Jamie Pennington's blog

Finding Fulfillment in a Second Career

Searching for deeper fulfillment, workers are now turning to second careers which offer continued pay along with the offer of greater meaning. These second acts are additionally known as encore careers. Desirable job areas for these second acts are health care, green jobs, education, non-profit, government and social entrepreneurship. These industries present the opportunity to serve thus creating greater meaning which frequently exceeds the benefit of a paycheck alone.

As documented in a study by Civic Ventures, scores of Americans have already transitioned to second careers and the numbers will keep growing. Those individuals surveyed that are not at this time in a second career have pointed out they are planning on pursuing one. The study also reveals that 84 percent of people that are in encore careers express a strong level of fulfillment in relation to their new profession.

The encore career alternative could be very interesting for quite a few workers, especially those in the second half of life. Yet it is not likely a simple transition. The details that concern many people looking at a second career are typically reasonable ones such as flexibility in hours and job duties, fitting in, being qualified and the loss of status or seniority. Together with those worries is the complication of this tough financial climate and the fear of leaving behind a secure role or higher paying job. However those people who have undertaken the switch claim a very high level of satisfaction.

Would you enjoy discovering a line of work with more meaning? However you aren't aware of just what exactly that could be? First look back at your prior jobs to find the positive experiences. Through identifyingpositive prior experiences you are able to identify opportunities that will be pleasurable and interesting and deliver a feeling of purpose. Next identify your strengths, interests and hobbies and aim to nail down your marketable abilities. Finally, know your money expectations. It is likely you aren’t transitioning primarily for financial reasons and it's quite possible you will need to consider a pay decrease (at least at the beginning) to be able to secure a far more worthwhile job. But if you can’t cover your monthly bills that's going to add a bunch of strain which could overshadow your new found employment bliss. If your favorite field is a lower compensating position it's also possible to research ideas to lower your expenditures to make it possible to make the switch.

For anybody who is thinking of obtaining a more meaningful profession, here are some suggestions to get you going.

A second act can be very fulfilling, providing meaning and purpose in addition to a wage. Pinpoint what you want to do, find a network of people and resources, create your plan of action and then make it happen. You’ll be delighted you did.

• Evaluate if you must increase your skills
• Get into reading trade publications and blogs for your targeted field
• Research the industries you are looking at
• Look up individuals who do the work you're interested in and talk to them
• Check out websites that provide career networking and connections to universities with retraining programs in socially minded jobs
• Sign up for conferences or events for the market sector you intend to join

And finally, if you are interested in becoming a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, our comprehensive list of ultrasound technician schools will help you get started. Or for more information please check out Ultrasound Technician Schools Headquarters at http://ultrasoundtechnicianschoolshq.com.

What is the Difference Between 2D, 3D and 4D Ultrasound?

One of the most incredible experiences for new parents is the very first time that they take a look at their baby via an ultrasound. However in many cases the pictures can be dark and hard for the untrained eye to decipher. But in the past few years 3D and 4D elective ultrasound has come to be well-accepted and widely available to those families wishing to get a more life-like view of their unborn child.

Prenatal ultrasound is the utilization of high frequency sound waves that go through the abdomen by means of a transducer to generate a video or picture of the baby or babies. A 2D ultrasound is the procedure that you have as part of your prenatal care that makes black and white shots. This specific ultrasound is most often used to hear the babies heartbeat plus ascertain gender. But it may even be used to ascertain how far along you are in the pregnancy plus take a look at any kind of potential birth defects. It is in most cases done at 20 weeks at which time the physician will want to be sure of the overall health of the placenta, that it’s attached properly and that the baby is maturing sufficiently in the uterus. During this time period you can usually establish the unborn babies gender, that is if the little treasure cooperates!

3D ultrasound is the identical technology as 2D however it produces sound waves from a number of directions and thus makes a life-like view that plainly shows you the fetus’ features.

Just as before, 4D ultrasound is identical technology as 2D and 3D, however lots of pictures are taken continuously to show real time imagery of your infant. It’s just like a window straight into the uterus that permits you to watch the baby moving about, perhaps yawning or sucking it’s thumb!

Ultrasound has been utilized since the 1950’s and through in depth study has been confirmed risk-free. Just like 2D ultrasound, 3D/4D does not make use of irradiation like an xray. You'll find no harmful effects on you or your child.

3D/4D sonograms are normally elective procedures that are performed by specialized boutiques and aren't considered necessary during your basic prenatal care. Consequently 3D/4D ultrasounds typically are not paid for by insurance plans except when deemed medically necessary by your doctor. A good time to receive a 3D/4D sonogram is between 24-36 weeks. The longer you delay the more your child will grow and fill out allowing a picture of baby’s characteristics.

It’s not hard to find a 3D/4D ultrasound boutique by simply searching “3D/4D Ultrasound + your city”. But you will want to make sure your ultrasound is performed by a real Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. You may check with the Association of Accredited Ultrasound Imaging Facilities or AAUIF.org to see if a certain establishment adheres to their rules and standards that makes it necessary that each and every ultrasound be carried out by a registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer.

A lot of ultrasound boutiques will allow you to bring friends and family to share the experience and to obtain a view of the newest family member. The sonogram should no doubt be a memorable event that you are going to cherish.

And finally, if you are interested in becoming a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, our comprehensive list of ultrasound technician schools will help you get started. Or for more information please check out Ultrasound Technician Schools Headquarters at http://ultrasoundtechnicianschoolshq.com.

Should I Go Back to School?

It doesn't matter if you’re in a dead-end occupation, have recently been laid off or are concerned about being terminated, could very well be thinking about if this is the time to return to school. Many of us battle with the same identical dilemma. Do you maintain a job that can pay the bills but provides you with little in the form of job fulfillment or personal satisfaction? Or can you set about a career move which could provide a considerably more enjoyable job and greater job security? Can you do both all at once? Regardless if you are attempting to further yourself within your present-day role or move professions entirely, here i will discuss a few items to think about before making your decision.

Details to Take into Consideration
- Precisely why are you currently thinking of going back to college? Are you wanting a more suitable profession or a promotion? Are you wanting to switch professions altogether?
- Can you find the money for it? Returning to college can certainly be pricey. There is aid out there, but first you want to know just exactly what you should do and just how much its going to amount to.
- Can you afford NOT to return to university? Reported by the National Center for Education Statistics, individuals having an Associates degree get paid an average of $11,140 above people having only a high school diploma. People who have a Bachelor’s degree get paid an average of $26,350 more than those people possessing a high school diploma.
- Would it be the best time in your situation? Based on your stage of life you will experience various demands on you. Can you balance your life’s demands along with college requirements? Will you find a way to cope with the additional pressure?
- Do you have the structure and support you would need to go back to college? Are the people in your daily life supportive and reassuring in the endeavor to advance your profession? If you have children is there the appropriate support structure set up to allow you to concentrate on your classes and homework?

Create a Goal
- What are you actually planning to get done? Creating a well-defined goal in mind can help you remain focused and inspired.

Coming up with the Tuition
- Will your company provide you with tuition reimbursement? A good number of organizations offer tuition reimbursement for their employees.
- Financial Aid - Be sure to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It's the application the government works with to check if you qualify for a grant or other special program or if you meet the requirements for aid in the form of a student loan. It’s no charge to fill out an application thus the worst case is you merely don’t meet the criteria.
- Stay at Your Job - In case you're presently employed it's always prudent to hold your current employment. You'll still have bills along with tuition costs.

Work-to-School Transition Advice
- Always keep your main goal in mind. Find out if some other credentials, such as certifications, will be required. Explore job opportunities with your new career path.
- Don’t let worry stop you - planning a career change is intimidating, the idea of starting over is daunting. But nevertheless , don’t permit fear prevent you from beginning what should be a worthwhile and life changing journey.
- Network - Proceed to grow your professional network. For those who are making a career change get started with building your network by joining professional associations and online forums applicable to your new field.

And finally, if you are interested in finding ultrasound technician schools, please check out Ultrasound Technician Schools Headquarters at http://ultrasoundtechnicianschoolshq.com.

How to Become an Ultrasound Technician

The healthcare sector is amongst the few vocational fields that, in the face of tough economic times, is hiring at a quick rate. Healthcare job opportunities are expected to grow more rapidly than any other industry - creating 3.2 million new jobs by 2018. As seniors get older, and Generation X has kids, medical professionals will end up more sought after than ever.

One such expanding healthcare career is Ultrasound Technician or Medical Diagnostic Sonographer. Ultrasound, otherwise known as sonography, is the utilization of sound waves to create an image used to investigate and diagnose various medical conditions. Ultrasound is generally associated with obstetrics together with the use of ultrasound imaging during pregnancy. But this technology has various other uses in the diagnosis and care of medical ailments all through the human body.

In this quickly growing industry, Ultrasound Technicians can make in excess of $83,000 yearly. Jobs in this particular area of healthcare are anticipated to increase 18% through 2018.

There are various ways to become an Ultrasound Technician (Sonographer). Ultrasound Technicians may train in hospitals, vocational-technical institutions, colleges or universities, or the Armed Forces.

Schooling and training.

Colleges and universities supply formal education in both 2-year and 4-year programs, resulting in either an associate or a bachelor's degree. Two-year programs are most common. Coursework would include classes in anatomy, physiology, instrumentation, basic physics, patient care and medical ethics.

A few 1-year programs that generally result in a vocational certificate are also recognized as proper training by employers. But bear in mind, these types of programs are typically only beneficial for workers already employed in a healthcare industry that desire to expand their marketability by training in sonography.

Certification and other criteria.

No states require a license to become an Ultrasound Technician. Nevertheless, generally organizations prefer to employ registered Ultrasound Technicians because registration provides an objective measurement of an individual's professional standing. To get registered, you have to first become eligible to take the examination by completing the proper education, training, or work experience. The test usually involves a physics and instrumentation exam in a sonography specialty. Generally, Ultrasound Technicians must complete a compulsory number of continuing-education hours to uphold registration.

And finally, if you are interested in finding ultrasound technician schools, please check out Ultrasound Technician Schools Headquarters at http://ultrasoundtechnicianschoolshq.com/.