Friday, December 27, 2019

Pros and Cons of Working at a Corporate Vet Clinic

Pros and Cons of Working at a Corporate Vet ClinicPros and Cons of Working at a Corporate Vet ClinicA corporate veterinary clinic is a practice that is owned and operated by a company.This is a different business model than traditional private practice, where a clinic is owned and operated by an individual veterinarian or a small group of veterinarians.The number of corporate practices has increased steadily in recent years, and this type of practice is becoming fairly commonplace in the veterinary industry. In the United States, the most prominent corporate veterinary clinics are Banfield and Veterinary Clinics of America (VCA).Banfield, a pioneering entity in the corporate veterinary field, was founded in 1955.Banfield now boasts a roster of approximately 800 clinics, mainly located in PetSmart stores, and the company employs over 2,000 veterinarians.Veterinary Clinics of America (VCA), another leading player in the industry, has over 600 clinics and more than 1,800 vets working in their corporate locations. There are also a number of regional corporate entities and smaller national chains that compete with the big two. Far from being an exclusively American phenomenon, corporate veterinary clinics are also popping up with increasing frequency in international markets.In the United Kingdom, for example, corporate practices began to appear in 1999 after a regulation that restricted non-veterinary ownership of clinics was relaxed. Lets take a look at the pros and cons of corporate veterinary work vs. traditional private practice Pros of Corporate Veterinary Work Business management is completely handled by the corporate officeVeterinarians in corporate practice do not have to divert their attention from patient treatment to absprache with staffing issues, hiring new technicians, running payroll, and other time-consuming business details.This allows them to focus their time exclusively on providing patient care, and it eliminates a major source of stress.Tra nsferabilityCorporate clinics may have a large number of clinics across a wide geographic area.This can make it easy to transfer to a different region if a vet so desires.It also allows them to step into a familiar clinical environment that is very similar to the one to which they are accustomed. Regular work schedulesCorporate veterinarians tend to work fairly standardized schedules, with less overtime than what is typical for a vet in private practice (especially when compared with the long hours that are often required of a practice owner).Corporate clinics often keep relief veterinarians on standby to fill in when they have an absentee vet, or they are able to pull a vet from another local corporate clinic to provide assistance.Discounted rates on veterinary productsCorporate veterinary clinics have more buying power from being able to make bulk purchase orders on behalf of multiple practices.They may be eligible for a variety of product discounts, and some of these savings may be passed along to customers.Better rates on products at corporate clinics can draw some clients away from traditional private practice. Good spot for new graduatesNew vet school graduates are actively recruited by corporate chains, and corporate clinics can be a great place for them to gain experience while considering their options.Exit strategy for practice ownersEstablished veterinarians can sell their practices to corporate entities as an exit strategy from the business.The corporate clinic will often keep the staff members and allow the practice owner to continue working as an employee as well if they so desire.The former practice owner may also benefit in the long term by retaining ownership of the physical location and leasing the real estate to the corporation. Cons You cant buy into the practice as an ownerVeterinarians working for corporate clinics do not have the option to buy into ownership as in private practice.A corporate vet seeking an ownership stake would hav e to leave the clinic and start (or buy) their own private practice.Limited decision-making abilityCorporate vets must follow a variety of procedures and best practices relating to pricing and treatment options.They have less flexibility than a private practice vet would have on such matters. Lengthy approval processCorporate clinics may require a significant amount of paperwork and an extensive approval process to purchase equipment or make changes to clinic procedures.Potential overemphasis on financial successA common criticism of corporate medicine is that the parent companies focus too much on the bottom line.While making a profit is certainly a goal of any clinic (whether corporate or private practice), corporate vets may feel pressure to up-sell clients to increase profit margins.

Sunday, December 22, 2019

8 businesses you can launch for $5,000 or less

8 businesses you can launch for $5,000 or less8 businesses you can launch for $5,000 or lessEvery tax season, Americans (hopefully) enjoy refunds and ponder what to do with the newly acquired stash of cash. Typicaladvice for spending a refundincludes paying down high-interest debt, building an emergency fund or investing in your future. And all of these ideas are definitely worthwhile. However, have you considered taking your tax refund to the next level by using it to fund your own side hustle?Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreIf you want to create a future for yourself that doesnt involve reporting to someone else or living from paycheck to paycheck, taking the entrepreneurial plunge might be the right decision for you. Looking for business ideas you can start for $5,000 or less? Easy peasy Here are eight small business opportunities just waiting to be launched.1. ConsultantIf y ou have an area of expertise you especially love to spend time thinking about, consulting can be a lucrative business choice. Consumers often seek out the help of experts when theyre making changes in home design or organization (think efficiency), building gardens, investing in green living or augmenting home security. Businesses often seek a pro to help them out with accounting and payroll, marketing, public relationsandhuman resource issues.A beneficial aspect of consulting is the fact that you can easily work from home or on the go. To get started, establish a website, invest in some marketing and get networking. Whatever skill you possess, consulting is one area where you can put it to work. Since there is little overhead involved, you can easily get going for under $5,000.2. Virtual AssistantVirtual assistants are a high-in-demand service. According to FlexJobs, this remote workfield is growingby leaps and bounds. Many businesses turn to virtual assistants to manage administra tive tasks that waste time better spent capitalizing on core competencies. If youve got a knack for detail, plusstrong written and verbal communication skills, this might be a good business for you. You need computer and communication equipment, along with any other specialized supplies required by the companies you work for - easily attainable with a tax return of $5,000 or less.3. Freelance ServicesIf youve got writing, editing, photography, video, programming or graphic design skills, you canmarket and sell your talentsto various types of organizations. Many companies need content for their blogs and websites. For instance, you can write articles, edit websites, develop web pages, create stock photo content, design infographics and more. Starting this type of service wont cost you much you need a laptop, a reliable internet connection and dedicated time to put together a portfolio before you start marketing your services.Pro Tip Websites likeFiverrhelp you sell your freelance se rvices and increase your client list.4. Jewelry DesignDo you have an eye for details in fashion and accessories? Are you creative and do you enjoy working with your hands? If so, consider designing your own jewelry. Once you get a few ideas put together, secure the intellectual property rights to your designs before you deutsche post dhl them online to see if your creations generate any interest. All you need is a website (you can even open a shop on Etsy) and invest in some advertising and social media marketing (hello, Pinterest and Instagram). If you need space, you can alwaysrent a storage unitto hold your inventory and bulk supplies. A tax return can generally cover these initial costs.5. Cooking ClassesAre you a master in the kitchen and think you might like to share your skills with others? Consider turning your love for cooking into a business. You can share your culinary talents with kids, adults or both. You just need to secure a space and supplies and then get thenecessar y certificationand insurance - all of whichcan be donewith a budget of $5,000.6. LandscapingIf you love the outdoors, landscaping is the perfect self-startup business opportunity. Initially, you need some small equipment, gardening toolsanda good word-of-mouth network. Buying a truck might be over your $5,000 budget, but you can rent any necessary equipment until your business is profitable enough to afford your own. Just be sure that yourelicensed to operate any heavy equipmentyou rent and/or use.7. BartendingIf you love people and spending time in festive atmospheres, bartending is a good entrepreneurial option. Often times, people throwing parties either dont know how to make drinks themselves or dont have the time. Event planners also often enlist the help of good bartenders to help their events run smoothly. To become credible, you need to take a reputable bartending course,gestalt a legal entityand obtain the necessarypermits and licensing. You also need to build some invento ry and gather supplies, but these costs together should come in under $5,000.8. Cleaning ServicesA cleaning service is one business that will never go out of style, especially with so many two-income households juggling busy kids schedules on a never-ending quest to find enough time to do it all. In that kind of chaos, a clean house is a godsend. To get started, you need cleaning supplies, any required state or local licenses and a good website for marketing your services. To further helpget your cleaning business off the ground, see if you can barter with other small businesses in exchange for startup items you need (like offer to clean a print shop in exchange for flyers).As you ponder your numerous small or home business opportunities, calculate your tax refund to see what kind of startup capital you can work with initially. Once you figure this number out, you can move forward. The good nachrichtensendung For anyone whos always wanted to pursue entrepreneurial ventures, now is a n ideal time to get started. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 provided a number ofbenefits for small businessesin terms of expanded tax deductions and other startup-friendly provisions.If youve ever wanted to be your own boss, your opportunities are endless. Why not take that tax refund and invest in your future?This article first appeared on Swirled.

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Lie Detector Tests for Employment

Lie Detector Tests for EmploymentLie Detector Tests for EmploymentWhen can an employer ask an employee or a candidate for employment to take a lie detector test? The Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) from 1988 is a federal law that prohibits fruchtwein private employers from giving lie detector tests to employees, whether the use is forpre-employment screeningor during the course of employment.Employers generally cannot even request that an employee take a lie detector test, let alone require it. The law, however, does not apply to people working in federal, state, and local government agencies. There are other exceptions as well. Read below for more information about EPPA, including exceptions to the law, and what your rights are as an employee if you are asked to take a lie detector test. When Employers Can Require a Lie Detector Test Employers generally may not require or request a job applicant or employee to take a lie detector test, or discharge, discipline, or discr iminate against an employee or job applicant for refusing to take a lie detector test. Employers are also legally unable to request results from a lie detector test. This is the case for most private employers. However, there are exceptions to EPPA. For example, security firms (such as alarm companies) and pharmaceutical manufacturers, distributors, and dispensariesdo not fall under this law. They are allowed to use lie detector tests on employees, although there are restrictions surrounding how they can use the tests. As mentioned above, federal, state, and local government agenciesalso do not have to follow the rules of EPPA. However, again, they face regulations if they give lie detector tests to employees. One other exception is that employers of certain private firms can give polygraph tests to certain employees if they are reasonably suspected of involvement in a workplace incident, such as theft or embezzlement, as long as it resulted in specific economic loss or injury to th e employer. However, this use of a polygraph test is also under certain restrictions. For example, the employer has to fully explain to the employee in writing the activity they are investigating. Rights of the Employee EPPA states that employees are legally entitled to employment at most companies without the expectation of having to take a lie detector test. For those companies that are allowed to do tests, there are strict provisions before, during, and after the test. For example, employees have to be told ahead of time about the test, and certain information has to be recorded. The examiner also has to be licensed if this is required by the state in which the test takes place. If the employee lives in a state or local area that has even stricter rules related to lie detectors, his or her employee has to follow those stricter rules. Employees are also able to reach out if an employer or potential employer is violating any part of the act. They can bring civil action against the employer in federal or state court. However, they have to do this within three years of the violation. Legally Required Notice Before the lie detector test commences, the employee is legally entitled to basic informationsurrounding the reason for the test. If it is because of a supposed offense, the employee must be told about the incident being investigated. This includes what happened, if there was any loss or injury in the situation, what was taken or missing, why the employee is thought to have been involved, etc. The employer is also required to give the employee a writtendescription of how the test will go, and an explicit list of the employees rights. He or she also mustprovide plenty of time for the employee to seek independent counsel before the test. Where to Get More Information If you need more information on lie detector tests for employment, you can read more about EPPA on the United States Department of Labor website. You can also check out this fact sheet on EPPA. If you want specific information about lie detector regulations in your state, look up your local Wage and Hour Division (WHD) office. Other Types of Pre-Employment Tests fruchtwein other pre-employment tests are not restricted in the way that lie detector tests are. These tests range from physical ability tests to drug tests to personality tests. Most of these are legal and not heavily restricted. They are only illegal if the company uses the test to discriminate against applicants on the basis of age, race, color, sex, national origin, religion, or disability. Read here for more information on pre-employment tests other than lie detectors.

Thursday, December 12, 2019

13 Jobs That Will Help You Get in Shape

13 Jobs That Will Help You Get in Shape13 Jobs That Will Help You Get in Shape If one of your New Years resolutions was to get in shape and another was to find a new job, why not combine the two? There are plenty of professions that wont leave you stuck behind a desk, but instead will keep you on your feet moving and feeling physically fit. Here are 13 jobs that pay well and pay off when it comes to keeping you in shape. Apply now and get the compensation and the body youve always dreamed ofJob Description Think theres no money in construction? Think again. As a Construction Project Manager, you could pull in six figures as you supervise the teams that build structures like houses, office buildings, bridges and more on site, which will definitely keep you active. And perhaps just as exciting, this job ranked among Glassdoors Best Jobs in America in 2017.Job Description If youre interested in making it big in film or television, working as a Production Assistant (P A) is one of the best ways to launch your career. As a PA, youll be running around all day (or night) doing everything from going on coffee runs to assisting with props - whatever it takes to keep the production going smoothly.Job Description While it will require a degree and licensure, becoming a nurse is a great option for those interested in healthcare, helping others and well-paying jobs. Besides going from room to room to assist patients, youll likely also be doing physical activities like lifting or moving patients and administering medication.Job Description Many of these jobs will keep you fit, but this job might just make you buff. As a Warehouse Worker, you wont just be on your feet - youll be regularly lifting, organizing and handling (sometimes heavy) packages. Job Description Land surveyors prepare sites for construction by making precise measurements to determine property boundaries. It is as much mathematical as it is physical. Surveyors need the ability to cut b rush using chain saw or machete ability to dig with a shovel or digging bars ability to walk and hike through rough terrain, snow, and ice.Job Description Electricians are specialized handymen (and women) who design, install, maintain and troubleshoot electrical wiring systems. As such, electricians must be in good shape to reach high places and the low places in a home or business to install wiring. Job Description High energy and endurance are a must to be an outdoor education instructor. Add to that a love for working with kids, an interest in experiential education, enthusiasm for hard work, and a ton of patience.Job Description Standing on your feet for hours at a turn, holding your arms and hands in very precise positions to meticulously cut, sew, adjust and mend - a surgeon is perhaps one of the most physically and mentally demanding jobs around.Job Description Firefighters fight to minimize loss of life and property in the event of fire. They control and extinguish fire s, and serve as a fully trained member of a firefighting crew and serves as a team member. They must be physically able to operate a variety of machines, tools and equipment which includes a motor vehicle, computer, generator, fire pump, fire hydrant, axe, shovel, hydraulic tools, power tools, hand tools, medical equipment, etc.Job Description In addition to managing tenants and leases, property managers are regularly tasked with walking the property regularly, overseeing maintenance work, inspecting the property and performing light housekeeping as needed. Job Description One of the most overlooked job requirements of being a krpermassage therapist is the physical rigor involved in the profession. Imagine kneading dough for 6 to 8 hours a day? Working on a patient to alleviate muscle tension, pain, stiffness or just to provide relaxation requires you to be healthy and fit, and take care of your own wrists, elbows, shoulders and back.Job Description In addition to loving dogs an d being comfortable with dogs of all shapes and sizes, dog walkers must be able to keep up with the physical demands of being on your feet and walking for much of the day. Plus, walkers need to be able to cope with inclement weather (rain, snow, cold, or heat wave, you can walk through it all).Job Description An important member of treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention plans, they help individuals manage pain and improve movement from injuries caused by accidents, injuries related to work or sports, or from fractures and sprains, arthritis, neurological disorders, and other chronic conditions. Needless to say, youll get a work out as youre working out your patients.Companies Hiring MedCare Pediatric Group, Veterans Administration, Capital Region Medical Center and more

Sunday, December 8, 2019

Vital Pieces of Strengths for Resume

Vital Pieces of Strengths for Resume How to Choose Strengths for Resume In the majority of cases, an administrative assistant is the initial point of contact for clients. When you submit an application for work in person, you might be requested to complete a paper application. If you submit yur application online, its also wise to have a chance to attach your resume. Besides job requirements, think about the description of the organization and its culture. Few positions need an employee to perform a single task only. In most instances, the work description for the position youre seeking will be clear in regards to duties. To do that goal, you must effectively convey your key strengths in a manner that convinces the hiring manager that you have the required tools necessary to fill the organizations open position. Sooner or later, an individuals shortcomings that relate to the work become will be found out anyway. The Advantages of Strengths for Resume Becoming able to reco gnize areas of improvement demonstrates that youre a well-rounded candidate. The capacity to recognize an issue and channel it to the correct person for a remedy is vital. A lot of people will have similar strengths, but theyre almost never in the very same purchase. Choose a trait and develop a remedy to overcome your weakness. For instance, you might have a natural affinity for technology that translates well in a wide range of work settings. At work, an ability to work nicely with others is an indicator of succeeding. The capability to coordinate with your co-workers is a vital strength that might help to land work. Be aware the worth of explaining the importance of each quality. What Needs to be Done About Strengths for Resume Before You Miss Your Chance Perhaps your skill set is wholly different. In the majority of cases, your soft skills can boost your hard skills. 3 First, you must pick the best skills for your resume. Dont forget, the majority of the exceptional s kills that you set on your resume needs to be job-related skills taken from the work description and your best transferable skills. Nothing will produce a reader glaze over faster than reading exactly the same lines repeatedly. As an example, say youre applying for the job of dump truck driver. For instance, say youre eager to travel. The Downside Risk of Strengths for Resume Even if youre only a couple of minutes late for work, an important task might not be completed punctually. Writing a resume is not so difficult, but it does take some time and planning. There can be occasions when you will want to work a different shift or within a different department also. 1 specific example was last year once I was accountable for planning our yearly event. The Unusual Secret of Strengths for Resume First of all, to be a truly prosperous nurse, its highly crucial that you possess both communication and people skills. If you presently have experience working as an administrative pr ofessional, you already know that you will need in order to adapt. If youre interviewing for work in social networking, for example, never say that technology or communication is your weakness. The particular tech knowledge you will need is dependent on the job. The Pain of Strengths for Resume Place a checkmark beside the strengths which correspond most highly to the needs of the job which you desire to land. You may look back at the work listing to find a feeling of the job requirements. Employers like to realize that you have work experience of some sort, at least. 1 advantage for employers to internet resumes is the considerable cost saving in contrast to traditional hiring methods.Outside of experience within the field, hiring managers may be searching for bright candidates with at least a high school diploma or even some sort of business degree. Since many job seekers may list skills in another section of their resume, in addition, it is important to weave them into d escriptions under every one of your prior positions. Many jobs have set schedules, but if youre eager to stay past the conclusion of your shift to complete work, you will stick out from other applicants. Whether youre searching for your very first job or your next one, you want a resume that shows employers that youre a skilled professional. Resume creators enable jobseekers to make and download their finished resumes directly from the net to begin applying straight away. This book can help you determine your abilities and strengths. When youre requested to identify your weaknesses, be certain to have an answer ready. Bear in mind that weaknesses arent permanent, and simply because you have a couple weaknesses does not signify that youre doomed. Assessing personal strengths ought to be approached methodically. An individuals strengths and weaknesses are frequently the exact qualities.

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

The Walking Mentorship, Day 0 What#8217;s In Your Backpack

The Walking Mentorship, Day 0 What8217s In Your Backpack Joo Perre Viana is the mastermind behind the Walking Mentorship program, an innovative one-week experience that helps people face their personal and professional challenges while taking a120-kilometer (74.5-mile) hike alongthe Camino de Santiago.The purpose of this methodology is to help gain perspective on what is important (both personally and professionally), update our reality maps, and create an action plan for the future, Viana says.Vianas next program starts this Sunday, and over the course of the next week, hell be updating us daily about the journey he and his participants are about to embark on.This postwas written as Viana prepares for the upcoming hike.- Ed. Note.Ive lost count of how many times in the last 30 years I have prepared my backpack and hiking gear, a repetitive action at first sight that often leads tounpredictable outcomes. This week was no different.A couple of days awa y from the beginning of abedrngnislageher Walking Mentorship program, it is inevitable I have to find a way to fit all my needs and belongings into a 45-liter rucksack. Its a simple exercise, butdepending on how you go about it, you can learn some valuable lessons from it.There is a rule probably the only rule that you should never forget when youre preparing for a hike Whatever you put in your backpack, you will have tocarry it for the whole walk.This is one of my favorite analogies between walking and life or maybe between life and walking, if I ever find a difference.Experienced hikers and travelers know that youshould not take more than 1/10 of your body weight, but truly speaking, youonly understand what youcan really take when youstart walking. Some days you will notice you can take more, and some days you have to take less.Just like in life.The most important skill youneed to master is the art of creating a perfectly unperfected balance which can only be achieved by learn ing how to select the most important things while getting rid of those superfluous items.If you take only water in your backpack, you sure wontbe thirsty, but you might get cold at night. If you take only clothes, you will never show up in the pictures with the same shirt, but you might become very hungry as the journey progresses.Looking at my backpack, I understand the size and the weight of my universe a needle and thread, a couple of t-shirts, one shirt, two pairs of shorts, a polar fleece, three pairs of socks, a sleeping bag, three pairs of underwear, a poncho, sandals, hat, sunscreen, a towel, earplugs, and a pen.I get a funny feeling when I look around the hundreds of (more or less important) things in my office and I compare them with my list of essentials for hiking. Experience tells me that for the next 120 km of happiness, I will barely need much more.I stop for a moment and think about where the unperfected balance in my life is, that thin red line that reassures me tha t Im not carrying more than I can take.Both life and the route are magnanimous. If your load becomes too heavy, you probably need to drop something. But dont worry just a few kilometers up the road, you will probably understand the reason why.Joo Perre Viana foundedtheWalking Mentorshipprogram.