The Connection Bernards Ridge Edition Feb-Mar 2020

PAGE 60 THE BERNARDS-RIDGE CONNECTION FEB/MARCH 2020 27 Mine Brook Road, Bernardsville, NJ 07924 The Bernards Inn Bridal Showcase March 1st, 2020 • 1:00pm-4:00pm Calling all Chefs! Visit our website, theconnectionsnj.com Click on the Recipe Tab to submit your Favorite Recipe. Don’t forget the name of the recipe, ingredients, cooking directions and number of servings. Please include your name, telephone number and email address. Bon Appetit! Make a Recipe Connection with our NEW ONLINE RECIPE BOOK! The economy is improving, the job market is doing better, unemployment rates are on the decline. So, are career counselors frantically updating their own resumes and exploring new careers? Not quite. Unfortunately, even in better times, there are still many people in our community who are struggling with their job search or employment situation. Why is that? For starters, we live in an area of the country that has one of the highest costs of living; the 10th most expensive state in the country to be exact. In addition, many of the jobs available, are not suitable for every job seeker and often do not pay a livable wage for this area. The fastest growing job for the next decade, according to CNBC, is a Solar Panel Installer which requires the ability to work outdoors and climb on rooftops and other structures. It pays an average salary of $42,000/year. Next on the list are Wind Turbine Service Technicians, also outdoors and I would imagine involving climbing higher than many rooftops. The average salary is a little better at $54,000/year. Third, are Home Health Aides and while the work is indoors, it is both physically and emo- tionally demanding, often requires long hours, yet pays the least at approximately $24,000/ year. Meanwhile, the population and work- force is aging making it highly unlikely that a large percentage of job seekers would be able to consider these types of careers even if they could support themselves on the salaries being offered. There are, of course, other “fast growing” jobs with higher annual wages, however, many require specific training, licensing or degrees such as physician assistants, statisticians and speech therapists. This is not an option for job seekers who cannot afford the time or expense of going back to school. The myriad of part time, 2nd or 3rd shift jobs, seasonal or contract positions that are routinely available are also not practical for many. Younger job seekers, surprisingly, are also struggling, but often for a different reason. A recent study by Mind Share Partners revealed that half of millennials and 75% of Gen Zers have left a job for mental health reasons. While there are a number of reasons cited for this disturbing trend, it is clear that those on the other end of the job search spectrum have also been in need of support in finding new jobs and even a change of careers. At Jewish Family Service of Somerset, Hunter- don and Warren Counties, Career Services are available for anyone in the community who is unemployed, underemployed or seeking a career change. Individual career counseling, as well as job search groups, offer advice on job search techniques, interviewing skills, resumes and much more. If you are a recent college graduate, a stay-at-home mother needing to return to the workforce, a recently laid off pro- fessional who hasn’t had to look for a job in 30 years, or anyone else in need of job search assistance JFS is here to help. If you would like more information about the Career Services program, contact Elise Prezant at 908-725-7799 x108 eprezant@JewishFamilySvc.org. JFS is a not for profit, nonsectarian social serv- ice agency serving the needs of individuals and families in Somerset, Hunterdon and War- ren Counties since 1980. JFS is committed to serving the needs of the entire community and offers a continuum of programs and serv- ices. Licensed clinical social workers provide individual, couple and family counseling as well as geriatric assessments, supportive coun- seling and case management services for home bound elderly. The Family Mentor Pro- gram recruits, trains and matches volunteers with vulnerable young families or with elderly persons for friendly, supportive, in-home vis- its; Families with children with special needs are assisted through social groups, parent groups and through the Family Mentor Pro- gram. Career Counseling helps individuals in many aspects of their job search. Ohr Tikvah- Light of Hope Jewish Healing Services offers presentations, support groups, and individual spiritual counseling to address the health, wellness and healing needs of the community. All information is confidential. Many pro- grams are at no cost, on a sliding fee scale or payable through third party insurance. If you are interested in learning more about JFS’ pro- grams, please contact us at 908-725-7799, email us at Admin@JewishFamilySvc.org, visit our website: www.JewishFamilySvc.org and like us on Facebook. Jewish Family Service of SHW, Inc. 150-A West High Street, Somerville, NJ 08876. ARE CAREER COUNSELORS BECOMING OBSOLETE? By: Elise Prezant, JFS Career Counselor theconnectionsnj.com