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THE
To my father, Jim Kaeter, who knew that I should work for myself long before I would admit it.
Copyright 2004, F+W Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher; exceptions are made for brief excerpts used in published reviews. An Everything Series Book. Everything and everything.com are registered trademarks of F+W Publications, Inc. Published by Adams Media, an F+W Publications Company 57 Littlefield Street, Avon, MA 02322 U.S.A. www. adamsmedia. com ISBN: 1-59337-038-5 Printed in the United States of America. J I H G F E D C B A
Contents
Top Ten Crazy Careers / x Introduction / xi
Be Prepared / 25
See the World 26 Passport to Adventure 26 A Shot in the Arm 30 Don't Drink the Water 31 Different Strokes 35 Let's Be Careful over There 39
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Shall We Dance? / 57
Dance Fever 58 How Hungry Are You? 61 Teaching Dance 62 Walk on the Wild Side 64
A Life in t h e Theater / 67
An Actor's Life 68 Working with an Agent 71 Presenting Yourself 73* Joining the Unions 77 Acting Around the Country 79
Model Citizens / 1 1 1
Have You Got What It Takes? 112 You Can Do It, Too 114 Commercial Modeling 115 Glamour Modeling 116 Where to Start 117 The Road to the Runway 120 Nobody's Perfect 124 Other Modeling Opportunities 124
Circus, Circus! / 1 2 7
Run Away and Join the Circus 128 Life Under the Big Top 128 Clowning Around 130 The Man (and Woman) on the Flying Trapeze 133 Animal Handlers 135
CONTENTS
On t h e Road Again / 1 3 9
Living out of a Suitcase 140 Roadies 142 Couriers 143 Tour Guides 145 Road Rats 149
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J u s t Causes / 2 1 9
Making a Difference 220 Defending the Environment with Greenpeace 220 Starting Out with Internships 222 Amnesty International 223 Save the Children 224 Improving Your Own Neighborhood 225 The World of Politics 227
Appendix A General Alternative Career Resources / 263 Appendix B Resources by Field / 267 Index / 281
viii
acknowledgments
The author gratefully acknowledges the contributions of Bethany Brown and everyone else at Adams Media, whose editorial expertise has immeasurably enhanced the book you n o w hold in your hands.
ix
Top Ten
Crazy Careers
1.
Body-double model: Display your assets for shy celebs in movies and television.
2.
3. Road rat: Drive oversized vehicles from manufacturers to dealerships. 4. Greenpeace activist: Ever wanted to put yourself in between a whale and any harpoons that might be aimed at it? 5. Craftsmaker: Turn your creativity into a moneymaking enterprise.
6. Personal coach: Get in on the ground floor of this emerging new service. 7. Private detective: Take your natural nosiness and make it your career. 8. Trapeze artist: Fly through the air with the greatest of ease. 9. Peace Corps volunteer: Do some good, see the world, and celebrate diversity. 10. Ballooning guide: Go up, up, and away to give brave souls a bird's-eye view of the landscape.
Introduction
WELCOME TO THE BRAVE NEW WORLD WE LIVE IN. This tumultuous period in history is dramatically different from t h o s e simpler times that our parents faced. T h e rules have changed, a n d we c a n no longer rely on the things (like a j o b for life, or satisfaction from a conventional career) that people have long taken for granted. The days are over w h e n p e o p l e m a d e their job at a single c o m p a n y into their life's work. Even jobs in civil service a n d with a union, both long-time s o u r c e s of safety a n d stability for the middle class, are not so safe a n d stable anymore. Unions have lost m u c h of their power, a n d cash-starved cities a n d states are laying their civil servants off. We are pretty m u c h on our own in this cold, cruel world, a n d our only options are to sink or swim. So why not swim in an o c e a n of our own making? Why not do something that we enjoy? It is said that eight out of ten p e o p l e do not enjoy getting up in the morning a n d going to work. The plain a n d simple truth is that most people hate their jobs. Their work is a m e a n s to an end, a n d it is increasingly the c a s e that the e n d in question is simply to surviveenjoying a comfortable, fulfilled life is a goal too distant for many p e o p l e ' s reach. We work to put food on the table, keep a roof over our h e a d s , a n d provide for our n e a r a n d d e a r o n e s . Too many of us merely exist, leading lives of quiet desperation. This doesn't have to be t h e c a s e . You have your destiny in your h a n d s . Reclaim it today.
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There is precious little loyalty in the b u s i n e s s world these days. No matter w h a t job you have, you are already basically working for yourself. And since you are working for yourself, you might as well have s o m e fun along the way. You c a n do work that you love, have plenty of leisure time, a n d still be able to plan for the future. You can tell "the Man" to "Take this job a n d shove it," a n d t h e n go off to greener pastures. In this book, you'll find an introduction to a wide variety of alternative and creative careers. You will find the information and inspiration you n e e d to follow your bliss a n d do the kind of work you love. You will discover many things to think about, a n d you'll be directed to the resources that will help turn your d r e a m s into reality. This is a b o o k for people w h o want to s h e d the shackles of the nineto-five grind. Even the p h r a s e "nine to five" is now a relic from a more innocent age. Very few white-collar jobs still feature eight-hour days with an hour for lunch. T h o s e workers w h o do want to go h o m e at a reasonable hour are not regarded as team players, a n d they are often left behind w h e n it is time for raises a n d promotions. The business world wants your blood, sweat, toil, a n d tearsand it no longer offers much in return. The Everything Alternative Careers Book will guide you in finding a career that you will find personally satisfying. The goal here is not necessarily to lure you with p r o m i s e s of a new, exciting career that will make you millions. This is a b o o k for people w h o s e first priority is the s e a r c h for a higher quality of lifenot the n u m b e r of zeroes on their bank balance. You c a n make a nice living, find personal a n d professional fulfillment, a n d plan for your future. Many folks s p e n d their time struggling to plan for a distant retirement. This book will s h o w you how to live in the h e r e a n d now, all the while enjoying e a c h present, wonderful moment. Life's too short to let your dreams wait until tomorrow, or the day after. The time to take control of your life a n d your career is right now.
Chapter l
he world is a very different place than it was only a few short years ago. Gone is the sense of stability and reliability, whether real or illusory, that we thought would always be there. Though it may seem paradoxical, here in the midst of these uncertain times, now is the best time to switch canoes midstream and do what you really enjoy Why, you may ask? All things considered . . . why not!
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According to the U.S. Census Bureau, most working w o m e n are still employed in what are called "pink collar" jobs: secretaries, bookkeepers, sales supervisors, nurses, waitresses, receptionists, and cooks. If you're a w o m a n , and these careers are not to your liking, then go out there and do what it takes to find your dream job.
We a r e in a n e w century now. It's a n e w millennium, in fact. Back in t h e 1960s, young p e o p l e sang of the dawning of the Age of Aquarius, but our world today is not s h a p i n g up to be the "Peace, baby" idyll they envisioned. Workers will find little sympathy a n d understanding in the corporate working environments of today. For blue-collar workers, the situation is even worse, as their jobs are being lost to p e o p l e in other countries for w h o m a few dollars a day is a lot of money.
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Even if you m a n a g e to hold on to your job, steady e m p l o y m e n t is no guarantee of h a p p i n e s s . In the world of civil service a n d government bureaucracy, it may be next to impossible to get fired. But how many bureaucrats and p a p e r p u s h e r s greet the n e w day with a spring in their step a n d a s o n g in their hearts? How m a n y workers in any industry c a n say that they do? Not many, statistics tells us. Since you are reading this book, it is possible that you, too, d r e a d waking up every day to h e a d off to a job that is uncertain, unprofitable, a n d unfulfilling. Fear not. You'll s o o n find that there is a big w i d e wonderful world out there w h e r e you c a n m a r c h to the beat of that fabled different drummer.
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There was no dress codethat was simply too Old World. Free lunch was provided, a n d other delectables were placed in c o m m o n areas throughout the day. T h e s e a n d many other "quality of working life" policies were e n a c t e d to create an environment so satisfying that people could not wait to get to t h e office a n d go the extra mile. The message was that they were o n e big happy family making the workplace a better place through e-commerce.
FACT
The rise a n d fall of t h e d o t - c o m s is a perfect example of an industry built on high h o p e s a n d g r e a t expectations t h a t never materialized. These " n e w e c o n o m y " businesses w e r e like t h e " n e w m a t h " t h a t t h e y used to t e a c h in schools. Just as t w o plus t w o no longer h a d to equal four, business did n o t have to equal profit.
The intent was also to create a family atmosphere, necessary because dot-com workers saw e a c h other m o r e than they did their families. They w e r e expected to s p e n d most of their waking hours on the job. Eighteenhour days were not t h e exception; they were the norm. T h o s e w h o m a n a g e d to complete their tasks within regular business hours a n d then elected to split the s c e n e at a d e c e n t time were told they were not team players, a n d this might reflect badly at performance review time. Still, as the c o m p a n i e s ' stock prices kept rising, a n d the employees' stock options kept skyrocketing in value, it all s e e m e d worth it.
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their cell p h o n e s a n d Palm Pilots a n d were politely but firmly thrown out of the building. The p e r s o n n e l d e p a r t m e n t would be in t o u c h with the details of their severance package, if any. T h e survivors of the purge were told they were safe for the time being, but h a r d e r work a n d longer hours were required.
More and more companies are turning their staff into "independent contractors" in order to save on paying their portion of Social Security cost, employee medical benefits, and other forms of insurance. Do not be surprised if your manager taps you on the shoulder o n e day to tell you of this change in your professional status.
The prevailing attitude was o n e of oblivious avarice. People were living o n e day at a time but in t h e worst s e n s e of the philosophy. It is nothing better than foolish a n d arrogant to live "in the now" while ignoring the handwriting on the wall. Pride goeth before a fall, as they say. At o n e company, t h e stock price d r o p p e d from m o r e than $100 to a m e r e seventeen cents a s h a r e , all in less than a year. W h e n the dot-com world fell apart, t h o u s a n d s of p e o p l e w h o were living the high life found themselves pinching pennies, clipping c o u p o n s , a n d (if they were lucky) working at The Gap.
Don't Wait!
The cranky eighteenth-century philosopher T h o m a s H o b b e s observed that life is "nasty, brutish, a n d short." And i n d e e d it was in t h o s e not-sog o o d old days. For most of us w h o a r e lucky e n o u g h to live in t h e early twenty-first century, life is not particularly nasty a n d brutish. But it is still short. True, medical a d v a n c e s have b e e n m a d e , a n d longevity is continually increasing. That d o e s not c h a n g e the fact that life is precious, fragile, a n d shortin t h e s e n s e that time i n d e e d d o e s fly. It s e e m s to fly faster t h e older we get. Now, m o r e t h a n ever, is a time for reflection a n d reevaluation. Rather than toiling at an exhausting job simply to pay t h e bills, it is time to try to do t h o s e things that bring you joy a n d feed your spirit.
QUESTION?
Is living in the now a practical lifestyle? The saying g o e s , "Seize the day, and gather ye rosebuds while ye may." And h o w right that is. There is no time like the present to pursue your dreams. Of course planning for the future is necessary, but we should not live there. All we have is the present moment, so enjoy it.
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1. Do you d r e a d the s o u n d of the alarm in t h e morning? 2. Do you always feel tired, even if your job is not especially strenuous? 3. Do you take t h e stress a n d strain of the job h o m e with you, making it difficult for you to enjoy your leisure time? 4. Does your job, a n d the cast of characters you interact with during the day, invade your d r e a m s by night? This is a sure sign that it is time for a c h a n g e . ( D r e a m s about an attractive coworker do not apply.) If you answered "Yes" to any or all of t h e s e questions, it is definitely time for you to take the first steps toward considering an alternate career.
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The truly successful p e o p l e in life have n o t been afraid of c h a n g e . They have e m b r a c e d it a n d m a d e n e w conditions work to their a d v a n t a g e . They t u r n e d t h e l e m o n s into l e m o n a d e a n d n o t only survived, b u t thrived.
FACT
Baseball executive Branch Rickey o n c e said, "Luck is the residue of design." If you look at the life story of m a n y an "overnight" star, you will find that they worked for years, s o m e t i m e s d e c a d e s , to achieve that s u d d e n fame. For most successful people, the seedlings of their s u c c e s s started early. They always h a d an interest in a n d p a s s i o n for the field or subject that ultimately brought t h e m acclaim. That's true even if they toiled at many other tasks before their d r e a m s c a m e true. And they are not all wunderkindboy a n d girl geniuses w h o sprang full-bloom into their own. T h e r e are plenty of late b l o o m e r s w h o achieved a n d s u c c e e d e d in their middle a n d even their golden years. It is never too late to make a c h a n g e .
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Chapter 2
ired of the daily grind in your little corner of the world? Why not try leaving the country? Working abroad can be a rewarding and educational experience. It can expand your horizons and broaden your mind. In this chapter, we explore several opportunities for working in other countries.
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Celebrating Diversity
Celebrating diversity h a s b e c o m e something of a clich t h e s e days. The p h r a s e carries a political meaning that has b e c o m e a rallying cry for many a n d a s o u r c e of disdain to as many other. But if we distill these words to their purest formor, perhaps, use a c o m p a r a b l e French phrase, vive le diffrencethen being o p e n to the diversity t h e world h a s to offer b e c o m e s an unequivocally positive notion. It is natural to be p r o u d of your heritage. Your ancestry is part of what makes you w h o you are. However, a belief that yours is clearly the superior heritage can easily transcend pride and b e c o m e prejudice. No doubt, s o m e aspects of other cultures are worthy of criticism. But the s a m e is true of your own heritage a n d culture, whatever it may b e . To exist in a state of xenophobia, with a dislike for anything outside your narrow view, is no way to live your life. Exposure to other traditions and lifestyles is a positive thing. A great way to b r o a d e n your outlook on life is to experience other countries a n d cultures. There are plenty of t h e m out there. The expression "It takes all kinds" applies not just to the p e o p l e you meet, but to the global community as well. Even if you are not a lady or gentleman of leisure, a n d you cannot afford the luxury of going a r o u n d the world in eighty days, you c a n still find plenty of opportunities to be paid to s e e the world. Before you step off your native soil a n d e m b a r k on this great adventure, you have to ask yourself s o m e questions: 1. W h e r e would you like to go? 2. What would you like to do? 3. How c a n you make t h e s e two desires compatible? Discovering your desires requires research, but you probably already have s o m e ideas. For example, if you want to be a ski instructor, you would go to Switzerland a n d not the Sudan. Or p e r h a p s you have a location in mind, while the work is secondary. Take the time to do the research, a n d d e c i d e what is best for you. It's a big world out there with possibilities that are literally e n d l e s s . The rest of this chapter offers s o m e
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Tourism is a major industry in many of the countries abroad where you might be considering working. Johnson & Wales University is a hospitality college that specializes in subjects like food service management, travel and tourism, and hotel management. You can learn about career and learning opportunities in these fields at their Web site (
www.jwu.edu).
Jobs in Tourism
You c a n s e e that t h e r e are all sorts of opportunities for working overseas. O n e way of getting paid to work in an appealing locale is to seek employment in the tourist industry. Tourism is t h e world's biggest business, and plenty of opportunities are available for a n y o n e w h o is not afraid of hard work a n d long h o u r s . T h e b a d news is that t h e work is not glamorous, nor is t h e pay great. On t h e other h a n d , the g o o d news is that r o o m a n d b o a r d are often included with the position. And best of all, you c a n s p e n d your free time wandering s o m e of t h e most beautiful locales in the world. Most tourist jobs are seasonal, often only lasting through the summertime. Summertime o c c u r s at different times in t h e world, depending on which h e m i s p h e r e you're in. From May to October, for instance, you could work at a s u m m e r resort in Europe, a n d t h e n move
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on to o n e in Australia from November through April. If traveling "down u n d e r " to follow t h e s u n is too difficult, you could s p e n d the winter working at a European ski resort. (Working in the skiing industry will be covered in Chapter 4.)
Club Med
www.clubmedjobs.com)
"audition." Club Med auditions last three hours and are not unlike the audition process for a theatrical production. This makes sense, since working in o n e of these self-contained resort villages would
F A C T
In this c a s e , the location is probably m o r e important than the work. (You k n o w a h e a d of time that t h e job will probably be less than stimulating.) Therefore, you s h o u l d pick the place first. Unlike a p e r s o n seeking a c a r e e r in t h e Peace Corps, you will likely find work in the m o r e wealthy a n d developed nations, though s o m e less-than-wealthy nations have concentrations of self-contained tourist sites, s u c h as Club Med a n d Hedonism.
1 4
and contact them. Most will have a p r e s e n c e on the Internet, a n d the Web site will most likely have job listings posted. For example, the job listings page on the Cunard cruise line's Web site www.cunard.com) recently posted positions that included the following: Sound technician for o n b o a r d entertainment Waiter/waitress "Chef de partie" (requiring a chef's diploma a n d five years of experience working in at least two different five-star establishments)
Beautiful Balloon
An offbeat a n d growing alternative c a r e e r is being a m e m b e r of the ground crew for a hot-air balloon business. This industry is rising in Europe as m o r e a n d m o r e tourists a n d locals fancy the r o m a n c e of a scenic balloon flight. T h e s e a s o n runs from May to October, with a brief winter s e a s o n in January a n d February. Your mission, should you d e c i d e to accept it, will involve working in the takeoff a n d landing team, inflating and deflating the balloons, refueling, a n d assisting customers in a n d out of the balloon basket. A ground crew m e m b e r should weigh at least 150 p o u n d s a n d have a valid European Union working permit. You also have to know h o w to drive. R e m e m b e r that in most European countries you drive on the right side of t h e road, while t h e steering wheel is sometimes on the right side of the car. This is disorienting to many A m e r i c a n s a n d takes s o m e getting used to.
As a kid, were you into playing Dungeons & Dragons and collecting medieval memorabilia? There are many fixed and traveling Renaissance festivals where you could turn your passion for the past into a paying job.
F A C T
Most Europeans have a working knowledge of English, but it would be helpful to have s o m e facility in French, German, or Italian. Balloon ground crews receive a small salary, but r o o m a n d b o a r d ( a n d most likely the occasional balloon flight) are included. You will get to s e e
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Europe from the ground a n d from t h e air. For m o r e information on the ground crew a n d other positions at o n e European balloon touring company, visit B o m b a r d ' s Web site at ( www.bombardsociety.com/jobs.
Fruit Picking
If you a r e going on a backpacking tour of Europe, o n e way to make s o m e m o n e y along t h e way a n d get a p l a c e to flop for t h e night is to work as a migrant fruit picker. For s o m e this may s o u n d d e m e a n i n g , but for m a n y young A m e r i c a n s it c a n be a g o o d way to experience life in another country from a completely different perspective. It also may also turn out to be a g o o d first experience in rolling up the old sleeves a n d doing a little hard work.
The British online publication Tramp News (at ( www.payaway.co.uk) is a g o o d source for information on transitory employment, including t h e various harvest seasons in different nations and w h e n t h e farmers will need people to work in their fields.
F A C T
You c a n work y o u r way a c r o s s E u r o p e during t h e spring a n d s u m m e r . This kind of work is as far away from p u n c h i n g a clock as it gets. For everything t h e r e is a s e a s o n , as t h e g o o d b o o k says, a n d your work as a fruit picker d e p e n d s on t h e c r o p , its s e a s o n a n d harvest t i m e . E u r o p e a n c o u n t r i e s that hire s e a s o n a l workers include France, Germany, D e n m a r k , Holland, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Portugal, G r e e c e , Norway, a n d t h e United Kingdom; s o m e c o u n t r i e s outside Europesuch as C a n a d a , Australia, a n d New Zealanddo as well. Australian farmers rely heavily on foreign labor, but in s o m e European c o u n t r i e s t h e work is b e c o m e m o r e a n d m o r e m e c h a n i z e d . If you want to s a m p l e t h e nightlife of A m s t e r d a m , you c a n investigate being a s e a s o n a l bulb p a c k e r in H o l l a n d . Tulips, like H e i n e k e n , a r e a m a i n export of Holland. T h e main requirement is a willingness a n d ability to put in a h a r d day's work. Climbing up a n d d o w n ladders a n d lots of bending are part of t h e daily grind. It is physically d e m a n d i n g work. If you have never
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d o n e it before you will will be in better s h a p e working with the land. you to move on to the you are paid b a s e d on how many bushels you results-oriented job.
a c h e at night, but by the e n d of your stay you a n d p e r h a p s even enriched spiritually through And you will have m o n e y in your pocket to e n a b l e next stop on your journey. In agricultural work, how m u c h work you do, which is determined by present the foreman at day's end. It is truly a
Au Pair
If you a r e a young w o m a n u n d e r twenty-seven years of age (though this age varies from country to country) a n d like working with children, you might consider going a b r o a d as an au pair. Many w o m e n c o m e to the United States to fill these positions for American families, but the reverse cultural exchange is also c o m m o n . Jobs are available all year round. Positions are available in areas s u c h Western Europe, Canada, Israel, a n d Turkey. A typical day involves child care a n d light housework. T h e au pair might be asked to babysit on s o m e evenings a n d is guaranteed o n e day off a week, plus study time if s h e is a student. An au pair should be single. Nonsmokers are preferred, a n d a driver's license is sometimes required. Most jobs last six m o n t h s to a year. T h e pay is not great, but you'll have a p l a c e to stay, a n d your meals are provided. You will also receive other fringe benefits that may include airfare, the work visa fee, a n d money toward schooling.
"Au pair" is a French phrase that can be translated in English as "on par" or "on equal terms." This is m e a n t to imply that the au pair is not merely d o m e s t i c help, but rather that she is regarded as s o m e t h i n g more akin to a member, albeit tempora-
F A C T
An Internet search will deliver many au pair placement sites. Shop around to find the best o n e for your n e e d s . You can also attempt to hook up with a family on your own by either placing or responding to an ad in a magazine.
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Teaching Abroad
Teaching is a rewarding career on o n e ' s native soil. It c a n be equally a n d maybe even m o r e satisfying in a foreign land. T h e public school system in most major cities is, quite frankly, a m e s s . Teachers must double as security guards a n d referees and are occasionally the victims of physical violence. Even in t h e better suburban schools, teachers have to deal with the many requirements imposed by out-of-touch educational bureaucrats, a n d students are often an unmotivated a n d unruly lot. American t e a c h e r s w h o work abroad have an entirely different experience. By a n d large, t h e s e expatriate educators meet with respectful students w h o a r e eager to learn. For the first time in years for the veterans, a n d the first time ever for many, they fully experience what it m e a n s to be a t e a c h e r . They do not have to butt h e a d s with administrators a n d annoying parents, a n d the classroom sizes are often significantly smaller.
The international section of the Internet job search site (www.monster.com has information on h o w to get a permit to work in the countries of the European Union, as well as other European job-seeking resources.
For the enthusiastic a n d dedicated teacher, the opportunity to teach a b r o a d o p e n s t h e d o o r to a brave n e w world. It c a n r e n e w their faith and give their flagging spirits a w e l c o m e a n d n e e d e d boost. As a t e a c h e r in a different country, you will go w h e r e you have never g o n e before. You have to have the right personality for the journey a h e a d . As an expatriate teacherespecially if you undertake your teaching adventure aloneyou will find yourself feeling homesick. You will often feel like t h e ultimate outsider, yet you will also b o n d with student a n d colleagues and possibly form friendships that will last t h e rest of your life. Remember that the w h o l e point of the journey w a s to e x p o s e yourself to a different culture with different customs. Leave your preconceptions at h o m e . Each day is likely to bring new experiences a n d new p r o b l e m s to solve. You will n e e d to be flexible a n d adaptable with a p e n c h a n t for improvisation.
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You may be in an a r e a with s p o r a d i c electricity, or n o n e at all. You may be in front of a group of students with no textbooks. You will often have to wing it.
information about teaching and studying abroad. You'll find sources for internships, language schools, "eco-adventures," travel arrangements, and other critical information that anyone thinking about leaving the country needs to know.
ALERT!
Another thing to keep in m i n d as you leave t h e United States to teach a b r o a d is that we take m a n y things for granted in this country that a r e luxuries in most parts of t h e world. Living conditions, for instance, may not be w h a t you a r e u s e d to. You c a n expect to find the greatest differences in plumbingcitizens of many countries enjoy hot water only at specified times of day, for instance. Depending on w h e r e you c h o o s e to go, t h e r e is a c h a n c e you will e n c o u n t e r poverty a n d h u m a n misery on a scale that was previously unimaginable to you. You must be mentally p r e p a r e d for this discovery, w h i c h c a n be overwhelming.
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tongue to be c o a r s e a n d worthy only of the p e a s a n t s . Today, English can be fairly called t h e universal language. Most Europeans have a working knowledge of English. All air traffic controllers a n d commercial airline pilots a r o u n d t h e world c o m m u n i c a t e in the English language. The United States is the leader in b u s i n e s s a n d c o m m e r c e . It is the only political superpower left standing, w h i c h h a s led other nations a n d other peoples to adopt a " w h e n in Rome" attitude toward learning English. They want to play with the big boys in b u s i n e s s , attend America's universities, visit, a n d maybe even move h e r e .
Alliances Abroad
alternative career opportunities, both abroad and in the United States. Listings cover a wide range, from working in English pubs to ranching in the Australian outback to teaching English in China, Ecuador, and other countries. Alliances Abroad also offers information about volunteer programs in countries such as South Africa, Costa Rica, and Venezuela.
O n e of t h e advantages of teaching ESL is that you do not have to know t h e language of the p e o p l e you are teaching. However, just b e c a u s e you speak English d o e s not m e a n that you c a n effectively convey your understanding of the language to others. T h e r e is an art a n d a craft to teaching anything, let a l o n e s o m e t h i n g as complicated as a foreign language. By t h e e n d of this section you will k n o w w h e t h e r you have both the desire a n d the inclination to take the plunge. There are many p r o g r a m s that s e n d ESL t e a c h e r s abroad. You n e e d to do t h e r e s e a r c h to find t h e right o n e for you. You must be p r e p a r e d to make at least a one-year c o m m i t m e n t to your job. This makes s e n s e most t e a c h e r s you have h a d in your time were with you from September to June, were they not? You c a n c h o o s e to s e n d yourself anywhere, to classrooms ranging from a grass-and-mud hut in a rain forest to a fancy private s c h o o l in a cultured European capital. You have to d e c i d e w h e r e you want to go a n d what you want to get out of t h e experience. Examine yourself to find your
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"dedication factor." Do you want to t e a c h kids in t h e south of France, or are you itching to roll up your sleeves a n d work hard in Somalia? Nations both rich a n d p o o r are in n e e d of ESL t e a c h e r s . T h e salaries vary from country to country. You c a n expect, for instance, that an oil-rich Arab nation will pay well, while an underdeveloped third world nation will often pay virtually nothing. Benefits also vary, ranging from health coverage a n d other financial benefits to the simple a n d spiritual rewards that c o m e from making a difference. Presumably, big bucks a r e not your driving force; if they were, you would be looking into other job opportunities.
EFLWEB (www.eflweb.com) is a site that includes job oportunities for teaching English. It also has a section called the TravelZone with useful information on the culture and customs of the many countries where ESL teachers are in demand.
ALERT!
T h e best place for A m e r i c a n s to look for jobs teaching ESL is in Asia a n d Latin America. In Western Europe, there are plenty of British a n d Irish citizens w h o c a n teach English to their European neighbors. In the time s i n c e the European countries, including those of the United Kingdom, b a n d e d together to b e c a m e the European Union (EU), it has b e c o m e easier for t h e British a n d Irish to get t h e s e European teaching positions. Naturally e n o u g h , is h a r d e r for an A m e r i c a n to get an EU work permit a n d visa. You also may face s o m e anti-American bias in Western Europe t h e s e days. Eastern Europe, which until the early 1990s suffered in many way u n d e r t h e control of t h e former Soviet Union, is friendlier to Americans. You may have a better c h a n c e teaching ESL in Eastern Bloc nations such as Russia, Poland, or the Czech Republic. T h e world is yours for t h e taking. You c a n s e e w o n d e r s you have never before beheld. You c a n teach English in a tropical paradise or the mountains of Tibet, in a big city or in t h e middle of n o w h e r e . You c a n provide a valuable service to eager a n d willing students a n d present a positive image of t h e average, typical American citizenoften a misunderstood and disliked breed t h e s e days.
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The University of Michigan's International Center (on the university's Web site at www.umich.edu/~icenter) includes information and many links about working and teaching abroad. If you are in college or a college graduate, see if your school has a
FACT
W h e n investigating schools, make s u r e that t h e o n e you c h o o s e has placement programs for graduates. T h e school should have international contacts a n d c o n n e c t i o n s at major headhunting firms. S o m e will even spring for t h e p l a n e fare to your destination. T h e schools with no connections a n d that offer no assistance will be c h e a p e r , but you may e n d up spending the difference on a p l a c e m e n t firm's finder's fee. O n c e you a r e certified, you c a n d e c i d e w h e t h e r you want to look for work from the comfort of h o m e or travel to the country you have decided on a n d p o u n d t h e pavement there. Obviously, t h e wise thing to do is to find a job a n d make t h e arrangements before leaving the country. But it's also true that teaching positions c a n pay m o r e if you apply a n d are hired
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in person. Another d o w n s i d e to finding a job before traveling a b r o a d is that you cannot thoroughly investigate the foreign school from across the sea, unless a reliable agency is acting as m i d d l e m a n . If you are going it alone, you may be in for quite a surprise w h e n you get to the location. People have b e e n k n o w n to travel t h o u s a n d s of miles a n d discover that the s c h o o l is a h o l e in t h e wall or is no longer o p e n for business. S o m e schools will hire uncertified teachers, but the truth is that without a certificate, you are less likely to get a job. T h e r e are teaching opportunities in the Peace Corps a n d missionary work (detailed in Chapter 16). T h e s e programs are ideal for the recent college graduate a n d offer excellent on-the-job training. Some governments sponsor exchange programs. The J a p a n e s e government offers the J a p a n e s e Exchange a n d Teaching Program. In this program, Westerners help J a p a n e s e teachers with English instruction in the c l a s s r o o m at the junior high a n d high school levels. (You c a n call (1-800-INFOJET for m o r e information.) Investigate the country you are interested in, a n d s e e if they have a similar program. If you are not interested in working with children, there are many people other than school-age kids w h o want to learn English. You could teach b u s i n e s s m e n w h o want to be able to better c o m m u n i c a t e with their American counterparts. T h e work is not as steady, but the hourly rate is higher. You can also find night s c h o o l s w h e r e you c a n t e a c h adults.
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nce you've given some thought to where you would like to go and what you might like to do in foreign lands, you'll now need to take the concrete steps to get over there. In particular, you need to know the cultural differences and possible problems you may encounter.
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The passport services section of the U.S. State Department's Web site (at www.travel.state.gov) will direct you to the places that are nearest to your neck of the w o o d s where you can apply for a passport. You'll also find lots of other pertinent information on this site that anyone traveling abroad needs to know.
Passport to Adventure
You might already have a passport. If not, you definitely n e e d o n e . That is, of c o u r s e , a passport. You c a n apply for a p a s s p o r t at m o r e than 5,000 locations across the countrymost post offices, state a n d federal c o u r t h o u s e s , many county a n d municipal facilities, a n d even s o m e libraries. T h e r e is probably a convenient location n e a r your h o m e or office. You s h o u l d apply in p e r s o n . A p a r e n t s h o u l d apply on behalf of children u n d e r thirteen years of age. If you are impatient a n d hate waiting in linewho doesn't?you c a n beat t h e lines by downloading a n d filling out t h e forms in advance. To get started, t h e main form you n e e d is t h e DSP-11; you c a n find it at the
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Web site www.travel.state.gov. If you do not have a computer, you can call the National Passport Information Center at (1-900-225-5674 a n d have t h e forms mailed to you. As of this writing, t h e total cost for a n e w passport is $85 ($70 for those under sixteen years old). This includes a $30 execution fee, w h i c h you won't have to pay if you are simply renewing a valid passport.
F A C T
The whole point of a passport photo, as with any official form of photo identification, is that it gives the authorities evidence they can use to verify your identity. They must be able to tell that you are the same person w h o s e name is given in the passport. A w o m a n recently sued the state, claiming that her religious beliefs required her to keep her face covered, even for her driver's license photo. She lost her suit.
Picture Perfect
To apply for your passport, you will also n e e d to provide a form of identification. Your birth certificate, driver's license, or other kind of government-issued picture ID will do. Speaking of pictures, you n e e d to have two passport photographs taken. T h e picture may be taken either in color or in black a n d white. Many c a m e r a s h o p s offer this service, as do businesses such as Sears, Kinko's, The UPS Store, American Automobile Association (AAA), a n d many others. There are specific requirements for your passport photograph. The two pictures must m e e t the following criteria: Measure 2 x 2 inches. Display an image of you that m e a s u r e s between 1 inch a n d l / inches from the bottom of your chin to the top of your h e a d . Be less than six m o n t h s oldit must be recognizable as you. Be a full-face shot. (You may be e n a m o r e d of your profile, but the passport authorities won't be.)
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Show you in normal street attireno fancy c o s t u m e s or other accessories. Not s h o w you in a uniform. If you wear a h e a d covering for religious reasons, you must include a written explanation of why. Show prescription glasses, a hearing aid, or any other accessory that you wear on your h e a d or face. Not s h o w sunglasses or tinted glasses, unless they are necessary for medical r e a s o n s . If so, you may have to provide the appropriate documentation.
Planning Ahead
While it is possible to get a passport in a hurry, it is advisable to plan a h e a d a n d get it a few m o n t h s in a d v a n c e of your departure. It will take five to six weeks from the day you apply to the day your passport arrives in the mail. During that timeideally, at leastyou will be giving your alternative c a r e e r a lot of thought a n d be making a detailed "to d o " list. An extended stay in another country is not something you should jump into with reckless a b a n d o n , and careful planning will help you to avoid potential problems.
Can you get a passport in a hurry? Yes, exceptions can be made to speed up the process. The U.S. State Department's Web site ( www.travel.state.gov) will tell you h o w you need to proceed. There will be extra fees for the expedited services (at present, $60), but it is worth it if you absolutely, positively have to leave the country ASAP.
QUESTION?
If you have a passport a n d n e e d to r e n e w it, this p r o c e d u r e can be d o n e by mail. You can d o w n l o a d or s e n d for form DSP-82. Return your current passport with the renewal fee (as of this writing, $55). By t h e way, if your passport is ever lost or stolen while you're still in the United States, you should call (202-955-0430 immediately. If your passport is lost or stolen while you a r e in a foreign country, you should contact the nearest American embassy. They will be able to help.
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T h e s a m e a p p l i e s if y o u let your p a s s p o r t e x p i r e w h i l e in a n o t h e r country. T h i s is s o m e t h i n g you s h o u l d not let h a p p e n , as it will c r e a t e major h e a d a c h e s a n d t r a p you in a t a n g l e of b u r e a u c r a t i c a n d d i p l o m a t i c r e d t a p e . If t h e r e is any p o s s i b l e c h a n c e your p a s s p o r t will expire b e f o r e you r e t u r n to t h e United States, r e n e w it b e f o r e you leave.
Are you in a really big hurry to get your passport? Several businesses not affiliated with the government canfor an additional feeexpedite your passport application and get you a passport within twenty-four hours. One such agency is American Passport Express, on the Web at ( www.americanpassport.com.
T h e U.S. State D e p a r t m e n t urges citizens to make c o p i e s of all their identification a n d d o c u m e n t a t i o n a n d k e e p t h e m in a s e p a r a t e p l a c e from t h e originals w h e n you travel. With this m e t h o d , you have b a c k u p p a p e r w o r k in c a s e s o m e t h i n g h a p p e n s to s o m e of your p o s s e s s i o n s . This will make it m u c h e a s i e r to c l e a r up t h e situation s h o u l d p r o b l e m s arise.
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If you are going to a m o d e r n , industrial country, you probably will not have to worry about contracting malaria. On the other h a n d , if you are heading to a m o r e remote locale, you will n e e d to be p r e p a r e d . If you are going to what is nowadays called a "developing nation," you should make a visit before you leave to a doctor or clinic that caters to travelers a n d is aware of what inoculations you will need. Of course, this should not be d o n e on a Friday w h e n your flight is on Monday. You should s e e the doctor at least four to six weeks before you travel so any vaccinations will have time to b e c o m e effective. It is also advisable that you get a dental checkup, if possible, since the local dentistry might be not up to your usual standards. You do not
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want to have a t o o t h a c h e in a foreign land a n d have t h e local dentist p r o d u c e a pair of pliers a n d ask you to o p e n w i d e . Before traveling, visit the State Department's travel warning p a g e on their Web site, at www.travel.state.gov. You can click on t h e first letter of any country's name to check for any current travel
ALERT!
warnings. This information lets travelers and other Americans abroad know where the danger z o n e s are and w h a t they can do to protect themselves.
Necessities
W h e n you pack for your trek abroad, t h e r e are certain items that you must bring, particularly if you a r e going to an "out of t h e way" part of t h e world. O n e essential is a first-aid kit. This kit s h o u l d include not only t h e obvious items, like b a n d a g e s a n d aspirin. If you a r e taking any prescription medication, keep it t h e r e along with a doctor's note. This will c o m e in h a n d y if the local c u s t o m s officials a n d other authorities ever rummage through your stuff. You do not want your antidiarrhea pills to be mistaken for c o n t r a b a n d by s o m e suspicious civil servant. Make s u r e you carry your first-aid kit in your p u r s e or a n o t h e r h a n d h e l d carrying c a s e . You do not want t h e m to get lost in transit. If possible, it would be wise to carry a duplicate set in your larger luggage.
Make sure your insurance covers any illnesses or injury you suffer while abroad. Not all policies do, so it is wise to verify this and switch carriers if necessary. You do not w a n t to be left without coverage if something unpleasant should happen while you are outside the United States.
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we've already stressed, d e p e n d s on w h e r e you are going, h o w long you will be there, a n d what you will be doing there. An awareness of how diseases are transmitted will help you make decisions a n d take precautions to e n s u r e that your sojourn is a healthy o n e . S o m e diseases are carried through food a n d water. T h o s e w h o have ever suffered a bout of Montezuma's revenge know this only t o o well. The cliche "Don't drink the water" resonates uncomfortably with t h o s e w h o have toured parts of Mexico a n d other lands w h e r e the drinking water is not as clean as A m e r i c a n water. It is a g o o d idea to drink bottled water, a n d it's also smart to be careful about w h e r e a n d what you eat. Diseases that are transmitted by food a n d water include cholera, typhoid fever, a n d hepatitis A.
Transmitted Diseases
You have no doubt have h a d t h e flu a n d the c o m m o n cold m o r e than o n c e in your life. T h e s e are examples of airborne diseases. They are transmitted by infected p e o p l e w h o breathe, cough, or s n e e z e in your general direction. Flu a n d cold bugs c a n also be transmitted by physical contactit's a good idea to wash your h a n d s frequently, especially in
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places w h e r e quarters are c r a m p e d . In general, w h e n a b r o a d you should be m o r e c o n c e r n e d about protecting your health, not less. Although a b a d c a s e of the flu is no laughing matter, s o m e transmitted diseases are far m o r e serious. AIDS is rampant in certain parts of t h e world, especially Africa. Contrary to old stereotypes, the victims of this incurable disease are not limited to h o m o s e x u a l m e n a n d drug users. It is, however, primarily contracted through sexual contact. T h e r e are also many other sexually transmitted diseases, including syphilis a n d hepatitis B. At this point, medical s c i e n c e offers r e m e d i e s to these diseases that make it possible to lead a relatively normal life after infection. However, you should realize that contracting any serious sexually transmitted disease will almost certainly have very negative c o n s e q u e n c e s on your general health. Take the practice of safe sex very seriously w h e n a b r o a d .
Malaria
Malaria is a life-threatening fever that is c o m m o n p l a c e in more than 100 countries across the globe. It is caused by a microscopic parasite that is transmitted by the bite of a mosquito. Its early symptoms are those of a bad case of the flu, including h e a d a c h e , chills, weakness, and other symptoms. In severe cases it can cause kidney failure, coma, a n d death. It is estimated that 1 percent of people w h o contract malaria die from the disease. As with most diseases, early diagnosis and treatment can save your life. You may love sushi, but do not eat any raw food w h e n traveling abroad. The rule of thumb is to "Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it." Make sure any dairy products you c o n s u m e have been pasteurized.
Malaria is among the most c o m m o n diseases that Americans contract abroad. Statistics tell us that m o r e than 125 million travelers contract malaria each year. The disease is c o m m o n in Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia, Africa, and India. It is less c o m m o n , but not entirely absent, in major urban centers. The more remote the area you visit, the higher the risk. The bad
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news, as we've mentioned, is that there is no vaccine to keep you from contracting malaria. You should plan to take all necessary precautions and to seek immediate treatment should symptoms arise. S o m e p e o p l e feel the onset of malaria symptoms while they a r e still in t h e foreign country; others have a delayed reaction, coming down with the fever long after they have returned h o m e . If you feel feverish within three m o n t h s after a trip or extended stay overseas, particularly if you have b e e n in a tropical climate, consult a doctor immediately. Keep in mind that pregnant w o m e n and their u n b o r n children are at high risk should they be bitten by a malaria-carrying mosquito.
ALERT!
For a detailed look at what you need to know and to do in terms of vaccinations, visit the Web sites of the World Health Organization and the Center for Disease Control. You can find them at www.who.int and www.cdc.gov.
Other Diseases
More diseases? By now, you might be too s c a r e d to leave your house, let alone travel to a seemingly d a n g e r o u s foreign country. As always, education is the essential first step to prevention. Becoming aware of every bad thing that's out there c a n help keep you from falling victim to any of t h e m . H e r e are a few m o r e diseases to be considered before you make your trip abroad: Yellow fever. It is highly recommendedand in s o m e c a s e s mandatorythat you get a shot for this d i s e a s e if you plan to travel to an area w h e r e it flourishes. You may also n e e d to p r o d u c e documentation that you have had the inoculation w h e n visiting s o m e countries. Cholera. You will not be required to get a c h o l e r a vaccination to visit any country, but c h e c k out the p l a c e you are going to s e e if the shot is r e c o m m e n d e d . Smallpox. In 1980, the World Health Organization certified that
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smallpox had b e e n completely purged from the planet. T h e fear of smallpox now c o m e s from its possible use in a terrorist attack. The vaccine for smallpox c a n have major side effects, including serious illness and death, so you would n e e d to give very serious thought about its risks before getting o n e . Hepatitis A. This is a c o m m o n disease in many parts of t h e world, a n d a shot is r e c o m m e n d e d .
Different Strokes
These days t h e world is a slightly smaller place. Even if you do not live in an ethnically diverse community, a n y o n e with a television is exposed to different cultures and traditions. Of course, there is nothing like firsthand experience. You c a n watch a Discovery Channel documentary on the North Pole while sitting in your Florida living room, but you will never feel the bracing cold (except from your central air-conditioning). Similarly, you can learn about a foreign land from a b o o k without getting any real idea of what it is really like to live a n d work there day in and day out. Most other countries have a language a n d form of government that are different from yours. Religion may play m o r e of an integral role than it d o e s in American society. You may find that citizens of those countries enjoy m o r e limited freedom, or you may find a social structure that you consider akin to anarchy. Even in the smaller world of today, you will still find plenty of opportunities for a fair a m o u n t of culture shock. Like the p e o p l e in Mark Twain's travelogue, many Americans may feel like "innocents abroad."
FACT
For decades, American w o m e n tourists have found themselves being pinched on the bottom by the male residents of Rome and other Italian cities. This tradition, fortunately, is going the way of the d o d o as more and more Italian w o m e n are suing the men with the wandering hands.
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Do you recognize your own traits, or those of any family m e m b e r s or friends, in the above list? You probably d o . Stereotypes often have a basis in fact. Negative stereotypes may embody certain aspects of a certain percentage of a culture or ethnic group, which are then amplified and unfairly applied to everyone in that category. W h e n you s p e n d an extended period of time abroad, you will find s o m e examples of popular stereotypes. In many other instances, however, you will find t h e m shattered. Living in another country is certainly a great adventure. You will experience the thrill of learning about the previously undiscovered country, but being a stranger in a strange land can also be a frustrating a n d lonely time. T h e r e is nothing m o r e isolating than the feeling of being
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the outsider. Unless you a r e s u r r o u n d e d by s o m e of your fellow countrymen a n d w o m e n , your early days there may be fraught with anxiety a n d depression. Don't let it get you down. Loneliness and h o m e s i c k n e s s are natural feelings. But as they say, "This too shall pass." And indeed it shall.
Going Native
Obviously you should learn as m u c h as you can about the country in advance of your visit in an effort to prevent a severe culture shock. Talk to p e o p l e w h o have b e e n there a n d any natives you may know. O n c e you are there, you can take steps to make sure you fit in. Do not perpetuate the negative stereotype of the ugly American. Do not expect the culture to a c c o m m o d a t e your n e e d s . Remember, w h e n you are working in another country, you are not there as a tourist. You won't be afforded all the luxuries and courtesies given to paying customers. Be receptive a n d adaptable in the society w h e r e you are a guest. Be polite. In many cultures, particularly Asian societies, courtesy is such an important part of life that polite behavior is a c h o r e o g r a p h e d d a n c e of rituals. Learn w h e t h e r it is customary to greet another person with a bow rather than a hearty h a n d s h a k e . Address people with formality, a n d use their country's titles, whatever the equivalent of "Mr." a n d "Ms." may be, at least until s o m e o n e a d d r e s s e s you in a m o r e informal m a n n e r first. No matter how well intentioned, a greeting like "Yo! Wassup!" may not be especially well received.
Language Issues
It is w i s e to have a working k n o w l e d g e of the local language. Listen to s o m e instructional tapes before you arrive, a n d bring t h e m with you. Take the ubiquitous p h r a s e b o o k as well. Do not be afraid of looking like a tourist. T h o u g h m a n y citizens of the world take t h e time to learn English, do not a s s u m e that everyone s p e a k s it or that they will be inclined to a d d r e s s you accordingly. Most p e o p l e will like to s e e that you a r e making the effort to s p e a k to t h e m in their native tongue.
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T h e French are the exception to this rule. As Professor Henry Higgins says in My Fair Lady, "The French don't care what they do actually, as long as they p r o n o u n c e it properly." If you try to speak French with an A m e r i c a n a c c e n t in Paris, don't be surprised if the waiter r e s p o n d s to you in English. W h e t h e r you take this as an insult to your fractured French or an attempt to be helpful to you in your native language is up to you. If you have a s a r d o n i c s e n s e of h u m o r , keep it in c h e c k . Not everyo n e appreciates the singularly American wit. Do not be a blustering, backslapping good old boy with p e o p l e you have just met. Many cultures find this immediate intimacy uncomfortable a n d even offensive.
You cannot rely on being able to retrieve your high school French or Spanish courses from your memory banks if you want to spend any time abroad. In any event, you definitely need to know how to say more than "Where is the bathroom?" Before visiting the foreign land you have chosen, find an intensive crash course, either in a classroom or on tape, that immerses you in the native language.
Certain no-brainers n e e d to be observed. If you like your schnapps, do not overindulge in certain foreign lands. Getting drunk a n d carrying on in a Muslim country will not be well received. Also, avoid talking politics with people you don't know well, as you don't know how your views will be received. At a time w h e r e a n u m b e r of countries may have rising anti-American feeling, this is very s o u n d advice indeed.
Women Abroad
American w o m e n may find it particularly difficult to adjust to certain cultures. In many countries of the world, w o m e n are still second-class citizensand sometimes worse. W h e r e a s American m e n c a n get in a lot of trouble for an unwelcome compliment, let alone an uninvited touch, there are still places w h e r e w o m e n are verbally a c c o s t e d a n d even pinched on public thoroughfares.
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Women should know w h a t to expect in a d v a n c e of that first incident. Brush up on the male chauvinist factor of the country you are visiting. T h e r e is no n e e d for you to stand for any outrageous advance. At the s a m e time, however, you s h o u l d be aware of w h a t other people consider acceptableor at least w h e n they're willing to look the other wayin the country a n d culture you are visiting.
Alternative Lifestyles
In s o m e cultures, particularly in Europe, homosexuality m a y be as accepted as it is in the United States or even m o r e so. In others, gay m e n a n d w o m e n still face social ostracization or worse. There are laws on the b o o k s in many lands against certain conduct, a n d t h o s e found guilty as charged face harsh penalties. Many parts of t h e world are not as tolerant as they should b e . No o n e is asking you to d e n y your true self, but c o m m o n s e n s e a n d discretion may be required in many places, particularly in Muslim nations.
ALERT!
If you are concerned about the cultural mores regarding homosexuality of a country you are considering living in, visit the Web site of the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission ( www.iglhrc.org) to learn more. There are s o m e places you will simply want to avoid.
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T h e bottom line is that it's important to put a great deal of thought into your travel plans during these troubled times. Know the risks before you go. If you are aware of the risks a n d remain determined to s p e n d time in a hot spot w h e r e Yankees are not held in high esteem, be careful a n d good luck. If you are a missionary Christian and are planning to do good work in a region that is not religiously tolerant, rethink that decision. The good Lord wants you alive a n d well to continue doing good d e e d s .
Keep in contact with friends and relatives back home. Let people know where you can be reached. They will feel better, and you will have s o m e solace knowing that your loved ones will call the authorities if they do not hear from you for a while.
If you take the proper precautions a n d do your homework, your extended stay abroad can be an educational a n d rewarding experience. You will make new friends, have many adventures, and learn a lot of things about the world that you could never get from a classroom or from television. You will enrich your understanding of the human condition, open your mind, a n d maybe even o p e n your heart. You will learn to appreciate the differences a m o n g diverse cultures, a n d you will marvel at the commonalities that we h u m a n beings share. At our basic core, people are alike all over. We are not o n e big happy family, but we are all m e m b e r s of the human family. Diverse, often dysfunctional, occasionally touching the divine, we are, as Hamlet observed, quite a piece of work.
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Chapter 4
s your cubicle giving you cabin fever? Is it festooned with images of purple mountain majesty above some fruited plains? Perhaps you ought to consider a career in the great outdoors. This chapter offers several examples of careers that give you the opportunity to make a living under the sunor, if you're on the night shift, under the stars.
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Back to Nature
There is something deeply spiritual about s p e n d i n g m u c h of your day out in the elements, far from urban centers a n d their attendant c h a o s . Unlike the celebrated loafer Henry David Thoreau, however, you will have to keep yourself busy if you want to get a paycheck. You will, however, be s p a r e d the proverbial life of quiet desperation. If you a r e looking for a position in t h e great o u t d o o r s , we c a n a s s u m e that you have a p a s s i o n for n a t u r e a n d a disdain for t h e office milieu. T h e r e a r e of c o u r s e advantages a n d disadvantages to t h e o u t d o o r life. On t h e positive s i d e , you will be doing s o m e t h i n g you love free from t h e glare of fluorescent lights. T h e d o w n s i d e is a familiar oneyou will not b e c o m e a millionaire. But w h o w a n t s to be a millionaire w h e n you c a n r o m p in t h e forest primeval a n d inhale d e e p draughts of fresh air?
If you already have s o m e outdoor experience and would like to lead others on outdoor adventures, o n e place to begin your search is t h e Mountain Workshop. At their Web site www. mountain
ALERT!
workshop.com), you can learn about their available jobs as guides and program leaders.
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What It Takes
There are many skill levels for a park ranger. Entry-level positions with no requirements are available, along with an entry-level salary. You can start at a higher level if you have a high school diploma, a n d higher still with a college degree. Education or life experience in natural or earth sciences, law enforcement, business or public administration, a n d other related fields will also be helpful. You will be doing a little of all t h e s e functions a n d m o r e as a park ranger. It is a job that is nothing if not eclectic, a n d the knowledge you will n e e d crosses many disciplines. Of course, your people skills should be above average. Though you will be in the wide-open s p a c e s , you will not be alone amid the flora a n d fauna. Tourists visit parks. You may find that you would rather deal with a cranky Kodiak b e a r than a group of obnoxious campers. W h e n you are finally in t h e woods, you will get m u c h of your training on the job. The experience you accumulate will help you rise within the ranks. You may also be required (or inspired) to upgrade your skills through career-related courses. T h e s e are offered at training centers in Arizona (at the Grand Canyon), West Virginia, a n d Georgia.
Potential park rangers w h o are also armchair detectives should check out Nevada Barr's mystery novels. Her detective is a park ranger, and each novel is set in a different national park.
F A C T
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or may not cover an extensive physical area, but it will definitely include a wide assortment of personalities, all of which will report to you.
The Paycheck
As is often the c a s e with t h e s e alternative careers, a park ranger's job is rewarding in many waysjust not necessarily financially. Starting salaries are low, a n d even higher-level paychecks will not reach the requirements for a p a m p e r e d city dweller. You should know this going in, a n d your decision should be b a s e d on the perks a n d the other satisfactions that life as a park ranger provides.
Where to Apply
The first resource you should c h e c k out is USAJOBS, "the Federal Government's Official Job Site" (at www.usajobs.opm.gov). This site gives you a c c e s s to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, or OPM, which has a comprehensive listing on available positions in h u n d r e d s of fields, including park ranger postings. Through the OPM, you can receive information about the examination required. Like any civil service position, you will n e e d to take a test. T h e federal government is, of course, an equal opportunity employer, but candidates must be United States citizens.
Up the River
If you love t h e feel of stinging yet invigorating spray of water in your face, you would probably enjoy the thrill of Whitewater rafting. If you are interesting in making a living on the rapids but have no paddling experience, there is a lot you have to learn. This is a job w h e r e your life a n d the lives of t h o s e in the boat with you may d e p e n d on it.
Back to School
T h e r e are many s c h o o l s that will t e a c h you w h a t you n e e d to know a n d w h e r e you will earn the certifications n e e d e d to b e c o m e a
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professional rafter or river guide. Enter the keywords "raft school" or "river guide training" into any Internet search engine, a n d you will get dozens of options. You can pick the s c h o o l that h a s what you want in the region w h e r e you would like to work. Any accredited rafting school will teach you the following necessary skills: How to read water How to execute steering strokes Strategies for guiding a raft through Class III rapids Rafting safety procedures How to rescue swimmers How to right a flipped raft How to "unwrap" a boat Strategies for self-rescue How to swim rapids Wilderness camping skills, with an e m p h a s i s on "Leave no trace" ethics How to c o o k m e a l s for many p e o p l e in a wilderness setting How to u s e a n d c a r e for rafting equipment
It is advisable that you attend a school in the region w h e r e you would like to work. By doing this you will be practicing on the rivers a n d rapids w h e r e you will hopefully s o o n be shepherding clients. Every river is different. In this job, you will n e e d , in e s s e n c e , to "be o n e " with the river. You n e e d to know its currents a n d its m o o d s , as it were. It is a very Zen way to tune into nature. Of c o u r s e , as your skills increase, you will be able to brave any river.
Most states require rafting guides to know basic first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). But not all schools offer this as part of their package, so the cost of any additional training is something you may have to factor into your educational budget.
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People Skills
Another important thing to r e m e m b e r is that as a professional rafter, you will be dealing with the general public. This is not always an easy or pleasant task. You will n e e d to have public speaking skills and an ability to communicate concisely a n d effectively. You will also have to cultivate patience and learn to keep your coolnot to mention resisting the occasional temptation to throw an obnoxious customer overboard.
A Typical Itinerary
Most rafting schools follow a similar program to indoctrinate and acclimate you to a c a r e e r navigating the wild rivers. You will learn to navigate the different levels of intensity of Whitewater rapids. River s p e e d s are rated on a class scale, from Class I through Class VI. The Web site for California River Rafting www.california-river-rafting.com) describes this standard rating system as follows: Class I: Easy. Waves are small; passages clear. No serious obstacles. Fun for everyone. Class II: Medium. Rapids of moderate difficulty with passages clear. Fun for everyone. Class III: Difficult. Waves are n u m e r o u s , high, irregular; rocks; eddies; rapids with passages clear though narrow, requiring expertise in maneuvering. Challenging. Class IV: Very difficult. Long rapids; waves powerful and irregular; dangerous rocks, boiling eddies; powerful and precise maneuvering required. Thrill-seekers. Class V: Extremely difficult. Long and violent rapids following each other almost without interruption; riverbed extremely obstructed; big drops; violent current; very steep gradient. Experienced thrill-seekers.
You might as well forget about Class VI. It is considered unrunnable, even by s e a s o n e d professionals. With a professional guide, most amateurs can h a n d l e Class III, but they should not try it a l o n e or with a group of inexperienced buddies.
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Like any c o u r s e of study, t h e instructor is likely to start off slow, taking you out on a relatively c a l m stretch of t h e river. Gradually you will be taken out into rougher waters. Make s u r e that you get plenty of h a n d s on experience. This is a job w h e r e a theoretical knowledge will only take you so far. T h e curriculum should also include safety tips a n d t e c h n i q u e s a n d other essentials. T h e r e should be simulated trips, with staff m e m b e r s role-playing as customers a n d exposing you to the m a n y situations you may e n c o u n t e r w h e n you are piloting a raft on your own. Most courses offer about a week of intensive training a n d cost u n d e r $1,000, usually including meals and equipment.
www.outdoornetwork.com) is another
great resource for jobs under the sun and the stars. In addition to viewing jobs and learning about the latest news in the many outdoor industries, you can post your resume for employers to see.
Remember that being a rafting guide is s e a s o n a l work. It is probably not something you will be doing year round, unless you b e c o m e a true journeyman w h o travels to other parts of the country a n d t h e world to ride the rapids. W h e n it is winter in the United States, it is s u m m e r t i m e in Australia a n d New Zealand, a n d there is a brisk Whitewater rafting business down under. Or you might be interested in working for the rafting business full time a n d performing other duties during the off-season. Most rafting guides have other jobs in the off-season that represent a true cross-section of the American publicteachers, law enforcement officials, homemakers, a n d m o r e .
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Certification
Approximately 23,000 certified ski instructors, both full- a n d part-time workers, belong to the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA). The PSIA, founded in 1961, h a s developed a standardized system for instruction known as t h e Official American Ski Technique, a n d they have created a certification of accredited instructors. The different certifications include Alpine, Nordic-track (or cross-country) skiing, Nordic downhill, a n d the newer addition of snowboarding. You c a n also get a special certification to t e a c h children, k n o w n as the Junior Education Team (JETS). PSIA is divided into nine geographic regions that c o n d u c t training c o u r s e s . T h e r e are t h r e e levels of certification. Level III is c o n s i d e r e d full certification. This level could take years to achieve, but you c a n be a working ski instructor while striving for this goal. In fact, you don't n e e d to get a certification from PSIA to get a job as a ski instructor, but in this highly competitive time, it is very helpful. As they say, it looks g o o d on your r e s u m e .
In this day and age, ski instructors may also be needed to help with other aspects of ski-resort m a n a g e m e n t . Do not bristle if you are asked to do other kinds of work during downtime. As in any seasonal business, you need to be prepared for slow s e a s o n s and accompanying layoffs.
T h e average ski instructor w h o takes a n d p a s s e s t h e Level III exam, w h i c h involves b o t h a written test a n d extensive t i m e on t h e s l o p e s , h a s b e e n working in t h e b u s i n e s s for four to five years. Certification is b a s e d on m o r e t h a n just h o w well you c a n ski. You a r e tested not only on skiing ability but a l s o on your t e c h n i c a l knowledge a n d t e a c h i n g ability. You have to have a facility for working with p e o p l e , including c h i l d r e n , a n d you n e e d t o a b l e t o convey your e x p e r t i s e in a way that t h e l a y p e r s o n c a n easily u n d e r s t a n d a n d imitate. You a l s o n e e d t o b e a n authority o n t h e s l o p e s i n your n e c k of t h e w o o d s .
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Private Lessons
O n e way to m a k e a little extra d o u g h is to establish a reputation as a top-notch instructor. Students will t h e n s e e k you out for private lessons. "Privates," a s they are called, a r e m o r e prestigious a n d profitable t h a n g r o u p l e s s o n s . If you b e c o m e a g o o d e n o u g h instructor that p e o p l e will wait in line for an a p p o i n t m e n t with you, t h e n you a r e at t h e t o p of your g a m e in t h e industry. A little m o r e in t h e way of financial r e w a r d s will c o m e your way.
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On the Patrol
If you like to ski a n d you have an interest on law enforcement, you might consider b e c o m i n g a m e m b e r of the National Ski Patrol (or NSP). These approximately 28,500 m e n a n d w o m e n are essentially the police force and emergency services for skiers a n d snowboarders in jeopardy. T h e NSP rescues p e o p l e w h o find themselves in danger on the slopes, either by accident, avalanche, or any n u m b e r of other crises that may arise. They have to have knowledge of first aid a n d c o m b i n e a dedication to public service with a love of winter sports. The NSP is the largest winter rescue organization. It provides education and assistance to other countries interested in establishing ski patrol organizations. Emergency services are of c o u r s e a primary part of their mission, but they also p r o m o t e safety through education in many topics important to t h o s e in the winter sports industrysearch and rescue, avalanche control, mountaineering, ski lift evacuation, and more. The NSP also publishes Ski Patrol magazine.
Possible Positions
T h e categories of positions in the National Ski Patrol include the following: Patroller: Provides emergency care to skiers on the slopes. He or s h e patrols on skis or a s n o w b o a r d and responds to emergencies. Nordic patroller: S a m e as a regular patrol, but his or her patrol beat is a cross-country ski area. Auxiliary patroller: Assists the patroller, but lacks the authority of a patroller. Skiing skills are not mandatory. People in this position also lead training sessions and other educational seminars. Medical associate: Doctor w h o volunteers to train patrollers a n d auxiliary patrollers. Associate member: A p e r s o n w h o h a s j o i n e d t h e NSP a n d is in t h e p r o c e s s of taking c o u r s e s with t h e intent of b e c o m i n g any of the above.
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Membership
Both volunteer a n d paid m e m b e r s of the National Ski Patrol are expected to be working or plan to seek work as a patroller, Nordic patroller, or auxiliary patroller. Members must complete credentialed courses a n d annual training a n d refresher courses to keep their skills s h a r p e n e d at all t h e m . In order to be a m e m b e r , you must know cardiopulmonary resuscitation and basic life support (CPR-BLS). When applying for a position, you will be asked to s h o w w h a t you c a n do on skis. If you p a s s the test, you b e c o m e what is k n o w n as a patrol candidate. Next, you'll be subjected to m o r e physical a n d written tests. If you pass, you will be officially invited to b e c o m e a patroller. If your skiing is not yet up to NSP standards you can begin as an auxiliary.
Camp Counselors
Another way to make your living in the great outdoors is by working as a c a m p counselor. This is usually seasonal work, and many counselors are college students working in the s u m m e r t i m e . A great p l a c e to begin your s e a r c h is the Web site www.camp channel.com. It includes a c o m p r e h e n s i v e listing of s u m m e r c a m p s not only in the United States, but also a r o u n d t h e world. Like other s e a s o n a l jobs, it is always s u n n y s o m e w h e r e . If you really wanted to, you could probably travel to different c a m p s in exotic locales over the c o u r s e of a year.
Remember that for summer camp positions, you must apply early. Don't wait until the s n o w melts in April to look for a position. Many camps begin in early spring, so it would be wise to begin your inquiries during the winter.
ALERT!
A recent s e a r c h on the www.campchannel.com job board listed openings in s u m m e r c a m p s throughout the United States a n d even Europe. You can do a detailed s e a r c h to narrow the results if you have
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a particular location in mind. It's also possible to post your r e s u m e on this site, a service they offer free of charge.
Applications
As with any job search, you n e e d to be proactive in your approach and aggressive in your follow-up. Camps receive many applications, and you have to make yours stand out. The ability to s c h m o o z e is a prerequisite for any job interview t h e s e days. References are always important in a job search, but this is especially true w h e n you're applying for a position as c a m p counselor. You should include a minimum of three references, all with current contact information. Ideally, o n e or m o r e of the references will have s e e n you interact with young children a n d / o r teenagers. It is an unfortunate reality that p e o p l e w h o will be working with kids n e e d to be checked out thoroughly. Try not to take it personally if you feel like you are being interrogated. The safety of children is of prime importance, and c a m p staffers a n d the parents w h o s e n d their kids to c a m p deserve to know that the counselors are of good character.
Necessary Skills
If you are a c o u c h potato by nature, then the job of c a m p counselor is not for you. You have to be in pretty good s h a p e and have t h e stamina to e n g a g e in a variety of physical activities, not to mention the ability a n d desire to keep up with a b u n c h of energetic children. You also have to be patient with the (sometimes rowdy) youngsters, and you n e e d to have the ability to motivate those a r o u n d you. If you are inclined toward the occasional dark m o o d , hide them well, b e c a u s e you have got to be always "on" w h e n you are a counselor Each c a m p h a s its own structure, but there is a basic organization structure that is usually followed: Counselor: Usually high school graduates. They are in charge of approximately ten to fifteen c a m p e r s during a typical session.
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Junior counselor: Often high s c h o o l students on s u m m e r vacation. He or s h e reports to the c o u n s e l o r a n d assists in daily activities. Intern: Has the responsibilities of a c o u n s e l o r a n d is also in training for additional responsibilities. This is not a paying position. Volunteer: Again, this position has all of the responsibilities and n o n e of the financial benefits of being a counselor, but a volunteer's motives are altruistic a n d do not involve drawing a paycheck. Support staff: Every c a m p n e e d s s o m e o n e for office support a n d other clerical tasks. Though not particularly glamorous, these positions keep the c a m p running smoothly.
In Demand
Opportunities for recreation workers are increasing. This is o n e of the few careers in which the d e m a n d for workers has remained constant, despite the hot-and-cold e c o n o m i c climate. There will always be yuppies w h o want to unload their puppies for a few weeks every s u m m e r , and this m e a n s c a m p counselors will always have opportunities to c o m m u n e with nature and enrich the lives of their charges.
Out to Sea
There are many aspects to the "great outdoors." People may immediately think of the mountains and the forests, but considering that 70 percent of the planet is covered with water, most of the great o u t d o o r s is on the world's oceans.
F A C T
Herman Melville wrote that whenever it w a s a "damp, drizzly November" in the soul, many men looked to the sea. In this modern and mechanized era, a lot of people harbor a romantic notion of the a g e of the tall ships. This nostalgia and fanciful longing for a bygone era keeps the enrollment of sailing schools full and provides opportunities for those w h o would like to make their alternative career on the high seas.
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If you have no c o m m i t m e n t s or a t t a c h m e n t s on land that would prevent you from being offshore for e x t e n d e d periods of time, going to s e a is a great c h a n c e to get away from it all. This is not the Love Boat, however. You work hard w h e n you are a s e a m a n / w o m a n , a n d you have to g a r n e r a little e x p e r i e n c e in a d v a n c e of setting sail. The pay is not greatwhat else is new?and you may have to volunteer at first. This is the classic Catch-22 c o m m o n to so many alternative careers. No o n e will hire you without experience, but you n e e d to work in the b u s i n e s s in o r d e r to get e x p e r i e n c e . So w h a t do you do? W h e n in doubtvolunteer.
Sailing Instructor
O n e place to gain sailing skills is to b e c o m e a sailing class instructor. Check out yacht clubs a n d other sailing clubs that offer classes in your area. If you are not currently living on either coast, that's all right. There are often sailing clubs on the s h o r e s of large lakes, though sailing on a placid lake is entirely different from navigating the o p e n sea. If you are a resident of Death Valley, of c o u r s e , you will have to travel or relocate if you want to take sailing courses. Like a c a m p counselor, you will have to have patience dealing with t h e young o n e s , since after you learn w h a t you n e e d to know you may be c o a c h i n g kids in the art a n d craft of s e a m a n s h i p . You also should not have claustrophobia since you will be in close quarters on a small craft for several days or m o r e at a time. Any port city is likely to have a sail training ship that you c a n volunteer to work on. You will not be doing anything glamorous or even seaworthy at first. You may have to be an errand boy (or girl) for the seasoned sailors. But if you work hard a n d demonstrate a willingness and facility to learn, you will gain their confidence a n d be given more responsibilities.
What Is a Z-Card?
You n e e d to have a l i c e n s e to be a professional sailor. This license is officially k n o w n as a m e r c h a n t mariner's d o c u m e n t (MMD), usually called a Z-card. To obtain o n e , you must be a U.S. citizen a n d over eighteen
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years old. You can find the form to apply for your Z-card at the U.S. Coast Guard Web site, at www.uscg.mil. If you a r e volunteering on a ship, you must accurately log your time. This recordkeeping is necessary b e c a u s e you n e e d to earn "seatime" to get a license, w h i c h is s o m e t i m e s called your "able s e a m a n ' s papers." T h e time you a c c r u e as a volunteer brings you closer to earning your s e a legs, so to speak, a n d to b e c o m i n g eligible for paying jobs at sea. You do not n e e d a Z-card to sail on smaller ships, but if you are going to s e a on ships that weight over 100 tons, you will n e e d o n e . Check out the coast guard's site to s e e the various licenses you may n e e d a n d what you must do to get o n e . Of course, it is an extremely good idea to acquire first aid a n d lifeguard certifications, both of which cover skills that are definitely necessary if you are going to sea. Your friendly neighborhood YMCA usually offers courses to get these certifications, as d o e s the Red Cross.
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Chapter 5
Shall We Dance?
o you want to be a dancer? If you haven't been cutting the rug much lately, achieving this goal will be challenging, but it's not impossible. If you are realistic in your goals and driven by a desire to express yourself through movement, you can work in the dancing world no matter where you are right now in your career.
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Dance Fever
Expressions m a d e through body movement are spoken language. Sometimes they are m o r e so. dancing, from folk d a n c e , to the old soft s h o e , If you have never b e e n shy about getting up at your groove thing, p e r h a p s you have thought of a dancer. as eloquent as any T h e r e are many forms of to the infamous Macarena. a social occasion to shake trying to make a living as
This is not a desire to be taken lightly. Becoming a d a n c e r takes dedication, determination, a n d discipline.
F A C T
The art of d a n c e probably b e g a n in prehistoric times as part of spiritual rites a n d rituals. There is evidence t h a t before h u m a n s could speak, t h e y m a d e music a n d d a n c e d . The predecessors of Britney Spears a n d Beyonce w e r e m o s t likely tribal s h a m a n s w h o whirled in a spiritual frenzy, seeking to cure an ill t r i b e s m a n or m a k e a little rain during t h e dry s e a s o n .
Only you c a n ask yourself if you have w h a t it takes. Do you have the determination a n d devotion, the perseverance a n d the discipline? Are you willing to put your body through a grueling workout every day for years? Do you have the grit to face the inevitable rejection that even the best must expect, especially in the beginning? T h e s o n g "What I Did for Love" from A Chorus Line is a bittersweet study of what a d a n c e r sacrifices for the love of the d a n c e .
A Competitive World
We have all heard the saying, "There's a broken heart for every light on Broadway." Like most cliches, there is a d e e p truth h i d d e n within the b r o m i d e . A c a r e e r in d a n c e is extremely competitive, m o r e so than most other callings. The jobs are limited, a n d the applicants are legion. This is not m e a n t to be a discouraging, but you really must be aware of the rules going in to the g a m e . T h e gritty a n d realistic movie Saturday Night Fever was followed several years later by a thoroughly ridiculous sequel called
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Staying Alive, in w h i c h J o h n Travolta's character Tony Manero goes from dancing in a Brooklyn d i s c o to starring in a Broadway show. It is a n i c e Hollywood fantasy, o n e that unfortunately d o e s not h a p p e n very often in real life. T h e r e a r e notable exceptions to every rule, of c o u r s e , a n d you could be o n e of t h e m . Even if you a r e not, you c a n still practice your craft a n d be paid to do s o . (Maybe not paid as m u c h as Britney Spears, but you c a n make a living.)
If you w a n t to learn more about a dancer's life, t w o great movies are The Turning Point, starring Shirley MacLaine, and Bob Fosse's autobiographical masterpiece, All That Jazz. They s h o w the realities of what it takes to be a dancer, the former in the world of ballet and the latter on Broadway. Both movies do a g o o d job of seeing past the glamour of a dancer's life and showing you the real deal.
Getting in Shape
W h e n your body is your livelihood, you have to keep it in s h a p e . As is true for any athlete, an injury for a d a n c e r c a n stall or even e n d a career. Most d a n c e r s call it quits by their late thirties. S o m e go on to teaching, choreography, or s o m e t h i n g else altogether. Bob Fosse was o n e of the m o r e successful to make s u c h a transition. After moderate s u c c e s s as a working dancer, he realized that, gifted as he was, he lacked that elusive element called "star quality" that other m e n like Fred Astaire a n d Gene Kelly h a d in a b u n d a n c e . W h e n Fosse turned to choreography a n d directing, his genius found full expression. If you have b e e n d a n c i n g for awhile, you have hopefully h a d eclectic training. If that's not t h e c a s e , you must start n o w a n d work all the harder. It's daunting, but if you want it badly e n o u g h t h e sweat a n d muscle a c h e s c a n be a joy. Unless you a r e driven to be a ballet d a n c e r a n d that is t h e only form that interests you, it is g o o d if t h o s e feet of yours c a n move to t h e rhythms of jazz, tap, folk, a n d other styles. This increases your c h a n c e s of getting work. If you c a n carry a t u n e , you might also want to develop your singing voice. Not all d a n c e r s a r e
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singers, but if you c a n do both you will be m o r e attractive to all kinds of productions, including opera, musical theater, commercials, and other opportunities. Rehearsal, for h o u r s a day, g o e s with t h e territory. You body is your instrument, a n d you must keep it finely tuned. Training never stops, no matter h o w successful you b e c o m e . It would be ideal for a d a n c e r to begin as a child, as young as five years old. Little girls are usually drawn to d a n c e at an earlier age, especially t h o s e w h o early on s h o w the sure sign of talent, while m a n y boys have to be dragged to d a n c e s c h o o l .
Auditions
It is not u n c o m m o n for d a n c e r s w h o a r e older a n d m o r e e x p e r i e n c e d to s p e n d an eight-hour day in t h e studio a n d t h e n venture out into t h e cruel world of auditions. Auditions are a n o t h e r training g r o u n d that will either strengthen a d a n c e r ' s will or break t h e spirit entirely. It is in this crucible, u p o n leaving the classroom a n d entering t h e real world, that a d a n c e r s e e s t h e extent of the competition. A d a n c e r may have b e e n t h e superstar of t h e local d a n c e studio, only to m e e t t h e m a n y other local superstars w h o have converged by train, p l a n e , a n d a u t o m o b i l e to s e e k fame a n d fortune in t h e theater. It is a humbling e x p e r i e n c e that s e n d s m a n y back h o m e .
The Web site of the theatrical newspaper Variety (published in both weekly and daily editions) is ^www.variety.com. You have to be a paying subscriber to make full use of what it offers, but two-week free trial subscriptions are available. It is so widely read and studied in this industry that it has earned the name "the show-business Bible." It is worth your while to study it chapter and verse.
It is not n e c e s s a r y to have a college d e g r e e in d a n c e , but a degree c a n be helpful. In college, a d a n c e r will learn about t h e history a n d theory of d a n c e in addition to skill in actual dancing. There is nothing like doing, however, a n d d a n c i n g in s c h o o l is a g o o d opportunity to perform, both in t h e c l a s s r o o m a n d in front of an a u d i e n c e . You may
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also want to consider d a n c e school if you have any interest in teaching d a n c e . Many successful d a n c e r s turn to teaching w h e n their professional careers wind down, as do others w h o did not have the career that they h o p e d they would. It is not mandatory to have a college d e g r e e in d a n c e to o p e n a n d run a private d a n c e school or conservatory. Life experience in the s c h o o l of hard k n o c k s is all you n e e d for that.
Fitness
As described earlier, there are s o m e things that are written in stone about dancing. You just have to be physically fit. Dancing is a strenuous
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workout, a n d if you are lucky e n o u g h to be a working d a n c e r you will be doing it every day. So first things firstget in s h a p e . If you are in pretty g o o d s h a p e , get in better s h a p e . Go to the gym, swim, or cycle. Build up your stamina a n d e n d u r a n c e . Watch Flashdance. Break out the leg warmers, p o p "Maniac" into the CD player, a n d gyrate into a sweaty frenzy. T h e r e is no way around this requirement.
Back to School
You will n e e d to take l e s s o n s to learn the different styles of d a n c e . Although we have stressed that the big time is Broadway a n d Hollywood, there are dancing s c h o o l s everywhere a n d working d a n c e r s in every corner of the country. You have to get the basic technical skills, a n d the only way to do this is to take lessons from a professional. The philosophy you must adopt is that the dancing is its own reward. D a n c e is what you do b e c a u s e you love it a n d b e c a u s e the hunger burns d e e p in your spirit. Professionals say that you must be in training for two years before you can call yourself a professional dancer. After that, you c a n expect that the training, practicing, a n d studying will never stop.
ALERT!
Despite the realities of the dancer's life, which certainly appear daunting, it is not out of your reach if you have the will. Nevertheless, there are still realities with which to contend. If you are starting in your thirties, you may never dance for a major ballet company. At the same time, you can still dance for a living. There are opportunities on cruise ships and at resorts for entertainers of all kinds, including dancers.
Teaching Dance
Another opportunity for the late b l o o m e r is to b e c o m e a d a n c e teacher. There are a c a d e m i c programs in most liberal arts college that offer a master of fine arts (MFA) d e g r e e in d a n c e . If you want to t e a c h in an a c a d e m i c setting, you are going to have to get teaching credentials as well. T h e rules vary state by state, so you will n e e d to c h e c k with your
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Types of Certification
C h o o s e a certification in a style of d a n c e that appeals to you. Ballroom dancing is perennially popular. T h e tango is in vogue. Latin, swing, a n d jazz dancing are other options. You c a n even b e c o m e a certified belly d a n c e r . Your best bet is to find a dancing s c h o o l with a good reputation that t e a c h e s many m o d e s of d a n c e . A certificate from a reputable school will help you find work a n d make you a credible commodity as an instructor.
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T h e following list includes certifications and resources for you to explore if you want to learn m o r e about certification in d a n c e teaching. This is a g o o d starting place to find the right certification for you. United States Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance www.usistd.org): Both written a n d practical examinations are required before certification is granted. Arthur Murray www.arthurmurray.com): You have to be an employee a n d work for o n e of the Arthur Murray franchises to receive their certification. Dance Vision (www.dancevision.com): Dance Vision offers practical a n d written examination-based certifications in internationaland American-style ballroom dancing. Fred Astaire www.fredastaire.com): You have to be an employee a n d work for o n e of the Fred Astaire franchises to receive their certification. National Dance Teachers Association (www.nationaldanceteachers.org): Members must have o n e year of d a n c e instruction experience and p a s s a written exam. National Dance Council of America www.ndca.org): This coalition of d a n c e organizations recognizes certifications from all areas of d a n c e .
Showgirl Life
First of all, like all jobs in the entertainment industry, being a showgirl is not as glamorous as it s o u n d s . Certainly the costumes that showgirls wear are glamorous, and they may cavort on stage with big stars in lavish
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production n u m b e r s , but the work itself is quite d e m a n d i n g . T h e typical showgirl is up at a r o u n d 11 A.M., a n d they usually attend a two-hour d a n c e class in the afternoon. They arrive at the theater at approximately 7 P.M. a n d d a n c e the night away until the w e e small h o u r s of the morning. T h e career of the average showgirl is over by the time they are forty, a n d m a n y go find work as d a n c e instructors a n d teachers. Others fall back on the career they h a d before dancing, a n d many m o r e are married with children. Politically incorrect as it s o u n d s , showgirls are c o n s i d e r e d to be artwork or h u m a n sculpture by the p r o d u c e r s a n d impresarios w h o run Las Vegas spectacles. The dancing is not fast a n d furious. They p a r a d e across the stage in production n u m b e r s a n d as background ornamentation for the stars, while wearing costumes that sometimes weigh as m u c h as fifty p o u n d s , often with e n o r m o u s h e a d d r e s s e s a n d three-inch heels. Showgirls back in the day u s e d to call themselves the pack h o r s e s of the dancing world.
Many uninformed tourists incorrectly assume that, as prostitution is legal in the state of Nevada, showgirls are part of a similar industry. Not truebeing a showgirl is as legitimate as being a member of the Ballet Russe. And more people s e e a showgirl perform in the course of a year than attend the Russian ballet.
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in Chapter 6. Read Variety a n d Backstage. Create a portfolio/resume, try to find a talent agent, a n d make the r o u n d s at o p e n casting calls.
Chippendales
Let's not forget the m e n . T h e r e is an opportunity for guys w h o want to d a n c e but have not m a d e it to Broadway. Have you ever wanted to be a d o r e d by a frenzied throng of w o m e n ? T h e n you might want to trying out to be a Chippendales dancer. There are many touring c o m p a n i e s of t h e s e few g o o d m e n . They traverse the continent, bringing joy to thousands of delighted ladies. There are s o m e requirements. They are not overtly stated but they are implicit. Anyone will understand w h o recalls the Saturday Night Live skit in w h i c h the rotund Chris Farley performed as a Chippendale alongside the buff Patrick Swayze. Chippendales dancers must have a certain look, a n d it is not the Chris Farley physique. For information on how you can b e c o m e a Chippendales dancer, you can visit their Web site at www. Chippendales,com.
Chapter 6
very actor would like to make it right away in Hollywood or on Broadway, where they would then earn the chance to deliver their long-rehearsed Oscar or Tony acceptance speech. Alas, that is not always to be. However, you can still find many opportunities for making a living in "the biz."
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An Actor's Life
This is m e a n t to be an encouraging book, but it won't help a n y o n e if we use this s p a c e to paint an unrealistic picture of t h e way t h e world works. T h e bottom line is that it is very h a r d to make a living as a working actor. It is difficult, butand this must be emphasizedit is not impossible to make a d e c e n t living ( a n d m a y b e m o r e ) as an actor if you are willing to pay your d u e s a n d do what it takes.
The television program Inside the Actor's Studiotaped at the fabled acting school that spawned Brando, De Niro, and other giantsgives you an insider's look at w h a t it takes to be a working actor. The story is told in person, by the actors James Lipton interviews before an audience of acting students.
"Whatever it takes" may include many things the serious actor may find d e m e a n i n g . Check your ego at t h e door. F. Murray Abraham, the Oscar-winning actor (for Amadeus) was o n c e o n e of t h e fruits in a Fruit of the Loom u n d e r w e a r commercial. The dedicated actor d o e s not sniff at any assignment in his or her salad days. Anything a n d everything is g o o d experience, whether you are playing Hamlet in a local theater or Foghorn Leghorn at a Warner Brothers t h e m e park. Though there are theaters a n d s c h o o l s all over t h e country, most p e o p l e w h o have t h e acting bug h e a d for New York or Los Angeles w h e r e most of t h e stage, film, a n d television work is concentrated. Many actors worked "straight jobs" for years before being able to work in the business full-time. Comic actor Bob Newhart was an accountant; quirky character actor Steve Buscemi was a New York City fireman.
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want to achieve a m a s t e r of fine arts (M.F.A. d e g r e e ) . Many have g o n e that route ( s u c h as Meryl Streep, a graduate of the Yale School of Drama). On the other h a n d , however, s o m e of t h e biggest stars basically stumbled into acting as a profession. In a s c h o o l setting, you will be exposed to different acting styles a n d be m e n t o r e d by professors w h o have h a d experience in the theater. You will learn about all avenues of acting. Performing on t h e stage is an entirely different style than acting in front of a c a m e r a for movies a n d television. In school, you will have t h e opportunity to study voice a n d movement, character development, directing, a n d writing.
www.hbstudio.org) is a
f a m o u s New York City acting school. Many f a m o u s n a m e s h a v e p a s s e d t h r o u g h t h e Herbert Berghof Studio a n d t a u g h t t h e r e over t h e d e c a d e s . Its eclectic curriculum gives d r a m a s t u d e n t s a well-
F A C T
You c a n d e c i d e if you want to take individual c o u r s e s or a full curriculum of study. If you a r e a working stiff, investigate a school that offers the occasional course. If you have t h e time a n d m o n e y on your h a n d s , you might want to go to s c h o o l full-time.
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Physical Considerations
Whether you are in s c h o o l or pounding the pavement, there are things an actor, aspiring or otherwise, must d o . Stage acting every night is a workout, both physically a n d vocally. Exercise of the body a n d the vocal c o r d s is essential. You never k n o w what the d e m a n d s of a role might b e . Usually a part will require full u s e of your body a n d voice, so they have to be kept in optimum condition. You should have s o m e regimen of exercise. Chart o n e out, a n d stick with it. Remember, the role of Hamlet h a s t h o u s a n d s of lines that force the actor to convey a w i d e range of emotions. This is draining enough, but an actor portraying him also h a s to e n d t h e evening with a vigorous swordfight. You don't want to be an out-of-breath Hamlet, unless your interpretation calls for the melancholy D a n e to have a stress-induced asthma condition.
F A C T
According to legend, the first actor was a fellow named Thespis w h o began doing impersonations of other people in Athens, Greece, circa 5 6 0 B.C. It is from this ancient version of Rich Little that we get the word "thespian," the highbrow term that simply means "actor." By the way, it's a g o o d idea to beware of actors w h o call themselves thespians. They tend to be even more full of themselves than the garden-variety ham.
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also m a d e a nice living doing commercials for a supermarket chain called Pathmark. His a p p e a r a n c e prompted angry calls a n d letters to the Pathmark corporate office. People were outraged that the c o m p a n y could have s u c h a terrible person as their spokesman.
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Types of Agents
There are several specialties a m o n g agents. Here are the types of agents a n d the performers that they represent: Commercial agents: Television commercials Theatrical agents: Movies a n d television Legitimate agents: The theater Voice-over agents: Radio a n d other off-camera work Modeling agents: Models in all m e d i a Variety agents: Nightclub a n d personal a p p e a r a n c e work Full-service agents: A little bit of everything
The Internet edition of t h e t r a d e journal Backstage can be found at www.backstage.com. Like Variety a n d www.variety.com, it is required reading for a n y o n e pursuing a career in t h e theater. Also like t h e Variety site, www.backstage.com, it is not free. A m o n t h l y online subscription costs $9.95, which is well w o r t h it if you are serious a b o u t making a living as a performer.
Unless you are determined to follow o n e single path in the performing arts, your best bet is to try to get a full-service agent. If you are working in Los Angeles, you are only allowed to sign up with o n e agent per category. In New York, you can register with as many agents in as many categories as you want. There are also franchised and unfranchised agents. A franchised agent is licensed to represent union actors. You will get m o r e opportunities and better pay through a franchised agent. T h e r e is plenty of n o n u n i o n theater out there, but it is frowned upon. To professionally advance, you will n e e d to b e c o m e a union m e m b e r at s o m e point.
Getting an Agent
You n e e d to be p r e p a r e d w h e n approaching an agent or casting director. The fact that you may have b e e n t h e star of every high school
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and college production you participated in will not matter m u c h in the real world. The best bet is to get as m u c h working experience as possible under your belt before you begin your hunt. Research the agents in your area. This c a n be d o n e on the alwayshelpful Internet a n d through trade journals like Daily Variety and Backstage. You c a n also c h e c k out the Web sites of the main performing arts unions that will be discussed a little later. Another resource for finding agents in NY a n d LA is the publication Ross Reports. This is not as well known outside the industry as the above periodicals, but this monthly publication is worth subscribing to if your acting career is m o r e than a m e r e dalliance.
Presenting Yourself
You n e e d to get s o m e professional photos taken. T h e s e are k n o w n as h e a d shots. Your future agent will n e e d t h e s e to s e n d to casting directors a n d producers w h o are looking for a certain type. Head shots should be taken by a professional photographer in a studio, not by your friend with a Polaroid or digital camera. If you take several "looks," you should put t h e m all together in o n e composite photograph. The m o r e streamlined the p h o t o / r e s u m e , the better. You should basically look as you currently do in the h e a d shots. If they are old, a n d you have h a d a makeover, then you n e e d to get new o n e s .
Finding a Photographer
You will find lots of photographers listed in the yellow pages a n d the trade papers. If you have b e e n doing this for awhile, you probably k n o w a few actors from cooling your heels in waiting r o o m s at auditions. You can ask s o m e of your fellow actors w h o s e h e a d shots you a d m i r e for the n a m e of the photographer w h o took their pictures. If they are professionally courteous a n d not too competitive, they will gladly refer you to their photographer. The local unions will also have lists of reputable photographers. It is going to cost you a few h u n d r e d dollars to get a set of quality h e a d shots, so doing the r e s e a r c h is well worth it. You do not want to
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get stuck with an inferior product. Look at t h e photographer's portfolio, a n d talk about t h e type of look you want to convey. Find out what all the costs will be before you settle t h e deal. You s h o u l d get o n e set of 8 10s a n d a n o t h e r of 5 7s.
Your Resume
You must c o m p o s e a good-looking professional r e s u m e . A theatrical r e s u m e is similar to any o t h e r r e s u m e you would s e n d out seeking employment. It lists your training a n d experience. It should be brief yet informative. Keep it to o n e p a g e only. Put your talents at the top of the p a g e along with any u n i o n affiliations. Unlike a r e s u m e for an office job, you s h o u l d include your physical attributes: height, weight, hair a n d eye color, a n d m e a s u r e m e n t s . You n e e d not m e n t i o n your age. Do not lie a b o u t your credits. They c a n be easily verified. If you are n e w to t h e business, include any d r a m a s c h o o l s or c o u r s e s you attended a n d s c h o o l a n d amateur p r o d u c t i o n s in w h i c h you a p p e a r e d . T h e s e are usually listed in this ordershow title, c h a r a c t e r you played, director (if he or s h e h a s any n a m e recognition), a n d the n a m e of the theatrical c o m p a n y if it is well known. You s h o u l d p r e p a r e your r e s u m e on a c o m p u t e r so you c a n easily finesse a n d tweak it a c c o r d i n g to t h e acting job. You will want to highlight certain a s p e c t s of your r e s u m e if you are interested in a singing part a n d mention your singing ability lower on t h e p a g e if you are auditioning for Macbeth. At t h e b o t t o m of t h e page, list a n y other skills that may be applicable. Proficiency in a particular c o m p u t e r application n e e d not be mentioned, but experience in something physicallike fencing or horseback ridingis worth noting. You never k n o w w h a t other parts t h e casting director may be looking for on his list of u p c o m i n g roles. P r e p a r e a r e s u m e for stage p e r f o r m a n c e s a n d o n e for films. Continually u p d a t e your r e s u m e . As your experience grows, delete your older a m a t e u r e x p e r i e n c e in favor of m o r e current roles. Always keep the r e s u m e to o n e page, even if it requires little tricks like reducing the font size a n d widening the margins. Include a specific cover letter for e a c h
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individual situation. Keep it short, no m o r e t h a n a few paragraphs on o n e page. Make it ingratiating but not obsequious. Stress your qualifications without being too boastful.
Audition Material
You have to have audition material p r e p a r e d a n d ready to be performed. You might have to bring a b u d d y a l o n g if it is a twocharacter s c e n e a n d not a m o n o l o g u e . W h e n you audition for a part, t h e p r o d u c e r a n d casting director will w a n t t o s e e w h a t you c a n d o . So will an agent. You m a y have to d e m o n s t r a t e your t h e s p i a n skills to the agent.
You can find a number of anthologies of theatrical m o n o l o g u e s in your local bookstore. Specific collections are published for men, w o m e n , and kids, as well as s o m e that are just drama or comedy or Shakespeare.
Generally, it is a g o o d idea to be ready to perform something dramatic, something comic, a n d maybe something from Shakespeare. If you are a singer, be able to belt out a several tunes from memory. Make them popular standards so an accompanying pianist will know t h e m , or buy the s h e e t music to bring with you to auditions. Pick monologues that highlight your strengths a n d that are delivered by characters that resonate with you a n d that you would love to play o n e day. Try not to pick parts that a r e very c o m m o n or too o b s c u r e . T h e agent or casting director should be familiar with the play, but it will not help if it is something they h e a r d o z e n s of times e a c h week. Women may want to avoid the Blanche DuBois "kindness of strangers" monologue from A Streetcar Named Desire, a n d m e n should pass on the "roast beef sandwich" rant from David Mamet's American Buffalo. And, of c o u r s e , pick something other than "To be or not to b e " from Hamlet as your Shakespeare monologue.
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ALERT!
Never let yourself be pressured to sign on the dotted line without taking the d o c u m e n t h o m e to read closely or to s h o w to people w h o s e opinion you trust. Until you establish a relationship of trust with your agent, it is not a bad idea to have an entertainment lawyer look over your potential contracts.
Never work with an a g e n t w h o a s k s for m o n e y up front. An agent is paid a p e r c e n t a g e of w h a t you m a k e from acting j o b s . In t h e s t a n d u p c o m e d y world, it is c o m m o n for an a g e n t to get your b o o k i n g s for a fee or with t h e p r o v i s o that you fill t h e v e n u e with friends w h o will pay a cover a n d two-drink m i n i m u m . T h e agents are getting a k i c k b a c k from t h e c l u b s that run t h e c o m e d y nights. If you c a t c h a whiff of a n y t h i n g similar from an agent you are m e e t i n g with, d o not work with t h e m .
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Be Persistent
If you do not h e a r back from the agents you have contacted, do not give up. Try a n d try again. If you are calling t h e m on the p h o n e , call every four to six w e e k s . If you are sending out m a s s mailings, s e n d a follow-up mailing as a reminder. Don't r e s e n d the s a m e package. Instead, d r o p a line by m e a n s of a postcard-size photo a n d short note reminding the agent that he or s h e should have your m o r e complete data on file. Agents are very busy p e o p l e a n d will take their time getting b a c k to you. Do not just sit t h e r e a n d wait for p e o p l e to return your calls. Be proactive. Find out the n a m e s of casting directors, a n d call t h e m directly. Go on as many o p e n auditions a n d casting calls as you can. The trade journals list these auditions. I n d e p e n d e n t films are often in production in big cities. While n o n u n i o n work is frowned u p o n , if you a r e a newbie without a union or an agent you should take t h e work you c a n get. It will not be held against you w h e n you later join a union. (It is only a problem if you do n o n u n i o n work as a union m e m b e r . ) Local film schools are always shooting something. Contact t h e m , a n d s e e if they a r e looking for performers. You are not going to get paid for your efforts, but every little bit will help fill out your resume.
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t h o s e in the movie business, while Actor's Equity is primarily for stage a n d television performers. Another union, the American Federation of Television a n d Radio Artists (AFTRA) is, as of this writing, in talks to m e r g e with SAG a n d b e c o m e a larger a n d m o r e powerful union.
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$500,000. This may s e e m a little s t e e p w h e n you consider that 80 percent of SAG m e m b e r s make less t h a n $5,000 a year from acting jobs, a n d fewer than 5 p e r c e n t of m e m b e r s earn m o r e t h a n $35,000 a year. This places t h e likes of Jack Nicholson a n d Harrison Ford in t h e extreme minority of SAG wage earners.
Actor's Equity
Actor's Equity www.actorsequity.org) is t h e union for stage actors a n d stage managers. Founded in 1913, its m o r e than 400,000 m e m b e r s are entitled to minimum salaries, p e n s i o n a n d health benefits, a n d guaranteed safe working conditions. Like SAG, you a r e eligible to join if you have b e e n hired for an acting job. In fact, you are m o r e or less required to join. T h e initiation fee is also high$1,100but you have two years to pay it in full. T h e minimum weekly salary for actors in Broadway productions is currently $1,252. Off-Broadway performers get a m i n i m u m wage of $440 to $551 a week. Regional theaters across the country are obliged to pay their actors $500 to $728 p e r week. T h e union for d a n c e r s in opera, ballet, a n d other d a n c e troupes is t h e American Guild of Musical Artists, Inc., while d a n c e r s in musical theater also join Actor's Equity. Community theaters are a great way to get started in acting and to have a lot of fun at the s a m e time. For a list of local community theaters, check out the community theatre listing at
http ://dmoz. org.
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perform everything from the classics to new works by unknown writers to old Broadway shows. Local theaters are s o m e t i m e s m a d e up of volunteers a n d others hire actors. Snooty p e o p l e may sniff at the tradition of dinner theater, but t h e s e venues employ t h o u s a n d s of actors a n d musicians. There are dinner theaters all over the country. For a fixed price, patrons can have a nice meal a n d s e e a play. T h e s e performances are c h o s e n for universal appeal a n d high entertainment value a n d are usually musicals or c o m e d i e s . It is unlikely, for example, that Eugene O'Neill's brilliant but d o w n b e a t a n d very lengthy The Iceman Cometh would be performed at a d i n n e r theater in Akron. Dinner theater is a great opportunity for fledgling actors to get experience, a n d it is also a last refuge for m a n y a star w h o s e career is on the decline. Many p e o p l e w h o are on television today will be doing dinner theater later in life, just as t h e actors you grew up watching on the tube are currently toiling in the circuit. A c o u p l e of years ago, Cindy Williams a n d Eddie Mekka ("the Big Ragu") of Laverne and Shirley a p p e a r e d in a Tennessee dinner theater in the musical Grease. They were not playing the romantic leads, but the principal a n d the gym teacher. (You know you're getting old w h e n . . .) The s a m e rules apply for local community theater a n d for dinner theater. You have to go on auditions, a n d it is better to have an agent. Community theater tends to recruit from the neighborhood, while dinner theaters bring in actors from all over. Though still competitive, they tend to be m u c h less cutthroat than New York or Los Angeles. Another popular form of theater way off Broadway is the interactive play. A popular play called Tony and Tina's Wedding recruits audience m e m b e r s to act as guests at a wacky wedding reception. Another popular format is the interactive m u r d e r mystery theater, in which the a u d i e n c e interacts with the performers a n d helps solve a mystery. There are also plenty of theatrically t h e m e d s u m m e r c a m p s , w h e r e professional actors work with kids to put on a show. With perseverance a n d drive, you can find work as an actor. It may not be on the Broadway stage or on the silver screen, but it can nevertheless be a source of satisfaction a n d a fulfillment of a lifelong dream.
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Chapter 7
he human desire to tell a story in our own words existed long before the invention of pen and paper. Humanity's penchant for storytelling goes back to the mists of prehistoric times. For many it is merely a rewarding leisure pursuit, but plenty of people have transformed their literary proclivities into full-time careers. This chapter offers advice on how to turn your avocation into a paying gig.
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To improve your writing and advance your career, it is generally believed that every day, you should spend a minimum of four hours writing. Despite your many other obligations, you really must make this effort. You may end discarding much of your writing and saving only a small percentage, but, like an exercise program, you must work out every day to achieve the desired results.
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every day without fail. Like a gymnast, you must put your writing skills through their p a c e s lest they atrophy.
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t h e other style m a n u a l s out there. Different journalistic entities use different style manuals. S o m e of the m o r e c o m m o n l y u s e d include the following: The Chicago Manual Type Style Manual and Briefing Writers for on Media Law Manual for and Editors of Style English Usage Dictionary
The Associated Press Stylebook Merriam-Webster's American The Microsoft Manual Heritage of Style
Technical Publications
Dictionary
If you a r e a student, you should definitely be on t h e s c h o o l p a p e r or the college radio station if your s c h o o l h a s o n e . If you are out of school, you might consider submitting articles to your local or community newspapers. You might be doing this for nothing for a while, but you'll be gaining experience, making connections, a n d padding your portfolio. You will definitely also n e e d c o m p u t e r skills a n d a familiarity with the Internet. It is also g o o d to be a "people watcher" a n d an excellent listener. A true reporter is also a student of h u m a n nature.
for aspiring and working journalists. It contains news, resources, and job listings for freelance and full-time positions at
ALERT!
Internships
If you a r e able to work for nothing for a little while, an internship is a valuable entry point into t h e journalism milieu. As an intern, you will most likely be e x p o s e d to all a s p e c t s of t h e b u s i n e s s , even if it m e a n s being a gofer for t h e hotshot reporter or t h e local Ted Baxter (of Mary Tyler Moore fame) if you intern at a television or radio station. Whatever
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you are doing as an intern, you a r e gaining experience that will look good on your r e s u m e a n d serve you well in your job s e a r c h . You'll also make valuable contacts a n d p e r h a p s find a m e n t o r w h o will take a liking to you a n d help you at s o m e point d o w n the line. By doing a little bit of everything, you c a n d e c i d e what you're most interested in. You might be better off interning at a small station or newspaper; there, you will be m o r e in d e m a n d a n d have m o r e to d o . However, if you s e n s e that you are being u s e d as a beast of b u r d e n without getting the c h a n c e to learn anything that will help your career, do not stand for it. Move on.
Professional Associations
There are many professional associations for journalists a n d broadcasters. You can learn m o r e about the business, make valuable contacts, attend conferences and seminars, and network with m e n a n d w o m e n w h o are making a living as journalists. S o m e of the professional associations include the following: Society of Professional Journalists 3909 N. Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46208 317-920-4789 www.spj.org Society for Technical Communication 901 N. Stuart Street, Suite 904 Arlington, VA 22203-1854 703-522-4114 www.stc.org National Association of Broadcasters 1771 N Street NW Washington, DC 20036 202429-5300 www.nab.org
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Association of American Publishers 71 Fifth Avenue, 2nd Floor New York, NY 10003-3004 212-255-0200 www.publishers, org American Academy of Advertising http://advertising.utexas.edu/AAA Public Relations Society of America www.prsa.org Radio and Television Correspondents Association U.S. Capitol, Room S-325 Washington, DC 20510 202-224-6421 www. senate.gov/galleries/radiotv
F A C T
Novelists, Inc. (at www.ninc.com) maintains a reference site devoted to keeping its members "connected, communicating, and well informed while striving to better the status of fiction writers." It is a membership site, so check out the free preview before you decide to join.
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The above story is no tall tale, a n d rest a s s u r e d : It is the exception. If you are fortunate to get an entry-level position in journalism, you may find it an extension of an internship, except that you get paid. But your pay won't be m u c h , s a d to say. In all the so-called "glamour industries," entry-level salaries are absurdly low. The r e a s o n is simplepeople are clamoring to get their feet in t h e door. If you wither u n d e r pressure or have a nine-to-five mentality, t h e n the journalism g a m e is not for you. T h e pressure to meet deadlines can be nerve wracking, a n d as Citizen Charles Foster Kane said, the news g o e s on twenty-four hours a day. Expect to work long hours, to s o m e t i m e s pull all-nighters, a n d to work weekends if necessary.
What to Write?
Hardboiled mystery writer Mickey Spillane, w h e n asked why he churned out tough-guy yarns featuring the g u m s h o e Mike Hammer, r e s p o n d e d , "I write the kind of b o o k s I like to read." This is a g o o d rule of t h u m b for any writer. Spillane was lucky that his personal taste was in genre fiction, traditionally an easier style for the n e w c o m e r to break into. Genre fiction m e a n s a certain type of novelmystery, r o m a n c e , s c i e n c e fiction, western, a n d so on. In t h e g o o d old days t h e r e were m o r e opportunities for the genre writer. Still, it is slightly easier to get your genre novel seriously considered for publication than a so-called mainstream or "literary" p i e c e of fiction.
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You c a n c r a n k out a potboiler in the h o p e of simply being a published author, but if your heart is not in it, agents a n d publishers will probably s e n s e this. On t h e c h a n c e that you do get through that formidable barrier to publication, t h e r e is the reading public to consider. If you do not w o o t h e m , your t e n u r e in t h e literary limelight will be fleeting. So Mickey Spillane a n d Ernest Hemingway are both rightwrite the truest s e n t e n c e s you c a n in the kind of b o o k you like to read. If to thine own self you are true, thou canst be false to the d e a r reader. On a related note, you s h o u l d read a lot of novels if you want to write o n e . Read everything from the classics to the "trash." Do not be too snooty toward the trash. Mark Twain was right w h e n he said "a classic is a b o o k that people praise but don't read," a n d Jackie Collins is a millionaire many times over.
Protect Yourself
O n c e the novel ( o r short story or s c r e e n p l a y ) is ready to be s h o w n to t h e world, every writer s h o u l d copyright his or her idea, lest s o m e unscrupulous agent or publisher purloin the plot without your consent. Always employ t h e Russian adage, "Trust, but verify" w h e n dealing with publishers. T h e r e is o n e s c h o o l of thought that all you n e e d to do is seal your manuscript in an e n v e l o p e a n d mail it to yourself. The dated postmark on your package is evidence that you c a m e up with the idea on suchand-such a date. If s o m e b o d y steals your idea a n d you sue, the envelope would be o p e n e d in the courtroom a n d you would be vindicated. However, there is an easier, safer, a n d less melodramatic way to copyright your work. T h e Writers Guild of America (WGA) a n d t h e Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE), are two b r a n c h e s of the s a m e guild for professional writers. They offer an easy alternative to copyrighting your work. This m e t h o d gives you the m e a n s to prove t h e date of your authorship, in c a s e you ever n e e d to s u e for ( o r defend yourself against) copyright infringement. It d o e s not, however, give you actual ownership
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over your intellectual property, s u c h as characters, the way a copyright d o e s . The WGAE Web site, at www.wgae.org, describes the simple registration process, which will give you p e a c e of mind. You can register any work of fiction, nonfiction, novel, or screenplay online with the guild for $22. S e n d in a copy, a n d the guild will register the date received a n d keep it for ten years. It c a n be r e n e w e d after that. If you c h o o s e not to r e n e w it, t h e WGAE will destroy it lest it fall into the wrong h a n d s .
One of the most popular screenwriting software programs on the market is called Final Draft. As you type, it automatically formats your work into the accepted screenplay style, making it easier for you to concentrate on the creative aspects of screenwriting.
F A C T
The Rules
Selling a screenplay is even m o r e competitive than getting a novel published. More people watch movies a n d television than read books, a n d being recognized in Beverly Hills is m o r e desirable to most than being hunted down in a Barnes & Noble. H e n c e , there are m o r e p e o p l e pitching scripts than novels to agents a n d studios.
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Since there are so many screenplays crossing the desks of power brokers, you have to o b s e r v e certain rules. Most important to know is that screenplays are written in a special format. If yours is not, it will be summarily discarded. It is worth your while to invest on a screenwriting software program than automatically formats your work into the accepted industry standard. You should also be aware that if you are the o n e of the fortunate writers w h o s e script is turned into a film or television show, the final results on the screen may bear little resemblance to your original screenplay. Everyone from the director a n d producer to the actors will fiddle and fool around with your work. And unless you are o n e of the very few powerful screenwriters in the business, you will have nothing to say about it. W h e n you ask any Hollywood actor or director what the most important thing is to a film's s u c c e s s , they invariably say "the script." Yet writers remain the lowest paid a n d most ill-used toilers in Tinseltown. Steve Martin said it best w h e n he h o s t e d t h e 2003 Academy Awards, "Writers, directors, actors . . . if we're stuck here tonight, a n d we run out of food, that's the o r d e r of w h o m we eat."
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you have e n o u g h in t h e b a n k to weather the wait w h e n you are told that "The c h e c k is in the mail," a n d it s e e m s that it must be literally transported on t h e b a c k of a snail? Welcome to the world of the freelance writer. The word "freelance" has medieval origins. A knight w h o w a s not in the service of a lord w a s known as a knight errant, and his w e a p o n , a lance, w a s his o w n to use, rather than at his master's beck and call. Like a gunfighter in the Old West, he w a s free to hire out his w e a p o n to the highest bidder.
F A C T
Whom to Contact?
W h e n you're planning to pitch an idea in a cold call, you n e e d to get a contact n a m e . Look at the m a s t h e a d of the magazine a n d s e e w h o the
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editors are. It is advisable to direct your call to s o m e o n e at the associate level. They a r e still young a n d (usually) still nice. They are m o r e inclined to be kind a n d h e a r you out. If n o b o d y is picking up t h e p h o n e , you c a n also try s e n d i n g an email. You c a n "crack the c o d e " of e-mail a d d r e s s e s fairly easily. It is safe to say that almost all magazines a n d publishers have a p r e s e n c e on t h e Internet t h e s e days. On their Web sites, there will inevitably be a "Contact Us" section. You will often s e e that the s e c o n d half of the e-mail a d d r e s s is "@magazinename.com." You c a n t h e n go to t h e m a s t h e a d a n d find a contact n a m e a n d experiment with the format. It could be the p e r s o n ' s w h o l e n a m e with no s p a c e , t h e w h o l e n a m e with a dot between the first a n d last n a m e , or the c o m m o n l y u s e d first n a m e initial/last n a m e in lower caps with no s p a c e . Through trial a n d error, you will get through to an editor.
an online resource for freelance writers. It has many resources and job listings for those struggling and succeeding in the freelance world. The About.com site's freelance section the freelance writer needs to be aware of. (http://freelancewrite.
ALERT!
In o r d e r to be a freelance writer, you must strike t h e b a l a n c e between being aggressive a n d c o m i n g off as downright obnoxious. As in so many of t h e s e alternative c a r e e r hunts, do not take rejection personally, difficult though that is. In o r d e r to have a stress-free freelance life, you have to have multiple projects going on. At t h e s a m e time, you must always be pitching new ideas to a large network of contacts you have built over time. W h e n you're just starting out, this will be difficultdiscouragingly, painfully s o . If you really want it, however, a freelance writing c a r e e r c a n be had if you a r e willing to take the k n o c k s a n d the disappointments that c o m e down t h e pikeand if you never give up.
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Finding an Agent
O n e p l a c e that a writer never wants to e n d up is the d r e a d e d "slush pile." This is w h e r e unsolicited manuscripts are consigned. The science fiction/fantasy publisher Baen Books makes no b o n e s about how it treats unsolicited books. They a r e to be sent to slush@baenbooks.com, a n d the r e s p o n s e time in getting b a c k to you is one year! In this day a n d age, the way to avoid being t o s s e d on the slush pile is to get an agent.
Elements of Style
Formatting is very important w h e n submitting a proposal. In fact, it is mission critical. It s o m e t i m e s s e e m s as if agents are using any excuse not to accept your idea. In fairness to them, they are deluged with manuscripts a n d proposals, most of w h i c h are n o n e too stellar. W h e n they ask for a particular format, they are endeavoring toexcuse the clicheseparate the wheat from the chaff. Follow directions carefully a n d you're h e a d e d in the right direction.
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T h e Literary Market Place (known in the publishing world as the LMP) is a m a m m o t h volume. It is c o n s i d e r e d the Bible of resources on publishing. Most writers refer to it w h e n visiting t h e reference section of their local library. Weighty in m o r e ways t h a n o n e , it is 2,200 pages long a n d costs $299 if you want to p u r c h a s e your own copy. Nor is it c h e a p to u s e t h e LMP Web site, www.literarymarket place.com. A yearly subscription costs $399. You should visit the library a n d thoroughly p e r u s e the hard copy before you elect to shell out the money for m e m b e r s h i p to this site. However, you get what you pay for, as they say, a n d it is a fact that t h e LMP is a one-stop resource for everything you n e e d to know about publishing. W h e n your writing career is in full swing, it is definitely a worthwhile expense. You can probably include the expense in your deductibles at tax timebut it's always a good idea to consult your accountant first!
that an a g e n t is legitimate and credentialed. There are fees for more detailed searches. Rememberavoid agents w h o charge an upfront fee to evaluate your query, proposal, or manuscript.
ALERT!
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Working with an agent can be a frustrating experience. You have worked long and hard on your book, and you don't want to be sitting by the p h o n e or constantly checking your e-mail to hear back from t h o s e to w h o m you have sent query letters and sample chapters. Unfortunately, this may be the case until you hook up with an agent w h o wants to work with you. It is part of the great g a m e of getting published, so hang in there.
Ghostwriting
Ghostwriting is life. The downside If you do not seek is sufficient reward o n e of the more lucrative categories within the writing is something that many writers do not like: anonymity. fame a n d acclaim for your talents, a n d a large paycheck for your work, then ghostwriting may be for you.
Ghostwriting is something to consider as your career advances a n d you establish credentials, as they a r e w h a t will get you ghostwriting assignments. You might be surprised how m a n y ghostwriters are lurking in the s h a d o w s of the writing world. Any celebrity w h o writes a b o o k usually h a s "help." President J o h n F. Kennedy won a Pulitzer Prize for a b o o k he did not write, Profiles in Courage. T h e star of p e r h a p s the most popular science fiction television series of all time s e e m s to crank out a book a m o n t h t h e s e days. He c o m e s up with the general idea, but after that the well-paid a n d well-hidden ghosts take over. Even in corporate America, everything from training manuals a n d stockholder meeting s p e e c h e s are usually scripted by a ghostwriter.
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As you carve out a n i c h e for yourself as a writer, you will develop interests a n d specialties. You should compile these into a portfolio to present w h e n you are looking for ghostwriting work. If your specialty is business, you will probably not be hired to ghost for a baseball player or rock star. The rest is the footwork, using resources like the LMP a n d others to find agents a n d publishers looking for ghostwriters. Sometimes you will s e e ads in the trade journals and the classified section of mainstream papers place by individuals looking to hook up with the right writer. Another skill to pick up along the way is the ability to write in a variety of voices. This will widen your opportunities a n d earning potential. You will be in e s s e n c e pretending to be another person. The rest of the world must believe that the m a n or w o m a n w h o s e n a m e a n d / o r picture are on the b o o k h a s really written it.
Contracts
In any b u s i n e s s collaboration, it is wise to get things in writing before you start. W h e n negotiating a contract as a ghostwriter, you n e e d to keep t h e s e things in mind: Detailed particulars about the work ( n u m b e r of words, etc.) W h o o w n s the copyright (usually the p e r s o n hiring you) Expected time frame between start and completion How m u c h you a r e to be paid, a n d in w h a t m a n n e r (lump sum, installments) A termination clause, in c a s e either or both parties are not satisfied during the p r o c e s s If a project d o e s n ' t work out, make s u r e you receive w h a t is known as a kill fee. You deserve to be paid for your time a n d effort, even if the project never makes it to the bookstores.
Proofreading
Proofreaders c a n make a g o o d hourly rate a n d a r e always in d e m a n d . S o m e even work in different shifts a n d not during traditional business
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hours. Many c o m p a n i e s a n d law firms have proofreaders working through the night to have d o c u m e n t s letter-perfect first thing in the morning. Proofreading is different from editing. Editors read a manuscript for style, content, a n d clarity. They do catch errors in g r a m m a r a n d style, but they are also looking at the bigger picture. A proofreader h a s to have t h e ability to pay methodical a n d meticulous attention to detail. Most writers are not good proofreaders, a n d writers should never rely on themselves to proofread their own work. A writer can read s o m e t h i n g he or s h e h a s written d o z e n s of times a n d never catch something that a n o t h e r pair of eyes will easily s e e . Similarly, publishers have m a n y p e o p l e go over a manuscript during the development p r o c e s s to s e e that no errors slip through. O n e person w h o h a s to reread the s a m e material repeatedly will almost certainly lose his or h e r fine focus. T h e mind eventually s e e s what it thinks is there, not the cold type on the s c r e e n or on the page.
If you w a n t to w o r k as a proofreader, you have to familiarize yourself with s t a n d a r d proofreading symbols. These are t h e n o t a t i o n s t h a t t h e p r o o f r e a d e r m a k e s so t h e next person in t h e editorial pipeline can m a k e t h e c h a n g e s . Examples of t h e proofreading symbols can be found in m o s t dictionaries or t h r o u g h a W e b search.
F A C T
Many proofreaders read aloud, a n d all read slowly. They a r e versed in grammar, spelling, a n d punctuation in a way many writers are not. T h e proofreader's approach to a d o c u m e n t is m o r e mathematical a n d clinical than artistic. They c a n n o t afford to be distracted by beauty. They r e a d for different r e a s o n s than the casual r e a d e r or even t h e average editor.
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f you are an artist by avocation and have thought about turning your passion into a profit-making enterprise, there's no reason to feel guilty about "selling out." While it is true that many artists did not achieve success until after they were dead, there is no reason for you to wait that long.
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The main way to avoid the starving artist syndrome, other than take a job that brings you no joy a n d merely pays the bills, is to learn how to market yourself. It is an unavoidable fact that you must incorporate the d r e a d e d "B" wordbusinessinto your repertoire if you are to make a living through your artistic endeavors.
A Business Plan
Like any small-businessperson, you n e e d a plan. Throwing yourself into t h e artistic s c e n e with reckless a b a n d o n almost never works. T h e occasional exception is very lucky i n d e e d or h a s a m u s e w h o is working overtime. If you do not want to wait until your oeuvre is posthumously discovered after your death, bringing you a kind of immortality that you will not be able to enjoy, t h e n you have to get noticed right now.
Do not be afraid of "going commercial," as many of your artistic associates may condescendingly call it. There is no shame in making money from your talent. Van Gogh died broke, and n o w his paintings sell for millions. It is a safe bet he would have preferred to have made that money during his lifetime. He might not have been as inclined to cut off his ear.
If you a r e an artist w h o wants to blend your creativity a n d your career, then you must think of ways a n d m e a n s to get your art displayed a n d sold. Grit your teeth if you must, but you must take your product to the marketplace a n d h o p e s o m e c o n s u m e r s will pay you for the privilege of hanging your w a r e s on their walls. The product you're selling is m o r e than your work itselfyou yourself also are also part of t h e package. People are interested in artists b e c a u s e d e e p d o w n we all wish we could express ourselves creatively. At galleries a n d other venues you are going to be the front m a n or w o m a n for your work. Businessperson and sales repthese are not words you think of as you struggle to breathe life to a blank canvas, but you must be both.
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The Marketplace
Let's a s s u m e that you have a b o d y of work in your artistic field. You are now ready, although undoubtedly m o r e t h a n a little anxious, for the world to take a look at w h a t you have created. Like an actor or model, you will n e e d to make a portfolio. This can be a traditional collection of reprints of your work that you carry around with you in a valise a n d present to interested parties. Nowadays, however, many artists burn s c a n s or p h o t o s of their work onto CDs a n d personally deliver or s e n d t h e m out to galleries, agents, a n d others. Leonardo da Vinci did not have this luxury, but you d o . With a c o m p u t e r with all the bells a n d whistles, you c a n do this yourself. Otherwise, you must find copy s h o p s in your community that c a n do it for you. If you are serious about this p r o c e s s , it will be worth your while to have a state-of-the-art computer. You will save m o n e y in the long run doing this yourself. You will also n e e d a c o m p u t e r if you want to get t h e other high-tech tool that artists use todaya personal Web site. Any Internet provider can give you a certain a m o u n t of s p a c e on their servers for a p e r s o n a l page. You n e e d to have e n o u g h s p a c e to upload graphics of your work. You might want to consider, if you have the money, securing your own d o m a i n n a m e a n d having a professional build a quality site for you. If you have a graphic-designer friend, or at least a friend w h o ' s m o r e computer literate than you, he or s h e c a n help you. Make s u r e you also get business cards printed that include your e-mail a n d Web site a d d r e s s e s . Other tools of the trade include letterhead stationery; postcards that have o n e or m o r e s a m p l e s of your work on o n e side a n d contact information on the other; a n d press releases for the local media. Initially t h e s e press releases will be just to publicize the fact that you exist. Many small p a p e r s carry regular feature stories on local artists. Future press releases will a n n o u n c e gallery showings a n d other places w h e r e your work will be exhibited.
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market research. T h e best p l a c e to start is right in your o w n b a c k yard. Find t h e local galleries a n d other places w h e r e artwork is displayed. Contact t h e m , try to s c h e d u l e appointments, a n d conduct yourself just like you are going on an interview. Bring your portfolio a n d s o m e t h i n g to leave with t h e m , w h e t h e r it is a CD or your b u s i n e s s card. If they like you a n d your work, they may offer to display you in their gallery. Keep in mind that this is a b u s i n e s s arrangement, a n d as s u c h it benefits both parties. T h e gallery o w n e r makes m o n e y from your sales, either in the form of a fee you pay to exhibit or from a p e r c e n t a g e of the m o n e y you make. This is really no different from the percentage artists in other fields would pay a theatrical or literary agent.
Information about housing and studio space for artists can be found by visiting the Web site www.artisthelpnetwork.com. Here you will get an idea about the availability and expense of
ALERT!
finding your o w n art studio to display your work on your terms and at your convenience.
With your o w n studio, you eliminate any m i d d l e m e n a n d their fees. You set t h e date, time, a n d all t h e minutiae of your showing. It is also your obligation to alert t h e m e d i a a n d t h e c o m m u n i t y that your works are o p e n for inspection. You have to s e n d out t h e p r e s s r e l e a s e s a n d post the fliers a r o u n d town.
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During the reception, which many studios have following the opening of an exhibit, you should provide s o m e light refreshment. T h e clich c h o i c e for s u c h affairs is w i n e a n d c h e e s e , but make s u r e you have s o m e nonalcoholic beverages as well. Last but not least, you must play the affable a n d engaging host or h o s t e s s .
www.artisthelpnetwork.com) is a
wonderful resource for anyone interested in pursuing a career in the arts. It has a wealth of information on all the practical aspects
ALERT!
you need to know to make your s e g u e into a career as a full-time working artist as painless and pressure-free as possible.
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T h e intent of t h e is to preserve art, t e a c h about art, a n d make t h e arts m o r e accessible to students a n d others w h o might never be e x p o s e d to this form of creative expression. For your purposes, it also provides grants a n d funding for artists. T h e rules have c h a n g e d a little since its inception. They have b e c o m e m o r e rigid, but you c a n still c h e c k out their Web site a n d s e e if you are eligible for a government grant or e n d o w m e n t to fund your efforts. Warningif your p a s s i o n is in t h e "clowns on velvet" or "bulldogs playing poker" motif, you will probably not be awarded a grant. Their Web site is www.nea.gov.
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like any small b u s i n e s s , takes dedication a n d effort if you a r e to s u c c e e d . You could probably m a k e m o r e m o n e y working for s o m e o n e e l s e in a so-called traditional job. If you a r e reading t h e s e words, however, that is s o m e t h i n g you do not want to do or c o n t i n u e doing. It is a struggle to start a b u s i n e s s from s c r a t c h , so you might as well be working in a crafting field that gives you p l e a s u r e . If you do not love w h a t you a r e doing, you will be m o r e inclined to give up w h e n t h e going gets tough. By starting small, you c a n avoid spending a lot of m o n e y before you have learned about the nature of the business. T h e early stages will be hit-and-miss, trial-and-error time, so you might as well not spend, and probably lose, large s u m s of hard-earned cash during your period of growing pains. T h e main reason so many small businesses fail is that they drown in a s e a of debt c a u s e d by startup costs that they cannot get out from under. You should being by selling to family a n d friends a n d at small, local flea markets a n d fairs. T h e r e you will also meet other craftspeople, and most of t h e m will be happy to offer the benefit of their experience, unless of course you are selling the s a m e kind of product. Even in the kinder, gentler world of h a n d m a d e crafts, business is business.
www.sunshineartist.com) is a trade
magazine for the professional exhibitor of handmade items. It is a subscription magazine, but you can visit the Web site to see a
ALERT!
sampling of typical articles and a listing of craft s h o w s and fairs across the country.
Craft Shows
Local craft s h o w s a r e a g o o d p l a c e to start. T h e r e you c a n learn the ins a n d outs of selling your wares to t h e general public in a forum that will t e a c h you m u c h but not cost you a lot. T h e bigger, national arts a n d crafts extravaganzas are m o r e costly for exhibitors and you will also incur travel a n d hotel e x p e n s e s . So it is better to start at t h e little s h o w around t h e corner.
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Selling at a local s h o w will allow you to s e e what sells a n d what d o e s not a m o n g your product line. You c a n u s e t h e results as a litmus test to d e t e r m i n e w h a t you n e e d to bring to a larger show. If a George W. Bush b o b b l e h e a d sells m o r e than a Hillary Clinton n o d d e r , t h e n you know to p r o d u c e m o r e of t h e former a n d less of t h e latter. You c a n s e a r c h for local craft s h o w s in your a r e a via t h e ever-reliable Internet. You c a n also contact your local c h a m b e r of c o m m e r c e as well as the charitable institutions a n d c h u r c h e s in your n e c k of t h e woods. These organizations regularly s p o n s o r flea markets, at w h i c h you c a n rent a table for a n o m i n a l s u m a n d sell your crafts. If you live in a part of t h e country w h e r e there are craft a n d h o b b y stores like Hobby Lobby, Ben Franklin's, or Christmas Tree Shops, you c a n contact t h e m to inquire about any shows in the neighborhood.
Arts & Crafts Online Business Resources at the address (www.artcraftmarketing.com) is a Web site designed to help fellow arts and crafts businesspeople learn h o w to g e t a craftt h e m e d Web site up and running.
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What to Charge?
It is h a r d to put a p r i c e on a work of art or a h a n d m a d e item. They are labors of love, of value to the creator a n d t h e collector. There is a formula that s o m e craftspeople u s e to put a price tag on their work. You c a n d e t e r m i n e a fair hourly rate for yourself and multiply this by t h e n u m b e r of h o u r s a week that you will be working at producing your crafts. For example, if you pay yourself $12 an h o u r for a forty-hour week, t h e cost of your labor would be $480. Next, calculate h o w m u c h the supplies cost to make o n e item a n d how m a n y items you c a n p r o d u c e in a week. Multiply the supply cost per item by your weekly n u m b e r . For instance, if your costs a r e $2 per item, a n d you c a n make 100 p e r week, your total would be $200. Add t h e s e two n u m b e r s , a n d they c o m e to $680. Divide this figure by t h e n u m b e r of items you c a n p r o d u c e in a week (which we said above w a s 100), a n d you arrive at $6.80 p e r item. This is the price you would have to c h a r g e to e a r n $12 an h o u r if you sold every p i e c e you m a d e . You s h o u l d c o m p a r e this price to what others are asking for similar items a n d adapt your calculations accordingly to be competitive in t h e marketplace.
You can find a list of craft manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers at http://artsandcrafts.about.com. The list is conveniently broken d o w n by state so you can find the resources nearest you.
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You must register your product if you fear that the above may h a p p e n . You can learn h o w to do this at the Library of Congress Web site at www.loc.gov. For a craft item, you go to the Visual Arts section. Then you will o p e n a n d print Form VA, fill it out, a n d mail it to the a d d r e s s listed with o n e physical copy of your h a n d m a d e craft a n d a nonrefundable $30 fee. Taking this action d o e s not m e a n that the Copyright Police will be out looking for thieves w h o have stolen your idea. That is your job. If you c o m e across a suspiciously similar item in your crafting travels a n d determine that its existence is m o r e than m e r e c o i n c i d e n c e , it is up to you to s u e the idea thief. You c a n put a copyright symbol, followed by the year, on your item without registering it with the copyright office. All original works are, in theory, automatically copyrighted. However, no legal action c a n be taken unless it is officially registered.
Quality Assurance
In this age of declining professionalism a n d fading quality, t h e best thing you c a n do is make your crafts with care a n d with love a n d the highest caliber of raw materials you c a n find. If you use c h e a p materials, your product will look c h e a p ; the c o n s u m e r will notice a n d be disinclined to p u r c h a s e your craft. A quality product will e n h a n c e your reputation through word of mouth a n d keep customers coming back for more. This is m o r e important than all the business plans a n d advertising you c a n devise. People want good stuff. If you make it, they will buy it.
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Model Citizens
ave you dreamed of making a living on a runway, but don't have any interest in working at the local airport? The other notable runway profession is modeling. Like acting, writing, dancing, and the other "glamorous" alternative careers, modeling is difficult to break into. But it's not impossible. In this chapter we will take a look at the modeling business.
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Supermodels
You probably have a slightly better c h a n c e of b e c o m i n g a supermodel than winning the lottery, but just barely. According to www.modelnews.com, o n e p e r s o n in a million is born with the possibility of joining the select club that includes Tyra Banks, Cindy Crawford, a n d a precious few others. If you a r e a w o m a n w h o is 5'9" or taller, a n d you fit society's notion of perfection in face a n d form, t h e n you have a c h a n c e .
High-Fashion Models
Below the s u p e r m o d e l s on this hierarchy of a p p e a r a n c e are the highfashion m o d e l s . T h e r e are the w o m e n a n d m e n you s e e on the major magazines a n d in the print a n d other m e d i a a d s for the big designers. They a r e well paid for presenting their pristine mugs before the camera, a n d they also have to have a certain look. A w o m a n must be 5'9" or taller, no m o r e than 115 p o u n d s , a n d young. A m a n c a n be a little older, though at thirty-five he is ready for retirement. He h a s to be at least six feet tall. Men must be in excellent s h a p e , but they have the luxury of not having to be facially perfect. H a n d s o m e is not discouraged, of course, but different looks are not immediately discounted. A m a n can be "ugly" a n d still c o n s i d e r e d sexy if he h a s a certain magnetism. A high-fashion m o d e l can make a million dollars for o n e advertising campaign. Your
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On the Runway
Runway m o d e l s are essentially a n i m a t e d coat h a n g e r s w h o m o d e l designer fashions live, on t h e runway at fashion s h o w s or s o m e t i m e s at designer boutiques for individual c u s t o m e r s . They are s u p p o s e d to s h o w t h e c l o t h e s in their best light, but they d o n ' t n e e d to s h o w h o w the clothes c o m p l e m e n t a lush "real w o m a n " figure. Runway fashion shows h a p p e n twice a year on c o n n e c t i o n with t h e spring a n d fall fashion lines. T h e circuit for runway s h o w s is Milan, L o n d o n , Paris, a n d New York. W o m e n have to be over 5'9" a n d slim. Men must be tall a n d fit. A runway m o d e l c a n m a k e a n y w h e r e from $500 to $5,000 a show.
In the Catalogs
Catalog models run the gamut, from the s u p e r m o d e l s in the Victoria's Secret catalog to the w o m a n in the girdle in a local d e p a r t m e n t store's ad in a small town paper. Women should be 5'8" a n d a size six. Men must be, as usual, 6' or taller a n d fit into a size forty regular sports coat. Most catalog m o d e l s are in their twenties. The top e c h e l o n makes $10,000 to $15,000 a day, a n d the lower levels make $100 to $150 an hour.
www.models.com
t h o s e w h o want to learn about the modeling business. It lists the t o p agencies and a professional directory of photographers, makeup artists, and more.
If you have "the look" to make it as any of t h e s e kinds of m o d e l s , then you can give it a shot. It is no less a n o b l e u s e of your God-given gifts than becoming a scientist. If you do not p o s s e s s the look a n d are at p e a c e with the fact that you are never going to be the next Tyra Banks, there are other types of modeling work that you c a n d o .
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If you are a regular guy a n d not the buff a n d hunky young studs with six-pack abs a n d a full h e a d of hair that you s e e in magazines a n d on television, you n e e d not despair either. T h e r e is modeling work to be h a d even for t h e average-looking Joe.
Promotional Modeling
Promotional m o d e l s c o m e in all s h a p e s a n d sizes, male a n d female. There are no specific requirements to do this kind of modeling. These are the people you s e e greeting passersby at trade-show or convention booths, at grocery stores or at the mall, handing out literature a n d promotional freebies such as T-shirts a n d caps. They answer questions and generally represent the organization in an articulate a n d attractive manner. A charismatic and comely promotional model can increase traffic to a company's booth a n d thus increase business. A good promotional model w h o is s e e n at a trade s h o w or other venue is invariably noticed by representatives of other businesses, a n d he or s h e gets more assignments this way.
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w h o are have the disposable i n c o m e that advertisers would love to get their h a n d s on.
Fitness Modeling
In this health-and-fitness conscious time, there are m o r e a n d m o r e opportunities for p e o p l e w h o are in good e n o u g h s h a p e to m o d e l their excellent physical condition. T h e s e are fitness models, a n d they range from bodybuilders to the rugged outdoors types. They c a n be s e e n on catalogs that cater to workout clothes a n d gear, as well as clothing outlets like L. L. Bean.
Commercial Modeling
This is a very general umbrella term that e n c o m p a s s e s t h e various types of m o d e l i n g that are outside t h e r e a l m s of fashion a n d glamour. Product modeling, c h a r a c t e r modeling, lifestyle modeling, a n d corporate m o d e l i n g are all e x a m p l e s of t h e kind of work a c o m m e r c i a l m o d e l c a n expect to perform. T h e r e is no official look required of a c o m m e r c i a l m o d e l . T h e look d e p e n d s o n the p r o d u c t o r t h e client t h e m o d e l is representing. Product modeling involves selling a product. T h e advertising agency working on a campaign for a client looks for m e n a n d w o m e n w h o can help sell the product. An ad for a pharmaceutical c o m p a n y may want a serious-looking mature m a n to dress in a white lab coat. A computer c o m p a n y may want a pocket-protector-wearing nerd. In the world of auto sales, there is nothing like an attractive w o m a n languorously lounging on the h o o d of a car. T h e m e n a n d w o m e n w h o m o d e l in this category are a diverse lot. They are like actors with no dialogue. In fact, they a r e called character models. Similarly, lifestyle m o d e l s are u s e d in advertising that tries to appeal to a particular age group or e c o n o m i c class. For example, an older couple strolling in t h e park would be u s e d for an ad dealing with retirement issues. T h e s e m o d e l s c a n be of varied ages a n d looks, though they are usually w h a t Madison Avenue d e e m s attractive.
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Corporate modeling is an offshoot of this, a n d t h e m o d e l s must conform to t h e advertiser's vision of w h a t a cross-section of the b u s i n e s s world looks like.
Product Demonstrators
Many m o d e l s get their start demonstrating products. These models are n e e d e d everywhere, not just in the big cities a n d fashion centers of t h e world. They typically work in front of or inside stores or at tables in malls, a n d they give out free s a m p l e s of a product or h a n d out literature about a service. This is a good ground-floor opportunity to build your confidence a n d b e c o m e a c c u s t o m e d to working around people. Product demonstrators have to be attractive a n d p e r s o n a b l e . In addition, they must be a b l e to knowledgeably discuss the product or service they are demonstrating. Basically, they act as salespeople in addition to being m o d e l s . They generate public interest in the product, initially by t h e way they look. An attractive w o m a n in sexy clothes selling a wireless p h o n e plan will attract a crowd, but so will a portly middleaged m a n d r e s s e d as a chicken h a n d i n g out s a m p l e s of buffalo wings. If the product is a piece of m e r c h a n d i s e or machinery, product demonstrators must be able to s h o w the a s s e m b l e d throng how the product works. Sometimes they take the n a m e s or e-mail a d d r e s s e s of p e o p l e w h o want to be c o n t a c t e d with additional information. They must be attention-getters, either by their looks or their m a n n e r or their accessoriesor by a combination of all of these elements.
Glamour Modeling
T h e s e m o d e l s are m e n a n d w o m e n w h o p o s e for i m a g e s of a sexual nature. This includes but it is not limited to pornography. Porn is t h e p o o r relation of glamour modeling. Most glamour m o d e l s a p p e a r in lingerie a n d bikini advertising, provocative c a l e n d a r s , posters a n d "cheesecake" images. T h e physical requirements for a glamour m o d e l are obvious. Unlike an emaciated s u p e r m o d e l , a glamour m o d e l is usually curvaceous. And
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the m e n range from pretty boys to brooding h u n k s . Success as a glamour m o d e l is a slippery uphill slope. On their way back down, manybut certainly not mostof the glamour m o d e l s have d o n e things they a r e not proud of. This b r a n d of modeling, if you have t h e look, is o n e of the easier to break into. However, it is also o n e of t h e hardest to break free from.
Where to Start
As is true with any highly competitive field, certain rules apply to the pursuit of a modeling career. Steel yourself against rejection a n d discouragement. If you a r e in t h e right p l a c e at t h e right time you may be discovered, but do not c o u n t on it. Learn as m u c h as you c a n about the industry. Read t h e m a g a z i n e s , a n d w a t c h t h e m a n y cable television p r o g r a m s about fashion a n d style. Attend fashion shows, a n d talk to as m a n y p e o p l e as you c a n . Ingratiate yourself. Talk to t h e p h o t o g r a p h e r s a n d designers. Finagle your way b a c k s t a g e if you c a n , a n d talk to t h e m o d e l s .
QUESTION?
Are beauty contests demeaning? Many w o m e n w h o w e n t on to bigger, better, and respectable things competed in beauty contests w h e n they were younger, including Michelle Pfeiffer and Oprah Winfrey.
Modeling Schools
The merits of modeling s c h o o l s is the subject of ongoing a n d vigorous debate. S o m e find t h e m to be a valuable training ground. Others s e e t h e m as a waste of money. If a modeling agency likes your amateur portfolio a n d wants to work with you, you will receive all the training you n e e d a n d will be in very good h a n d s . Remember that a modeling school is in business to make money. Check them out thoroughly if you want to go that route. See how many graduates have g o n e on to greater things.
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Inquire if they are associated with modeling agencies a n d have placement service that c a n provide an entry point into t h e modeling world. Do not fall for an aggressive sales pitch a n d p r o m i s e s that s o u n d a little too good to be true. On the fringes of all glamorous a n d creative careers there are charlatans a n d c o n m e n out to exploit the ambition of the inexperienced a n d naive. Many modeling schools across the country are franchises of the famous modeling agencies. That is, the agency l e n d s its well-known n a m e to a chain of s c h o o l s , w h i c h t e a c h the basics of modeling. This is a profitable sideline for t h e big agencies. T h e best c o u r s e of action is to take t h e steps to get h o o k e d up with an agency, w h e r e they will work with you a n d t e a c h you all you n e e d to k n o w for free. If they s e e potential, they will invest in your training. This is better t h a n your paying for training with no guarantee of work d o w n the line.
Beauty Contests
If you a r e interested in b e c o m i n g a model, you have probably b e e n thinking of it for a long time, m a y b e s i n c e you were a little girl or boy. If you a r e a w o m a n , you may even have a p p e a r e d in a beauty contest or two over t h e years. If you have not, a n d you find t h e w h o l e beauty contest a t m o s p h e r e to be offensive a n d sexist, t h e n w h y a r e you thinking of being a m o d e l ? Your main asset in this c a r e e r is your body a n d your looks. T h e s e are the c o m m o d i t i e s that you are, in e s s e n c e , selling. If you find this mindset appalling or even offensive, t h e n a c a r e e r as a m o d e l is definitely not for you.
For a c o m e d i c look at t h e dark side of b e a u t y c o n t e s t s , rent t h e movie Drop Dead Gorgeous. You will laugh, b u t it m a y also c h a n g e your mind a b o u t w a n t i n g to participate in this very competitive, often catty atmosphere.
F A C T
Entering a beauty contest is often a g o o d way to break into the modeling world. Many times, the prizes even include a modeling contract. Scouts from t h e big modeling agencies often attend pageants in the s a m e
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way that major league baseball scouts attend college a n d other amateur g a m e s . If you do not think that wearing a one-piece bathing suit a n d high heels is a tad silly, t h e n you may want to c h e c k out the small beauty contests that o c c u r a c r o s s the country all the time. There are also the less formal beauty contests, like swimsuit a n d bikini competitions. You may find these to be about as dignifying as a wet T-shirt contest during spring break, but it is another way to get noticed by industry professionals. It is not the top tier of the industry, but there are plenty of swimsuit and lingerie catalogs and magazines that, although not in the s a m e league as Victoria's Secret, are nevertheless widely disseminated.
Key things to note w h e n evaluating a photography agency are that the fee is low, the model keeps the negatives, and the photographer has a seal of approval from the Better Business Bureau. These are all things that should be prerequisites w h e n looking for a professional photographer.
Obviously you should report any p e r s o n w h o offers to a d v a n c e your career in return for sexual favors. This d o e s occasionally h a p p e n , a n d sadly s o m e w o m e n ( a n d m e n ) are foolish e n o u g h to fall for this s c a m . No reputable modeling agent would ever risk his or her c a r e e r by engaging in this kind of unethical conduct. You must also be wary of any photographer w h o insists you n e e d to s p e n d t h o u s a n d s of dollars for a p h o t o shoot. A couple of h u n d r e d ought to be e n o u g h for a presentable fashion test. Nor s h o u l d you ever get involved with an agent w h o wants money up front. Agents in any field
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are paid by commission. Their paycheck is a percentage of your earnings. An agent will work with you if it is a p p a r e n t that you have potential to make m o n e y d o w n the road.
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Some photographers w h o are interested may want to s e e you individually; on other occasions, you may be obliged to e n d u r e the d r e a d e d cattle call. It is as unappealing as it s o u n d s . You may feel like a commodity rather than a person, but that is the nature of the business. You might as well get used to it s o o n e r than later. If you want the brass ring, there will be indignities you must e n d u r e . If you do not have an agent, you can find out about the cattle calls a n d other auditions by making cold calls to photographers, ad agencies, design companies, casting agents, and public relations firms. The big modeling agencies also hold o p e n calls. T h e s e are cattle calls w h e r e the prize is signing with an agency, something that will save you a lot of time a n d effort in your quest for success.
The John Casablancas Modeling and Career Center www.johncasablancasmodels.com) is o n e of the many modeling schools. When researching for your career, please note that these are independently o w n e d franchises that have purchased the name of this and other famous modeling industry giants. They are not the actual modeling agencies, which are usually located in New York City.
From A to Z
If an a g e n c y d o e s not h o l d o p e n calls, you c a n call t h e m a n d s e e if they a c c e p t p h o t o s u b m i s s i o n s . O n e of t h e ways to do this is to print w h a t a r e called zed c a r d s . This is a r e s u m e a n d p h o t o on a small c a r d that is an easy reference. It is smaller t h a n a n d an alternative to t h e composite. Any printing/copy s h o p s h o u l d be a b l e to do a professional job. Bring t h e p h o t o s you want to u s e , a n d t h e staff in t h e store will advise you on designing t h e layout. T h e c a r d s h o u l d have your n a m e , m e a s u r e m e n t s , a n d contact information. T h e s e r e s u m e s a r e a little different t h a n t h e format u s e d to get a job in c o r p o r a t e America, w h e r e it obviously would be inappropriate to list your bust, waist, a n d hip size a m o n g your a s s e t s . If you have c o m p u t e r skills, you could even do your o w n zed c a r d yourself (using a program like Microsoft Picture It! Publishing). Be sure you print it on quality c a r d s t o c k .
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Send your zed card with a cover letter that asks about opportunities a n d requests an interview. Be patient about waiting for a response. Then, after a r e a s o n a b l e period of time has elapsed, make your friendly followup call. What agencies should you contact? T h e most famous agencies are the Elite, Ford, a n d Wilhelmina agencies, which are b a s e d in New York, a n d L.A. Models in Los Angeles. Every major metropolitan center has reputable modeling agencies. T h e r e are working m o d e l s all over the country, not just on either coast. As in other forms of m e d i a a n d entertainment, New York a n d Los Angeles are c o n s i d e r e d the major leagues. But you c a n be a working m o d e l in many other cities. There are always p h o t o shoots a n d fashion shows going on. They may not be for t h e cover of your favorite women's magazine, but there are opportunities. It is likely that you will start out as a small fish in a small p o n d , a n d that may be advantageous in that you are m o r e likely to get noticed.
Contests
Some modeling agencies sponsor contests. T h e s e are good way to get noticed. They a r e always free to enter. Never enter a modeling contest that charges an entry fee. T h e Ford modeling agency sponsors the Supermodel of the Year contest. Information can be found at their Web site www.fordmodels.com). Through the Elite agency, you can c o m p e t e to win the Model Look of the Year. Further information can be found at elitemodel.com.
Internet Models
A relatively n e w p h e n o m e n o n , only as old as cyberspace, is the Internet m o d e l . T h e r e a r e m a n y m e n a n d w o m e n w h o have established personal Web p a g e s with i m a g e s a n d vital statistics to pitch themselves to t h e industry. Most modeling a g e n c i e s still want a professional portfolio in h a n d a n d to s e e you in p e r s o n , but m o r e a n d m o r e m o d e l s a r e going t h e Internet route. It is an inexpensive a n d easy way to get free publicity.
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You still have to personally contact t h e big modeling agencies. They do not sit in their offices surfing t h e Web in s e a r c h of n e w talent. That talent is desperately attempting to get their feet in t h e d o o r t h e oldfashioned way. A m o d e l with a Web site may get m a n y hits a day, but c h a n c e s are they are going to be from t e e n a g e boys a n d not modeling industry professionals. However, m o r e a n d m o r e m o d e l i n g a g e n c i e s will a c c e p t a portfolio s u b m i t t e d by e-mail. A r e s u m e is easily s e n t as a text d o c u m e n t a n d a jpeg is as easily v i e w e d as an 8 10" glossy. T h e I n t e r n e t is r e s h a p i n g every a s p e c t of t h e world, including t h e modeling business. Though t h e r e are plenty of Web hosts that provide a free e-mail a d d r e s s a n d a small a m o u n t of s p a c e to m a k e a p e r s o n a l h o m e page, if you want to make t h e best impression, you s h o u l d have your Web site d o n e by an expert. Create a n d s e c u r e a u n i q u e d o m a i n n a m e a n d hire s o m e o n e to create your site. T h e m o r e professional t h e page looks, t h e m o r e seriously you will be taken. With all d u e respect to AOL, o n e of their free h o m e pages, though perfectly e a s y to set up all by yourself, will not quite cut it.
The W e b site
www.modelingadvice.com h a s a section on t h e
m a n y m o d e l i n g s c a m s t h a t seek t o t a k e a d v a n t a g e o f w o u l d - b e m o d e l s for m o n e t a r y gain, or w o r s e . You c a n avoid a lot of h e a r t a c h e by b e c o m i n g a w a r e of t h e w a r n i n g signs of a con artist w h o i s o u t t o deceive you.
ALERT!
T h e r e a r e a lot of g e e k s a n d even m o r e m e n a c i n g c h a r a c t e r s out t h e r e with nothing better to do t h a n surf t h e Web looking for pretty people. You c a n therefore expect a lot of s o m e t i m e s silly, s o m e t i m e s scary e-mail. For this r e a s o n you s h o u l d not list your h o m e a d d r e s s or t e l e p h o n e n u m b e r on t h e Web site.
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Nobody's Perfect
If you do not m e e t the physical requirements to be a supermodel, you will not be on the catwalk with the other divas. This is sad but true. O n e of t h e worst things you c a n do is u s e unnatural m e a n s to try to transform yourself into something you are not. Diet a n d exercise is o n e thing, but binging a n d purging, popping pills, a n d submitting to various forms of cosmetic surgery in an effort to look like what Madison Avenue tells you that you should look like is destructive to both body a n d spirit. There are other types of modeling careers that will be discussed in the remainder of this chapter. T h o s e do not require the elusive a n d illusory perfection that the g o d d e s s e s on the Mount Olympus are purported to p o s s e s s . W h e n you read a little bit about the lives of s o m e of t h e world's famous models, you will find that they do not have pictureperfect existences. T h e r e is m u c h in the way of s a d n e s s , substance abuse, eating disorders, failed relationships, a n d h e a r t a c h e in the lives of what the media calls "the beautiful people." Do not judge your inside by other people's outsides. You have to find happiness with w h o you are in body, mind, a n d spirit. Of course we should always be striving to improve ourselves a n d grow in all these areas. The true key to happiness a n d fulfillment is loving yourself, not in the egotistical way of a prima d o n n a , but in a positive and self-nurturing fashion.
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the s u p e r m o d e l equivalent of great h a n d s or feet, while t h e rest of t h e m may be rather ordinary. Such a p e r s o n c a n make a c a r e e r out of modeling s h o e s or gloves or h a n d soapthings that involve only that part of the body. Body-part m o d e l s p r o d u c e the s a m e c o m p o s i t e s a n d portfolios as other m o d e l s , though t h e pictures are only of t h e b o d y part in question. Plus-size m o d e l s are, no pun intended, the largest growing group in the industry. This is b e c a u s e designers a n d advertisers are finally targeting the majority of w o m e n in America. O n e in three w o m e n is a size sixteen or larger, a n d this group h a s b e e n largely forgotten w h e n it c a m e to stylish a n d sexy clothing lines. This is happily changing a n d also creating m o r e opportunities for large a n d lovely w o m e n to work in the modeling business. There are m o r e a n d m o r e agencies popping up that work exclusively with plus-size models.
advice on h o w big, beautiful w o m e n can get started in the modeling business. It also includes plus health and beauty tips,
ALERT!
warnings about the many scams and con artists w h o prey on nave models, and a discussion board to communicate with other models and industry professionals.
Everyone h a s strengths, a n d there is likely a modeling v e n u e for you to display yours. Be flexible a n d o p e n a n d make the requisite r o u n d s a n d you may find your modeling niche.
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Chapter 10
Circus, Circus!
unning away to join a traveling circus has been a romantic notion that has captured the imagination of people for generations. It is not a fanciful daydream from a bygone eramany people still do it. In this chapter we explore the many ways you can seek a career cavorting under the Big Top.
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CircusWeb ( w w w . c i r c u s w e b . c o m ) is an interesting W e b site t h a t gives you a history of circuses a n d circus life, plus a list of links to t h e m a n y circuses o p e r a t i n g in America today.
F A C T
You may think of the circus arriving in a small town in the heartland as something uniquely American, but circuses have b e e n a r o u n d as a form of entertainment for t h o u s a n d s of years. Julius Caesar spoke of giving the m a s s e s "bread a n d circuses" to keep t h e m fed a n d entertained a n d thus passive a n d not inclined to revolt. In today's high-tech world, the ringmaster in top hat a n d tails, the brass b a n d playing the lively strains of John Philip Sousa, the parade of animals, jugglers, acrobats, trapeze artist, a n d of course the clowns are anachronistic a n d p a s s e to many. But there are plenty for w h o m the smell of sawdust is still thrilling, a n d the circus will forever captivate their imaginations. As in all forms of entertainment, t h e r e is a lot m o r e going on behind the s c e n e s , a n d very little of it is as glamorous a n d romantic. Let's take a look at s o m e of the m o r e m u n d a n e a n d earthy aspects of the circus world.
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initiative to rise within t h e r a n k s . That is, it's g o o d to have a skill if you do not want to s p e n d your c a r e e r cleaning up after D u m b o . (Don't k n o c k itthe spiritual a m o n g us will tell you that t h e r e is nobility in every profession.)
For those w h o consider the circus to be inhumane, o n e must admit there has been s o m e improvement since the days of ancient Rome, w h e n animals were pitted against each other to the death, and also g o t to feast on the occasional Christian.
T h e r e is a lot m o r e going on in the operation of a circus than the hijinks that delight the cotton-candy-consuming spectators. Like any of the performing arts, there are stagehands, set builders, ticket takers, c o n c e s s i o n s people, a n d many more. You may find yourself doing a little of everything, especially in the smaller circuses. An ideal circus employee is a jack of all trades.
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b o n d s are formed. They celebrate holidays together, a n d children are h o m e - s c h o o l e d by their always-traveling parents. Given the nature of s h o w business in general a n d the eclectic citizens it attracts, circus folk are a tolerant a n d diverse group of p e o p l e . Though there is ritual, rote, a n d routine, no two days a r e ever the s a m e . There are always p r o b l e m s that arise, w h e t h e r it be accidents, t e m p e r a m e n t a l animals, d a m a g e to the tents by the forces of nature, or myriad other crises large a n d small. This life goes on uninterrupted on t h e average of eleven m o n t h s a year without a break. Circuses typically take a hiatus for a few weeks a r o u n d the Christmas holiday, but otherwise it is a n o n s t o p grind with no days off.
Mooseburger Camp is o n e of the many clown schools across the country that will give an aspiring clown the training and skills they need to go out into the world and entertain and a m u s e children of all ages. You can find them on t h e Web at
www.mooseburger. com.
People do not enter this life to make their fortune. They do it for love. S o m e performers c a n make a n i c e living, a n d it is reported that the c o n c e s s i o n stand o w n e r s c a n make a n i c e r living through p o p c o r n a n d cotton candy. But is t h e smell of t h e greasepaint a n d the roar of the crowd that draws a certain type of p e r s o n to t h e circus world. If you do not want to do t h e grunt work a n d clean t h e cages, a n d you have your sights set on t h e p e r f o r m a n c e e l e m e n t of t h e circus world, t h e n you will n e e d to s e e k training. It is just like a n y other c a r e e r in the entertainment field. T h e r e are s c h o o l s for aspiring circus performers.
Clowning Around
You have probably k n o w n m a n y a p e r s o n that you called a "clown" in your time. You may not have k n o w n it at t h e time, but you did a
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disservice to an old a n d venerable vocation w h e n you called s o m e o n e w h o m you thought w a s foolish or annoying a "clown." Being a successful clown takes m o r e than an ability to make p e o p l e laugh through p a n t o m i m e a n d rubber-faced mugging that rivals t h e early films of Jim Carrey. T h e great English actor E d m u n d Keane is reputed to have remarked on his d e a t h b e d , "Dying is easy. C o m e d y is hard."
The Clown
posts a
comprehensive list of links to clown classes, camps, events, workshops, and more. Anything you need to know to aid your clownish quest can be found here.
Clowning a r o u n d is serious business for its practitioners, a n d a miniindustry all its o w n . For generations, since the first clown put on makeup a n d a red n o s e , clowns have followed in a family tradition, or learned the old-fashioned wayby doing. Young p e o p l e with an interest a n d aptitude were m e n t o r e d by a veteran clown. In t h e 1960s, clown training programs started to p o p up over t h e land. O n e of the r e a s o n s that this occurred was the growing loosely knit confederation of noncircus clowns. S o m e folks were journeymen solo clowns, performing at birthdays a n d other private functions. Another r e a s o n was to preserve t h e tradition of the great American clowns of t h e early twentieth century, most of w h o were dying off. Irvin Feld, o n e of the m e n b e h i n d the famous Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus started t h e Clown College to p a s s on the classic routines of the grand masters. T h e major clown networks extant today are the Clowns of America International, the World Clown Association, Shrine Clown International, as well as m a n y other smaller associations. T h e r e are many clown s c h o o l s across the country. Simply entering "clown school" into any Internet s e a r c h engine will return many results. They all offer m o r e or less t h e s a m e c o u r s e s . T h e basic curriculum of a clown school should include a basic set of courses, as described in the next section.
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Clown Curriculum
Any respectable clown s c h o o l s h o u l d have an introductory c o u r s e on "the way of t h e clown." This might include a brief history of clowning a n d s h o u l d definitely i n c l u d e t h e b a s i c s in m a k e u p a n d its application, c o s t u m e s , a n d o t h e r e l e m e n t s of t h e professional clown's arsenal of whimsy. Another c o u r s e might be an introduction to t h e physicality inherent in being a clown. Clowns walk a n d move a certain way, a n d they have to be able to slip, slide, trip, fall, a n d get k n o c k e d around without hurting themselves. You have to learn all a s p e c t s of physical comedy. This is an a r e a in w h i c h a natural aptitude must be present. You must have a k n a c k for physical hijinks that c a n be nurtured a n d refined by a professional.
You can learn more about clowning on the Internet and in the trade magazines 3 Ring News; Clowning Around; Clown Alley; and Tops and Calliope. These periodicals are for clowns what the Wall
ALERT!
Street Journal is to the financial community and what Variety is to the theatrical world.
Learning about h o w to work with balloons a n d h o w to perform magic tricks are other things you n e e d to k n o w in o r d e r to be a successful clown. All through this p r o c e s s , you should be e n c o u r a g e d to create your own "clown personality" b a s e d on your strengths and interests. Your c o u r s e of study, w h i c h usually lasts from three days to o n e week, should c o n c l u d e with a public performance. Make s u r e that o n e of t h e c o u r s e s offered is a practical look at the b u s i n e s s of clowning. This will teach you h o w to find work, set up your own business, learn w h a t fees to set, h o w a n d w h e r e to advertise, and t h e other essentials to being a happy clown. T h e r e are also other categories of clowning you may be interested in. S o m e clowns specialize in performing in hospitals. This c a n be difficult, but it's also poignant a n d rewarding work if you are t h e r e to lift the spirits of t h e very ill, especially sick children. You might also want to learn h o w
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to build your own props, incorporating music, puppets, a n d ventriloquism into your act. T h e r e are even courses in Christian clowning that teach you how to sing, d a n c e , a n d pratfall your way to salvation.
Princess Stephanie of Monaco (Grace Kelly's daughter) found freedom from her royal responsibilities by running away to marry a man w h o w a s an acrobat with a French circus. By all accounts she was much happier under the Big Top than in the palace.
F A C T
Flying High
There are many trapeze schools out there. It is possible that you may find o n e in your area, though s o m e hopefuls will probably have to travel a distance to find o n e . But if you have an overwhelming desire to leap off a platform twenty-three feet in the air to catch a swinging trapeze, or the h a n d s of your aerial partner, you will find your way to a training center. T h o s e w h o have never flown before are likely to find the experience both frightening a n d liberating w h e n they attend their first class. The instructors are sure to be patient, encouraging, a n d always safety conscious. If not, get your money b a c k a n d try another school.
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You will start slow. First you get u s e d to h a n g i n g from a low b a r by your h a n d s , a n d t h e n you learn to h a n g by your k n e e s . You will not be far off t h e g r o u n d at first. W h e n you do a s c e n d to t h e platform, you will be e q u i p p e d with a safety h a r n e s s . T h e greatest o b s t a c l e will likely be y o u r fear a n d your survival instinct. To leap from a great height is not a n a t u r a l act for h u m a n s . It g o e s against instinct. If you take that l e a p of faith, k n o w i n g you a r e in no real d a n g e r , t h e result will be exhilarating. In t h e s e c o n d l e s s o n you will p r a c t i c e hanging from t h e trapeze by your k n e e s . Hanging high above t h e g r o u n d is o n e thing; d o i n g it u p s i d e d o w n is a n o t h e r e x p e r i e n c e altogether. This is t h e position w h e r e you will function as a "catcher." This m e a n s just w h a t it s o u n d s like. A n o t h e r p e r s o n , probably t h e instructor, will leap from t h e platform into y o u r waiting h a n d s . Timing is everything. Don't despair if it d o e s not work t h e first few times. Practice m a k e s perfect, a n d no o n e will be hurt.
Ludwig's
includes links to trapeze schools, not just in the United States but all over the world. It also has job listings, a chance to chat with other high flyers, video clips of trapeze artists in action, and a lot more.
F A C T
Eventually you will be working without the safety h a r n e s s , but there will always be a net b e n e a t h you. You will be learning tricks called the pull over, uprise shoot, a n d forward over. Before you k n o w it, you will be doing double somersaults a n d twisting tricks. You will work individually, in pairs, a n d in t e a m s . You will be taught exercises a n d stretches to do at h o m e to make you m o r e limber a n d graceful. You will learn about the rigging a n d other equipment used. O n c e a r m e d with the essentials, you c a n set about going on auditions to circuses. Inquire if the s c h o o l has job p l a c e m e n t a n d / o r assistance programs. Many do. T h e instructors will certainly have contacts in t h e industry. It will be difficult but not impossible to get your foot in t h e door. If you a r e p r e p a r e d a n d able to give a soaring audition, you c a n look forward to enjoying the natural high provided by a cheering a u d i e n c e .
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Some trapeze schools to check out are the Trapeze School of New York (at www.trapezeschool.com), and the San Francisco school www.trapezearts.com). These schools will give Trapeze Arts (at
you an idea of t h e typical curriculum that fledgling flyers need to learn before they can swing above a cheering crowd.
Animal Handlers
If you have a love of animals, you might be considering a c a r e e r as a circus animal handler. You really have to love t h e m if you want to make a living at it. It c a n be very hard a n d s o m e t i m e s heartbreaking work. You c a n start at t h e entry level a n d work your way up through on-the-job training and continuing education. If you have a kitty cat imagine caring for a lion or tiger or b e a r ( o h my!). It is a little different a n d definitely m o r e d a n g e r o u s . If you want to work with t h e a n i m a l s in a circus, you c a n n o t be s q u e a m i s h about bodily functions. Animals have t h e m , a n d you will have to c l e a n up t h e byproducts. You will also have to feed, water, train, groom, bathe, exercise, a n d clean up after t h e m . You will also keep t h e m company, b o n d with t h e m and, with t h e o c c a s i o n a l exception, c o m e to love t h e m . You will have to be able to r e c o g n i z e behavioral c h a n g e s that might indicate a p r o b l e m or an illness. And, if you have a heart, you will w e e p w h e n they get sick a n d die, or have to be put to s l e e p . If you work with h o r s e s , your title will be groom. You will be doing the s a m e things you would with other animals in addition to cleaning a n d organizing the various equestrian accoutrements, called tack (bridle, saddle, harness, a n d s o o n ) .
Training
If you a r e n e w to all this, an e x p e r i e n c e d trainer will have to serve as your trainer in animal training. T h e circus animals in your c h a r g e will n e e d to be trained on performance ability, o b e d i e n c e , riding (for t h e h o r s e s a n d e l e p h a n t s ) , a n d m o r e . You will n e e d to a c c u s t o m the animal to your voice a n d train it to r e s p o n d to verbal c o m m a n d s . Another
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training technique is called a "bridge." W h e n the animal r e s p o n d s positively to a c o m m a n d it is immediately given positive reinforcement in the form of a treat of s o m e kind. This takes a long time. Months a n d m o n t h s of repetition are n e e d e d to train an animal. Circus animals are not always domesticated w h e n you begin to work with them. Working with a h o r s e is very different from training o n e of the big cats.
QUESTION?
Are circus animals often mistreated? The Humane Society of America's Web site, at www.hsus.org, includes information that offers a critical view of the way circus animals are treated. (Enter "Circus" into the site search field.) It claims that there is much cruelty to the animals that perform in circuses. The Ringling Brothers Web site has a section that assures the reader that their animals are not treated badly. Read both and form your o w n opinion.
Conditions
You n e e d to be very careful w h e n interacting with circus animals. They c a n turn on you even if you have worked with t h e m for years. There is a r e a s o n they are called wild animals. They can be disagreeable at times, just like the h u m a n animal. S o m e of the duties will be smelly, icky, noisy, and d a n g e r o u s . You are b o u n d to have a few scratches and bites along the way in your career as an animal handler. The hours are irregular. The creatures have to be fed at specific times that do not always fall within regular business hours. You will sometimes be called upon to work nights, weekends, and holidays. It is a physical job as well. Lots of bending and kneeling and crawling and squatting and lugging heavy s a c k s of feed a n d hay a n d other supplies. Formal training is not necessary, but you should have a high school diploma or the GED equivalent. T h e r e are s o m e exceptions. Those w h o work in an aquarium or marine park might n e e d a degree in marine biology and know h o w to swim a n d have SCUBA skills. The main prerequisite remains a love of animals. The rest can be learned along the way. If you truly love the creatures, it can be an extremely rewarding job.
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f the four walls are starting to close in on you and the open road is wailing a siren's call, maybe it is time for you to look for a job on the road. There are plenty of jobs that will keep you traveling from place to place. You may not be upwardly mobile, but you will always be on the move.
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Fighting Boredom
You will experience a lot of downtime if you are a frequent traveler. Whether it entails waiting around an airport or traversing the heartland on a Greyhound bus or your car, a lot of the time you will feel like you are in a tedious limbo en route from point A to point B. This time will be less grueling if you c a n use it productively. If you are not b e h i n d the w h e e l a n d have the luxury to turn on the radio a n d go into that meditative rhythm that long-distance drivers enjoy, you have to find a way to keep yourself occupied. W h e n you leave the driving, or flying, to s o m e o n e else, the loss of control can be frustrating a n d the downtime especially maddening.
ALERT!
Being on the road is not for everyone. If you have a family, you are going to miss them (unless you c o m e from a dysfunctional family). If you are a free spirit with few attachments, life on the road may be more to your liking. Rather than a m o n o t o n o u s grind, each day is a n e w adventure.
If you have a laptop computer, bring it along a n d use it to c h e c k e-mail, surf t h e Web, get s o m e work d o n e , or have s o m e fun. If you
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are not equipped with a c o m p u t e r or the m e a n s to get online, then entertain yourself the old-fashioned way a n d r e a d a b o o k . This is a novel idea in t h e s e times, but a good way to p a s s the time. Bring a portable tape or CD player, a n d listen to your favorite tunes or a b o o k on tape. T h e worst thing you can to is to just sit t h e r e waiting to get to w h e r e you are going. It will feel like an eternity before you arrive.
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trip. You get h o m e a n d c r a s h , do laundry, a n d get r e a d y to go b a c k on the road. If you are lucky e n o u g h to have a s p o u s e or significant other, and that person is not also always traveling, they c a n take care of the little things like housecleaning a n d paying the bills. If not, you h a d better make the time to take care of t h e s e m u n d a n e but essential tasks. Since you will be away from your h o u s e or apartment for extended periods of time, you should unplug your computer, television, a n d other appliances to prevent the d a m a g e that an electrical storm can cause. If you have a h o u s e , do not completely shut off the heat in the winter, or you may c o m e h o m e to find your pipes have frozen a n d burst. You might also consider a timer than turns the lights in different r o o m s on a n d off periodically to maintain the illusion that your empty s p a c e is inhabited. Now that you have an idea how to be p r e p a r e d a n d stave off b o r e d o m , we will now take a look at s o m e different ways you can make a living on the road.
Roadies
A roadie is a p e r s o n w h o d o e s m u c h of the grunt work that is involved with a touring concert. W h e n you go s e e a musical star at a local venue, the roadies have d o n e all the work to construct t h e stage or set, make sure the electricity is working, a n d h u n d r e d s of other tasks to e n s u r e that the performance goes off without incident. T h e r e is a pecking order a m o n g roadies, which is a career with a hierarchical structure just like any other business. Mules are workers w h o do the hard-core, down a n d dirty manual labor. They n e e d to be in good s h a p e a n d handy in matters of construction a n d carpentry. A mule that proves his mettle can be p r o m o t e d to a managerial position supervising t h e other workers. Some roadies also function as security for the performers. They keep unwelcome visitors a n d swooning groupies away from the bandand no doubt also sometimes escort a select few swooning groupies to the b a n d ' s dressing rooms. Others function as drivers w h o transport the b a n d a n d the e q u i p m e n t from o n e venue to the next. Real go-getters with an
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ingratiating m a n n e r can b e c o m e personal roadies to the performers. This is a glorified gofer position, but it e n a b l e s a p e r s o n to rub elbows with t h e stars, if that is o n e of your goals. Roadies, after all, s e e k to get a taste of the limelight a n d catch t h e c r u m b s that fall through t h e cracks in t h e stage. Perhaps this is why roadies e n d u r e t h e long hours a n d the backbreaking work. It is an opportunity to be on t h e p e r i p h e r y of t h e entertainment world. Roadies live in a world that is a combination of blue-collar sweat a n d glamorous glitterati.
Roadies, or anyone w h o ever dreamed of being a Roadie." The site includes fun stuff like "Roadie Recipes," "Want to be a Roadie?" and "Roadie Lingo," including both American and British roadie slang.
ALERT!
Couriers
Air travel couriers, also known as casual couriers, are p e o p l e w h o get to s e e the world for a fraction of t h e cost that most tourists pay. It is not a c a r e e r in the traditional s e n s e , but if you have the time a n d t h e inclination, it is a great c h a n c e to travel at a substantial discount a n d visit many parts of t h e world you might otherwise never s e e . Believe it or not, it is s o m e t i m e s c h e a p e r for a c o u r i e r c o m p a n y to s e n d a h u m a n being along with t h e material they w a n t delivered. Via this m e t h o d , a p e r s o n c h e c k s t h e freight as luggage, r a t h e r t h a n having it s h i p p e d as c a r g o . A p a s s e n g e r c a n collect his or h e r luggage quickly (usually) a n d deliver it to its destination. Freight s h i p p e d as traditional cargo c a n take forever to get t h e r e a n d l a n g u i s h in a customs warehouse. If you a r e over twenty-one, you a r e eligible to be a casual courier. Most courier c o m p a n i e s expect a clean-cut a p p e a r a n c e . Besides, your n o s e ring a n d tongue stud will set off the metal detectors. A casual courier travels like any other passenger, except that t h e bulk of his or her luggage is a c o m p a n y ' s freight. You c a n save up to 85 p e r c e n t on a round-trip airline ticket, a n d o n c e you have delivered t h e g o o d s to a
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company representative, you a r e free to go off a n d explore the country for at least seven days, s o m e t i m e s longer. On your return trip you will probably be a c c o m p a n y i n g freight back to the United States. If a c o m p a n y desperately n e e d s something to absolutely, positively be there they might spring for a free round-trip flight, but usually a discount is all that's offered. It is a better deal t h a n you a r e likely to get from any airline or travel agency. W h e n you are registered with a courier agency, they pay for the ticket, a n d you pay t h e m for your s h a r e . You pick up t h e ticket at t h e airport from a representative of t h e company. You pick the place you would like to visit a n d c h e c k to s e e if any couriers are n e e d e d to travel to that area. You should inquire at least two w e e k s in advance, s o m e t i m e s as long as four to six weeks in the s u m m e r t i m e . During the off-season, Europe in t h e winter for example, you might get a call within twenty-four hours to prepare for takeoff. You return ticket is usually for seven days, but s o m e t i m e s longer. You could arrange to s p e n d as long as six m o n t h s overseas a n d be guaranteed a return ticket. Of c o u r s e you a r e on your own o n c e you a r e over there.
The International Association of Air Travel Couriers (www.iaatc.com) promises a 100-percent money-back g u a r a n t e e if t h e y a r e n o t a b l e to place you as a casual courier. The registration fee to join t h e association is currently $45. W h e n you
F A C T
This is an aboveboard business. You do not even touch the m e r c h a n d i s e . The courier c o m p a n y representative deals with customs at your departure destination a n d a n o t h e r o n e collects t h e manifest from you a n d deals with t h e c u s t o m s p e o p l e at t h e arrival point. You do not have to fear that you will be t h e fall guy in a smuggling operation. You are not responsible or liable for the m e r c h a n d i s e in any way. You a r e not a b o n d e d agent.
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Tour Guides
If you like working with peopleand you really have to like working with peopleyou might want to look into being a tour guide. As a tour guide, you escort a group of p e o p l e through locales a n d give t h e m the background a n d history of various points of interest. It is not easy s h e p h e r d i n g a group of as many as forty p e o p l e from place to place a n d educating t h e m about the culture a n d geography of the region. A tour guide d o e s even m o r e than this. As a tour guide, you should plan to s p e n d all day, every day, for a b o u t a week with a crosssection of the population, e a c h with their distinct personalities a n d quirks. There will be the loudmouth w h o questions a n d challenges at every turn, the timid soul plagued with motion sickness, a n d the inevitable noisy children w h o s e obnoxious behavior is interpreted by their parents as positively darling. Emergencies will also arise from time to time, a n d a tour guide must be able to deal with t h e m as well. A tour guide is also the travel coordinator. The guide handles all aspects of the trip, including checking the group in a n d out of the hotels, planning the itinerary a n d dealing with the locales, be they the h u m a n animal or the wildlife a n d the e l e m e n t s if you are guiding a tour in t h e great outdoors. You have to be able to c o m p r o m i s e , improvise, a n d not get rattled by any p r o b l e m s a n d obstacles that are sure to o c c u r from time to time.
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If you a r e a full-timer with a travel service, you may be expected to pitch in during slow p e r i o d s a n d t h e off-season with office work a n d other less glamorous c h o r e s . If you do not want to do this, t h e n you should budget yourself for t h e p e r i o d s w h e n t h e work is not forthcoming. In t h e s e instances you will be "on call," w h i c h m e a n s you are required to be ready at short notice. A tour guide m e e t s their group at the starting point, w h i c h is usually the airport in the tour c o m p a n y ' s h o m e t o w n . T h e guide flies with the tourists to t h e destination, a n d there they b o a r d a bus e q u i p p e d with a special seat a n d m i c r o p h o n e for the tour guide at t h e front of the bus next to t h e driver. Public speaking is a requisite for t h e job. If you a r e not comfortable with this, you will have to learn fast or find a n o t h e r line of work. You have to b e c o m e well versed with t h e territory you are touring. For most guides, poise a n d confidence builds with e a c h successive tour until they b e c o m e unflappable, s e a s o n e d professionals. T h e r e are both year-round and seasonal opportunities for tour guides. T h e larger the tour agency, the greater t h e potential for diverse assignments. An agency that h a n d l e s tours of national parks in the summer, foliage-viewing trips in t h e fall, a n d tropical excursions in the winter could keep you busy all year. It could also e x p o s e you to that big wide world beyond t h e cozy confines of your n e c k of t h e woods. There are m o r e than 300 land tour c o m p a n i e s in t h e United States a n d Canada that hire tour guides a n d managers.
Princess Cruise Lines, o n e of t h e major ocean liner companies, lists available jobs in such areas as boutiques, casino, entertainment, front desk, and photography on its Web site, at www.princess.com.
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alternative careers, h a s an element of drudgery that goes h a n d in glove with the r o m a n c e of the nautical life. But s i n c e your current position no doubt has its s h a r e of drudgery, why not enjoy your down time on the Love Boat? A cruise ship h a s a h i e r a r c h y that is similar to t h e navy. T h e captain a n d officers expect to be a d d r e s s e d by rank a n d treated with deference a n d respect. A c a p t a i n of a s h i p at s e a is o n e of t h e last truly a u t o n o m o u s jobs a r o u n d . He or s h e c a n either wear their power like a l o o s e g a r m e n t or swagger a n d strut like a twenty-first-century Captain Bligh. You will be asked to remove your "Question Authority" button w h e n you c o m e a b o a r d . T h e r e are rules a n d regulations unique to the maritime tradition that must be followed. T h e r e will be frequent lifeboat a n d other safety drills, a n d you will n e e d to be versed in h o w to h a n d l e the singular e m e r g e n c i e s that may arise at sea.
ALERT!
If you have never been on the high seas, you should find out if you are prone to seasickness before taking a job on a cruise ship. A ship is rolling and bouncing even in relatively calm seas. The ocean creates an undulating effect that can surprise those unaccustomed to the constant motion. And if the ship encounters a storm, the uninitiated can b e c o m e quite ill.
Life on a cruise ship is o n e of teamwork a n d close quarters. You may have to bunk with another worker. It will s e e m like you are back in your old b e d r o o m that you shared with a brother or sister, or perhaps you will be reminded of the college dorm. While accommodations for the guests are often plush, cabins for the staff are not. If you stick around long enough to gain seniority, you will probably be b u m p e d up to better quarters. The food is not the quality served the passengers, eitherbut there is an upside to working like a dog, a n d that is that you will sometimes get the scraps from the captain's table. Some, but not all, cruise lines have televisions in the staff r o o m s or at least a recreation lounge. Your skills as an actor will be required in that you always have to be pleasant despite your m o o d . R e m e m b e r Julie a n d Isaac, the perky cruise
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director a n d b a r t e n d e r on t h e television s h o w Love Boat? T h e difference is that they w e r e on a o n e - h o u r television s h o w You will have to be " o n " during all your waking h o u r s for t h e length of t h e cruise. Staff m e m b e r s frequently sign c o n t r a c t s for t h r e e to eight m o n t h s , a n d that involves a lot of smiling. T h e p a s s e n g e r s you will be serving are paying a lot of m o n e y for w h a t may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so they do not n e e d to be s u b j e c t e d to cranky, glowering staff. You a r e c o n s i d e r e d on duty any time you a r e in a public area, w h i c h is just about e v e r y w h e r e but your cabin. Meals a n d laundry services are included, unless you work in t h e kitchen or the laundry r o o m . W h e n t h e ship is in port, a n d the passengers have disembarked, staff c a n u s e t h e pool a n d other facilities, but commingling socially with t h e guests is verboten. Unlike the r o m a n c e s featured on the television Love Boat, becoming romantically involved with a p a s s e n g e r c a n lead to your dismissal if discovered. Typical workers on a c r u i s e s h i p include b a r t e n d e r s , s h o r e excursion guides, retail clerks, youth c o o r d i n a t o r s , child c a r e staff, musicians a n d entertainers, c a s i n o staff, cruise staff, a e r o b i c s instructors, restaurant staff, a n d hosts. D e p e n d i n g on w h a t you d o , t h e average salaries are between $1,500 a n d $3,000 a m o n t h . S o m e s h i p s offer a b a r allowance of $75 a m o n t h . T h e ability to save is greater t h a n a lot of other jobs s i n c e e x p e n s e s like commuting, laundry, a n d m e a l s a r e covered. Cruise ships are constantly sailing here, there, a n d everywhere, so you c a n sail t h e seven s e a s a n d visit exotic ports of call from t h e Caribbean to the fjords of Norway, from Asia to Africa, a n d from the Baltic Sea to t h e port of New York City.
N o r w e g i a n Cruise Lines p o s t s j o b listings on their W e b site www.ncl.com), including positions in a variety of specialties: casino, hotel a n d food a n d b e v e r a g e m a n a g e m e n t , h o u s e k e e p i n g , purser's d e p a r t m e n t , cruise staff, s h o r e excursions, dive-in
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Road Rats
We have all s e e n t h e large trailers on t h e highway carrying brand-new cars to the dealerships across the country. But h o w do larger vehicles like RVs, s c h o o l b u s e s , vans, FedEx a n d UPS trucks, limousines a n d other vehicles get to the destinations? They a r e driven by p e o p l e w h o have c o m e to be k n o w n as "road rats." T h e requirements are minimal. You n e e d to be over eighteen a n d have a valid driver's license. It is estimated that m o r e than 100,000 road rats traverse the United States on any given day. S o m e do it as a paid weekend road trip a n d for others it is a full-time job. Part-timers c a n earn from $100 to $250 for a weekend, while experienced, full-time drivers c a n make between $35,000 to $52,000 a year. People can s o m e t i m e s get a p l a n e ticket h o m e or a free trip to the pick-up location. There are several ways you c a n do this.
The Web site (www.roadrat.com gives you more information on this potentially liberating and lucrative career. The founder of the site coined the phrase "road rat" and has been doing it full-time since 1977.
Transporter Companies
If you find that you a r e e n c o u n t e r i n g r o a d b l o c k s in your i n d e p e n d e n t quest to find work as a r o a d rat, you c a n try applying to
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a transporter company. Transporter c o m p a n i e s supply vehicle manufacturers with drivers. T h e s e c o m p a n i e s have full-time drivers, but they often n e e d additional drivers as well. T h e r e are opportunities to work part-time, seasonally, a n d to be an on-call driver. Of c o u r s e , the pay is less t h a n working as an i n d e p e n d e n t contractor s i n c e the transporter c o m p a n y will take their cut. T h e average rate is eighteen c e n t s a mile, as o p p o s e d to a p o s s i b l e thirty-three c e n t s w h e n working directly for the manufacturer. You c a n find a list of auto s h i p p e r s at www.moves4u.com.
DPUs
Another option is to contact your local RV dealership to find out if they employ drivers to do dealer pickups (DPUs). You c a n make more money than with the transporter c o m p a n i e s (twenty-eight cents a mile on average). Manufacturers a n d transporters usually fly you h o m e w h e n you have delivered the vehicle to the dealership. Dealers fly you to the manufacturers a n d you drive t h e vehicle back to them. DPU drivers usually work for the dealership. Some may also contract freelancers to make deliveries.
Requirements
As m e n t i o n e d earlier, you have to be over eighteen a n d have a valid driver's license to work as a road rat. There are circumstances in which you may n e e d a special type of driver's license to drive a particular kind of vehicle. Under federal law, you only n e e d a regular license to drive any
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vehicle less than 26,000 p o u n d s . Anything m o r e than that weight requires that you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), the type of license that truckers have. Acquiring this license requires that you go for additional driving lessons in larger vehicles in order to b e c o m e certified. You will also n e e d to c h e c k with your prospective employer a n d your state's department of motor vehicles to s e e w h e t h e r they require you to upgrade to a chauffeur's license.
Demographics
Almost a n y o n e c a n b e c o m e a road rat at any stage in his or her life. It is estimated that one-third of the rats on the road are retirees a n d other senior citizens. Many p e o p l e fear age discrimination a n d a d e c r e a s e in career opportunities as they get older, but this is not t h e c a s e for potential road rats. Statistically speaking, o l d e r folks are a m o n g the safer drivers in the road, a n d that is w h a t matters to t h o s e c o m p a n i e s that hire drivers. As long as you have a g o o d driving record a n d are in good health, age will not be a factor in your eligibility to be a cross-country driver. Many students a n d t e a c h e r s also work as road rats in the s u m m e r months. For t e a c h e r s , this job is a nice way to make extra money, a n d for students it certainly b e a t s working at the local fast food eatery. Couples often take out two vehicles a n d stay close to e a c h other on the road. This way they double their income. There are s o m e c o m p a n i e s that do not mind if you bring along your children. P r o c e e d at your own risk w h e n doing thisjust imagine how m a n y times you will have to h e a r the familiar cry, "Are we t h e r e yet?"
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here are many reasons why you might consider working from home these days. Perhaps you have children, or maybe you are tired of your time-consuming commute. Perhaps you simply prefer working in your underwear. In this chapter, we look at the many opportunities to make a living without venturing far from your humble abode.
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is expected of day-care c e n t e r staff t h a n to be m e r e babysitters. T h e r e must be structure a n d s o m e p r e s c h o o l educational activities a n d g a m e s in addition to naptime. You have to c h e c k with state a n d local regulatory agencies a n d find out the requirements for running a day-care c e n t e r in your area. While you may not look forward to dealing with a big bloated bureaucracy, day-care centers are a business that c a n benefit from government intervention in the free-market economy. S o m e state governments offer grants, subsidies, a n d other funding to p e o p l e w h o want to o p e n a daycare center. Big government never gets smaller despite the campaign promises of politicians, a n d programs for childhood education a n d beforea n d after-school programs are expected to i n c r e a s e in t h e c o m i n g years. Some states have a m a n d a t o r y s p a c e allotment for e a c h child. You cannot crowd too many kids in a small s p a c e . Child development experts suggest that an individual day-care worker should be responsible for no m o r e than t h r e e or four infants less than o n e year old, or five or six toddlers from o n e to two years old, or ten preschool-age children between two a n d five years old. T h e m a n d a t o r y training requirements a n d n e c e s s a r y qualifications vary from state to state. S o m e require college d e g r e e s , while others n e e d nothing m o r e t h a n a high s c h o o l diploma. S o m e states will insist that you take continuing e d u c a t i o n c o u r s e s in t h e field o n c e you begin working in it. C h e c k with your state a n d local g o v e r n m e n t s to find out t h e particulars.
Check out the licensure information posted on the site www.busykids.com. It lists the individual state regulations that one needs to know in advance of opening a day-care center. You will be able to see how easy or not-so-easy the process will be in your state.
Other requirements may include o n e hot meal per day, the p r e s e n c e of a licensed t e a c h e r for every fifteen to twenty children, a n d a n u r s e on the premises. You have to make s u r e you a r e well versed in the local regulations or you may be shut d o w n a n d subject to litigation.
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Getting Started
You c a n start off small by offering a baby-sitting service as you learn and prepare for a m o r e ambitious day-care center. You will probably have to begin this way unless you have d e e p pockets or venture capital. All you n e e d for a baby-sitting service are good references. Remember we live in an age w h e r e there s e e m to be m o r e villains w h o prey on children, so parents are going to want to c h e c k you out thoroughly. As your baby-sitting service grows, you n e e d to investigate finding a s p a c e for your potential day-care center. If your residence is not an ideal site, you should look at large vacant properties in your community. You can also approach local c h u r c h e s a n d other organizations in your community with w h o m you can go into partnership. This will save you the hassle of finding a place a n d having to deal with the local bureaucracy about things like zoning laws. Many novice day-care center operators find s p a c e in vacant stores in shopping malls. This too will not violate any zoning lawsin many areas, it is illegal to operate a business in a residential neighborhood. And there will be plenty of parking s p a c e . Parents c a n pull up in front of the storefront a n d quickly d r o p off Junior.
Hours of Operation
Day-care center hours are usually from 6 A.M . to 6 P.M. If you do not have help, you will have to be t h e r e all day. Even with help, you will probably be t h e r e for the duration, early to set things up a n d late to a c c o m m o d a t e the inevitable parent w h o is running late. You also n e e d to d e c i d e if you want to offer breakfast. You are definitely going to n e e d kitchen facilities of s o m e kind, a n d may have to offer at least a lunchhour meal per child per day. You might want to let the parents know that they a r e on their own for breakfast. If you c h o o s e to offer it, make sure you factor this into your fee. The midday meal should include fruit a n d juice a n d not a steady diet of junk food.
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n e e d toys a n d a television, but plopping t h e kids in front of t h e t u b e all day is u n a c c e p t a b l e . From 9 to 10 in t h e morning, t h e c h i l d r e n a r e g r o u p e d by their age a n d t h e r e is a story time. T h e m i d m o r n i n g s n a c k is b e t w e e n 10 a n d 11 A.M . If you c a n get t h e m , try to have guests c o m e in to entertain t h e c h i l d r e n after t h e s n a c k time. T h e local police a n d firemen will usually s e n d volunteers. Your local c h a m b e r of c o m m e r c e will be of a s s i s t a n c e for getting local e d u c a t o r s a n d entertainers to occasionally d r o p by. T h e n o o n h o u r to 1 P.M. is reserved for lunch, followed by another learning session. You c a n invite college students a n d retirees to c o m e in to lend a h a n d , a n d you may be required by law to have a certified t e a c h e r on site during business hours. Nap time a n d a n o t h e r afternoon snack time round out the day. By then, you will probably be h a p p y to s e e the parents arriving in t h e late afternoon. Some states d e m a n d that a registered n u r s e be on t h e p r e m i s e s . If not, you definitely n e e d a basic knowledge of first aid. Be s u r e you have a first-aid kit on h a n d . Despite your best efforts, little o n e s will b a n g into things a n d fall d o w n on o c c a s i o n . You will also n e e d written instructions from parents about the special n e e d s of their kids.
To learn about the eligibility requirements, and to find a description of w h a t constitutes t h e official designation "Certified Childcare Professional," you can contact the National Childcare Association, 1 0 1 6 Rosser St., Conyers, GA 3 0 0 1 2 . Their Web site is
www.nccanet. org.
Day-Care Fees
T h e going rate for day-care centers is $35 to $65 p e r child for a five-day week, with an extra c h a r g e of $5 to $10 for meals. In s o m e a r e a s of the country, fees c a n be significantly higher. It is not out of line to ask for the m o n e y in advance. In fact, it is a very g o o d idea. This will eliminate the problems of collection a n d e n s u r e that you have working capital on h a n d . Asking p a r e n t s to pay by the week is better t h a n by t h e m o n t h . A m o n t h is c o n s i d e r e d to be m a d e up of four weeks, but every
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third m o n t h h a s five weeks. You do not want to be giving away a free week of service four times a year.
Advertising
Day c a r e is in d e m a n d . Statistics reveal that most are operating at 90 percent capacity within six m o n t h s of opening. This is b e c a u s e there are plenty of families w h o n e e d t h e service a n d also b e c a u s e of the advertising c a m p a i g n s of the owners. One easy method is good old-fashioned fliers distributed throughout the community a n d on t e l e p h o n e poles. You c a n either go to a printer or do it yourself. Your h o m e computer probably c a m e preloaded with a software program that produces basic fliers and brochures. This, coupled with a color printer and quality paper, will enable you to produce quality fliers. You s h o u l d also p l a c e a d s in t h e local newspapers, magazines, and t h e Yellow Pages. Creating a p r e s s r e l e a s e a n d s e n d i n g it to the s a m e p a p e r s will probably get you m e n t i o n e d in t h e c o m m u n i t y n e w s section of t h e p a p e r , m a y b e even a feature story. This is valuable free publicity.
You can find out about the eligibility requirements and a description of the child development associate credential at the Council for Professional Recognition, 2 4 6 0 16th St. NW, Washington, D.C., 2 0 0 0 9 - 3 5 7 5 . Their Internet address is
FACT
www.cdacouncil.org.
Advertise in a d v a n c e of your opening. Put on a splashy grand opening party, inviting m e m b e r s of the press a n d the community. During this o p e n h o u s e they c a n s e e your p l a c e as well as m e e t with you a n d any staff you may have. Make a good impression, a n d the parents will be pulling up in front of your day-care center bright a n d early on Monday morning.
Pet-Care Careers
You m a y love a n i m a l s , a n d m a y b e you t h i n k it w o u l d be fun to work with t h e m all day. It is h a r d e n o u g h work caring for your p e r s o n a l pet,
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but if you think you have t h e right stuff, t h e r e a r e m a n y ways to m a k e a living in t h e pet-care industry. O n c e you a r e e x p e r i e n c e d e n o u g h , m a n y of t h e s e c a r e e r s c a n be b a s e d from your o w n h o m e . Before you o p e n a kennel or pet-grooming parlor, just m a k e s u r e that zoning regulations will permit you to do so ( a n d that you d o n ' t live in a s m a l l studio a p a r t m e n t ) .
ALERT!
A word of warning to t h o s e w h o are thinking of working with other people's pets as a career: Pet o w n e r s are a unique demographic that can be quite devoted to their furry and feathered friends. Their pets are precious, often more so than the humans in their lives. Keep this in mind w h e n taking s o m e one's pet in your care. It is more of a responsibility than you might imagine.
Kennel Workers
Kennel attendants care for dogs a n d cats w h o s e masters a n d mistresses are going on vacation or n e e d to b o a r d t h e m for s o m e other reason. If you work as an entry-level kennel worker to gain experience you will be responsible for feeding a n d exercising the animals. Do not forget about cleaning their cages. If you are not comfortable with this aspect of an animal's natural biological functions than you should reconsider your career choice. T h e A m e r i c a n Boarding Kennels Association (ABKA) h a s a h o m e study p r o g r a m available for t h o s e i n t e r e s t e d in t h e field. It involves the basic and advanced aspects of animal care and the business side of r u n n i n g a k e n n e l . If you c o m p l e t e t h e c o u r s e a n d p a s s b o t h a verbal a n d written test, you will e a r n t h e title of certified kennel o p e r a t o r (CKO). For m o r e information on jobs in animal care a n d control, as well as the animal shelter a n d control personnel training program, you can contact The H u m a n e Society of the United States, 2100 L St. NW, Washington, D.C., 20037-1598. Their Web site is www.hsus.org.
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Groomers
Groomers tend to the p e r s o n a l a p p e a r a n c e of a p a m p e r e d pet just as beauticians a n d p e o p l e w h o work in nail salons tend to their preening h u m a n clientele. Groomers work in kennels, veterinary offices, pet supply stores, a n d animal hospitals. S o m e eventually start their own business. G r o o m e r s are often the first to notice a problem like a rash or infection on t h e pet a n d will refer t h e o w n e r to a vet for treatment. Grooming a pet entails washing, brushing, a n d clipping the fur a n d the nails. A good g r o o m e r c a n intuitively h a n d l e a cranky c a n i n e or frenetic feline that b e c o m e s agitated during the process. Most g r o o m e r s study u n d e r a veteran groomer to learn the trade. They are put in charge of o n e facet of the p r o c e s s , such as bathing the animal, while observing the experienced groomer at work. Gradually they a r e given more responsibility until they b e c o m e s e a s o n e d professionals themselves.
To get a list of state-licensed grooming schools, you can send a stamped, self-addressed, business-size envelope to the National Dog Groomers Association of America, P.O. Box 101, Clark, PA 16113. Visit them on the Web at www.nationaldoggroomers.com.
ALERT!
T h e r e are also n u m e r o u s state-licensed grooming schools across the country with c o u r s e s of study ranging from o n e to four m o n t h s in length. T h e r e is an organization called t h e National Dog G r o o m e r s Association of America that gives a certification in dog grooming. T h e test is both written a n d practical. After answering t h e 400-question examination, you g r o o m a pet u n d e r t h e watchful eyes of t h e examiners.
Dog-Walking Services
People love their pets, s o m e to t h e point of o b s e s s i o n . They treat their beloved best friends better than most p e o p l e they k n o w a n d as well ( o n e h o p e s ) as they would treat their children. They feel badly that they have to leave their pet a l o n e during the workday. This h a s created the growing b u s i n e s s of dog walking a n d pet sitting.
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S o m e pets may also have special n e e d s . They might have a m e d i c a l condition that necessitates taking medication or shots during t h e day. Or they may n e e d to "go to t h e b a t h r o o m " (to be polite) m o r e t h a n t h e average dog. Dog day-care centers are a thriving business, particular in large urban centers w h e r e the animals are c o o p e d in small apartments a n d deprived of a back-yard. Dog day-care centers are different than kennels in that they o p e r a t e during the weekday. With s o m e exceptions, t h e r e are no night or weekend hours.
Pet
Sitting.biz
(www.dog-walkingxom/dogwalkers.html)
is
site where pet sitters and walkers can learn h o w to start a business, get pet-sitting insurance, fill out t h e necessary forms, and find out w h a t to put in a contract with the pet owners you
F A C T
A dog day-care p e r s o n walks clients' dogs, feeds them, plays with them, a n d keeps them company. T h e dogs also gets to g a m b o l a n d interact with other m e m b e r s of their species. If you a r e interested in this field, you have to be in g o o d e n o u g h s h a p e to h a n d l e a n u m b e r of dogs on l e a s h e s while navigating a city street. In most cities t h e r e a r e n o w laws that you must clean up after your dog, so you have to be p r e p a r e d to pick up a lot of waste a n d deposit it in t h e nearest t r a s h c a n . You will also be dealing with a diverse group of personalities, as uniquely individual as any h u m a n s you have e n c o u n t e r e d in your travels. You must also know animal first aid in t h e event of an emergency. Depending on w h e r e you live, pet o w n e r s will pay as m u c h as $30 an h o u r to s e e that their d o g is not lonely a n d r e m a i n s active a n d entertained during the day. If you have several d o g s a day as your "clients," you could make a n i c e weekly living as a d o g walker/sitter. Cat sitters have it a little easier. Cats are m u c h m o r e low maintenance. They u s e t h e litter box a n d do their o w n thing. It would not be a d e m a n d i n g job to sit in an a p a r t m e n t a n d keep kitty c o m p a n y for a few h o u r s . If t h e cat wants s o m e attention, it will trot over a n d let
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you know. Dog sitters a r e m u c h m o r e in d e m a n d than cat sitters a n d will make m o r e m o n e y simply b e c a u s e the work is m o r e arduous.
To receive career information and information on training, certification, and salaries of animal control officers at federal, state, and local levels, you can write to the National Animal Control Association, P.O. Box 4 8 0 8 5 1 , Kansas City, MO 6 4 1 4 8 0 8 5 1 . They can be found online at www.nacanet.org.
Personal Companions
Children a n d pets are not t h e only creatures that n e e d c a r e a n d feeding during the day. Many elderly a n d disabled p e o p l e rely on personal c o m p a n i o n s to help t h e m during t h e day a n d keep them company. This c a n r a n g e from a p e r s o n w h o will run e r r a n d s or a c c o m p a n y t h e m to the store or a c o u p l e of h o u r s in t h e park to health-care professionals w h o will administer medications a n d physical therapy. If you do not have health-care or nursing credentials you c a n work as a h o m e care aide. Also known as caregivers, companions, and personal attendants, the job usually involves housecleaning, laundry, cooking, shopping, a n d other domestic chores. They may also have to move the client from b e d to b a t h r o o m to other r o o m s in t h e h o u s e as n e e d e d . Some personal c o m p a n i o n s will stay with o n e p e r s o n for months, even years, a n d develop a close b o n d with their charge. For others it is just a job a n d they may visit m o r e t h a n o n e client a day, s p e n d i n g a c o u p l e of h o u r s taking c a r e of b u s i n e s s a n d going on to the next person. The empathetic personal c o m p a n i o n often serves as a friend w h o will talk with t h e p e r s o n a n d listen to t h e m . In other cultures, the elderly are respected for their w i s d o m a n d insight gained from a long life of experiences. We have lost this regard for the graying m e m b e r s of our American society, a n d that is too b a d b e c a u s e t h e r e is m u c h to be learned from senior citizens. A personal c o m p a n i o n c a n anticipate encountering a true crosssection of t h e aging a n d disabled populace. S o m e will be nice; s o m e will
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be nasty. S o m e of their h o m e s will be quite tidy; others will be m u c h less pleasant. You have to be able to h a n d l e the m a n y m o o d s of your clients. As with most of the positions described in this chapter, you n e e d to r e s e a r c h if the state h a s put any restrictions a n d requirements on your ability to work as a personal c o m p a n i o n . Some states will leave you alone to work as a self-employed personal c o m p a n i o n . Other local governments will be m o r e intrusive a n d require certification a n d formal training, a n d possibly a physical examination a n d a screening for tuberculosis. This disease, o n c e all but eradicated in the United States, h a s b e e n making a c o m e b a c k of late. You c a n b e c o m e a certified personal a n d / o r h o m e care aide through National Association for H o m e Care. This is not mandatory to work in the trade, but t h o s e w h o get the certificate have something to s h o w a prospective client during the interview process. Personal c o m p a n i o n s will be in greater d e m a n d as the years go by. People are living longer a n d thus will stay alive long e n o u g h get serious health problems that require constant attention. In the old days w h e n the mortality rate was high p e o p l e died before chronic medical problems could occur. The fact that health-insurance plans are m o r e inclined to kick people out the hospital m o r e quickly t h a n in years past has created a greater n e e d for personal companions.
Tutoring
If you were good in school, a n d you have a love of learning coupled with an ability to effectively impart your knowledge to others, you could find work as a tutor. If you are a teacher, you could tutor for t h e extra money. If you do not have the inclination to deal with the education system as it stands today, you may want to do your tutoring as a self-employed contractor. Like other small home-based businesses, you c a n start off simply. Put a d s in the local paper, fliers in store windows, a n d notices on telephone poles. C h a n c e s are you will be getting calls in short order. T h e sorry state of the school system in most parts of the country will work in your
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favor. Kids are being graduated without being able to read a n d write, so c o n c e r n e d parents w h o c a n n o t do the job themselves know they are going to have to supplement their children's education if they want to give them a fighting c h a n c e in the competitive world of college and career.
F A C T
If you think you n e e d additional advertising in your t u t o r i n g business, use services like TutorNation www.tutornation.com). Businesses like this h o o k up p a r e n t s looking for t u t o r s with t u t o r s seeking work. This service c h a r g e s a lifetime m e m b e r s h i p fee of $45 for t u t o r s , a n d it is free for t h o s e looking for t u t o r s .
W h e n a potential client contacts you, be p r e p a r e d to provide a resume, references, and a c a d e m i c transcripts or a diploma. You may also want to offer the initial lesson for free. This will ingratiate the client to you, a n d you c a n s e e if you a n d t h e child will work well together before you settle into a routine. Here are the going rates, as of this writing, b a s e d on your level of education and specific subject matter: Master's degree or Ph.D.: $25-35 p e r h o u r Bachelor's or education degree: $20-25 per h o u r Undergraduate students: $15-25 p e r h o u r High school students: $8-15 p e r h o u r English as a second language: $15-25 p e r h o u r
Cleaning Services
T h e cleaning business is ideal for s o m e o n e interested in starting a small business. There is always a d e m a n d for good cleaning services, no matter what the economy. S o m e p e o p l e c a n afford to have their h o m e s a n d apartments cleaned, and even t h o s e w h o are not in the high-income brackets employ the services of c l e a n e r s out of lack of time or lack of motivation. H o m e and apartment cleaning requires no special training or equipment. Of c o u r s e , if you are the sloppy half of The Odd Couple, you
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have to ask yourself if you have w h a t it takes. On t h e other hand, many thorough, borderline-obsessive c l e a n e r s do not keep their own places in pristine condition at all times. There is almost no overhead a n d no start-up fees other than the basic advertising as described throughout this chapter (ads, fliers, word of mouth). You can start part-time a n d build to full-time as you collect a loyal clientele. A steady stable of regular customers can generate a nice income.
Tax Deductions
The tax laws are no longer as beneficial for home-based businesses as they o n c e were. Still, there are s o m e deductions you c a n make, after confirming this with your accountant, of course. You c a n deduct part of your h o m e or a p a r t m e n t if it is u s e d for business p u r p o s e s or as a h o m e office. The IRS is picky about this. It h a s to be a separate s p a c e d e d i c a t e d a n d designated as a working space. If you have a television in your h o m e office that your children watch in the evening, the IRS says this is not a deductible office s p a c e . And people w h o live in studio apartments are out of luck entirely.
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Keep good r e c o r d s in the event of an audit. T h e Feds will scrutinize your domicile for anything that d o e s not jibe with what you claim in your tax return. Make sure that the percentage that you claim accurately reflects the s p a c e in your h o m e used for business. If you have a h o m e with four r o o m s , a n d you u s e o n e of t h e m as an office, you may be able to deduct 25 percent of the rent/mortgage a n d utilities as utilities. Depending on the size of your r o o m s , you could instead figure a p e r c e n t a g e b a s e d on the a m o u n t of total floor s p a c e your work area e n c o m p a s s e s . Obviously, you'll want to u s e whichever legitimate percentage is higher.
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Chapter 13
Internet Opportunities
he Internet is changing the world, including the way we do business and make money. There are numerous opportunities to make extra income and even a living through the miracles of modern technology. This chapter will show you how to ease on down the superhighway to success.
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Superhighway to Success
More a n d m o r e p e o p l e are using the Internet as m o r e t h a n a m e a n s to s e n d e-mails to long-lost relatives or to download naughty pictures. The word "e-commerce" has entered the language to describe this growing trend. Most major b u s i n e s s e s have an online p r e s e n c e . Many retailers give you t h e option of buying their products over t h e Internet. People are working from h o m e a n d using the Internet for business in greater n u m b e r s . For s o m e it is a sideline to g e n e r a t e a little extra pocket money. For others, it h a s b e c o m e their livelihood. With the better a n d faster connectivity available for e-mail a n d the Internet, you may be a b l e to work at a job that would traditionally be d o n e in an office ( m a y b e even your current nine-to-five gig) from your h o m e as a t e l e c o m m u t e r . Or you may d e c i d e to start your own Internetb a s e d business.
Consumer Reports magazine is a g o o d reference source to use w h e n shopping for a computer or w h e n making any other major purchase, for that matter. Their experts rate various products to assure that you get the best deal for your money. You can also find them on the Web at www.consumerreports.org.
T h e advantages of either plan are that you c a n work from h o m e , avoiding the a n n o y a n c e s a n d pettiness of office politicsnot to mention t h e long c o m m u t e s . If you take t h e time a n d learn t h e r o p e s , all you n e e d is a c o m p u t e r a n d a m o d e m . If you c a n afford t h e m , you c a n also treat yourself to other ancillary accoutrements, like a printer, scanner, a n d digital c a m e r a . With t h e s e tools of t h e trade, you c a n forge an alternative c a r e e r that c a n be rewarding a n d profitable.
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a n d you cannot afford the busy signals, freezes, and getting the boot w h e n you are right in the middle of an important project.
Your Computer
If your computer is several years old, you really n e e d to trade up if you want to work from h o m e a n d on the Internet. Back in the day, a desktop computer w a s very expensive, a n d 32Mb of RAM was considered a lot. Such a device is essentially o b s o l e t e if you want to navigate the World Wide Web a n d do business today. T h e prices have c o m e d o w n , a n d t h e power h a s grown dramatically in personal c o m p u t e r s . You c a n get a d e s k t o p m o d e l with all t h e bells a n d whistles for u n d e r $1,000. Most c o m p u t e r retailers will offer special deals like throwing in a free printer a n d / o r a CD b u r n e r or DVD drive for free. If a laptop is m o r e to your liking, they a r e a little m o r e expensive, but they also c o m e fully l o a d e d with extras a d d e d to inspire the sale.
DSL
There are plenty of p e o p l e still getting online by the increasingly antiquated m e t h o d of dial-up. They call the a c c e s s n u m b e r of their internet service provider (ISP) a n d are c o n n e c t e d at a m a x i m u m s p e e d of 56K. This s p e e d is m o r e a n d m o r e ineffectual a n d frustrating now that Web sites are b e c o m i n g complex a n d graphics-laden, with audio a n d video elements. If you a r e going to work from h o m e , you will definitely n e e d a faster connection. Digital subscriber line (DSL) services enable an ordinary p h o n e line to function like a high-speed digital service. T h e DSL m o d e m gets up to 99 percent m o r e performance out of your p h o n e line without disrupting your p h o n e service; you c a n be both online a n d on t h e Web at t h e s a m e time. This is essential for a h o m e business, as potential clients a n d customers will not take kindly to constant busy signals. Most DSL services are not m u c h m o r e expensive than dial-up services, a n d many services c o m e with an e-mail a d d r e s s a n d other features.
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Broadband
B r o a d b a n d is a general term u s e d for high-speed Internet connection. Strictly, however, a b r o a d b a n d c o n n e c t i o n strictly refers to Internet access via a cable m o d e m , w h i c h transmits information over the s a m e lines used to s e n d a n d receive cable television. DSL is k n o w n as a kind of b r o a d b a n d service, but real b r o a d b a n d providers are usually cable television providers, rather than telephone companies.
Your local p h o n e c o m p a n y probably offers DSL service. You can read reviews of t h e various c o m p a n i e s offering DSL a n d b r o a d b a n d Internet c o n n e c t i o n s at t h e W e b site www.dslreports.com. This site could be called t h e Consumer Reports of t h e b r o a d b a n d world.
F A C T
Many b r o a d b a n d c u s t o m e r s get Internet a c c e s s as part of their c a b l e television p a c k a g e . This c o n n e c t i o n is even faster t h a n DSL. It c a n also b e o n a r o u n d t h e clock without incurring hourly c h a r g e s , a n d it e n a b l e s you to surf t h e Web at high s p e e d s , downloading d o c u m e n t s a n d a u d i o a n d v i d e o files almost instantaneously. If you have digital c a b l e a n d you do not have a c c o m p a n y i n g Internet a c c e s s , you s h o u l d definitely sign up if you a r e p l a n n i n g to u s e your c o m p u t e r a n d t h e Internet to work from h o m e .
Telecommuting
Telecommuting is a n o t h e r way of saying that o n e is working from h o m e for an organization b a s e d e l s e w h e r e . W h e n you think about it, t h o s e in white-collar jobs could probably do t h e s a m e thing from h o m e that they do in their cubicles if they h a d t h e right equipment. Even meetings c a n be h a n d l e d through conference calls a n d the increasing use of video conferencing over t h e Internet. Telecommuting, w h e t h e r we like it or not, may b e c o m e t h e wave of t h e future. In addition to being beneficial to the worker in m a n y respects, c o m p a n i e s large a n d small may carry their cost cutting to include the elimination of a physical office. We a r e living
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Office Space
You h a d better make t h e office a r e a in your h o m e worker-friendly. If it is too m u c h like t h e rest of t h e h o u s e a n d not s e p a r a t e d in s p a c e a n d ambience, you m a y not be a b l e to psych yourself into the altered mindset n e e d e d to be productive. S o m e ritual may be required. O n e famous author would put on a suit a n d tie a n d go into t h e office s p a c e as if he were going to a nine-to-five office job. It was his way to set t h e structure he n e e d e d to give him discipline. Even t h o s e of us w h o a r e not versed in t h e Asian practice of feng shui know that your h o m e environment c a n affect your m o o d . If your h o m e is sloppy, c h a n c e s are other aspects of your life a r e m e s s y a n d in disarray. It is w i s e to keep your w o r k s p a c e in order, as if you h a d a pesky m a n a g e r on your back to complain about your messy cubicle. T h e r e will be no custodial staff to tidy up w h e n you go h o m e . It is your h o m e , so keep it neat a n d clean.
Telecommuting J o b s
ALERT!
Make s u r e you have t h e r e q u i r e d e q u i p m e n t a n d that t h e a r e a you c h o o s e h a s t h e n e c e s s a r y electrical a n d c a b l e outlets a n d p h o n e jacks. T h e s e a r e s o m e of t h e m a n y little things that s e e m o b v i o u s in hindsight, but m a n y p e o p l e d o not think a b o u t t h e m w h e n setting u p their h o m e office. You must also make sure that your residence can handle the a d d e d burden of the computer, phone/fax, copier and any other equipment. You do not want to be constantly blowing fuses or to create a fire hazard. If you own your own h o m e , a n d it is an old house, you may n e e d to upgrade the wiring. If you rent, you should ask the landlord or superintendent about
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making modifications. A surge protector is an essential, and you may need more than o n e depending on how much equipment you have. If you have wires all over the place, you should use twist ties to keep them under control so you do not keep tripping over them. Keep the climate controlled. If it gets too hot, you will get cranky, a n d if it b e c o m e s too cold you will not want to stay in t h e s p a c e . Do not have a television in the r o o m unless your job requires it. Make every effort to minimize outside noises. See that you have good lighting. H e a d a c h e s a n d eyestrain will diminish productivity.
Independent Contractors
You do not have to officially have "independent contractor" status to telecommute for a living, but it is to your advantage. An independent contractor is a person w h o is self-employed, but w h o has not necessarily gone through the legal paperwork to establish themselves as a small business. Informal deals a n d "gentleman's a g r e e m e n t s " are all well a n d good, but you cannot make a deal b a s e d on a h a n d s h a k e over the Internetat least not yet. It is always g o o d to have a contract, sometimes less formally called an a g r e e m e n t with your employer. You c a n keep it simple. Include what is expected of e a c h of you, payment arrangements, a n d conditions under which the agreement can be terminated. The employer may ask you to agree to a " n o n c o m p e t e clause," meaning that you cannot work for other c o m p a n i e s at the s a m e time you are working for your current employer. This is to protect the employer but c a n be restricting to the independent contractor. Do not agree to this unless you are guaranteed a sufficient i n c o m e from the employer. If you are only working for t h e m part time, you cannot be expected to subsist solely on w h a t they pay you. Less controversial is the confidentiality clause you may be asked to sign. This is fair a n d r e a s o n a b l e on the part of the employer. They do not want the independent contractor to s h a r e c o m p a n y business with rivals. If you do s o , it c a n be interpreted as industrial espionage a n d that is a crime that c a n lead to jail time. It is your obligation to respect your current employer's right to privacy.
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Paying Taxes
T h e r e is m o r e work r e q u i r e d on your part if you a r e an i n d e p e n d e n t contractor. You a r e your o w n b o s s a n d your o w n h u m a n r e s o u r c e s p e r s o n . T h e r e is usually no i n c o m e tax w i t h h e l d by your employer. At t h e e n d of t h e year, you receive w h a t is c a l l e d a 1099 Form a n d a r e r e s p o n s i b l e for s q u a r i n g things with t h e t a x m a n . You s h o u l d put s o m e m o n e y aside specifically for this p u r p o s e . Thirty p e r c e n t of your i n c o m e is r e c o m m e n d e d . If not, you a r e likely to get a terrible surprise on April 15.
The law can be very daunting and baffling for t h e average person. Lawyers like it that way, just like a c c o u n t a n t s love t h e complex and confusing tax c o d e s . The legal reference site Nolo, on t h e Web at www.nolo.com, has a w e a l t h of free legal information, including resources for i n d e p e n d e n t contractors and entrepreneurs.
T h e m o n e y you owe c a n be substantial, but as an i n d e p e n d e n t contractor you c a n d e d u c t certain things that a p e r s o n with a regular job c a n n o t . As a g e n e r a l rule, you c a n d e d u c t a certain p e r c e n t a g e of your rent, utilities, Internet a n d p h o n e bills, b u s i n e s s l u n c h e s , a n d other e x p e n s e s if your h o m e is also your office. It is strongly r e c o m m e n d e d that you have an a c c o u n t a n t do your taxes w h e n you a r e in this situation. You do not want to be subject to an audit from t h e IRS. With freedom c o m e s responsibility, a n d t h o s e w h o e x p e r i e n c e working a s a n independent contractor usually prefer it that way a n d a r e loath to return to a traditional office job.
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includes things like t h e cost of your office s p a c e and equipment, utilities, a n d so on. And it also includes things like unemployment compensation, half of t h e Social Security taxes, worker's compensation, medical benefits, a n d sick days. T h e b a d news is that as an i n d e p e n d e n t contractor you have to pay for all this or do without.
Visit
a u c t i o n e d by millions of p e o p l e every day. Registration is easy, a n d you can begin u n l o a d i n g your life of clutter while simultaneously lining your p o c k e t s .
F A C T
You a l s o have no job s e c u r i t y as an i n d e p e n d e n t c o n t r a c t o r , but n o o n e really d o e s a n y m o r e . However, a s a l a r i e d e m p l o y e e c a n still shuffle p a p e r s a n d look b u s y w h e n t h i n g s a r e slow a n d still collect their regular c h e c k . W h e n things a r e slow for an i n d e p e n d e n t c o n t r a c t o r , t h e y m a k e less money. A l s o , you will not be eligible for federal or state u n e m p l o y m e n t i n s u r a n c e during p e r i o d s of d o w n t i m e .
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PayPal.com is a c o m m o n m e t h o d of p a y m e n t on eBay. The service works by wiring a c u s t o m e r ' s m o n e y to t h e PayPal a c c o u n t of t h e seller. Both buyer and sellers must sign up for t h e service. It is a c o n v e n i e n t w a y to do business on t h e Internet.
Make sure you list your item in the appropriate category so t h e c o n s u m e r s w h o are surfing eBay for an item like yours can easily find it. Then click the "Sell" button, a n d fill out the form that will appear. You determine how many days you want the item to remain available for bidding. The standard time period is o n e week. You set the minimum bid accepted, a n d you also have t h e option to create a "Buy It Now" dollar amount. A bidder c a n bring the auction to an e n d if he or s h e opts to pay the "Buy It Now" price right away.
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Auction Fees
T h e r e are two selling fees that eBay collects for providing this service: an initial insertion fee for posting your item, a n d a final value fee at the e n d of the auction. Here is the general fee structure:
Opening Value Insertion Fee
Insertion fees a r e b a s e d on t h e starting price, though for a reserve price auction t h e insertion fee you pay is b a s e d on the reserve price you set. T h e final value fee is figured from the a m o u n t of the winning bid (that is, the high bid at the auction c l o s e ) using this formula:
Final Value Fee Final Sale Price
Additional
1.50%
Let's say you sold your old BMW on eBay for $1,500. You would pay a final value fee of 5.25 percent on the first $25 of the sales price ($1.31), then an additional 2.75 percent on the a m o u n t ranging from $25.01 to $1,000 (that's 2.75 p e r c e n t of $974.99, or $26.81), a n d finally 1.5 percent on the remaining sales a m o u n t above $1,000 (that's 1.5 percent of
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$499.99, or $7.50). Add t h o s e three together, a n d you find that it cost you $35.62 to sell your BMW on eBaya lot less than a dealer would have c h a r g e d to do the job for you.
End of Auction
W h e n the auction e n d s , the seller a n d buyer should contact e a c h other within three business days to seal the deal. Be flexible, a n d allow for unforeseen problems. Sometimes buyer a n d seller don't h e a r from e a c h other in the allotted time. You a n d the buyer will exchange the pertinent informationwhere a n d how t h e buyer will s e n d the payment a n d w h e r e a n d how the seller will s e n d the item. After t h e t r a n s a c t i o n , b o t h c u s t o m e r a n d seller a r e e n c o u r a g e d t o leave feedback. F e e d b a c k s h o w s up in you eBay information a n d is a c c e s s i b l e to all. Positive feedback s h o w s t h a t you a r e a reliable seller or a buyer w h o pays promptly. Negative f e e d b a c k is a big r e d flag to potential buyers a n d s e l l e r s . Do n o t leave negative feedback without first trying to resolve t h e situation with t h e b u y e r / s e l l e r you a r e dealing with. Do not b l a m e a seller for the vicissitudes of the United States Postal Service. If you wanted an item shipped via Media Mail (the c h e a p e s t way to s e n d a p a c k a g e ) do not b l a m e the shipper if it takes as long as t h r e e weeks to reach you. Media Mail is notoriously inconsistent. Packages sometimes get across country in forty-eight hours; others can take weeks to get to a neighboring state.
What to Sell
Many eBayers hunt through their attics, book a n d video collections, a n d other little-used nooks a n d crannies a r o u n d the h o u s e for items that are taking up s p a c e a n d that they would like to unload. Others turn an initial avocation into a full-time business. If you are a manufacturer, you can sell your products; you can also sell your u s e d car. T h e r e is even a "Mature Audience" category for naughty m e r c h a n d i s e a n d a "Weird Stuff" section for o d d a n d hard-to-classify material. The majority of eBay categories are m o r e traditional, including the following:
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Antiques Movies & DVDs Cars & O t h e r Vehicles Cars & O t h e r Vehicles Jewelry & W a t c h e s Real Estate Yes, you read that right: real estate. You c a n buy everything from a
farm to a t i m e s h a r e in a Caribbean getaway. Even if you do not have t h e family farm to sell, t h e r e a r e other things that you c a n get pretty c h e a p that c o m m a n d big bucks in online auctions. If you go to garage a n d yard sales, you c a n pick up stuff that people a r e e a g e r to part with just to free up s p a c e in their h o m e s . Most of t h e m have no idea that there are h i d d e n g e m s a m o n g what they think are nothing but old junk. Old p a p e r b a c k b o o k s are generally c o n s i d e r e d not especially valuable, but there is a market for certain kinds of b o o k s . There is a small but enthusiastic minority w h o goes crazy for pulp art from the 1930s through the 1960s. Pulp fiction has a romantic appeal a m o n g collectors; the colorful, lurid art that graced t h o s e covers conveys an o d d combination of raciness a n d quaint i n n o c e n c e that collectors love. In u s e d a n d rare b o o k s t o r e s in New York, old pulp p a p e r b a c k s c a n sell for $50 a n d up. By c o m b i n g the garage sales in your area you c a n pick up t h e s e kind of b o o k s for u n d e r a dollar from p e o p l e w h o do not know their value.
and techniques about where to look for great deals, h o w to have your o w n yard sale, a live-chat forum, and more to help you get the most out of the world of yard and garage sales.
ALERT!
Dolls a n d doll paraphernalia are also big business. People have b e e n known to pick up dolls a n d doll d r e s s e s for next to nothing at yard sales a n d make a b u n d l e during h e a t e d bidding wars on eBay. T h e s e a n d other collectibles a r e out t h e r e for t h e cagey bargain hunter to find a n d sell on
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eBay. In addition to garage a n d yard sales, a n o t h e r venue to s e a r c h are estate sales. W h e n an elderly p e r s o n with a lifetime of possessions p a s s e s on, their heirs often try simply to clean h o u s e a n d get rid of stuff after they have c h o s e n their heirlooms a n d keepsakes. If t h e s e p e o p l e are not collectible a n d antique savvy, they are probably throwing away t h o u s a n d s of dollars worth of items that could be auctioned on eBay.
Selling on Amazon.com
If you want a simpler way to sell your stuff than on eBay, you c a n try Amazon.com. Amazon, in addition to having an auction feature similar to eBay, h a s a very user-friendly p r o c e s s by w h i c h you c a n sell n e w a n d used products. Every product p a g e h a s a n e w a n d u s e d link that you c a n click on to s e e the items that A m a z o n Marketplace sellers are offering. Signing up to be a Marketplace seller is easy, a n d t h e p r o c e s s is even less complicated than it is on eBay. T h e buyer p u r c h a s e s your item just as they would buy anything else from A m a z o n . Their credit card is billed, a n d the funds are deposited in the seller's Amazon account. Every two weeks, the m o n e y in your A m a z o n account is electronically transferred to your bank account. If the item you are selling is in stock, you c a n only sell it at or below A m a z o n ' s price. If the item is out of print ( a s b o o k s , videos, a n d DVDs often a r e ) , the sky is the limit. Check your shelves a n d the boxes in your closets a n d garage. You will be surprised what collectors are willing to pay for an out of print ( O O P ) movie. If you have b e e n a p a c k rat all your life, you can lighten your load a n d make a tidy s u m selling your stuff online. Naturally A m a z o n is not doing this out of kindness. They get a fee for this service. Amazon takes a ninety-nine-cent closing fee, plus 15 percent for the privilege of using their service. On the plus side, they issue a shipping credit to help you defray the cost of packing a n d shipping the item. An item is listed for sixty days. If it d o e s not sell within that time, the listing expires, a n d you are charged nothing. If you have to issue a refund to a customer, Amazon refunds you its percentage.
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The seller is obliged to pack securely a n d ship within two business days. All sellers are required to offer standard shipping (Media Mail). They c a n also offer expedited shipping, s u c h as Priority Mail. The standard shipping credits are $1.84 a n d $2.26. (A single DVD in a p a d d e d envelope is actually c h e a p e r to s e n d first class mail than Media Mail. However, a video tape is not.)
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things that technologically challenged people n e e d d o n e . Positive word of mouth will increase your business. This is probably not s o m e t h i n g that c a n turn into a full-time i n c o m e , but c o m b i n e d with o t h e r h o m e b u s i n e s s e n t e r p r i s e s it c a n s u p p l e m e n t your i n c o m e nicely if you market yourself properly a n d build a reputation.
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4. Never pay for a list of c o m p a n i e s seeking h o m e workers. You will get a list of c o m p a n i e s , but it will be nothing m o r e than a list. If you contact the c o m p a n i e s , you will discover that they do not want h o m e workers, a n d they will w o n d e r how you got their contact information. 5. Never follow up on an e-mail that tells you to call a 900 n u m b e r for m o r e information. T h e only thing you will learn is that you paid a lot of m o n e y for the 900 call w h e n you get your p h o n e bill. 6. While there may be s o m e legitimate multilevel marketing (MLM) businesses, most are what a r e k n o w n as "pyramid s c h e m e s . " Climbing the ladder b e c o m e s the objective; the products a n d services b e c o m e secondary. Chain-letter e-mails a n d envelope-stuffing s c a m s have b e e n a r o u n d for a long time before a n y o n e ever "went cyber." The chain-mail scam usually directs you to forward an e-mail on to m o r e people, a n d then to s e n d m o n e y to the top n a m e s on the list. You a d d your n a m e to the list, with the promise that w h e n you move to t h e top, everyone on the list will be s e n d i n g their c a s h to you. Sound likely? No, it d o e s not! Envelope-stuffing s c a m s promise you will be paid o n e or two dollars for every o n e that you stuff, all from the comforts of h o m e . At 1,000 envelopes a week you c a n make a nice living, right? Wrong! The real deal is that after you s e n d the m o n e y you receive a manual with flier templates that you are told to post a r o u n d your community advertising the work-from-home s c h e m e .
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Do not even bother with an Internet c o m p a n y that d o e s not have a seal of approval from the Better Business Bureau. Double-check with the BBB to s e e that they are indeed registered with them. The regrettable reality is that you have to s e p a r a t e a w h o l e lot of chaff to get to t h e precious little wheat in the Internet moneymaking world.
BBB Online ( w w w . b b b o n l i n e . o r g ) is the Internet wing of the Better Business Bureau. Here you can learn about the many scams on the Net and the red flags you need to recognize, lest you fall prey to a cyber-con.
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Chapter 14
Personal Coaching
o you have empathy, insight, and patience in abundance? Are you interested in working from home and commanding a high hourly rate just to listen to someone's woes? Are you willing to offer a sympathetic ear and practical counsel? If so, you will want to learn more about the new and booming business of personal coaching.
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F A C T
There are courses of study you can take to get certified as a coach. But this is an unregulated field. Anybody can simply be a coach all you have to do is say that you are o n e and set out to get clients. As the field b e c o m e s more competitive, any maverick coaches will need to get s o m e letters after their names.
Coaching benefits the practitioner in m o r e ways than simply generating an income. It helps people b e c o m e better communicators, thus improving their personal relationships. Doing something positive for s o m e o n e else increases the s e n s e of satisfaction on the part of the c o a c h . It is always the best of both worlds w h e n you are doing something you that you c a n be p r o u d of a n d that helps others.
A Source of Motivation
A p e r s o n a l c o a c h is a motivational force for p e o p l e w h o find that their lives a r e in d i s a r r a y a n d that they a r e not fulfilling their potential. P e r h a p s they w a n t to start a b u s i n e s s , c h a n g e c a r e e r s , lose weight, or simply c l e a n their a p a r t m e n t . T h e p e r s o n a l c o a c h is b o t h a supportive s h o u l d e r to l e a n on a n d a p r a c t i t i o n e r of tough love. Unlike a psychologist, w h o in m o s t s c h o o l s of psychoanalysis m a i n t a i n s a d e t a c h m e n t from t h e patient, a p e r s o n a l c o a c h is a p r a g m a t i c c h e e r l e a d e r . T h e p e r s o n a l c o a c h is willing a n d able to give t h e client a figurative p a t on t h e b a c k or a kick in t h e butt w h e n either is c a l l e d for.
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A c o a c h is a kind of consultant, but not in the traditional s e n s e . T h e c o a c h d o e s no r e s e a r c h or legwork on behalf of the client. To paraphrase Shakespeare, "Therein the clients must minister to themselves." A personal c o a c h helps the client identify their goals a n d then achieve t h e m . A c o a c h is not a therapist. A c o a c h ' s role is not to delve into the client's troubled psychenor is the c o a c h qualified to do so. Coaching is a practical approach to problem solving a n d both personal a n d professional fulfillment.
ALERT!
If a coach determines that the client's problem is o n e of substance abuse, depression, or serious mental illness, he or she should terminate the relationship and recommend another form of counseling and treatment.
A c o a c h should never offer advice on financial or relationship matters. Most forms of therapy deal with discussing the past a n d uncovering hidden motivations for o n e ' s self-destructive a n d counterproductive actions. A c o a c h deals with things "on a going-forward basis" as they say in contemporary corporate-speak. A c o a c h d o e s not have to be a "power of example." The clich "Do as I say, not as I d o , " applies to coaching. Coaches use their skills to motivate a n d inspire, but unlike a s p o n s o r in a twelve-step program, c o a c h e s do not have to have d o n e all the things they prompt their clients to do. S e a s o n e d c o a c h e s should have the n a m e s of other professionals in their Rolodexes so that they c a n refer their clients to t h o s e experts w h o s e provinces are outside their purview.
Growing Popularity
Coaching is becoming increasingly popular in this self-help-oriented age. People feel that they are overwhelmed by life. Often, it takes an objective outsider to help t h e m look at the world from a different angle a n d put things in a proper perspective. As we will see, personal c o a c h e s are well paid for their skill. This is a luxury service for p e o p l e w h o have the disposable i n c o m e to spend. Most but not all of the p e o p l e w h o seek
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out personal c o a c h e s are business executives, creative types, a n d other professionals. T h e r e are also corporations with plenty of m o n e y that often hire personal c o a c h e s to work with their personnel.
individuals find the right coach for their needs. Do you need a life coach, business coach, executive coach, personal coach, or sales coach? You can even be contacted by a coach w h o will consult
F A C T
Look at it this way: law s c h o o l costs an average of $125,000. T h e median salary of a young lawyer is $165,000. T h e s e ambitious m e n and w o m e n work an 80- to 100-hour week. This averages to $3.43 an hour, far below t h e m i n i m u m wage. If a p e r s o n a l c o a c h h a s twenty clients w h o pay $300 a week for t h e service, they c a n make $6,000 for thirty h o u r s of work a month. Not bad.
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(at
c o a c h as t h e following: 1. Have a strong s e n s e of self, value themselves intrinsically, a r e confident, a n d s h o w up authentically. 2. Willing to evolve a n d develop themselves. 3. Listen at the deepest levels, know h o w to filter out their own emotions, judgments, a n d conclusions. 4. Genuinely curious about people, have a healthy s e n s e of h u m o r a n d humility. 5. Live from high personal integrity, walk their talk, tell the truth, k n o w how to get their own n e e d s met. 6. O p e n to, not attached to o u t c o m e , c a n make themselves blank for the client's a g e n d a a n d solutions to e m e r g e . 7. Financially stable, think a n d act like an e n t r e p r e n e u r a n d business owner. 8. Balanced in life, have a strong support system. 9. Have good boundaries, knows that the client knows w h a t is best for t h e m . 10. Intuitive, courageous, creative, willing to take t h e c h a n c e of being wrong.
www.coachtrainingalliance.com)
provides general information in this n e w industry. It offers information about the many programs available and the training required to b e c o m e a certified coach.
Getting Started
Personal c o a c h i n g is s o m e t h i n g you s h o u l d e a s e into. You s h o u l d keep t h e job you have until you a r e working with e n o u g h clients to g e n e r a t e a living w a g e . T h e n you c a n p h a s e out your current job a n d b e c o m e a full-time c o a c h . You do not n e e d to be certified to begin c o a c h i n g
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clients for a fee. But you do n e e d to get noticed a n d build a reputation. Most c o a c h e s begin by working with willing friends. Practice makes perfect, a n d if a friend a g r e e s to serve as a g u i n e a pig for your coaching skills, take full advantage a n d u s e t h e m to h o n e your skills. Fledgling c o a c h e s often have t h e equivalent of Tupperware parties. They p l a c e a d s a n d post fliers in their n e i g h b o r h o o d a n d invite p e o p l e over to their h o m e to dazzle t h e m with their c o a c h i n g a c u m e n . T h e h o p e is that s o m e of the guests will be interested in retaining their services a n d will r e c o m m e n d t h e m to their friends. Since the hours a c o a c h works a r e not d e m a n d i n g , it is e a s y to do this while working at your current job. Novice c o a c h e s also offer their services for free at first, t h e n later at a d e e p discount, as they work their way up to being able to c h a r g e the going rate. While it is important to be a c c o m m o d a t i n g in the beginning, you should not allow yourself to be taken advantage of. Most professional c o a c h e s ask for p a y m e n t in a d v a n c e on a month-by-month basis and p o s t p o n e the first call of t h e m o n t h if t h e c h e c k h a s not arrived. Personal c o a c h e s are also wise to get s o m e kind of personal liability i n s u r a n c e , w h i c h is a form of malpractice insurance. This is a litigious society, a n d you never k n o w if a disgruntled client may try to s u e you for giving b a d advice. If they c a n go after McDonald's for making people fat, shyster lawyers will readily try to m a k e a b u c k at t h e e x p e n s e of a personal coach.
Building a Business
T h o s e w h o are n e w in the personal coaching g a m e not only must have empathy, c o m p a s s i o n , a n d all that warm a n d fuzzy stuff, they must also be aggressive entrepreneurs w h o will do what it takes to build a business from the ground up. You have to be willing to work very hard to build your fledgling venture. Many c o a c h e s w h o go through all the requisite training and have the innate skills have a hard time drumming up a paying clientele. It takes a c o u p l e of years to build up a steady stable of paying customers. It is easy to get pro b o n o work a n d m a y b e even a few clients w h o will pay a cut rate. T h e objective, of course, is to move beyond this low-income period as s o o n as possible.
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The main reason for this is not t h e state of the e c o n o m y but a lack of confidence on the part of t h e n e w c o a c h . Many of us have b e e n discouraged from an early age from tooting our own h o r n s . Assertive salesmanship is regarded as unseemly a n d bordering on the obnoxious. However, if you do not want to live as a clock-punching m a n or w o m a n w h o works for s o m e o n e else their w h o l e life, t h e n you have to let the world know that you are alive a n d kicking. You have to be able to shift the focus from your self-centered insecurities a n d think about the service aspect of your new industry. If you c a n get over yourself, as they say, a n d place the e m p h a s i s on your present a n d future clients a n d their needs, you can surmount the shyness a n d timidity that all too often sabotages many a self-starter.
F A C T
The best personal coaches have their o w n personal coach. Just as a therapist usually has their o w n therapist, and a priest has his confession heard by a fellow man of the cloth, so t o o a g o o d coach seeks counsel from another member of the craft. This is usually a person with more years in the field and is often the coach's mentor w h o guided them through their early days.
A typical Session
A typical coaching session takes place over the p h o n e a n d lasts about half an hour. After an initial consultationwhich a coach, especially a new o n e , should offer free of chargethe c o a c h a n d the client begin identifying a n d working on whatever the problem or problems that inspired the client to seek out the c o a c h . The client usually calls the c o a c h , but often the c o a c h calls the client so he or s h e c a n be in m o r e control of the call. That way the c o a c h c a n start it a n d finish it according to his or her s c h e d u l e , without having to sit a n d wait for a tardy client. T h e r e is a structure to this timetable for a reason. Coaches cannot have clients calling whenever they feel like it. There h a s to be a regular appointment, like visiting the doctor or dentist. Though just as t h o s e professions will a c c o m m o d a t e emergency c a s e s , an
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obliging c o a c h will permit the occasional quickie call or brief e-mail outside of the parameters of their regularly scheduled appointment. During the consultation, trust a n d comfort must be established. A c o a c h must assure confidentiality. O n c e the c o a c h a n d client have decided that they have a rapport a n d will begin a relationship, the initial session will involve discussing the problem or problems at hand. The c o a c h will inquire about how the client is feeling, what they are looking to c h a n g e , a n d how they c a n go about it. The c o a c h will suggest three things that the client can do to work toward achieving their goals. Since looking at a life c h a n g e in its totality can be intimidating, c o a c h e s try to help the client make changes incrementally. The little things a d d up, until eventually a major c h a n g e h a s occurred. In s u b s e q u e n t s e s s i o n s , the c o a c h a n d client review what h a s h a p p e n e d in the week s i n c e the previous session. They discuss any breakthroughs a n d insights the client may have, his or her progress in the goals a n d objectives, a n d any obstacles the client may have e n c o u n t e r e d during the week. T h e c o a c h offers advice, challenges the client to fight their natural resistance a n d make things h a p p e n . The c o a c h helps the client brainstorm solutions a n d c o m e up with a plan of action. As e a c h goal is achieved, the c o a c h a n d the client continue the p r o c e s s as they take on n e w objectives to achieve a n d n e w opportunities to pursue. In s u m , a typical coaching session can be broken d o w n as follows: 1. Client gives a brief r e c a p of t h e week. 2. Coach listens to the client's s u c c e s s concerning struggle with the action steps they have completed since the last session. Coach offers input. 3. Coach a n d client discuss what the client is currently working on a n d the challenges client faces. 4. Client a n d c o a c h identify t h e next steps to move successfully forward. 5. Coach a n d client determine the skills a n d strategies client n e e d s to implement the next steps. 6. Coach a n d client work together to build a plan of action for the week ahead.
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Coaching should not be a long, c o d e p e n d e n t relationship. Rather, it's m o r e successful as a short-term c o m m i t m e n t of a few m o n t h s to o n e year that allows clients to r e s h a p e their world a n d be able to function independently of t h e c o a c h . T h e c o a c h s h o u l d not be a crutch for a p e r s o n . He or s h e s h o u l d be a professional motivator w h o s e goal should be t h e s a m e as a m o t h e r bird in a nestto help their fledgling chicks learn to u s e their wings a n d fly.
The W e b site
c o a c h i n g " by o t h e r s in t h e industry. The g o o d n e w s is t h a t this service is m u c h c h e a p e r t h a n t h e o t h e r coaching schools. The bad n e w s is t h a t you c a n n o t g e t an accreditation from t h e m . You do n o t need o n e t o practice t h e profession, b u t a s m o r e a n d m o r e p e o p l e are d r a w n to it, accreditation will be m o r e a n d m o r e i m p o r t a n t .
Certification
T h e r e are several training organizations that offer certifications in this new industry. Coach U h a s a training program that, as of this writing, costs about $4,500 a n d takes an average of two years to complete. T h e Coach Training Institute (C.T.I.) offers t h e certificates personal certified c o a c h (PCC) a n d master certified c o a c h (MCC). T h e PCC requires 750 hours of training, a n d t h e MCC takes 2,000 hours of training. Most of t h e s e h o u r s are e a r n e d online a n d in group t e l e p h o n e conference calls. T h e majority of the organizations that offer coaching certifications operate this way. Since the t e l e p h o n e is the m e a n s of c o m m u n i c a t i o n between c o a c h a n d client, the t e l e p h o n e a n d t h e Internet are logical m e t h o d s to c o n d u c t training. T h e average coaching program includes thirty to forty required "teleclasses" and another thirty to forty elective t e l e p h o n e courses that are usually completed, d e p e n d i n g on t h e ambition of t h e student, in anywhere from twelve to twenty-four m o n t h s . Each class consists of four one-hour sessions a n d is c o n d u c t e d by an experienced c o a c h . There are about twenty to thirty fellow students on the conference call. T h e s e
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courses include the basics on how to b e c o m e a working coach. The elective courses include specialty subjects s u c h as developing your intuition, how to ask probing questions, a n d more. Although most courses are on the p h o n e or online, there are also weekend seminars that count toward your certification. T h e s e are an opportunity to place a face with the disembodied voices you have b e e n hearing on the p h o n e during the teleclasses.
Different Philosophies
T h e world of c o a c h i n g is not a monolith. Just as there are different schools of psychology, there are different a p p r o a c h e s to coaching. For example, the Coach Training Institute operates on the philosophy that the client h a s the answer. Like forms of therapy that do not believe in telling the patient what is wrong with them, this coaching philosophy draws the answers out of the client by asking artful a n d probing questions. It is a spiritual belief that we have within us all we n e e d to know to not only survive, but also thrive in this world. For a variety of reasons, our instincts have b e e n dulled a n d blunted. T h e right mentor can help the clients to s e a r c h within themselves to find the solutions to their problems a n d the i n d e p e n d e n c e to slay any metaphorical dragons in their path. The institution called Coach U believes that the answer is s o m e w h e r e out there a n d c a n be found through the interaction between c o a c h and client. This philosophy is b a s e d on the belief that the solution should be r e a c h e d by any m e a n s . They feel that as long as a desired result is achieved, it d o e s not matter if the c o a c h suggests the answer, the client c o m e s upon the solution, or they both discover it through brainstorming. If you have the t e m p e r a m e n t a n d the inclination, this alternative career can be a personally rewarding a n d also profitable livelihood to look into. You c a n make a difference, make a nice living, a n d have an a b u n d a n c e of leisure time on your h a n d s . That s o u n d s like the best of all possible scenarios for a n y o n e ' s working life.
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f you fantasize about being a smooth private eye or a suave super spy, you can find work in these professions. They are going to be dramatically different than they are depicted in books, movies, and television, but can nevertheless be rewarding jobs that make a difference.
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Detective Work
If you have read plenty of mystery novels a n d have s e e n every e p i s o d e of The Rockford Files, t h e n you probably have fantasized about what it would be like to be a private detective. You probably also k n o w that the reality is far less g l a m o r o u s than t h e fiction. T h e romantic image of the g u m s h o e as a m o d e r n knight errant with tarnished armor, helping d a m s e l s in distress in the neon-lit urban jungle, is a glorified image that d o e s not represent reality. Nevertheless, many p e o p l e are drawn to t h e work, a n d they do make a living as private detectives.
You will w a n t to check more than o n e school for private detectives, and there are plenty out there. The Private Investigator Training School www.detectivetraining.com), for example, bills itself as "the most comprehensive h o m e study course in private
F A C T
investigation available." Private investigators do much more paperwork than their literary counterparts. There is a lot more m u n d a n e fact-checking through research and p h o n e calls than there are car chases and encounters with sultry, dangerous dames.
What Detectives Do
Detectives do b a c k g r o u n d c h e c k s on people, verifying employment history, i n c o m e , a n d character references. This work might be d o n e at t h e request of a potential employer or on behalf of a suspicious fiancee. Other services include assisting attorneys in civil lawsuits, which includes assignments like following a p e r s o n making a personal injury claim to s e e if t h e claimant takes off a b a c k b r a c e w h e n they think no o n e is looking to d a n c e t h e night away. "Premarital screening" is a growing aspect of the private investigation business. Women want to c h e c k out Mr. Right to s e e if he is i n d e e d "all that," a n d h u s b a n d s a n d wives often have e a c h other followed to s e e if they are remaining true to their marriage vows. T h e r e is also a lot of sitting a r o u n d as a detective. You are likely to s p e n d m a n y long h o u r s in a car or a van a c r o s s the street from a location observing t h e h o m e or b u s i n e s s of a suspect. T h e low-end
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private eye will sit in his car; an investigator with a m o r e elaborate setup will have a van loaded with the latest surveillance equipment.
ALERT!
If you want to be a detective, you had better decide w h a t you are willing to do and w h a t may compromise your ethical code. You may find yourself wallowing in the underbelly of human affairs w h e n working as an investigator. A literary example is Raymond Chandler's hero Philip Marlowe. He refused to handle divorce cases, finding them quite unsavory.
Less Legwork
The Internet h a s m a d e life easier for the detective as it h a s for everyone. An investigator w h o knows w h e r e to look c a n find out m u c h of w h a t he or s h e n e e d s to k n o w from computer research. This saves the legwork long associated with the life of a private detective. An Internet search can reveal e n o r m o u s a m o u n t s of information about a person. In addition to an a d d r e s s a n d t e l e p h o n e number, a detective c a n find out an individual's arrest record, vehicle registration, a n d more. A detective working with an unscrupulous hacker c a n find out even m o r e personal information, though this is illegal a n d would not be admissible in a court of law.
American Detectives ( w w w . a m e r i c a n d e t e c t i v e s . n e t ) is a California-based organization. Their Web site can give you a very g o o d look at the many aspects of private detective work. This agency handles areas they call "WWW relationships," "corporate countermeasures," and "cheating spouses."
Areas of Expertise
Private detectives often focus on o n e aspect of investigations a n d b e c o m e specialists in that field. Legal investigators are retained by a law firm or
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individual attorney. They gather information that the lawyer n e e d s to either prosecute or defend an individual. They locate witnesses w h o are hard to find or in hiding. They interview witnesses a n d help gather evidence. Sometimes detectives a r e called u p o n to testify during the trial. Corporate investigators work for particular businesses, doing everything from determining w h o is stealing t h e sticky n o t e s a n d p a p e r clips from t h e supply r o o m to w h o is selling c o m p a n y secrets to t h e competition. They also may investigate c h a r g e s of drug a b u s e a m o n g workers and c h e c k to s e e if an e m p l o y e e is p a d d i n g his or her expense account.
www.allcriminaljusticeschools.com)
gives you a host of schools across the country that offer courses and degrees in subjects like private investigations, forensic science,
ALERT!
Financial investigators c h e c k out individuals w h o are in the middle of large financial negotiations and transactions. T h e s e investigators are hired by t h e other negotiating party, a n d they often have a b a c k g r o u n d in accounting. This may not s o u n d like t h e most thrilling aspect of detective work, but we s h o u l d recall that the gangster Al C a p o n e was not sent to prison for the m a n y m u r d e r s he committed. He was ultimately convicted of i n c o m e tax evasion. Digging into a p e r s o n ' s financial dealings can often p r o d u c e plenty of incriminating evidence. Loss prevention agents are detectives w h o work in retail stores and prevent shoplifting by both c u s t o m e r s a n d employees. Hotel detectives keep an eye on t h e c o m i n g s a n d goings in major hotels making sure there are no unauthorized p e r s o n s wandering around the halls a n d that working girls are not conducting their business on the premises.
Life As a Detective
Like many alternative c a r e e r s , being a private investigator is not a nine-to-five job. You may be conducting surveillance for days at a t i m e at all h o u r s of t h e day a n d night. You will divide your time between d e s k b o u n d duties a n d footwork that will probably not fall within regular
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business hours. T h o s e w h o run large detective a g e n c i e s may be able to keep regular hours, but their staff will not. You will be doing most of your work alone, though s o m e t i m e s associates may be necessary. A detective n e e d s colleagues if they are conducting twenty-four-hour surveillance on a p e r s o n . If you work alone, you will n e e d to hire a trustworthy operative to assist you.
Packing.org
(www.packing.org)
regulations involved to carry a concealed w e a p o n . You can do a search by state to see h o w easy or difficult it is to get licensed to carry a gun.
Requirements to Be a Detective
There are no education requirements for a private detective. Many have a background in the military or law enforcement. Lots of c o p s put in their twenty years on t h e force a n d t h e n "go private." This is true in t h e movies a n d in real life. T h e fictional detective is often a former policeman w h o w a s a l o n e wolf a n d did not take o r d e r s well from "the brass." People rarely go right from s c h o o l to being a private detective. They usually have worked at other types of jobs. Do not let a lack of previous law enforcement experience deter you if you really want to be a private detective. Like most c a r e e r s , you c a n start at t h e bottom with t h e h o p e of advancement. You c a n inquire about an
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office job in a large detective agency. T h e r e might also be low-level operative work available, such as c o m p u t e r research a n d maybe even surveillance duties. There is a possibility that s o m e t h i n g in your work history c a n be of u s e in detective work. In addition to law enforcement experience, p e o p l e enter t h e private investigation game from occupations s u c h as insurance, credit a n d collections, journalism, a n d other diverse careers. Every o n c e in a while a college graduate with a d e g r e e in criminal justice may go right from the c l a s s r o o m to the detective agency, but this is rare.
www.pvteye.com) is
another home-study school that promises to turn you into a g u m s h o e in twenty-five easy lessons. Check this or any online school out thoroughly before enrolling.
F A C T
Licensing
A private detective must have a license of s o m e kind, with s o m e exceptions. T h e r e a r e six states in t h e union that have no licensing requirements. In Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Mississippi, and South Dakota, a p e r s o n c a n simply call himself a private detective a n d h a n g out a shingle. In most states, however, t h e rules are pretty strict. More a n d m o r e states are making training programs mandatory. In California, the Bureau of Security a n d Investigative Services of the Department of C o n s u m e r Affairs requires that private detectives be eighteen years of age or older a n d have an educational background that includes criminal justice a n d police s c i e n c e a n d 6,000 hours of previous investigative experience. They also have to be evaluated by the U.S. Department of Justice, submit to a detailed b a c k g r o u n d check, a n d take a two-hour written exam. This d o e s not include the a d d e d p r o c e s s of getting a license to carry a weapon. Convicted felons will be d e n i e d a license. A qualified private investigator n e e d s to have excellent interviewing a n d interrogation skills, not be afraid of the possible physical
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confrontation and have a persistence a n d dogged determination to s e e a c a s e to its conclusion. They must be able to think quickly a n d adapt to any situation and be good communicators, since they will at times be called upon to explain themselves to the police a n d to testify in court.
QUESTION?
How realistic are TV detective shows? On t h e whole, n o t very. For example, Jim Rockford of The Rockford Files is an ex-con w h o w e n t on to b e c o m e a private eye in sunny California. But in t h e real world, being a convicted felon w o u l d have precluded him from g e t t i n g licensed.
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Opportunities
There are more than 188,000 law enforcement officers in forty different job types currently employed by Uncle Sam. There is also a new agency, the U.S. Transportation Security Agency (TSA), w h o s e staff is responsible for screening passengers and packages at 429 airports nationwide. This new agency h a s created m o r e than 30,000 new jobs. All these law enforcement jobs have minimum and maximum age requirement. It varies slightly, but the average is a minimum of twenty-one a n d a maximum of thirty-seven years of age. United States citizenship is a prerequisite, along with a battery of screenings and background checks. Here is a brief list a n d thumbnail sketch of various federal law enforcement agencies. Every government agency h a s its own Web site (usually the agency's initials, followed by the domain designation ".gov"), a n d they all post employment opportunities. 1. The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Diplomatic Security special agents fight the war on terror. They m a n a g e the security a n d protect the personnel in America's many embassies a n d consulates abroad. 2. U.S. Secret Service special agents protect the president, vice president, a n d their families; presidential candidates; former presidents; and foreign dignitaries visiting the United States. Secret Service agents also investigate counterfeiting, forgery, a n d credit card fraud. U.S. marshals a n d deputy marshals are stationed in federal courthouses. State a n d local courts also employ court officers.
3.
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4.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) employs agents in the war against illegal drugs.
5. Customs agents investigate smuggling, m o n e y laundering, a n d international child pornography rings. They inspect cargo, baggage, a n d people entering or leaving the United States on planes a n d boats and trains. 6. The agents of the U.S. Immigration a n d Naturalization Service (INS) track a n d deport illegal immigrants, patrol the borders, a n d m a n the facilities though which people enter the country legally. Other agencies of the federal government that employ agents w h o can make arrests a n d carry firearms are U.S. Postal Service, the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Law Enforcement, t h e U.S. Forest Service, the National Park Service, a n d federal air marshals.
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r e c o m m e n d e d . For m a n y positions, particularly t h o s e overseas intelligencegathering "clandestine" jobs, a college degree is necessary. People in the military c a n n o t transfer to t h e CIA to fulfill their enlistment obligations. Though they are usually on t h e s a m e p a g e in t h e geopolitical playbook, the CIA is not a b r a n c h of t h e a r m e d forces. N e e d l e s s to say, t h e CIA e m p l o y s a t h o r o u g h s c r e e n i n g p r o c e s s , including drug tests a n d b a c k g r o u n d c h e c k s . All CIA e m p l o y e e s n e e d to be vetted for a security c l e a r a n c e . T h e r e a r e several levels of c l e a r a n c e , d e p e n d i n g on t h e responsibilities of t h e job. Be warned: W h e n they say "thorough," they m e a n it. T h e CIA d e s c r i b e s t h e p r o c e s s as follows: Applicants must u n d e r g o a thorough background investigation examining their life history, character, trustworthiness, reliability a n d s o u n d n e s s of judgment. Also examined is o n e ' s freedom from conflicting allegiances, potential to be c o e r c e d a n d willingn e s s a n d ability to abide by regulations governing the use, handling a n d t h e protection of sensitive information. A polygraph test a n d a t h o r o u g h physical examination will be included in this screening. This p r o c e s s c a n take as little as two m o n t h s to m o r e t h a n a year.
To learn more about t h e many employment opportunities available at the Central Intelligence Agency, you can visit their Web site at
www.cia.gov.
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there always was. The mission of the FBI, established in the early 1920s, according to the organization itself, is: . . . a n o b l e o n e . It entails upholding t h e law through the investigation of violations of federal criminal law; to protect the United States from foreign intelligence activities; to provide leadership a n d law enforcement assistance to federal, state, local a n d international agencies; to provide the Executive Branch with information relating to national securityand to perform t h e s e responsibilities in a m a n n e r that is responsive to the n e e d s of the public a n d is faithful to the Constitution of the United States. Like in the CIA, t h e r e are many types of job opportunities in the FBI. For our purposes, we will look at the duties of the FBI special agent. You have probably s e e n e n o u g h e p i s o d e s of The X-Files to know that t h e s e are the m e n a n d w o m e n w h o fight the b a d guys, meet the s p a c e aliens, a n d all that fun stuff. In actual life, an FBI special agent is involved in investigations that include organized crime, white-collar crime, public corruption, financial crime, fraud against t h e government, bribery, copyright matters, civil rights violations, bank robbery, extortion, kidnapping, air piracy, terrorism, foreign counterintelligence, interstate criminal activity, fugitive a n d drug-trafficking matters, a n d other violations of federal statutes. Recruits train at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. If they make it through the sixteen-week intensive training that includes physical fitness, firearms, self-defense, a n d classroom academics, they e n t e r a two-year probationary period. They are assigned to o n e of the many field offices across the country. A n e w agent may voice his or her preferences, but the final decision will be b a s e d on the FBI's staffing n e e d s .
Requirements
In order to qualify as a special agent, you n e e d to be between twenty-three a n d thirty-seven years old, p a s s a physical a n d background check, and have a valid driver's license. You must also be a college
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graduate. Currently, t h e following critical skills are n e e d e d , and candidates with e x p e r i e n c e in the following will go to the top of the list: Accounting/finance Computer s c i e n c e a n d other information technology specialties Engineering Foreign language proficiency (Arabic, Farsi, Pashtu, Urdu, Chinese [all dialects], J a p a n e s e , Korean, Russian, Spanish, a n d Vietnamese) Intelligence experience Law-enforcement experience Law-enforcement or other investigative experience Military service Physical sciences (physics, chemistry, biology)
If you do not want to be a special agent, but you still want to work for the FBI, there are other opportunities if you have the necessary skills. T h e s e are called professional support roles, a n d they include this far-fromcomprehensive selection: computer specialist, crime s c e n e specialist, linguist, fingerprint expert, intelligence research specialist, laboratory tech, accounting professional, laborer, a n d secretary. Details about these and many other job opportunities at the FBI c a n he found at the agency's Web site, www.fbijobs.com.
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re you in a position to do some good in the world? We're not just talking charitable contributions, valuable and altruistic though they are. Are you interested in giving something back on a more dramatic scale, changing the world and maybe yourself in the process? Then read on.
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Cross Cultural Solutions bills itself as an alternative to the Peace Corps. You can learn more at www.crossculturalsolutions.org. This organization operates volunteer programs in Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Peru, Russia, Tanzania, and Thailand.
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experience will be accepted. You must be over eighteen a n d a United States citizen. T h e r e is no age cap, a n d retirees a r e welcome.
A Word of Warning
If you a r e thinking of joining t h e P e a c e Corps, you n e e d to be aware of t h e s o m e t i m e s - u n p l e a s a n t realities of being an A m e r i c a n a b r o a d . T h e c o r p s o p e r a t e s in s o m e of t h e m o s t u n d e r d e v e l o p e d c o u n t r i e s in t h e world. In addition to being a culture s h o c k to m o s t A m e r i c a n s , t h e r e a r e security, safety, a n d h e a l t h risks that a Peace Corps volunteer will have to face. T h o u g h a c c i d e n t s a n d m i s h a p s a r e rare, a n d m o s t p e o p l e do their two-year hitch without incident, s o m e t i m e s tragedies o c c u r . If you statistically b r e a k it d o w n , however, t h e c h a n c e s of s u c h an event h a p p e n i n g a r e very small. Nevertheless, you s h o u l d be aware of t h e risks before signing up, w h i l e also resting a s s u r e d that t h e P e a c e Corps d o e s everything in its p o w e r to e n s u r e t h e safety of its m e m b e r s .
The organization l-to-l is another organization that sends volunteers abroad on w h a t it calls I-Ventures, Mini-Ventures, and Earning-Ventures. The last category includes paying jobs that are available overseas, if you meet the requirements. Check out their Web site for details, at www.i-to-i.com.
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Fitting In
W h e n you first arrive at your Peace Corps assignment, you will truly be a stranger in a strange land. During the three-month training period, volunteers are placed with a host family in o r d e r to acclimate t h e m to the culture a n d language of their temporary h o m e . Most of t h e natives will be welcoming, but s o m e may voice the sentiment, "Yankee go h o m e ! " There may be s o m e tensions a n d conflicts at first. O n e of t h e things you c a n do is not swagger into the region like t h e stereotypically brash American. Play it cool, a n d try to b l e n d in as m u c h as you can. Respect the culture of the host country. Do w h a t you c a n to make a good impression. After all, you will be an unofficial ambassador.
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Female Peace Corps volunteers may have the most difficult time. Women should do their homework regarding the countries they might like to visit. If it is a culture that d o e s not have a stellar record on the treatment of w o m e n , know w h a t to expect going in. If you do not want to deal with it, pick another country. T h e corps tries to e n s u r e volunteer safety t h o u g h a system of what it calls "building relationships, sharing information, training, site development, incident reporting a n d response, a n d emergency communications and planning."
Job Opportunities
Paying job opportunities within the Peace Corps are country director (CD) a n d associate director (APCD). The Peace Corps also recruits MDs (medical doctors) or DOs ( d o c t o r s of osteopathic medicine) for area Peace Corps medical officers (APCMOs) for the Africa region. Job postings for APCD a n d APCMO positions can be found on the Peace Corps Web site, at www.peacecorps.gov. S o m e jobs require that you have a working knowledge of French, Spanish, or Portuguese.
F A C T
If y o u w a n t to read w h a t f o r m e r P e a c e Corps m e m b e r s h a v e t o say a b o u t t h e e x p e r i e n c e , visit P e a c e Corps Writers (www.peacecorpswriters.org). The writings of these r e t u r n e d P e a c e Corps v o l u n t e e r s are their w a y o f e d u c a t i n g A m e r i c a n s a b o u t t h e w o r l d , fulfilling t h e third g o a l o f t h e P e a c e Corps, w h i c h i s t o "bring t h e w o r l d back h o m e . "
T h e Peace Corps divides the world into three areas: Africa; Europe, Mediterranean, a n d Asia (EMA); a n d Inter-America/Pacific (IAP). There is a time limit of five years for w h i c h you c a n be an employee of t h e Peace Corps. After that time you are expected to move on to the next adventure of your life a n d leave o p e n the opportunity for s o m e o n e else. C a n d i d a t e s will be obliged to have a m e d i c a l s c r e e n i n g a n d b a c k g r o u n d c h e c k in o r d e r to be given a security c l e a r a n c e . If you fail t h e physical a n d / o r the security c h e c k , t h e offer of e m p l o y m e n t will
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There is a philosophical c o n c e p t t h a t t h e r e is no such t h i n g as a completely altruistic act. Even p e o p l e w h o volunteer are g e t t i n g s o m e t h i n g o u t o f t h e experience. W h e n thinking a b o u t w h e r e you m i g h t like to volunteer, go to t h e place t h a t can simultaneously enrich you as well as t h o s e you serve. Volunteerism is m e a n t to be a mutually rewarding a r r a n g e m e n t .
Education Volunteers
Peace Corps volunteers are divided into three categories: general, secondary, a n d a d v a n c e d . If you are a general e d u c a t i o n volunteer, you n e e d a b a c h e l o r ' s degree a n d hopefully s o m e teaching or tutoring experience. Many education volunteers will find themselves working in local schools, teaching English as a s e c o n d language (ESL). English, math, a n d s c i e n c e t e a c h e r s are in high d e m a n d . Secondary education math instructors teach basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, plus geometry, algebra, statistics, probability, a n d calculus. They will also be involved with after-school and library programs. The curriculum of secondary education science teachers includes general science, biology, chemistry, a n d physics at the high school level. They also provide health information. Advanced education volunteers n e e d an education degree and teaching certification. They work with college-level students w h o want to improve their English language skills a n d learn about literature, medicine, engineering, business, a n d other disciplines. Other duties of advanced education volunteers include teaching English grammar and conversation, American literature and culture, creative writing, and linguistics. They also establish English-language clubs and develop resource centers. Special education volunteers work with local t e a c h e r s on developing new techniques. They provide one-on-one tutoring, work with parents a n d community, a n d p r o m o t e a public awareness of persons with disabilities, w h o often do not fare well in developing nations.
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Business Volunteers
Business volunteers fall into the s a m e categories as education volunteers. General business volunteers should have a b u s i n e s s or public administration degree, though c o m p a r a b l e life experience can be an acceptable substitute. They work with private a n d public businesses, local a n d regional governments, nonprofit organizations, w o m e n a n d youth organizations, a n d agricultural businesses. They help the local citizenry with marketing a n d financial m a n a g e m e n t . T h e s e volunteers write projectfunding proposals a n d c o n d u c t business training s e m i n a r s a n d workshops. Advanced business volunteers must have a b a c h e l o r ' s d e g r e e in business or public administration. They c a n either have an M.B.A. or work toward o n e through the Peace Corps Master's International Program. T h e s e volunteers consult with local businesses, teach seminars a n d business courses, a n d assist local governments with e c o n o m i c development strategies.
Environmental Volunteers
General environmental volunteers require a bachelor's degree. Other t h a n that, they n e e d p r o b l e m solving a n d leadership skills a n d a passion for conservation a n d environmental issues. They help the local population strike t h e b a l a n c e between helping their developing nation grow while not destroying the ecosystem in the p r o c e s s . Many developing nations that seek industrialization have neither the ability nor t h e inclination to preserve the environment. They a r e similar to Europe during the Industrial Revolution of the nineteenth century. T h e r e was m u c h technical a n d e c o n o m i c growth, but pollution of the air, water, a n d earth was devastating. Environmental volunteers s h o w farmers h o w to work the land without ravaging it beyond repair. Advanced environment volunteers have degrees in biology, ecology, forestry, a n d other environmental disciplines and/or related work experience. They help the communities preserve their natural resources, including "soil conservation; watershed m a n a g e m e n t a n d flood control; forestry, including sustainable fuel projects, a n d w o o d a n d fruit production; biodiversity conservation n e a r parks a n d other preserves; training park
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managers and technicians; wildlife surveys; and conducting communitybased resource conservation of forest and marine resources."
F A C T
From Russia, without love: On Christmas Day, 2 0 0 2 , Russia officially kicked the Peace Corps out of their country. The Federal Security Service, known as the KGB back in the days of the Cold War, accused members of the organization of espionage.
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Construction volunteers: Roll up their sleeves a n d help the people build schools, medical centers, and other necessary structures where the other volunteers can ply their trade. They also train the locals in the building trade. Needless to say you should only apply for this position if you have experience in construction, carpentry, plumbing a n d other similar fields. Information technology volunteers: A n e w class of volunteer. Most developing nations are woefully b e h i n d w h e n it c o m e s to computer technology and the Internet. T h e s e volunteers are working to correct this a n d get the rest of t h e world computer literate and online.
As of t h e end of calendar year 2 0 0 2 , it is e s t i m a t e d t h a t 38.6 million a d u l t s and 3.2 million children are currently living with t h e HIV virus t h r o u g h o u t t h e world. The Peace Corps strives to p r o m o t e AIDS a w a r e n e s s in t h e n a t i o n s it serves.
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Like any other volunteer, a complete physical a n d dental examination is required in advance. A volunteer's health care a n d medical expenses are completely covered w h e n serving in t h e Peace Corps. T h e r e are Peace Corps medical officers in every country to assist volunteers, and medical evacuation back to the United States will be arranged if a condition arises that the medical facilities in the host country c a n n o t h a n d l e . Working for t h e Peace Corps d o e s not affect an older p e r s o n ' s pension or Social Security benefits. If you n e e d to return h o m e for a family emergency, you will be given an all-expenses-paid, two-week leave of a b s e n c e .
Married Couples
You a n d your h u s b a n d or wife c a n join t h e Peace Corps together a n d serve in t h e s a m e country. In fact, if you a r e married, t h e two of you must serve in t h e s a m e locale. Married couples comprise approximately nine percent of Peace Corps volunteers. Couples can start the p r o c e s s w h e n engaged, but they have to be married w h e n they a r e assigned to a country. T h e Peace Corps d o e s not a c c e p t couples that have d e p e n d e n t children. T h e s e a c c o m m o d a t i o n s are not applicable for friends or unmarried couples.
For more information about w h a t the Peace Corps does, you can visit their Web site at www.peacecorps.gov.
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shelter." Since 1976, Habitat for Humanity h a s built m o r e than 125,000 h o u s e s in m o r e than eighty countries, including 45,000 in the United States. T h e h o u s e s are sold to the families w h o will occupy t h e m for no profit a n d with no interest on t h e mortgage. The future h o m e o w n e r s a n d volunteers build the h o m e together with professionals supervising the process. Private citizens, corporate d o n o r s , a n d faith groups provide the financial support.
Getting Involved
As m e n t i o n e d , Habitat is not a charity in t h e strict s e n s e . T h e h o u s e s a r e not built a n d given to p e o p l e free of c h a r g e . Families w h o would like to participate in the program have to be able to afford a modest d o w n p a y m e n t a n d a low, interest-free mortgage, which varies from seven to thirty years. They also have to invest their time (in the form of 400 h o u r s of sweat equity) to help build the h o u s e . The cost of a Habitat for Humanity h o u s e averages between $800 a n d $46,000. The mortgage that the residents pay g o e s b a c k into building m o r e h o u s e s . It is not a m o n e y m a k i n g enterprise.
The physical address of Habitat for Humanity International is 121 Habitat Street, Americus, GA 3 1 7 0 9 - 3 4 9 8 . You can reach the organization by telephone at 229-924-6935.
Habitat for Humanity h a s m o r e t h a n 1,900 affiliate offices in eightythree countries. There is also an office in every o n e of t h e fifty states, plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, a n d Guam. The headquarters employs a staff of professionals a n d support p e o p l e . If you want to work for them, you are probably going to have to start as a volunteer. Since everyone w h o wants to get involved with this organization will have an altruistic nature, volunteerism is a natural place to begin. You should contact your local affiliate a n d offer to lend a h a n d .
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For further information on Habitat for Humanity, visit their W e b site at www.habitat.org. There you can search for t h e affiliate office in your area a n d learn m o r e a b o u t j o b o p p o r t u n i t i e s a n d
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volunteering.
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T h e r e a r e h u n d r e d s of short-term missionary opportunities through m a n y different faiths. T h e r e is h e l p n e e d e d in o r p h a n a g e s , working on Native A m e r i c a n reservations, t e a c h i n g English as a s e c o n d language ( s o m e m i s s i o n s will even train y o u ) , a n d o t h e r teaching jobs. Healthc a r e professionals a r e always n e e d e d , as a r e p e o p l e with c o m p u t e r skills. T h e s e volunteers a r e in d e m a n d to help bridge t h e "digital divide" b e t w e e n p o o r n a t i o n s a n d t h e developed lands. MisLinks www.mislinks.org) is a g o o d o n e - s t o p r e s o u r c e for learning about all e l e m e n t s of missionary work.
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If you have technical skills and w a n t to serve, you can contact WebMissions www.webmissions.org), a Christian ministry that helps missionaries by building and maintaining Web sites. Their
ALERT!
services are offered for free. Christian webmasters design sites, provide free Web hosting, and maintain the sites if their clients do not wish to do that themselves.
Missionaries serve as teachers, counselors, c o m p u t e r instructors, accountants, a n d many other jobs not normally associated with the ministry. The Lutheran mission's Web site appointments in forty-seven countries. Frequently asked questions about many aspects of the missionary life are answered at Ask A Missionary. You can review this resource on the Web at www.askamissionary.com. If you are thinking of taking on missionary responsibilities, you can learn about what the lifestyle entails here. www.elca.org), for example, lists current openings for long-term a n d short-term international mission
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to t h e twenty-somethings. People with a lifetime of experience under their belts also go off to serve. After working for years a n d raising a family, retirees comprise a fair percentage of the missionary population. Often t h e older folks make up for w h a t they may lack in youthful exuberance with e n d u r a n c e a n d hard-earned w i s d o m . No matter w h a t your status on the path of life, you c a n serve in missionary work if you c h o o s e .
If you w a n t to spread the word, people have to be able to read the word. Opportunities to teach people to read and then teach them about the faith can be found at Literacy Evangelism
www.literacyevangelism.org).
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f you have always had a social conscience and would like to combine your desire to make the world a better place while making a living, there are opportunities to do both. This chapter gives you several avenues you can travel to find a cause greater than yourself.
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Making a Difference
T h e r e are m a n y ways that we c a n make a difference in this world. We c a n start in o u r own b a c k yard, or we can be m o r e ambitious a n d take our desire to affect c h a n g e on the road. What are your concerns? The environment, poverty, h u m a n rights? There is m u c h to be d o n e , a n d precious few are willing to devote the time a n d energy to making a difference. If you c h o o s e to venture down this path, you will always be busy a n d never bored.
Bearing Witness
G r e e n p e a c e began in 1971 w h e n a small group of activists traveled in an old fishing boat to a small island off the coast of Alaska, called
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Amchitka. T h e United States was conducting underground nuclear testing on the island. The intrepid environmentalists were c o n c e r n e d about the various e n d a n g e r e d species on the island, including s e a otters, peregrine falcons, a n d bald eagles. The a r e a was also k n o w n for heavy seismic activity, m e a n i n g it h a s a lot of earthquakes. Logic suggested that this is a b a d place to detonate a nuclear b o m b . The boatload of activists said, in Biblical language, that they wanted to "bear witness" to the blast. The craft was intercepted by the navy a n d turned around, but their actions shined m u c h light on the activities on the island. G r e e n p e a c e took credit w h e n the government e n d e d nuclear testing on the island, w h i c h later b e c a m e a bird sanctuary. Some of G r e e n p e a c e ' s subsequent s u c c e s s e s include influencing a moratorium on whaling, a b a n on d u m p i n g radioactive waste at sea, a n d other positive initiatives to make the environment cleaner a n d safer. G r e e n p e a c e is b a s e d in the city of A m s t e r d a m in the Netherlands a n d h a s offices in forty-one countries.
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Possible Positions
To give you an idea of the kinds of jobs G r e e n p e a c e advertises, a recent search returned results such as these: Marketing manager: Managing the external image a n d the integrity and effectiveness of the G r e e n p e a c e message. Communications director: Formulating a n d executing the global communications strategy for Greenpeace. Office manager: Managing and developing facilities, services, and support for the G r e e n p e a c e International office. Crew manager: Recruiting a n d developing seagoing personnel to ensure ships are m a n n e d as required.
F A C T
The American site of Amnesty International lists current events and news, and information on h o w to get involved. The address is www.amnestyusa.org. You can also get contact information for all of Amnesty International's global offices at http://amnesty.org.
You c a n apply on t h e www.eco.org Web site by following the instructions a n d cutting a n d pasting your r e s u m e in the body of t h e
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e-mail. This is a no-fee service. Although most internships are for students, you cannot be a full-time student since the assignments are themselves full-time positions. Like any job s e a r c h , you should apply for as many internships as you like. Competition is fierce, so pick the o n e s that intrigue you a n d for w h i c h you are qualifiedand good luck.
Amnesty International
Amnesty International has m o r e than a million m e m b e r s in 140 countries. Their efforts are financed by donations from m e m b e r s a n d other altruistic entities. The organization began in 1961 ( t h e s a m e year t h e Peace Corps was founded), w h e n British lawyer Peter B e n e n s o n learned about two Portuguese students w h o h a d drawn a seven-year prison s e n t e n c e for the "radical" act of raising their glasses in a toast to freedom. Apparently t h e powers that be found this to be a call to revolution. Benenson wrote a newspaper article about the incident called "The Forgotten Prisoner" that generated much publicity a n d offers of support. And so the h u m a n rights movement was born. Within a year, the organization had national b r a n c h e s in seven countries a n d h a d worked on 210 c a s e s of h u m a n rights abuse.
To take a look at job opportunities with Amnesty International, you can check out the U.S. Web site's employment opportunity (see above). The United Kingdom Web site also maintains a job posting board. In addition, there are also internships and plenty of opportunities to volunteer.
Amnesty International s e e k s to be strictly impartial. H e n c e , it d o e s not only a d d r e s s w h a t it c o n s i d e r e d h u m a n rights a b u s e s in thirdworld c o u n t r i e s a n d blatant dictatorships, but in all c o u n t r i e s of t h e world. This includes t h e United States. T h e organization h a s recently cited t h e United States for its war against Iraq a n d its t r e a t m e n t of terrorism s u s p e c t s as criminal acts of a r o g u e n a t i o n . If you find this
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Committed Workers
Save the Children states that their goal is to "attract, motivate, and retain the best p e o p l e in the right positions. We hire deeply committed, talented a n d experienced individuals w h o want to make a difference in the lives of children worldwide."
To read the United Nation's Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the d o c u m e n t that continues to inspire the work of Amnesty International, visit www.amnestyusa.org.
FACT
This organization ensures that its employees work in an environment w h e r e cooperation a n d team building are fostered in a climate of empowerment. They offer a comprehensive benefits package, including medical benefits, a retirement plan, a n d relocation assistance for those w h o a r e assigned to work overseas. Given that their focus is children, they also offer flexible s c h e d u l e s a n d family leave. As with all service organizations, there are many opportunities for volunteers in their world headquarters in Westport, Connecticut, a n d in m a n y other locations. Their n e e d s vary, but they will eagerly find t h e right fit for you if you are
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motivated a n d have the right qualifications. T h e r e are also internship opportunities available. T h e snail mail a d d r e s s to contact Save t h e Children is Save t h e Children, 54 Wilton Road, Westport, CT 06880.
www.savethechildren.org) has
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and s e n d s in trained professionals to help people at the local level function m o r e efficiently. AmeriCorps grantees include national groups like Habitat for Humanity, the American Red Cross, Boys a n d Girls Clubs, a n d numerous smaller faith-based and community organizations.
AmeriCorps Projects
AmeriCorps VISTA h a s b e e n in existence for thirty-five years. Its objective is to work to eradicate poverty. Members serve for o n e year on a full-time basis in nonprofit agencies and faith-based organization to improve t h e quality of life, t e a c h kids h o w to read, help adults create small business, get p e o p l e hooked up to t h e Internet, a n d m o r e .
www.hhs.gov)
has a division called t h e Administration for Children and Families t h a t lists many services at t h e federal, state, and local level. You can search there for e m p l o y m e n t opportunities.
F A C T
AmeriCorps*NCCC is a ten-month, full-time residential program for m e n a n d w o m e n between the ages of eighteen a n d twenty-four. It is kind of a c o m b i n a t i o n of the Peace Corps a n d the military. Members serve in t e a m s of ten to fifteen people. T h e projects include public safety, public health, a n d disaster relief. S o m e of t h e types of projects include immunization programs, forest fire prevention, creating urban gardens, literacy programs, a n d m a n y others.
AmeriCorps Requirements
AmeriCorps m e m b e r s must be United States citizens over seventeen years of age. They serve in full- or part-time positions, usually for a o n e year term. Full timers receive an education grant of $4,725 toward college or graduate s c h o o l or to pay back student loans. They also get health insurance, a n d s o m e , d e p e n d i n g on the job, receive a living allowance of $9,300. Not a lot of money, but if you a r e interested in this kind of service you a r e not in it for t h e money.
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To learn m o r e about joining AmeriCorps, visit their Web site at www.americorps.org, or call 1-800-942-2677 (TTY 1-800-833-3722).
The Corporation for National a n d C o m m u n i t y Service h a s j o b postings t h a t include b o t h paying positions a n d internships
(www.nationalservice.org).
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T h e r e is a lot you c a n do in your community while working or volunteering for your local elected officials. On an altruistic level, you can help t h e m work with t h e m e m b e r s of t h e community on projects to improve t h e quality of life. On a m o r e self-serving level, you c a n work for their reelection campaign in the h o p e s of currying favor a n d advancing your own personal ambitions.
The Politix Group (www.politixgroup.com) has a p a g e of job resources if your ambition is to head for t h e nation's capitol to pursue a career in politics. You will find information on jobs in campaigns, internships in Washington, D.C., locally, and even in the United Kingdom.
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Chapter 18
Staying Healthy
f you have a regular office job, chances are you have some kind of health insurance coverage. You may have to pay a certain amount each month, but it is a modest sum compared to those who have to pay the whole thing. Many alternative careers may not offer the best major medical coverage, so you will need to find a way to protect your health at an affordable price.
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Above all, be practical but not obsessive. Life is a risk, a n d you never k n o w w h a t is c o m i n g a r o u n d that next c o r n e r . W h e t h e r you have c o v e r a g e or not, b e i n g careful a b o u t your health is always a g o o d idea.
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Finding a Plan
Research the c o m p a n i e s in your area thoroughly, a n d make s u r e you are well aware of what will be covered by different plans a n d what will not. You do not want to be surprised w h e n you get a statement from the c o m p a n y saying they will not pay for a particular treatment. It is also not advisable to buy a policy that d o e s not h o n o r preexisting conditions. If you have a medical condition, s u c h as a s t h m a or high blood pressure, you do not want a health plan that will d e n y you necessary medication a n d treatment b e c a u s e you have h a d the condition before you signed up for their plan.
Types of Coverage
You should review your policy on an a n n u a l basis. For most people, especially t h o s e in an alternative c a r e e r that may not have the bestif anyhealth plan, a group insurance plan is the best way to go. W h e n you do the research, you can d e c i d e if you want w h a t is called a "base plus plan" or a "comprehensive plan." A b a s e plus plan h a s two parts: basic medical coverage for hospitalizations a n d surgery, X rays a n d laboratory
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tests. Depending on the plan, there will be s o m e limits, but no deductible. The s e c o n d part of the plan is called major medical. This is for routine check-ups a n d emergency trips to the doctor that are not so serious as to require hospitalization. A deductible is the a m o u n t you have to pay out of your own pocket before you start receiving reimbursements from the insurance company. The higher the deductible, the lower the overall cost of the health plan. A comprehensive plan covers almost all medical services. Here, a single reimbursement formula is used after the deductible has been satisfied. Coinsurance is also applied to all covered expenses until your out-of-pocket limit for expenses is maxed out. Coinsurance is commonly figured with a formula of eighty-twenty. The insurer pays 80 percent of medical expenses, while the individual is responsible for the remaining 20 percent. O n c e you have paid all you are obliged to under the terms of the plan, all additional charges are paid in full by the health insurance company.
If you are relatively y o u n g a n d reasonably fit, you m i g h t w a n t to consider a high d e d u c t i b l e a n d pay low p r e m i u m s , keeping t h e policy for p e a c e of mind should a medical c a t a s t r o p h e occur. A p r o l o n g e d hospital stay can be an extremely expensive affair.
W h e n investigating health plans, find out what the covered expenses are. They should of c o u r s e include visits to the your doctor, either for a routine c h e c k u p or a specific medical reason. This is usually a feature of coinsurance plans. Be aware of any c a p s that the insurer may have on the dollar amount they will pay for a particular procedure. All insurance c o m p a n i e s have monetary limits on what they will reimburse. They will have a m a x i m u m n u m b e r of days that you c a n stay in the hospital that they will pay for, a n d they set approximate a m o u n t s on what a procedure, an a p p e n d e c t o m y for example, should cost. If your doctor or hospital charges m o r e than t h e insurer d e c i d e s in the going rate for the operation, then you will be responsible for the difference. This may necessitate shopping around for a d o c t o r a n d hospital that will be in financial sync with the insurance company.
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PPOs
A PPO is a preferred provider organization. This is an organization that contracts with a collective of doctors, hospitals, a n d other health care providers to offer services at agreed-upon rates. The out-of-pocket expenses for m e m b e r s is low. T h e advantage is that you can go outside the network to other doctors a n d hospitals. You will have to pay m o r e for
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doing this, but at least you c a n . An HMO may not pay anything if you want to s e e a doctor from outside t h e network.
you can use the free service at HealthMetrix Research (www.hmos4seniors.com) to find t
F A C T
Both P P O s a n d HMOs a r e k n o w n to be less t h a n g e n e r o u s w h e n it c o m e s to treatments that they do not d e e m to be necessary. For example, you c a n forget about acupuncture or anything remotely "holistic." And if you b e c o m e gravely ill a n d want to try an experimental treatment, neither a PPO nor HMO will offer any support.
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what services should cost. If their estimate of a root canal is lower than what your dentist charges, you have to make up the difference or find a dentist w h o will take what the insurance c o m p a n y pays. In the g o o d old days, many a dentist in working-class communities would take w h a t the insurance c o m p a n y paid t h e m a n d leave it at that, but t h o s e m e n a n d w o m e n a r e a dying breed. Dental coverage is expensive a n d usually involves a fair out-of-pocket responsibility, even with the coverage. Shop a r o u n d for the best plan for your n e e d s a n d your budget. If services are too cost prohibitive, make sure you brush a n d floss after every meal. Like dental coverage, vision care is usually not included in major medical coverage a n d must be p u r c h a s e d separately. Vision plans usually pay a set a m o u n t for eye exams, lenses, a n d frames. If you a r e of a certain age a n d discover that you n e e d reading glasses, you c a n buy an inexpensive pair off t h e rack in your local pharmacy. Even b o o k superstores have a revolving rack of spectacles. If this d o e s not solve t h e problem, or your eyes are not functioning as they u s e d to in other ways, bite the financial bullet a n d get an eye exam. As with your overall health, neglecting your vision can lead to serious problems.
Life Insurance
Many people keep a small life insurance policy with the idea that it will be e n o u g h to pay for their funeral expenses. They do not want to b u r d e n their near a n d dear with that very expensive proposition. But there is m o r e to life insurance than simply paying to bury a p e r s o n . If you are the h e a d of a h o u s e h o l d with o n e or m o r e d e p e n d e n t s , you should definitely have a life insurance policy that will do m o r e for your survivors. The a m o u n t a n d type of coverage you pick should be determined by you age, lifestyle, a n d other factors.
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for a specific period if time a n d c a s h value insurance is permanent, until d e a t h do you part so to speak. Cash value insurance pays a death benefit plus the titular c a s h value for your beneficiaries. Term life insurance is m o r e affordable, and, as the n a m e implies, it is only for a finite period of time. S o m e insurance c o m p a n i e s will allow you to convert a short-term to a cash-value policy.
O n e of t h e easiest w a y s to e s t i m a t e h o w m u c h life insurance p r o t e c t i o n you should buy is to use a life insurance n e e d s calculator. O n e such calculator can be found on t h e W e b in t h e life insurance section at www.life-line.org. If you a r e y o u n g a n d
F A C T
singlelucky youyou a r e p r o b a b l y n o t thinking a b o u t such t h i n g s as life insurance. You p r o b a b l y still consider yourself indestructible a n d i m m o r t a l . Not to burst your balloon, b u t life will gradually t e a c h you o t h e r w i s e . As you b e c o m e m o r e responsible a n d m a y b e even start a family, t h e n e e d for life insurance will b e c o m e m o r e a p p a r e n t .
How Much?
T h e life insurance policy you should buy d e p e n d s on h o w m u c h you want to leave your heirs. If you a r e married, both of you should have policies. You c a n buy a term insurance policy for a little as o n e a n d as long as thirty years. T h e p r e m i u m you pay will be b a s e d on your age, health, family's health history, a n d w h e t h e r you are a smoker. The p r e m i u m will i n c r e a s e if you want to r e n e w it w h e n t h e term expires. Research n u m e r o u s life insurance c o m p a n i e s before making your decision. S o m e c o m p a n i e s are well k n o w n a n d have b e e n a r o u n d for over a century; others are less reliable a n d reputable. You will have to fill out an application that will include questions about your health a n d lifestyle. Your r e s p o n s e s on the application will determine t h e price of your policy. After you submit the application, you will probably be required to have a physical examination. This will definitely be t h e c a s e if you a r e over forty. T h e insurance c o m p a n y will assign the doctor a n d pay for t h e visit.
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Familiarize yourself with the policy. Know all the benefits a n d charges so nothing catches you by surprise down the line.
QUESTION?
How can you investigate an insurance company? To find out what rating the company has received, check out the major ratings services, such as A.M. Best or Standard & Poor's. They evaluate an insurer's financial condition and ability to pay claims promptly. The insurance company giving you a quote should provide you with this information. Be wary of them if they do not. You can also contact your state's department of insurance to find out more about the company.
Liability Insurance
Depending on your line of work, you might want to look into s o m e form of liability insurance. This is similar to the medical malpractice insurance
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that d o c t o r s have to pay. This is a litigious society in w h i c h we live; p e o p l e a r e m o r e likely to initiate lawsuits t h a n ever before. If you offer a p r o d u c t or s e r v i c e , t h e r e is always t h e possibility that a disgruntled or simply d i s h o n e s t c u s t o m e r will take you to court. Self-employed individuals c a n get w h a t is called general u m b r e l l a liability coverage to a d d a little p e a c e of m i n d in t h e s e lawsuit-crazy times.
Even if you are working for yourself, you don't have to go it completely alone. The National Association for the Self-Employed (www.nase.org), for example, is a valuable resource for entrepreneurs w h o run small and "micro" businesses. Membership
F A C T
benefits include discounted health and dental care, financial advice, and more.
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Financial Planning
veryone should have a sound financial plan in these less-than-sound financial times, but this is even more true for those who are looking for or already working in an alternative career. This chapter will offer advice and recommend resources for staying financially secure in an age of insecurity.
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Don't let t h e court jester hats fool you. The Motley Fool (www.fool.com) offers advice on many elements of financial planning including investing, insurance, IRAs, a n d other retirement plans.
ALERT!
Papa Mouse l a m e n t e d the tragedies that befell his beloved family a n d blamed himself for not saving a stockpile of c h e e s e to weather the occasional periods of c h e e s e l e s s n e s s that afflict both the rodent a n d the h u m a n s worlds from time to time. If you a r e a m o u s e with a small a m o u n t of c h e e s e in your c h e e s e account, d o n ' t let this h a p p e n to you.
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Okay, so m a y b e the above won't sell 20 million copies like another popular fable about mice a n d their movable c h e e s e , but you get the point. You have to p r e p a r e for lulls a n d gaps in an alternative career. Or any career, for that matter, particularly in t h e s e times.
D o n ' t P u t I t Off A n y L o n g e r
Making a budget is something p e o p l e tend to avoid, a n d sticking with o n e is something even fewer people m a n a g e to d o . Like all things, if you do not control your money, your m o n e y will control you. W h e n it c o m e s time to actually sit d o w n in with p e n a n d a yellow legal p a d a n d a stack of monthly bills, or in front of your computer with a spreadsheet document open, we often suddenly find something else m o r e important to d o . Perhaps it is a beautiful day, a n d you feel you should get out in the sun. Sitting a n d h a m m e r i n g out a budget is far too s e d e n t a r y a task. Or m a y b e you suddenly feel the n e e d to clean your closets or the attic if you have o n e . You have b e e n putting that off too long. It is very easy to get distracted w h e n confronted with examining your financial life in t h e harsh light of day. Despite your facility for procrastination and delaying tactics, it must be d o n e . The longer you put it off, t h e longer you are preventing yourself from the s e n s e of freedom that c o m e s from taking charge of your financial life. The freedom from financial insecurity is a liberating state of being that, in addition to reducing debt, r e d u c e s stress a n d o p e n s all sorts of d o o r s that you h a d no idea were available to you. Be brave, sit down, take a d e e p breath, a n d just do it.
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Kiplinger www.kiplinger.com) is a n o t h e r respected financial organization. Their W e b site has t h e latest financial n e w s and stock m a r k e t information, plus helpful hints a n d advice. There is a free section a n d a m e m b e r s h i p area, a n d you can sign up for free e-mail u p d a t e s .
A Basic Budget
W h e n making a budget, the obvious goal is to reconcile your monthly i n c o m e a n d your monthly e x p e n s e s . Of course, your monthly expenses should not exceed your monthly income. Ideally you should even have a little extra to save, but that is not always possible these days. T h e best m a n y of us c a n do is to avoid d e s c e n d i n g into the d e e p dark void of desperate debt. A budget is a fluid d o c u m e n t , as are the e b b s a n d flows of the currents in your life. It will c h a n g e as your circumstances change. Some e x p e n s e s will be higher in a given month, while others may vanish through successful financial m a n a g e m e n t and sound decisions. But before you c a n do anything you have to take the first step. You must, as the poet Dylan T h o m a s wrote, "begin at the beginning." Collect all your financial paperworkbills, bank statements, your checkbook, receipts, a n d so on. Create the following categories on your p a p e r or your spreadsheet: Savings: This includes the money you put away, or try to, for the proverbial rainy day or your inevitable old age, plus any investment activity you may be paying into. Food: Include everything from the your grocery bills to restaurant receipts to the Big Gulp at the 7-Eleven. Try to get in t h e habit of saving your receipts even for the little things in life. If you forget, make your best guess. Housing: Rent, mortgage payments, and any property taxes or insurance associated with your h o m e . Utilities: Water, electricity, heat, both landlines and cell p h o n e s , a n d online expenses.
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Clothing: Besides new p u r c h a s e s , don't forget to factor in laundry e x p e n s e s and dry cleaning bills. Medical: Doctor's visits, dental and vision bills, and so on. Entertainment: You should include everything from a Blockbuster rental, to the cable bill, to a romantic weekend getaway, to a motel with a heart-shaped Jacuzzi. Transportation: All automobile expenses, as well as taxi, bus, train, a n d any other m o d e s of transportation. Other monthly expenses: Credit card bills, life insurance, a n d all other monthly bills.
ALERT!
Personal Budgeting and Money Saving Tips (www.personalbudget-planning-saving-money.com) is a Web site of free advice for everything from planning a budget to record keeping to that most difficult of thingsexercising fiscal self-control.
Hopefully you have saved bills or receipts for the last several months. If your bills and i n c o m e are fairly stable, it would be good to make a budget for an entire year. With three to six m o n t h s of receipts a n d bills, you can create an average monthly a m o u n t to work with. O n c e you have a monthly average, you should determine your average monthly i n c o m e . W h e n you c o m p a r e your monthly i n c o m e with your average monthly e x p e n s e s , it may be a deeply disturbing experience for you. Do not let it get you d o w n . You c a n deal with it. If your e x p e n s e s exceed your i n c o m e , create an "ideal budget" on another p i e c e of paper, a n d try to t a m e t h e b e a s t to conform to t h e confines of your monthly i n c o m e . T h e objective is to r e d u c e your e x p e n s e s in o r d e r to be able to save m o r e e a c h m o n t h . W h e n you a r e working in an alternative career, t h e work is s o m e t i m e s s e a s o n a l a n d sporadic, so you n e e d to have as m u c h of a c u s h i o n as p o s s i b l e . You will probably be eligible to collect u n e m p l o y m e n t insurance during s o m e d o w n times ( c h e c k with your state's d e p a r t m e n t of labor), but that might not be e n o u g h to cover t h e lifestyle to w h i c h you have grown accustomed.
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Helpful Hints
If your i n c o m e is less than your e x p e n s e s , a good first step is to do an across-the-board 5-percent cut of all categories. This will (hopefully) be a relatively painless m e t h o d to save a few bucks. T h e less d r a c o n i a n your cost-cutting m e a s u r e s are, the m o r e likely you will be to stick with the program.
www.fpanet.org) has a
search feature that will help you find a financial planner in your area. You can search by zip code, address, or mile radius from your location. The site will give you the names and addresses of certified financial planners in your community.
This c a n be a terribly unpleasant task, a n d it is m o r e than a little overwhelming. We a r e often intimidated by the big picture. In such cases it is a good idea to compartmentalize. Look at each c o m p o n e n t of the whole enchilada while avoiding direct eye contact with its formidable totality. T h e r e a r e m a n y ways to r e d u c e e x p e n s e s without reducing your quality of life. Rent movies instead of buying them, or p e r u s e the previously viewed bins of your local Blockbuster. Do your own laundry instead of lazily dropping it off at t h e "wash-dry-fold" service, a n d do not wear (or p u r c h a s e ) clothes that require dry cleaning very often. Avoid "fine dining," a n d eat at h o m e m o r e . Little things like this c a n go a long way to reducing your e x p e n s e s a n d enabling you to save m o r e .
Budget Counselors
If this p r o c e d u r e is simply too difficult for you for whatever reason, you c a n hire t h e services of a budget advisor. There are plenty of t h e m out there. Just make s u r e you factor their fee into your budget. You will n e e d to bring all the above-mentioned documentation to the person's office if they do not make h o u s e calls. They a r e experienced at this business a n d are likely to offer suggestions and r e c o m m e n d a t i o n s that you might not o c c u r to you.
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The Quicken Financial Network (www.qfn.com) has online tools such as a savings calculator and debt reduction planner and a loan planner. Quicken also sells financial and tax preparation software. Check the hard drive of your computer. It may have c o m e preloaded with Quicken or another brand of financial software.
ALERT!
There are also software programs, like Quicken or Microsoft Money, that will make the p r o c e s s easier for you. Microsoft Money often c o m e s preloaded on a new c o m p u t e r that has the Windows operating system. It might be on your computer without your being aware of it. T h e r e are also plenty of Web sites that will help you, s o m e for free, others for a fee.
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a Web site. Word of m o u t h is a g o o d p l a c e to start. Ask a r o u n d a m o n g friends a n d coworkers. C h a n c e s a r e o n e or m o r e of t h e m have u s e d t h e services of a financial p l a n n e r at s o m e point. If it was a positive experience, you will have s o m e o n e to contact; if not, t h e n you have a n a m e to scratch off your list.
The free section of FinanCenter.com ( WWW. financer) ter. com) has a lengthy list of c o n s u m e r tools to help p e o p l e with b u d g e t i n g , e s t a t e planning, r e t i r e m e n t planning, taxes, a n d m a n y o t h e r a s p e c t s to secure a s o u n d financial future. In addition to t h e s e
F A C T
W h e n you have a list of several n a m e s , you should set about interviewing t h e m . C o m e to the appointment with any questions you have. During this getting-to-know-you session, you will d e t e r m i n e if you a n d your potential financial planner have t h e rapport n e e d e d to work togethernot necessarily a personal chemistry but rather a s h a r e d financial philosophy. If you are conservative with your money, you do not want to h o o k up with a maverick speculator. If you a r e willing to take risks, you do not want s o m e o n e w h o will talk you out of b o l d moves at every turn. You c a n c o n d u c t your initial interview on t h e p h o n e or in p e r s o n . In p e r s o n is usually t h e best. T h e r e is nothing like looking into the eyes of s o m e o n e w h o will be handling your m o n e y a n d getting a feel for their character. Also, this initial session should be a free consultation. A reputable financial consultant is confident e n o u g h that he or s h e will be able to sell their services to you. No payment should c h a n g e h a n d s until you d e c i d e that this is t h e p e r s o n for you. W h e n you have a c a n d i d a t e in mind, do not feel funny about running a b a c k g r o u n d c h e c k on t h e m . They s h o u l d provide verifiable references a n d be willing to s h o w you a d o c u m e n t called a Form ADV. This proves they are licensed to practice financial planning in your state. If the p l a n n e r is a lawyer, c h e c k t h e state b a r association; if he or s h e is a certified public accountant, you c a n consult the state accountancy board.
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Do not forget to c h e c k with the Better Business Bureau to s e e if your candidates have b e e n contacted about the financial planner's ethics.
Fees
T h e fees c h a r g e d by a financial p l a n n e r c a n range from $100 an h o u r to $300 to $700 for a c o m p r e h e n s i v e financial plan. You c a n d e c i d e if you w a n t a fee-only p l a n n e r or s o m e o n e w h o works on commissions. Advisors w h o work for c o m m i s s i o n may advise you to make investments in w h i c h they have a vested interest, making t h e s e c a n d i d a t e s less than objective. If that is a c o n c e r n to you, t h e n go with a fee-only financial planner.
If you file for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, this information will remain on your credit report for seven years. In t h e old days, you could n o t have a credit card during this period, b u t t h e r e are s o m e c o m p a n i e s w h o will issue cards within ninety days of a bankruptcy. Be prepared for loan-shark-style interest rates a n d no sympathy if you g e t in over your head again.
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If you make your p a y m e n t s on time, the c o m p a n i e s are likely to raise your credit limit, inspiring m o r e charging. If times get a little tough, you might find yourself putting things like the rent a n d other bills on your cards. Maybe you were starting your own small business a n d e n d e d up funding it with credit cards. Whatever the reason, it is a w i d e s p r e a d fact that many Americans are carrying a lot of debt. Statistics suggest that the average American family h a s $2,000 in savings a n d is saddled with $8,000 in debt. For m a n y this is not the c a s e , but for m a n y others the debt is a lot higher. O n c e mired in the m o r a s s of debt, you c a n get out of it in a couple of ways. You can go through a credit counseling service, which will work with your creditors to r e d u c e your high-interest rates a n d consolidate your bills into o n e monthly payment. Be aware that you will probably be paying this off for years to c o m e a n d it will affect your ability to get m o r e credit a n d other types of loans.
F A C T
There a r e m a n y c o m p a n i e s t h a t offer to help you w o r k with your creditors to r e d u c e your d e b t . S o m e c h a r g e a fee, o t h e r s are nonprofit, a n d m a n y are actually affiliated with t h e credit card c o m p a n i e s t h e m s e l v e s . It is a w a y for credit card c o m p a n i e s to m a k e sure t h a t t h e y g e t s o m e t h i n g back.
Another option is bankruptcy. As of this writing, this p r o c e s s is still easy a n d relatively painless. It is r e c o m m e n d e d that you get a bankruptcy lawyer to h a n d l e the c a s e . T h e s e services will cost a m i n i m u m of several h u n d r e d dollars, but you have the relative p i e c e of mind that it will be d o n e right. This will clean your slate of all debt, but of c o u r s e your credit rating will be d a m a g e d for several years. T h e best way to avoid the credit card trap is to not get bushwhacked in t h e first p l a c e . Do not have m o r e than two cards, a n d always pay m o r e than the m i n i m u m . At the first signs of trouble, cut your cards up a n d stop using them.
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Test Yourself
People in alternative careers, with uncertain a n d unsteady i n c o m e , are m o r e likely t h a n many to be tempted to run into credit problems. Here are a few questions you should honestly answer to d e t e r m i n e if you are on the road to credit card disaster: 1. You have plenty of credit card bills a n d next to nothing in your savings account. 2. You u s e o n e credit card to pay another. 3. You only make the minimum payment e a c h m o n t h . 4. You use credit c a r d s for things you used to buy with cash, s u c h as groceries. 5. You have m o r e t h a n two or three credit c a r d s . 6. W h e n you do pay your bill in full, you m a x or n e a r m a x the card out again in a short period of time. 7. Your balances always hover near the credit limit. 8. You've b e e n denied credit line increases, a n d new credit card offers have stopped. 9. You miss the occasional payment a n d s o m e t i m e s get collection calls. 10. You lie to your loved o n e s about the extent of your credit card debt. If you answered yes to o n e or m o r e of t h e s e , you should really do something about your credit card situation. If you answered yes to question 10, you are behaving not unlike an alcoholic, drug addict, or compulsive gambler. You are heading toward big p r o b l e m s if you don't own up to the p r o b l e m a n d deal with it.
ALERT!
More a n d m o r e people are digging themselves d e e p e r a n d d e e p e r in credit card d e b t . You should have no m o r e t h a n t w o credit cards a n d never allow t h e m to hover near t h e m a x e d - o u t level. Pay with cash m o s t of t h e time, a n d only use credit card on special occasions.
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o you need a financial boost to get your alternative career going, or to take it to the next level? Many corporations and foundations regularly dispense monetary grants to individuals, small businesses and other organizations. Millions of dollars are given away every year. Some of it might as well be thrown your way, right?
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You may need to go back to school to start your n e w career. Yahoo has a very thorough p a g e of financial aid links at http://dir.yahoo.com. Here you will find d o z e n s of organizations that b e s t o w all sorts of grants in very eclectic subjects and disciplines.
ALERT!
What is it you would like to do? Would you like a government grant to help your fledgling small business get up a n d running? T h e s e a n d h u n d r e d s m o r e foundations a n d institutions c a n be found on this site. You can do a detailed s e a r c h a n d find t h e o n e s that a r e a g o o d fit for what you have in mind. T h e individual Web sites of t h e s e organizations are listed, a n d you c a n go to t h e m a n d find out their particular requirements and rules. There are also online tutorials a n d information about products a n d services related to what is called "grantseeking." Another word for t h e foundations that offer funding is "grantmaker. " T h e d e e p e r you delve into t h e site, t h e m o r e you will e n c o u n t e r "premium a r e a s " that a r e not covered in your $9.95 trial m e m b e r s h i p . It is r e c o m m e n d e d that you fully explore what is available to you within t h e trial period before considering becoming a member. A s e a r c h of similar Web sites reveals that they all c h a r g e a fee. You have to s p e n d a little m o n e y in o r d e r to make s o m e . Welcome to the free-market economy.
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You do not have to pay for a list or special software to find funding opportunities from the federal government. Every division has a site, and most of them have grant-seeking listings, including the U.S. Justice Department's Office of Justice Programs (www.ojp.usdoj.gov),
(www.epa.gov).
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Company-sponsored foundations are s e p a r a t e legal entities that are c o n n e c t e d to the parent company, a n d t h e grants given a r e for things that reflect the c o m p a n y ' s mission statement. Corporate direct-giving programs are divisions within the company. While they do good, t h e c o m p a n y is also able to d e d u c t 10 p e r c e n t of its pretax i n c o m e for charitable contributions. T h e s e programs are m a n a g e d by the c o m p a n y ' s community relations or public relations d e p a r t m e n t s . Other than money, other kinds of corporate gift giving may be in e q u i p m e n t a n d services. Things s u c h as c o m p u t e r s a n d other office services are regularly given to qualified applicants.
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W h e n seeking funding from a foundation, find o n e that fits in with your plans. W h e n you apply to a corporation, reframe your proposal to show t h e m how they will benefit in s o m e way from your success.
RFPs
You will s e e the a c r o n y m "RFP" all over literature about grants a n d funding. The letters stand for "request for proposal." Sometimes governmental bodies or foundations will solicit proposals from qualified candidates. The RFP lists w h a t is wanted a n d how to apply. Not all foundations advertise RFPs. Many still prefer to be courted by the applicants. You can subscribe to a free e-mail called the "RFP Bulletin" at www.fdncenter.org.
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lump s u m from o n e s o u r c e , you could be getting regular gifts from a variety of sources.
ALERT!
Be aware that you should include the pertinent information in your proposal in the cover letter that accompanies it. Many foundations separate the cover letter from the application during the review process, and different pairs of eyes view each document. So unlike the cover letter that is sent with a resume, repetition in this kind of cover letter is not only encouraged, it is necessary.
T h e s e may have to be estimates, but you should provide s o m e round figures. And do not be too ambitiousan expansive budget may make even the most g e n e r o u s foundation a little skittish, especially if you are an u n k n o w n quantity.
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Elements of a Proposal
Your proposal should include s o m e certain standard elements. First, the executive s u m m a r y comprises the first p a g e of the proposal a n d is a brief outline of what is to c o m e . This is a very important element. You have to generate enough interest to get the p e r s o n to continue reading. Make s u r e you include these factors in your executive summary: The problem. This should be o n e or two paragraphs explaining why you are contacting the foundation or corporation. It details what you want to accomplish and why their support will make for a mutually beneficial relationship. The solution. This is a short description of what you will do, h o w and w h o will benefit from what you d o , how a n d w h e r e it will be run, a n d for how long. Funding. How m u c h it is going to cost. Expertise. Why you are best qualified to make things h a p p e n .
T h e next part of the proposal is often called the statement of need. Hopefully, the funder h a s b e e n sufficiently wowed by your introductory paragraphs. Now it is time to reel t h e m in further with a detailed description of your goals and plan to achieve them.
F A C T
And you think your p h o n e c o m p a n y d o e s n ' t have a heart! AT&T has a f o u n d a t i o n that a w a r d s g r a n t s in e d u c a t i o n , c o m m u n i t y service, a n d the arts. You can get further details from their Web site at www.att.com.
Like a trial lawyer addressing a jury, you n e e d to be persuasive yet succinct. T h e p e o p l e you are approaching are busy m e n a n d women, and any literary long-windedness won't help your cause. T h e statement of n e e d should include several key c o m p o n e n t s . You should be "loaded for bear" with facts a n d statistics. You had better make sure your data is up to date. If the funder finds flaws in your facts a n d figures, they are not going to trust you with their money.
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M a k i n g Your Case
Do not throw in everything but the kitchen sink to make your case. "Just the facts," as Sgt. J o e Friday m o r e than o n c e intoned. Avoid written histrionics. Do not try to sway your prospective benefactor with emotionalism. Show how your proposal is unique, a n d demonstrate why it should be considered over similar entreaties the funder may have received. Strike a delicate b a l a n c e h e r e . You must c o m e across as confident but not too cocky. Do not be critical of other people's efforts in an attempt to elevate yourself. This is b a d form, a n d it will backfire. Make your c a s e t h e way students in Journalism 101 courses are told to write a story. Tell the what, w h e r e , w h o , why, a n d how. Describe what will h a p p e n , in detail, from the beginning to the e n d of your project. Tell when all this will h a p p e n , that is, t h e estimated time frame. T h e why should explain the r e a s o n s that what you are planning is of value and why the funder should bestow a grant u p o n you a n d your cause.
The Budget
We live in a climate that is result oriented. This is true not only in t h e private sector but also in the world of grantmakers a n d grantseekers. Even philanthropists are interested in the commercial viability of a project. They want to be part of a s u c c e s s story, just like a shrewd investor or venture capitalist. In keeping with this n e w t o n e , you should p r e p a r e a thorough a n d realistic budgetthorough, but simple a n d succinct. It c a n be as short as o n e p a g e or m o r e c o m p l e x . You c a n state it in the b o d y of your proposal (in the section called the budget narrative) or include a spreadsheet. It is okay if t h e s e figures are estimates. If you are seeking funding for a project that will be a full-time o c c u p a t i o n for a period of time, part of your budget will be your living e x p e n s e s during the duration of your project. It gets m o r e complicated if you a r e working with a group of people, s o m e of w h o m expect a salary. If it is just you, it is easier. Be honest a n d equitable. Do not give yourself an exorbitant salary. Only politicians
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can liberally give themselves g e n e r o u s salaries a n d pay raises with impunity and no accountability. You s h o u l d u s e your concluding paragraphs to reinforce your c a s e . Write about t h e future as if t h e gift h a s b e e n bestowed a n d your plans enacted. You might also write about h o w you would attempt to follow through with your plans even without funding. This will s h o w your potential d o n o r that you a r e d e t e r m i n e d to achieve your goals a n d will not be d i s s u a d e d by rejection. A d e t e r m i n e d person inspires confidence, a n d everyone wants to invest in s u c c e s s .
If you w a n t a grant to do s o m e scholarly research, o n e of the many places you can approach is the Getty Foundation (www.getty.edu). They have recently b e s t o w e d $ 4 0 , 0 0 0 grants for scholars to research such off-the-beaten-track topics as
F A C T
"Temple to Love: Architecture and Devotion in SeventeenthCentury Bengal," "Constructing t h e Cold War: Architecture, Urbanism, and the Cultural Division of Germany," and "Queen as King: Art and Political Propaganda in Twelfth-Century Spain."
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1. Request for the grant. Why you are contacting the funder a n d what do you need. 2. Why t h e r e is a n e e d for w h a t you are seeking? 3. What you will be doing to achieve your e n d s . 4. Provide a brief description of yourself a n d / o r your business of organization. 5. Submit a brief budget. 6. Make a c o n v i n c i n g closing s t a t e m e n t as to w h y t h e grant or gift will be a d v a n t a g e o u s to t h e potential funder. Be compelling, but not pushy. In every grant p r o p o s a l , you s h o u l d be s u r e to be realistic a n d practical. T h e loftier the objective t h e m o r e skeptical t h e potential funder may b e . He or s h e h a s m o s t likely m a d e an u n w i s e decision or two a l o n g t h e way. Again, though they are altruistic, they a l s o do not w a n t to feel like they a r e wasting their money. In particular, even in a s h o r t p r o p o s a l , be as specific as possible w h e n stating your objectives. T h e competition is fierce. Say what you will d o , h o w long it will take, h o w it will be d o n e , a n d w h a t you h o p e will be t h e results. You will be submitting a final report to t h e benefactor a n d if you have not delivered t h e g o o d s , so to s p e a k , you c a n forget about a p p r o a c h i n g that corporation or foundation again. A final n o t e on t h e s h o r t formgive as m u c h t h o u g h t a n d effort to it as you would a m o r e detailed p r o p o s a l . It is s o m e t i m e s m o r e difficult to c o n d e n s e a wealth of information t h a n it is to write at length. Your letter p r o p o s a l may therefore be m o r e challenging to c o m p o s e than a full request.
Presenting a Proposal
Multiple submissions are acceptable. You are not expected to contact o n e s o u r c e a n d wait patiently for a r e s p o n s e , w h i c h could take m o n t h s or years. Funders expect you to be aggressively seeking funding from a variety of s o u r c e s . If they ask you t h e n a m e s of other contacts, you should be forthcoming with that information.
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As mentioned, the time from submitting a proposal to hearing back from t h e m could be weeks or m o n t h s or longer. T h e potential funder may contact you for additional information before reaching a final decision. This is called the review p r o c e s s . Be p r e p a r e d to play this waiting g a m e a n d try not to s u c c u m b to frustration a n d anxiety.
Another place you can look for information on funding and running your business is the Small Business Administration (at www.sba.gov). They do not generally give grants to small businesses (only to organizations that support small businesses), but they do have a loan program.
If you are lucky e n o u g h to receive a grant, be sure to s e n d a thankyou note. If you are turned down, do not despair. T h e r e will be other organizations w h o will be interested in helping you, a n d it d o e s not m e a n that the funder w h o turned you d o w n h a s shut the d o o r on you forever. Contact the funder, a n d ask why your proposal was rejected. Perhaps you can a m e n d the d o c u m e n t to make a better c a s e for yourself. Also, keep t h e m in your d a t a b a s e a n d do not hesitate to contact t h e m at a later date with another proposal. Just b e c a u s e they do not like o n e idea d o e s not m e a n they will reject a n o t h e r out of h a n d . You must not take s u c h things personally, but instead s e e it as just o n e small b u m p on the road to your new career.
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Appendix A
he following Web resources on ca reer, finances, and business may be helpful to you, no matter what particular type of alternative career you're pursuing. Appendix contains resources appro priate to the specific careers discussed in this book.
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FinanCenter.com www.financenter. com T h e free section of this site h a s tools to help with budgeting, estate planning, retirement planning, taxes, grant applications, and more. Fundsnet Services www.fundsnetservices.com A p a g e of links a n d other information on grants in the arts, education, and m o r e . The Health Insurance Resource Center www.healthinsurance. org A site with information on health insurance designed for the selfemployed, individuals, or small businesses. Kiplinger www.kiplinger. com The site of this financial organization has financial news a n d investment tips a n d advice. The Motley Fool www.fool.com A site with advice on many elements of financial planning, including investing, insurance, IRAs, a n d other retirement plans. The National Association for the Self-Employed www.nase.org A resource for owners of small businesses; m e m b e r s h i p benefits include discounted health a n d dental care, financial advice, and more. The National Financial Planning Support Center www.fpanet.org This site h a s an advanced search feature to help find a financial p l a n n e r in your area.
APPENDIX
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Nolo www.nolo.com T h e site of this legal publisher h a s m u c h free legal information, including resources for independent contractors and entrepreneurs. Personal Budgeting and Money-Saving Tips www.personol-budget-planning-saving-money. com A site with advice on planning a budget, record keeping, a n d saving money. The Quicken Financial Network www.qfn.com A site with online tools like a savings calculator and debt-reduction planner. The Small Business Administration www.sba.gov This site h a s information on obtaining a grant or a loan from this government agency.
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Appendix B
Resources by Field
he following resources (many of which also appear in various chapters of this book) are divided into the following career categories: arts and media; circus; home-based; law enforcement; outdoors; personal coaching; service, volunteer, and political; and travel and international.
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Models.com www.models.com An excellent resource on the modeling business with listings of top agencies, photographers, make-up artists, a n d more. Novelists, Inc. www.nine.com A m e m b e r s h i p site for fiction writers, with a free trial period available. PlusModels www.plusmodels.com A site with advice for large a n d lovely w o m e n on how to get started in the modeling business, plus health a n d beauty tips, a n d a discussion board. The Screen Actor's Guild (SAG) www.sag.org T h e union for actors w h o work in movies a n d television. TriggerStreet.com www. triggerstreet. com Actor Kevin Spacey's Web site w h e r e the work of aspiring screenwriters c a n be s e e n and critiqued by industry professionals and fellow writers. Variety www.variety.com The newspaper known as t h e show-business Bible has a very helpful Web site, with many elements available to subscribers only. WritersMarket.com www.writersmarket.com The online p r e s e n c e of the popular publishing resource.
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Circus Careers
Circus Web www.circusweb.com Information on the history of circuses a n d circus life, with links to current circuses. The Clown Resource Directory www. clownville. org Links to clown classes, c a m p s , events, workshops, and more. Ludwig's Flying Trapeze Resource Page www.damnhot.com A Web site with links to trapeze s c h o o l s in the United States a n d a r o u n d the world, job listings, a n d m o r e . Mooseburger Camp www.mooseburger.com The Web site of a leading clown school. Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus www. ringling. com Background on this most famous circus a n d information on upcoming tours. 3 Ring News Clowning Around Clown Alley Tops and Calliope Four leading trade publications for clowns and circus performers. Trapeze School of New York www. trapezeschool. com Trapeze Arts (San Francisco) www. trapezearts. com T h e Web sites of two leading trapeze schools.
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Home-Based Careers
Busy Kids www. busy-kids.com A site with the individual state regulations for opening a day-care center. Council for Professional Recognition www. cdacouncil. org Information on the eligibility requirements a n d a description of t h e Child Development Associate credential. The Humane Society of the United States www.hsus.org Resources and job information on animal c a r e a n d control, a n d the animal shelter and control personnel training program. International Nanny Association www. nanny. org Information on b e c o m i n g a nanny. National Animal Control Association www. nacanet. org Career information for animal control officers at all levels. National Childcare Association www. nccanet. org Information on the eligibility requirements for the Certified Childcare Professional designation. National Dog Groomers Association of America P.O. Box 101 Clark, PA 16113 www. nationaldoggroomers. com You c a n get a list of state-licensed grooming schools by sending t h e m a stamped, self-addressed, business-size envelope.
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PayPal www.paypal.com A c o m m o n m e t h o d of payment for Internet transactions s u c h as buying a n d selling on eBay. Pet Sitting.biz www. dog-walking.com/dog-walkers.html Information on how to start a pet sitting or walking business. Telecommuting Jobs www. tjobs. com An Internet service that c o n n e c t s telecommuters with employers, including a resume-posting feature. TutorNation www. tutornation. com A site that helps parents find tutors for their children a n d helps tutors find work; it c h a r g e s a $45 lifetime m e m b e r s h i p fee for tutors a n d it is free for t h o s e looking for tutors. Yard Sale Search www.yardsalesearch.com A site with n u m e r o u s tips for holding your own yard sale and finding bargains at other people's.
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Outdoors Careers
The All-Outdoors Whitewater Rafting Company www. aorafting. com A rafting-school Web site that tells what a typical school will teach you. Backdoor Jobs www. backdoorjobs. com Information on job opportunities in c a m p s , rafting, a n d even overseas. CoolWorks www. coolworks. com A resource for jobs in c a m p s , national parks, r a n c h e s , ski resorts, a n d a m u s e m e n t parks. Destination Wilderness www. wildernesstrips. com A c o m p a n y that runs rafting trips, w h a l e watches, and other outdoor adventures. National Ski Patrol www.nsp.org The Colorado-based headquarters of the national organization for ski patrol members. The Outdoor Network www. outdoornetwork. com Job listings a n d news for many outdoor industries, a n d an opportunity to post your r e s u m e for employers. Sail Training www.sailtraining.org The "Billet Bank" link of this Web site h a s sailing job opportunities.
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U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) www.usajobs.opm.gov A comprehensive listing of available government positions in hundreds of fields, including park ranger postings.
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The Center for Intercultural Training www. cit-online. org A site with information for n e w missionaries to help t h e m adjust to working abroad. The Corporation for National and Community Service www. nationalservice. org Listings of community-service job postings that include both paying positions and internships. Cross Cultural Solutions www. crossculturalsolutions. org An organization that operates volunteer programs in Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Peru, Russia, Tanzania, a n d Thailand. Harvard University's Office of Career Services www. ocs. fas. harvard, edu/resources/'government/govtweb. htm A list of resources for politics and political careers. "I-to-I" www. i-to-i. com An organization that s e n d s volunteers abroad on I-Ventures, MiniVentures, and Earning-Ventures last of t h e s e are paying jobs working overseas. Girl's Pipeline to Power www.girlspipeline. org A site for young w o m e n to learn about politics a n d b e c o m e involved themselves. Greenpeace www.greenpeace. org T h e main site for the international environmental organization.
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Habitat for Humanity www. habitat, org T h e site for this house-building organization, with listings of local offices. MisLinks www. mislinks. org A basic resource for all elements of missionary work. Peace Corps www.peacecorps.gov The main site for the U.S.-government-sponsored volunteer program. Peace Corps Writers www.peacecorpswriters.org A site with the writings of returned Peace Corps volunteers describing their experiences and the countries they lived in. The Politix Group www.politixgroup. com Job resources for careers in politics. Save the Children www.savethechildren.org Information about the history of the organization, how to s p o n s o r a child for only $28 a m o n t h , a n d volunteer and employment opportunities. Sending Experienced Retired Volunteers Everywhere (SERVE) www.serve-inti.org An organization for t h o s e w h o would like to u s e their experiences in life a n d work helping others.
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United States Congress www. congress, org This official Web site of the United States Congress will provide information on your elected representatives.
com
The International Au Pair Association www.iapa.org This site provides placement information for au pairs in Europe. The Bombard Society www.bombardsociety. com/jobs Information on ground crew a n d other positions with this European balloon tour operator.
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Carnival Cruise Lines www. carnival com Information on available jobs with this popular cruise line. Club Med www.clubmedjobs. com Job listings for this worldwide resort operator. Council on International Education www.cie.uci.edu/iop/teaching, html Resources for finding teaching opportunities in many countries, such as Japan and Thailand. EFLWEB www. u-net. com/eflWeb Information on job opportunities for English language teachers, with a TravelZone for information on the culture of many countries. The Japanese Exchange and Teaching (JET) www.jetprogramme. org A program for Westerners to help J a p a n e s e teachers with English instruction at the junior high a n d high school levels. Linguistic Funland www. linguistic-funland. com Links to job postings for ESL teaching positions worldwide, offering the opportunity to post your r e s u m e to be viewed by interested schools. The Norwegian Cruise Lines www.ncl.com Job listings in a variety of fields for this major cruise line.
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BY
FIELD
Overseas Jobs www.overseasjobs. com Valuable information on overseas employment, including job postings a n d a free e-mail newsletter you c a n sign up for. Princess Cruise Lines www. princess.com Job listings from a major cruise-ship company. Projects Abroad www.projects-abroad.org Information on opportunities for teaching abroad, journalism, veterinary work, conservation, archeology, a n d m o r e in countries around the world. Roadie.net www.roadie.net A fun resource for all roadies, including a list of American a n d British roadie slang. TeachAbroad.com www.teachabroad. com Information on teaching a n d studying abroad, internships, language schools, and more. Tramp News www.payaway.co.uk/trampnews.shtml An online journal on t h e Working Traveler Web site that is an excellent source for information a n d personal accounts of seasonal and temporary workers across Europe. University of Michigan International Center www.umich.edu/~icenter Information a n d links about working and teaching abroad.
279
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U.S. State Department Passport Services www. travel.state. gov Information on how a n d w h e r e to obtain a passport. You c a n find forms for passports at this site, or you can call the National Passport Information Center at 1-900-225-5674. This site also provides information on expedited services. The World Health Organization www.who.int Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov Two s o u r c e s for information on vaccinations you n e e d to visit various countries abroad.
280
Index
3 Ring News, 132, 270 Alliances Abroad, 20 A.M. Best, 237 Amadeus, 68 Amazon Marketplace, 177 Amazon.com, 93, 177 American Academy of Advertising, 86 American Boarding Kennels Association (ABKA), 157 American Buffalo, 75 American Detectives, 195 American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), 78 American Guild of Musical Artists, Inc., 79 American Heritage Dictionary, 84 American Passport Express, 29, 277 American Red Cross, 226 AmeriCorps grants, 226 projects, 226 purpose of, 225-26 requirements for, 226 Web site, 274 AmeriCorps VISTA, 226 AmeriCorps*NCCC, 226 Amnesty International inspiration for, 224 opportunities with, 223 purpose of, 223-24 Web site, 222, 274 An American Abroad, 277 animal handlers, 135-36 Arthur Murray, 63 Artist Help Network, 104 artists artistic expression, 99-100 business plan, 101 craftsmaking, 105-9 gallery showings, 103-4 market research, 102-3 marketplace, 102 online galleries, 104 portfolios, 102 press releases, 102 programs for, 104-5 sales, 101 self-promotion, 100-104 studios, 103-4 Web presence, 102, 104 see also craftsmaking Arts & Crafts Online Business Resources, 107 Ask A Missionary, 217, 274 Associated Press Stylebook and Briefing on Media Law, The, 84 Association of American Publishers, 86 Astaire, Fred, 59, 63 Au Pair in Europe, 277 Au Pair Search, 277 au pairs, 17 auctions online, 172-76 auditions for actors, 69, 71, 75 , 77, 80 for dancers, 60-61 auto shippers, 147-49
A
A Chorus Line, 58 Abraham, F. Murray, 68 acting agents, 71-73 , 76-77, 80 alternative opportunities, 67, 70-73, 79-80 auditions, 69, 71, 75 , 77, 80 in community theaters, 79-80 exercises for, 70 experience in, 73 head shots, 73-74 incomes, 79 in movies, 70, 72, 78 persistence in, 77 presentations, 73-77 requirements for, 70 resources for, 268, 269 resumes, 74-75, 77 schools for, 68-69, 77 in television, 70, 72, 78 unions, 71, 72 , 76-79 Actor's Equity, 77, 79, 268 Administration for Children and Families, 226 Agent Research, 268 agents for actors, 71-73 , 76-77, 80 for models, 72, 117-20 for writers, 83, 88, 93-94, 268 All Criminal Justice Schools, 196, 272 All-Outdoors Whitewater Rafting, 273 All That Jazz, 59
Backdoor Jobs, 273 backpacking tours, 16-17 Backstage, 66, 72, 73, 268 Baen Books, 93 ballet troupes, 59 , 61, 62 , 79. See also dancing
281
THE
EVERYTHING
ALTERNATIVE
CAREERS
BOOK
ballooning guide, x, 15-16 bankruptcy, 247, 248 Banks, Tyra, 112, 113 Barr, Nevada, 43 BBB Online, 180-81 Ben Franklin's, 107 Benenson, Peter, 223 Better Business Bureau, 247 Better Business Bureau Online, 180-81 Beyonce, 58 blue-collar workers, 2 body-double models, x, 124-25 Bombard Society, 277 Boys Club, 226 brainstorming, 5 Brando, Marlon, 68 Broadway musicals, 58-59 Broadway plays, 71, 79, 80 budgets counselors, 244-45 importance of, 240-41 planning, 242-43 tips for, 243 , 244 Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, 198 Buscemi, Steve, 68 business world, xii, 2 BusinessWeek, 91 Busy Kids, 153, 271
C
Caesar, Julius, 128 California River Rafting, 46 camp counselors, 51-53 Campbell, Joseph, 8 CampChannel.com, 51 Capone, Al, 196 careers changing, 1, 6-7 crazy careers, x enjoying, xii
quiz on, 6-7 stability of, xi Carrey, Jim, 131 Carter, Jimmy, 213 catalog models, 113-14 Center for Intercultural Training, 216, 275 Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 34, 280 Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), 200, 201-2 Certified Childcare Professional, 155 Chandler, Raymond, 195 character models, 115 Chicago Manual of Style, The, 84 Chippendales, 66 Christmas Tree Shops, 107 circus jobs animal handlers, 135-36 clowns, x, 130-32 jobs in, 127-29 lifestyle, 128-30 resources for, 128, 132 , 270 schools for performers, 130, 132, 133, 134, 135 trapeze artists, x, 133-35, 270 CircusWeb, 128, 270 civil service jobs, xi, 3 cleaning services, 162-63 clerical jobs, 2 Clown Alley, 132 , 270 Clown College, 131 Clown Resource Directory, 131, 270 Clowning Around, 132, 270 clowns, x, 130-32. See also circus jobs Clowns of America International, 131 Club Med, 14, 278 Coach Training Alliance, 187, 274 Coach U, 191, 192, 274 coaches. See personal coaching Coaches Training Institute (CTI), 191, 192 Coachville.com, 191 Collins, Jackie, 88
commercial agents, 72 commercial modeling, 115-16 commercials, 60, 68, 70, 71, 72 community service, 225-27 community theaters, 79-80 computer services, 178. See also Internet opportunities con artists, 119-20, 123, 125, 179-80 Consumer Reports, 166, 168 CoolWorks.com, 273 corporate investigators, 196 corporate models, 116 Corporation for National and Community Service, 227, 275 Council for Professional Recognition, 156, 271 Council on International Education, 278 couples, working, 2 couriers, 141-42 craftsmaking businesses, x, 105-6 copyrights, 108-9 costs, 105-6, 108 courses in, 105 income from, 108 marketing techniques, 107 pricing, 108 quality assurance, 109 resources for, 107, 108 sales in, 106-7 shows, 106-7 Web presence, 107 Crawford, Cindy, 112 creative thinking, 5 credit cards, 247-49 criminal justice careers, 193-204. See also law enforcement careers criminal justice courses, 199 Cross Cultural Solutions, 206, 275 cruise ship jobs, 14-15, 61-62 , 65, 144-46, 278-79 cultural differences, 12-13, 25, 35, 37-38, 207-8, 216
282
INDEX
D
da Vinci, Leonardo, 102 Daily Variety, 73 Dance Vision, 63 DanceUSA.org, 268 dancing auditions, 60-61 ballet, 59, 61, 62 , 79 dance companies, 61, 79 instructors, 61-63 in movies, 58-59 resources for, 268 schools for, 60, 61, 62, 63 on stage, 58-62 styles of, 62, 63 on television, 61 workouts, 59-62 day-care center, 152-56, 271 De Niro, Robert, 68 dealer pickups (DPUs), 148 dental insurance coverage, 234-35 Destination Wilderness, 273 detectives. See private detectives dinner theaters, 61, 80 diseases abroad, 31-35 dissatisfaction, xi, 3 diversity, 12-13 Do What You Love and the Money Will Follow, 8 dog-walking services, 158-60 dot-coms, 3-5 drama school, 68-69 drivers, 147-49 Drop Dead Gorgeous, 118 DuBois, Blanche, 75
economy, 3-5 ECO.org, 222 EFLWEB.com, 21, 278 Elements of Style, The, 83 Elite Model Agency, 122 employee benefits, 5 employee loyalty, 5 employers, 5, 6 English, teaching, 19-22 environmental causes community service, 225-27 Greenpeace, 220-22 internships, 222-23 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 222, 254 exchange programs, 23 expendability, 6 expenses, 242-43. See also budgets
F
Farley, Chris, 66 fashion models, 112-17 FBI Academy, 203 fears, conquering, 6-8 Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), 200, 202-3 federal law enforcement jobs, 200-204 Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway, 8 Feld, Irvin, 131 fiction writing, 87-89. See also writing film schools, 77 films, 70, 71, 77. See also movies Final Draft, 89 FinanCenter.com, 246 , 264 financial assistance. See financial planning; grants financial investigators, 196 financial planning budgets, 241-45 credit cards, 247-49
hard times, 250 importance of, 239-41 retirement plans, 164, 240 tips for, 243 , 244 , 245 working with planners, 245-47 Financial Planning Association, 244 FindYourCoach.com, 186, 274 fitness models, 115 Flashdance, 62 food service management, 13 Ford, Harrison, 79 Ford Model Agency, 122 foreign language skills, 15-16, 19-20, 37-38 Fosse, Bob, 59 Foundation Center Online, 253 franchised agents, 72, 76 Fred Astaire, 63 freelance writing, 90-92. See also writing FreelanceWriting.com, 268 fruit picking, 16-17 fulfillment, xii, 8, 9 full-service agents, 72 Fuller, Millard, 215 funding from foundations, 254-55, 259 grant writing, 255-60 need for, 253 RFPs, 255 sources for, 251-53 Fundsnet Services, 264 future plans, xii, 6
6
G-Men, 200-204 garage sales, 176 Getty Foundation, 259 ghostwriters, 95-96. See also writing Girls Club, 226 Girl's Pipeline to Power, 275 global community, 12-13
E
e-commerce, 4, 165-66 e-mail spams, 179-80 Earning-Ventures, 207, 275 eBay, 172-76
283
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EVERYTHING
ALTERNATIVE
CAREERS
BOOK
Global School of Investigation, 198 Global Village and Discovery Centre, 215 government bureaucracy, 3 grant writing budget for grant, 258-59 conclusion of, 259 cover letter, 256 elements of, 257-59 preparing proposal, 255-60 presenting proposal, 260-61 short form, 259-60 statement of need, 257-58 see also grants grants from foundations, 254-55, 259 grant writing, 255-60 presenting proposal, 260-61 purpose of, 253 RFPs, 255 sources for, 251-53 Grease, 80 Greenpeace location of, 221 positions with, 222 purpose of, 220-21 Web site, 221, 275 working for, x, 221-22 groomers, 157, 158
H
Habitat for Humanity grants for, 226 involvement in, 214 locations of, 214 purpose of, 213-14 theme park, 215 Web site, 275, 276 Hamlet, 75 happiness, xii, 8, 9. See also fulfillment; satisfaction hard times, 250
Hardy, Thomas, 89 Harvard University's Office of Career Services, 275 health insurance coverage coinsurance, 232 deductibles, 232 HMOs, 233 PPOs, 233-34 researching, 231-33 types of, 231-32 while traveling abroad, 31 Health Insurance Resource Center, 264 healthful living, 230 HealthMetrix Research, 234 Hedonism, 14 helping others AmeriCorps, 225-26 Amnesty International, 223-24 community service, 225-27 environmental causes, 220-23 Greenpeace, 220-22 Habitat for Humanity, 213-15 missionary work, 23, 215-18 Peace Corps, 206-13 politics, 227-28 resources for, 274-77 Save the Children, 224-25 Hemingway, Ernest, 82, 88 Herbert Berghof Studio, 69 Hobbes, Thomas, 6 Hobby Lobby, 107 home-based careers advantages of, 151-52 cleaning services, 162-63 day-care center, 152-56 , 271 legal matters, 163-64 office space, 163-64, 169-70 personal companions, 160-61 pet-care careers, 156-60 resources for, 271-72 scam artists, 179-80 tax information, 163-64, 171-72 telecommuting, 168-72 , 272 tutoring, 161-62 home care aides, 160-61
home cleaning services, 162-63 hospitality college, 13 hot-air balloon business, x, 15-16 hotel detectives, 196 hotel management, 13 Humane Society of America, 136 Humane Society of the United States, 157, 271
I
I-to-I, 207, 275 I-Ventures, 207, 275 Iceman Cometh, The, 80 independent contractors, 5, 170-72 independent films, 70, 77. See also movies individual retirement account (IRA), 164, 240 industrial films, 71 Inside the Actor's Studio, 68 insurance coverage dental insurance, 234-35 health insurance, 231-34 liability insurance, 237-38 life insurance, 235-36 while traveling abroad, 31 interactive theater, 80 Internal Revenue Service (IRS), 163-64, 171 International Association of Air Travel Couriers, 142 International Au Pair Association, 277 International Center, 22, 279 International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, 39 International Nanny Association, 271 Internet connections, 167-68 Internet job searches jobs abroad, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 outdoor jobs, 42, 44, 47, 51 variety of jobs, 18 writing jobs, 84, 92
284
INDEX
Internet opportunities auctions, 172-76 computer equipment, 166-67 computer services, 178 connection speeds, 167-68 e-commerce, 4, 165-66 incomes from, 173-77 independent contractors, 170-72 office space, 169-70 scam artists, 179-80 selling products, 174-77 tax information, 163-64, 171-72 telecommuting, 168-72, 272 Internet service providers (ISPs), 167-68 investing, 240 Irish passport, 29
J
Japanese Exchange and Teaching Program, 23, 278 job dissatisfaction, xi, 3 job loyalty, xii, 2, 5 job satisfaction, xii, 8, 9 job stability, xi jobs abroad alternative lifestyles, 39 backpacking tours, 16-17 benefits of, 11 cruise ships, 14-15, 61-62, 65, 144-46, 278-79 cultural differences, 12-13, 25 , 35, 37-38, 207-8, 216 diseases, 31-35 dual citizenship, 29 and English, 19-23 first-aid kits, 31 food concerns, 33 fruit picking, 16-17 hot-air balloon business, 15-16 insurance coverage, 31 language skills, 15-16, 19-20, 37-38
locating, 13-17 medical issues, 30-31 packing for, 31 passport for, 26-29 preparation for, 25-40 resources for, 277-79 safety concerns, 39-40 teaching, 18-23, 279 tourism, 13-14 types of, 13-23 vaccinations, 30-31, 34 water concerns, 31-32 women abroad, 35, 38-39 John Casablancas Modeling and Career Center, 121 Johnson & Wales University, 13 journalism, 83-87, 90-92. See also writing JournalismJobs.com, 268 just causes, 219-28. See also helping others
liability insurance coverage, 237-38 Library of Congress, 109 life changes, 7-8 life insurance coverage, 235-36 Life-Line.org, 236 Linguistic Funland, 278 Lipton, James, 68 Literacy Evangelism, 218 literary agents. See agents Literary Market Place (IMP), 94, 268 Little House on the Prairie, 70 Little, Rich, 70 local theaters, 79-80 loss prevention agents, 196 loyalty, xii, 2, 5 Ludwig's Flying Trapeze Resource Page, 134, 270
M
Macbeth, 74 MacLaine, Shirley, 59 Mad Magazine, 91 magazine writing, 90-92. See also journalism; writing Mamet, David, 75 Martin, Steve, 90 master of fine arts (MFA), 62, 69 medical benefits, 5, 172, 229 medical issues, 30-31 medieval interests, 15 Mekka, Eddie, 80 Melville, Herman, 53 merchant mariner's document (MMD), 54-55 Merriam-Webster's Manual for Writers and Editors, 84 Microsoft Manual of Style for Technical Publications, The, 84 Microsoft Money, 245 Mini-Ventures, 207, 275 MisLinks, 216, 276
Keane, Edmund, 131 Kelly, Gene, 59 Kelly, Grace, 133 Kennedy, John E, 95, 206 kennel workers, 157 Kiplinger financial organization, 242, 264
L
L. L. Bean, 115 Las Vegas showgirls, 64-65 Laverne and Shirley, 80 law enforcement careers, 193-204, 272 legal investigators, 195-96 legitimate agents, 72 Lesko, Matthew, 252
285
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missionary work age requirements, 217-18 opportunities, 23, 216-17 purpose of, 215-16 Web presence, 217 MLA Style Manual, The, 84 Model Look of the Year, 122 modeling agencies, 72, 117-22 alternative opportunities, 124-25 beauty contests, 117, 118-19, 122 body-double models, x, 124-25 career path, 120-23 catalog models, 113-14 cattle calls, 120-21 character models, 115 commercial modeling, 115-16 composites, 120-21 corporate models, 116 fashion test, 120 fitness models, 115 glamour modeling, 116-17 head shots, 120 high-fashion models, 112-13 incomes from, 112, 113 lifestyle models, 115 mature models, 114-15 photographs, 120-21 portfolios, 120 product models, 115-16 promotional models, 114 requirements for, 112-14, 124 resources for, 113, 117, 123, 125, 269 resumes, 121 runway models, 113 scam artists, 119-20, 123, 125 schools for, 117-18, 121 self-promotion, 121-23 supermodels, 112-13 Web presence, 122-23 zed cards, 121-22 Models.com, 269 money management. See budgets; financial planning
Monster.com, 18 Mooseburger Camp, 130, 270 Motley Fool, 240, 264 Mountain Workshop, 42 movies acting in, 70, 72, 78 dancing in, 58-59 murder mystery theater, 80 Murray, Arthur, 63 music videos, 61 musicals, 58-60, 79
Newhart, Bob, 68 newspaper writing, 83-84 , 86-87, 91. See also journalism; writing Nicholson, Jack, 79 nightclubs, 61, 72 Nolo.com, 171, 265 Norwegian Cruise Lines, 146, 278 novel writing, 87-89. See also writing Novelists, Inc., 86, 269
N
National Animal Control Association, 160, 271 National Association for Home Care, 161 National Association for the SelfEmployed, 238, 264 National Association of Broadcasters, 85 National Association of Legal Investigators, 199 National Childcare Association, 155, 271 National Dance Council of America, 63 National Dance Teachers Association, 63 National Dog Groomers Association of America, 158, 271 National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), 104-5 National Financial Planning Support Center, 264 national parks, 42-43 National Passport Information Center, 27 National Review, 91 National Ski Patrol (NSP), 50-51, 273 neighborhood service, 225-27 "new economy" businesses, 3-5 obstacles, 9 off-Broadway plays, 71, 79, 80 Office of Justice Programs, 254 Office of Special Services (OSS), 201 office space, 163-64, 169-70 Official American Ski Technique, 48 on-the-road jobs, 137-49. See also travel jobs O'Neill, Eugene, 80 online auctions, 172-76 opera companies, 60, 61, 79 opportunity, embracing, 7-8 outdoor jobs camp counselors, 51-53 park ranger, 42-44 resources for, 273-74 river guide, 44-47 sailing instructor, 53-55 ski instructors, 47-49 Outdoor Network, 47, 273 overseas jobs, 11-23, 277-79. See also jobs abroad Oxford Fowler's Modern English Usage Dictionary, 84
P
Packing.org, 197 park ranger, 42-44
286
INDEX
passports applications for, 26-29 expiration of, 29 photos, 27-28 renewals, 28 Web site, 280 Pathmark, 71 PayPal.com, 173, 272 Peace Corps age requirements, 212-13 agricultural volunteers, 211 business volunteers, 210 community service volunteers, 211 construction volunteers, 212 couples in, 213 education volunteers, 209 engineering volunteers, 211 environmental volunteers, 210-11 experiences in, 208 health volunteers, 211 information technology volunteers, 212 joining, 206-8 opportunities, x, 23, 208-9 purpose of, 206 requirements for, 212-13 risks, 207 training period, 207-8 Web site, 276 people skills, 46 Personal Budgeting and Money Saving Tips, 243, 265 personal coaching certification, 184, 191-92 duties, 184-85 income from, 186 opportunities for, x, 184-86 philosophies, 192 popularity of, 185-86 resources for, 274 sessions, 186, 189-91 skills for, 183-84, 186-89 starting out, 187-88 training for, 191-92 personal companions, 160-61
personal fulfillment, xii pet-care careers, 156-60 pet day-care centers, 159 pet sitting, 158-60 PetSitting.biz, 159, 272 Pfeiffer, Michelle, 117 photographers, hiring, 73-74, 120 "pink collar" jobs, 2 PlusModels, 269 politics, 227-28, 275 Politix Group, 228, 276 Popular Mechanics, 91 Power of Myth, The, 8 prejudice, 12 present moments, xii, 6 Princess Cruise Lines, 144, 279 Princeton University, 36 private detectives certification, 198, 199 courses for, 196, 199 duties of, 194-97 experience for, 197-98 licensing, 198-99 requirements for, 197-98 self-protection, 197 skills for, x, 198-99 training for, 196, 197 types of, 195-96 Private Investigator Training School, 194 product models, 115-16 professional fulfillment, xii, 8, 9 Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA), 48 Profiles in Courage, 95 Projects Abroad, 279 proofreaders, 95, 96-97 Public Relations Society of America, 86 pyramid schemes, 180
Q
Quicken Financial Network, 245, 265 quiz on changing careers, 6-7
R
radio, 70 , 72 , 84 Radio and Television Correspondents Association, 86 rafting schools, 44-47 replaceability, 6 resources, 263-80 retirement plans, 164, 240 Return of the Native, The, 89 RFPs (request for proposals), 255 Rickey, Branch, 8 Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus, 131, 136, 270 river guide, 44-47 road rats, x, 147-49 roadies, 140-41, 279 Rockford Files, The, 194, 199 Ross Reports, 73
S
Sail Training, 273 sailing instructor, 53-55 sailing jobs, 53-55 satisfaction, xii, 8, 9 Saturday Night Fever, 58 Save the Children purpose of, 224-25 Web site, 225, 276 savings, 242. See also budgets scam artists, 119-20, 123, 125, 179-80 Screen Actor's Guild (SAG), 77-79, 269 screenwriting, 89-90. See also writing
287
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ALTERNATIVE
CAREERS
BOOK
self-employment advantages of, 151-52 cleaning services, 162-63 day-care center, 152-56, 271 health insurance coverage, 31, 231-34 independent contractors, 170-72 insurance coverage, 229-38 legal matters, 163-64 office space, 163-64, 169-70 personal companions, 160-61 pet-care careers, 156-60 resources for, 271-72 scam artists, 179-80 tax information, 163-64, 171-72 tutoring, 161-62 SERVE, 276 Shakespeare, 74, 75 Shaw, George Bernard, 217 showgirls, 64-65 Shrine Clown International, 131 ski instructors, 47-49 Ski Patrol, 50 Small Business Administration (SBA), 261, 265 snowboard instructors, 47-49 Society for Technical Communication, 85 Society of Professional Journalists, 85 Sousa, John Philip, 128 Spacey, Kevin, 90 spam, 179-80 Spears, Britney, 58, 59 special agents, 202-4 special causes, 219-28. See also helping others Spillane, Mickey, 87, 88 staff changes, 5 Standard & Poor's, 237 Staying Alive, 59 Stephanie, Princess, 133 stereotypes, 36-37 stock options, 3, 4 Streep, Meryl, 69 Streetcar Named Desire, A, 75
Strunk, William, Jr., 83 Study Abroad Program, 36 success, 8 summer camp counselors, 51-53 Sunshine Artist, 106 supermodel, 112-13. See also modeling Supermodel of the Year, 122 Swayze, Patrick, 66
T
tax information, 163-64, 171-72 TeachAbroad.com, 19, 279 teaching credentials, 22-23 , 62-64 dance instructors, 61-63 overseas jobs, 18-23, 279 sailing instructors, 53-55 ski instructors, 47-49 team players, xii, 4 telecommuting, 168-72, 272 television acting, 70 , 72 , 78 dancing, 61 writing, 84 theaters, 79-80 theatrical agents, 72 theme parks, 61, 68, 70, 215 thespians, 70 Thespis, 70 Thomas, Dylan, 242 Thoreau, Henry David, 42 Tony and Tina's Wedding, 80 7bps and Calliope, 132 , 270 tour guides, 143-46 tourism, 13-14 Tramp News, 16, 279 transportation drivers, 147-49 trapeze artists, x, 133-35 TrapezeArts.com, 270 TrapezeSchool.com, 270 travel jobs advantages of, 137 couriers, 141-42
disadvantages of, 138 drivers, 147-49 incomes, 147 packing for, 139 resources for, 277-79 road rats, x, 147-49 roadies, 140-41, 279 tips for, 138-40 tour guides, 143-46 travel overseas, 11-23. See also jobs abroad TravelZone, 21 Travolta, John, 59 TriggerStreet.com, 90, 269 truck drivers, 147-49 Turning Point, The, 59 tutoring, 161-62 TutorNation.com, 162 , 272 Twain, Mark, 35, 88 two-income families, 2
u
union actors, 71, 72 , 76-79 unions, xi United Nations, 224 United States Congress, 277 United States Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance, 63 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 224 University of Michigan, 22, 279 U.S. Department of Energy, 254 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 226 U.S. Department of Justice, 198 U.S. Justice Department, 254 U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), 44, 274 U.S. State Department, 26, 28, 29, 31, 280 USAJOBS, 44
288
vaccinations, 30-31, 34 Van Gogh, Vincent, 101 vanity presses, 94 Variety, 60, 66, 72 , 73, 269 variety agents, 72 Victoria's Secret, 113, 119 Vogue, 91 voice-over agents, 72 voice-over radio, 70, 72 volunteerism, 209. See also helping others
legal matters, 163-64 office space, 163-64, 169-70 personal companions, 160-61 pet-care careers, 156-60 resources for, 271-72 scam artists, 179-80 tax information, 163-64, 171-72 telecommuting, 168-72 , 272 tutoring, 161-62 working abroad, 11-23 working couples, 2 working women, 2 World Clown Association, 131 World Health Organization (WHO), 34, 280 Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE), 88-89 Writers Guild of America (WGA), 8 WritersMarket.com, 93, 269 writing associations, 85-86, 88-89 contracts, 96 copyrights, 88, 91, 96 editors, 83, 93 English grammar, 83-84 experience in, 83-85 freelance writing, 90-92 genres, 87-88 ghostwriting, 95-96 internships, 84-87 job searches, 84, 92 journalism, 83-87, 90-92
kill fees, 96 novels, 87-89 opportunities, 94-97 practicing, 82-83 proofreading, 95, 96-97 publishers, 88 rejections, 83, 90, 92 resources for, 268, 269 screenplays, 89-90 skills, 81-84, 97 slush piles, 93 software programs, 89, 90 style manuals, 83-84
w
WebMissions, 217 white-collar jobs, xii White, . B., 83 Whitewater rafting, 44-47, 273 Wilhelmina Model Agency, 122 Williams, Cindy, 80 Winfrey, Oprah, 117, 252 women abroad, 35, 38-39 women tourists, 35 women workers, 2 Words into Type, 84 work-at-home opportunities advantages of, 151-52 cleaning services, 162-63 day-care center, 152-56, 271
X
X-Files, The, 203
Yale School of Drama, 69 Yard Sale Search, 176, 272 yard sales, 176
289
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Everything Cat B o o k Everything D o g B o o k Everything D o g Training and Tricks Book Everything Everything Everything Everything Everything G o l d e n Retriever B o o k Horse B o o k Labrador Retriever B o o k Puppy B o o k Tropical Fish B o o k
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Canadian prices range from $ 1 1 . 9 5 $ 3 1 . 9 5 , and are subject to change without notice.
REFERENCE
Everything Astronomy B o o k Everything Car Care B o o k Everything Christmas Book, $15.00
($21.95 CAN)
Universal Studios, and the Anaheim Area Everything Travel Guide to the Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Studios, and Greater Orlando, 3rd Ed.
Everything Classical Mythology B o o k Everything Einstein B o o k Everything Etiquette B o o k Everything Great Thinkers B o o k Everything Philosophy B o o k Everything Psychology B o o k Everything Shakespeare B o o k Everything Tall Tales, Legends, & Other Outrageous Lies B o o k Everything Toasts B o o k Everything Trivia B o o k Everything Weather B o o k
SELF-HELP/ RELATIONSHIPS
Everything Everything Everything Everything Everything Everything Everything Everything Dating B o o k Divorce B o o k Great Marriage B o o k Great S e x B o o k Kama Sutra B o o k Romance Book Self-Esteem B o o k Success Book
WEDDINGS
Everything Bachelorette Party Book,
$ 9 . 9 5 ($15.95 CAN)
Everything Bridesmaid Book,
($15.95 CAN)
$ 9 . 9 5
RELIGION
Angels B o o k Bible B o o k Buddhism B o o k Catholicism B o o k Christianity B o o k J e w i s h History & Heritage B o o k Everything Judaism B o o k Everything Prayer B o o k Everything Saints B o o k Everything Understanding Islam Book Everything World's Religions Book Everything Zen B o o k Everything Everything Everything Everything Everything Everything
Everything Groom Book Everything Jewish Wedding Book Everything Wedding Book, 2nd Ed. Everything Wedding Checklist,
$ 7 . 9 5 ($11.95 CAN)
Everything Wedding Etiquette Book,
$ 7 . 9 5 ($11.95 CAN)
Everything Wedding Organizer,
$ 1 5 . 0 0 ($22.95 CAN)
Everything Wedding Shower Book,
$ 7 . 9 5 ($12.95 CAN)
Everything Wedding Vows Book,
$ 7 . 9 5 ($11.95 CAN)
Everything Weddings on a Budget Book, $ 9 . 9 5 ($15.95 CAN)
WRITING
Creative Writing Book Get Published Book Grammar and Style Book Grant Writing Book Guide to Writing Children's B o o k s Everything Screenwriting Book Everything Writing Well Book
CAREERS
W
Alternative
Careers
u n i f o r m or t h e cloak a n d hat of
b e c o m e a reality w i t h The Everything P a c k e d w i t h i n f o r m a t i o n o n jobs that n o r m a l l y d o n ' t s h o w u p i n the classifieds, this g r o u n d b r e a k i n g g u i d e h e l p s y o u take y o u r basic skills, talents, a n d interests a n d enter a n e x c i t i n g n e w career. F r o m u n i q u e v o l u n t e e r i n g o p p o r t u n i t i e s t o e x c i t i n g entrepreneurial v e n t u r e s , this practical b o o k offers y o u a wealth of imaginative ideas y o u m a y never have considered. You'll e n d u p w i t h a d a y job y o u truly love! A d v e n t u r o u s outdoor careers that let you ride t h e rapids and hit the slopes Exciting occupations in the government Money-making alternatives for writers
James Mannion is a freelance writer and author of several Everything books. He lives in the Bronx, NY.
T H E
ISBN 1-59337-038-5