A Dying Trade or a Niche Opportunity? Become a Master Thatcher

At the forefront of conserving buildings of heritage for generations to come, thatching is an extremely important job that is carried out by small dedicated number of craftsmen around the country. Being up on a roof for eight to ten hours a day, completely at the mercy of the elements is certainly not suited to everyone. But those people who do it, and have a passion for it - often passed down through the generations, have a very different opinion. For them it's much more than just an occupation, and the work they do lives on as a reminder that some things truly are worth keeping.
As one might expect of a specialist industry such as this, thatching work tends to be more widely available in places where old buildings and heritage have played a significant role in the history of the area. Equally, due to the nature of thatching being a somewhat irregular affair that's only needed once every hundred years or so, work tends to be carried out by firms who also do carpentry work and other associated practical tasks.
Thatching is an interesting and fascinating skill to learn, but naturally, and as with any occupation, there are downsides. One being that thatchers have little or no protection from the elements and are often forced to work in conditions which are occasionally less than satisfactory, such as standing on top of a building exposed to high winds and heavy rain. On top of this there are endless splinters and blisters to contend with, and a certain hardiness is required in order to brave a full working day and everything it can throw at you.
Still, those wishing to pursue thatching as a career learn to love their job and make the most of the many and varied benefits: namely the satisfaction of knowing that their work will see the roof of a listed building live on for many more years to come. And there is far more to this job than merely laying the reeds on the roof's: before this can be done it needs to be cut down (in January and February), cleaned with a pitchfork and braided into individual bundles, before being hoisted up for use above ground.
So what makes a good thatcher? Well you should enjoy working with your hands and have a genuine interest in being a craftsman of time honoured trade. Manual dexterity, ability to work efficiently, ability to work at heights and a love of the outdoors would also be beneficial.
So where to begin if you do choose this? Well, first of all (most companies being in the UK) you'd want to find out who does the thatching in your area and ask if there are any openings as a apprentice. Generally apprentices are taken on at an early age and an employer would favour candidates with carpentry skills. Don't expect to find jobs posted online or in the newspapers: thatching is a closed-community, and those who succeed in becoming apprentices usually possess an ability to be self-motivated and are quite capable of thinking on their feet. There are also some courses available in the UK, although these are few and far between.
As an apprentice you will have to prove yourself by doing a lot of the manual work such as carrying materials and cleaning before being given a chance to learn the trade. As for what happens next, that's entirely up to you. After doing an apprenticeship, many thatchers choose to open their own business which can prove to be very lucrative; equally, though, success can be had working for one of the few established companies, eventually leading to a senior position.
The last thing you need to remember about thatching is that it's a love-over-money occupation, meaning many choose thatching as a lifestyle rather than a way to a fast buck. If your serious about finding an interesting career in this niche traditional industry then get in touch with National society of Master Thatchers to find firms in your area.

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Career in Finance: What to Look For

After you graduate, the next step is to look for a stable job so that you can have a bright future. However, this is not an easy thing to do since there are several people, like you, are also searching for a job. If you are competent enough, you will surely find one that will best suit your degree and your chosen profession.
A career in finance is one of the most sought after job all over the world, especially those who have a degree related to this kind of field. There are several various firms that you can work for after your graduation. This is the main reason why you need to do a thorough research to discover some of the careers of the industry that catch your attention.
To give you a suggestion, some of the careers that you can have are sales and trading, private equity, investment banking, financial planning, corporate finance, commercial lending and commercial banking. If you do some thorough research in each category, it will be easy for you to extend your abilities that are needed to stand out in this field in the future.
A career in finance can take place if you have a degree in statistics, economics and math. However, since the market is extremely aggressive, you have to make yourself excel by gaining an MBA course afterward. You do not have to obtain one after several years of work because there are some people who are still studying even if they are old.
Aside from this, it is good to read some journals and join some seminars or become a member of a specialized association. You also need to be well informed of the newest developments and upsurge your set of connections because someone you know may find you a particular job you are looking for. On the other hand, for those who do not have any idea at all on what career in finance to practice, you can ask your professor or other people that have knowledge in this matter.
Definitely, they can tell you what sort of job is very much associated to your degree. If you know exactly what you are looking for, then this is the time to search for companies that will give you an appropriate work. If the company that you search does not have any positions available, you can leave your resume so that if there is an opening, they can contact you.

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The Networking Survival Guide

Networking is very important in whatever we do. Whether you want to get sales leads, find a new job, have new friends, enhance your career or get referrals, networking is one of your success tools. Diane Darling, the author of this text entitled "The Networking Survival Guide" is the founder and chief executive officer of Effective Networking, Inc., a Boston-based company that educates people on how to network.
Darling says this text is here to help you build your networking skills, gain confidence in your networking abilities and make good things happen in your business, career and life. Darling stresses that whether you are planning a career change, raising funds for a new business venture, adding to your client base, or simply expanding your business and personal contacts, you will learn how to make networking your most direct path to success.
She assures that this text provides answers to all your questions and guides you step-by-step through each phase of the networking process. This author adds that the text also helps you find the style and approach that is right for you. Darling submits that you will also learn in the text, how to set your networking goals; form a strategic plan to reach your goals; identify and develop potential contacts; follow up on leads and turn them into opportunities; make good things happen to your career; and become a resource for fellow networkers.
The text is divided into 18 chapters. Chapter one constitutes the introduction. Here, this author says networking is the art of building and sustaining mutually-beneficial relationships. According to her, from your first conversation in the morning until your last conversation at night, you are networking.
According to Darling, many people do not realise they are networking when that is exactly what they are doing. If you have lunch with someone a few times a year to stay in touch, that is networking, she says.
The author educates that you need other people in your life and they need you too. "It is unrealistic and impractical to do everything by yourself. You need others to help you get things done, both in business and personally... When you know the right person to get a task accomplished, and he or she returns your phone call, you save time, money, energy," she expatiates.
This author explains that some of the reasons why people network are business development or sales; raising business capital; getting a job, assistance with career management, or a job transition, etc.
According to Darling, this book is written from the business perspective, rather than the social or personal. She says most of the examples will involve business professionals seeking to expand their network. Darling adds that these principles can also be applied to those who are seeking to network for any of the other reasons.
"For example, you want to start a business and need working capital. You want to network to people who can help you. Or if you are job hunting, you want to expand your network to learn about companies and where you can make a contribution. If you are raising funds for a music camp, you want to find out who the alumni are and/or who loves music and would want to make a donation," educates the author.
Chapter two is based on the subject matter of what networking is and what it is not. Here, Darling says creating a new network in an unfamiliar community can be taxing. According to her, networking is sometimes confused with schmoozing. She explains that schmoozing has the connotation that you are getting something from someone with no benefit to the other person. Griffiths says it is a take situation. Going back to the dictionary, there are several definitions of schmoozing and it is about conversation, educates the author.
In his words, "There is also a definition, 'to gain an advantage or make a social connection'. That's how most people feel when someone is schmoozing them. It's also why many of us don't like to go to networking events. We don't want to be part of that group. Those people often come across as social climbers."
In chapters three to nine, Darling discusses concepts such as getting started to create a plan; preparing for networking; networking accessories; body language, voice and words; conversations; places to network and best practices.
Chapter ten is based on the thematic focus of best practices when it is face to face. Here, this author says from walking in the door to walking out, this chapter provides step-by-step guide to successfully navigate a networking event. According to Darling, wear something that makes you feel confident and will make it easier for someone to describe you.
"Men can wear a tie with a nice design, and women can wear a suit in a colour other than navy, brown, or black. Before you head to an event, conference, or meeting, you need to pack your Networking Survival Kit. The purpose is to have everything you need for networking in one place," guides this author.
In chapters 11 to 17, Darling analytically X-rays concepts such as follow-up techniques; best practices when not face to face; how to maintain and grow your network; ethics; what to do if you do not feel like networking; gender, race, culture and other networking factors; and evil network.
Chapter 18, the last chapter of this text, constitutes the summary of the text. This chapter contains resource guide; notes; bibliography and index.
As regards style, this text is outstanding. The language is simple. In terms of presentation, the text is didactic, reflecting a product of high level of research.
Darling makes abundant use of graphical embroidery to visually reinforce the understanding of readers. This author also includes a summary section in every chapter to achieve recapitulation and enhance readers' understanding. He uses classical/literary allusions for conceptual amplification and to broaden readers' mind.
However, in terms of positioning, chapter 12 should have come to chapter 11 for proximity of contrast with chapter ten or to achieve immediate conceptual counterbalance.
Generally, this text is must-read for all those who want to enhance their business, career, etc. through effective networking. It is intellectually illuminating.

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Career Book Review: Job Searching After 50 by Carol Silvis - A Mature Worker's Competitive Advantage

Skills and Qualifications
The job search process begins by matching your unique abilities with a company that needs them. Define your purpose for working. Whether it's full or part-time will guide your employment pursuits. Shift the focus from your age to how your workplace, transferable and life skills meet the needs of the employer. Consider too, your personal traits, like energetic and forward thinking, vs. the old-fashioned ways of a mature worker. Share only relevant abilities vs. listing every duty you've done over your 30-year career span. Too much experience can shun an employer. This is the age of lifelong learning. Keep your skills current by attending classes, workshops, earning a degree or certification, participating in online webinars, etc.
Resumes and Cover Letters
No career assessment would be complete without attention to resumes and cover letters. For older workers, key elements to a successful approach include:

• Accomplishments vs. Duties. Highlight your unique value-added accomplishments at companies you worked for, vs. mere duties.
• Contact Information. Provide any links to your professional online presence, including blogs and/or websites.
• Digital Resumes. Write a targeted resume for each desired position. Use industry-specific keywords to help with search engine optimization (SEO), to increase the odds of being read by a person.
• Education and Training. If you earned your degree more than 20 years ago, omit your graduation date.
• Qualifications Summary vs. Objective. A qualifications summary highlights your major accomplishments, skills, education and personal traits. It's a brief paragraph or bulleted list that employers can easily scan; and provides more insight than an objective.

Always include a well-written cover letter. It increases your odds of grabbing an employer's attention; and provides an opportunity to expand on information not resume appropriate, including salary history.
Technology
Today, computer skills are essential, both in the workplace and during your job search. Increasingly, employers require such abilities for hire; and many available jobs are now posted exclusively online. Research a company's website to determine its key players. Use industry-related key words in online applications, cover letters and resumes. "This is not the time to say you are too old to use technology or have no use for it," says Silvis.
Now, social networking is a necessary component of your job search. Maintain a professional presence on the big three platforms: Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Many employers use these sites as recruitment tools; and mastering them can increase your odds of being discovered for industry-related positions.
Networking
Networking is a ubiquitous word; and its need is often downplayed, especially regarding mature workers. "Creating a solid support system is important for job seekers, especially as they age," says Silvis. It's challenging to conduct job searches in a healthy economy and even tougher in an anemic one.
Build and nurture long-term relationships; and you're networking. It's also a two-way process. Before constructing a contact list, define your networking goals. The most successful network includes a mix of both personal and professional contacts. Consider everyone you know, including your dentist, hair stylist, Post Office clerk, etc. Choose enthusiastic, optimistic people. Finding a job is often a numbers game; and it's never too late to begin or resume networking.
Attitude, Appearance and Energy
It's not easy to maintain a positive attitude when you experience a job loss before you're ready to retire; but you must, especially as a mature worker.
It's hard to hear that your appearance needs updated, but it may be a roadblock in your job search. Comb-overs on balding men, and outdated hairstyles can convey antiquated skills as well. Consider doing a makeover at a department store or salon. It will not only enhance your appearance but boost your self-confidence too.
Employers seek candidates who will fit in and bring positive energy to the workplace.
Mistakes Job Seekers Over 50 Make

• Failing to Get Along with Other Generations. Today's workplace is multi-generational, with as many as four different generations working together. As a mature worker, you must ask yourself how you'd feel being interviewed by someone your children's or grandchildren's age? Could you interact as a colleague instead of a parent figure?
• Unwillingness to Change. A younger interviewer may be concerned that an older worker is stuck in their comfort zone; and resists change. Expand and consider how your skills can be industry-transcendent, if your former field is extinct.
• Being Overqualified. "Having too much baggage, even in the form of experience, should not be mentioned," says Silvis. Focus on specific skills and accomplishments, not your previous titles, which can make you seem overqualified."
• Not Embracing Technology. Make sure you're current in the software programs employers are requiring in want ads and job descriptions.
• Lack of Enthusiasm. You must convey your enthusiasm and eagerness to land the job through your mannerisms and words. Express your anticipation.

Who's Hiring?
Job seekers over 50 may be surprised at the number of their seldom-considered employment options. They include:

• Adjunct or Full-Time Teacher/Tutor. Teaching is a wonderful opportunity, for you as an older worker, to convey your expertise to younger generations.
• Entrepreneurship. Launch a business of your own, utilizing your niche skills and expertise.
• Government. Think out of the box with regards to government jobs. Consider Homeland Security, the IRS and U.S. and state transportation departments, parks and recreation, etc.

Instead of applying for traditional jobs, use your imagination and creative skills to land an exciting, enjoyable job in a fun environment, or create your own. "Sometimes a complete change of venue affords the most rewarding opportunities," says Silvis.
Creating a Success Plan
Statistically, mature workers endure a longer job search. Persevere. Be willing to put everything you have into your employment search, until successful. Set goals, write them down; and take consistent action to achieve those goals. Break major goals into secondary goals that serve as benchmarks toward your progress. Tie each secondary goal to action steps. Realize that setbacks are inevitable, but persist.
Expect to find the right position for you. Reinvent yourself, if necessary; and adapt to available jobs. Challenge yourself. Step out of your comfort zone; and try new things. Visualize success. Be constantly aware of what you're aiming to accomplish, and what it will like when realized it's realized.
No one will ever care more about your career and job search than you. Throughout Job Hunting Over 50, "Take Charge" summary boxes serve as signs of your career success accountability.


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Top 10 Popular Science Books

1. Annals of a Former World, by John McPhee
In patient, lyrical prose, McPhee takes the reader on a geologic journey through the United States. This volume was originally published as 4 books; each is centered on a road trip the author took with a geologist, observing the earth next to Eisenhower's great US highways for clues into its geologic past. Annals has this--no borders, idealistic, On the Road for geologists kind of feel (though a bit more grown-up.) I pick up Annals every once in a while when im in a relaxed mood, when im looking for a good example of literary science writing. Highly recommended as a companion for camping trips, if you can fit it into your pack.
2. Surely You're Joking, Mr, Feynman, by Richard Feynman
A string of excerpts from Feynman's life/career, Surely You're Joking is probably the popular science book I have read through the most times, not because it is short, but because it is at once compelling, understated, and full of indispensible scientific concepts. Richard Feynman has an uncanny ability to make physics easily digestible, his lectures are a testament to that and Surely You're Joking is no exception. Feynman's easy prose makes the reader feel like physics is understandable, as if he has laid out a diagram of the universe on his living room floor--no one is an outsider. It's delightful. Feynman's in my 'top 5 people I would give my right pinky finger to meet' category.
3. A Short History of Nearly Everything, by Bill Bryson
The second heavy volume on the list, A Short History is packed with nearly everything. It takes a look at the science behind a lot of things--beauty, cells, evolution, the universe. Bryson rejects the traditional notion of a 'textbook' with this book, making science seem relevant in our daily lives AND putting this knowledge in the context of the universe--in space and time. Capturing the detailed nooks where science is often concentrated AND eliciting the wonder of the wider perspective is an accomplishment--savor it wherever you can find it. Great in audio book format.
4. The Richness of Life, collection of essays by Stephen Jay Gould
The idiosyncratic Gould has written articles in Natural History and many other science magazines for decades and is one of the most widely read modern science writers. In this collection of articles, Gould's highly intellectual, witty, and pin-accurate prose explains evolutionary theory, racism or baseball with a scientist's eye, but in a way that engages the layman. Gould's dedication to science shows in every piece. Delightful.
5. The Canon, by Natalie Angier
Someone at the New York Times science desk once told me--"Natalie Angier is the queen of metaphor." I have to agree. The Canon is the best example of her witty prose winding the reader through simple scientific questions with difficult answers. In this book, Angier tackles what she has deemed the basic scientific concepts everyone should know: thinking scientifically, probabilities, calibration, physics, evolutionary biology, chemistry, molecular biology, astronomy and geology. Phew. I have to say--this could have been very text-book, but because of her writing style, is masterful. I actually have had many non-scientist friend recommend this to me, which is always a good sign.
6. Universe in a Teacup, by K.C. Cole
Where can you find a book that successfully intertwines the discipline of mathematics, with the concepts of truth and beauty? Universe is just such a book; K.C.'s most popular and in some ways seminal volume. Metaphors she uses pack a punch. Her prose style is somewhat poetic, and in Universe, she proves adept at explain things like chaos or phase transitions are illuminating--not just because you finally understand some science concept that always seem so obscure, but because Cole has also given the you a new way to think about mathematics and the world alongside your new understanding. (Full disclosure--Cole was my academic mentor)
7. The Code Book, by Simon Singh
Packed with information about the history of codes, how to break them, and who figured it all out, this book has a kind-of James Bond appeal. Various scientists and politicians have acted as code-makers and code-breakers from antiquity until modern day, and codes are increasingly important in computer technology and national security. The stories behind the codes are so fascinating i hardly even realized that i was learning about the mathematics of code theory in the process.
8. Enduring Love, by Ian McEwan
Ok, so not everyone would categorize this as a popular science book, but Ill include it anyway. Enduring Love is a fiction book, partially written from the perspective of a former scientist, but more importantly, it is a suspenseful story that lets the author's attitudes towards life bleed through each and every page. Ian McEwan is a well-know rationalist who believes that science is just as much a part of culture as anything else--a position with which I very much empathize. This is a literary tale, sure, but McEwan manages to mention scientific ideas all over the place, integrating science and its ways of thinking into the lives of his complex characters and slowly revealing situations. It's a page-turner.
9. The Double Helix, by James Watson
Though scientist James Watson doesn't have a Stephen Jay Gould command of language and metaphor, The Double Helix still stands as an absolutely riveting account of the series of events that lead up to the discovery of DNA's structure. In the book, scientists Watson, Crick, Maurice Wilkens, and Rosalind Franklin become fascinating characters in a race to figure out what DNA looks like at a molecular level. Each has their own motivations. Each has their own complications. All but Franklin eventually received a Nobel Prize for this work (she died before the award could include her.) A quick, easy read.
10. In the Shadow of Man, by Jane Goodall
A classic book--easy read, no jargon. Goodall's observations of chimpanzee's in the wild first brought to light one of man's most recent ancestors--the chimpanzee. This book chronicles some of Goodall's groundbreaking research through her own observations about chimp behavior. Once immersed in the book, I couldn't help but think--we are all just apes, evolved from or related to one another. Puts things in perspective.

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The Human Mind is Incredible - A Book Review for You

To master your mind, you are really going to need to understand the human brain - how it works, why it works, and how come it works so well. For this you are going to need to do quite a bit of research, because the human brain is rather complex, although its structure appears to be rather simplistic at first glance - but I assure you it's not at all, not in the least.
Okay so, I'd like to point you to a very good book to read on this topic, one I personally own, and have read myself. There is information on every page, and it is all well-footnoted. The name of the book is:
"The Universe Within - A New Science Explores the Human Mind" by Morton Hunt, Simon and Schuster, New York, NT, (1982), 415 pages, ISBN: 0-671-25258-5.
Although this sounds a lot like a new-age religious book, it really isn't - it's much more a science book, having to do with topics of neurology, brain structure, and how the human mind works - although indeed with a title like that it does sounds like it's a book for the new-age religion folks - it's not. And even though this was written back in 1982 without the modern understanding we have today of the human brain - the author reasoned his way through those unknown details for a very applicable summation, contemplating things we now know to be fact.
Indeed, he thus, deserves a lot of credit for that, I am impressed. The great thing about Morton Hunt is that he does not stick to a strict theory of either nature or nurture when it comes to the human mind, that is to say humans are not "pre-programmed" as he says that's an inaccurate statement. But at the same time, we are not exactly a product of our training, experience, and environment alone either. I do hope you will pick up a copy of this book, as you will be amazed how well-thought out his decades of research are. Please consider all this.

Lance Winslow is the Founder of the Online Think Tank, a diverse group of achievers, experts, innovators, entrepreneurs, thinkers, futurists, academics, dreamers, leaders, and general all around brilliant minds. Lance Winslow hopes you've enjoyed today's discussion and topic. http://www.worldthinktank.net/ - Have an important subject to discuss, contact Lance Winslow.

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The Biology of Belief - Unleashing the Power of Consciousness, Matter and Miracles

Epigenetics is a new field of biology that is been explored by Bruce. He unravels the obscure nature and behavior of cells under the influence of the environment. His view is that every individual cell functions as a universe, while the membrane saves the cell from foreign bodies and acts like the security guard who lets in the 'beneficial' and keeps out the 'harmful'.
We know that the 'cell' is the structural and functional unit of all living things, plants and animals. Lipton illustrates to us that the cells possess some kind of intelligence and therefore the cell can be taught through thinking and experience. As a result people should act and react in a positive manner to the environment, thoughts, suggestions and to outside energy.
We have enormous influence on the intellectual composition and framework of this cellular structure. Our influence can be so large that the cell genetics can be changed. The genetic propensity can also be changed by teaching the individual cell what to do next and also by shifting our mental and physical environment so that each and every cell can know and comprehend the type of alterations they need to create.
I found the topic of discussion in the biology of belief outstanding, we have all heard or perhaps have friends that are never ill or do not suffer from colds and flu as most other people do. This book and other experiences in my life make me think that just maybe if we believe that we will be healthy and have a positive outlook on life then we will be healthier, interesting read.


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