~*~*~ THE RAT RACE REBELLION TELEWORK BULLETIN ~*~*~ Dear Reader, A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR After a virtual-jobs workshop at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado last week, Chris and I took a short and rare breather (the “breather” turned into a real mess; see our “Cripple Creek” piece below), but we’ve learned our lesson, and are back in harness! This week brings the customary hand-picked bouquet of 20 home-based jobs, along with news of home-based public-school teaching positions and trends, a Webinar at VIPdesk that call-center jobseekers won’t want to miss, and advice for Boomers who are contemplating home-based self-employment. (Hint: He or she who hesitates is lost.) Enjoy! Be Well! Good Luck! IN FLORIDA PUBLIC SCHOOLS, 55,000 STUDENTS STUDY REMOTELY, WHILE TEACHERS WORK FROM HOME. (BONUS TIP -- THEY’RE HIRING.) Several months ago, we reported on the “virtual classroom” trend in some US public school districts, and can add Florida to the group. According to a recent article at Florida news-site TCPalm.com, over 55,000 students in grades 6-12 are taking classes through the “Florida Virtual School” program, which opened in 1997. “The school's physical headquarters is located in Orlando, where administrators, customer service staff and technical staffers work. However, like many of their students, the public school's 400 full-time and 166 part-time teachers work from home.” When it opened, the program had 77 students and five courses. Last year, students took over 3,600 courses. For open positions, see Lead No. 2, below. For the article, see http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2008/jun/29/30gtwhat-do-you-think/ VIPDESK WEBINAR MAY BE GOOD RESOURCE FOR CALL-CENTER JOBSEEKERS Call center VIPdesk, which often hires home-based agents (“Brand Ambassadors”) in the US and Canada, is hosting a Webinar July 9 on “Virtual Customer Care for Luxury Brands.” Led by the company’s President, Sally Hurley, and Executive Director, Othmar von Blumencron, the Webinar will address how luxury brands benefit from virtual customer service. While it doesn’t appear to be targeted toward potential agents, the Webinar should offer some important insights for jobseekers and career counselors into VIPdesk’s culture and values, and the role of the Brand Ambassador. For more, see http://www.vipdesk.com/info/luxurywebinar.asp . FROM CRIPPLE CREEK TO AIRLINE AGONY -- OUR RECENT RAT RACE TALE As mentioned last Thursday, there was no Bulletin last week, as Chris and I took a little rare time off. The plan was to combine some sightseeing with work. The “work” part (which is actually better than work, since we enjoy it so much) was our home-based-jobfinding workshop, which we delivered to 100+ folks at Peterson Air Force Base, in Colorado Springs, Colo. The sightseeing part was afterward, with a drive up to the old gold-mining boomtown of Cripple Creek (elev. 9,494 feet), near Pike’s Peak, past herds of elk and around hairpin turns (too few guard rails!). There, we found a scrappy collection of low brick buildings -- many dating from 1896, during the town’s convulsive years (“16 churches, 2 opera houses, and 73 saloons”) -- now housing slot machines and $5 blackjack. The place is full of ghosts, of hardbitten entrepreneurs, with whom, as entrepreneurs ourselves, Chris and I particularly enjoyed hanging out. It was on the way back that reality got distorted, when it was time to leave Colorado Springs on a plane to Houston, with our “final destination” Baltimore. At the Colo. Springs airport, we were met with a long series of “unexpected delays”: “Attention passengers flight 6sizzlekak!therdy, fuel pump may be faulty…” “at this time, and may have to order a new fuel pump…” “this update, the present fuel pump is fine” “the crew has timed out, and can’t depart” “new crew should arrive shmmmt, and hubbub hubbub at that time” “you can’t leave on this plane, your baggage is on the other plane.” “made that announcement. Were you in the bathroom?” “dispatching a new aircraft, which should be here hubbub. We will make an announcement.” “Your plane isn’t in yet. That one? Hm. Yes, actually. That is your plane. Good eye.” All told, it took us 14 hours to get to Baltimore (1,600 miles), yielding an average speed of 114 miles an hour. That’s two miles per hour less than Lindbergh averaged in his 3,600-mile flight to Paris (in a Soap Box Derby racer with struts on it) over 80 years ago. Granted, this is still better time than a prospector and a burro would have made over the same ground in 1896. But then again, let’s pause a sec and consider a few of the advantages we modern travelers enjoy, which were denied that plain man and his donkey. For example: -- The Federal Aviation Administration (2007 budget, $14.5B. “This past year, we made significant progress in achieving the four goals detailed in our strategic plan -- the FAA Flight Plan: ensuring safety, increasing capacity, demonstrating international leadership, and achieving organizational excellence.”) -- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (for state-of-the-art hurricane reports and such; current budget, $4B.) -- Thousands of Boeing 7fillintheblanks, Airbus Afillintheblanks, and all the other shiny choices the eager ticketholder now surveys at airports across the land. -- A national horde of buses, shuttles, trains, limos, subways, taxis, cars, etc., to and from takeoff and touchdown points. -- Enough pavement to cover Lindbergh’s Atlantic. The closing irony? The increasing “bad weather” responsible for so many flight delays may be the result of global warming, caused in part by the very “high-speed” vehicles that we’re waiting, and waiting -- suffused with age-accelerating stress -- to board. In other words, the faster we try to move, the slower we go. And the slower we go, the faster we age. Compared to that, the wild-eyed rockhound scrambling up to Cripple Creek had an eminently sensible trajectory. (And he was breathing clean air, too!) FROM THE R3 MAILBAG -- QUESTIONS ABOUT WORKING FROM HOME, AND OTHER RAT RACE TOPICS DEAR R3: My wife and I are reaching retirement age, and are thinking about becoming home-based consultants. She has an IT background, and I was in Human Resources for many years. But we’re worried about competition. Aren’t a lot of Baby Boomers considering the same thing as we are? R3: Recent research indicates that as many as 50M Baby Boomers in the US alone are interested in home-based businesses and self-employment, so your concerns are well-placed. The key issue is timing. Boomers were born between 1946 and 1964, and are just starting to retire in significant numbers. From a competitive standpoint, you and your wife now have the advantage, which will steadily shrink as the demographics unfold. (The current recession and rising gas, food, and other costs are accelerating Boomer forays into self-employment.) Whether you decide to “jump into the swimming pool” or pursue other options, you’ll need to make up your mind soon, or the “aging workforce” will decide for you. FRUGAL AND SIMPLE LIVING Voila the giveaways we rounded up for this week. Please act fast if you see something you like -- freebies disappear quickly on the Net! (US-only unless otherwise indicated.) Enjoy! -- Free Aquafresh toothpaste: https://www.aquafresh.com/FreeSample.promo?mn=cmVnaXN0cmF0aW9u -- Free Pond's Clean Sweep Towelettes: http://instoresnow.walmart.com/enhancedrendercontent_ektid43916.aspx -- Free Supreme Gentle Care and Natural Fit diapers: http://instoresnow.walmart.com/enhancedrendercontent_ektid19518.aspx -- KFC Gift Checks (sweepstakes, ending July 4) and Coupons: http://www.kfc.com/hotterthanhell/ -- Free Old Spice Body Wash: http://instoresnow.walmart.com/enhancedrendercontent_ektid47986.aspx -- Free NIVEA for MEN® Extreme Comfort Shaving Gel and Post Shave Balm: http://instoresnow.walmart.com/enhancedrendercontent_ektid44404.aspx -- Free “Garlic Gold” toasted organic garlic nuggets and garlic-infused olive oil: http://www.garlicgold.com/index.php?id=53 -- Free GE Caulk Singles: https://gecaulksingles.offerprocessingcenter.com/ RAT RACE QUOTE OF THE WEEK "There can be no joy in life, without joy in work." -- Thomas Aquinas Rebelliously Yours, Michael Michael D. Haaren, Editor-in-Chief The Rat Race Rebellion =>=> New Leads for Home-Based Jobs and Projects <=<= *Editor’s Note: All positions are screened, but we can’t of course “guarantee” the legitimacy of any hirer or lead, so please do your own ‘due diligence’ as well! All positions are paid unless otherwise noted. The amount of compensation is included in the summary when given in the underlying lead. Also, please note that on occasion the hirer will decide to change the description or the availability of the job or project shortly AFTER the summary is published here. (Unfortunately, we have no control over this.) Therefore, be sure to read the underlying ad carefully, and apply promptly for any job that interests you. ||||| 1. Vendor Review Coordinator for eHarmony (Two-month project) ||||| Relationship website eHarmony seeks a part- or full-time Vendor Review Coordinator “to do data entry for a wedding related website.You will be entering user and vendor data from a spreadsheet and the web, as well as contactng people by email and/or phone as part of our outreach program.” “Professional experience in the wedding industry is desired.” Pays $18 per hour. => Learn More: http://tinyurl.com/3pagmm <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 2. Teachers for Florida Virtual School (“Must have FL teaching cert.; reciprocity w/all 50 states”)||||| Florida Virtual School seeks full-time Instructors in Latin, Chinese (Mandarin), Spanish and Chemistry. “If you are a candidate from out of state that holds a valid teaching certificate, please note that Florida has reciprocity with all 50 states. Click here [link provided at site below] for further information about obtaining a Florida Professional Teaching Certificate.” For details, go to the link below and click on the link under “Check for Open Positions.” => Learn More: http://www.flvs.net/general/Employment.php <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 3. Project Manager for UnitedHealthcare (US) ||||| US-based Fortune 50 subsidiary UnitedHealthcare seeks a full-time, experienced Project Manager with a Bachelor’s and MS Office Proficiency. “The chosen candidate will plan projects and facilitate business between departments by focusing on the following responsibilities: * Coordinating benefits with insurance companies * Planning and managing projects interdepartmentally * Resolving issues and making process improvements * Facilitating team meetings” => Learn More: http://tinyurl.com/6k5ood <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 4. Freelance Writers Familiar with OSHA ||||| US-based Clement Communications, which publishes newsletters and other resources on HR, safety, and related issues, seeks Writers with at least 3 years’ technical writing experience, and newsletter experience. “Experience and insight into one or more of the following Industries is required: o Safety o Manufacturing o Food processing o Construction o Mining o Transportation o Retail o Healthcare o Education o Government o Employment law o Environmental o Utilities” => Learn More: http://jobview.monster.com/GetJob.aspx?JobID=73338692 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 5. Freelance Financial Writers / “Stock Geeks” (US-oriented) ||||| Forbes Media subsidiary Investopedia.com seeks Financial Writers. “We are currently accepting queries on a variety of financial topics, including stock analysis, mutual funds, options and futures, retirement, economics, bonds, forex, commodities, technical analysis, basic financial concepts, financial careers, personal finance, mutual funds and much more.” Related undergraduate degree and experience a plus. => Learn More: http://www.journalismjobs.com/Job_Listing.cfm?JobID=943207 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 6. Freelance Market Researchers (International) ||||| International market-research firm Mintel continues to advertise for Researchers. “Candidates can be located in any major city, but must be fluent in English and have computer and internet access.” Candidates should have experience in any of the following: library-based research, market analysis / report writing, store checks (visiting stores for research), telephone interviewing. (See lead for others.) => Learn More: http://www.mintel.com/EMEAAPACjobopportunities.htm#job_5 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 7. PHP / Web Developer (“Anywhere with internet connection”) ||||| US- and CAN-based recruiting and placement firm TxMQ is advertising for a full-time PHP / Web Developer “to help create and maintain new content and functionality for both internal and external web sites.” (25% travel) “Requirements ** Must have development experience on Debian Linux ** Must have expert level PHP 5 experience ** Must have excellent XHTML/CSS skills ** Must have experience with XML and SOAP style interfaces” => Learn More: http://tinyurl.com/3j5wjk <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ~*~*~*~*~*~*~Advertisement~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 8. Medical Transcriptionists (US) ||||| US-based Webmdx seeks part- and full-time acute-care MTs with at least 2 years’ experience. “We offer competitive line rates, incentives for those that want to go the extra mile, along with paid holidays, generous PTO, and a fantastic benefit package.” => Learn More: http://www.mtjobs.com/job_detail.cfm?RowID=15928 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 9. iPhone Blogger ||||| Blog network b5Media is looking for someone to cover “anything that revolves around the iPhone.” => Learn More: http://jobs.problogger.net/view/1445 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 10. Senior Business Analyst for Fortune 50 Subsidiary (US) ||||| US-based Ovations Enterprise Services, a claims-processing subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, seeks a Senior Business Analyst. Experience must include “requirements gathering and documentation; gap analysis; use case development; test planning and participation; participating in and assisting leading JAD sessions; etc.” Additional requirements include a Bachelor’s or comparable experience, and MS Office skills. => Learn More: http://tinyurl.com/58pf43 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 11. Freelance Legal Editors for Kaplan (US-oriented) ||||| US-based Kaplan Test Prep, which produces bar review and related materials, seeks part- or full-time Legal Editors. “Primary responsibilties include: * Editing legal content from a variety of sources (federal, state, local statutes, and caselaw) * Providing input on edited material to FT editing group * Researching relevant caselaw as required (using provided resources)” JD required. => Learn More: http://tinyurl.com/5cmhgq <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 12. Content Managers & Writers for Vacation-Destination Web Community (“Anywhere in US”) ||||| Viscape.com, a new site devoted to vacationers and vacation properties, is looking for Content Managers and Writers. “Contractual position, but could lead to full-time.” Qualifications (quoting from lead) include: 1.) EXCEPTIONAL communicator – written and verbal 2.) Authentic, creative and funny storyteller – written and verbal (must provide at least one writing sample) 3.) Well traveled – willing to provide a list of destinations visited 4.) Flexible and willing to work from home => Learn More: http://tinyurl.com/6ycu6b <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 13. Freelance Market Researchers and Report Writers Based in Europe ||||| International market-research firm Mintel seeks Researchers and Report Writers based in the following locations: Germany, Switzerland, Spain, France, Italy and Scandinavia (“especially Sweden”). “Applicants must be fluent (if not native) in the mother tongue, and resident in one of the countries above. Applicants should also be able to demonstrate experience of: *Interviewing skills (telephone and/or face-to-face) *Written analysis skills (in English)” => Learn More: http://www.mintel.com/EMEAAPACjobopportunities.htm#job_6 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 14. SQL Server Database Developer ||||| US-based Svec Executive Search is advertising for an SQL Server Database Developer. “The individual will be participating in design consultations throughout the organization for various clients and should be able to clearly articulate and substantiate given recommendations.” A sampling of required qualifications includes (quoting): 3 to 5 Years experience as a SQL Server Database Lead Developer or Administrator. 3 + years working as a SQL developer as part of a team. 2 + years experience with high availability (MS Cluster Service) => Learn More: http://tinyurl.com/4zcp3u <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 15. Overnight Editor for TheStreet.com ||||| Financial-news site TheStreet.com seeks an Overnight Editor to cover midnight to 8 AM EST Sunday through Thursday. “This editor will be the primary site manager during the overnight period and will need to edit and write articles and briefs as news develops in the U.S. and international markets after hours.” “The successful candidate will have at least five years of editing or reporting experience.” => Learn More: http://journalism.berkeley.edu/jobs/details.php?cat=newmed&ID=6731 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 16. Principal Knowledge Engineer ||||| International information-management firm EMC Corp. seeks a Principal Knowledge Engineer “located in our San Mateo, CA facility or telecommuting.” Among other duties, the Engineer will “[d]esign and implement major features and components of the Data Loss Prevention Policy Library.” Required qualifications include “7+ year’s categorization development experience for taxonomy, search, or security compliance projects utilizing automated categorization tools,” and an “MS in Library Science/Information Science or equivalent experience.” => Learn More: http://tinyurl.com/5q28f4 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 17. Part-Time Freelance Webmaster for Disability-Rights Site ||||| US-based nonprofit Mental Disability Rights International is looking for a part-time (2-3 hrs. weekly) Webmaster to update site content regularly and post time-sensitive materials. Ideal candidate will be proficient with Dreamweaver. => Learn More: http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/av/Job/290628-10 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 18. Shopping Associates (International) ||||| International market-research firm Mintel seeks Shopping Associates in the following locations, for occasional assignments (visiting stores): “Innsbruck (Austria), Shanghai (China), France, Basel (Switzerland), Bologna, Brascia, Genova, Milan, Palermo and Turin (Italy) , Sundsval and Uppsala (Sweden), Innsbruck (Austria), Krakow (Poland), Stavanger (Norway), Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam), Arecibo (Puerto Rico), Gavle, Vasteras, Orebro, Malmo & Stockholm (Sweden), Geneva (Switzerland) and Düsseldorf, Bonn, Aachen, Krefeld, Grefrath & Mönchengladbach (Germany), Madrid, Barcelona (Spain), South Korea, Singapore.” => Learn More: http://www.mintel.com/EMEAAPACjobopportunities.htm#job_9 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 19. Researcher for NZ-Based Research & Publishing Co. (NZ; Auckland area) ||||| Pacifecon Construction Reports seeks a part-time Researcher. “The main responsibility is to source / investigate new projects sometimes by cold calling, plus keep existing projects up-to-date. You will also be building business relationships with your contacts.” Requirements include excellent telephone manner, “PC no older than 3 years,” and knowledge of MS Office suite. => Learn More: http://tinyurl.com/5458yb <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 20. Video Journalists for Wall Street Journal Online (“Worldwide”) ||||| WSJ Online is looking for freelance Video Journalists worldwide. “You'll be assigned to work alongside some of the industry's best print journalists, helping illustrate their stories via Web video. Assignments will only be made to excellent storytellers with solid news judgment and a proven track record in video journalism.” “You must have your own camera equipment and be a strong FinalCut editor.” => Learn More: http://jobs.amightyriver.com/careers/jobsearch/detail?jobId=10092021 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ******************************* That’s this week’s issue, Dear Reader. Until next week’s issue, don’t forget to visit us for fresh job leads at http://www.ratracerebellion.com/job_postings.htm ! Rebelliously Yours, Michael -- Michael D. Haaren, Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief Staffcentrix, LLC Email: mhaaren@staffcentrix.com Co-author of the bestseller on working from home as a Virtual Assistant, THE 2-SECOND COMMUTE, now available at Amazon.com or http://www.2secondcommute.com. See what else we’re up to on the Web, at http://www.WAHBoom.com (our new work-at-home site for Boomers), http://www.msvas.com (our Military Spouse Virtual Assistant community), and http://www.fse-entrepreneur.com (our Foreign Service spouse e-Entrepreneur community). ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ All contents copyright 2008 Staffcentrix, LLC, "The most trusted name in home-based careers."(TM, SM) All rights reserved.