Older Workers Changing Careers

Many workers in their fifties and sixties are delaying retirement and changing careers, often into less demanding, more flexible jobs, according to an AARP Public Policy Institute study. Laid-off workers were far more likely than those who left their jobs for health reasons to move to a new position; 71% of older workers who lost their jobs due to layoffs or business closings between 1992 and 2006 took new jobs, most of which were in new occupations.

Corporate Use of Social Networking

According to a 2009 survey conducted by growth partnership company Frost & Sullivan, social networking has gained visibility and functionality in the corporate world. About 80% of 1,439 participants use Web 2.0 technologies, which include web-based communities, social-networking sites, video-sharing, blogs, wikis, etc., to connect with friends and family while at work; 54% use these technologies for professional purposes, such as connecting with colleagues, generating leads, and project collaboration.

Skipping Vacation

Concerned about money and job security, many Americans are skipping vacation this year, according to a 2009 survey of 4,435 workers conducted by Careerbuilder.com. Results showed that 35% of workers have not gone on and do not expect to go on vacation this year. When asked why, 71% said they could not afford it, and nearly one in five said they are either afraid of losing their jobs or feel guilty about being away from the office.