ransoms to criminal gangs that control access to the U.S. border.

"While people are arguing the government is not stopping illegal immigration, our data suggests the flow of undocumented immigrants sneaking into the country has dropped dramatically," Passel said.

The estimates by Pew will add to the political back-and-forth on immigration reform.

President Barack Obama, who is challenging the Arizona law, has pledged to push an overhaul of federal immigration law but has declined to set a timeline.

After the passage of Arizona's immigration law, more than a dozen states were considering similar legislation or have issued legal opinions aimed at strengthening immigration enforcement. They include Florida, Virginia, South Carolina and Utah.

Boosted by immigration and high numbers of births among Latinos, minorities now make up roughly half the children born in the U.S., part of a historic trend in which they are projected to become the majority of Americans by mid-century. Roughly one in four counties currently have more minority children than white children or are nearing that point.

Still, the Census Bureau has made clear that projected minority growth — particularly among Hispanics — could change substantially depending on immigration policies and the economy.

Other Pew findings:

_The states with the highest percentage of illegal immigrants were California (6.9 percent), Nevada (6.8 percent), Texas (6.5 percent) and Arizona (5.8 percent). The numbers are expected to play an important factor in whether those states lose or gain fewer U.S. House seats than expected after the 2010 census.

_Illegal immigrants make up about 28 percent of the foreign-born population in the U.S., down from 31 percent in 2007.

_The unemployment rate for illegal immigrants in March 2009 was 10.4 percent — higher than that of U.S.-born workers or legal immigrants, who had unemployment of 9.2 percent and 9.1 percent, respectively.

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, an outspoken advocate of welcoming more immigrants to the U.S., said he was not surprised by the study's findings.

"It exemplifies what I've been saying all along," Bloomberg told reporters. "Not totally, but generally, people come here from around the world — whether they come here legally or illegally — to work, to build a better life for themselves and for their families. And when our economy is down, it's just tougher to get a job."

The Pew analysis is based on census data through March 2009. Because the Census Bureau does not ask people about their immigration status, the estimate on illegal immigrants is derived largely by subtracting the estimated legal immigrant population from the total foreign-born population. It is a method that has been used by the government and Pew for many years and is generally accepted.

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Associated Press writer Sara Kugler Frazier in New York contributed to this report.

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Online:

Pew Hispanic Center: http://pewhispanic.org/

Meet The YouTube Stars Making $100,000 Plus Per Year

Provided by the Business Insider, August 19, 2010:

There are 10 independent YouTube stars who made over $100,000 in the past year, according to a study done by analytics and advertising company TubeMogul.

From July 2009 to July 2010, TubeMogul used their viewership data to estimate the annual income for independent YouTube partners, which they define as anyone who is not part of a media company or brand.

Here's how they got their estimates:

* Revenue only comes from banner ads served near content (we ignored pre-roll or overlay since we can't easily isolate by publisher).
* Since YouTube banner ads have a two-second load delay, we estimate 2.59% of viewers click away before an ad loads based on separate research.
* Ads were served near all videos that loaded (since there are partners, this is generally true).
* CPM for the banner ads was $1.50 (Google auctions a lot of this inventory off; we rounded this 2009 estimate down to be conservative).
* YouTube is splitting ad revenue with partners 50-50.

Basically, take their views from the past year, assume a few don't stick around long enough for an ad to load, divide that number by 1,000, multiply by $1.50 and divide that number in half.

Conservative estimates? Sure. But with that math, you get a pretty decent estimate of how much these YouTube celebrities are making from just the banner ads on their channel. So, without further ado, here are the highest earning YouTube stars!

1. Shane Dawson – $315,000

Shane Dawson is so popular that he is three different YouTube channels. His most popular channel consists of his comedy skits and music video parodies. Dawson created a second channel as a vlog and for a separate series called "Ask Shane," and his third channel only has videos taken from his iPhone.

July 2009 - 2010 Views: 431,787,450

2. The Annoying Orange – $288,000

The Annoying Orange is a comedy web series that takes place in a kitchen and is about talking fruit. Dane Boedigheimer is the mastermind behind the series and is also the voice of Orange.

July 2009 - 2010 Views: 349,753,047

3. Philip DeFranco – $181,000

Philip DeFranco uploads a new video onto YouTube every Monday to Thursday for his show – The Philip DeFranco Show. His video blogging topics range from politics to pop culture.

July 2009 - 2010 Views: 248,735,032

4. Ryan Higa – $151,000

Ryan Higa makes comedy skits and is a video blogger who turned into a viral star with his "How to be Gangster" and "How to be Ninja" videos. Even though he doesn't upload as many videos as his fellow YouTube celebrities, Higa is still the top dog at YouTube with over 2.6 million subscribers.
July 2009 - 2010 Views: 206,979,909

5. Fred – $146,000

Lucas Cruikshank plays "a lonely six year old named Fred" who uses his mom's video camera and posts videos on a YouTube channel. As the second most subscribed to YouTube channel, Lucas Cruikshank's immensely popular Fred character even has a movie coming out backed by Nickelodeon.

July 2009 - 2010 Views: 200,656,150

6. Shay Carl – $140,000

As a radio DJ, Shay Carl started making comedy skits and put them on YouTube for the world to see. He claims to have held 20 different jobs before settling down with his DJ and YouTube gigs.

July 2009 - 2010 Views: 192,309,247

7. Mediocre Films – $116,000

Greg Benson created Mediocre Films initially for a sketchy comedy TV series called "Skip TV." The show lasted for one season, and now Benson makes low budget comedy videos for the web.

July 2009 - 2010 Views: 159,030,703

8. Smosh – $113,000

Smosh is the comedy duo of Ian Hecox and Anthony Padilla, and with over 1.7 million subscribers, they make up the 5th most popular channel on YouTube. They first shot to viral fame with their "Pokemon Theme Music Video" which became YouTube's most viewed video in Spring 2006. However, due to copyright reasons, the original video was removed from YouTube.

July 2009 - 2010 Views: 154,936,876

9. The Young Turks – $112,000

The Young Turks is a political talk show that also airs on Sirius Satellite Radio. Founded and hosted by Cenk Uygur, The Young Turks talk show and their vast viewership has proven that the Internet can be a viable broadcast platform.
July 2009 - 2010 Views: 153,807,362

10. Natalie Tran– $101,000

Under the user name of communitychannel, Natalie Tran is the most subscribed to YouTube user in Australia. Like most others on this list, she is a video blogger and occasionally uploads comedy skits.

July 2009 - 2010 Views: 138,871,829

Official: 9 killed in Conn. warehouse shooting

MANCHESTER, Conn. – A warehouse driver who was asked to resign his job at a beer distributor went on a shooting rampage Tuesday morning that left nine people dead, including himself, and others wounded, company and state officials said.

The number of dead was confirmed by a Connecticut government official who was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.

Authorities were notifying victims' relatives before confirming the number of deaths, state police Lt. J. Paul Vance said.

The driver had worked at the distributor for a couple of years and been called in for a disciplinary hearing, said John Hollis of the Connecticut Teamsters, who was with company officials at the scene of the shooting.

Hollis would not say why the driver was being disciplined.

About 50 to 70 people were in the warehouse during a shift change when the gunman opened fire, said Brett Hollander, the director of marketing at Hartford Distributors. Adding to the chaos was a fire at the warehouse, about 10 miles east of Hartford, that has been put out.

Hollander, whose family owns the distributor, said he did not know the driver well.

At least one person died at Hartford Hospital, spokeswoman Michaela Donnelly said. Another victim taken there was in critical condition, and one was in fair condition, she said.

Among the victims was Hollander's cousin, a vice president at the company who was shot in the arm and the face. Hollander said he thought his cousin would be OK. It was not clear if he was among the victims taken to Hartford Hospital.

Police officers from numerous agencies and police and fire vehicles surrounded the warehouse, on a tree-lined road in an industrial park just west of a shopping mall. A SWAT team with a police dog was walking around the property a couple of hours after the 7 a.m. shooting.

Families of workers gathered at the town high school to wait for information and comfort each other.

In a statement, Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell offered condolences to the victims' families and co-workers.

"We are all left asking the same questions: How could someone do this? Why did they do this?" she said.

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Associated Press writers Susan Haigh and Dave Collins in Hartford, Conn.; John Christoffersen in New Haven, Conn.; and Michelle R. Smith in Providence, R.I., contributed to this report.

12 Hot Careers and How Much They Pay

Both veteran and greenhorn workers are forced to keep up with these changes--or risk being left without a job. Based on expected growth and the number of anticipated job openings from the U.S. Department of Labor, here are 12 hot careers and how much they pay on average.

Business and Finance

Accountants and Auditors: $67,430
Accountants and auditors examine, analyze, interpret, and prepare accounting records and can work in a variety of settings. The anticipated employment growth indicates that each year 49,750 jobs will be available, with a 30 percent increase in total positions.

Financial Examiners: $70,930
Financial examiners ensure and enforce compliance with laws and regulations pertaining to financial, securities, and real estate transactions. With increased awareness of fraud and the need for regulatory compliance, financial examiners are set for an estimated 41 percent increase in total employment, with over 38,000 positions by 2018.

Personal Financial Advisors: $68,200
Personal financial advisors assist clients by determining and preparing to meet each client's financial goals, including investment strategies and retirement planning. This field can expect to see a 30 percent increase in employment, with over 60,000 positions being created in the next eight years.

General and Operations Managers: $91,570
General and operations managers are responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating the operations of public and private companies. While the employment growth is expected to be low, the yearly outlook is good, providing 50,220 job openings.

Management Analysts: $84,650
Management analysts study, evaluate, and implement procedures and policies to help management perform efficiently and effectively. Because management analysts can help companies operate more efficiently (and therefore become more cost effective), this position is in demand and should see a 24 percent increase in employment, with 30,650 job openings.

Education

Elementary School Teachers: $32,453 - $49,919
Qualified elementary school teachers are in demand for both public and private school settings. Initiatives in certain geographical locations have actually produced a temporary surplus of teachers; however, the overall employment trends for elementary school teachers will increase 16 percent, with an expected 59,650 job openings.

Post-Secondary Teachers: $53,150
Post-secondary teachers work in educational institutions such as vocational schools, academies, community colleges, and universities, and often perform a combination of both teaching and research. Job growth is expected to increase by 15 percent, with 55,290 jobs being available.

Health Care

Registered Nurses: $66,530
Registered nurses are vital to the success of the health care system and often provide the most direct patient care. Due to health care worker shortages, registered nurses are, and should continue to be, in high demand, with an estimated 103,900 job openings in the next eight years.

Physician's Assistants: $84.830
Physician's assistants provide health care services similar to those provided by physicians, while under a physician's supervision. The demand for physician's assistants has increased with an attempt to provide timelier, cost-effective patient care. The projected job growth indicates a 39 percent increase in positions, with estimated openings in the 104,000 range by 2018.

Medical Scientists: $84,760
Medical scientists work in a variety of settings, applying engineering, biology, and biomechanical principles towards the research and development of health systems and products. Medical scientists can expect to see a 40 percent increase in employment, with 40,000 additional job openings on the way.

Technology

Network Systems and Data Communications Specialists: $76,560
While many technology positions have been moved offshore, there should still be a demand for network systems and data communications specialists. These workers, who analyze, design, test, and evaluate network systems, can expect a 53 percent increase in job numbers, with close to 450,000 openings by 2018.

Transportation

Truck Drivers: Heavy and Tractor Trailer: $39,260
Truck drivers transport and deliver goods while driving a tractor-trailer or other truck with a gross vehicle weight of at least 26,000 pounds. This field already employs approximately 1.8 million people, and job growth is expected to reach 13 percent, with 55,460 jobs available each year.

The Bottom Line
Changes in consumer and employer needs create a continuously evolving job market. Staying on top of current trends and gaining the necessary schooling and/or experience can help workers ensure not only that they will be able to secure a job when the time comes, but also that their career choice will enjoy some longevity.

5 Tricks to Manage Your Manager

When the job market falters, many employees try to stay below the boss's radar for fear they might be next on the chopping block. However, it's far wiser to take the opposite approach. Now more than ever, it's important to be noticed (though for the right reasons, of course), explains Tina Chen, a director of permanent and temporary staffing firm Carlisle Staffing in Illinois.

"When companies trim staff, they will save the people who stand out because they manage their managers well," says Chen. "There are also more temporary workers now who could manage upward to get hired."

So instead of being the good-enough team member the boss has trouble remembering, use these tricks to become noticed and indispensable.

1. Understand your boss
"Managing upward requires empathy," says Aaron Nurick, professor of management and psychology at Bentley University in Waltham, Mass. Nurick believes that the key to success is being able to see the world from your manager's perspective.

Instead of becoming frustrated by the boss, observe her work style and communication preferences, and then adapt. You may be flooding the boss with emails while she finds it easier to speak via phone. Subtle adjustments on your part will make her job easier--which makes you look better.

You should also read your manager's reactions to the way you present information, says Nurick. For example, you may work for someone who loves numbers and has little patience for more abstract thinking. In that case, try presenting your boss with a quantitative analysis first, and then succinctly explain its impact. Notice, too, if your boss prefers being asked questions or given answers. Decide if you should cut to the chase or soften your opinion by adding, "Would you agree?"

2. Stay three steps ahead
Staffing expert Chen says that dealing with a boss can be like a game of chess. "Always stay three steps ahead of your opponent, and take the lead," she advises. Employees who anticipate their boss's needs before they arise will be seen as leaders and problem solvers.

Once you understand and start to think like your boss, you'll be in a better position to take initiative. Let's say, says Chen, you're asked to find a person's contact information because your boss is working on an insurance policy renewal. Respond by saying, "Yes I have his information, and would you like me to follow up with him regarding the renewal?"

"For every action there's a reaction and then another action to follow," Chen explains. In other words, anticipate additional questions or requests and handle them before you're asked.

3. Be the better half
Become indispensable by learning your manager's weaknesses and complimenting them with your strengths. Perhaps your boss is a brilliant visionary but impossibly disorganized. Rather than griping about how difficult she is to work with, make up for what she lacks by taking on the role of organizer. Suggest deadlines, remind her of appointments, and follow up on items she's forgotten. Not only will you have gained your boss's trust, you'll become the most valued member of her team.

4. Don't be afraid to speak up
Career expert and coauthor of Crucial Conversations Kerry Patterson says most employees are afraid to approach their managers about issues with their work style. In a survey he conducted, 50 percent of employees said they'd left a company because of a disagreeable boss, but only one in five had spoken with the boss about their concerns.

Patterson says the most common frustrations that employees face are micromanaging bosses and absentee bosses. Yet they rarely speak up. "People think it's risky to address these problems, but if it's handled professionally, it increases your boss's opinion of you," he says.

When initiating a tough conversation, Patterson suggests that you offer an example of a specific behavior, explain how it made you feel, and then ask for the manager's perspective.

Here's an example of what you might say: "Last week you checked in three times on a routine project. It made me feel as if you didn't trust my ability to handle it. Is that the case?" This formula opens the door to an honest conversation without the manager feeling attacked. Patterson emphasizes that it's important to point out specific behaviors and not characteristics of your manager, so that he doesn't take offense.

5. Ask for more responsibility
If you want to ensure a path to the top, Chen says you should make an impression with the even higher-ups--your manager's managers. Allow yourself to shine but don't overstep your boundaries, she warns. Your immediate boss controls your projects and promotions, so you need to maintain his trust.

A great way to gain an audience with company leaders is to ask for more responsibility. Identify a big project that you're confident you can handle, and then pour yourself into it to show what you can do. Another handy trick: Offer to head up an initiative. Maybe you become the resident expert on new software or organize a company event. Suddenly, people come to you with questions and view you as a leader.

Ultimately, make yourself valuable. Not only will you receive respect, but you may be in line for a raise.

9 Careers on the Way Out

Some careers have simply faded away over the past 10 years. In most cases, advances in technology eliminated the need for certain jobs. Americans are also more focused on conservation. Here are a few jobs that are being phased out; hopefully your career isn't on this list!

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1. Bank Tellers

While the need for banking services has increased, services traditionally performed by tellers (receiving and dispensing cash, depositing money, etc.) is now performed electronically. The use of ATMs and online banking continues to increase. Tellers are only needed for complex transactions.


2. File Clerks

Even the most paper intensive organizations have decreased their use of paper files. Imaging, electronic forms and careful attention to process efficiency reduced the need to maintain paper files. One of the biggest threats to the file clerk occupation is the push toward environmental sustainability (preserving trees by using less paper). The new "file clerk" is a Database Report Writer who knows how to run database queries.

3. Telephone Operators

Even the smallest company can now use sophisticated telephone systems that allow callers to select their own options for needed information. Callers simply listen to pre-recorded telephone directory names and select the person they want to talk to. Voicemail, email and even texting have become preferred forms of communication in addition to traditional telephone conversations.

4. Data Entry Clerks

There is no doubt the amount of data generated over the past decade has swelled. But it was all electronic to begin with, so there's no need to hire a person to copy it from other sources. The ability to integrate systems and make various systems exchange date automatically also reduced the need to for a person to translate or manipulate data.

5. Mail Clerks

Yes, there is still plenty of mail, only it's electronic, so the need for people to sort and distribute paper mail has decreased. Also, bar code readers sort mail and pre-printed postage eliminates the need for weighing and applying postage stickers. Today's mail clerks have new tools to allow more work to be done with fewer people. (Not all careers are ho-hum. These 10 have a very high percentage of happy employees.

6. Photo Processors

With the prevalence of digital photography, the need for photo processing has greatly diminished. Even people who still choose to print their photos use self-service kiosks. Photo processors who used to run machines in retail stores, as well as in processing centers, are becoming obsolete.

7. Travel Agents

The internet now makes it possible for the public to schedule their own trips. While there are still many travel agents, incentives once offered by airlines, hotels and car rental companies make the occupation less profitable. Today's travel agents often book long or complicated trips, while the weekend getaway or quick business travel is scheduled individually online.

8. Watch Salesperson

Who needs a watch when your cell phone tells you what time it is 24/7? Everything around you shows the time - most electronic devices have a clock. Even billboards show the current time. Watches and watch salespersons are becoming a thing of the past.

9. Video Store Clerk

Remember the video store? Clerks collected returned video tapes and checked them in. They used to stick the tapes in a re-winder then pluck them back in their cases. Even DVDs are being upstaged by online movie viewing and cable companies with user-selected movies. You can now even watch movies on your video game console. Traditional video stores are going away, and so is the need for workers.

The Bottom Line

The past decade ushered in job market changes that closed out old careers and started new ones. In many cases, the processes performed in old jobs were replaced technology, but in some cases, the processes simply went away. One thing is for sure, there will always be change. The unemployment rate may be high, but that doesn't mean you need to sit on the sidelines.