It's Giveaway Time!

What do GE, Trader Joe's and MTV have in common? They are wildly successful large companies that that started during hard economic times. Hardknocks and I have been adamant in telling our readers that this is the time to start a business, preferably doing something that you love. I, for one, am practicing shitlaw again. You can knock it, but the facts are that I enjoy the hustle, the client contact, the responsibility and the challenge. I'm just not making any money, which is a minor detail for now. But maybe, with time, my business will grow.

But you don't have to wait! We are offering 100 free 4x6" glossy, full-color, 2-sided advertising postcards. You must be 18 or older and live in the United States. You come up with the design and the message and send it out to potential customers and watch your business grow exponentially. www.MyPostcardPrinting.com is sponsoring this giveaway and we thank them. I wish they would give me some free post cards... (hint! hint!)

In order to win, please tell me what type of business your started during the recession and what do you love about your new business. Post a comment and make sure to become a follower and/or leave your email address so that I can contact you. You can also email me if you'd like to remain anonymous. However, I will be posting your answer if you win.

I will check back on this post for the winner on May 6, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. I can't wait to see what my readers are doing!

I hope you choose a better design than this one.... They look cheesy as hell.

10 Jobs that Pay More than Law Jobs With Little to No School Loan Debt!

I ran across this on www.yahoo.com and I thought it was enlightening and depressing as hell. I thought I'd share. Enjoy....

By the way, the profession of my dreams is Funeral Director. I wish I did that instead of this.

The Career You Should Have Pursued(From Yahoo)

Here's a list of top-paying jobs requiring little schooling, and their median annual earnings as of 2006, using the latest data available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Keep in mind that these jobs have their own challenges and often require some type of specialized schooling - sometimes on-the-job training.

1. Air Traffic Controllers: $117,200

These workers make sure airplanes land and take off safely, and they typically top lists of this nature. The median 50% earned between $86,860-142,210, with good benefits. Air traffic controllers are eligible to retire at age 50 with 20 years of service, or after 25 years at any age.

Watching blinking dots on a radar screen that control the lives of hundreds can be stressful, and the job require specialized FAA schooling and on-the-job training. Typically, two to four years of training are needed in order to become fully certified, although previous military experience can cut that time down significantly.

2. Industrial Production Managers: $77,670

They oversee manufacturing activities. A college degree is preferred, but not necessarily mandatory. They often work in industries such as aviation and automobiles.

3. First-Line Police and Detective Supervisors: $69,300

Police officers can advance through the ranks to become supervisors by passing exams and achieving good performance reviews, and advanced training can help win promotions.

4. Funeral Director: $49,620

College programs in mortuary science usually last from two to four years. You typically must also serve a one-year apprenticeship, pass an exam and obtain a state license. Hours can be long and irregular. Dealing with dead bodies and crying relatives isn't for everyone.

5. Police and Sheriff Patrol Officers: $47,460

Police corporals had an average minimum annual base salary of $44,160, according to the International City-County Management Association. But total income can significantly exceed base salary because of overtime pay. And police officers can often retire at half-pay after 25-30 years of service.

Applicants usually must have at least a high school education, and some departments require a year or two of college or even a degree. Rookies are trained at police academies.

6. Advertising Sales Agents: $42,750

20% have a high school degree or less, and 10% have an Associate's degree.

7. Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents: $39,760

Don't let that figure fool you; the highest 10% earned more than $111,500. While advanced coursework is not necessarily required, new entrants must pass an exam and get a state license. Connections in the community and a willingness to work hard are what really count, but experience and a good housing market also help.

8. Occupational Therapist Assistants: $42,060

These workers usually need an associate degree or a certificate. They work with occupational therapists, helping injured patients recover from, or compensate for, lost motor skills. Job prospects are good in the growing health care field, especially for those with some post-secondary education.

9. Occupational Therapist Aides: $25,000

These employees receive most training on the job. Under supervision of occupational therapists, they also work with injured people. Competition for jobs is tougher for those with only a high school diploma.

10. Physical Therapist Assistants: $41,360

These workers deal with physical therapists, helping patents improve mobility, relieve pain or overcome injuries or disabilities. Those working in home health care services tend to make more on average. Aides, earning an average of $22,000, are trained on the job. Assistants, who have greater responsibilities, typically need an associate's degree.

The Bottom Line

Despite a recession, plenty of career paths can lead to well-paying professions without spending four years or more hitting the books, including opportunities in law enforcement, health care and sales. The goal is to find a job that matches your own particular talents and preferences in addition to supporting your lifestyle.