JOBWIRE

Parents Return to Work Force

As companies struggle to find skilled workers, new numbers indicate that more and more firms may be turning to a largely untapped source of labor: women and a growing number of men who left the workforce for several years to raise a family. Survey findings may put to rest the commonly-held perception that prolonged absence from the workplace make parents less desirable job candidates. In fact, employers are increasingly seeking out these individuals as the ideal replacements for exiting baby boomers because of their work and life experience. In the survey of 100 human resource executives conducted by outplacement consultants Challenger, Gray & Christmas, half said their companies informally work with former employees while 23 percent consider stay-at-home parents to be valuable targets in recruiting efforts. "Entry-level jobseekers often lack the combination of soft and technical skills needed in today’s fast-paced global economy," notes CEO John Challenger. "As a result, more companies are looking for experienced, easily trainable workers, which include former employees who took time away from their careers to raise their children." In the past, these staffers simply terminated their employment and detached themselves from the workforce. Now, more companies are trying to maintain professional relationships with these individuals, even if only in the form of an occasional email about new office developments from a department head. Challenger offered words of advice to the parent anxious to re-enter the workforce: "Spend extra time preparing your response to concerns about your prolonged absence from the workplace."

Most Americans Unhappy at Work

A survey by the American Dream Project has found that 75 percent of Americans find their careers are empty of meaning, satisfaction, and value. Of the 6705 people who answered the survey, nearly 75 percent feel unsuited with their career and find their work less than fulfilling. Project CEO Will Marré feels that job dissatisfaction is a major cause of America’s health woes. Over 65 million Americans suffer from disrupted sleep, heart disease, ulcers, immune system failure, eating disorders, and depression, which are rooted in chronic anxiety. "Jobs don’t have to be life-killers," Marré reasons. "There is a growing group of workers who are highly satisfied with their work life. These tend to be the self-employed or those who work for organizations that offer lots of personal autonomy, flexible work hours, and personal growth." For more information and self-help guides, go to AmericanDreamProject.org.

On the Job Front

RANCHO CORDOVA – Bank of America Corp will leave the consumer wholesale-mortgage business this year, eliminating less than 100 jobs locally. The job cuts are part of 3000 positions BofA announced it would eliminate across the country.

SACRAMENTO – A new day-labor and community center is being proposed at the corner of Martin Luther King Blvd and 41st Avenue. The project has raised $256,000 in pledges but needs $1.6 million. Backers hope to begin construction next year.

SAN RAMON – Diablo Funding Group, BNC Mortgage and Option One Mortgage are cutting a total of 325 jobs this month. Diablo announced that the credit crisis is forcing the company to close its doors.