~*~*~ THE RAT RACE REBELLION TELEWORK BULLETIN ~*~*~ Dear Reader, A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR It’s good to be back in harness after two weeks of unbridled laziness. So without further ado, today’s issue brings a review of a guide for those seeking freedom from the tyranny of “9 to 5,” some thoughts on why the Webkinz generation won’t accept the working world of their parents, a bouquet of freebies, a score of hand-picked jobs and projects, “and much more!” Enjoy, good luck, and be well. CAPSULE BOOK REVIEW: “THE ANTI 9 TO 5 GUIDE,” BY MICHELLE GOODMAN Many women (and not a few men) dream of avoiding or escaping the cube, and charting their own path as freelancers, business owners, or helpers of those in need. If this describes you, this book will not only show you the way, it will keep you excellent company as you go. The “how-to” genre sometimes suffers from a wearisome didacticism (as in, “I know this, you don’t, so repeat after me…”) or strained attempts at humor. This book stands out in its warm and caring familiarity and wry humor, which marry well with the informal but excellent nuts and bolts, and reminders on self-reliance. I suppose I’m partial to the book because the author so clearly “paid her dues” (in temping purgatory, bad gigs, wrecked credit, and other pitfalls that the independent-minded often face in career land) on her way to becoming a successful editor and freelance writer. (Chris “met” the author via email when the latter was working in this capacity, during an interview a few weeks ago.) The book includes a pros-and-cons look at working from home (Goodman is home-based, and like so many teleworkers, including me, singles out isolation as the biggest drawback) and entrepreneurship, and a motivating “Anti 9 to 5 Action Plan” at the end of each chapter. Although some of the feminist references and occasional allusions to more controversial career paths may not resonate with everyone, “The Anti 9 to 5 Guide” offers an excellent panoramic look at ways to break out of “cube life,” and is well worth the $11.21 investment at Amazon. For more on the book, see http://www.anti9to5guide.com. IN THE U.S., EXPECTATIONS OF FLEXIWORK MAY SOON REIGN SUPREME What do you get when you combine young Netdwellers / texters / cell phone video-sharers with green thinking and online education? A growing expectation of flexible work arrangements. Consider: -- Kids love to hang out on Webkinz World, which comes complete with a virtual marketplace, virtual jobs, and e-communications tools. (Yesterday, for better or worse, my 8-year-old daughter was messaging friends via Webkinz World email. If you’ve visited the place, you can understand why they like it.) For more on Webkinz World -- without having to buy a Whimsy Dragon -- see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Webkinz. -- Teenagers lose all motor function and their legendary grip on reality when virtual communications tools (cell phones, IMing, Facebook, etc.) are suddenly limited or confiscated. -- The theme of global warming and ways to protect the environment (e.g., telecommuting) is steadily becoming a core feature of public-school and college thinking, much as anti-war convictions were in the Vietnam era and are now. -- As we’ve mentioned here before, students (and parents) are increasingly opting for virtual classes in public schools and college, setting the stage for flexible-work expectations as they move into the laboring world as employees, managers, entrepreneurs, etc. The media has been signaling the rise in flexpectations among “Generation Y” (born in the mid-to-late 1980s) for some time now, but I think the trend is even deeper and stronger than suspected. But Beware the Sludge Monster The sludge in this high-octane scenario is the vestigial mistrust of a steadily-declining pool of managers, who claim they can’t be sure offsite workers are actually working. Since the increased productivity and effectiveness of virtual workers generally has been repeatedly shown in surveys by corporations themselves (AT&T, Sun Microsystems, Best Buy, etc.), what these managers are really saying is that they don’t know how to manage virtual workers. Memo to dinosaur bosses: They have this thing called “professional development”? Where you learn new stuff? Check it out! WESTINGHOUSE TESTS LIBERAL TELEWORK PLAN IN PENNSYLVANIA Westinghouse, addressing longer employee commutes in Pennsylvania through a move to new offices, is launching a pilot program to let 100 employees work from home 2-3 days per week, according to a recent piece in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “If the telecommuting option proves feasible after a six-month trial period, Westinghouse will consider expanding it to other employees, including some in other geographic locations.” The article also includes some interesting stats from a survey by the Society of Human Resource Management, which found that “26 percent of businesses nationwide offered flexible schedules, 18 percent offered telecommuting, 14 percent offered discounts on public transportation, 14 percent rewarded employees with gas cards and 42 percent raised mileage reimbursements on cars used for work.” Good luck, Westinghouse teleworkers! Blaze a trail! The article’s online http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08233/905487-28.stm. “SHOULD I WRITE SOMETHING FOR THAT WEBSITE?” -- AN EXCERPT FROM “THE 2-SECOND COMMUTE” Continuing in our periodic excerpts from “The 2-Second Commute,” our how-to book for new and aspiring Virtual Assistants and other freelancers, this segment from our chapter on marketing focuses on how to decide whether to contribute written content to a “portal” -- websites dedicated to a theme, topic or field. ------- Getting Featured on Portals: Is it Worthwhile? * Some portals carry more weight than others. * Is there high traffic, or low? Don’t commit to large labor for small potatoes. * Quality of traffic: Who will see you? Your target clients? Or miscellaneous surfers with no interest in your services? * Monitor the portal for feedback on your item. Respond to negative comments (if any) constructively and calmly. * When it’s published on the site, double-check your item immediately for accuracy. * Did the editor include your contact information? Should I Write a Column for a Portal? * What’s the “bang for the buck”? Credibility? Exposure? Money? * Beware of heavy time commitments. Good columns take work! * “Re-purposing your property”: Recycle your columns to other outlets or venues whenever permitted and appropriate. * Include a good photo. “Always make it personal!” You Are Where You Appear! * Stay off sites that misposition you (e.g., the bad, the ugly, the irrelevant). * Stay on “classy” sites! Don’t Forget Listservs and eNewsletters * Many listservs carry news items. * Several “small” listservs = many readers. * eNewsletters always need news. Don’t Forget Regional Portals! * Does your city or region have a portal that could feature you? * Ideal for press releases. As Always, Stay in Touch With Your Contacts! * Keep your “media Rolodex” fresh. * “May I keep you in the loop as things progress?” (This should be your standard close -- with a “thank you” -- to a written interview. No journalist ever wants to be “out of the loop.”) Keep a Record for Your Media Kit (the Collection of Key Information About You and Your Company that You Send to Writers, Editors, etc., to Persuade Them to Write About You) * Print off the web pages where you appear. * Keep copies of articles you write. * Build your media kit and keep it fresh. ---------------- From “The 2-Second Commute,” by Christine Durst and Michael Haaren, published by Career Press, on Amazon at http://tinyurl.com/ysx2me. Copyright 2005 Staffcentrix, LLC. All rights reserved. FROM THE R3 MAILBAG -- QUESTIONS ABOUT WORKING FROM HOME, AND OTHER RAT RACE TOPICS DEAR R3: I’m a single mom with two small children to look after, and wonder if I can work from home. Won’t the children cause too many interruptions? R3: Some types of work -- such as call center agent, where interruptions can quickly get you fired -- won’t be a good fit for you, unless you can afford child care. (Consider budget-friendly solutions such as hiring a reliable teen or swapping child-care duties with a trusted neighbor if you’d like to pursue part-time customer-service or other phone-intensive work.) As an alternative, take a look at deadline-driven or project work -- such as writing, web design, Internet research, transcription, etc. -- where interruptions won’t be dealbreakers, and you can make headway as the children’s schedule permits (when they’re napping or with their dad, for example, or asleep at night). Many moms work at home with children, and with some forethought and a bit of juggling -- and marketable skills, of course -- you should be able to as well. FRUGAL AND SIMPLE LIVING Voila this week’s freebie catch -- Enjoy (and act fast if you see something you like)! US-only unless otherwise indicated -- -- Free Pledge Wipes and coupon: http://www.startsampling.com/sm/100415/quickQuestion.iphtml?item=100415&source= -- Free Pet Greens Treats for dogs and cats: http://www.bellrockgrowers.com/freesample.html -- Free Horizon Organic Milk: http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/survey.zgi?p=WEB228789G5NL6 -- Free Cascade dishwasher detergent and Mr. Clean: http://instoresnow.walmart.com/enhancedrendercontent_ektid49156.aspx -- Free (with rebate) Arm & Hammer Essentials cleaners: http://tinyurl.com/5rkd58 RAT RACE QUOTE OF THE WEEK “A hidden connection is stronger than an obvious one.” -- Heraclitus 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. E-Learning Research Assistant for US-Based (Utah) Franchise Management Firm ||||| Blackstone Hathaway seeks a part-time E-Learning Research Assistant “with a background in education, writing and research to develop course material for an online e-learning environment.” “The relationship is that of an independent contractor/consultant at a rate of $11 per hr for training and familiarization increasing to $12 pr hr in 90 days and $13.00 per hour after one year.” => Learn More: http://www.online-writing-jobs.com/jobbank/detail/link-40182.html <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 2. Researcher on Obesity ||||| UK-based Donna Watmough Nutrition seeks a Researcher with (research) experience in the field of weight-management. “I want someone who has sympathy and understanding of the problems surrounding obesity, who can research various aspects of weight-loss, in particular child and teenage obesity.” => Learn More: http://journalism.berkeley.edu/jobs/details.php?cat=misc&ID=6920 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 3. Linguist II for US Military Operations (Must be graduate of Defense Language Institute) ||||| US-based Chenega Corporation seeks a temporary Linguist II to “[p]rovide general linguistic support for military operations and interpret during interviews, meetings and conference.” “Education and/or Experience – Graduate of the Defense Language Institute with a recent DLPT of 2+/2+ or higher in ______ or a 3/3 on the Interagency Language Roundtable.” “Clearance – Active Interim Secret with the ability to upgrade to Top Secret and pass CI polygraph.” => Learn More: http://tinyurl.com/5gej8g <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 4. Editing and Proofreading ||||| Honeydo.com seeks someone to do editing and proofreading part-time for the site. Pays $15-$35 per hour. “Skills/Qualifications: Conceptual Skills, Decision Making, Direct Response Writing, Copywriting Skills, Written Communication, Presentation Skills, Customer Focus, Creativity, Concept Development, Product Knowledge, Creativity” => Learn More: http://jobview.monster.com/GetJob.aspx?JobID=75097952 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 5. Freelance Logo Designer (“Anywhere”) ||||| US-based design firm Pam Murtaugh & Co. is looking for “[a] highly conceptual designer who can create a two-element icon that asserts ownership over a wide range of business and social marketing concepts.” => Learn More: http://www.authenticjobs.com/jobs/2802/ <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 6. Service Team Leader for Home-Based Customer Service Agents (CAN; “some travel”) ||||| Canada-based ATB Financial seeks a full-time Service Team Leader with a HS diploma, at least 3 years’ leadership experience and a strong knowledge of ATB’s products, services, etc., to oversee approximately 15 Customer Service Specialists. => Learn More: http://www.workopolis.com/EN/job/10300666 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 7. Entry-Level Freelance Writers / Bloggers for US-Oriented Real Estate Site ||||| US-based real estate search engine Trulia.com seeks entry-level Writers / Bloggers “to blog about all things real estate and home related on our soon-to-launch new Trulia Voices Blog Platform.” “This is a paid for performance opportunity.” => Learn More: http://tinyurl.com/5pw3dw <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ~*~*~*~*~*~*~Advertisement~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Chris and Mike here -- Do you need writing experience to qualify for freelance writing, blogging, proofreading or editorial jobs? Want to demonstrate your expertise for hiring managers or prospective clients? We recommend Helium (it’s free). You can get writing experience with an easy-to-start blog, and be eligible for compensation while you learn. You can also choose among many popular topics, and build your credentials while you write about what interests you. For more, visit http://www.helium.com/?ad=680&placement=HAP002. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 8. Telesales Agents for US-based Firm* ||||| Telesales firm Stewart Response Group seeks Agents. “It doesn’t matter where you live…” “Telephone sales experience is helpful, but not required. Certification will be provided. You must have a Windows-based computer with updated software, high-speed internet access, an email account and basic computer skills, as well as a strong commitment to customer service and sales success.” *(Editor’s Note: We don’t include many leads for sales positions, but we’ve been hearing good buzz about this company on the work-at-home-mom boards.) => Learn More: http://www.stewartresponsegroup.com/work_at_home_opportunities.htm <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 9. Service Demand Analyst for UnitedHealth Group (US) ||||| US-based Optum Health, a division of UnitedHealth Group, seeks a full-time Service Demand Analyst with at least 3 years’ Excel experience and 4 years’ “working with business to gather data and understand needs and/or 4+ Project Management experience.” “The chosen candidate will collaborate with multiple business segments in developing and implementing initiatives for standardizing and improving business processes and strategies.” => Learn More: http://tinyurl.com/5p49md <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 10. Freelance Writers for NurseTV ||||| US-oriented NurseTV.com seeks Writers “to produce fresh, compelling and thought-provoking articles (500-700 words) on subjects that include, but are not limited to: nursing, travel nursing, patient care, medical technology, medical breakthroughs and studies, epidemics, illnesses and treatments for medical conditions.” Pays .20 per word. => Learn More: http://www.journalismjobs.com/Job_Listing.cfm?JobID=966690 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 11. Grant Development Assistant for Canadian Nonprofit ||||| The National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly seeks a Grant Development Assistant. Requirements include a Bachelor’s and “[s]pecific familiarity with requirements for grants from federal agencies, such as Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC); Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR); and/or Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC).” Pays $30 CAN per hour. => Learn More: http://www.workopolis.com/EN/job/10307440 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 12. Account Service Coordinator for Uniprise with “Bilingual Spanish Skills” (CAN) ||||| UnitedHealth International, a division of Fortune 50 firm Uniprise, seeks a full-time Account Service Coordinator to “provide superior customer service to our clients and assist with sales opportunities.” Requirements include a Bachelor’s or equivalent and at least 2 years’ experience with MS Office. => Learn More: http://www.workopolis.com/EN/job/10082855 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 13. Web Production Assistant ||||| Virtual web solutions firm AriesNet seeks a Web Production Assistant with a strong background in HTML 4, XHTML 1 and CSS. => Learn More: http://tbe.taleo.net/NA5/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=ARIESNET&cws=1&rid=9 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 14. Instructional Designer for Centra Classes (US hirer) ||||| US-based placement firm Clarity Consultants is advertising for a full-time, temporary Instructional Designer “to take existing classroom content and redesign it into live online virtual classroom training via the Centra format and to create an implementation guide for the instructor.” Requirements include at least 3 years’ instructional design experience and “experience in designing training for Centra delivery.” => Learn More: http://tinyurl.com/67ud3j <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 15. Instructor in Tahitian (US work eligibility) ||||| Berlitz is looking for a part-time Tahitian Instructor with a college degree and a positive attitude. “Experience preferred but not required.” => Learn More: http://tinyurl.com/6gwzeo <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 16. Project Reporting Specialist for US Firm UnitedHealth Group ||||| UnitedHealth Group company UnitedHealthcare is looking for a full-time Project Reporting Specialist with at least 1 year’s project management experience and a strong background in MS Access and Excel. => Learn More: http://jobview.monster.com/GetJob.aspx?JobID=74960123 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 17. Expert on Thailand Travel (“Work from Anywhere”) ||||| Information supersite About.com, owned by the NY Times, seeks a part-time Expert (“Guide”) on Thailand Travel. “The top candidates will either live or have lived in Thailand, or visit regularly enough to be considered an expert. Published travel clips are a major plus, and we encourage all applicants to browse About.com's Travel channel to gain a general sense of what constitutes a successful GuideSite.” About.com pays a minimum of $725 per month during the first 2 years, plus compensation based on the popularity of the Guide’s pages. => Learn More: http://beaguide.about.com/applynow.htm <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 18. Internet Project Lead / Producer ||||| Virtual web solutions firm AriesNet seeks an Internet Project Lead / Producer with at least 2 years’ experience “as a Team Lead or Project Manager managing software or interactive web development with external clients.” “Whether you come from a business, design or technical background – we’re looking for someone who can successfully manage creative and technical team members, consult with clients, and create first-class web sites and web-based applications that help our clients grow and manage companies.” => Learn More: http://tbe.taleo.net/NA5/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=ARIESNET&cws=1&rid=4 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 19. Grant Proposal / Writers for US Firm ||||| Health behavior R&D company PICS, Inc., seeks part-time Grant Proposal / Writers. “We are seeking candidates to be responsible for writing all sections of grant and contract proposals including: significance, proposed product development, and research design and analysis.” Candidates with successful track record “highly desired.” => Learn More: http://chronicle.com/jobs/id.php?id=0000571350-01 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 20. Online Tutors Grades 3-9 for eSylvan (“Students from all over North America”) ||||| US-based learning firm eSylvan continues to advertise for part-time Online Tutors. “eSylvan designs a personalized program for each student, complete with lessons from eSylvan's skills-based, fully-developed curriculum. For our teachers, this means no lesson planning (we've already taken care of that) and flexible work hours to fit your busy schedule.” “You need to have a current teaching certification. (A previous certification will only be considered if the certification has lapsed, not if the certification was revoked.)” => Learn More: http://www.esylvan.com/About/AboutCareersTeachers.aspx <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ******************************* 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.