5 Interesting Jobs You Can Do Underwater

Life should be fun and interesting, if you get up in the morning thinking 'I'm dreading work today' then maybe it's time to broaden your horizons and see what other opportunities are out there. Have you ever thought about working underwater? It's definitely not your normal 9-5 job but there are lots of people making a good living from working underwater, here are some ideas to inspire you.

Underwater Archaeologist
A wealth of human history lies submerged at the bottom of lakes, seas and oceans of the world. An underwater archaeologist spends all their time unearthing these lost treasures. You could be examining anything from shipwrecks to exploring lost, underwater cities. The work is scientific with equal amounts of time spent on dry land researching treasures and planning the next excavation. If you're fascinated by history and enjoy diving then a career as an underwater archaeologist could be ideal for you.

Underwater welding
This is a highly specialised niche in the construction industry but also one that is very well paid. In certain situations, such as on an oil rig, it is often not possible to bring items onto dry land to get them welded. In these cases, experienced welders who have trained to work underwater with specialist equipment are drafted in to provide the necessary support. The work can be very challenging and the good pay is in compensation for inherent risk that comes with the job.

Dive instructor
If you like teaching and enjoy diving then why not consider a job as a diving instructor. The work can be demanding as you have to strike a balance between being a good host and having fun while ensuring the safety of your group. The hours can be a little unsociable too as you will generally be busiest at weekends and during annual holidays. Having said that, you will also have a great amount of freedom with the job and becoming a diving instructor could well be the first step on a long road towards owning your own diving school.

Underwater Photographer
Taking photographs underwater requires a different set of skills and equipment to that of photographers on dry land. It is a specialist job but also one that is in constant demand from magazines and art galleries. You could be shooting anything from coral reef and sharks to underwater models from fashion houses. The work is varied and you may well be asked to travel to far flung destinations around the world in order to get your shot. As well as photographers, underwater videographers make a good living doing essentially the same thing but with video.

Underwater Tour Guide
If you enjoy diving and consider yourself a good host then maybe you should try being an underwater tour guide. You could be guiding anyone from groups of experienced divers looking for the best diving spots to perhaps leading a tour of visitors wanting to swim with sharks. It can be a scary job at times and you have to accept responsibility for the safety of your group. However it's also a fun and varied role that lets you meet people from all around the world whilst living in an exotic location.

Christopher Spiers founder of Interesting Jobs, the web's premier resource for fun careers & exciting careers.

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101 Ways to Boost Your Performance

Performance is very critical to individual and corporate survival and progress. Therefore, any individual or corporate organisation that wants progress needs constant performance assessment. Regular performance assessment is also important for people and organisations that are already ahead, because complacency is very dangerous. This is why we are examining this book "101 Ways to Boost Your Performance."

John Fenton, author of this text is one of the greatest salesmen the United Kingdom (UK) has ever produced. Fenton is the creator of the Institute of Sales and Marketing Management. He is also the architect of the 'Year of Selling' national campaign which helped 47,000 salespeople fight their way out of the 81/3 recession.

Fenton is the leader of ten UK National Sales as well as the president of the Institution of British Engineers. He is the founder of the Institute of Continuing Performance Development.

In this text, the author provides a catalogue of management techniques to help you improve your skills and achieve your ambition. He shows you how to cut to the bone of marketing, communication and administration, and offers a new insight into the processes of staff management, recruitment and development.

The author X-rays concepts such as shortcuts to knowing your product, your market, your competition and salesforce; how to cut paperwork by half and manage your time better; how to motivate your staff to even greater achievements, etc.

As far as structure is concerned, this text is segmented into 13 chapters. Chapter one is entitled "Foundation stones for effective management". According to Fenton here, it is a glaring glimse of the obvious to say that no amount of production is of the slightest value unless the products are sold for cash. He adds that selling is the very crux of any commercial or industrial enterprise.

Fenton says personally, he loves signs, and there are a lot of them in this text. "Try placing some of them strategically around your place of work - they remind people why they are there. Without reminders, they quickly forget, and allow their personal priorities to take precedence over the priorities of the business," says this author.

He adds that his favourite sign comes from ex-Avis chief Robert Townsend thus: "Is what I'm doing, or about to do, getting us closer to our objective or making us money?"

Fenton educates that a lot of companies do not see selling as the be-all-and-end-all of their business. He says they make things, or set up as experts in providing some kind of service, and then sit back and wait for the customers to come to them, which of course they do not.

In Fenton's words, "The result is failure, unless they have enough personal contacts to keep them struggling along as a small company. If the product is good, professional sales promotion can turn any small struggling company into a large and prosperous one." He says customers are the business, adding that the customers come first, not the products or services, or the factory or the corporate image, or the founder or owner of the company.

Chapter two is interrogatively entitled "Is marketing bunk?" Fenton educates that marketing is fashionable, and as soon as anything becomes fashionable, all sorts of 'creative' types move in and make ludicrous claims for their own magical powers. He adds that there are grains of truth in all their claims, but there is also a lot of flannel as well. "So let's define what marketing should be about: 'Marketing is the management process responsible for identifying, anticipating and satisfying customer requirements profitably'," says Fenton.

This author adds that without marketing, all you can do is to keep on selling the same products and services to the same customers. According to Fenton, inevitably that will lead to your going out of business, because you are standing while the world outside moves on.

Using the principles of marketing, however, you adjust, amend or change the products or services and the ways in which you sell them, in order to suit the changing needs of your changing customer base. In other words, you react positively to the constant evolution of your marketplace.

According to Fenton, marketing is only bunk when it is applied incompetently. He adds that it is also bunk to call your Sales Manager a Marketing Manager, and your Sales Office a Marketing Services Department.

The author examines concepts such as the competitive edge; improving performance; watching the bottomline; and cutting down the administration, in chapters three to six.

Chapter seven is based on finding and keeping the best people. Fenton educates that the snag is, of course, that without people there is no business. He advises that the first thing to do is to ensure that you get the best people possible in your team. The right people will be the ones who work for the furtherance of the business before their own self-interests, expatiates Fenton.

This consultant educates that if your business is to succeed, you have to be able to pick winners and avoid losers. He says he has two pet systems for picking winners, both very simple.

In his words, "If you are interviewing for a sales position, all the applicants will probably be clever enough to give you the answers you want to hear to the usual run of questions. If I am looking for experienced people, then they have to prove that all their experience is worth something. So I challenge them to prove how good they are."

Fenton analytically X-rays concepts such as communications; management techniques; time management; leadership and motivation in chapters eight to 12.

The last chapter, chapter 13 is tagged "Unlucky for some." According to him, there is nearly always a difference between what we are and what we are perceived to be. "Have you, for instance, got any of the nasty little habits which annoy you in other people?... Think of all the things that drive you mad in other people, and then see if they apply to you," guides Fenton.

As regards style, one thing that is really conspicuous in this text is generous employment of graphical embroidery for emphasis and visual reinforcement of readers' understanding.

Fenton uses detailed illustrations to ensure easy understanding on readers' part. The language is comprehensible and the ideas logically presented. What's more, the title of the text is catchy. The author also uses accurate quotes to embellish concepts.

However, the layout of the book needs improvement to make it (more) eye-friendly. On page 114, the expression "...the best people possible on your team", which is Standard American English is used instead of the Standard British English version "...the best people possible in your team" ought to be used because Fenton is a Briton.

Finally, if you are ready to enhance your performance and rise to the top through excellence, then this text is a must-read for you. It is highly fascinating.

GOKE ILESANMI, Editor-in-Chief/CEO of http://www.gokeilesanmi.com/ and Managing Consultant/CEO of Gokmar Communication Consulting, is a Certified Public Speaker/Emcee, (Business) Communication Specialist, Motivational Speaker, Career Management Coach, Renowned Book Reviewer, Corporate Leadership Expert and Editorial Consultant.
Tel: +234(0)8055068773; +234(0)8056030424
Email: info@gokeilesanmi.com; gokeiles2010@gmail.com

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Book Review: Work Your Strengths

Are you involved in the process of career pathing in your organization? Are you trying to figure out if the career path you have chosen for yourself is one that truly allows you to make the most of the unique skill set that you have to offer? Whether you are an HR professional or a manger who's concerned about making sure that employees are placed in jobs where they have an opportunity to excel, Work Your Strengths: A Scientific Process to Identify Your Skills and Match them to the Best Career for You is an invaluable tool. This book is a must-read for you, and can also be an excellent resource for the members of your organization's workforce as well.

Reading Work Your Strengths can help you develop a deeper understanding of what's involved in making sure that your organization is putting the right people in the right jobs at the right times in their lives. This can be very important to long term success for the organization as well as for your employees (and you!) on an individual level. As Work Your Strengths lead author Chuck Martin says, "Your brain is hardwired to function in a specific way. If you're not in a position where your strongest skills are vital, you're not likely to excel. Worse, if you're in a position where your weakest skills are vital, you're going to feel it and are likely to fail."

Work Your Strengths is an excellent tool to use when working with employees to help them identify an appropriate career path within the organization that allows them to make the most of their strong points without putting them into situations where weaknesses might hold them back. It's something that everyone who wants to develop a deeper understanding about how to match personal strengths to career success should consider reading. The time you spend reading this book - and applying what you learn from doing so - will certainly be time well spent.

Mary Gormandy White, M.A., SPHR is a corporate training specialist with Mobile Technical Institute & MTI Business Solutions ( http://www.mobiletechwebsite.com/ ) and the author of 101 Human Resource Management Tips and 101 Successful PR Campaign Tips in the LifeTips book series. For information on MTI's on-site corporate training and HR consulting services, email success (at) mtimail.com or call 251-478-6848. For more HR-related book reviews, visit http://dailyhrsolutions.com/.

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Career Book Review - Conquer Job Search Barriers For a Great Job Interview and Career Success

Although technology mandates advanced methods for a job search that may not have been used 15 or 20 years ago, there are still some basic principles that remain timeless. Many books and resources agree on the proper attire, methods of answering questions, and other things critical for a successful job interview.

But one book, while written in the 1990s, still provides exceptional insights into overcoming barriers to employment. "No One is Unemployable," by Debra L. Angel & Elisabeth E. Harney, WorkNet Publications, Hacienda Heights, California, (1997), pp. 274, ISBN: 0-957057-0-6.

Job Clubs Help
Job clubs are a great way of transitioning through the stages of unemployment. As more job clubs are formed across the nation, job seekers have the opportunity of getting expert help with job search skills and practice their networking techniques on a regular basis. If you facilitate a job club, or if you are a job seeker looking for help with your next job, this book would be a good resource to use.

This book is written for the benefit of a job coach or career mentor, and how they can help candidates advance through a job search using suggested scenarios.

On the other hand, a job seeker can quickly find information pertinent to their unique situation, and how to conquer barriers to employment based on their individual circumstances.

Two Sides of a Problem
The authors outline a ten-step process for overcoming barriers to employment. A key element of this, after identifying the barrier, is understanding the candidate's perception of the barrier, as well as the employer's perception of the barrier. This factor, seeing a situation from both sides of the coin so to speak, is part of what makes this book such a great resource.

Half of the book includes an Encyclopedia of Barriers, arranged alphabetically, and how to conquer those barriers. The authors state, "The only barriers which cannot be solved are those which you do not take the time to address, or those which the candidate is unwilling to address."

Proactive Methods to Conquer Employment Barriers
In more than 150 pages of the book, this section identifies barriers to employment, the employer's concern as well as the candidate's concern with that barrier, suggests proactive methods to address the barrier, and cross-references other barriers of similar topics to learn from. There are also mini case studies of candidates' experiences in overcoming these barriers.

Through the use of examples, every type of situation from A to Z is discussed - candidates who are homeless, gang members, convicted felons, overqualified professionals, displaced homemakers, and more. It also addresses physical barriers, such as hygiene issues, disability, obesity, etc. The book also covers emotional, behavioral, and knowledge barriers.

The book also gives hints and tips for overcoming the barriers while developing resumes and other marketing documents, filling out application forms, and while preparing for a job interview.

While this book may be dated, according to the publication date, the information inside is not dated, and is pertinent to job candidates in just about any situation, even today.

By now I bet you are wondering what you need to change in your own resume in order to land a job in today's economy? Get FREE Instant Access to a video series at http://www.HowDoIGetHired.com/getvideo where you will get short, easy-to-understand videos outlining the components of a value-based resume, PLUS additional reports to help you in your job transition.
From Naomi Lolley - Helping You Stand Out In The Crowd During Your Job Search.

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A Dying Trade or a Niche Opportunity? Become a Master Thatcher

At the forefront of conserving buildings of heritage for generations to come, thatching is an extremely important job that is carried out by small dedicated number of craftsmen around the country. Being up on a roof for eight to ten hours a day, completely at the mercy of the elements is certainly not suited to everyone. But those people who do it, and have a passion for it - often passed down through the generations, have a very different opinion. For them it's much more than just an occupation, and the work they do lives on as a reminder that some things truly are worth keeping.

As one might expect of a specialist industry such as this, thatching work tends to be more widely available in places where old buildings and heritage have played a significant role in the history of the area. Equally, due to the nature of thatching being a somewhat irregular affair that's only needed once every hundred years or so, work tends to be carried out by firms who also do carpentry work and other associated practical tasks.

Thatching is an interesting and fascinating skill to learn, but naturally, and as with any occupation, there are downsides. One being that thatchers have little or no protection from the elements and are often forced to work in conditions which are occasionally less than satisfactory, such as standing on top of a building exposed to high winds and heavy rain. On top of this there are endless splinters and blisters to contend with, and a certain hardiness is required in order to brave a full working day and everything it can throw at you.

Still, those wishing to pursue thatching as a career learn to love their job and make the most of the many and varied benefits: namely the satisfaction of knowing that their work will see the roof of a listed building live on for many more years to come. And there is far more to this job than merely laying the reeds on the roof's: before this can be done it needs to be cut down (in January and February), cleaned with a pitchfork and braided into individual bundles, before being hoisted up for use above ground.

So what makes a good thatcher? Well you should enjoy working with your hands and have a genuine interest in being a craftsman of time honoured trade. Manual dexterity, ability to work efficiently, ability to work at heights and a love of the outdoors would also be beneficial.

So where to begin if you do choose this? Well, first of all (most companies being in the UK) you'd want to find out who does the thatching in your area and ask if there are any openings as a apprentice. Generally apprentices are taken on at an early age and an employer would favour candidates with carpentry skills. Don't expect to find jobs posted online or in the newspapers: thatching is a closed-community, and those who succeed in becoming apprentices usually possess an ability to be self-motivated and are quite capable of thinking on their feet. There are also some courses available in the UK, although these are few and far between.

As an apprentice you will have to prove yourself by doing a lot of the manual work such as carrying materials and cleaning before being given a chance to learn the trade. As for what happens next, that's entirely up to you. After doing an apprenticeship, many thatchers choose to open their own business which can prove to be very lucrative; equally, though, success can be had working for one of the few established companies, eventually leading to a senior position.

The last thing you need to remember about thatching is that it's a love-over-money occupation, meaning many choose thatching as a lifestyle rather than a way to a fast buck. If your serious about finding an interesting career in this niche traditional industry then get in touch with National society of Master Thatchers to find firms in your area.

Christopher Spiers founder of Interesting Jobs, the web's premier resource for interesting careers & exciting careers.

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Book Review - Your Personal Renaissance - 12 Steps to Finding Your Life's True Calling

Book Review
Your Personal Renaissance: 12 Steps to Finding Your Life's True Calling
By Diane Dreher

Your Persona Renaissance supports an integral process of finding or refining clarity about what we want to do with our unique talents. Diane Dreher, the author of bestsellers such as The Tao of Personal Leadership and Inner Gardening has a knack for revealing her supportive heart in every word-encouragement and inspiration jump off the pages. Based on a combination of leading-edge research, practical steps for self-growth, and engaging stories about human creative capacity, the book provides guidance for culling out what really matters. It's perfect for recent college graduates and those of any age who wish to re-think their careers or dive more deeply into new creative ventures.

Dreher supports each of the Renaissance practices she discusses with current research from neuroscience, positive psychology, and vocation development. The reader moves through the practices in this order: Faith, Examen, Community, Contemplation, creativity, Reading and Reflection, Exercise, Discipline and Dedication, always with an eye on what motivates and fulfills.

Dreher's love (and extensive research of over one hundred artists, scientists, scholars, etc. from the Renaissance to the Enlightenment) of interesting, creative people captivates the reader with the engaging narratives sprinkled about in each chapter. Who knew John Locke studied medicine, tried diplomacy, and was urged by friends to become a minister? If Locke had chosen any one of these paths, the Enlightenment may not have been so enlightening. But following "his calling to help people gain greater understanding," Locke became a philosopher-not the expected choice, and probably the most unpopular choice, but the one he wanted-lucky for anyone interested in democracy. Most of Dreher's stories about multi-talented people of the past contain surprising facts-so the book serves as an interesting history lesson, as well as an intelligent self-help guide.

Because it can be a scary revelation to find out just what Spirit calls us to do, it's comforting to have a kind companion such as Diane Dreher with us on this journey. Her personal stories are mini-pep talks of encouragement and affirmation.

About her friends: "My friend Carol Flinders wrote her book Enduring Lives about four contemporary women of faith: Etty Hillesum, Jane Goodall, Sr. Helen Prejean, and Tenzin Palmo, all of whom posses what she calls a 'very powerful interior life,' making them compelling spiritual models for our time."

About herself: Dreher shares several events in her life, including a precious story about how she came to study Renaissance literature, ending the tale with, "Books, libraries, journeys, discoveries-these are some of my personal themes. Now it's time to look for yours."

Personalizing the book in this way makes it inviting to read. You really feel like you are sitting down and talking with an old friend who knows you well and wants the best for you. Why, even the notes/references pages are written to the reader, giving little-known websites to look up and additional articles or books for further reading. Job hunters will find solace in the book when feeling the normal panic that arises when out of work. Being able to slow down, and go through the discernment process laid out in the book will keen the jitters away and provide a wise plan of action based on an internal methodology.

Dreher shows us how our personal choices contribute to the greater good. Here again, she uses interesting examples to highlight the importance of deeply listening to our inner nudges no matter where they may lead us, not only for our own gain, but for the world's benefit, as well. A central message of the book is: Contribution to the greater whole magnifies the meaning of our lives. Perhaps that's key to understanding the purpose of one's life purpose? Dreher tell us St. Teresa of Avila "reminded people 'to take care that they do not hide their talent; for it may be that God has chosen them to be the edification of many others, especially in these days.'" "Being the edification to many others" usually isn't the central thought most of wake up with in the morning. This book allows us to take time to contemplate, recognize, and act upon our central part within the larger scheme of things.

At the end of each chapter, the reader finds several appropriate do-able activities for practicing the chapter concepts. As the reader makes progress, Dreher is there along the way with congratulations and affirmations. She applauds each step, because right up front in the Introduction she lets us know "one powerful secret": "Small actions over time produce monumental results." Which translates for the job hunter--leave no stone unturned--do your best every day, submitting those resumes,talking with people, networking--all tried and true strategies. Now as you take these actions you have a companion by your side in this book that supports you every step of the way.

Throughout Your Personal Renaissance mentor extraordinaire, Diane Dreher shows us that it's our day to day choices, those seemingly "little things", that over time combine to bring about important positive changes-whether putting together a plan for improved personal health or launching a new career-taking our next necessary step is what a dynamic self-growth process is all about-the surest way to a personal Renaissance. And a most hopeful guidepost for society, as well.

Gloria DeGaetano http://GloriaDeGaetano.com/
is the founder and CEO of The Parent Coaching Institute, (The PCI?), http://thepci.org/ the originator of the parent coaching profession.

An acclaimed keynote speaker, Gloria is a sought-after favorite for major national and international conferences because she is a recognized leader in family support and media/digital literacy who provides very specific and practical tools for parents to successfully navigate the stresses of modern day culture. An innovator in parent education, Ms. DeGaetano often trains parent educators and agency staff on how to best help moms and dads in our digital age which often divides family life, making it even more difficult for healthy parent-child relationships. Gloria's popular Best Solutions Programs are tailored to the specific needs of participants, resulting in positive outcomes for the agencies and the parents they serve.

Ms. DeGaetano, a best-selling author, has written Screen Smarts: A Family Guide to Media Literacy; Stop Teaching Our Kids to Kill: A Call to Action Against TV, Movie, and Video Game Violence (with Lt. Col. Dave Grossman), and manuals for parent professionals. Her latest book Parenting Well in a Media Age, has won the 2007 i-Parenting Media Award for excellence. Ms. DeGaetano's books and articles have been translated into Spanish, German, Danish, Romanian, Korean, Chinese, and Turkish.

Ms. DeGaetano's ideas and articles have appeared in numerous publications including McCall's Magazine, American Baby Magazine, The Boston Globe, the American Academy of Pediatrics Newsletter, and Catholic Faith and Family Magazine.

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Book Review: Never Get A Real Job: How To Dump Your Boss, Build A Business and Not Go Broke

Any intrepid 'trep (that's the new lingo for 'entrepreneur') is going to hear, constantly, "When are you going to get a 'real job'? " Unemployment in the youthful sector has reached epidemic proportions. More than 81 million young people on this planet are without work according to the International Labour Organization.

It's that bad, or worse in the U.S. Per the Pew Research Center, about 40% of America's young people have been unemployed or underemployed, since 2008.

What's the answer? The same answer that is generating monster response for all of the unemployed, irrespective of age or gender: Becoming an intrepid 'trep.

Whatever it takes, our entire cultural and educational mindset must refocus its lens on teaching people to take control of their financial futures. How to create streams of income and become self-sufficient.

Case in point: Scott Gerber, now referred to by media as an 'Entrepreneurship Crusader." His mission? To promote a new movement of 'treppies. Scott established the Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) this past October to gather leading entrepreneurs to mentor the next generation.

Scott is also the author of a new, best seller: Never Get A Real Job,: How To Dump Your Boss, Build A Business And Not Go Broke. Though his efforts to promote and teach the principles espoused in his book, the YEC now contributes to far-reaching media platforms such as the Wall Street Journal, Entrepreneur and Mashable.

Gerber is developing a rep for his cut-to-the-chase, no nonsense business advice. Business pundits are calling him the "Simon Cowell" for Gen Y. His information is solid and easily followed. For example, one chapter of Never is "Nine Ways To Become A Google Superstar." Even seasoned internet marketers could learn from the pointers given here.

Gerber knows what he is talking about. Without the benefit of personal connections or an Ivy League MBA, Gerber has erected several successful businesses.

"The work hard, get good grades and go to college, get a job' mantra is dead," per Gerber.

Irrespective of your age, Gerber's insights on how to build a business from the ground up, starting with nothing are practical and easily put into play. An added perk, he also gives tips on how to sustain a new business, how to constantly analyze, tweak and refine business services and functionality.

Never Get A Real Job is well worth the read no matter your age if you have any interest in changing your present financial circumstances. Besides learning how to dump your boss, build a business and not go broke, you will find even more life-changing strategies and perceptions.

Do not borrow this book. Buy it. You will want it as a constant reference. Your boss (eg you!) will thank you for it.

Never Get A Real Job! Learn how to dump your boss, build a business and not go broke by following the tips of Scott Gerber's book in greater depth. Start your own home internet business with professional mentoring that nurtures the 'treppie's soul. Click on the link, fill out the box and get immediate, free access to video trainings, especially #2 and #3, that will show you how now.

Lauren Botney is an Online Marketing Coach and Mentor for what is arguably the World's Largest Internet Marketing School around. Specializing in Article Marketing, Social Media techniques and other essentials for Profitable Internet Marketing. She is dedicated and stubborn. She trains complete newcomers and seasoned pros worldwide to achieve Financial Success. Through positive mentoring, proven business strategies and continuing education, you can stay ahead of trends and sharpen your competitive edge.

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