One of the reasons outlined in Altucher’s article is that a college degree will cost more than most realize. More than 60% of college students will continue with their secondary educations for more than four years. In an effort to ensure their future career options, many are opting for continuing with further educational options after they’ve acquired their degrees.

Another reason, Altucher contends, is that the average college graduate leaves with more than just a degree; the average amount of debt that follows them out of their graduation ceremony is approximately $23,000. Further, there are those who can expect to shoulder more than $200,000. The EmploymentCrossing.com founder agrees it’s a big burden to carry into the adult world as twenty-somethings begin their professional careers.

It’s true college tuitions have continued to rise, up nine-fold since the 1970s, according to Altucher. Further, medical care costs are up and continue to rise and of course, inflation must be considered as well.

With more ways to save in a new world, A. Harrison Barnes agrees it’s become easier, with proper self discipline, to save an additional sum of money. Altucher says it’s realistic to believe one can easily bank a cool million; still, it requires a lot of commitment on the part of young adults.

So is a college degree worth it? Barnes believes it is. That said, for those who choose to forego the traditional college route, the EmploymentCrossing.com founder suggests keeping current with your chosen career. “Continuing education courses are always a good route”, says Barnes.

So what’s the best route? It’s a decision on a family can make, of course, but ultimately, families will need to ask themselves what their high school senior really wants to do for a living after graduation. There are countless options that are available now that weren’t even considered as recently as fifteen or twenty years ago. Online college courses is a great option that many are discovering is the perfect solution. It’s more affordable, too, say many industry experts. Carrying on a family tradition of graduating from a particular institution might be important, but you have to ask yourself if it’s realistic. If your daughter has no desire to become the next female Supreme Court Justice, it may be that you need to take a step back and allow her to define and pursue her own dreams. It’s times like those that new family traditions are made.

There are no definitive answers and the only sure-fire solution is to remember who’s going to be attending those early morning classes and cramming for finals – if he’s not willing or not exactly thrilled at the idea of life on campus, there may be better ways to invest your money.

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Arrive early – this is always the one thing everyone says, “Duh…I know that”, yet few take advantage of those precious early moments. The EmploymentCrossing.com founder says it’s a good way to get in, get some of the awkward introductions out of the way while also taking a look around and locating those mundane things such as the copier and supply cabinet.

Don’t voice your opinions too loudly – especially if they go against the current dynamics in the office, says Barnes. You want to make an impression, but stepping on toes will only ensure the wrong one’s left on your new co-workers. Of course, says A. Harrison Barnes, if you’re asked for feedback or suggestions, you should offer up any ideas you have. That’s part of the upside of a new employee: they approach old problems with new eyes.

About Us – You can learn a wealth about a company, its mission and its values simply by visiting the website’s “About Us” page. This is a good way to sort of fall into those same principles and, though it doesn’t happen often, it’s also way to ensure you’ve chosen the right position. Odds are you’ll never disagree with a company’s goals, but there have been times when a new hire has rescinded his job acceptance after realizing his values and the company’s didn’t match.

Be Kind, Ask for Help – By introducing yourself to someone in the company breakroom and then asking a question, you’re basically saying, “I’m new here and you look like the kind of person who can help me help myself”. It’s human nature to want to be helpful to our fellow humans. Even if it sounds corny, there’s truth in it. Be sincere – but don’t shy away from the opportunity, either.

Listen – Sometimes, the most revealing facts reveal themselves when you’re doing nothing but paying attention to what’s being said to you and around you. While you likely care less about the boss’s divorce, it is good to know, if for no other reason than to explain why he looks as though he’s lost ten pounds since your initial interview. Remember, too, that gossip is never a healthy habit. While you might not can help overhearing the occasional tid bit of dirt on the receptionist, it doesn’t mean you have to contribute.

Before long, that first day will be behind you and you’ll know the intricacies as well as anyone else. Until then, take a deep breath and jump into this new career that you’ve chosen.

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Money might make the world go round, but at some point, it’s not going to be as strong a factor as it is now and when that happens, you better have another reason for sticking out a long term employment gig. “Most people reach that place in their lives when all the material things have been acquired. Mortgages are paid in full, kids are out of the nest and their college educations have long since been paid for”, says Barnes. It’s then when many of us realize our jobs, while providing our financial security, did little else for our sense of career satisfaction. While the salary is important now as you consider which offer to accept, at the very least, keep it in the back of your mind that it’s not always going to be that way.

Weigh both companies and their commitment to those issues important to you. For instance, how involved in the community are they? Which one takes a more proactive approach to the environment? Mentoring programs? Education reimbursement? These are important and should be factored into your grand scheme.

Don’t forget to consider the office environment, the Hound.com founder suggests. Is it too formal? Maybe it’s not portraying a professional image in the community or it could be that it’s too much of a stickler for issues you consider mundane (a mandatory tie or open toe sandals on those days when there are no meetings). While this is seemingly a vain approach, remember that this is going to be a significant part of your life and after a few years, it could become far more resentful than it is now.

Finally, A. Harrison Barnes encourages job seekers to consider commute time, the connection made during the interview with your potential new manager and even the size of the department you’d be working in, especially if it appears both jobs are otherwise indistinguishable.

Bottom line is it’s always your choice and it could very well be that the one you selected was all wrong. At that point, you’ll be facing a decision yet again: should you stay or should you go? Before you decide, be sure to check out the current hiring environment for your career avenue. One way of doing this is visiting Hound.com. Here you’ll get an unbiased and realistic view into whether or not it’s a good time to consider changing employers.

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For many, they began their careers with one company and progressed up that same company’s ladder the entirety of their career. They did so with a mutual sense of loyalty – the employer, fully aware of a good worker when they had it and an employee who took pride in a job well done. Those days are a thing of the past, though. Today, a college graduate is apt to change jobs four times, and possibly more, over the course of his working years. There are many factors that go into this new career mindset, including outsourcing, downsizing and of course, the rapidly advancing technology.

The best way to deal with a lack of job security is to be prepared. A proactive approach is always better than one of a reactive nature. Not only that, says the EmploymentCrossing.com founder, but when you feel prepared, you’re less likely to stress. Your goal is to cover the bases as much as you can and then knowing when you’ve reached the place where it’s out of your hands. This means staying current with the latest technology, focusing on your financial cushion – which is the three months of your current salary put aside for the unexpected, says A. Harrison Barnes, and keeping your resume polished and ready to kick into action should the need arise.

Believe it or not, staying healthy plays a big roll in keeping your stress levels in check. Exercise, as we know, is the cure-all for many of life’s ailments. A positive attitude helps, too, says Barnes. Crazy as it sounds, sometimes the best approach is the one that requires the least amount of hoopla. In the case of dealing with the lack of job security, you might be surprised at how well you cope if you make up your mind that you’re doing the best you can with what you’ve got. If you do fall victim to the dreaded layoff list, knowing it means something better is out there can sometimes be the right motivator that helps you move forward – even when you want to hold the sofa down and catch every episode the Law & Order marathon while playing the ‘woe is me’ role. Nothing’s forever – including recessions, unemployment and yes – even those Law & Order marathons (trust us – you’ll have plenty of opportunities to watch all those reruns after you’ve secured your new job).

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In late June, Pensacola Florida officials announced the worst so far, in terms of oil coverage, is now appearing on the beaches that define the beautiful city that’s always attracted summer vacationers.  A. Harrison Barnes, career coach and founder of Hound.com reiterates what both the Coast Guard and the local mayors are saying, “It’s going to be a long and slow dance that Mother Nature leads”.  For now, though, it appears there were will more than a few jobs available for those wishing to play a role.  While no local municipalities are willing to discuss salaries and hourly rates, BP will shoulder the costs eventually.

Pensacola’s officials are bringing in heavy equipment in its efforts of ridding the beach of the mess and as a result, there is a sudden need for those who know how to operate this heavy machinery.  There are many who live along the coast and who are more than capable of operating the backhoes and other equipment; however, with recent news of construction companies beginning their hiring processes again, along with many choosing to work on the water in an effort to contain the oil before it makes landfall, the Hound.com founder says there is currently a shortage of those qualified to pick up the slack.  This is a win-win for a lot of people.  For those in other areas of the country who are looking for work, this could mean great pay on the beaches, soiled though they are, in the warm Gulf Coast sun.  For those subcontractors looking for experienced help, knowing it’s on the way allows everyone to take a step back as more bad news rolls in.

Because this is an unprecedented event, no one knows how long these jobs will exist; however, A. Harrison Barnes reiterates the environmental factors and says no one – whether it’s BP or the government – is going to be quick to declare complete recovery until there are absolutely no doubts.  This might take decades.   For now, though, it appears these jobs are going to offer plenty of overtime and likely, many seven day work weeks; still, it’s a solution many in the country have been looking for as they begin to rebuild their lives after the recession.  It’s important to note that the weather conditions along the coastal areas are incredibly hot and usually with 100% humidity.  For those who aren’t accustomed to this kind of heat and humidity, it’s likely to be a shock.  Health officials encourage out of state workers keep this in mind, especially those who may have health issues.

For more information on the current employment outlook, including thousands of jobs updated in real time, be sure to visit Hound.com.

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