Look out for the side-effects of this as it begins to ripple through the economy which is already suffering as a result of high gas prices and failing mortgages. If you thought we were in a credit crunch, the chances are that things will only get worse unless the world's leaders and economic giants get together to resolve the downturn in the economy.

How will it affect us?

The economic crisis will have a domino effect as business after business has to fold as can be seen already in some high profile cases. The collapse of travel companies, airlines and other related businesses will most likely have long-term effects on the travel habits of regular holiday makers, with people deciding they can no longer travel abroad as they used to.

 

Salary

We are working for the money so, it is better to get a job with high salary. Most of the salary ranges up to $50,000 per year. But in some countries like Saudi Arabia, there is hearsay that they pay up $75,000 per year as long as you will sign up for two years contract. Yet, you have to live in an American village not mix with natives. Without common hang ups like nightlife, alcohol and everything but the good is you will have a chance to get scholarship as their incentives for working with them.

Location

Most of the cities around the world has a high cost of living, everything is expensive. So if you want to save more money try to live in a small town. And also do not forget that even in other country has poor villages and they cannot afford to pay a high salary. But if you want to earn more try to teach English in a selected private school.

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• Benefits. The benefit is depends on the written program. Some countries provide you health care but some will offer you cultural benefits, such as learning a new language and culture, and a chance to travel.
• Time Commitment. You cannot leave the kiddies before they even learn something. That's the reasons the most programs require at least a one-year commitment.
• Requirements. Most programs require you to be a certified teacher. Because if you are certified, it would be very easy for you to get a job and get paid with high salary. And also it is an advantage that you know the native language of the country in which you teach. There will be more offers for you.

Doing Business

Setting up a business in the Philippines is easy depending on the kind of business that you would want to go into. But whatever your business is, you will have to go through a business registration process. If you are setting up a corporation, you will have to register your corporate papers with the Securities and Exchange Commission. If you are a foreigner, you will only be allowed to own 40% of the corporation. The rest (60%) will have to be owned by Filipino Citizens. If your business is a single proprietorship, you may register it with the Department of Trade (DTI). Then you will be required to register your business with the Bureau of Internal Revenue and finally to the local government (City of Municipality) where your business is located. After undergoing this process and obtaining the necessary registration papers from these agencies, you are now ready to operate your business.

There are various locations that offer incentives to investors. Some investors find it convenient to set up their business in Freeport zones that are found in key a cities and industrial areas in the country. Among the known Freeport zones are Subic Bay Freeport Zone located in the former US Naval Base in Subic Bay, Zambales. Travel time to Subic from Metro Manila is about one and a half hours. This Freeport zone is the most popular among the existing Freeport areas in the country. Subic has a topnotch Seaport facility that can accommodate large ocean vessels from all over the world. Subic Freeport is also host to the Subic International Airport, a premiere international airport built by the US Air Force. The other major Freeport zone is the Clark Freeport Zone located in Angeles, Pampanga. It has almost the same facilities as that of Subic except that it has no Seaport.

Aside from these two Freeport Zones, there are a good number of economic zones that have complete facilities for commercial and industrial operations. These economic zones offer various tax and business incentives to foreign investors, including duty free importation of capital equipment.

Retiring and Living in the Philippines

I do not know of any place in the South East Asian Region that will beat the Philippines as a great place to retire. A tropical climate and the world-famous Filipino hospitality await a prospective retiree when he sets foot on Philippine soil. You don't have to be an old retiree to qualify but you must be at least 39 years old.

A prospective retiree's main concerns when he finally retires are his health and a comfortable place to stay that will complement his retirement budget. Health professionals in the Philippines are noted worldwide for their medical practice and caring attitude towards their patients. Filipino Caregivers are likewise known all over the world for their concern especially for the elderly.

If you are a retiree from Europe or USA, you will practically live in luxury with your regular retirement budget or pension. Here's why:

• You can hire a 24/7 maid for less than US$80.00/month. Your maid will take care of your household chores such as, but not limited to: house cleaning, cooking, laundry and ironing, gardening, ran errands, etc. If you are still strong and mobile, your maid can serve as your Caregiver, gratis et amore.

• You can have a decent meal for less that US10.00

• You can buy a brand new 2-bedroom Condo Unit for US$35-50K payable on easy payment terms with 10-20% down payment or you can rent a decent unit for US$300-500K/month

• You can buy a good used car for US$5,000.00

A Special Resident Visa (SRV) is being offered by the Philippine Government to foreign retirees. The Visa is non-immigrant, multiple entries. This entitles the retiree to a multiple entry privilege with the right to reside permanently in the Philippines. The basic requirement is a membership to the Philippine Retirement Authority. Among the benefits of this Visa are:

• Exemption from Exit Clearance and Re-entry Permit

• Exemption from custom duties and taxes for the importation of personal effects up to US$7,000.00.

• Exemption from travel tax if stay in the Philippines is less than 1 year from date of last entry

• Option to include dependents on the program

• Exemption from getting Special Study Permit

• Exemption from Bureau of Immigration annual registration requirement

• Tax-Free remittance of annuities and pension

• Guaranteed remittance of deposit or investment

• Assistance in obtaining Alien Employment Permit

If you are at least 39 years old, you are qualified to apply as a Foreign Retiree. However you need to make a bank deposit of at least US$50K but if you are over 50 years old, you only need to deposit US$20K. If the total pension of the retiree or couple is US$2,000.00 and more, the required deposit may be reduced to US$10,000.00. If you are a retiree with special qualifications such as scientist, professor, health Care Professional, agriculturist or other professional qualifications that are deem desirable for Philippine national development, the government may waive the deposit requirement provided that the retiree has at least US$800.00 pension.

Retirement Facilities

If you are a young and able retiree, the Philippines is the right place for you to retire and settle down. Most of the accommodation and retirement facilities available are suited for those who are still mobile and do not need hospital-like facilities. Condominium units and town homes are available in key cities of the country.

If you wish to stay in the countryside, you can try Cebu City, a progressive and peaceful City in the South. Or go farther to Davao City, the world's largest city in terms of land area. Davao City is one of the most livable cities in the country.

For those who enjoy outdoors, try it out in Palawan and enjoy nature at its best. Other key cities like Iloilo, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro and Naga City in the Bicol Region are worth considering because of their relative peace and progressive local economy.

1. Must-have telephone numbers. Unless you're lucky enough to have an electronic organizer, chances are you don't carry your Rolodex in your briefcase. Take time to copy down all the phone numbers and addresses you'll need before you leave home. (Save time by getting directions to your destination before you arrive.)
2. Full set of local clients' phone numbers. Don't limit your “traveling Rolodex” to the clients or associates you're scheduled to meet. You never know when your plans might change or an urgent matter necessitating an unscheduled visit might come up.
3. Emergency cash or bankcard. Finding out you have no cash as you leave your bags with the porter or hail a taxi can be extremely inconvenient. Consider keeping an emergency stash securely locked in your briefcase, or at least an “emergency twenty” in your wallet. A bankcard is the next best thing-stop by an airport ATM before your first meeting.
4. A list of restaurants and bars in town. Prepare yourself with a list of recommended spots so you can confidently take a client to lunch without asking for suggestions. The list will also be handy if you need to spend a quiet half hour between appointments.

WHAT TO DO

1. Know how to access your messages. Make sure you know the phone numbers and codes required for remote access of your phone messages. If you have a secretary, rather than a voice-mail system, be sure you know her number-you may not call it much under ordinary circumstances.
2. Keep your laptop close. Many a laptop has been pinched while its owner talks on the telephone or pays for coffee. If you must put your laptop down in a public place, secure the strap by wrapping it once around your wrist or leg.
3. Be discreet. Be careful of conversations on the airplane, in the airport lounge, or in any public place. You never know when your remarks are being overheard.

Personal Qualities

• A contractor must be flexible.
• A contractor must be willing and eager to learn new skills.
• A contractor must work well with people.
• A contractor must learn to work outside the normal office channels, and yet be capable of strictly following all the rules and procedures that apply to regular employees.
• A contractor must know his or her place, which may be exalted or humble, depending on the contract.
• Within the constraints of the above, a contractor must know when to offer expert advice, however unpopular, and must know when to shut up and make the best of a poor situation.
• A contractor must never be a Primadona.

If you like to learn new skills, work in a challenging, rather than predictable environment, and hit the ground running, chances are that you can learn to be a well-paid and successful computer contractor.

Breaking In and Staying In

Here's what you need to know and do.

• What range of hourly dollars you will accept.
• Whether you are willing to travel, locally, nation-wide, or internationally.
• How long a contract you want. Some contracts last only a few weeks, others can run into several years.
• Look up several employment agencies that specialize in contract work. Make a note of the jobs available, and the skills required.
• Organize your resume to include every scrap of experience that you have.
• Be prepared to modify your resume to emphasize experience relevant to any position that comes your way.
• Contracting is about a wide range of expertise and an ability to hit the ground running. Mention this, your flexibility and your ability to work in diverse situations with a wide range of people. This should be covered in a paragraph on page 1 of the resume.
• Get your resume(s) up to date. You may want several flavors of resume (team lead, programmer analyst, and tester.)
• Brush up your interview skills. Contractors generally face potential employers several times a year. Prepare for the phone interview, which is quite common.
• Organize. Lay out an interview suit (you'll probably only need it once in a contract). You should have a computer on which you can track your job search efforts.
• Network. This is important. Get and keep email addresses and phone numbers of your colleagues. By the time you have completed a couple of contracts you will have an extensive network. Many contracts are obtained via word of mouth.

Types of Contracting

Sub Contractor

You will work for a consulting firm. This way, you'll get to work in different companies, and the consulting firm may give you medical insurance, a supply of jobs, and may even pay you between contracts. It will also take a cut out of your hourly rate, and you will pay taxes directly from your pay check. You won't get paid as much as an independent.

Semi Independent

 This is similar to a sub contractor, but you will be responsible for your own taxes, on a 1099 form.

Independent or Corporation to Corporation

 You set up your corporation and are responsible for your own marketing, medical and liability insurance. There is no agency to pay, but you take care of the business details.

Contract to Hire

This is self-explanatory. Don't get into this type of arrangement unless you seriously intend to become an employee after an initial stint as a contractor.

Pros and Cons of Contracting

• As a contractor, you will need to constantly upgrade your skills. Don't be shy in volunteering to work on new projects and new software. Look at the market for "hot" skills. The upside of contracting is that it is rarely boring.
• As a contractor, you'll be paid much more than a regular employee. You'll learn new skills, including how to find a job. Life will become more interesting.
• As a contractor, you should not get involved in office politics because, if you do, you'll be at a disadvantage.
• You are less secure in your position as a contractor, as opposed to a regular employee. Try to have two months operating capital when you start.
• As an Independent, you will be letting go of a certain amount of stability. Make sure that you're ready for this. Be prepared to change locations, colleagues, obsolete work habits. Also be prepared to produce more than a regular employee with less training. A few companies (not many) will treat you like a second-class citizen. You need to get your own health and possibly liability insurance. Be prepared to be unemployed at short notice.

Remember, this is your life. Contracting can be a great adventure, with lots of travel, good money, and many friends along the way. How far you go along this exciting road is up to you.

Some Useful Links

• You can post your resume on Job Search for Technology Professionals
• Click here for an overall listing of IT Job Agencies around the world. 

There are definitely a lot of great things about working on cruise ships. But the truth is, reality doesn't stop just because you're working on a cruise ship.

It may be a different form of reality, but it's still reality!

I worked as a Musician, Band leader and Assistant Conductor on 4 different cruise ships over 2 years, so I will cover some of my experiences over several articles in the hopes of making your cruise ship career more pleasant and rewarding.

See The Sights!

One of the greatest things about working on cruises is getting paid to travel all over the world! I've been to so many beautiful places. I've traveled through Alaska and the Arctic Circle during their summer, and what a lovely, surprising experience it was to be on deck in a light pants and sweater! I thought I'd have to wear a parka!

On the flip side, I can remember touring the Caribbean islands from about January to April. I was getting so used to it that I couldn't understand why the Canadian news said it was snowing in my hometown during March! Duh!

I've been to so many exciting and vibrant cities, including:

• St. Petersburg, Russia,
• Oslo, Norway,
• Helsinki, Finland
• Istanbul, Turkey

I've toured exotic, and picturesque countries like:

• Italy
• Romania
• France
• England

I've explored ancient biblical cities like Ephesus, and strolled the thoroughfares of the legendary city of Pompeii. I felt like Indiana Jones.

Sorry, now I sound like I'm bragging! But I will always have these adventures to cherish, no matter what.

Investigate Beforehand

I would recommend buying a few good tour and travel books, way ahead of time. That way, you will have time to go through them and make out a list of what you really want to see. Get the most current editions, because things are always changing. If you use older editions, you may disappointed to find an interesting restaurant or shop or something that you planned to visit is no longer there, for example. Watching travelogues is a pretty good idea, too.

Remember that you are usually only in a given port for one day. Of course, because you are working on the ship, and the circuit you are traveling tends to repeat itself every 7 or 10 days (normally), you will be in that given port almost once a week, so you can try and spread out your touring plans.

When I was in St. Petersburg, it was an overnight stay, but initially we only got there once a month, then later on it was about once every two weeks.

Volunteer As A Tour Escort

You can, of course, go wandering off by yourself (but not alone…I wouldn't recommend that…always travel with a group for safety), but one of the most effective and safest means of touring is to volunteer as a Tour Escort with the Shore Excursions department.

Basically, you are required to "babysit" the passengers on tour, make sure that they are ok and no one gets lost, perhaps answer questions if you can, etc. I had a knapsack filled with supplies like wet naps, Kleenex, bandages, etc. that was given to me by the Shore Excursions Dept.

Just remember you are NOT a doctor or tour guide! Tour guides know the places you are visiting like the back of their hand; that is their job. Sometimes passengers will ask you the ancient history of the land…how are you supposed to know that?

However you are an ambassador of a sort for the cruise line…so be polite, and give people a good impression of you. You may not have to wear your uniform while on tour, but you still have to wear a name tag. I never had any trouble during my experiences.

You may also have to fill out a report form, basically giving your opinion and rating of the tour. Kind of like being a judge on American Idol!

Try to find out as early as you can about volunteering…there is usually a waiting list for the really popular tours, and also a seniority thing going on. Those who have been working on the ship longer than you, or are perhaps more "important", will probably have first choice. Put your name in anyways, because you never know.

Being a Tour Escort is a great way to be part of a professional tour, one that has been researched and planned by the cruise ship, so you may get to see things in a way that you wouldn't if you just went off by yourself (again, which I wouldn't recommend doing alone).

Hope this was helpful for you! I will have more articles, so check in often!

It may be a different form of reality, but it's still reality!

I worked as a musician, band leader and assistant conductor on 4 different cruise ships over 2 years, so I will cover some of my experiences over several articles in the hopes of making your cruise ship career more pleasant and rewarding.

Cabins:

Unless you are very important or very lucky, chances are you will be sharing a cabin with someone. Space is very limited on a cruise ship. Getting your own cabin can depend on the job you are doing. For example musicians like myself, casino staff, shop attendants, crew and most other departments are required to share cabins.

But the Cruise Director, Assistant Cruise Director, Music Director, Beauty Salon Manager, Tour Manager, and of course the Captain, usually have cabins all to themselves. There are other departments too numerous to list here. I was extremely-and I mean extremely-lucky on one ship to have my own cabin.

The reason was that there was only one female in the band, and so she had gotten her own cabin. After she left, I was the most senior person in the band, so I got her cabin. It was an unusual circumstance, but very lucky for me!

However, at all other times I definitely had to share a cabin, and let me tell you, your cabin mate can really affect your on-board experience.

Cabin Mates:

Remember the rules of respecting each other's space, privacy and belongings. Keeping your area clean is a good idea too. On the ships I worked on, we had stewards who would come in every day and make our beds, clean our bathroom, and generally just tidy up. Sometimes I had left clothes thrown on the bed, only to come back later and find them neatly folded by the stewards!

However, stewards are extremely busy people, so have a little consideration for them, and don't be a slob. Be forewarned that surprise inspections by the Captain are also a part of the cruise ship experience!

Unfortunately, there was one time I had a really lousy cabin mate. He was immature, and really did not understand the concept of common courtesy and respect. He did quite a few moronic things, but one small example is the time I came back to the cabin to find that he had "borrowed" some of my CDs. I was a fairly neat person and usually kept all my things in their proper place (also because I wasn't too keen on those surprise inspections)!

Anyways, he had actually gone into one of my drawers, took out my CD case, took the CDs, and left the case on my bed. Then I guess he went off to party. I'm pretty sure he would have been upset if I had done the same thing to him. It is not good to just assume that someone "won't mind" if you do this or that, especially if it involves invading their private space, which is in very small supply on a cruise ship.

If you feel there are issues that need to be addressed, see if you can discuss them with your cabin mate rationally and calmly.

I remember sometimes walking down the hallways to hear cabin mates engaged in rather heated discussions. Just remember that cabins are small, and that even though you are on a cruise ship, you are still a working stiff, and you will get tired and stressed. Usually there is a lock on the drawers, closet etc. So lock up your stuff if it is a concern for you.

None of this is to scare you! I'm just giving you advice for possible problematic situations based on my own experience.

Life on a cruise ship can really be a lot of fun. I also had great cabin mates who I got along with famously, and that just made the good times even better! And I believe it is more often the case you will share a cabin with someone who you will get along with just fine.

However, if you are unfortunate enough to have a lousy cabin mate, talk to your department director (in my case the Music Director) about the situation, and about the possibility of changing cabins. People come and go on a regular basis, so you may be able to switch cabins at some point.

Hope this was helpful for you! I will have more articles, so check in often!

Since the beginning of time, words have possessed the power to comfort or destroy, to encourage or degrade, and to inspire actions that change the course of history. Those who choose to write as a profession may not only provide a living for themselves but also have the opportunity to touch the lives of countless people. Writing is a difficult yet gratifying career with each day bringing a chance to create something new.

If those who desire to write can harness their passion for written words, they can gain a substantial and enjoyable occupation. There are many areas where one's love for writing can be expressed. Some people work as creative writers or authors, others as editors, and some write technical works.

Creative writers include book authors, poets, playwrights, and screenwriters. This group usually has the most freedom in choosing what they focus on in their work, although some of their work is commissioned and other work is written for hire. Children's books and fiction fall under the creative writer's list of undertakings. Song writers and lyricists are also considered creative writers. Other authors focus on nonfiction works such as biographies, historical documentations, and books on the sciences. Regardless of the type of writing these authors create, those who are successful have the privilege of seeing their own work published and preserved.

Editors review and edit manuscripts of authors and offer advice to writers about their work. Many editors are writers who have not succeeded in having their work published; others continue to aspire to becoming a published author some day. Editors often select the particular materials to be used for publication or dissemination. Technical journals, trade magazines, and other general-interest publications all require editors to help plan the content of their features. Editors may also supervise the production of the publications. There are many levels of editorial duties: executive, assistant, assignment, and copy editors each play an important role in the production of newspapers and magazines. In addition, there are production assistants who check for errors in punctuation, spelling, and grammar. These assistants also make sure the copy is readable, styled, and in agreement with editorial policy. Rearranging sentences to insure accuracy and clarity is also part of their job. Production assistants prepare the copies for printing. This job includes arranging page layouts of articles, photographs, and advertising. Finally, publication assistants read and evaluate the work submitted by freelance writers, proofread printer's galleys, or answer letters about material that has already been published. Production assistants who work for small newspapers or in radio stations assemble articles available from wire services or the Internet as well as perform clerical duties such as answering phones and making photocopies. The editorial field offers the widest range of employment positions.

Technical writers work on a more straightforward level. Their job is to create materials on technical subjects that are easy to understand. They may create instruction manuals or appendices. These writers may also assist in layout work. No matter what area technical writers work in, their goal is always to present complicated subjects in a simple format. Some technical writers are offered jobs to create medical and science references. With so many advances in science and technology, technical writers are becoming more and more needed.

Like most professions, there are benefits particular to the field. Since writing can be quite an exhausting profession requiring long hours and constant revisions, the benefits are much needed and welcomed. However, not all writers share the same benefits.

Authors who have already been published enjoy some unique benefits. Perhaps the published author's greatest reward is having the pride and joy of seeing his work in print and ready to be sold. In addition to this, publishers are often more open to considering an author's work once he has already published a book. For authors of children's books, once a successful story is published, the writer can adapt the same ideas to a new scenario. For example, Laura Joffe Numeroff gained huge success with her book If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. She then gained even more fame and fortune when she released five follow up books, all with the exact same format. Breaking through the publishing barrier can lead to further opportunities for some authors.

In addition, many writers, especially topic writers, experience enjoyable benefits at the expense of their employers. Newspapers, magazines, and journals that employ topic writers pay for their writers to fulfill their assignment. Literary critics attend Broadway productions while food critics dine at four star restaurants. In the same way, travel editors are able to visit new places around the globe, all at the expense of their employer. Robert J. Sawyer, Canada's most award winning science fiction author, states, "I get to travel for free all over the world and visit very interesting places. Another great perk is the access I have to behind-the-scene places'". These opportunities are benefits that not many other professions have to offer.

As for technical writers, their greatest benefit comes in the long run. Since most topics that technical writers write about are of technological or scientific material, they gain much experience in whichever field they are writing about. This may open up doors to side jobs or new opportunities. (Occupational Handbook) For instance, the writer of a computer operations manual may earn extra money actually applying his knowledge in repairing people's computers. They also experience a good degree of job security as there is a constant need for updating and expanding technical information. Thus technical writers have some benefits unique to their specialized field.

As a writer, one has many benefits to look forward to, true enough. Yet as with all professions, some definite drawbacks exist. Author Robert J. Sawyer states, "As a solo performer, you never know how your work will be perceived by others. Negative reviews can be hard to take. The other drawback about the job is cash flow. It's very irregular'". Adjusting to an irregular income as well as learning to deal with criticism and rejection is key to persevering in the writing profession. Another negative aspect is the erratic work schedule which contributes to the stress of many writers. This drawback is especially true for writers who work for newspapers or magazines that require continuous, strenuous deadlines. Authors who have already signed a book deal may have to sit and write for over twelve hours a day at times. Work environments can also be challenging; some writers work in noisy rooms filled with the sound of computer printers and keyboards, as well as the voices of other writers discussing ideas and doing research over the telephone. All of these factors can contribute to the stressfulness of the writing profession.

After reviewing both the pros and cons of the writing profession, if one still desires to pursue the career, he or she must take under careful consideration the requirements, training, and qualifications needed. The foremost decision every writer must make is to determine what field of writing in which to specialize. This will lead to determining the necessary training. A college degree is generally mandatory for all fields of writing. Some employers will accept a wide range of degrees in liberal arts, however most employers favor degrees in communications, journalism, or English. Beyond the degree, experience with college or high school newspapers, literary magazines, and radio and television stations will all contribute to a writer's chance of gaining recognition from prospective employers. For those who wish to work on newspapers and broadcast programs, the ability to work under pressure is crucial. Technical writers must either have a degree or some knowledge base about a specialized field. Editors need strong people skills to help guide other writers in their work. (Princeton Review) Thus a combination of particular skills and experience as well a degree is necessary for success.

The next step is breaking into the field which may happen in a variety of ways. Many college students work as interns for magazines, newspapers, and radio or television stations. This provides practical experience as well as opens doors for possible paid positions. Other writers begin as trainees or research assistants in the field of their interest; this is especially true for technical writers. Some writers begin their jobs as assistants to the editor, and they may be called upon to write as the opportunities arise. In all cases, practice and perseverance are needed. (Princeton Review)

With the proper education and training as well as a passion to convey their message, writers can make a living at their craft. A wide range of opportunities exist for writers, and they are able to experience some excellent benefits. Although writing can be a stressful job at times, the opportunity to create a lasting piece of written work brings great fulfillment.