• Thanks for the (work)buzz kill, NYT.
  Downturn Dims Prospects Even at Top Law Schools
• I’m not sure if I’m surprised by this survey’s findings or not…
  “Productivity Drain” Survey Finds That Many Employees Feel Productivity was a Casualty of the Recession
• Hmmm.
  Postal Service offers $15k to workers for quitting
• The financial industry is hiring already. That does surprise me.
  Hedge Funds Hiring Again After Downturn

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Nevertheless, the news waits for no one.

• Because some people really like a good challenge.
  Starting a New Business While Still Employed
• If you’re fortunate enough to have a 401(k), here’s something to think about.
  About Your 401(k)
• Although this isn’t a shock, it’s still a bummer to read.
  For class of 2009, degree doesn’t mean a job
• Because no matter how many times you hear this advice, it’s worth repeating: Don’t say, “I just need a job” as an answer to an interview question.
  Getting hired 101: Work from home interview questions

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Here are the news items that didn’t get quite as much attention:

• I don’t think we highlight veterans enough, and I think this is a story worth telling.
  Economy Makes Job Search Tough For Vets
• Can I also sue my high school teacher seeing as I’ve never once used the Pythagorean Theorem?
  Jobless NYC woman sues college for $70K in tuition
• Now don’t you feel ashamed of yourself for counting down the days until retirement? Or, you know, the weekend?
  101-year-old Dallas-area lawyer Jack Borden honored as nation’s ‘Outstanding Oldest Worker’
• We like pop culture, and we like learning. Here’s what Paula Abdul (yes, Paula) can teach you. Though I don’t know if I agree with the conclusion.
  Paula Abdul’s salary negotiation problem

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Here is your midweek newsbreak:

• Well, sure, much of the country’s unemployed and few people have jobs that allow them go away for a month. It’s probably a good idea that Congress did this.
  House approves infusions for depleted programs
• I thought this was an interesting read…but does anyone remember when internships meant making copies, not making the front page of the New York Times?
  Internship Is Secured, but a Seat? That’s Tricky
• If you like tough love, think about this.
  4 Ways to Destroy Your Retirement
• We’re all about healthy lifestyles here at The Work Buzz (even if we devoured too many cupcakes today). Plus, you can challenge your interviewers to a race, and if you beat them, you get the job! Just a thought.
  Turn a job loss into a health gain

‘Til Thursday.

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Sorry for not giving you a Monday roundup. We were having some technical issues yesterday. To make up for it, today’s roundup will be the best ever. Or at least pretty good.

With the job numbers coming out on Thursday, we’ve had a steady stream of new figures coming in and experts weighing in. But you probably haven’t heard much about that in light of Michael Jackson’s death, Palin’s resignation and Obama’s visit to Russia. But that’s why we’re here, to sort through exciting job-seeker news for you. Here’s what we’ve been reading:

• Good news: Some employers want to keep morale up, so they’re giving employees little extras. Has your employer done anything like this?
  Rewards Help Soothe Hard Times
• Call it a clever marketing move or a goodwill gesture–it’s up to you. But one pharmaceutical company is giving unemployed workers a break. I don’t know the details, but maybe it will help out some readers.
  Pfizer launches medicine assistance program for newly unemployed
• An oft-reported but still staggering statistic is how much unemployment affects minority workers.
  Hispanic, black communities continue to be hit harder by recession
• Plenty of people want access to their retirement funds but don’t want to face the penalties. If you choose to go this route, which not all experts agree on, you might want to read this.
  Unemployed? How to Cash Out Your Retirement the Less Painful Way
• Some unemployed job seekers are able to receive unemployment benefits for a longer period of time than before
  Unemployed workers get extension for benefits

There’s your job-seeker news briefing for the day. See you tomorrow!

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Therefore, we bring you some food for today’s thought:

• CNN map of unemployment, budget deficit and foreclosures. OH MY!
  Where does your state rank?
• Many people are willing to take jobs dealing with nuclear waste. They’re braver than I.
  SC job-seekers line up for gig cleaning nuke waste
• Here at The Work Buzz, we’ve always been about the tough love. The economy’s forcing others to see it the same way.
  Advice hardens in soft job market
• A new survey says many people are delaying retirement, which lines up with what we said not too long ago, also. Looks like it’s a trend that’s not going away in the near future.
  A third of workers delaying retirement

Happy Friday!

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With some automakers facing some big obstacles, there’s a chance pensions could also be a thing of the past. For many workers, the promise of a pension is a big driving force to stick with their jobs, so the idea that they could end up with less than they expected is not welcome news. As this New York Times article points out, the paperwork alone for revamping the system can be a hassle of epic proportions.

Read the full article for details.

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Now people are talking about Favre and his change of heart about his career path. Many people were surprised when his team (the Green Bay Packers) did not welcome him back with open arms. This story continues to be filled with twists and turns, and it is unclear whether Favre will get his wish and play pro football again this season. (Updated to add: As we now know, Favre IS back in the NFL and playing for another team.)

Many of us have probably made the same kind of decision about moving on from a job. And at one time or another, we have also probably experienced the same kind of regret about leaving. The question is: once you leave, can you go home again?

Here are some things you may want to consider before you think about returning to a previous employer.

• Take off the rose-colored glasses. If you miss your old job, think about the reasons why you are feeling nostalgic. With time and distance, we may only remember the good things about a job, and overlook the reasons why we left in the first place. Take some time to really think about what your day was like. Better yet, go back for a visit. You are more likely to view your old workplace in an objective way.
• Ponder your career path. Think about your career, and where you would like to be in five years. Does your old job get you closer to that destination? If you dislike your current job, returning to your old workplace simply out of comfort is a bad idea. Make sure any return to a previous employer fits in with your overall career path.

In some cases, returning to an old job may be the right step. But doing so may take some considerable planning, as well as some explanation on your part.

The company will want you to answer two questions: Why did you leave? And why should we take you back? If the door to returning to an old job appears to be open, be prepared to answer those questions.

You should also be ready to present your former employer with a plan of action. You should outline the positive impact your return would have on the company. Management will want to know that your return is a long-term investment, not a stopgap measure until you get another job. Developing and sharing a long range plan would show them your commitment.

This may also be a good opportunity to make adjustments in your role with the company. If boredom was part of the reason you initially left, be frank about that in your discussion with them. Let them know you need new challenges or a change of pace.

If there were personality conflicts, you should also be honest and blunt about those as well. Those kinds of issues are unlikely to have gone away in your absence, but some companies may be flexible enough to accommodate changes you may need to make the second time around more successful.

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