Stay on Course
Watch Your Assumptions About Job Loss
Wed, 04/13/2011 - 15:25 — Patty
Norman Jameson
Religious Herald
I received an email prayer request from a friend whose daughter lost her job. Tough times loom for her, but much of his request was that God would use this trauma to illuminate her need to trust Jesus Christ for her salvation.
I paused to pray for the woman and as I did I realized that my words illustrated my insulation from the truly dire circumstances of those who balance on the edge of fiscal viability.
Laid off workers discriminated against for being unemployed
Thu, 10/21/2010 - 14:38 — PattyPatty Edwards Shaver
MCV Career Development Facilitator
Recently I read an article at CNN Money called, “Looking for work? Unemployed need not apply,” by Chris Isidore, and it was then that I realized why so many laid off workers have been unemployed for so long - many close to two years. Employers are discriminating against candidates because they are unemployed. You would think that the recession and current job market would explain why so many of these workers are unemployed and that these employers would ‘get it.’ According to Lisa Chenofsky Singer, HR Consultant, “They think you must have been laid off for performance issues.”
At Will Employment Jeopardizes Employee Happiness
Mon, 03/22/2010 - 14:03 — PattyBy Dave Shaver
D.A. Shaver Web Design
At will employment means that the employee serves at the employers convenience and can be fired at any time. The problem with “At will employment” is that job security is a necessary component of employee happiness. In order to be happy employees must feel that they are in control of their future. Employees must feel that their actions control their future with the company. This is surprisingly absent in many cases. Without a doubt if employees see co-workers fired on the spot or treated unfairly this will ruin their job security and thus their happiness.
Long-term jobless fight rejection, fear, despair
Sun, 02/07/2010 - 21:09 — Patty
By SUE STOCK
News & Observer, Staff Writer
Dennis Shaver has been looking for a job for 17 months.
His wife, Patty Edwards Shaver, has been out of work for a year.
In eight weeks, the unemployment checks that have been helping to pay their mortgage will stop coming.
The Shavers, who live in North Raleigh, are among the 2.3 million people nationwide who have been out of work for more than a year. In North Carolina that figure stands at 88,000.
The long-term jobless are blue- and white-collar workers. They come from all age groups, income levels and ethnicities. And with the state's unemployment rate at a 30-year high of 11.2 percent, their numbers are growing.
R&B singer and disability advocate, Teddy Pendergrass dies
Fri, 01/15/2010 - 20:57 — Patty
By Patty Edwards Shaver
MCV Career Development Facilitator
Teddy Pendergrass, legendary Rhythm and Blues (R&B) singer and advocate for the disabled, died Jan.13 of colon cancer. Pendergrass had been hospitalized for several months after undergoing colon cancer surgery in May 2009. He was 59.
Pendergrass’ music career started to take off in the 70s. He was lead singer with Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes before embarking on a solo career in 1976. He quickly became an international superstar and sex symbol with popular hit records: Turn off the Lights, Close the Door and TKO. Pendergrass became the first black male singer in history to record five consecutive multi-platinum albums. He had several Grammy nominations, numerous awards, movie appearances, TV specials, sold out national and international concerts and endorsements.
Planning for retirement: Why you’ll need recurring income
Mon, 11/30/2009 - 08:01 — Patty
By Steve DeVane
SteveDeVane.com
For years, most people planning for retirement have heard about the wisdom of contributing to a 401(k) or similar plan. But as the financial crisis turned into a full-blown recession, everybody saw their investment accounts shrink.
Plans like the 401(k) let people contribute pre-tax dollars into an investment account that is expected to increase in value over time.
Facing Career Transition: Retooling for the Journey Ahead
Thu, 07/16/2009 - 16:18 — Patty
By Patty Edwards Shaver
For Jobs For Life
When Sara King of Raleigh, North Carolina, heard about the Jobs For Life program offered at Trinity Baptist Church in Raleigh, she thought it would be a good opportunity to improve her job search skills. She was in the midst of a career transition after moving from Virginia. The farm she owned and operated there was not generating enough income. She moved to Raleigh to be closer to family and because she believed Raleigh offered more job opportunities. The area in Virginia where King lived “was in a downward spiral,” she said. “It was economically deprived.”
Federal Help for Premiums Leaves Church Workers Stranded
Tue, 05/12/2009 - 18:11 — PattyBy Patty Edwards Shaver
Career Development Facilitator
Shortly after President Obama took office in January of this year, he announced the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) would provide COBRA premium assistance to workers who have been laid off since Sept. 1, 2008. Many of these workers may have felt relieved at the news of paying only 35 percent of the cost of health care insurance. Family health care plans typically cost more than $1,000 per month. That’s a lot of money to pay out, especially with little or no income coming in.
Are Church Employers Excluded from Unemployment Insurance?
Sat, 04/18/2009 - 21:36 — Patty
By Patty Edwards Shaver
Career Development Facilitator
With the nation experiencing the highest unemployment rate (8.7 percent; N.C. 10.9 percent) since 1983, Churches and non-profit organizations are facing financial challenges. Many are cutting budgets and salaries, freezing pay and cutting employee’s hours. Others are forced to lay off personnel and close their doors, which means 89 percent of these workers, nationally (NC 99%), may not be eligible for state unemployment benefits.
Religious organizations exempt
How to Make Work a Joy: The Great Makeover (Colossians 3:23-24)
Tue, 03/24/2009 - 15:04 — PattyBy Dr. Jeff Roberts
Senior Pastor, Trinity Baptist Church, Raleigh, NC
We all know the feeling of another Monday that brings with it challenges and opportunities. When I listen to you speak of your work, I am always intrigued. I have spent my adult life in a cocoon of sorts, because I work where I go to church. My work life is an extension of my church life; so it is true, I do not face some of the issues you face at the job. Even the most difficult person can find the energy to be nice for five minutes, when they come through the doors of the church.
